Hong Kong: MOU on intellectual property signed The Intellectual Property Department today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to strengthen co-operation in the field of intellectual property (IP). The agreement aims to establish a framework to facilitate co-operation between Hong Kong and the Philippines on IP awareness, creation, protection, utilisation, management, trading and commercialisation, the department explained. Under the MOU, Hong Kong and the Philippines will pursue further co-operation by exchanging information and sharing experience, fostering high-level dialogues on policy developments, strengthening co-operation in IP training, sharing best practices in providing quality and efficient services to stakeholders, as well as promoting co-operation among the two places and the relevant IP practitioners, industries, institutions and organisations. Director of Intellectual Property David Wong and IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba signed the MOU on the sidelines of the Business of Intellectual Property Asia Forum held in Hong Kong. Mr Wong said that the National 14th Five-Year Plan supports Hong Kong's development into a regional IP trading centre, adding that both Hong Kong and the Philippines recognise the value of IP rights in driving economic growth. Apart from pointing out that the MOU marks an important milestone in the co-operation between the IP offices of the two economies in promoting IP protection and commercialisation in the region, he stressed that the department will continue its engagement with IP offices and authorities outside Hong Kong. Organised by the Government and the Trade Development Council, the forum held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai yesterday and today attracted participants including senior officials from the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and IP offices of member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. This story has been published on: 2023-12-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Xi urges enhanced China-EU political mutual trust, dialogue, cooperation 08:22, December 08, 2023 By Wang Bin and Zheng Keyi ( Xinhua Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 24th China-EU Summit, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to be partners for mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen two-way political trust, build strategic consensus, cement the bonds of shared interest, steer clear of various kinds of interference, and step up dialogue and cooperation for the good of their people. Amid the increasingly turbulent international situation, the China-EU relationship has strategic significance and implications for global peace, stability and prosperity, said Xi when meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 24th China-EU Summit at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. "It is incumbent on both sides to provide greater stability for the world and stronger impetus for development," Xi added. ADHERENCE TO COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. During the meeting, Xi urged the two sides to take stock of history, navigate the trend of the world, and uphold the apt description of the China-EU relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership. "Among the dozens of dialogue and exchange mechanisms between China and the EU at different levels, the leaders' meeting plays a leading role in guiding the way forward," said Cui Hongjian, professor of Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, adding the meeting this year is of special significance for the two sides to build on past achievements and forge ahead in developing ties. The two sides need to consolidate the political foundation, view each other from a strategic perspective, fully leverage the guiding role of the China-EU Summit and the five high-level dialogues, strengthen strategic communication, and increase understanding and properly handle differences through constructive dialogue, Xi said. Michel and von der Leyen said the EU highly values its ties with China, adding it seeks a long-term, stable, predictable and sustainable relationship with China, and hopes that the EU-China Summit will help reenergize EU-China relations. "China and European countries differ in social systems, cultural backgrounds and stages of development," said Cui, adding although bilateral relations may face some differences from time to time, there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU. "As long as China and the EU stick to the mainstream of cooperation and focus on common interests, the two sides can be more able to overcome challenges and promote the sound and steady development of bilateral relations." EYING ENHANCED DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION Noting the Chinese economy enjoys a good momentum of steady growth, Xi said that as China pursues high-quality development and high-standard opening up, it sees the EU as a key partner for economic and trade cooperation, a preferred partner for scientific and technological cooperation, and a trustworthy partner for industrial and supply chain cooperation. "China is ready to work with the EU for mutual benefit and common development," said Xi, urging the two sides to leverage their complementary strengths in terms of market, capital and technology to upgrade traditional industries and foster emerging ones, explore new modes of cooperation, foster new areas of growth, and jointly improve industrial and supply chains. Michel and von der Leyen said the areas of EU-China cooperation continue to expand, and such cooperation is based on mutual benefit and equality, adding the EU does not want to decouple from China. Given the rich achievements of cooperation between China and the EU in areas such as economy, trade, and green and digital development over the years, the two sides are highly complementary in development, and their practical cooperation has strong resilience and potential, Cui said. Amid noises of "de-risking" and "decoupling," the cooperation proposals emphasized by Xi during the meeting are in line with the law of economic development and the common expectations of both peoples, injecting strong confidence into China-EU cooperation for the aim of safeguarding the security of supply and industrial chains, promoting an open world economy and advancing the prosperity and development of all countries, Cui added. UPHOLDING MULTILATERALISM During the meeting, Xi urged China and the EU to strengthen communication and coordination in multilateral frameworks including the UN and the G20, uphold multilateralism, oppose camp-based confrontation, and promote the political settlement of international and regional hotspots. Noting the EU and China have shared responsibilities and interests in keeping the world peaceful and stable, Michel and von der Leyen said it would like to have close communication and coordination with China, uphold multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and work for the settlement of regional hotspots including Ukraine and the Middle East. "As two major forces shaping the future landscape of the world, China and the EU share similar interests in safeguarding the authority of the United Nations and improving global governance," said Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adding that the two sides share a wide range of consensus in addressing global challenges. "The remarks by leaders of both sides will inject more certainty and positive energy into safeguarding world peace and stability and enhancing the well-being of all humanity," said Feng. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 24th China-EU Summit, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Sofia Salinas walks along the fenced-in area that was to become a migrant tent encampment near her home in the Brighton Park neighborhood, Dec. 14, 2023, in Chicago. Salinas and her neighbors are concerned about the presence of ground chemicals on the site that prevented the encampment from opening. She said all of the construction that had been completed was taken down fully by the previous night. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) There has been a lot of hand-wringing lately about the testy relationship between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Frankly, they can feud all they want just so long as they get their jobs done. Advertisement If theyre feuding but still otherwise competent in their work, thats mainly their problem, not ours. If they get along swimmingly but arent effective leaders, thats not acceptable. Johnsons now-discredited plan to house up to 2,000 migrants at a time in a tent encampment in Brighton Park has cast the fraught relationship in sharp relief. It made clear that the governor and mayor sometimes just cant get along and the result can be tolerable despite their fractiousness. Advertisement For Johnson, just seven months into his term as mayor, this presents a question of whether working with the governor, instead of jousting with him, might be better for the city in the end. In the most public spat since Johnson took office, the mayor stumbled. Inexplicably, he bulled ahead with plans for the encampment in Brighton Park even after receiving evidence that this choice was a bad one. This, in turn, handed Pritzker the opportunity, and the responsibility, to step in and do what was right: shutting down construction of the enclosure at 38th Street and California Avenue because, without costly remediation, it would put the health and safety of its temporary residents at risk. [ Editorial: Brighton Park migrant tent site is too much of a problem. J.B. Pritzker should kill this plan. ] Johnsons tragicomedy of errors on this issue can be traced to his decision to set a ridiculously low budget for spending on the migrant problem this year. The $150 million in his 2024 budget is well below city resettlement and integration costs that are running at $40 million a month. This left Pritzker no choice but to step up and cover the cost of the encampment. And the governor wisely insisted on approval rights for the site location and planning in exchange. Good call, Governor. Signs proclaiming environmental hazards are hung on a fence at the site of a proposed migrant camp in Brighton Park on Dec. 5, 2023. (Trent Sprague/Chicago Tribune) It turned out Johnson could not be trusted to do this right. He continued to push for the encampment even after the city consultants found mercury, arsenic and other toxic leave-behinds on a site where a zinc smelter once operated. Instead of immediately halting tent construction, Johnson moved to bury the report in the black hole of news: after dark on a Friday, with copies of the 800-page study going only to people who sought it through Freedom of Information Act requests. Even the governors office did not get an advance peek. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency read quickly, though. And by early this week, it revealed page after page of horrific detail. This left shame on Johnson, who was satisfied that 6 inches of compacted gravel would keep inhabitants safe, while the IEPA and anyone experienced with remediation knows it would take an impermeable barrier between the tainted soil and any living thing. Advertisement Pritzker pivoted quickly to a second good judgment call: turning to the Archdiocese of Chicago for housing alternatives. This appeared to bring in a source of new prospects after a search for appropriate sites was running out of options. The interim solution of a former CVS store wont be able to meet the need should the number of migrants arriving by bus from the Texas border surge again. Asylum-seekers who must shelter temporarily in Chicago people who could one day become our colleagues, neighbors and friends will benefit. This, while Johnson compounded his errors by offering weak excuses for them. As white-hot as the issues and their stakes seemed this week, it wont be long before the details fade. And its not too late for Johnson to take away something useful from the experience too. Chicago mayors when they first get elected understandably believe theyre in charge of their city and its future. Quite quickly, the smart ones learn differently. Unexpected events completely disrupt their agenda. And the power of the purse, they learn, rests as surely in Springfield as it does in Chicago. Many critical public services in Chicago are funded largely by the state: schools, roads and other infrastructure, tax incentives to lure business, environmental remediation. The list goes on. The money is one of several factors that motivate most Chicago mayors to find ways to work with the governor. Its the straightest line toward getting the resources they need to enact the policies they prize. Most mayors figure this out, make adjustments and accommodations, and eventually learn to work with the governor and legislature to get what they need. Advertisement Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Mayor Rahm Emanuel feuded furiously with Gov. Bruce Rauner over education but eventually got state money for Chicago Public Schools pensions in exchange for agreeing to a Rauner-supported tax break for people who donate money to private schools. Mayor Lori Lightfoot just couldnt find her way to yes with Pritzker, and it cost the city. A more effective Chicago mayor could have persuaded Pritzker to oppose an elected school board bill that even the governor said was flawed. But Lightfoot couldnt, and the bill became law. This was partly a reflection of the political and interpersonal relations between Chicago mayors and Illinois governors. Emanuel had a deeply respected intergovernmental affairs team, while Lightfoots group never found its footing. The good news for Johnson is that its still the early days. He bungled the encampment, but theres still time to learn. Perhaps Johnson might even take time to consider how much better the city might fare if our mayor and governor could actually just get along. David Greising is president and CEO of the Better Government Association. Advertisement Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. A former maintenance employee for Kansas Citys water utility is accused of funneling $215,000 of public money to companies owned by his relatives, and stealing at least $25,000 for himself. The employee, 49-year-old Steven E. Berry, worked as an electrical superintendent for KC Water until May 2021. The alleged fraud was brought to the attention of Kansas City police in July 2022 following internal and external audits of the citys books, according to charging documents filed in Clay County Circuit Court. Prosecutors this week charged Berry, 49, of Kansas City, with a Class C felony of stealing more than $25,000. A criminal summons was issued Wednesday and his first court appearance is scheduled for next month. Berry did not return The Stars phone call or emails seeking comment. Online court records did not list a defense attorney representing him in the case. Sherae Honeycutt, a spokeswoman for Kansas City, confirmed Berry is no longer a city employee. She said the city does not comment on pending litigation but will as always, cooperate with investigators. According to court documents, Berry oversaw electrical equipment maintenance for the Kansas City Water Services Department at 1 N.W. Briarcliff Road, along with 13 pumping stations around the city. He was entrusted with a Kansas City procurement card and authorized to use it for emergencies, such as equipment failures. Per the citys policy, there were checks and balances including expense reviews by his direct supervisor and a city financial manager. In April 2021, an internal audit identified 67 purchases made by Berry that were suspect, a Kansas City police detective wrote in a probable cause affidavit in support of criminal charges. The purchases were flagged by computer software that looks for things like receipts near spending limits and repetitive dollar values. Sixty-five of those were found to have been paid to vendors associated with an electrical contracting company run by Berrys older sister and brother-in-law, the affidavit says. The vendors were not on the citys approved list, and direct contracts between city employees and their family members are expressly prohibited under the citys ethics code. During an interview with the City Auditors Office, Berry allegedly lied about having a family relationship with the vendors. A forensic accounting firm was hired by the city to continue the audit and a report was presented to the City Attorneys office in June 2022. The accounting firm found that the emergency procurement card was being used in a structured pattern. Several receipts listed Berrys personal email addresses. Key details were missing in paperwork, including documentation that KC Water actually received equipment and parts that were supposedly purchased. Bank statements reviewed by the detective showed deposits of note, the affidavit says, to two accounts in Berrys name that totaled $132,565 over a period of 14 months. Of those deposits, $70,162 was made in cash and came from an unknown source, the affidavit says. Berry made a little less than $72,000 per year while employed by KC Water. Bank records for Berrys relatives were also reviewed. They showed nearly $147,000 in deposits that coincided with procurement card disbursement records, the affidavit says. Other Kansas City employees responsible for managing KC Water expenses neither of whom remains employed by the city said Berry had talked about buying electrical equipment in bulk and paying back the vendors in installments to avoid hitting periodic spending limits, which is also a violation of procurement policy. During an interview with a KCPD economic crimes detective, Berrys former supervisor said he considered him a friend and said he signed the purchases without looking at them. He had always wondered how Berry could afford some of his stuff, according to the affidavit. The other employee was determined to be a longtime friend of both Berry and Berrys sister, the affidavit says, having known the sister for 30 years and attended family functions. She told the detective she felt used by them. In March, the detective investigating the case attempted to visit Berry at his home and left messages with his wife and on his phone. A defense attorney declined to make him available for an interview, the affidavit says. The detective also interviewed Berrys sister at her home in March. She allegedly provided a vague description material she had that had been sold to her brother for city use. The police interview ended when she advised she would be contacting an attorney, the affidavit says. Berry is due to make an initial appearance in Clay County Circuit Court in January. Authorities have identified a man who was beaten to death near a high school in New Hampshire on Thursday. Te-Jay Thomas, 46, died during an incident that occurred on Lowell Street in the vicinity of Central High School in Manchester, according to New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella and Manchester Police Chief Allen D. Aldenberg. An autopsy conducted by New Hampshire Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Mitchell Weinberg revealed that Thomas death was blunt force trauma to the head and neck and that the manner of his death was homicide, Formella and Aldenberg said. The high school instituted a stay-in-place order during the investigation as a precautionary measure. Police say they have identified 33-year-old Akim Alleyne, of Manchester, as a suspect in that incident and that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Alleyne is wanted on a charge of reckless manslaughter. Anyone with information about Alleynes whereabouts should call Manchester Police at 603-668-8711. There were no students involved in the incident. An investigation is ongoing. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed to a prisoner exchange, and to work towards normalizing ties and a peace deal to a decades-long conflict a move the United States and European Union have welcomed. Azerbaijan will release 32 prisoners of war to Armenia in exchange for two, all members of the military, according to a joint statement published by Azerbaijans state news agency AZERTAC. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement reads. The breakthrough comes after talks between the offices of the Azerbaijani president and the Armenian prime minister. An agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries, the statement reads. A US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the prisoner swap represented an important confidence building measure as the two countries work towards a peace agreement. We commend Azerbaijani President (Ilham) Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister (Nikol) Pashinyan for their joint efforts to lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the South Caucasus, Miller said in a statement. The United States will continue to strongly support efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace. Establishing and deepening bilateral dialogue between sides has been a key objective of the EU-led Brussels process: todays progress is a key step, EU Council President Charles Michel said on X. I now encourage the leaders to finalise the peace deal ASAP. The neighboring nations have been engaged in a decades long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in the Caucasus Mountains. In September, Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic-Armenian enclave within its borders, after launching a lightning 24-hour assault. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally considered part of Azerbaijan but for decades has been under the control of Armenian separatists. Armenia and Azerbaijan had already fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and ceasefire agreements between them have proven brittle. Armenia earlier this year conceded that the region was part of Azerbaijan, but there are still divisions over the future of its government. The latest breakthrough on prisoner exchanges and normalizing ties came as delegates from both countries also attend the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. The statement also said that Armenia would pull out of the running to host the annual UN-backed climate summit next year and that it hoped other countries would support Azerbaijans candidacy. There is a vacuum for the summit host for COP29 in 2024, which should be held in eastern Europe, as UN rules dictate. The two nations had before Thursday been blocking each others candidacy in the voting process. The host country is decided by vote among nations within the region for the year. Russia has voted against several nations that are members of or allied to the European Union. Azerbaijan, which has been forging closer ties with Russia, is a major oil and gas producer. Oil and gas make up nearly half the countrys GDP and more than 90% of its exports. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SAN DIEGO (Border Report) The Baja California government is being urged to install battery charging stations for commercial electric trucks entering the United States. Alejandra Mier y Teran, director of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce in San Diego, said there is a need for these stations since California is moving away from diesel-powered trucks to electric rigs. We all support zero emissions, but Baja California doesnt seem to have the infrastructure to support chargers for large trucks, she said. Another issue, according to Mier y Teran, is that Baja California is not connected to Mexicos national power grid and may not be able to supply electricity to vehicles in the future. They are not connected to the electric system in Mexico, they are separated and there is not one transmission line in service, how are they going to get power? Currently, the state of California is pushing trucking companies to buy and use electric trucks to move merchandise throughout the state and into Mexico. California is offering incentives to those who buy large electric trucks. Mexico is not offering any incentive to date, Mexican truckers will not be able to afford these trucks, said Mier y Teran. The California Air Resources Board has approved a plan that by 2036, no new fossil-fueled medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks will be sold in the state. Large trucking companies also must convert to electric or hydrogen models by 2042 when zero emissions policies go into effect throughout California. According to Mier y Teran, Mexican trucking companies can apply for incentives with the state of California if they plan to operate in California after 2042. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. The Chang Tai 802, a Chinese-flagged ship, fishes for squid at night in 2021 off the coast of South America. Hazardous work conditions sometimes akin to slavery have been detected on nearly 500 industrial fishing vessels around the world, according to research by the Financial Transparency Coalition released on Nov. 15, 2023. (Isaac Haslam/Sea Shepherd ) Seafood is a distinct global commodity. It is the worlds last major source of wild protein and one of the largest globally traded foods by value. Because much of it comes from international waters and has many links in its supply chain, and because most of it is caught or processed by China, it is also a uniquely difficult product to track. A recent investigation by The Outlaw Ocean Project, a journalism nonprofit based in Washington, and published in The New Yorker uncovered a pervasive problem of labor and environmental abuses in the global seafood supply chain. It also revealed the many ways in which the worlds largest restaurants, grocery stores and even government suppliers are buying and serving seafood tainted by these practices. Advertisement As a chef, I feel a distinct responsibility to make ethical decisions about what we eat. I started working in restaurants at age 15. I attended the Culinary Institute of America, and after cooking for some years in France, I have spent most of my career in the New York area. I currently work as the chef at Grand Banks, a seasonal oyster bar and galley on the deck of a historic cod fishing schooner moored at Pier 25 in New York. In other words, I have a long and sentimental relationship with seafood. Over the past three decades of working in restaurants, Ive gotten to see the personal and political power that food has in peoples lives, sustaining and bringing us together. A growing number of people in the restaurant business are working to channel that power in a positive direction, by finding ways to ensure that the food we serve does not include hidden costs. But globalization has stretched the distance between makers, movers and consumers, rendering it tougher for the average person to know the history behind whats on their plate. Advertisement Unfortunately, we now know that much of our seafood, at least what is coming from abroad and tied to China, is potentially connected to worrisome problems. The reporters who conducted the investigation boarded Chinese fishing ships on the high seas and in national waters all over the world near the Galapagos Islands, near the sea border with North Korea and along the coast of West Africa for the sake of inspecting working conditions. They uncovered myriad abuses, including forced labor, debt bondage, wage withholding, excessive working hours, physical abuse, passport confiscation, the denial of medical care and even deaths. And the abuses dont end at sea. As part of this same investigation, reporters discovered something even bigger and darker in Chinas seafood processing plants. By using cellphone footage from workers inside the plants and mining company documents and trade data, the reporters found that much of the seafood being exported to the United States and Europe from Chinese plants is processed by Uyghur and other Muslim minority workers a highly repressed population, from the region of Xinjiang, whom the Chinese government detains in reeducation camps and forces to work in factories throughout the country. For years, Ive been pushing for sustainability on all fronts, including sourcing local, seasonal and organic ingredients wherever possible. More recently, Im pleased to say, the public has developed more of an interest in locally caught seafood. This matters because the longer the supply chain, which is to say the farther our seafood travels to get to us, the less we are able to see into it and the more opportunities for hidden costs, such as forced or child labor, or the climate impacts involved in shipping seafood halfway around the world for processing. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Chefs, restaurants, grocery stores and average consumers must insist whenever possible that the seafood they buy is locally caught and processed. Shortening the supply chain and buying local are not a cure-all. With seafood, however, it is one step toward lessening your risks as a chef or consumer of being tied to labor or environmental abuses. For some types of seafood or certain buyers, local purchasing might not be an option. This is where pressure has to be applied by chefs, grocers and consumers on seafood companies to create better tools for ensuring that what they sell and serve is not coming from processing plants or fishing ships engaged in abusive practices. Yes, this may mean prices creep up. Isnt it worth it? Sustainability and human rights advocates have recommended that companies exercise due diligence investigations of their supply chains all the way from bait to plate, including by directly engaging the workers who catch and process the fish. Whether such inspections can be done effectively in China is a tough question. Advocates have also called on grocers and restaurants to demand more information from plants about potential commingling of products from different vessels and to cross-check the names of their suppliers against governments lists of bad actors. But experts have also advised that there is only so much that consumers and industry can do. The U.S. government needs to take action by strengthening the seafood import monitoring program, increasing corporate reporting requirements and taking steps to enforce already-existing U.S. laws enabling customs officials to block imports from certain regions or industries. In response to the investigation, nonprofit legal groups and lawmakers have called for such an import ban to be applied on seafood from the two Chinese provinces where forced labor is commonly used in processing plants. Time will tell if any of these tactics work. But in the meantime, the rest of us can keep trying to choose local and to ask tough questions before we buy seafood. Advertisement Kerry Heffernan is chef at Grand Banks in New York. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The weeks between a municipal election and a school boards reorganization meeting in the first week of December usually makes for a quiet lame duck session. While a Nov. 14 board meeting in Central Bucks dominated headlines over a handful of votes for an outgoing board, those stories overshadowed some other outgoing boards wanting to end with a loud quack of their own. The states constitution requires elections to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday of November and Pennsylvanias Public School Code of 1949 requires that the school board hold its annual organization meeting during the first week of December. An estimated 300 people attended the Nov. 14, 2023 Central Bucks School Board meeting, the last for the outgoing GOP-majority lead school board Most school districts in Bucks County have meeting dates on or after the second Tuesday of the month, almost guaranteeing at least one lame duck meeting between Election Day and the reorganization meeting. $700K severance in Central Bucks: Outgoing GOP board gives Central Bucks superintendent $700k severance as public cries foul Those meetings usually include general school business, like paying repeat expenses or approving staff workshops. After the Republicans had sweeping school board victories in Central Bucks and Pennridge in 2021, the lame duck meetings were basically a public forum of congratulations and comments on school reforms that voters expected from the incoming boards. This year, votes over contracts and an open board seat in Pennridge and Bensalem were met with objections from the public and some officials who wanted those decisions held over until their respective new boards were seated. Heres some of what you might have missed in the last few weeks. Pennridge cuts ties with Vermilion The former Pennridge school board voted to end work with a controversial curriculum consultant on Nov. 27. The contract with Vermilion Education approved by the former board in April has long been a controversial topic in Pennridge. A 5-4 vote hiring Vermilion CEO Jordan Adams at $125 an hour for "assisting district staff in reviewing and developing curricula" was preceded by a deluge of complaints from both sides of the dais during the Apirl 26 board meeting. A few board members, including Democrat Ron Wurz, complained that they had only been given a copy of the contract less than 24 hours before the vote, and residents had concerns over Adams' experience and previous employment with the conservative Hillsdale College. The Michigan-based Vermilion was created just four months prior to the vote and Adam's ties to Hillsdale invoked concerns over the Christian school's 1776 curriculum an American history, civics and government course would be used to create a "politically bias" lesson plan. Adams had the support of a five-member bloc on Pennridge's former school board who said the district had been trying for two years to redevelop the civics curriculum with little success. "There's no secrecy. There's no lack of transparency," board member Ricki Chaiken said in April. "Our end goal is that every single kid that leaves Pennridge loves this country and understands their consitution. Right now, that's not happening." There did not appear to be any set end date for Vermilion's consulting, though Chaiken had said in April the idea was to have curriculum changes ready for the "next school year," which would have been 2023-2024. While there was a vote to implement curriculum changes in Pennridge, that didn't come to a vote until hours after the end of the first day of school on Aug. 28. That meeting only seemed to fuel outrage that the district was approving a "partially completed" curriculum while Vermilion's supporters on the board said the changes encouraged "critical thinking" among students. The board went on to pass several reading lesson changes for seventh and eighth grade reading classes in a 5-4 vote that night. There was a second 5-4 vote putting in a social studies curriculum for grades 1-5 and ninth grade, but that motion was amended to approve the changes now and implement them next school year. The delay was to give teachers time to review and plan how to introduce the new courses. The new Pennridge School District Board of Directors is seated during the Dec. 4, 2023, reorganization meeting. The board is under Democrat control for the first time in recent memory. The new board priorites: Here are the priorities for newly elected Democrats in Central Bucks and Pennridge The decision to hire Vermilion and the resulting changes made in August have been cited as the main reason Democrats were able to make a historic sweep of the board this year. Even though the incoming board was likely going to end the contract with Vermilion as soon as possible, the previous board's decision to "conclude the contract" was panned by Vermilion's critics as a way for Vermilion and Adams to save face. Republican Joan Cullen, who did not seek re-election this year, abstained from the vote to terminate Vermilion's contract because she felt the motion shouldn't have included a 15-page report authored by Adams summarizing the work done in Pennridge. The motion on the table approved ending the contract, accepting the report and paying the final $4,937.50 for work performed between Nov. 1 and Nov. 24. The main thing he did was blow up our ninth grade social studies course, and you read this 15-page report and its not even mentioned in his report, Cullen said. This is the biggest grift. Congratulations to him for managing to fool five of you people, but Im not going to be fooled. Board member Jordan Blomgren defended Vermilion and accused Cullen of selective outrage over one specific contractor. You say, its embarrassing, and what I find embarrassing is on many accounts from many people in the room that have ever commented on Vermilion we have spent so much money on previous consultants. There was never the same outrage, never questioning it at all, Blomgren said. Board member Ron Wurz, the former boards only Democrat who won re-election last month, said he agreed with Cullen and wouldnt vote for the motion but was glad to move on from the issue. Pennridge School District board member Ron Wurz, right, is sworn in with his wife, Colleen, left, holding the bible during the Dec. 4, 2023, reorganization meeting. Wurz was later named board president of the newly Democrat-led Board of Directors. The vote passed with a 4-1 vote in favor Chaikin the lone dissenter and four members abstaining, with members Christine Batycki and Jonathan Russell not voting alongside Cullen and Wurz. At the boards Dec. 4 reorganization meeting, Wurz, now the boards president, told the audience that faculty- and administration-led curriculum changes were a top priority in the coming months. Bensalem Republican swaps seats Only one of three Republican incumbents for the Bensalem Township school board won re-election in November, but that didnt stop outgoing member Marc Cohen from securing two more years on the board last month. Cohen, who has served two full terms on the board, fell 79 votes shy of coming in the top five candidates who won the districts at-large race. Fellow Republican Jack Meyer announced after the election that he would be resigning to care for his aging parents, which prompted Cohen to resign his seat. Bensalem Township School District board member Marc Cohen resigned with weeks left in his term to in order to serve the last two years of another outgoing board member's seat. Having learned of (Meyer's) need to step down from his duties as a school director, I would like to be considered to fill out the unexpired portion of Jack's term, Cohen wrote in a Nov. 22 email. Cohen added in that email that he was resigning immediately in order to be eligible for the appointment under the Pennsylvania School Code in time for the Nov. 28 board meeting. The state law for who can serve on a board has few requirements: any resident who has lived in the district for one year prior to their appointment, isnt a district employee and doesn't already hold an elected office can join the board. CB board Pres sworn in banned books: She fought GOP board on censorship, then took oath on stack of banned books as new president There were two others who threw their name in for Meyers seat, though one person was a district employee and had to be disqualified before the previous boards final meeting. Joe Wenzel, a construction manager and 25-year township resident, was the only other person to go for Meyers seat. Wenzel said voters rebuked Cohen and that there should be a different voice on the board. This past month, we did have an election and the body spoke and, you know, the events that are happening right now are a little unsettling to me, Wenzel said. There was one other person who applied to replace Meyer, but he was disqualified before the meeting as he currently works for the district. Cohen will be up for re-election in 2025. This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Pennridge, Bensalem school boards cast tense final votes Germany has handed over a new aid package to Ukraine, which includes ammunition, drones, trucks, first aid kits, and other items, the German government announced on Dec. 8. The new aid package includes: Read also: Democrats introduce UA funding package, Ukraine waits to see how U.S. House Republicans will respond 250 155mm artillery shells; One LUNA NG reconnaissance system; 10 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts; 6 border protection vehicles; 8 Zetros trucks; 100,000 first aid kits; 70 70mm grenade launchers. Read also: U.S. Senate blocks aid bill, NBU accepts higher rates, Ukraine to soon meet EU ascension reqs Germany reported on Nov. 11 that it would double its military aid to Ukraine in 2024, with EUR 8 billion ($8.6 billion) allocated instead of EUR 4 billion ($4.3 billion). Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine SAN DIEGO Dont get tricked into thinking youre being fined for failure to appear for jury duty San Diegans there are some scammers on the prowl. In a news release Thursday, the San Diego Superior Court warned the public about a wave of recent scam attempts that have been occurring locally. Court officials described the first scam with the following example: John Doe is called, via phone, by a person identifying himself as a member of the San Diego Police Department or San Diego Sheriffs Office. The caller informs Mr. Doe that he failed to appear for jury duty and has been ordered to pay $300 for failing to appear and $485 for contempt of court and there is a warrant for their arrest. The fake officer tells Mr. Doe that if he fails to make these payments, he will be arrested. The scammer then gives Mr. Doe another date to appear for jury duty but states that they need to meet first so that Mr. Doe can pay his fine. Mr. Doe is instructed to go to a convenience store to get a money order because Mr. Doe is told the court does not accept cash, checks or credit cards. Finally, Mr. Doe is told to bring the money and meet with the officer at the courthouse. Other individuals are told to report to the Sheriffs Office, but to meet someone outside the office. More affordable housing for San Diego seniors approved by county Did you actually miss jury duty and are concerned? More information on procedures can be found here. Thats not the only scam to be on the lookout for. Court officials said the second scam involves an individual identifying themselves as a court clerk calling someone and telling that person they have an outstanding warrant fine that will need to be paid in cash. From there, some individuals are informed to report to a courthouse and meet a court clerk at a kiosk in the courthouse People need to know that the court will not call someone on the phone to remedy a court issue or fine. The court will send you a written notice; it will not call you asking for money, said Michael Roddy, Executive Officer of the San Diego Superior Court. In addition, the court also accepts checks and credit cards so no one should be insisting you pay a fine in cash. Those who receive these kinds of phone calls are encouraged to hang up and, if the scammer persists, call local law enforcement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Relatives and friends toss handfuls of soil over the coffin during the funeral service of Ukrainian serviceman Sergiy Pavlichenko, who was killed fighting Russian troops in the Zaporizhzhia region, at a cemetery in Kyiv, on Nov. 29, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Roman Pilipey/Getty-AFP) We are running out of time and money for Ukraine. This week, the White House Office of Management and Budget made it clear that without the approval of additional funding, we will no longer be able to aid Ukraine. Advertisement If we fail to heed this warning, we risk derailing the progress Ukraine has made and handing Russian President Vladimir Putin a victory. We also risk sending a message to other autocrats that incursion into free democracies will go unopposed. Putins war in Ukraine threatens the liberal world order that so many fought and died for in World War II. The domino effect of his victory would jeopardize the free world for generations to come. Advertisement In the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt: We have learned that we cannot live alone, at peace; that our own well-being is dependent on the well-being of other nations far away. That is why we must act. If we allow Putin to run roughshod over Ukraine, it is only a matter of time before we face the greatest conflict in Eastern Europe since World War II, requiring direct engagement by the United States to defend our NATO allies. If Putin is successful in destroying Ukraine, he will seek to reconstitute the former Soviet Union. He would attempt to form a federation with Belarus and Ukraine by installing a puppet government and then target Moldova, the Baltics, Georgia and others. Those who suggest that Ukraines war is not our fight fail to remember that should Russia expand its attack and cross a border into one of these NATO countries, we are bound by Article 5 of the NATO charter to defend them. Simultaneously, we must show leaders in Beijing and Tehran that we will not cower in the face of tyranny that the values we fought for in World War II still matter. The Ukrainians fight is our fight. They are fighting for the same principles on which NATO and the United Nations were founded. The decisions we make here in Congress about this conflict will affect not only the survival of Ukraine and its neighbors they also will affect our own national security. To understand this, look to our history. During World War II, Roosevelt championed the United States as an arsenal of democracy to describe our role in providing weapons to democracies fighting to defend themselves. This helped the Allied forces win the war, while kick-starting decades of manufacturing growth and the creation of 17 million new civilian jobs here at home. The military aid we have appropriated for Ukraine is no different. It has delivered weapons to Ukraine and provided funding to replace that equipment for the Department of Defense, creating manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and improving our own military readiness. Advertisement Unfortunately, in recent months, Congress has repeatedly fumbled opportunities to send aid to Ukraine, bringing us to the do-or-die scenario we face today. In September, a majority of Republicans voted against a $300 million aid package to Ukraine, and a few days later, leadership refused to include additional funding in the continuing resolution. With these actions, Republicans rejected the Reagan Doctrine, which states that we must stand by our democratic allies and defy Soviet aggression. Those values are now seemingly dead within the Republican Party. To make matters worse, Republicans were mired in intraparty squabbles for three critical weeks, leaving Congress gridlocked. There are those who have turned the issue of Ukraine funding into an unnecessary, unrealistic choice between Ukraine and Israel. But we do not have to choose. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > In the words of NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg: We have the capability and the strength to address different challenges at the same time. We dont have the luxury of choosing only one threat and one challenge. The conflict in Israel and the conflict in Ukraine are linked. After all, Hamas and Iranian representatives met with Putin in Moscow. Just as Iran is supporting Hamas attack on Israel, Iran is also believed to be assisting Putin in his invasion of Ukraine. Advertisement To defeat the terrorist threat in Israel, we must also help Ukraine defend itself from an evil autocrat. As the White House made clear this week: Time is running out to act. We owe it to the American people and to our allies to protect democracy at all costs. We owe it to future generations to prevent an expanded global crisis. Now is our chance lets take it. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley represents Illinois 5th Congressional District. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. The White Houses involvement in Congresss border talks appears to be taking a hard-right turn. Immigration officials in the Biden administration have signaled to Senate Republicans that theyre open to a swath of Democrat-opposed border policies, including some that were previously tried by Donald Trump, reported The Wall Street Journal. Those include alterations to the asylum process that would make it harder for migrants to get full asylum, by tightening the initial screening procedure, and expanding a fast-track deportation program for use across the country instead of just at the border. The administration has also said its open to designating other countries as safe third countries as possible deportation zones. It also appears to be in favor of adding 12,000 beds to detention centers, raising the total to 46,500 beds, in an apparent attempt to compromise on a Republican proposal to detain asylum-seekers instead of releasing them with a court date, according to the outlet. At stake for the administration is a contentious foreign aid package to Israel and Ukraine that the GOP has effectively held hostage in exchange for bigger changes at the borderthough it also comes as the latest in a series of blows that Biden has made against his own voting base, particularly young voters and people of color, making it harder for the president to turn to their linchpin support again in the upcoming election. Extreme Republicans are playing chicken with our national security, holding Ukraines funding hostage to their extreme partisan border policies, Biden told Congress in a speech on Wednesday. And Im willing to do significantly more. But in terms of changes to policy and to provide resources that we need at the border, Im willing to change policy as well. Ive asked for billions of dollars for more border agents, more immigration judges, more asylum officers, he added. Republicans have to decide if they want a political issue or if they want a solution at the border. Do they really want a solution? Young voters have also come out in droves against Bidens unwavering support of Israel, a move that could radically depress voter turnout for the incumbent. A November survey by The New York Times/Siena College showed that the president was neck and neck with Trump among voters younger than 30, with Biden pulling at 30 percentage points and Trump at 29 percent. Meanwhile, conspiracy-touting independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr. inspired 34 percent of the surveyed young voters. We write to you to issue a very stark and unmistakable warning: you and your Administrations stance on Gaza risks millions of young voters staying home or voting third party next year, read an open letter to Biden penned by March for Our Lives, GenZ for Change, and the Sunrise Movement. The leaders of four armed gangs in Haiti, including one who is the target of a $2 million FBI bounty and forced the evacuation of personnel from the U.S. Embassy this summer, have been hit with economic sanctions by the U.S. Treasury Department. The sanctions by the Biden administration were announced Friday shortly before a United Nations sanctions committee also designated the same individuals. They will now join the only other person on the U.N. sanctions list: Jimmy Barbecue Cherizier, a former police officer who became a gang leader. The four gang leaders named by Treasury and the U.N. are Vitelhomme Innocent, head of the Kraze Barye gang and subject of a $2 million reward by the FBI for information leading to his arrest; Johnson Izo Andre, who leads the 5 Segonn/5 Segond gang and is wanted by the Haiti National Police for various crimes including assassination and has been identified by survivors as being responsible for 1,035 documented cases of sexual violence in 2022.; Renel Ti Lapli Destina, a key ally of Andre who has been indicted on charges of hostage taking by the U.S. Justice Department, and Wilson Joseph, also known as Lanmo Sanjou, who heads the 400 Mawozo gang and has also been indicted in the U.S. for his role role in the armed kidnapping of U.S. citizens in Haiti, including 16 missionaries. Andre, Destina, Innocent, and Joseph are each being designated for being a foreign person who is responsible for or complicit in, or has directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse and for being a foreign person who is or has been a leader or official of an entity, including any government entity, that has engaged in, or whose members have engaged in, serious human rights abuse relating to the leaders or officials tenure in their roles as leaders of criminal gangs in Haiti, the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control said. With gangs controlling at least 80% of the Haitian capital, the four gang leaders are behind much of the spiraling violence, which is now spreading into the countryside, according to a new U.N. report. The gang leaders are among 15 people, including politicians, who were recently cited in a recent report by a U.N. panel of experts tasked with unearthing the role of the countrys politicians, business sector and gangs in the ongoing violence that escalated after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise more than two years ago. The slaying created a power vacuum and left a weakened Haitian state unable to control its own territory. Soon after Treasury made its announcement on Friday, a U.N. sanctions committee also announced its designations, which were the same individuals being hit by the Biden administration. This is not the first time gang leaders in Haiti have been designated with economic sanctions, which bans them from making financial transactions. and prevents others from doing business with them. However, critics have questioned their effectiveness given that gang members often dont have bank accounts or property in foreign countries, much less travel visas. When you sanction gang leaders, there is an effect you are not going to get.... It doesnt mean that they are going to stop doing what they are doing, said Gedeon Jean, the founder of the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights., which monitors kidnappings. What the population is looking from from the international community are actions with a direct impact. With the individuals designated for U.N. sanctions being only gang members who everyone already knows, Jean said, the public will not take the international community seriously. Since last fall, both the U.S. and Canada have come to rely on economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool in Haiti, where elections havent been held since 2016. Efforts to schedule them hit another roadblock this week when a civil society coalition known as the Montana Group rejected a proposal by the 15-member Caribbean Community that would have them and others share power with Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The Secretary-General is concerned over the limited progress in the inter-Haitian dialogue towards a lasting and inclusive political solution to restore the countrys democratic institutions, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for U.N. chief Antonio Guterres, said Thursday. Where Canada has imposed sanctions against 28 Haitian citizens, including two former presidents and two former prime ministers, to try to respond to the political crisis and spreading gang violence, the U.S. process has been slower and more laborious. Diplomatic sources familiar with U.N.. negotiations said the four gang leaders were decided on after weeks of intense negotiations at the U.N. Security Council where at least one country, China, opposed the sanctioning of political figures despite the report by the U.N. panel of experts. Last year, the U.N. made its first designation, Cherizier. The leader of one of Haitis most powerful gang alliances, G9 Family and Allies, Cherizier is accused of multiple human-rights abuses, including a 2019 massacre in La Saline neighborhood of Port-au-Prince. His nearly six-week-long blockade of Haitis main fuel terminal, Varreux, in 2022, led the United States to author a resolution setting the foundation for a Haiti sanctions regime at the U.N. It also prompted the U.S. to support the request by the Haitian government for the deployment of an international armed force to help police combat gangs. The objections by China as well as Russia, which has publicly criticized Canada and the United States for issuing their own sanctions ahead of the U.N., is less about Haiti and more about the challenge facing U.S. diplomacy. It may be convenient for its own reasons for China to object to a broadening of Haiti sanctions policy, but thematically it alludes to a broader challenge facing U.S. diplomacy an extraordinary wide universe of U.S. sanctions (some very long term) that includes Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, China, etc and behind it an increasingly complicated bureaucracy in Washington to make sense of all of it, said Georges Fauriol, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic & International Studies. Jeffrey Feltman, a former U.N. political affairs chief and expert on U.S.-China relations, said China and Russia take great satisfaction from the catastrophic situation in Haiti, since it does not affect them directly but is a seemingly insolvable dilemma for Washington. Why would China and Russia readily sign onto any initiative, such as sanctions, that reduces the pressure on the United States? Feltman said. He noted how during discussions about authorizing a U.S.-supported multinational security support mission to Haiti led by Kenya, China hinted at that it would veto the Security Council resolution because it was respecting the sovereign right of the Haitian government to request external support. It then allowed the resolution to pass by abstaining, along with Russia. In reality, China enjoyed watching the United States stuck with the Haiti problem and resorting to the diplomatic equivalent of begging for help, Feltman said. Haiti observers have mixed views on sanctions. U.S. sanctions have become something of a default response in the absence of the hard work of creative and engaged diplomacy, said Fauriol. U.S. policy toward Haiti over the past 18-plus months fits that general profile. Fauriol said that while sanctioning Haitian gang leaders provides the appearance of a response, in practice it has limited impact on the character and scope of gang violence in Haiti. But hes not sure that broadening U.S. sanctions to a wider universe of Haitians will produce the desired effect. It strikes me as well-intentioned but lacking a longer term purpose, Fauriol said. It sends the message that Washington can make their lives difficult and addresses what many critics of US policy like to point to the role of the oligarchs. Sanctioning strictly political actors has its logic, but in Haiti that overlaps with a wider business and civil society community. The public disclosures behind individual sanctions are often rather opaque, he notes, a repeated criticism also of Canadas designations, which have even less detail that the ones by the United States. This leads to social media speculations... and the uneasy feeling that much of this has little meaningful impact as far as the overall situation in Haiti is concerned, he added. But Fauriol isnt ready to completely dismiss sanctions, at least coming from the United Nations, which effectively bans individuals from visiting most nations around the world.. If the U.N. sanctions regime is limited only to gang members, that may still be valuable to the degree that it hopefully tightens the layers of multilateral restrictions on criminal networks tied to the Haitian environment, he said. It might also force U.S. policymakers and the U.S. Congress to come more directly to grips with one factor of the Haitian crisis that is energized by U.S. inaction flow of guns and ammunition from the U.S. to the entire Caribbean Basin. Attempts by the federal government to limit air pollution from the oil and gas industry were criticized by fossil fuel supporters but touted by New Mexico environmental groups as needed action to address the impacts of energy. The Environmental Protection Agency on Dec. 2 said it enacted new regulations proposed last year that would seek to limit the emission of greenhouse gases like methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It would increase requirements for the use of low-emission technology at oil and gas facilities around the U.S. and require states to develop air pollution reduction plans for not only newly installed but also existing extraction operations. More: Minnesota company targets Permian Basin as region leads U.S. in crude oil The EPA and administration of President Joe Biden said the move was needed to limit air pollution from fossil fuels, which the agency said was the largest contributor of methane pollution in the U.S. Jozee Zuniga with Carlsbad-based Citizens Caring for the Future said the rules help protect her community from not only air pollution in New Mexico, but also neighboring West Texas which shares the Permian Basin oilfield. New Mexicos highly active Permian Basin oil field is a hot spot for methane pollution, Zuniga said.Reducing and controlling methane emissions in the Permian Basin region is a massive step for the future of New Mexico and will make a big difference for those living with methane pollution every day. More: Air pollution from oil and gas worsening in Carlsbad, Loving as industry grows, study says She pointed to a plume of methane pollution recently spotted via satellite imagery by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) near Carlsbad believed tied to oil and gas facilities nearby. Strong methane rules could mean a difference for the children playing on playgrounds under the heat of a flare because nowhere is untouched by oil and gas development, Zuniga said. Holding these polluters accountable is crucial to reducing these events in the future and ensuring health and safety for all. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham pointed to her own states methane rules enacted in recent years at both the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the states Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD). More: More than 4,000 acres of public land in southeast New Mexico could be sold to oil and gas She said those rules positioned New Mexico, ahead of the federal rulemaking, as a leader in mitigating the U.S. contribution to climate change, reducing monthly methane emissions by 55 percent and routine venting and flaring by 70 percent, according to a report from the Governors Office. New Mexico embarked on drafting our oil and gas rules at a time when the United States climate leadership was lagging, Lujan Grisham said. We are proud to have laid the foundation for this national rule, which will not only reduce emissions, but spur innovation and economic development across the country. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tours the trail at Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, June 1, 2022 in Carlsbad. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), a frequent supporter of tighter oil and gas regulations, said the EPAs actions were widely supported by members of Congress, pointing to several letters and resolutions in recent years asking the EPA to codify stronger rules. More: New Mexico has half the air pollution as Texas "The EPA is restoring responsible controls on methane pollution a leading contributor to climate change and protecting the health of our communities, Heinrich said in a statement. Finalizing these strengthened methane standards at the EPA is one of the most powerful steps that we can take to slow climate change and make the air cleaner for children and seniors. U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) tours Carlsbad Caverns National Park, July 6. But it drew concern from oil and gas industry supporters for the rulemakings purported effect of driving up costs for American energy producers and disincentivizing operations on federal land. Kathleen Sgamma, president of the Western Energy Alliance said the oil and gas industry was already taking steps to reduce its emissions and environmental impacts. More: Almost $3 billion goes to New Mexico from oil and gas on public land The announcement came amid the United Nations ongoing Climate Change Conference (COP 28), and Sgamma said it was intended as a political ploy by the Biden administration to gain international support. The Biden Administration wants to show the world at COP28 that its doing something on climate change, Sgamma said in a statement. Instead of touting the fact that the United States leads the world in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from increased natural gas electricity generation, the administration is choosing to overregulate an industry that has done more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than wind and solar combined. Daniel Turner, executive director with oil and gas advocacy group Power the Future said the rules would only raise energy prices for American consumers. Joe Biden's army of bureaucrats are not wasting any time pushing his radical agenda thousands of miles away from the families it is hurting, he said. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on X, formerly known as Twitter. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Feds tighten oil, gas air pollution rules amid concern in New Mexico More than 80,000 student loan borrowers nationwide will receive nearly $5 billion in relief, according to an announcement from President Joe Bidens administration. The $4.8 billion in relief for 80,300 borrowers is the result of fixes the U.S. Department of Education made to income-driven repayment forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The department said the changes included providing an accurate count of progress to forgiveness and addresses concerns with misuse of forbearance. The White House said that brings the total debt canceled to nearly $132 billion for more than 3.6 million borrowers. Before President Biden took office, it was virtually impossible for eligible borrowers to access the student debt relief they rightfully earned, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a news release. This level of debt relief is unparalleled and we have no intention of slowing down. Federal student loan payments restarted in October, with interest resuming in September, after a three-and-a-half year pause. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Bidens broader student debt forgiveness program that would have forgiven more than $400 billion in federal student loans earlier this year. How does student debt relief break down? Of the $4.8 billion, $2.2 billion is for nearly 46,000 borrowers through fixes to income-driven repayment. The administration said it has approved nearly $44 billion in income-driven relief for almost 901,000 people. In addition, 34,400 borrowers will get $2.6 billion in relief through Public Service Loan Forgiveness. That brings total relief to $53.5 billion for nearly 750,000 borrowers since October 2021, according to the Education Department. How many borrowers have benefited in California? The Education Department reported 63,660 California borrowers with an outstanding balance of $4,701,600 million total had Public Service Loan Forgiveness discharges since October 2021. Another 68,780 California borrowers with $3,317,600 million outstanding were identified for income-driven repayment forgiveness. What is The Sum? The Sum is your friendly guide to personal finance and economic news. Were a team of McClatchy journalists cutting through the financial jargon so you know how these issues impact your life. We verify information from diverse sources and keep the facts front-and-center, making finance and economic news add up for you. Ready to take the first step to getting your finances under control? You can sign up for our five-week budgeting newsletter at thesum.news. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden has said his work to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia is among his signature accomplishments, but now the fate of funding America's ally has become enmeshed with the most vexing policy challenge hes faced in office: immigration. As the negotiations have played out on Capitol Hill, the White House has tried to paint themselves as uninvolved in the messy and complicated process of negotiating a legislative deal. But those familiar with the behind-the-scenes maneuvering reveal that Biden aides are deeply and directly involved in trying to guide the process and shape an outcome to Biden's liking. I am willing to make significant compromises on the border, Biden said in remarks on Wednesday. We need to fix our broken border system. It is broken. And thus far, Ive gotten no response from Republicans. Immigration advocates warn that Biden risks looking so desperate for Ukraine aid that he is willing to placate Republicans by bargaining away the basic rights of migrants looking to escape horrendous conditions at home for a better life in the U.S. But if Biden manages to wrest a bipartisan compromise that succeeds in curbing illegal border crossings, he can address a vulnerability that hinders his chances of re-election. NBC News polling shows that Republicans have erased the Democrats' advantage in recent years and now hold an 18-point lead when it comes to the handling of immigration. A deal that shows progress in fortifying the border could potentially win over moderate and independent voters who blame Biden for images of migrants sleeping on city sidewalks with no place to go. "The president can still turn this around," said Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, whose district includes the border. On Wednesday, Republicans blocked the Senate from advancing a bill written by the Biden administration that would provide Ukraine aid and approve money to support Israel and Taiwan. That bill would have also strengthened border enforcement on the U.S.-Mexico border, including 1,000 new border patrol agents; 1,600 asylum officers to hear migrant claims; and enhanced technology to track the flow of goods at ports of entry. In an address Wednesday before the Senate vote, Biden said he has been reasonable and remains open to compromising with Republicans when it comes to stricter border policies, a move that could put him at odds with some of his base who view tougher asylum laws as synonymous with Trump-era policies. "It doesn't help politically because it doesn't help with the contrast that we want to make," said Vanessa Cardenas, executive director of America's Voice, a pro-immigration advocacy group. "As advocates, it's hard to make the point when you have Trump-lite policies," said Cardenas, who worked on Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. One immigration advocate close to the talks said in an interview that White House officials have told them they werent involved at all and they had nothing to do with it. But then, we were hearing from Senate offices that they [White House officials] were calling them every day, the advocate added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations. An advantage in keeping a low profile from Biden's standpoint is that if lawmakers strike a border deal that liberal voters decide is too strict, he can argue that he was not the architect and should be spared any blame, said a Democratic strategist who is close to the Biden administration. Theyre doing that because they know its going to come back and bite them afterward with their own folks with the [immigration] advocates and the people they need for electoral purposes, the strategist said. But the issue is that these [border policies being negotiated] are completely rotten and people are starting to get pissed off. 'A rush to legislation' Inside the White House, Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall, deputy chief of staff Natalie Quillian and Domestic Policy Council Director Neera Tanden have been trying to determine what additional immigration policy changes are necessary to get the bill over the finish line in the Senate. The White House did not make officials involved in the talks available for comment. A White House aide referred to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre's comments at a press briefing on Wednesday when asked for comment. "A strong bipartisan majority of Congress supports Ukraine in its fight against Putins brutal war," Jean-Pierre said. "Unfortunately, some Republicans are now holding urgently needed Ukraine funding hostage to a set of completely unrelated ... border demands. Instead of negotiating in good faith, as a group of Democrats and Republicans have been doing for some weeks now, they're doubling down on an all-or-nothing approach." The White House has called Democratic senators to press their case for a border deal to advance the aid package, said a source familiar with the matter, who added: They were the ones pushing for it. Biden also spoke directly with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., about Ukraine funding before Thanksgiving. McConnell has publicly agreed that funding Ukraine remains an urgent priority. But under pressure from his right flank that insisted on tying Ukraine funding to immigration limits, McConnell has embraced the view that Biden must link them, suggesting its both good policy and also in his political interests. This is an opportunity, McConnell told reporters Tuesday. Honestly, if I were the president, looking at my numbers on this, Id want to do something about it. It might actually improve his position. Both Biden and McConnell face internal party pressures. If Biden complies with Republican demands, he risks alienating pro-immigration progressives and Hispanic advocacy groups who describe the conservative proposals as an attempt to shut down legal pathways to the U.S. And if he rebuffs the GOP and holds firm, he could lose all Republican support and tank the aid package that he says is necessary to keep Ukraine in the fight. Part of Bidens dilemma is his lack of obvious GOP negotiating partners. He and his White House have no history with recently elevated Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. And though Biden has cut deals with McConnell in the past, their long history together means less today than it once did as the Kentucky Republicans influence within his party diminishes as MAGA forces flex more power. The White House has latched onto one proposal that appears to enjoy bipartisan support on Capitol Hill: toughening the "credible fear" standard that migrants use to make their case to an officer for asylum when they arrive at the border, the immigration advocate familiar with the negotiations said. Currently, when migrants appear at the border and claim asylum under the credible fear standard, the main criteria used to decide if one can remain in the U.S. and continue through the process is whether there is a significant possibility that subsequent hearings will determine they face persecution in their home country or a fear of it. The White House has agreed to GOP requests to make the standard tougher and has been lobbying Democratic senators to go along, the source said. The White House does want that because they think it will help them turn more people away, the source said. I am concerned that there is a rush to legislation in response to Republicans holding Ukraine aid hostage, the source added. If Republicans agreed that changing the standard was enough, the bill would "pass tomorrow," the source said. But many Republicans, including in the House, argue that it isn't enough of a concession from the administration, the source said. Those Republicans say they also want sharp limits on the president's powers to grant humanitarian parole in asylum cases the provision that allows the executive to temporarily admit foreign nationals due to an emergency. Missteps and 'missed opportunities' The Democratic strategist close to the administration noted Biden is already seeing slippage with Muslim voters because of fallout from the Israel-Hamas war, and support among Black voters that is well short of where it needs to be. The Biden administration has taken some positive steps on immigration overall, but its a mixed record including some missteps on the border and missed opportunities to provide clarity on messaging," said Janet Murguia, president of UnidosUS, a Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Biden expressed his frustration behind closed doors Tuesday, telling supporters at a fundraiser in Boston that Republicans are holding up Ukraine aid unless we follow the most draconian actions possible to keep migrants out of America. I dont think they want to solve it, he said of the nations migration challenges. I think they want to keep it as a problem without the tools to make it any better. An administration source close to the deliberations said that Biden hasnt shied from making tough decisions on immigration policy that arent always popular with his political base. This person also noted that the politics of the issue have shifted some in his party, as Democratic mayors and governors have been outspoken in calling for tougher policy as well. On Thursday, lawmakers said talks had resumed. They are back at the table. Negotiations are back, a Democratic source said. Republicans presented us a proposal, we are still digesting it, there is still a lot of daylight between the two sides. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., said Tuesday the White House should be more publicly involved, including summoning negotiators to the White House. I think its not surprising that were getting to a point where this is going to be negotiated at the highest level of the White House and here in the Senate as well, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Joe Biden will kick off a weekend visit to the Southland Friday with a fundraiser to benefit his reelection bid. The president will spend the early afternoon hours in Las Vegas Friday before flying into Los Angeles International Airport around 4:40 p.m. From there he will head over to Santa Monica, where he is expected to participate with First Lady Jill Biden and Rep. Nancy Pelosi in a campaign fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. The reception will be attended by some of Hollywoods biggest names, including directors Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner, producers Shonda Rhimes and Peter Chernin and former studio chief Jim Gianopulos, the Los Angeles Times reported. The event, which will include a performance by Lenny Kravitz, is being hosted by designer Michael Smith and former U.S. ambassador to Spain James Costos, according to Deadline. Windy weekend to bring dangerous fire conditions to Southern California Tickets for the event began at $1,000 with those contributing $25,000 or more having access to a photo line, Deadline reported. The White House said the president will remain in the Los Angeles area through the weekend until he departs on Sunday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Black students are being suspended from school at a higher rate than their peers, according to a study conducted by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Out of 217,000 students suspended during the 2021-2022 school year at North Carolina Public Schools, over 112,000 were Black. The study also looked at data from Durham Public Schools and shared that 76% of students serving long-term suspensions were Black. There is a clear pattern here in North Carolina as to how students are excluded from school and learning through discipline and suspensions. This pattern is consistent with racial disparities, Brittani Clark, program manager at the nonprofit Empowered Parents in Community, told WRAL. Our schools should be safe places for all children to ask questions, make mistakes, and learn so they can live fulfilling lives. Consistent, equitable access to high-quality, culturally competent learning environments is a foundational standard all NC families should be able to experience. Although the study was published in March, Durham County community members gathered on Tuesday to discuss inequalities in discipline. The the nonprofit spearheaded the initiative. We believe that our schools must treat every child as equal, especially in situations of conflict and disagreement, Jovonia Lewis, executive director of EPiC, told the news channel. Our unique programs focus on parent empowerment and advocacy With the goal of disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline, our monthly community forums bring those with lived experiences together to find solutions. This echoes a recent report published by Penn State in September. It found that Black school children remain underdiagnosed for ADHD compared to their white counterparts. They are 40% less likely to be diagnosed with the condition leading to higher health risks and harsher discipline in schools. The news also comes as an 18-year-old student, Darryl George, was suspended again for refusing to cut his locs at his Texas high school. He has been suspended since Aug. 31. An Illinois woman is suing a car dealership, and others, after she says she was racially profiled and falsely arrested while trying to buy a vehicle. On March 10, Sade Crockett headed to Fifth-Third Bank in Chicago with her 82-year-old relative Enoch Graves, who was buying her a car as a birthday gift, according to a lawsuit filed Oct. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division. While at the bank, the two explained to the clerks that they wanted to purchase a vehicle. Since Graves had an account at the bank, the check would be issued from his account, the lawsuit said. (The clerks) expressed that the bank could accommodate them without issue, and that cashiers checks were less susceptible to fraud than personal checks and would give the recipient additional assurances that the check would clear, the lawsuit said. Crockett, Graves and the clerks called McGrath Kia in Highland Park and put the call on speaker phone. The car dealers said a cashiers check drawn from Graves account would be an acceptable form of payment and said the amount should be $30,710.05, according to the lawsuit. They also said Graves did not need to come with her to purchase the vehicle, the lawsuit said. Crockett dropped Graves off and headed to the car dealership. Once she arrived, she noticed a sense of unwelcomeness from the predominantly white employees, the lawsuit said. Sade was wrongfully discriminated against based upon her race while trying to lawfully purchase a vehicle gifted to her by her family member, Crocketts attorney Halil Hampton, with Hampton and Hampton, LLP, told McClatchy News in a statement. Crockett test drove a 2021 Chevy Blazer LT and told the two dealers she wanted to buy the vehicle. She then gave them the cashiers check she had gotten from the bank, court documents said. The two dealers went to call the bank and verify the check, however, they did not call the same branch that Crockett visited with Graves, the lawsuit said. The document says the two also never mentioned the phone call they had earlier with the bank tellers. Fifth-Third then without adequate investigation or due diligence told the car dealers that the check was fraudulent. At that time, the dealers called police and accused Crockett of having a fraudulent check, with no attempt to contact the branch where the check was drawn, the lawsuit said. The lawsuit says Crocketts race was a factor in the way she was treated. McGrath Kia deviated from its own policy and practice to return checks to customers and decline the sale, when the validity of a check may be in question. McGrath Kia deviated from this policy and practice; based solely upon (Crocketts) race, and instead called the police for (Crockett) to be arrested, the lawsuit said. When police arrived, Crockett tried to explain to the officers and the dealers that Graves was purchasing the vehicle for her and that they went to get the check together earlier in the day, but she said they would not listen. One of the officers called the bank branch that issued the check, but the lawsuit said the officer did not provide the branch with Graves name. The bank teller told the officer, if the dealers told you that the check was fraudulent, then the check was likely fraudulent, the lawsuit said. The teller also told the officer that the bank did not have a customer named Sade Crockett and the banks systems were down, so they could not check the validity of the check, according to the lawsuit. At that point, the officer told the teller that people from those neighborhoods, are probably using (Crockett) as a tool to purchase the vehicle with a fraudulent check, the lawsuit said. When the officer returned to the car dealership lobby, Crockett was arrested. Officers handcuffed, searched, seized, and forcibly removed (Crockett) from McGrath Kia and placed her in the police car in front of a large crowd of people. As a result of these unlawful actions, (Crockett) was brought to tears and began to have a nervous breakdown, as she knew she had done nothing wrong, the lawsuit said. Crocketts case was written about in news articles, and she had to appear in court five times before her charges were ultimately dismissed in July. The court process took a toll on Crockett, causing her to break down crying in an elevator at one point, asking, Why is this happening to me? the lawsuit said. The lawsuit said Crockett suffered emotional anxiety, mental trauma, humiliation, fear, stress, pain and suffering, and other damages. The discrimination resulted in her unlawful arrest and prosecution as well as the disparagement of her name and likeness, Hampton said. When the charges were finally dismissed, the prosecutor told Crockett, Sorry it took so long, court documents said. My teams goal in the lawsuit is to send a message to the defendants that such treatment of a person cannot be tolerated at this day and age in our country, Hamilton said. The lawsuit was filed against McGrath Kia, Fifth-Third Bank, the two car dealers, the two responding officers and the city of Highland Park. McClatchy News reached out to the attorneys for all listed defendants but did not immediately hear back. Highland Park is about 27 miles north of Chicago. American Airlines pilot refused to wear a mask and was racially profiled, lawsuit says Man targeted Black men on Florida road, feds say. Now, hes convicted of hate crimes Black couple accused of smelling like weed forced to leave restaurant. Theyre suing Donald Trump may now assail the special counsel who brought the federal criminal case against him over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, in addition to being free to criticize the judge, the justice department, the Biden administration and the case as politically motivated. The former president remains barred, however, from attacking potential trial witnesses, court staff or the special counsels staff, as well as the family members of any court staff or the special counsels staff. Related: Federal appeals court mostly upholds Trumps gag order in 2020 election subversion case - live That was the ruling handed down on Friday by the US court of appeals for the DC circuit, which found that Trumps inflammatory statements posed a threat to the fair administration of justice and only partly narrowed the gag order imposed by the federal judge overseeing the case in Washington. Mr Trump is a former president and current candidate for the presidency, the appeals court wrote in a 68-page opinion. But Mr Trump is also an indicted criminal defendant, and he must stand trial in a courtroom under the same procedures that govern all other criminal defendants. The decision by the three-judge panel marks the latest defeat for Trump over the gag order, which was entered by the US district judge Tanya Chutkan in October after prosecutors complained that Trumps statements and social media posts could intimidate potential trial witnesses. Trump is expected to appeal the ruling to the US supreme court, people close to his legal team said on Friday. A Trump spokesperson added: President Trump will continue to fight for the First Amendment rights of tens of millions of Americans to hear from the leading presidential candidate at the height of his campaign. The ruling from the three circuit judges all Democratic appointees struck a cautious balance between allowing Trump to criticize the case as a political vendetta while he runs for re-election, and protecting the people involved in the case who Trump has targeted in his statements. In particular, the judges concluded that the original gag order was too broad in preventing Trump from personally attacking the special counsel Jack Smith. They also narrowed the order to say Trump can attack people involved in the post-2020 election matters as long as he does not target their trial testimony. But the judges were adamant that Trumps relentless attacks clearly threatened the integrity of proceedings because his statements about potential witnesses could chill their testimony at trial while his statements about court staff could impede them from fulfilling their jobs. Mr Trumps documented pattern of speech and its demonstrated, real-time, real-world consequences pose a significant and imminent threat to the functioning of the criminal trial process in this case, the opinion said. The judges also rejected all three of Trumps arguments for lifting the gag order in its entirety, finding that his lawyers appeared to take the extreme position that only Trumps first amendment rights and no other consideration mattered when it came to restricting his speech. They wrote that they found untenable Trumps position that there could only be a gag order after a Trump statement caused harm or chilled a witness, not least because the point of a protective order was to ensure no such harm would occur in the first place. They also rejected Trumps complaint that a gag order amounted to being bound by a hecklers veto gagging a defendant merely because of fears about how a third party might act because the court had an obligation to ensure third parties did not threaten proceedings. The judges were also unimpressed with Trumps argument that his political speech mattered more than criminal trial proceedings. The existence of a political campaign, the court wrote, does not alter the courts historical commitment or obligation to ensure the fair administration of justice. Palestinians look at smoke following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis in the Gaza strip on Dec. 1, 2023. (Fatima Shbair/AP) One can support Israel but at the same time be horrified at the gross disproportionality of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus right-wing governments response to Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, as well as the West Bank settler killings of Palestinians and destruction of their land. President Joe Bidens administration has done little to rein in the Israeli governments killing of thousands of civilians in Gaza other than to issue repeated tsk-tsks. The red lines that Vice President Kamala Harris stated recently are a step in the right direction. Advertisement If and when Israel breaks through them, lets see if the U.S. does anything significant to punish Netanyahu and his extremist government. Edwin W. Meyer, Chicago Advertisement Where is outrage at Hamas? As I watch the terrible situation in Gaza unfold, I am at a loss to understand the virtually one-sided conversation placing the onus upon Israel to enact a permanent cease-fire. Of course, I decry the loss of innocent lives as the war rages, but I dont understand why Israel, alone, seems to bear total responsibility in this regard. Where are the calls for Hamas to surrender in a war that it cannot conceivably win? Were Hamas to surrender, the carnage would cease. Following the World War II bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese surrendered, thus sparing the lives of more innocent civilians. Hamas apparently doesnt care about its people, as indicated by its actions on Oct. 7, which brought the inevitable response by Israel and its continued disregard for its citizens as the war continues. Where is the worlds outrage that Hamas took, and continues to hold, innocent people as hostages? It could, and should, return these hostages immediately, and the rest of the world should demand it. But everyone seems to be OK with trading hostages for prisoners and negotiating with terrorists, which will only lead to more of the same. Hamas has, on multiple occasions, rejected the implementation of a two-state solution. It has one goal the destruction of the Jewish state. Even as I write this letter, it continues to fire missiles into Israel, but I hear nothing condemning this action. Hamas has scored a major victory as much of the worlds sentiment turns against Israel. As long as Hamas continues to win the war of minds, it will continue its war of weaponry. So, what is Israel supposed to do? Forget the barbaric attack on its citizens on Oct. 7 and simply let bygones be bygones? Conduct a ground assault in which Hamas, ensconced in an urban environment with underground tunnels, would have a decided advantage? Why should Israel be forced to place its people, its military, in a more dangerous situation? And what of the Palestinian innocents? Cannot they rise up and let Hamas know that enough is enough? Or, most likely, are they, too, essentially hostage to a group, whose ideology may not match their own? Perhaps the elimination of Hamas will ultimately be beneficial to both Israel and Gaza. Its just a shame that innocent lives will be lost in reaching this conclusion to the war. David Grossman, Chicago Advertisement Immigration a Gordian knot Christopher Richardsons well-thought-out and clearly written history lesson should be sent to every member of Congress, as well as to each states legislature (Prohibition has lessons for the migrant crisis, Dec. 2). Sending it to all clerics wouldnt be a bad idea either, in the hope theyd share it with their congregants. Unfortunately, I fear his cogent lesson will fall upon deaf ears in todays political climate. Democrats fear of being labeled soft on immigration by Republicans, combined with the cynical use of ginned-up open immigration fears by most Republican supporters, guarantees that this sore on our body politic will remain unhealed. Sadly, another more topical history lesson is happening right now in Israel. Those in power refused to see that ignoring a major issue didnt bode well for their country, long term. Similarly, history has also proved many times over that just building a wall never solves a long-term problem, such as illegal immigration. The fact that we still havent solved the much simpler issue of the Dreamers doesnt provide much confidence for a positive resolution on any future debate regarding legal immigration. Advertisement So I ask the very smart Richardson: What can you tell us about the political Gordian knot we find ourselves wrestling with? Will you or someone else be our Alexander the Great and cut that knot? Thomas L. Green, Highland Park Better solutions for migrants I agree with the editorial Brighton Park tent site is too much of a problem. Pritzker should kill plan. (Dec. 4). With all the controversy surrounding the construction of a tent camp on toxic land, I dont understand why other solutions arent being considered. Chicago Tribune Opinion Weekdays Read the latest editorials and commentary curated by the Tribune Opinion team. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > At the height of the pandemic, hospitals ran out of space and were unable to accommodate people with COVID-19. The city and state together set up hundreds of beds at McCormick Place. Why cant this be done for migrants? They would immediately have a roof over their heads with heat and running water, and the city could use its crew to set up beds, kitchens, play areas and other facilities that are necessary. I realize that McCormick Place is the site for many conventions, which bring in a lot of revenue to the city. However, the size of this building makes it able to accommodate everyone. Another possibility for accommodating migrant families is to house them in some of the vacant office buildings in downtown Chicago. Office space could be converted into living quarters that would provide the same basic amenities, as stated above. Mayor Brandon Johnson must find solutions better than the ones now being offered. Advertisement Vicki Joseph, Chicago Join the conversation in our Letters to the Editor Facebook group. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com. A Boeing 737 passenger plane carrying 175 passengers to Moscow, Russia, from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk was forced to make an emergency landing Friday morning after a fire ignited in both of its engines. Video of the incident revealed that the fires started while the S7 airline plane was taking off. The pilots were able to safely land the aircraft 20 minutes later at Tolmachevo Airport in Novosibirsk with no casualties. A passenger told ASTRA media that while landing, the captain said that the brakes caught fire. The Eastern Interregional Investigation Department for Transport said the fires were caused by engine surging, a violation of gas-dynamic stability with micro-explosions. Passengers were informed that they would have to wait eight hours for another plane to arrive and fly them to Moscow. This comes just a day after a Russian cargo plane traveling to Zhangzhou, China, caught fire following an engine explosion. Russia subsequently launched an investigation on Friday into airplane safety and claimed that sanctions over the war in Ukraine have made it challenging for Russian airlines to import and repair plane parts. Read it at Daily Mail Read more at The Daily Beast. A structural fire closed the Walmart at the 8300 block of Overland Road on Thursday afternoon, according to the Boise Fire Department. Fire crews were dispatched to the store at about 5:30 p.m. to find heavy smoke from an active fire in the back corner of the building. Functioning smoke detectors allowed all employees and customers to escape from the building unharmed, resulting in no injuries, according to the department. Fire crews quickly confirmed that there were no victims inside the building and worked to extinguish the fire, remaining on the scene for several hours. The fire damage was contained to the location of the fire, Boise Fire said, but the rest of the store sustained significant smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and there was no answer when the Idaho Statesman called to confirm if the store would remain closed on Friday. Read this article in Spanish/ Para leer en espanol. CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's grown to be known as the most diverse major American city thanks to its vibrant immigrant communities. A new book illustrates over 40 Chicagoans' immigration stories through their beloved objects. As CBS 2's Jamaica Ponder reported, "Chicago Mosaic" is a collection of immigrant stories of objects kept, lost, or left behind. The book serves as a way to both document the immigrant experience and tell their stories by making it accessible for others to learn from. The books are also being given away free of charge. Dresses, dogtags, textiles, and and tupperware "It's a part of who I am as well." "I was just completely delighted with the variety and really just how mundane a lot of the important objects are to people," said Chris Solis Green, co-editor and founder of Big Shoulders Books, Seemingly simple, everyday objects that have one thing in common. "They really have a lot of weight in there, in terms of their family's memories," Green said. Green, who is a professor of English at DePaul University, has spent the last four years compiling and co-editing the book, "Chicago Mosaic: Immigrant Stories of Objects Kept, Lost, or Left Behind." "We felt like having an object at the center of each story would help focus people's stories," Green said. Like that of his colleague, Dr. Monica Haydee Ramos whose story starts in Jalisco, Mexico with her grandmother's rebozos, or shawls. "This is part of my migration story because it represents strength and it gives comfort," she said. "It's a reminder that as long as this piece of cloth has lived and continues to live, there is hope." The book documents over forty stories of hope, though many stem from a place of loss. Whether that be the objects left behind, or the people they represent back home. "Here's this dog tag my grandfather gave me, and through that, I can just explore what this dog tag meant to him, why it was left behind," said Juan Ugarte, contributing writer. For Ugarte, through storytelling, the pain of loss becomes secondary "It's the memories that come forward, you know, and that's what I really like about this book," he said. In Chicago Mosaic, as opposed to hearing about immigrants "Hearing from immigrants is the news that the book brings just to humanize the immigrant experience," Green said. And use those experiences to teach the city's students, by giving all the books away for free. "One of our goals is to have these taught in as many Chicago high schools as possible, but they're free to anyone," Green said. "My grandmother didn't have access to letters. She didn't have access to education, and to bring something like this to schools, and to share her story through these letters, it's really significant," Ramos said. "I don't think my grandfather ever expected for his name to ever be said outside of Cuba. and that really means a lot to me that is a reality," Ugarte said. The book's publisher, Big Shoulders, was co-founded by Professor Green Miles Harvey and Michele Morano, about eleven years ago. In that time, they've given out over a hundred thousand books. DePaul professor Amy Tyson co-edited "Chicago Mosaic" with professor Green. To get one, you can send in a request via their website and they'll ship the books wherever you want whether it's your home or classroom. Readers can also find an electronic version of Chicago Mosaic on the site as well. Novak Djokovic: The 60 Minutes Interview Holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus Ukrainian civilian resistance fighters stepped up after Russias invasion | 60 Minutes Nancy Rose, who contracted COVID-19 in 2021 and exhibits long-haul symptoms including brain fog and memory difficulties, pauses while organizing her desk space, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, in Port Jefferson, N.Y. (John Minchillo/AP) NEW YORK Health officials on Friday released the first nationally representative estimate of how many U.S. adults have chronic fatigue syndrome: 3.3 million. The Centers for Disease Control and Preventions number is larger than previous studies have suggested, and is likely boosted by some of the patients with long COVID. The condition clearly is not a rare illness, said the CDCs Dr. Elizabeth Unger, one of the reports co-authors. Advertisement Chronic fatigue is characterized by at least six months of severe exhaustion not helped by bed rest. Patients also report pain, brain fog and other symptoms that can get worse after exercise, work or other activity. There is no cure, and no blood test or scan to enable a quick diagnosis. Doctors have not been able to pin down a cause, although research suggests it is a bodys prolonged overreaction to an infection or other jolt to the immune system. Advertisement The condition rose to prominence nearly 40 years ago, when clusters of cases were reported in Incline Village, Nevada, and Lyndonville, New York. Some doctors dismissed it as psychosomatic and called it yuppie flu. Some physicians still hold that opinion, experts and patients say. Doctors called me a hypochondriac and said it was just anxiety and depression, said Hannah Powell, a 26-year-old Utah woman who went undiagnosed for five years. The new CDC report is based on a survey of 57,000 U.S. adults in 2021 and 2022. Participants were asked if a doctor or other health-care professional had ever told them they had myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome, and whether they still have it. About 1.3% said yes to both questions. That translated to about 3.3 million U.S. adults, CDC officials said. Among the other findings: The syndrome was more common in women than men, and in white people compared with some other racial and ethnic groups. Those findings are consistent with earlier, smaller studies. However, the findings also contradicted long-held perceptions that chronic fatigue syndrome is a rich white womans disease. There was less of a gap between women and men than some previous studies suggested, and there was hardly any difference between white and Black people. The study also found that a higher percentage of poor people said they had it than affluent people. Advertisement Those misperceptions may stem from the fact that patients who are diagnosed and treated traditionally tend to have a little more access to health care, and maybe are a little more believed when they say theyre fatigued and continue to be fatigued and cant go to work, said Dr. Brayden Yellman, a specialist at the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. The report relied on patients memories, without verifying their diagnoses through medical records. That could lead to some overcounting, but experts believe only a fraction of the people with chronic fatigue syndrome are diagnosed, said Dr. Daniel Clauw, director of the University of Michigans Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. Its never, in the U.S., become a clinically popular diagnosis to give because theres no drugs approved for it. Theres no treatment guidelines for it, Clauw said The tally likely includes some patients with long COVID who were suffering from prolonged exhaustion, CDC officials said. Long COVID is broadly defined as chronic health problems weeks, months or years after an acute COVID-19 infection. Symptoms vary, but a subset of patients have the same problems seen in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Advertisement We think its the same illness, Yellman said. But long COVID is more widely accepted by doctors, and is being diagnosed much more quickly, he said. Powell, one of Yellmans patients, was a high school athlete who came down with an illness during a trip to Belize before senior year. Doctors thought it was malaria, and she seemed to recover. But she developed a persistent exhaustion, had trouble sleeping and had recurrent vomiting. She gradually had to stop playing sports, and had trouble doing schoolwork, she said. After five years, she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and began to achieve some stability through regular infusions of fluids and medications. She graduated from the University of Utah and now works for an organization that helps domestic violence victims. Getting care is still a struggle, she said. When I go to the ER or to another doctors visit, instead of saying I have chronic fatigue syndrome, I usually say I have long COVID, Powell said. And I am believed almost immediately. The Bulgarian parliament has successfully overridden President Rumen Radev's veto to approve sending 100 armored personnel carriers (APCs) to Ukraine, local news agency BTA reported on Dec. 8. The agency reported that the Parliament reaffirmed the ratification of the agreement between the Bulgarian and Ukrainian defense ministries, with 162 lawmakers voting in favor. Read also: Bulgarian vegetable oil producers lobby government to end ban on vital Ukraine imports During the vote, a fight broke out in the chamber, the agency added. Kostadin Kostadinov, the leader of the pro-Russian radical Revival party, commented that it was "very humiliating, besides giving away the equipment to Ukraine for free, to also transport it." Read also: Bulgaria boots Russian propagandist as threat to national security, Gatsak now banned in EU As Kostadinov spoke, a pro-Ukrainian lawmaker, Manol Peykov, stood up from his seat, which triggered the scuffle between the members, the agency notes. The deal to transfer 100 APCs to Ukraine was signed in Sofia on Aug. 8 and in Kyiv on Nov. 13. A statement from the Bulgarian parliamentary defense committee stated that the Interior Ministry no longer needed the 100 vehicles. Read also: Bulgaria opens doors to licensed Ukrainian agricultural imports The Bulgarian parliament ratified the agreement on Nov. 22. On Dec. 4, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev vetoed the deal. He argued that the APCs could play a crucial role in protecting Bulgaria's borders and in assisting citizens during emergencies and natural disasters in remote areas. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine The Bulgarian parliament's defense committee approved on Dec. 7 the provision of older, faulty air defenses to Ukraine, as well as assistance with F-16 training, the Bulgarian National Radio reported. Air defense capabilities are crucial for Ukraine as the winter is setting in. Russia is expected to mirror its strategy from last year by targeting the country's energy infrastructure on a massive scale. Representatives of three political parties (including the ruling GERB and PP-DB) proposed to provide Ukraine with obsolete, portable air defense systems and anti-aircraft missiles of various types. According to the Bulgarian news site Novinite, the air defense missiles could include Soviet-made S-300s. The defense committee further approved training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft, including the use of Bulgarian air space. Bulgarias Soviet stockpiles and large defense industry may be key to Ukraines success Bulgaria has had to walk a fine line, trying to covertly support Ukraine without provoking Russia. The Balkan state has been historically influenced by Moscow. Opinions on Ukraine are split among its 6.7 million people, many of whom buy into Kremlin propaganda. The new coalition government elected The Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima Sofia should also train up to four infantry or mechanized companies of a total number of 160 Ukrainian soldiers per year. The decision now moves for deliberations to the plenary hall with the support of government-aligned lawmakers. If adopted, the Bulgarian government will be tasked to negotiate with NATO partners the deployment of air defenses and coastal anti-ship systems in Bulgaria to strengthen domestic defense capabilities. By January or February, the Defense Ministry should prepare a list of equipment that could be shipped to Kyiv. Bulgaria has already provided Ukraine with various military assistance as the current government under Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov took a decisively pro-Ukrainian stance. This puts Denkov's coalition at odds with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who has repeatedly criticized military aid for Kyiv. The president recently vetoed the provision of 100 armored vehicles to Ukraine, but the prime minister voiced confidence that the parliament would be able to override the veto. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A woman attempted to burn down the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta on Thursday but was stopped by several bystanders after pouring gasoline on the historic property, police said. Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, 26, was arrested and charged with second-degree arson and interfering with government property following the scare just before 6 p.m., police said. Two people visiting from Utah interrupted the woman as she poured gasoline on the homes front porch. She was physically detained by two off-duty police officers, who were visiting from New York, until local police arrived, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters. The Atlanta home where Martin Luther King Jr. was born is pictured in 2013. The property, built in 1895 and owned by the National Park Service, was closed for renovations during Thursday's incident. The Atlanta home where Martin Luther King Jr. was born is pictured in 2013. The property, built in 1895 and owned by the National Park Service, was closed for renovations during Thursday's incident. Their quick action saved the jewel of our city, something very important to Atlanta, Schierbaum said. He said his department is communicating with the district attorney and U.S. attorney regarding possible federal charges in the incident, as the King home is owned and maintained by the National Park Service. Video obtained by local station WSB-TV appears to show a woman dressed in all black splashing a liquid from a red canister on the homes front windows and porch. She appears to wave her hand away at people who ask what shes doing. BREAKING UPDATE: Woman charged with pouring gasoline, trying to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.'s Atlanta birth home, according to police. Here's what we know: https://t.co/4jdq6B3r8lpic.twitter.com/x7JpHQNAzK WSB-TV (@wsbtv) December 8, 2023 Zach Kempf, who identified himself to The New York Times as one of the people who helped stop her and called police, described the woman as having a nervous energy to her, but he said she wasnt aggressive. The woman tried to walk away after Kempf and others stopped her from grabbing a lighter that shed left in the grass, he said. Shortly after the woman was physically restrained and police arrived, Kempf said, an older man who looked very distraught appeared with three women. They identified themselves as the suspects father and sisters, and said theyd been looking for her and using the womans location signal from her phone to track her. They said she is a veteran who was experiencing mental distress. Henderson, who according to a police report is from Brandon, Florida, was taken to a local hospital for a psychological evaluation before being booked in the Fulton County Jail. A plaque is seen outside the Atlanta home where King spent the first 12 years of his life. A plaque is seen outside the Atlanta home where King spent the first 12 years of his life. The landmark nonprofit King Center, whose campus is located less than a block from the home, expressed gratitude to those who helped prevent disaster. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act, the center said in a statement. The civil rights leader and his two siblings were all born in the home, which was built in 1895. He lived the first 12 years of his life at the house, which stayed in the family and was used as a rental property for years after, according to the NPS. The federal agencys Judy Forte, who is superintendent of the MLK Jr. National Historical Park, also expressed gratitude to the people who prevented a fire. Their quick action helped save this home that gave birth to a monumental legacy nearly a century ago, she said in a statement. We appreciate the communitys ongoing support and remain steadfast in our mission to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Last month, the NPS announced that tours were suspended at the home until late 2025 to allow for renovations. Related... (KRON) New charges have been filed against a California prison inmate who attempted to murder Kristin Smarts killer, Paul Ruben Flores, prosecutors said. The Fresno County District Attorneys Office filed charges on Wednesday against the 43-year-old inmate, Jason Richard Budrow, who is already serving two life sentences. Budrow has a record of killing fellow inmates. In 2021 he strangled his cellmate, Roger Kibbe, to death inside Mule Creek State Prison. Kibbe was a serial killer and rapist dubbed the I-5 Strangler. Prosecutors said Budrow also tried to kill Flores in Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga by slashing his throat with a self-manufactured weapon. Paul Flores listens in court on July 18, 2022. (Pool photo by Daniel Dreifuss / Monterey County Weekly) The prison attack happened on August 23. Budrow slashed inmate Flores neck with the weapon, causing great bodily injury. Correctional officers immediately secured the yard and prison medical staff began treating the wound. Inmate Flores was subsequently air lifted to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, the Fresno County District Attorneys Office wrote. Flores, 47, survived the attack. He remained incarcerated at Pleasant Valley State Prison as of Thursday afternoon, according to inmate records. Smart was a 19-year-old Cal Poly student in San Luis Obispo who vanished from campus in 1996. Flores was also a Cal Poly student at the time. He attempted to rape Smart in his dorm room and killed her, evidence at his 2022 trial showed. Kristin Smart was too nice to Paul Flores at Cal Poly, prosecutors say Smarts body has never been found. Prosecutors said Smarts body was hidden in a clandestine grave in the backyard of Flores fathers house in Arroyo Grande, Calif., for two decades. Just before a search warrant was served on the house in 2020, her body was moved to an unknown location, prosecutors said. Flores was sentenced to serve 25 years to life behind bars. Even before the attack against Flores, Budrow had no chance of ever leaving prison. Budrow is serving two life sentences without possibility of parole for the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and Kibbe. He was convicted of strangling his ex-girlfriend to death in 2010. Budrows arraignment is scheduled for January 8 in Fresno County Superior Court. He is charged with attempted murder, assault by an inmate serving a life sentence, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of an inmate manufactured weapon. If convicted of the new charges against him, Budrow will face another sentence of 27 years-to-life in prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. John Catanzara, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, gives public comment at a meeting of the City Council Committee on Workforce Development on ratifying the new police contract on Dec. 7, 2023, at Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Setting the stage for a potential legal fight and protracted turmoil between Chicagos largest police union and Mayor Brandon Johnson, a City Council committee on Thursday opposed a contract provision that would allow officers accused of serious misconduct to have their cases decided by a third party behind closed doors. The committee recommendation rejecting the contract stipulation now heads to a vote next week before the full City Council, which, if it agrees with the committee, would kill a major part of the contract between the union representing rank-and-file officers and Johnsons administration. Advertisement The provision would allow officers accused of misconduct to remove their cases from the Chicago Police Board docket and instead have them decided privately by an outside third party. It was the most controversial part of the proposed deal as public officials and critics said it subverted police reform efforts and took accusations of police misconduct out of the public eye. [ Mayor Brandon Johnson to split Chicago police union contract into two votes, citing issue with disciplinary provisions ] But in a separate vote Thursday, council members on the committee OKd all the economic benefits included in the contract for rank-and-file officers, including 5% raises this year and next. Advertisement The workforce committees 10-5 vote actually aligned with the balancing act Johnson has tried to strike in his handling of the Chicago Police Department. The mayor pledged on the campaign trail to not raise CPDs budget, then pivoted to propose a spending plan that allocated a record $2 billion to the department, including the $60 million in planned bonuses and raises in the new police contract. While the departments bottom line rose, Johnson reshuffled positions to reduce the number of beat cops and boost civilian positions and those dedicated to fulfilling the departments consent decree requirements. When the contract was tentatively agreed on less than two months ago, it was hailed as a great success for Johnson. But that quickly changed. Chicago police officers stand on duty outside City Hall on Dec. 7, 2023. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) The late October announcement of an agreement between Johnson and the Fraternal Order of Police represented Johnsons first major union deal since taking office. FOP President John Catanzara who once warned of an exodus of officers and blood in the streets if Johnson prevailed in the election called it the best possible result at the end of the process. But the show of harmony was short-lived. Days after both sides celebrated the deal Johnson said he would seek to split up the vote on the contract: one to handle the economic package and another to address the disciplinary change. He urged members of the City Council to vote no on the provision allowing officers the option to have some of the most serious disciplinary cases heard by an independent third party behind closed doors rather than publicly before the Chicago Police Board. Ultimately, we will not allow this to undermine our efforts to advance reform, increase transparency and implement our vision for improved public safety and policing to make our city better, stronger, and safer, Johnson said in a statement at the time. The closed-door option was part of an arbitration award handed down earlier this year by arbitrator Edwin Benn during contract negotiations between the city and FOP. Advertisement Some aldermen and reform advocates, including Ald. Matt Martin, 47th, said that provision flies in the face of efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms in the wake of the murder of Laquan McDonald. Police Board hearings are open to the public, and the boards decisions in the most serious disciplinary cases are also made publicly available. Misconduct cases overseen by a third party would be conducted out of public view. But Catanzara said a no vote on the disciplinary issue would guarantee a costly and ultimately fruitless legal fight for the city, pledging to return to arbitration. To concur with the rejection, the full City Council must do so on a vote of three-fifths or 30 of its members. If that happens and the council rejects the arbitrators award, that rejection and the councils reasons will be sent back to Benn. If Benn adheres to his original decision or modifies it, that decision will come back to the City Council once again. If aldermen repeat their rejection, the issue could then be taken to Cook County court. The standards to reverse an arbitrators award are limited and very challenging, the citys chief labor counsel, Jim Franczek, told aldermen. Catanzara was more blunt in his assessment in October. The citys gonna lose, he said at the time. Advertisement On Thursday, Catanzara was among several high-profile speakers who addressed the committee before the vote. Entering City Hall around 11 a.m. after walking through a small anti-FOP protest on LaSalle Street, he stressed the citys place in labor history. Protesters rally before a meeting of the City Council Committee on Workforce Development on ratifying the new police contract on Dec. 7, 2023, outside Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Whether its appreciated or not, the FOP is a union, he said, adding that any future legal action would be a waste of time. All you are doing is postponing the inevitable, Catanzara said of any effort to vote down the arbitration award. It is a fight you will not end up winning. [ FOP and city reach tentative contract deal that provides 20% raises over four years ] But Ghian Foreman, the outgoing president of the Chicago Police Board, said approving the arbitration award would be a serious setback for police accountability in Chicago. Theres a clear difference between the FOP and other unions, added Ald. Andre Vasquez, 40th. Advertisement Other unions dont have the right to kill or imprison anyone yes, they also save lives, they also protect the people that need it, he said. That is why, when we talk about what justice looks like, a Police Board, along with other bodies established, provide transparency and nuance in that decision-making. Because the public deserves to know why decisions were made. Vasquez said he hoped the FOP would partner with the city to propose a public arbitration process at least, because youre gutting the Police Board to the point of nonexistence, which isnt open government and isnt good government. Anjanette Young, a social worker whose Near West Side home was the target of a bad CPD search in 2019, referenced the hundreds of millions of dollars approved by the City Council in recent years to settle lawsuits stemming from alleged police misconduct. Youngs lawsuit against the city was settled for $2.9 million, and the Police Board voted earlier this year to fire the sergeant who oversaw the botched raid. Anjanette Young, who was mistakenly targeted in a 2019 police raid on her home, applauds after the City Council Committee on Workforce Development voted against recommending passage of a provision of the new Chicago police contract regarding arbitration on Dec. 7, 2023, at City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) Paying out lawsuits is not justice, said Young, who wore a shirt with the phrase I AM HER in all capital letters. If you vote yes on this, you are being reckless with all of our tax dollars. I pay taxes, and my own tax money paid me for my trauma. Thats not OK. After the vote rejecting the contract provision, Young stood and applauded. But Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, was among the five council committee members to support the arbitration award. He said he was extremely troubled by the tentative contract being divided into two votes. Advertisement Whats more, Beale said, it was all but certain that Benn, the arbitrator, would send the proposal right back to the City Council if its voted down next week. Theres always things within contracts that we dont like, Beale said. Whether we like it or not, I think its our job to go ahead and ratify this contract and move on. I think itll cost us more money in the long run, even if it goes back to the arbitrator, Beale added. Because if we reject this, its going to go back to the arbitrator, and the same person that sent it to us is going to receive it, and theyre going to turn right around and say, I told you, this is my decision, and its going to come right back to us. The proposed contracts economic package approved by the committee, meanwhile, provides CPD officers with a nearly 20% pay raise over four years, in addition to a one-time $2,500 bonus for all officers and an annual $2,000 bonus for cops with more than 20 years on the job. Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the FOP reached a deal boosting officer pay two years ago, including $365 million in retroactive pay increases dating back to 2017 and a series of new accountability measures. But several issues were left unresolved for Johnsons administration to pick up. Compared with the deal the FOP struck with Lightfoot, the economic package approved by the committee Thursday more than doubles the raises officers were entitled to in 2024 and 2025. It also includes sweeteners for other positions the department is seeking to fill. Advertisement Donna Rowling, the commander of the CPDs labor relations division, said the agreement gives Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling the runway needed to implement the transformational changes needed to better the department, improve overall morale, assist with recruiting and retention efforts, and puts us on a good path to achieve consent decree compliance. The agreement will add incentives to attract recruits to the departments field training program, crisis intervention teams, and bike officer ranks. It also will give management control to fill positions in CPDs public transportation unit, rather than mostly relying on seniority, she said. The contract also removes impediments to creating a new homicide teams pilot program, which Rowling said will help improve clearance rates. The changes will add a third night shift for detectives, allowing investigators to respond to homicide scenes during the overnight hours, when evidence is best preserved and witness memories are freshest. Franczek said the deal is the longest contract ever negotiated between the city and the FOP, lasting technically from July of 2017 through the end of June 2027. This contract took the longest time to negotiate in the history of the city of Chicago, six and a half years or 78 months. The follow-up, second longest, was a mere 52 months. This contract was by far the most difficult to negotiate, spanning three mayoral administrations, he said. The agreement also includes a paid parental leave policy and enshrines several accountability measures that are part of the federal court-ordered consent decree the department remains under following the 2014 murder of McDonald by a Chicago police officer. Advertisement scharles@chicagotribune.com aquig@chicagotribune.com A California man was arrested Wednesday for punching another man while he was pushing a stroller down a street in Calabasas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a release. The incident, reported on Tuesday evening, occurred on the 4000 block of Lost Spring Road. Security camera footage nearby confirmed what happened. Angel Sanchez Jr., 29, was arrested in Oxnard on assault charges a day later. Pedestrian assault suspect, Angel Sanchez Jr, arrested on Wednesday. In the video, a male attacker is seen knocking a 60-year-old man, who was pushing a stroller, to the ground. After attacking him, the perpetrator can be seen getting into a parked minivan and driving away. The driveway where the minivan was parked did not belong to the assailant. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department later identified the vehicle as a silver 2005 Honda Odyssey with a Nevada license plate. According to neighbors who spoke to KTLA, the man and the infant are safe and in good condition. "The man who was attacked is a very nice community member," Mary Steele told KTLA. "He has a beautiful home, people know who he is, and the baby is an innocent victim." Police say Sanchez is also a suspect in an attack on a 14-year-old boy that occurred the same afternoon. According to police, Sanchez assaulted the minor near the 26000 block of Agoura Road and Lost Springs Drive/Cottonwood Grove Trail in Calabasas. Tears, frantic texts: Survivors of Las Vegas campus shooting recount trauma and tragedy Nathan Manyari, who Sanchez allegedly assaulted, spoke to NBC Los Angeles about what happened. He just came up from behind me and grabbed me, Manyari told NBC LA. He tried to hit the back of my head first and then he tried kneeing my body. ... I protected myself pretty good. I hit him in the stomach but it wasnt really that effective. He kept grabbing my shirt, he threw me. He kind of tossed me into bushes, I rolled down a little hill. He just walked off, didnt say anything. LASD noted that both Manyari and the 60-year-old man are of Asian descent but the motive for the attacks remains under investigation. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: California man arrested for attacking 60-year-old pushing a baby Californias water agency released a final report Friday on the controversial plan to build a tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The highly anticipated document is expected to lead to approval of the water project. The environmental impact report said the tunnels construction and operations would significantly impact the Deltas endangered and threatened fish species, tracts of important regional farmland and tribal cultural resources that include human remains. State officials say some of those impacts will be mitigated, and that the Delta Conveyance project is needed to slow a long term decline in water supplies by capturing more during intense storms for southern California cities and farms. This is a project that generates a lot of controversy and intense feelings, said Karla Nemeth, director of Californias Department of Water Resources. But its just one part, a very critical part, of how we put together Californias water system to ensure that communities have a secure water supply into the future. This final, two-volume report outlines the proposed path of a 45-mile tunnel that would pipe water from the Sacramento River, bypassing the Delta, and funnel it into Bethany Reservoir, the first stop on a state aqueduct that carries water south. Its an updated version of a draft environmental impact report released last year, including responses to hundreds of public comments. The final reports release concludes a lengthy process under the California Environmental Quality Act and a major step toward finalizing a plan to overhaul the states system of water management. The report summary said the project and proposed alternatives would result in significant impacts to winter-run and spring-run Chinook salmon, Central Valley steelhead, and Delta and Longfin smelt. To offset impacts to threatened or endangered fish, the agency has said it would restore up to 3,500 acres of wetland habitat by breaching or setting back levees. The project will also convert significant amounts of farmland of statewide importance, the report concluded. Impacts to tribal cultural resources, including burial grounds, caused by construction were described as significant and unavoidable. For decades, water has been pumped directly out of the Delta and shipped south to 30 million Californians and 6 million acres of farmland. But state agencies predict that climate impacts and environmental regulations will lead to a decreasing supply. State officials say the proposed tunnel is intended to slow that decline by capturing water further upstream on the Sacramento River, bypassing the Delta estuary and funneling supplies directly into the State Water Project. They estimate the project would yield about 500,000 acre-feet per year a significant amount but a fraction of Californias annual water needs. Delta farmers, residents, regional Native American tribes and environmental groups vigorously oppose the plan. Opponents say drawing freshwater from the historic region coupled with years of construction will endanger native fish, imperil farms and destroy vulnerable communities. Those communities, they added, were excluded from the development of Newsoms water agenda. This summer, the Environmental Protection Agency said it would investigate a civil rights complaint filed by a coalition of tribes and environmental justice organizations over alleged discriminatory mismanagement of water quality in the Delta. Governor Newsoms proposed Delta tunnel, as outlined in this new EIR, is another failure of state water officials to imagine alternative approaches in a climate-impacted California, said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta. This is sadly just another zombie version of the Peripheral Canal idea that was rejected by California voters way back in 1982. And DWR seems to have learned nothing since California Governor Browns Twin Tunnel (WaterFix) died in 2019. Gov. Gavin Newsom has continued prioritized the Delta Conveyance project as a cornerstone of his water policy agenda despite that opposition, which also includes the Sites Reservoir and voluntary cutback agreements with major water users. He called the project an essential update needed to protect against a catastrophic earthquake and impacts of climate change. Doing nothing is not an option, Newsom said in a written statement. After the three driest years on record, we didnt have the infrastructure to fully take advantage of an exceptionally wet year, which will become more and more critical as our weather whiplashes between extremes. The Delta, the central hub of Californias water system, is a giant network of waterways, sloughs, and islands at the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Its home to hundreds of thousands of people and 415,000 acres of farmland, but its fragile ecosystem has been deteriorating for years as more water is exported or used upstream. Plans to replumb the Delta have been decades in the making, changing shape over time from a canal to twin tunnels to, eventually, a single tunnel that Newsom promoted when he took office. The last time California finalized an environmental impact report for it was in 2016. That project, which constituted a pair of tunnels, stumbled amid high costs and Newsom eventually withdrew support. The price tag will be in the billions. In 2020, the estimated cost of one of the alternate paths was just under $16 billion. Bonds will be issued to fund design and the construction process, and beneficiary water agencies across the state will pay a significant portion. Investment from agencies such as Metropolitan Water District of Southern California would be critical. In May, an advocacy group urged the to abandon the project, saying it would fail to make water supplies more reliable and drive up costs for ratepayers. In a statement Friday, general manager of MWD Adel Hagekhalil said the tunnel project could be part of a balanced, holistic solution for capturing water during times of high flow. We look forward to reviewing the findings in the environmental documents released today, along with additional information that will be provided in the future, including a cost-benefit analysis, he said. All of this will inform Metropolitans Board of Directors in determining how best to invest our resources. If approved, the project would take decades more to complete. The permitting process itself, which includes a water rights hearing at the state Water Board, could last years. Construction is estimated to take another 12 to 13 years to complete. In 10 days, DWR will determine whether to certify the final report and approve the proposed project. That will launch a months long permitting process on endangered species and water rights. An updated cost estimate is expected next year. The presidents of the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are facing growing calls to resign after a disastrous House hearing this week regarding how their schools are handling the rise of antisemitism. Donors, students and faculty are revolting against their presidents after they were asked by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) during the Tuesday hearing if a call for genocide against Jewish people would be considered harassment. Harvard President Claudine Gay, Penn President Liz Magill and MIT President Sally Kornbluth all responded in similar fashions, saying the call would be investigated and it would depend on the context or the pervasiveness of it. The clip went viral and has drawn bipartisan criticism, including from the White House, and attempts at cleanup from the presidents have failed to quiet critics. In light of your testimony yesterday before Congress, we demand the University clarify its position regarding any call for harm to any group of people immediately, change any policies that allow such conduct with immediate eect, and discipline all oenders expeditiously, University of Pennsylvanias Wharton Business School board said in a letter to Magill. Further, as a result of the University leaderships stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new l leadership with immediate eect, the letter continued. Six House Republicans from Pennsylvania and long-time donor Jon Huntsman also say Magill should resign. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and the states two Democratic senators also condemned the testimony. One donor went as far as to pull a $100 million donation to Penn after the hearing, with the donors lawyers putting in a letter they are appalled by the Universitys stance on antisemitism on campus. Antisemitism has soared, both on campuses and across the nation, amid Israels war with the militant group Hamas. Gay has also faced multiple calls to resign after her testimony, in which she said it would depend on the context if a call for genocide against Jewish people would be considered harassment on campus. Stefanik and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), both Harvard alums, said her testimony was unacceptable and she should step down. She is not the leader these times require, Kiley said in a statement. Gay initially released a statement after the backlash began saying, Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account. On Thursday, in an interview with The Harvard Crimson, she went further and said she was sorry for her testimony and that words matter. I got caught up in what had become at that point, an extended, combative exchange about policies and procedures, Gay told the student newspaper. What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community threats to our Jewish students have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged. Stefanik on Friday morning responded on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying Harvards president was given an opportunity to speak your truth. And you did. I asked you 17x(!!!) in the hearing about whether calling for the genocide of Jews violates @Harvard code of conduct, the New York Republican wrote. You spoke your truth under oath 17x. And the world heard it. Rabbi David Wolpe, meanwhile, said he was resigning from a Harvard advisory board that was created a few weeks ago to address antisemitism on campus. House Chair for the Committee on Education and the Workforce Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), whose panel held the hearing, announced there would be an investigation into all three universities regarding the learning environment on campus and what their disciplinary actions are. The investigation prompted a statement from MITs governing board announcing their support for Kornbluth. The MIT Corporation chose Sally to be our president for her excellent academic leadership, her judgment, her integrity, her moral compass, and her ability to unite our community around MITs core values, the Executive Committee of the MIT Corporation said in their statement after the investigation was announced. She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, all of which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support, it added. Kornbluth has not yet commented on the controversy. Magill released a video in response to the criticisms saying she had been more focused on the legal side in her testimony at the hearing. In that moment, I was focused on our universitys longstanding policies aligned with the U.S. Constitution, which say that speech alone is not punishable, Magill said. I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. Its evil plain and simple. Some free speech experts said that while legally the presidents werent incorrect in their testimonies, past incidents with how the universities handled unpopular views are making it hard for them to hold this position now. Of course, one can understand the frustration of critics who rightly observe how quickly college administrators including those at Harvard, Penn, and MIT will reach for speech codes when certain disfavored views are expressed, yet don the cloak of free speech when they are more sympathetic to the speech at issue, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression said in a statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), flanked by Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, criticizes President Biden's policies on the U.S.-Mexico border, as Republicans block the advance of Ukraine aid on Thursday. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Only five months ago, President Biden promised at a NATO summit that the United States and its allies would help defend Ukraine against Russias wanton aggression for as long as it takes. Just after Vladimir Putins invasion, and amid his soldiers ongoing war crimes, former Vice President Mike Pence promised a roomful of Republican donors, There is no room in this party for apologists for Putin. Promises made, promises broken. Neither Biden nor Pence figured on the inconstancy and political cynicism of Republicans in Congress. And now the party under the sway of Donald Trumps dictator-coddling isolationism and looking for electoral advantage has conditioned its support for aid to Ukraine on solving our domestic immigration problem, an issue that has defied bipartisan solutions for nearly 40 years, under presidents of both parties. Worse, especially in the House, many Republicans dont really want an immigration remedy (or aid for Ukraine) thus their take-it-or-leave-it stance on their punitive proposals. Theyd rather have a 2024 campaign issue, given Bidens vulnerability over the current border situation, to beat up Democrats straight through to election day. Take it from Sen. John Cornyn , the Texas Republican hoping to succeed weakened Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: This is not a traditional negotiation, where we expect to come up with a bipartisan compromise on the border. And consequently, to the delight of Putin and the distress of European allies, further U.S. support for Ukraine is in real doubt for the first time since Russia invaded 21 months ago. That would make U.S. solidarity with democratic Ukraine, so plainly in our national security interest, just another casualty of the political brinkmanship and partisan hostage-taking that have become routine in Congress, causing self-inflicted wounds and rendering government all but dysfunctional. Read more: 6 takeaways from an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky In one year, with the House newly under Republican (mis)management, Congress has flirted with a debt default and nearly shut down the government twice (another shutdown looms next month), a single senator blocked hundreds of military officers promotions and upended their families lives, and other essential legislation languishes. All because Republicans wanted some unrelated demand on spending, abortion or fill-in-the-blank as the price of their support. Its become a political truism, especially in Trumpian times: Republicans campaign on the theme that government doesnt work and, once in office, make it so. The stakes in Ukraine could hardly be higher, which makes the capriciousness of Republicans including many who style themselves as diehard supporters all the more objectionable. Against expectations, Ukraine has held out this long against Russias onslaught, the heaviest combat in Europe since World War II, only because of U.S. and NATO nations aid. Without it, Ukraines defeat is all but certain. No one denies this. Imagine the day after a Russian victory, how cocky and emboldened Putin would be. As Biden warned Wednesday, hours before Senate Republicans blocked debate on his $111-billion package combining funds for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and yes the U.S. border: If Putin takes Ukraine, he wont stop there. Read more: Sleepless in Kyiv: In Ukraine's capital, the stress of war weighs on everyone. How do people cope? In that wannabe czars sights are former Soviet satellites-turned-NATO allies, which the United States is treaty-bound to defend. Then, Biden added, well have something that we dont seek and that we dont have today: American troops fighting Russian troops. What we have now is a brave nation willing to fight and die, asking only that allies provide the war materiel it lacks and the economic and humanitarian aid it needs. Its been a bargain: Ukrainians have significantly weakened Russia, the United States and Europes greatest military threat. Not only is Putins military depleted and divided, but his economy is a wreck, his citizenry restive and his own strongman reputation tarnished. For those who cry America First, lets put Ukraine aid in terms they might appreciate. To date, according to the White House, about 60% of the money to assist Ukraine has been spent here at home, in the factories with good-paying jobs that produce the military equipment sent abroad, and on defense and intelligence operations that contribute to U.S. military readiness. Read more: Opinion: Kyiv's dark moment and America's fateful choice McConnell himself put it to the New York Times this way: Ronald Reagan would turn over in his grave if we were passing up an opportunity to rebuild our industrial base and take out Russian military personnel without losing anybody. And yet McConnell has taken the lead in opposing Ukraine aid unless Republicans can attach still-undefined proposals for a border crackdown. (Not for nothing is a biography of him titled The Cynic. ) As for immigration, Bidens proposal includes billions to expand border operations, hire more officers for asylum cases and increase screenings to block trafficking in fentanyl. The president rightly concedes that he and Congress must do more to fix the broken border system, and he is willing to make significant compromises, but not to accept the Republicans extreme demands. House and Senate Republicans dont even agree on what those demands are theyre openly sniping with each other which is all the more reason that the overdue foreign aid package should not be held up, with Congress planning to adjourn for the year after next week. Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said on Monday: "Republicans have decided to hold Ukraine funding hostage to a domestic political priority that is among the hardest in American politics to solve. Cornyns despicable response? This is a unique opportunity for us. The hostage-takers have their price, economic or national security be damned. @jackiekcalmes 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. Researchers on Tuesday will tell the Education Departments student loan forgiveness committee to cancel all student debt for borrowers with household incomes below $71,000. Their new findings, shared first with USA TODAY, recommend lowering many Americans' student debt-to-income ratios, while honing in on a question that has plagued the panel since it first started meeting this fall: What types of financial hardships keep borrowers from paying back their loans? Low credit scores are a useful metric for what ails borrowers, the researchers suggest in the report, which was published Friday by the University of Californias Student Loan Law Initiative and the Student Borrower Protection Center. Student debt relief advocates gather outside the Supreme Court on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023. Other outstanding loans for homes and cars, for instance also provide a useful indicator, plus whether a borrower is already in the process of bankruptcy or foreclosure. In any of those measures, it gets a lot worse to have any dollar of student debt, said Dalie Jimenez, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, and one of the authors of the report. At the departments final round of negotiations on a student loan forgiveness plan, which span Monday and Tuesday, the researchers will push the agency to endorse the type of bold policy actions the Biden administration has tried to avoid since the Supreme Court cut down the president's initial student loan forgiveness plan this summer. Plan B: Large-scale student loan debt forgiveness likely off the table That plan would have forgiven up to $20,000 in student debt for millions of Americans. Since it was undone, even incremental reforms the president has managed to eke out have faced a barrage of challenges from conservatives in Congress and in the nations courts. The fact that the researchers were asked to share their findings illustrates, to some extent, the amount of daylight that still exists between some of the negotiators many of whom want structural change to the system and the department, which avoided the hardship question in its latest proposal released this week. Biden's latest student loan relief plan: It would help borrowers with old loans, ballooning interest The department largely centered its proposal on forgiving debt for longtime borrowers and those whose loans have ballooned because of interest. What prevents people from paying down their loans? The 15-page report released Friday marks the first time researchers have used credit reporting data to measure how student debt can impact people's financial health. They point to six indicators that can foreshadow what they refer to as a downward spiral of a person's financial health, leaving them unable to repay their student loans. The six hardship metrics are: Credit scores, Outstanding mortgage balances, Unsecured credit utilization, Severe delinquency on loans, Adverse legal proceedings, such as foreclosures and bankruptcy, and Progress toward paying back car loans. By comparing those metrics with borrowers outstanding student loans, plus how much money they make, Jimenez said they reached a simple conclusion. Student debt should be erased completely for borrowers in the bottom half of the income distribution, she said. For middle-income borrowers those who make between $71,000 and $131,500 the researchers are also advising the department to ensure their total student debt load is no greater than a third of their annual income. Student debt relief: What comes next? The loan forgiveness panel is set to meet on Monday, and at the request of Kyra Taylor, one of the negotiators who represents legal assistance organizations, the researchers will present their work to the panel Tuesday. As for when Americans could actually see any student debt relief, the timeline stretches well into next year. A finalized version of Bidens Plan B may not come until May at the earliest, and is likely to be further delayed by the regulatory process. Once the plan is eventually finalized, it could be ensnared in court fights. Zachary Schermele is a breaking news and education reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Researchers to student loan panel: Cancel debt for incomes under $71K From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch Could President Ron DeSantis persuade grassroots Republicans to support overturning an election that he lost? Lay aside whether hed be willing to stoop to such a thing. Imagine that he, not Donald Trump, had lost the 2020 race to Joe Biden and tried running the same Stop the Steal playbook. Do we think that episode would have ended the same way, with moon-eyed goons punching cops outside the Capitol on January 6 in hopes of breaking in and halting the count? I do not. Lets try another hypothetical. Trump wins reelection next fall and returns to the White House triumphant in 2025. But instead of taking retribution on his enemies, he surprises everyone by governing more or less like a Paul Ryan Republican. Not entirelytherell be a crackdown on the border in any Trump 2.0 scenario, however fancifulbut all of the nonsense about defeating the deep state and rooting out vermin goes out the window, possibly due to sheer laziness. Would most Republican voters consider a second term like that to be a grave disappointment relative to what Trump had promised them as a candidate? I doubt it. As regular readers of this newsletter know, I typically take it as a given that the Republican Party has become an authoritarian movement. If thats so, how can it be that the partys voters would be satisfied with a non-authoritarian Trump and lukewarm toward an aggressively authoritarian DeSantis? Am I wrong about how right-wingers would react in the hypotheticals Ive sketchedor are they less dogmatically authoritarian than we (well, I) tend to assume? Forget the hypotheticals. Consider two real-world examples. At Wednesday nights Republican presidential debate, we were treated to the spectacle of Ron DeSantis, of all people, complaining about leaders abusing state power to discourage dissent. .@RonDeSantis attacks @NikkiHaley after her desire to dox anonymous accounts online. "The federalist papers were written anoynoumously" pic.twitter.com/LesA5DPosy Media Research Center (@theMRC) December 7, 2023 Six weeks before that, Vivek Ramaswamy took DeSantis to task publicly for, er, abusing state power to discourage dissent. Vivek Ramaswamy hits Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for ordering state universities to ban pro-Palestinian student groups: These student groups are dead wrong in their beliefs, but part of what it means to live in the USA is that we do embrace the free and open exchange of ideas. pic.twitter.com/LBWcvRlTiS The Recount (@therecount) October 27, 2023 DeSantis and Ramaswamy are the closest thing in the race to post-liberal ideologues. (Trump is many things but an ideologue he is not.) If anyone could be expected to defend policies designed to silence malefactors, its them. Yet here they each were doing the opposite, doubtless expecting to be rewarded for it by the Republican voters theyre wooing. Why would they do that if those voters are as post-liberal in principle as I often suggest? Is the American right truly becoming more authoritarian or is it just enthralled by Trump? The answer, of course, is yes. The Republican base has a qualitatively different relationship with Trump than with what we might call lesser authoritarians, insofar as he has permission from them to be both more and less illiberal in his policies than anyone else does. Trump can threaten his political enemies with government retaliation, speculate about suspending the Constitution, chatter about using the Insurrection Act in his second term, and get indicted for upward of 100 felonies, all with impunity in polling. And with impunity among his opponents too: The indignation evinced by DeSantis and Ramaswamy in the clips above reliably deserts them whenever Trump floats an idea thats plainly nuttier and more draconian than forcing online commenters to post under their real names. Theyre free to scold each other for being illiberal, but not him. On the other hand, Trump is also the guy who signed a Romney-esque tax cut into law in his first term, provided arms to Ukraine to fend off Russia in the Donbas, bombed Syria to punish Bashar Assad for using chemical weapons, and has taken to dismissing Floridas six-week abortion ban as a terrible mistake. Lately, he happily accepted the endorsement of a member of Black Lives Matter. Any other Republican with a track record like that would be annihilated onstage by DeSantis and Ramaswamy as a traitor to populism. Instead, Trump leads nationally by almost 50 points. That shouldnt be possible in a party thats serious about authoritarianism. A party thats serious about authoritarianism would also be better at actually electing authoritarians, one would think. Kari Lake lost last year in Arizona. So did Blake Masters. Doug Mastriano got crushed in Pennsylvania. The closest thing the post-liberal right had to a success story in the midterm was J.D. Vance, who settled for a 7-point victory in the same state that propelled establishment Republican Mike DeWine to a 25-point landslide. Its a truism at this point that Republican enthusiasm wanes whenever Trump himself isnt on the ballot; why should that be the case if its ideology, not his persona, that primarily motivates the right? Granted, the fact that Lake, Masters, Mastriano, and Vance each won their primaries is circumstantial evidence that Republican voters do have an appetite for authoritarianism on the merits. But Lake, Masters, Mastriano, and Vance were also endorsed by Trump, which only brings us back to the question I posed above. Are Republicans voting for post-liberalism or are they just voting for whatever their leader wants? How do we explain the fact that celebrity RINO Mehmet Oz, another candidate endorsed by Trump, prevailed in Pennsylvanias Senate primary over both Dave McCormick and populist firebreather Kathy Barnette? In a party that was truly authoritarian, Barnette should have had an easy time of it. Instead Trump got his way, as usual. The ultimate proof that authoritarianism without Trump doesnt appeal much to Republican voters is the fate of Ron DeSantis 2024. DeSantis presidential bid was practically a laboratory experiment in what would happen if a candidate dialed Trumps charisma waaaay down and dialed his post-liberalism waaaay up. Could a much younger, much smarter rival usurp the king by pushing the populist envelope in ways Trump himself didnt do while president, building out an entire policy agenda around that strategy? You know the answer. Youve seen the polls. The experiment is over. Insofar as Vivek Ramaswamy 2024 was an experiment in the same vein, except with the crazy dial turned waaaay up, that experiment has also been over for a while. And really, those results arent very surprising. Most people arent ideological, after all. They may have strong preferences about discrete issues, like securing the border, but to many voters the philosophical conflicts between classical liberalism and post-liberalism must be as gassy as asking how many angels can fit on the head of a pin. Modern Republicans in particular have been conditioned for years by right-wing infotainment to prize pugnacity and personality in their heroes over ideological purity or serious governing chops, giving a talented performer like Trump with all the right enemies an insuperable advantage. By and large, I suspect, right-wingers want a leader wholl stand fast behind his agenda despite leftist resistance, wholl expose the flaws in leftism aggressively and unapologetically from his pulpit, and wholl keep them entertained in the process. They dont demand gulags. Theyre not capital-A Authoritarians. But they are, it seems to me, increasingly lowercase-A authoritarians. They dont demand gulagsbut if a leader whom theyve grown to idolize volunteered to build some, only a fool would expect them to put up much of a fuss about it. Lowercase-A authoritarians are dangerous. Its the lowercase-A authoritarians who separate successful authoritarian movements from less successful ones. Every such movement has a charismatic strongman at its center surrounded by a phalanx of fanatic capital-A Authoritarian apparatchiks, but it cant break big until that nucleus has convinced some critical mass of the population that its program is the least bad option available. The more desperate a nations outlook becomes, the more plausible it is that that critical mass of lowercase-A authoritarians who are willing to entertain dramatic change will materialize. Theyre not ideologuesagain, most people arentbut theyve reached a point of such exasperation that theyll give ideologues a try. Many, either not knowing or caring much about civics, might not even perceive a meaningful difference between the ideologues and the regime that preceded them. Theyre not pro-gulag. Theyre Whatever works. Just fix it. In 2023, we have the strongman. We have the phalanx of fanatic apparatchiks. And we have a right-wing media industry devoted on the one hand to catastrophizing Americas problems relentlessly, in order to create the requisite sense of national crisis among its audience, and on the other to dismissing complaints about populist misconduct on whataboutist grounds, the better to weaken the audiences sense of whats truly politically normal. It bears repeating: The capital-A Authoritarians may be pro-gulag, but the lowercase-A authoritarians are not. The latter group remains sufficiently non-ideological, in fact, that pushing too hard too soon on radical schemes would risk spooking them about what theyre being asked to empower. No wonder that figures on Fox News have repeatedly sought to reassure viewers lately that fears of autocracy in Trumps second term are overblown, never mind the obvious evidence that they arent. Tell Republican voters that Team Trump wants to start throwing reporters in jail and someemphasis: some, not all or even mostwill squirm. They might not vote for a program like that; having spent most of their lives developing a healthy contempt for autocracy abroad, they might even feel embarrassed by it. Assure them that everything will be fine before the big vote, though, and then start throwing journalists in jail afterward Kash Patel says as Trumps next CIA Director he will lead patriots appointed by Trump in an all-out effort to prosecute and jail people in government and the media: We will find the conspirators in govt and the media. Yes, we are going to come after the people in the media. pic.twitter.com/NuLyqOIKWO Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) December 5, 2023 and theyre likely to shrug and rationalize it. They committed to a program of trying whatever works, didnt they? Maybe intimidating the media will work. When, not if, Trump defies a court ruling in a second term, maybe thatll work. When he declares that itll be too dangerous for America if he were to leave office on schedule in January 2029, that too might work. A lowercase-A authoritarian who trusts that he has the countrys best interests at heart and that his enemies dont will feel obliged to support Trump. Especially if theyre one of the many, many, many Americans who havent given things like enumerated powers or judicial review a second thought since eighth grade. I know otherwise decent people whom Im reasonably sure would side with Trump on persecuting traitorous journalists, not because those people are committed to it as a tactic but because they just wont be roused to defend their political enemies for the sake of a principle. All a lowercase-A authoritarian really needs to do to support the team is to shrug as required, and Republicans have had lots of practice at that since 2016. Various polls reflect the sense of crisis that Trump and his propagandists in right-wing media have cultivated to justify authoritarianism. One survey published earlier this year found 48 percent of Republicans agreed with the statement, Because things have gotten so far off-track in this country, we need a leader who is willing to break some rules if thats what it takes to set things right. Only 29 percent of Democrats agreed by comparison. Another poll taken last year found that a strong majority of Republicans still dont believe Joe Bidens 2020 victory was legitimate. And every day of primary polling for the past seven months has confirmed and reconfirmed that Republican voters dont regard an honest-to-god coup attempt and subsequent impeachment as disqualifying in a presidential nominee. To the contrary. No wonder, then, that the clips I posted earlier of DeSantis and Ramaswamy appearing to criticize their opponents for behaving illiberally are more properly understood as illiberal critiques themselves. DeSantis objection to banning anonymous posts online has nothing to do with free speech, of which hes no great fan, and everything to do with pandering as usual to populists. Alt-righters, anti-vaxxers, and post-liberals various and sundry are the groups most likely to face reprisals professionally if forced to put their names on their message-board musings. By scolding Nikki Haley with sonorous references to The Federalist Papers, DeSantis is merely trying to show those groups that hes on their side. As usual. Ramaswamys defense of pro-Palestinian groups on campus is in the same vein. He routinely insists that he supports Israel, but he and Tucker Carlson got together not long ago to worry about the IDFs incursion in Gaza touching off World War III. During an address to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Vivek warned that Destroy Hamas is not on its own a viable or coherent strategy. Theres a small but influential cohort of America-First-ers in right-wing media who have been testing how much criticism of Israel their audiences will tolerate; at least one very prominent member of that cohort has coincidentally also objected to conservative criticism of pro-Palestinian protesters. Its unlikely in the extreme that a demagogue as obnoxious as Ramaswamy cares sincerely about the state hassling student groups on campus. What he cares about is convincing the post-liberal vanguard of the New Right that hes their champion in the race, so much so that hes willing to take an anti-anti-Palestinian position thats destined to offend the establishment pro-Israel consensus. If the two post-liberal candidates in the race are resorting to classically liberal arguments only when it serves post-liberal priorities to do so, thats a pretty strong clue that authoritarianism has gained a meaningful foothold on the right separate and apart from the cult of Trump. Can an authoritarian movement last once its deprived of its strongman? Thats the important question in all this. Eventually, the GOP will lose Trump. If Republican voters have learned to love authoritarianism on the merits, not just because thats their leaders preferred mode politically, we should expect the post-Trump future to be authoritarian as well. But without Trumps messianic magic to hold lowercase-A authoritarians in his thrall, without him insisting hour by hour that America is doomed unless he returns to power, its not clear that the rights sense of existential crisis and deliverance can persist. If it fades, and if their vicarious sense of martyrdom through him fades along with it, does their appetite for authoritarianism fade too? There are many millions of true conservatives disgracefully still participating in this rotten party because they believe that even the worst Republican is preferable to any Democrat. That logic has primed them to become lowercase-A authoritarians as Trumps political needs require. But if populists struggle to rally behind a new champion once hes gone, and if some charismatic new conservative emerges to lead the old guard, its conceivable that those conservative voters will revert to form. All they need to do is somehow discard the belief, carefully nurtured every day by Republican leaders and their media, that traditional civic norms are more of an impediment to making America great again than an instrument of doing so. Get comfortable: It wont happen soon. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. A womans car plummeted about 60 feet from a bridge, crashing into the riverbed below, during a possible road rage incident, according to Oklahoma officials and news reports. The precipitous fall occurred after two cars collided on the Arkansas River Bridge in Tulsa on Dec. 4, according to a news release from the Tulsa Fire Department. The car that fell a Ford Focus landed upside down in the dry riverbed, according to the fire department and a news release from the states Department of Public Safety. Dispatchers informed responding crews that 911 callers reported it may have been a road rage incident, officials said. When a rescue crew approached the fallen vehicle, a 20-year-old woman got out, appearing to have sustained non life threatening injuries, officials said. She was definitely fortunate to get out of that one with her life, Fire Department Captain Brandon Wright told KJRH-TV. It was like a 50 or 60-foot drop to the bottom, probably. Responders carried her about 900 feet to the riverbank, where medical personnel took over caring for her. The second vehicle involved, a Hyundai Sonata which remained on the bridge was driven by a 40-year-old woman, who refused medical treatment. Two passengers, ages 19 and 20, were also in the car, both of whom sustained head and body injuries. The driver was arrested later that day for assault with a deadly weapon, according to KJRH-TV, citing police. Two days later, she denied driving into the other vehicle in an interview with KOKI-TV. I just want to get it cleared up about what really happened that day, she told the outlet. She said the other driver had vandalized her grandmothers home and when she spotted her on the bridge, she followed her in order to get her license plate number. As I was going around her, the woman told the outlet, she slammed her car into the backside of my car and after that, everything lost control The woman, who has multiple driving violations, was released from police custody after posting bail, according to KOTV-DT, citing police. Panda Express customer armed with a knife attacks workers over food, Missouri cops say Elementary school principal hid cameras, recorded students in bathroom, feds say 15-year-old student getting off school bus is run over, killed by semi, Texas cops say The University of Chicago on Oct. 31 paid $3.4 million to buy a Hyde Park mansion with an architectural pedigree and deep political ties, including having been owned by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia from 1977 until 1983. (Cook County Assessor) The University of Chicago on Oct. 31 paid $3.4 million to buy a Hyde Park mansion with an architectural pedigree and deep political ties, including having been owned by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia from 1977 until 1983. Built around 1900, the 5,112-square-foot brick house, at 5725 S. Woodlawn Ave., was designed by the Rapp & Rapp architectural firm, which was widely known for designing movie palaces. The mansion was built for Cora Howland, who was the daughter of onetime Chicago Mayor John A. Roche, and her husband, lawyer and professor George C. Howland, who was part of U. of C.s original teaching staff and who also wrote editorials for a time for the Tribune, according to Susan OConnor Davis book Chicagos Historic Hyde Park. Advertisement Scalia, who taught at U. of C.s law school from 1977 until 1982, and his wife, Maureen, bought the mansion in 1977 from the Chicago Theological Seminary. After President Ronald appointed Scalia to be a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in 1982, the Scalias sold the home the following March for an undisclosed amount and moved to Virginia. Scalia was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1986. Since 1987, the Woodlawn Avenue mansion had been owned by the McGarry family. Advertisement Gerald McSwiggan, U. of C.s associate director for public affairs, declined to specify to Elite Street the universitys plans for the mansion. However, given its location so close to the campus its next door to the universitys Howard van Doren Shaw-designed Hillel building and two doors north of the Seminary Co-op Bookstores the mansion eventually will have some educational use, he said. The university owns and maintains multiple properties in that vicinity for University offices and programs, including the nearby Institute of Politics, the Department of Comparative Human Development and the Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, McSwiggan told Elite Street in a statement. The future use of the building at 5725 S. Woodlawn will likewise be used in support of the Universitys educational mission. The mansion had a $27,753 property tax bill in the 2022 tax year. Interestingly, the Cook County assessor assigns a value of $1.34 million to the house less than half the amount that the university paid for it. Scalia is far from the only U.S. Supreme Court justice over the years to have lived in the Chicago area. The late John Paul Stevens owned two houses in the South Side Beverly neighborhood before buying a house on South Garfield Avenue in Burr Ridge in 1973. He and his wife sold that house in 1976, the year after he was appointed to the Supreme Court. And current Justice Elena Kagan lived in a vintage building in Lincoln Park from 1991 until 1995, while teaching at the University of Chicago Law School. Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. New Castle County 911 operators have one new tool in their belt to help residents in need: live video streaming. The county announced the video capabilities during a Friday morning news conference, touting its 911 center as the first in Delaware to implement the technology. New Castle County was also the first in the state to begin using Smart911 about a decade ago, a service that allows residents to create safety profiles to better provide 911 operators with personal details. The rest of the state quickly followed suit in adopting that technology. While it's not immediately clear whether other 911 centers in Delaware are also working to add video, Donald Holden, acting chief of emergency services for New Castle County, said its 911 center is the busiest in the state. It handles about 50% of all emergency calls, he said. He added that New Castle County "generally lead(s) by example when it comes to technology," and that video streaming "will save lives, without a doubt." How does it work? There are several ways a user can share their video with 911 operators, Holden said. If a person dials 911 from a cellphone and a call-taker determines that video could aid in the emergency response, the operator will text a link to the phone number the person is calling from. The caller then has the option to share their video, though they can also decline. Operators cannot access video without a user clicking on the link, nor do they have access to a person's camera after the video is terminated. Once the call ends, the video is saved to a secure "cloud" or type of internet storage provided by the video technology operator, Rave 911. The recording can later be accessed for investigatory reasons or, if a crime has been committed and charges are filed, prosecution. A demonstration of how New Castle County 911 Center operators can now use live video streaming during emergency calls. Non-911 callers can also share their video with operators, Holden said. The process is largely the same, except that it would typically be a 911 caller giving a different phone number for operators to send the text to. Holden pointed to a scenario like the shooting at Christiana Mall in April, which garnered numerous 911 calls from people in all different locations at the mall, including those who had loved ones inside while they were elsewhere. If a parent who called 911 knew their child was in a particular area of the mall, for example, they could provide a 911 operator with the child's phone number. The operator would then send the text to the child's phone, even if the child hadn't dialed 911. The child would then decide whether or not to share their video. Holden said that 911 operators will always ask if it's safe to share video before requesting access, stressing that those in an emergency must act only in a manner that's safest for them. And sometimes, he said, operators won't ask for video at all, such as if first aid is needed. Because it takes a moment to send the link and connect to video, it's sometimes faster to have a caller who is able to perform first aid such as CPR or a tourniquet do so while the operator is on the line, Holden said. Emergency personnel who use the technology have been through training that covers these kinds of scenarios. Agencies nationwide using the technology New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said Friday that the county is "one of the only" in the U.S. to have new video capability, but a Google news search shows numerous other dispatch centers from Texas to Indiana to Minnesota to Iowa have already implemented the technology in the last several years. While Holden said he didn't speak to any other agencies about their experience with livestreaming, he "did research a little bit" into how it works. He then spoke with Rave 911, which the county already contracts with for various school technologies, including panic buttons, already familiar with, and "was pretty comfortable with their product." Currently, only New Castle County 911 center supervisors and assistant supervisors have been through training on how to use the video streaming, Holden said. Non-managers won't be using it, though that could change in the future. Got a tip? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com or 302-324-2785. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Live video added to New Castle County 911 call services in Delaware LAS VEGAS (KLAS) In support of the victims involved in Wednesdays deadly campus shooting at UNLV the Clark County School District is encouraging Rebel Red on Friday. The CCSD community is encouraged to wear UNLV gear or UNLV red on Dec. 8. 3 dead, 1 in stable condition after shooting on UNLV campus; suspect dead The districtwide effort was initiated by two Coronado High School students who reached out to CCSD leadership looking for ways to show unity. UNLV is a vital part of the southern Nevada community. Many of our students are future UNLV Rebels, and many of our educators, staff, administrators, and leadership are UNLV alumni, said Superintendent Dr. Jesus F. Jara. I urge every CCSD student, teacher, administrator, and staff member to wear red to show that the District stands in solidarity with UNLV. 2 UNLV professors killed in UNLV campus shooting identified Three people were killed and one remained hospitalized following Wednesdays shooting at UNLV, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan police. For more information on Rebel Red Friday click HERE. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned that a more infectious mpox virus strain has been found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The CDC said the new strain, Clade I MPXV, has not been detected in the United States, but clinicians should be aware of the strain for people who have traveled to Congo. The agency issued a travel health notice to people traveling to the DRC and said that people who recently traveled there should seek medical care if they develop a new, unexplained skin rash, or lesions, with or without fever and chills. Congo has reported 12,569 suspected mpox cases since the start of the year, a substantial increase from the 3,767 cases seen annually in the past, the CDC said. The outbreak is in 22 out of the countrys 26 provinces, including urban areas. The CDC listed the outbreak as a level two advisory, warning people to practice enhanced precautions, including not touching live or dead animals, avoiding eating or preparing wild game and to stay away from infected people and their belongings. There is an mpox vaccine available, but the CDC said the vaccination rate in the U.S. remain low. Only 1 in 4 people who are eligible to receive the vaccine have received both doses. The mpox virus quickly spread last year throughout the United States and other countries around the world in vulnerable populations, particularly among men who have sex with men though health officials have stressed the virus doesnt discriminate. Health officials urged gay and bisexual men to take precautions to stay safe. The World Health Organization deemed mpox no longer a global heath emergency in May. The virus has previously been associated with human-to-human contact, but the CDC said it has also been found in non-sexual routes of transmission. Mpox has been endemic in parts of central and west Africa for decades, where it made its way to humans from infected rodents and caused limited outbreaks. Symptoms often include fever, rash, headache, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes. Updated at 2:54 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden speaks at a 2022 groundbreaking ceremony for Intel's $20 billion microchip manufacturing project in New Albany. Technology firms have signaled a need for more highly skilled foreign workers to meet growing labor demand to fill their positions. Gov. Mike DeWine has taken to calling Ohio the Silicon Heartland. Technology firms have proliferated in Greater Columbus in recent decades. In early 2022, Intel announced it would invest $20 billion in Licking County for two new semiconductor factories. It has applied for funding from the CHIPS & Science Act, part of the Biden Administrations effort to build more of the tiny, ubiquitous devices domestically. In June this year, Amazon announced a $7.8 million investment in data centers in central Ohio. As central Ohio gears up to become a technology hub, industry leaders have signaled a need for more highly skilled foreign workers to meet growing labor demand that they say cannot be met by Americans alone. The burgeoning tech industries have renewed discussion of the countrys H-1B program, which is the primary pathway for admitting highly skilled, non-immigrant workers to the U.S. A July report by The Semiconductor Industry of America projected that the industrys workforce will grow from approximately 345,000 jobs today to 460,000 by 2030, and that 67,000 jobs or 58% risk going unfilled at current degree completion rates. Simply put, the workforce gap for individuals with advanced engineering and computer science degrees cannot be realistically addressed for the foreseeable future solely with U.S.-citizen graduates, it said. Similarly, a recent Brookings Institution report argued that increasing H-1B issuances from the current annual cap of 85,000 could help meet growing industry demand. But the H-1B visa program also faces criticism from a variety of quarters. Some argue that it is overused in the tech industry and is sometimes used to replace American workers. Others argue that the system is unfair to foreign workers by tying their immigration status to their employment, which makes it difficult for them to negotiate for higher wages or change jobs. U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance speaks during a 2022 campaign event. He has called the H-1B visa program an "unholy alliance between government and our biggest corporations." Ohios Republican Senator J.D. Vance campaigned against the H-1B program in his 2022 race, calling it an unholy alliance between government and our biggest corporations that allows companies to undercut the wages of American workers. Vances office did not respond to questions from The Dispatch for this article. Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown has also voiced concerns about abuses of the H-1B system, and is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at reining in fraud. A spokesperson for Brown told The Dispatch that the senator has supported a variety of jobs-skill training programs to support the Intel project in central Ohio. (Brown) also believes that we need to fix our broken immigration system by securing our southern border and passing comprehensive immigration reform that reforms the visa system in a way that meets the need of both Ohio workers and Ohio manufacturers and businesses, they said. The H-1B system, labor supply and demand The H-1B is a temporary, non-immigrant visa category that was created in 1990; it is available for specialty occupations that generally require at least a bachelors degree. Employers apply for the visas on behalf of their workers and must attest they will pay the foreigner the equivalent wage of an American worker. The annual cap on H-1B visas has been set at 65,000, plus 20,000 for masters and doctorate graduates of American universities numbers that have not been revised in decades. Because there are almost always more applicants than available visas, a lottery is used to distribute them. The lottery is based on chance, not necessarily who has the highest level of education or the highest salary among the applicant pool. Once issued, H-1Bs are generally valid for three years and can be extended up to six, or indefinitely if the worker also applies for permanent residency. Obtaining a green card can take many decades for U.S.-based Indian and Chinese workers, however, because of country-based annual application ceilings. Mark Partridge, a professor and urban economist at Ohio State University, told The Dispatch that H-1B holders and other foreign workers are necessary because not enough Ohioans are earning computer science and engineering degrees especially at the masters and doctoral level to meet industry demand. Nationwide, half of all engineering masters graduates and over 60% of PhD graduates are foreign citizens, according to the semiconductor industry report. At Ohio State, 66% of engineering PhDs and 37% of masters degrees awarded in the 2022-2023 school year went to international students. Graduates in the College of Arts and Sciences during Ohio State University's 418th Commencement on Sunday, May 6, 2018. At Ohio State, 66% of engineering PhDs and 37% of masters degrees awarded in the 2022-2023 school year went to international students. If central Ohio is to undergo such a transformation (into a technology hub), immigrants necessarily would have to play an important role, Partridge said. But Ronil Hira, a political science professor at Howard University, said that the labor gap described by the semiconductor industry is exaggerated. As evidence, he pointed to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting smaller job growth than the semiconductor industrys predictions. More generally, Hira says the tech industry is not currently facing a labor shortage, citing the hundreds of thousands of layoffs in the past two years. If employers are really complaining about shortages, we should be seeing wages going through the roof (but) there's just no indication of that happening, he added. Changing the system Even many supporters of the H-1B program acknowledge that there are problems with the system. One of the most dramatic changes over the past decade or so has been the rising use of H-1Bs by consulting companies. Today, some of the top visa-getters are major consulting firms like Cognizant Technology Solutions, HLC America and Tata Consultancy Services, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Rather than develop products themselves, they primarily provide temporary labor to major American tech companies. Giovanni Peri, an economics professor at the University of California at Davis, said that immigrants have been essential to innovation in places like Silicon Valley. He thinks that more H-1Bs are necessary to meet tech labor demand, but he also said consulting companies use of the visas is problematic. These firms are almost specialized in the business of getting these H-1B visas, and then subcontracting people who can do a quick job for big companies in times of need, Peri said. Although employers must attest that their use of foreign workers will not adversely affect their American employees, consulting companies have been able to skirt this stipulation. In one of the most notorious cases, Disney laid off hundreds of tech workers in Florida, then had them train their replacements, who were mostly foreign workers from HCL and Cognizant on H-1Bs. After laid-off American workers sued, a judge ruled in favor of the consulting companies, whose lawyers argued the law did not apply to them because their foreign workers displaced American workers at another firm not their own. Dan Kotchen, a Washington, D.C.-based attorney who has represented American workers in similar cases, said that companies maintain extraordinary control over H-1B holders, who can face deportation if they lose their jobs. Companies use this threat of deportation to instill fear into foreign employees and subject the employees to horrific working conditions, Kotchen said, likening it to indentured servitude. Julia Gelatt, an associate director at the Washington, D.C.-based Migration Policy Institute, acknowledged that abuse of the system can hurt both American and foreign workers. But she said its necessary to reform the application process and also make it easier for talented H-1B workers to get the security afforded by a green card. We're shooting ourselves in the foot in the United States to make it so difficult for employers to attract talented foreign workers, and for talented foreign workers to stay in the United States long term, she said. Britta Glennon, a professor of management at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School, said prioritizing H-1Bs based on factors like skills, education and salary level and pegging the visa cap to the country's economic performance could improve the system. As president, Donald Trump spoke out against the use of H-1Bs, and under his direction U.S. Customs and Immigration Services increased visa denial rates dramatically. Senator Vance also called out H-1B visas on the campaign trail, while investing in multiple companies that use them, according to Axios reporting. (He has defended this by saying he does not control the companies actions and never encouraged them to use the visas.) Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, holds a press conference in September. He has voiced concerns about abuses of the H-1B system, and is co-sponsoring a bill aimed at reining in fraud. The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act currently in the Senate is sponsored by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and co-sponsored by Sen. Brown and others. Among other things, it would force firms to be more transparent about their use of H-1Bs, increase the cost of applying, prioritize H-1B issuance for science and technology workers and increase penalties for employers who commit fraud. Despite versions of the bill being introduced multiple times since 2007, it has never passed. More: Some central Ohio tech workers waiting a lifetime for a green card Peter Gill covers immigration, New American communities and religion for the Dispatch in partnership with Report for America. You can support work like his with a tax-deductible donation to Report for America at:bit.ly/3fNsGaZ. pgill@dispatch.com @pitaarji This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: As central Ohio tech industry grows so does,debate over visa program That's So Cincinnati with Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber's Brendon Cull Meet me Downtown. Meet me Downtown? Such a simple sentence can be a statement or a question. But either way thats exactly what Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, hopes people will do in the coming months. Its a campaign designed to encourage people to spend more time in downtown Cincinnati during the work week. Cull joined The Enquirers "Thats So Cincinnati" podcast this week to talk about the campaign, and along with podcast co-host Beryl Love, to showcase a Dec. 14 public discussion dedicated to the Future of Downtown that the two organizations are co-hosting. We need people down here for Cincinnati to be economically strong, Cull said. Brendon Cull, president and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, is urging people to meet each other Downtown as part of a new chamber initiative to champion Downtown during the work day. Cull is urging people to meet each Downtown as part of a new chamber initiative to champion Downtown during the work day. Downtown Cincinnati has about 80,000 jobs at 3,000 businesses, Cull said. Restaurants and shops rely on the daytime crowd just as much as the nightlife, Cull said. Everyone has a stake in making our downtown a great place to be. Whether that's coming into an office, visiting our historic landmarks, eating in our restaurants, or taking in a show or sporting event, every action matters, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval said earlier this year. Cull, who has been in the job six months, also touted next years Blink, a lighted art show that illuminates downtown and other adjacent parts of the region, and shared news from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, that the federal government was infusing a half million dollars into a study of inner-state Amtrak passenger rail. Miss last week's episode? No problem. Listen here. Follow Cincinnati.com editor Beryl Love on X @beryllove and City Hall reporter Sharon Coolidge @SharonCoolidge. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Chamber, Enquirer to focus on Downtown future An Aurora man was listed in critical condition at a local hospital following a Wednesday shooting on the citys East Side, Aurora police said. Shortly after 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aurora Police Department emergency dispatchers received calls about shots fired and a gunshot victim near Fifth Avenue and Bangs Street in Aurora, police said in a post on Facebook Thursday. Advertisement Officers arrived at the scene and found a 22-year-old Aurora man suffering from gunshot wounds inside a vehicle, according to police. Aurora Fire Department paramedics transported the man to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition, police said Thursday. Advertisement No other injuries were reported during the incident. Detectives from the Aurora Police Departments Investigations Bureau responded to the scene and began investigating the specific circumstances of the incident, police said. Evidence technicians also responded to the scene to identify and collect forensic evidence from the shooting, according to the Facebook post. The investigation into the incident remains active, police said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Aurora Police Investigations Division at 630-256-5500. People can also call Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 or go to www.p3tips.com/135 to report information regarding the incident anonymously. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards up to $5,000 and anonymity to people who furnish information leading to the arrest of felony crime offenders and the capture of felony fugitives, official said. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Elder Patrick Kearon to serve as the newest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the Church announced on Friday, Dec. 8. Kearon, 62, fills a vacancy on the Quorum created after the death of President M. Russell Ballard, who passed away in November at the age of 95. Kearon will be sustained during the April 2024 general conference. Two Utahns save MLK birth home from possible arson attempt, Atlanta Police say As an Apostle for the Quorum of the Twelve, Kearon will have significant administrative responsibilities in overseeing the operation and development of the Church. The Quorum of the Twelve is the second-highest presiding body in the government of the Church. They serve under the direction of the First Presidency, which includes the Church President and two counselors. This sacred call is so very daunting and humbling to me, Kearon said in a statement. I will need to place all my trust in the Savior as I seek to become what He needs me to be and share my witness to His love and light. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Breaking News Alerts The Church said Kearon has served as the senior president of the Presidency of the Seventy since August 2020 and has been a General Authority Seventy since April 2010. Kearon was raised in the United Kingdom and the Middle East. During his adult life, he worked and lived in the U.K., Saudi Arabia and the United States in a range of industries, including a communication consultancy, according to the Church. Elder Kearon first came to an understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he lived in California with a Latter-day Saint family, the Church said in a press release. He said they lived a joyful existence founded on service. A few years later he met missionaries on the street in London and was eventually baptized on Christmas Eve 1987. Kearon met his wife, Jennifer, in London while she was on a six-month BYU study abroad. They married in the Oakland, California Temple in 1991 and have four children. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. The Enquirer and United Way of Greater Cincinnati have joined forces for the 37th year to help families in need with the Wish List program. After wishes are granted, remaining funds assist people with similar needs throughout the year. This is the fourth of eight stories. Early this year, 14-year-old Marvilise walked into Nellas Place for the first time. She recalls shedding some tears that day. I was very shy and a bit nervous being around new people. Id never been in a group home before. Nellas Place, located in a Cincinnati neighborhood, provides a safe, nurturing environment for girls and young women. They are referred to the home by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or social service organizations. The residents receive therapy to mend their bodies, minds and spirits. Id never really been in a stable place before, Marvilise said. I was just hoping to find a new beginning and a new life. Marvilise, 14, yearns for lifelong friendships with her peers. But to do that, her Wish List nominators say, she needs new clothes to find her sense of self and realize that she's an outstanding kid with an inspirational story about overcoming physical, emotional, and sexual abuse she has suffered at the hands of her abuser. For much of her life, she was surrounded by utter chaos. From life-threatening, abusive, frightening or dangerous moments, shes had every reason to give up, said Latisha Glynn, corporate compliance officer for Nellas Place, a United Way of Greater Cincinnati partner. She nominated Marvilise for Wish List. Rather than give up, Marvilise has demonstrated remarkable resilience. Since shes been here, shes been a great leader, Glynn said, noting the compassion she shows for other residents. Marvilise was born in San Diego, where she lived with her grandmother. For several years, starting in first grade, she says she was bullied by girls only slightly older than her. They pushed and kicked her, bashed her head, bloodied her. After her grandmother died, Marvilise moved to New Mexico. There, she said, a relative abused her for several years. Eventually, she came to Cincinnati and lived with her mother. They bounced from one run-down hotel to another until Marvilise was removed from her mothers custody. Now, nine months after arriving at Nellas Place, I have a new start in a place where I feel very comfortable, Marvilise said. She enjoys skateboarding, knitting and cooking. Shes in ninth grade and attends a large public school. Marvilise sits on the front porch of where she stays. Like all teens, she wants to be accepted by her peers. I get energy from being around people, she said. But she worries about not fitting in. Her classmates, she said, are kids from real homes. I live in a group home. I dont have a phone. I wear the same clothes repeatedly. Most of her clothes were stolen while she was staying in a hotel with her mother. With her new start in life comes her wish for items that could help boost her confidence and self-esteem. Marvilese's wish: Clothing, shoes, a phone. Estimated cost: $2,000. How to help Donations can be made online at www.uwgc.org/wishlist. You can also mail donations to: United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Attn: Wish List Pledge Processing, P.O. Box 632840, Cincinnati, OH 45263-2840. Please include Wish List in the memo line on checks. John Johnston is the content writer at United Way and a former Enquirer reporter. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati teen needs help as she starts new life A Cincinnati woman said she needed to call Kentucky authorities after the driver of a Lyft ride she ordered took her into Kentucky, on the way to an unknown place. In a series of social media posts, Bri Ledsome detailed the Lyft ride she ordered near her Cincinnati apartment on Wednesday. Ledsome told the Herald-Leader in messages that her ride began at 10:09 p.m and departed from a public space near her apartment. Ledsome said she was headed to see family in Ohio. Ledsome said the Lyft driver immediately drove into Kentucky. Ledsome said the driver laughed when she told him he was driving the wrong way. Ledsome told the Herald-Leader she saw two switch blades and pepper spray in the vehicle. Ledsome shared her location with other people and said she contacted 911 via the ADT function within the Lyft app. She also called 911 herself from inside the vehicle. Ledsome said she noticed the Lyft driver had two different GPS locations: one for the intended destination of the ride, and the other for another location, which Ledsome said was seven hours away. The Maysville Police Department framed the incident as a possible attempt by the driver to make more money. They said in a statement Friday that they were contacted at 11:05 p.m. about a passenger in a Lyft who was feeling unsafe and was riding in a gray van on Ky. 9. An officer spotted the van and stopped it because it was speeding, police said. Police said the driver told them he was headed to somewhere in Ohio with the passenger. He showed me the GPS and the address that was in the GPS. It did show the correct address she was going to according to Ledsome, police said in the statement. They said the driver told them he did not know what was wrong as he was just following the GPS. When asked if he was taking a longer route to the destination for more money, police said the driver began to act like he did not understand what I was saying. It appears that during the interview he was attempting another route to possibly make more money to which he denied during the investigation. Police said Ledsome told them that on previous trips, she was taken on Interstate 70 through Ohio straight to her destination. Ledsome advised that she began to feel unsafe and even scared when she realized that she was in Kentucky and going a different way than she knew. She advised that she did not tell the driver that she wanted out, instead hit the panic button on her Lyft app, the statement said. Ledsome saidpolice officers spoke to both her and the driver, asked to see identification for both of them and allowed Ledsome to charge a cell phone inside one of the police cars while they determined what happened. Ledsome said there were four police officers at the scene. Ledsome told the Herald-Leader the police officers at the scene tried to determine if the Lyft driver intentionally drove away from the intended location. Police said Ledsome told them she was going to file a complaint with Lyft in reference to this driver and his possible attempt to make additional money. They said in the statement that they concluded their investigation and talked to the driver about the situation, and then sent him on his way back to Cincinnati. Ledsome said the traffic stop occurred more than 65 miles from her home, and that she was further away from her intended destination than when the Lyft trip began. Following the traffic stop, Ledsome said a police officer drove the two to a nearby field, where they waited for the Lyft driver to stop at a gas station and leave Mason County. Ledsome said the officer she was with dropped her off at that same gas station and told the gas station attendant that she was able to stay there until a friend arrived to pick her up. Police confirmed in their statement that a deputy took Ledsome to a gas station to wait for her friend. Ledsome said she waited alone for an hour at the gas station before her friend arrived. I was not asked how I preferred to be left, Ledsome told the Herald-Leader, adding that she hasnt yet pressed charges. I am weighing my options and focusing on rest. Trust your gut, Ledsome added. If something feels off, it probably is. Educate yourself, stay vigilant. It can save your life. The City of Olympias Homeless Response Team is planning to close a portion of Wheeler Avenue next week to clean what has been named the Nickerson encampment. Kim Kondrat, the citys Homeless Response coordinator, said fewer than 30 people have been residing there and they have been offered alternative housing. She said the folks living there were offered spots at the Franz Anderson tiny home village, Maple Court Apartments and New Hope Village through the state Rights-of-Way safety initiative. Kondrat said those who were living in Nickerson were given a week to move and collect their belongings, and Friday, Dec. 8, was the last day. According to a news release from the City of Olympia, Wheeler Avenue will be closed to through vehicle and foot traffic from Central Street to Eastside Street from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, to Friday, Dec. 15. Wheeler Avenue lies just south of Interstate 5 in Olympia and runs alongside an urban trail. The clearing is in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation. The move is also part of the citys One Community Plan, which aims to help address the communitys housing, health and safety needs. Those traveling in the area will be able to exit and enter Wheeler Avenue from Eastside Street. Local traffic from Central Street will be asked to circle around to Boulevard Road to enter and exit the area. Kondrat said crews will start with removing structures in the area, and cleanup will take at least all of next week. CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) The Clarksville Police Department is searching for a woman accused of partaking in fraudulent business practices. According to police, on Thursday, May 25, Natasha Hinton, owner of Royalties Event Center LLC, located in the 1400 block of Madison Street, was found guilty in Clarksville City Court of operating an assembly without a certificate of occupancy. Police said the building was not approved for use per International Fire Codes and International Building Codes, adding that Hinton was told she could not hold any events at the location until the structure became code compliant. Teen charged with 14 vehicle burglaries in Clarksville Hinton, however, never corrected the matters and reportedly knew the structure was not fit for use, but continued to rent the facility to numerous unsuspecting customers for events, charging them thousands of dollars, according to investigators. On Saturday, Nov. 4, police said Clarksville Fire Rescue pulled the power to the building due to continued use by Hinton. Several victims have since come forward and told detectives they had paid money after the May 25 date to use the Royalties Event Center for different events, including a 15-year-olds quinceanera celebration, a familys Thanksgiving dinner, and a Venders Christmas Market. Detectives worked with the District Attorneys Office and took out four separate theft warrants for Hintons arrest, one for each of the known victims since May 25, according to authorities. The police department said there may be other victims who may have paid Hinton to use the Royalties Event Center she already knew it was not compliant or safe for occupancy, adding that she may be continuing to rent the building. | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County Anyone who believes they are a victim regarding this establishment or who knows of Hintons whereabouts is asked to call Detective Kurtich at 931-648-0656 ext. 5556. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, call Crime Stoppers at 931-645-8477 or click here to submit an anonymous tip. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A new Starbucks featuring an outdoor patio and drive-thru service is coming to Oswego. Core Oswego LLC recently was granted approval of a final planned unit development and plat of subdivision to build a new building to house Starbucks just off Orchard Road north of Route 34 in the village. An oil change facility will also be built on the property. Advertisement The plans are to create a new prototype building for Starbucks with a larger interior and an outdoor patio, as well as drive-through service. The 1.65-acre site is currently an outlot just north of Jewel-Osco, village officials said. Were excited to welcome a new Starbucks to Oswego, Village President Ryan Kauffman said in a village statement. Advertisement A Valvoline Instant Oil Change will also be built on the property next to Starbucks under the same plan and plat that was approved by the Village Board on Nov. 27. The proposal went before the villages Planning and Zoning Commission initially June 8 and received a favorable recommendation for a Valvoline oil change facility and an AutoZone store. However, the AutoZone was replaced with a Starbucks, which required additional review. The new plan drew a favorable recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission on Sept. 7, according to village documents. The developer requested the site be converted for two separate businesses. The proposal is to construct a 2,540 square-foot restaurant building for Starbucks and a 2,087 square-foot oil change facility. The main entrance to the site will be on Station Drive. The petitioner plans to provide 47 parking stalls, which exceeds code requirements, according to village documents. The Orchard Road corridor continues to attract new businesses and services to the southwest side of Oswego to serve our residents, Kauffman said. Construction on the development is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring 2024 and is expected to be completed next fall, village officials said. Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. LIBERTY, Mo. A 48-year-old Clay County man is facing multiple charges for allegedly trying to burn down a house with his wife and her elderly aunt trapped inside. Clay County prosecutors charged Darin Thomsen with first-degree assault on a special victim, arson, attempted assault and domestic assault. Kansas City police search for package thief caught on camera According to court documents, Clay County deputies responded to a house just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Arnote Road and N. Brookside Road in Pleasant Valley. Thomsens wife called 911 from the home saying her estranged husband was in the house when he was not supposed to be and was threatening her with violence. She barricaded herself, and her 78-year-old aunt with dementia, in a bathroom out of fear for their safety and began to smell smoke, court documents say. The victim said Thomsen was not supposed to be at the house due to him being an alcoholic and aggressive, court documents say. Thomsen told the victim Im gonna fry you like a steak. When deputies arrived on scene they could smell something burning and the victim yelling for help from the bedroom window. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Court documents say Thomsen refused to follow commands from deputies and kicked one when they tried to detain him. The Clay County Sheriffs Office said a large dog was also in the home and had become aggressive, attempting to bite deputies during the arrest. They were able to get it safely shut away in another room. Pleasant Valley firefighters were able to evacuate the two victims and put the fire out that had been started in the living room. The fire had burned a cabinet and painting and was making its way up the wall toward the ceiling before firefighters put it out. 21-year-old charged after police shooting at KCK apartment building Throughout the home, deputies located multiple accelerants and lighters including a torch lighter in the living room, a zippo lighter in the hallway, flammable cleaner in the living room, lighter fluid on the back porch and a red plastic gas can on the back porch with the cap off. An investigator from the Missouri Department of Public Safetys Division of Fire Safety determined the fire was started with an accelerant and was intentional. Thomsen is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Clay County jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. for a bond reduction hearing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Shay Dornfeld, from left, Josh Jury, Emmy Dornfeld, Mirabel Jury and Griffin Jury celebrate Hanukkah in 2022. Josh Jury said he's grateful to be celebrating Hanukkah with family after fleeing from Israel amid the war. (Josh Jury) Josh Jury, of Homewood, said he was looking forward to celebrating Hanukkah in Israel this year while he was there for a study aboard program. But the Israel Hamas war forced him to flee from Israel and finish his semester at URJ Heller High, a high school educational experience for Jewish sophomores, juniors and seniors to learn in Israel, remotely. Advertisement I was just really excited to celebrate in Israel, Jury said. But now Im with my family, and I think more than ever its important that were together. Thursday evening was the start of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish holiday known as the festival of lights. It was also two months to the day when Hamas militants stormed through the blockaded Gaza strip into Israel, initiating a surprise land and air attack. Advertisement Jury also pointed out the war began on the Jewish holiday Simhat Torah. But the war has solidified for Jury the importance of continuing Jewish celebrations and traditions, he said. I remember when I was in Israel on Simhat Torah, someone said to me, The whole point in these missiles being fired into Israel is to prevent us from celebrating a holiday, to prevent us from holding a Jewish space, Jury said. We need to keep celebrating. We need to keep celebrating our identities. The story of Hanukkah is of the Maccabees, or Jewish soldiers, fighting and winning a war against the Greeks over Jerusalem, Jury said. During the war, a miracle occurred when one drop of oil lasted eight nights, said Rabbi Jenny Steinberg-Martinez, with Joliet Jewish Congregation. Jury said its all about hope and miracles. Hanukkah is all about resisting hate, so its like fighting back oppression and having safe space for Jewish people and Jewish tradition, Jury said. I think theres a lot of people hoping for a miracle with this war that its just going to end. Joliet Jewish Congregation Rabbi Jenny Steinberg-Martinez, left, and Cantor Jessica Tobacman in front of a sign the children made during the 2022 Hanukkah celebrations. (Jenny Steinberg-Martinez) Steinberg-Martinez said Hanukkah has become a bigger celebration in the United States, compared to Israel, because Hanukkah competes with Christmas. Hanukkah is a time for children to learn more about their Jewish heritage and traditions, she said. But, with the back drop of the war, Steinberg-Martinez said the story feels even more important this year. I think its a great message for whats going on, because it really does seem kind of hopeless to a lot of people, Steinberg-Martinez said. Hanukkah is a great opportunity to reflect on when theres light theres hope. Miracles do happen. Things can change. Advertisement Had he been able to stay in Israel for Hanukkah, Jury said hed likely spend time with friends singing songs, lighting the Menorah and going to parties. What he was most looking forward to was going with friends to bakeries to eat sufganiyot, an Israeli doughnut eaten during Hanukkah. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Now that hes back home, Jury said he looks forward to celebrating Hanukkah with his family. Growing up, Jury said his grandmother hosted the family for a Hanukkah party. Since her passing seven years ago, Jury said his parents took over the role of hosting. Im really grateful to be safe and to be spending the holiday with my family, Jury said. With the war, Steinberg-Martinez said the Jewish community looks forward to finding a moment of joy and continuing to pray for peace. I think people are just exhausted from the news and from the coverage. I think they are relieved it seems like some people are being released and that theres some movement, Steinberg-Martinez said. While many in the Jewish community are feeling hopeless, Steinberg-Martinez said its important to remember, like the story of Hanukkah, anything is possible. Advertisement It only takes one drop of light to dispel an entire room of darkness. Hanukkah is a great message that we can change things, Steinberg-Martinez said. akukulka@chicagotribune.com This is the most ineffective Congress led by House Republicans. They are doing nothing to focus on the issues that the majority of Americans care about, said U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev. Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) are blasting House Republicans for proposing to authorize their impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden. The speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters on Tuesday that the White House is allegedly stonewalling an investigation into Bidens familys financial business pursuits by not permitting witnesses to come forward. WASHINGTON, DC OCTOBER 30: U.S. President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris introduces him during an event about his administrations approach to artificial intelligence in the East Room of the White House on October 30, 2023 in Washington, DC. President Biden issued a new executive order on Monday, directing his administration to create a new chief AI officer, track companies developing the most powerful AI systems, adopt stronger privacy policies and both deploy AI and guard against its possible bias, creating new safety guidelines and industry standards. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Those witnesses include Hunter Biden, the presidents son, James Biden, the presidents brother, and other officials close to the matter. CBC chairman U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford, D-Nev., said Republicans dont have an agenda here. This is the most ineffective Congress led by House Republicans. They are doing nothing to focus on the issues that the majority of Americans care about: lowering costs on housing, childcare, healthcare, said Horsford. He added, They want to dismantle the very investments that we made when Democrats were in control of the House and in the Senate. U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., told theGrio, I think its ridiculous. Theyre making a mistake because I think the American people and many moderate Republicans and independents know that this is just another part of the extreme MAGA Republicans agenda that doesnt make sense, he explained. Meeks continued, Theres been no evidence worthy of moving forward with an impeachment inquiry. WASHINGTON MARCH 24: Ranking member Gregory Meeks, D-N.Y., arrives for the House Foreign Affairs Committee markup hearing in the Capitol Visitor Center on Friday, March 24, 2023. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., said the investigation led by House Republicans, which has not resulted in any evidence of illegality or wrongdoing by President Biden, is unfortunate. As we waste time on [the impeachment inquiry], were not spending time on affordable housing, healthcare, gun violence the things that people really care about, Frost told theGrio. During a recent Fox News interview, House Speaker Johnson said an impeachment inquiry is a necessary step. Johnson said the House committees did an extraordinary job of following the evidence where it leads. But, now were being stonewalled by the White House because theyve prevented at least two to three DOJ witnesses from coming forwardthe White House has withheld thousands of pages of evidence, he added. I think its something we have to do at this juncture. Some GOP House members believe that formally authorizing the impeachment inquiry into President Biden is the next step before proposing impeachment articles against the Democratic leader. U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., said the six-hour-long first impeachment inquiry hearing held in September was pretty much a complete disaster. WASHINGTON, DC MAY 11: U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks as Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol May 11, 2022 in Washington, DC. Boebert held a news conference to discuss defunding the Homeland Security Departments Disinformation Governance Board. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) They had three expert witnesses who basically told them what the impeachment standard was and told them they didnt have enough evidence to meet the standard, Ivey told theGrio. Congressman Frost said he was quite surprised that Republicans moved forward with the impeachment inquiry, saying, I thought they learned their lesson, but obviously not. You should not start an impeachment inquiry if you have absolutely no evidence. Theres not a shred of evidence here, he added. They want to impeach him because hes a Democrat. Theyre going to find anything they can find. Theyre going to manipulate it and make it seem like evidence. Frost continued, All people should know is there is no evidence right now that connects the president to any wrongdoing here. Some CBC members believe House Republicans are using the impeachment inquiry as a distraction. Theyre having trouble getting anything else done, said Congressman Ivey. Theres not really much there. Sadly, we have four emergency supplementals that have been sitting on the table waiting to be addressed, and theyre not getting to it, he said, referring to the $105 billion requested by Biden to fund Ukraines military defense in its war against Russia, Israels war in Gaza, security for the U.S.-Southern border and security defense for Taiwan. When asked on Wednesday about the impeachment inquiry after delivering remarks urging Congress to pass the supplemental spending bills, President Biden called the allegations against him a bunch of lies. CBC Chairman Horsford said Republicans dont have a legislative agenda, adding, They have to distract attention toward these unfounded impeachment inquiries. U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga, similarly told theGrio, Theyre desperately looking for a distraction to divert the American peoples attention away from the fact the House Republican Conference has been totally ineffective in moving any legislation that benefits the people of America. On the contrary, Senator Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., told theGrio that Democrats in Congress are getting things done and are focused on helping Americans live better lives. UNITED STATES NOVEMBER 13: Rep.-elect Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, speaks during a news conference with newly elected incoming members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus at the AFL-CIO building in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, November 13, 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) Im proud of the work that weve been able to do this Congress and last Congress. Lowering costs, [including] prescription drugs [and] investing in American manufacturing, he said. Its high time we had folks who are focused on the people rather than the most craven-hell politics that were seeing over in the House, Warnock added. It would be laughable, except there are people who have real issues and are trying to make their lives work. Its not funny at all. House members are slated to vote on an impeachment inquiry next week. They need a simple majority vote to pass the resolution. If passed, the resolution would more than likely fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, told theGrio, Whether theres an informal impeachment inquiry vote or not, theyre still in the same predicament, which is that they still dont have anything. They have searched through over 30,000 pages of bank records, and they have been investigating Hunter Biden since Trump was in office, said Crockett, a member of the House Oversight Committee. But when we look at [former New York Congressman] George Santos, they were able to quickly find out that this guy was a fraud as they perused through his bank records, she added. I think its very telling that we cant just take the time to work on what the American people are looking for, which is more solutions, said Crockett. Instead, they just continue to hand out more problems. 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Jamaal Bowman fall short Ashlee Banks Politics Stevie Wonders request to meet with Biden is no laughing matter April Ryan TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, and Android TV. Please download theGrio mobile apps today! The post Congressional Black Caucus members slam House GOPs Biden impeachment inquiry appeared first on TheGrio. If you havent used Temu yourself, you probably know somebody who has. The Chinese-owned retailer offers mind-bogglingly low prices and incentivizes users to promote the app and recruit family and friends. But Temu has also been plagued this year by hundreds of consumer complaints over poor quality and shipping delays, Boston 25 News reports. Some of the stuff on there is really cute, its really tempting, said Boston University student Kyla Quelle. Quelle said shes avoided Temu because so many of her classmates complained about not getting their orders. ALSO READ: Your704 Holiday Guide: Where to shop local in Charlotte [Ive heard] the quality is not that great and sometimes the packages dont even come in. Its kind of like Etsy, but not as reliable, Quelle said. The Mass. Attorney Generals Office said it received nearly a dozen consumer complaints about Temu in 2023. The Better Business Bureau has received and closed 1,160 complaints in the last 12 months, according to its website. Most of what we are hearing is quality control or customer service issues, said BBB spokesperson Logan Hickle. Temu burst onto the scene in 2022 and has been one of the most downloaded shopping apps in the country. Its owned by Chinese-based Pinduoduo, Inc., with a corporate office listed in Boston. Temu says it has more than 100 million customers worldwide. Even my mother is purchasing on it, so its not just young people on TikTok. It is expanding to other demographics as well, Hickle said. One day last month, I brought a photographer with me to 31 St. James Ave. I wanted to speak with someone inside the Boston Temu headquarters. A security guard stopped me at the front desk and when the guard tried to call upstairs, he said he didnt have a working number for the company. I found an 888 number online, which sent me to a call center in the Philippines. I left my contact information with a customer representative. It seemed there was no way to reach anyone inside the Boston office. ALSO READ: NoDa-Hood Market gave residents a head start on holiday shopping But according to consumer experts, the packages ordered from Temu dont come from inside this country anyway. It doesnt sit in a U.S. warehouse. It comes directly from China to your doorstep so thats how they can get those lower prices, Hickle said. On Monday afternoon, a Temu spokesperson in New York City responded to Boston 25, addressing concerns about its BBB rating and shipping delays. Temu has been actively engaged with BBB to respond to concerns raised by consumers. Temus BBB customer review rating of 2.57/5 should be considered in relation to its industry peers and not in isolation. Temus rating is much higher than the two largest e-commerce retailers in the industry. They also have several more times complaints lodged against them with the BBB compared to Temu, the Temu spokesperson said. Our logistics and deliveries are working normally and there are no issues with shipping and delivery. Consumers can also shop with peace of mind with our Purchase Protection Program and track the delivery status of their purchases through our website, app or notifications. Consumer blogger Andrea Woroch did some test shopping with Temu back in May. She ordered a white shelf to organize her childrens arts and crafts supplies. Woroch said the shelf arrived within a week and was exactly what she ordered. ALSO READ: Cut the cost of back-to-school shopping by thrifting Theyre able to keep prices down because theyre cutting out the middle-man. Theyre connecting shoppers directly with wholesalers and manufacturers who are then sending those products out, Woroch said. But Woroch believes the company is having trouble keeping up with demand. Shes heard stories about disappointed shoppers. The problem isnt necessarily the quality, although you do want to pay attention to that, too. Its that theyre having major issues with shipping and delivery, Woroch said. Because of those shipping and delivery concerns, Woroch said shoppers should think twice about relying on Temu for holiday shopping. I would say buyer beware, because there are people saying theyre getting good deals, but again, its not a guarantee, Woroch said. If youre planning to take advantage of their deals for holiday shopping, that would probably be a big no-no. Temu has also said theyve noticed apps and websites impersonating their brand to cheat customers. Theyre urging people to report suspicious texts and calls and fake websites to them. Click here to do that. (WATCH BELOW: As holiday shopping season approaches, Northlake Mall bouncing back) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Add Conway to the list of Arkansas communities planning to host a Whataburger. The city of Conway stated Friday that it had approved a Whataburger plan for location at 813 E. Oak Street on the east side of the Interstate 40 exit. City officials say the 1.11-acre lot will house a 24-hour restaurant with two drive-through lanes. Whataburger officially opens in Little Rock, 10th location in Arkansas Whataburger began its move into central Arkansas in April, with additional locations opening during the year, including North Little Rock and Benton. It currently has eight locations in west and northwest Arkansas. Conway Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Brad Lacy was pleased with the Whataburger announcement. As Arkansas fastest growing city, Conways economy is on fire with companies like Westrock Coffee adding significant numbers of jobs, Lacy said. With this type of job and population growth, we arent surprised to see brands like Whataburger join our thriving restaurant community. Conway spokesperson Bobby Kelly III said the Whataburger move reflects Conway being the fastest-growing city in the state. Conway is happy to welcome a new business to the city, he said. Businesses should know that Conway is growing and welcoming, with commercial property available. Whataburger to open Maumelle Blvd. location An earlier request by Whataburger to Conway for a location on the citys west side was turned down due to traffic concerns. That site was approved for a Brauns in August. The chain began with its first restaurant in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1950. It has since gone on to open over 930 locations across the south. It has over 50,000 employees, according to company sources. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. By Kate Abnett, Maha El Dahan and Jake Spring DUBAI (Reuters) -OPEC is rallying its members and oil producing allies to veto a proposed deal to phase out fossil fuels at the COP28 climate summit, highlighting deep divisions over the future of oil and gas. At least 80 countries are demanding a COP28 deal that calls for an eventual end to fossil fuel use, as scientists urge ambitious action to avert the worst impacts of climate change. The latest draft of what could be a final COP28 agreement, which was released on Friday, included options to do so. "It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences," OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais wrote in a letter to members of the group, including COP28 host the UAE. In the letter, dated Dec. 6, he called on them to reject any language that targeted fossil fuels in a final summit deal. OPEC said in a reply to Reuters questions about the letter that it would continue to advocate reducing emissions, not choosing energy sources. "The world requires major investments in all energies, including hydrocarbons, all technologies, and an understanding of the energy needs of all peoples," OPEC's secretary general said in the statement. Earlier, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber urged delegates from nearly 200 countries to work hard to reach a consensus before the scheduled end of the two-week summit on Dec. 12. "Let's please get this job done," he said on Friday before the release of the draft. "I need you to step up, and I need you to come out of your comfort zones." Even though fossil fuels are the top source of planet-warming emissions, three decades of U.N. climate summits have never addressed their future head on and a decision to phase out them out would be unprecedented. OPTIONS COP28's draft deal includes a range of options - from agreeing to a "phase out of fossil fuels in line with best available science", to phasing out "unabated fossil fuels", to including no language on them at all. France's climate ambassador Stephane Crouzat said countries such as Saudi Arabia feel they can go on producing fossil fuels while cleansing emissions with new carbon capture technologies. "We feel it's just not realistic," Crouzat told Reuters. Canadian environment minister Steven Guilbeault said he was confident the final text would include agreement on fossil fuels. "Even if it's not as ambitious as some would want, it will still be an historic moment." Other countries said they were insisting that any fossil fuel phase-out should be led by the wealthy countries which have exploited their resources for decades. "Every country cannot be put on the same standard when it comes to the transition," Malaysian Climate Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad told Reuters. With countries still divided, a representative of the powerful G77+China bloc of developing countries said the "phase-down/phase-out" language needed to be rewritten. "The whole issue would have to be rephrased," said Paulo Pedroso, a Cuban diplomat representing the group of 134 developing countries. "The issue is more complex," said Pedroso, adding that countries with fewer means should be given more time to shift to clean energy, while richer ones should move faster. A compromise must also include increasing financial and technological support for developing and poorer nations to build the necessary infrastructure, he said. "When you just refer to phase-down, phase-out, that looks a little bit out of context to me," Pedroso said. "Because people don't understand what you mean." 'BEYOND HUMAN LIMIT' Meanwhile, the U.N. climate agency's chief reminded countries that the science behind the world's goal of holding warming to within 1.5 degree Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) of pre-industrial temperatures is clear. "From the planet's perspective 1.5 is a tangible limit. It is not simply a choice," said Simon Stiell, a Grenadian national who is executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Breaching the 1.5C threshold would mean that "2 billion people will live in areas ... beyond the human limit," he said. In other debates, eastern European countries are working to resolve an impasse over where to hold next year's COP29 summit after Russia said it would block any EU member as COP president. As of Friday, diplomats said Azerbaijan was likely to win in its bid to host the event. Bulgaria and Moldova have also offered to take on the rotating presidency. (Reporting by Kate Abnett, Gloria Dickie, David Stanway, William James, Valerie Volcovici; Sarah MacFarlane; Jake Spring; Editing by Richard Valdmanis, Katy Daigle, Gerry Doyle, Barbara Lewis, Kirsten Donovan, Alexander Smith) COVINGTON, Tenn. A Covington, Tennessee, man who survived a deadly tornado earlier this year is now in desperate need of a living kidney donor. Joshua Williams is taking life one day at time while facing a major health crisis and playing a waiting game. He has been diagnosed with stage five chronic kidney disease. I was in stage four kidney failure, and now its stage five, right now at the moment, he said. It takes a while, we know that. But I dont want to run out of time here. He has been on the kidney transplant list through Methodist University Hospital for about three years. They said what I need is a living donor because a living donor at my age, I can get twenty-five years out of that kidney, he said. Hes just getting over a near death experience after a tornado ripped through Covington earlier this year, sending a dumpster crashing through his bedroom wall and shattering every window in his apartment. RELATED: City of Covington impassable due to tornado damage It hit so fast. It was like a freight train coming through the house, Williams said. Looking back, the tornado, he says, was nothing compared to the emotional and physical challenge of stage five chronic kidney disease. Williams says hes thankful for his support team, including his mom, his sister and, of course, his dog Champ. Were just going through the holidays the best we can, and were just hoping for a Christmas miracle, said his mother, Valinda Spencer. Its a miracle that cant come soon enough. Its very hard. We cry a lot. We cry with Josh. We cry in a room by ourselves. We pray a whole lot, Spencer said. The next step for Williams while he waits for news is kidney dialysis. If youre interested in finding out if you qualify as a kidney living donor, contact Melissa Moore with Methodist University Hospital at 901-478-2879 or melissa.moore@mlh.org. You can also go to the Methodist University Hospital website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Hamas, Israeli army intensify fighting in Gaza as conflict enters 3rd month Xinhua) 08:29, December 08, 2023 People inspect damage after an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 4, 2023. The Palestinian death toll has risen to 15,899 as a result of the Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Hamas-run health ministry said Monday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has intensified its battle against the Israeli army as the deadly conflict enters the third month on Thursday. Overnight, the Israeli army continued its ground incursion into various areas of the Gaza Strip, leading to at least 50 Palestinians killed and dozens of others wounded, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. This photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Dec. 3, 2023 shows Israeli troops conducting military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israel's military chief Herzi Halevi said on Sunday that the military has expanded the ground operation against Hamas to the southern Gaza Strip, an area previously considered as a "safe zone." (Xinhua) Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee said that the Israeli forces clashed with an armed cell emerging from a tunnel in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, where several militants were eliminated and the tunnel opening was destroyed. He added that the naval forces launched attacks on infrastructure and military complexes using precision weapons and missiles, as part of the support to forces operating on the ground. In a photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday on its X account, five of the 11 Hamas commanders shown in the picture were claimed to have been "eliminated." They were hiding in a tunnel located near the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza during the strike, said the post. Meanwhile, al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsible for sniping at six Israeli soldiers, setting up booby-trapping, and blowing up a house with a barrel bomb in eastern Khan Younis where several other soldiers were barricaded. The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that 10 Israeli soldiers, including officers, were killed by the Palestinian militants in Gaza, bringing the number of Israeli army deaths to 411 since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a high-level meeting of the Security Council at the UN headquarters in New York, Nov. 29, 2023. Guterres said Wednesday that the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2712, which calls for urgent and extended humanitarian pauses and corridors throughout Gaza, is "woefully insufficient." (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Also on Thursday, Palestine, Iran, and Qatar welcomed the initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call for a session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip based on Article 99 of the UN Charter. On Wednesday, Guterres wrote to the president of the UNSC to demand action, invoking Article 99 for the first time since he became UN secretary-general in 2017. Article 99 states that "the UN secretary-general may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter that in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." This photo taken on Dec. 2, 2023 shows an infant at a temporary hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Since Oct. 7, Israel has been launching a large-scale attack against Hamas in Gaza under the name "Iron Swords," which has left 17,177 Palestinians dead, and more than 46,000 injured, said the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Thursday. The conflict began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Renee Donaldson, who helped oversee development of a behavioral health unit at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown) Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest will open the doors Tuesday on a $20 million behavioral health unit expected to provide greater access to care for adults with mental health issues. The 27-bed unit features private patient rooms, recreational spaces and a fitness center and is expected to provide inpatient services to 800 patients annually, according to Advocate Health Care. Advertisement People with mental health issues might find themselves in a hospital emergency room, facing a wait of hours or even days before being admitted, said Dr. David Kemp, medical director of behavioral services for Advocate. I hear countless times about the barriers they encounter when trying to access health care for behavioral health services, said Kemp, a psychiatrist who sees patients at Advocate Healths Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. Advertisement He said several psychiatrists, nurses, therapists and Advocate Health leadership team members gave input over the past year into construction of the unit at the Hazel Crest hospital. There was a tremendous amount of work done to bring this to fruition, Kemp said. Even when a bed becomes available for somebody in need of mental health care, that bed might be in a hospital well outside the south suburbs or in northwest Indiana, Kemp said. That puts a burden on families who want to come visit their family member, he said. A fitness room in a behavioral health unit at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest will open Tuesday. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown) Marianne Bithos, president of the south suburban chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, echoed Kemps views. I hope this will relieve some of that, she said. Its going to help more families. Kemp said obstacles for inpatient care are not just in the Chicago area. Such limitations in accessing behavioral health care exist across the country. With the opening of the Hazel Crest behavioral health unit, the inpatient psychiatric unit in place at Christ in Oak Lawn will be relocated. There will be more beds available in Hazel Crest than at Christ, and they will be private single-patient rooms, something the Christ setting didnt afford, said Kemp and Renee Donaldson, project lead for the South Suburban unit. Advertisement Along with individual rooms, the space includes common areas with televisions and bookshelves, and a fitness area. Inpatient services are available to adults 18 and older. A common area with a television and book cases in the new behavioral health unit at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest. (Mike Nolan/Daily Southtown) Apart from inpatient services, Advocate expects an additional 5,000 patients could receive care each year through partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient mental health services. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy > Both Kemp and Bithos said once discharged from inpatient care, its important for people with mental illness to receive support outside of a hospital setting. The partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient is meant to fill that gap once a patient is discharged, Kemp said. The patient might need more structured support and were investing in that kind of programming as well. That continuum of care is the most important part, said Bithos, the parent of an adult daughter living with schizophrenia. Advertisement Kemp said help such as group therapy in an outpatient setting would be part of the aftercare services. Bithos said patient outcomes improve once they have access to programs after being discharged. The success stories are what is going to help people living with mental illness, she said. Letting these people know they can get on with their lives. mnolan@tribpub.com Dak Prescott teamed up with Lead From Behind to make a PSA about colon cancer. Lead From Behind is an organization dedicated to spreading awareness about colon cancer and was started by Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds. This is an issue that hits home for Prescott, as his mother Peggy died from colon cancer in 2013. Reynolds trademark humor can be seen in the PSA. The video begins with Prescott joking about how much crap fans talk (he used the more explicit term, but we cant print that here) and how to put that to good use. Prescott tells anyone 45 or older to consult with their doctor to get screened for colon cancer. For those who get approved for home screening, Left From Behind and Dak made stickers correlating with Cowboys rivals like the Eagles and 49ers for fans to do the deed on top of. Reynolds ends the video with narration thanking Prescott and explaining that at-home screenings are only for those who are at an average risk of colon cancer. Route 17 saw a string of issues Friday morning between its northern section in Ramsey to the southern part of the county in Carlstadt, including multiple crashes and a watermain break that led to road closures and detours through the morning. First, a crash involving a stolen car and a downed utility pole closed Route 17 in both directions near Saddle River, according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation and police. The crash resulted in a fire and telephone pole wires covering the highway. The vehicle was reportedly stolen, and the suspect has been taken into custody, according to Saddle River police. Utility companies quickly arrived on scene to attempt repairs. The crash was reported shortly before 5 a.m. near Allendale Avenue. The DOT reported delays of about 15 to 20 minutes around 8 a.m. NJ news Shipworms ravaged wooden sailing ships for eons. Now they're destroying NJ, NY wharves Around the same time, the Ramsey Office of Emergency Management alerted drivers to a closure on Route 17 south at Lake Street for an "extended period of time." This alert came after a 55-year-old pedestrian was killed while attempting to cross the northbound lanes of Route 17 and was hit by a Honda CRV traveling in the left lane. Both the north and southbound lanes were affected by this crash but were reopened around 9:30 a.m. No other injuries were reported. Route 17 southbound is completely shut down for an investigation in Ramsey, NJ on Friday Dec. 8, 2023. Finally, a water main break on Route 17 south in Carlstadt caused additional closures and traffic delays. Residents and commuters took to social media to vent, leaving comments on posted traffic alerts. On one post a Facebook user said, "It was madness this morning. I've never seen so many police!" "The whole area is a complete disaster," said another under the same alert. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Route 17 crash near Saddle River NJ one of multiple issues OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) A Crestview man has pleaded no contest to second-degree murder with a firearm, according to Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. Johnny Lee Akins (Photo courtesy of the Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office) Cailee Knight murder suspects speak after arrests On Aug. 21, 2021, a friend of Johnny Lee Akins visited his home, after which a witness said she heard what sounded like a firecracker before seeing Akins in his bedroom. Another witness, who entered the room, said they saw Akins wrapping a body in a comforter. Akins left the home with the victims body in a vehicle and headed toward Pensacola, according to a news release from Bowden Maddens office. Akins fled from Escambia County deputies in Pensacola before being detained, the release said. Deputies found the dead victim, with obvious gunshot wounds, wrapped in a comforter in the vehicles trunk. BREAKING: 2 charged with Cailee Knights murder, Mobile police say Akins who was arrested and has remained in custody since the incident faces the mandatory minimum of 25 years and a maximum of life under Floridas 10-20-Life law. Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 29, 2024. The Crestview Police Department handled the investigation and arrest, with help from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Escambia County Sheriffs Office. Assistant State Attorney Michelle Sandler prosecuted this case on behalf of Bowden Madden. What is Floridas 10-20-Life law? Floridas 10-20-Life law refers to the states stance on crimes committed with a firearm. Heres a breakdown of 10-20-Life from the Law Offices of Edwards and Jones: Under Florida law, producing a firearm during certain felony crimes mandates a 10-year sentence; firing the gun mandates a 20-year sentence; and shooting someone during the commission of a felony mandates a minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, its website states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. A 65-year-old man, who had a contractual role as a psychologist for the Crowley Independent School District, has been arrested on charges of possessing child pornography, the Mansfield Police Department said in a news release Thursday. Christian Rewoldt was arrested by Mansfield police Wednesday. He is also charged with tampering with evidence. The investigation began after detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on Aug. 23. Authorities received information indicating Rewoldt had downloaded multiple files containing explicit sexual material involving minors, according to the release. On Aug. 30, the Mansfield SWAT Team executed a search warrant at Rewoldts home and found various electronic devices suspected of containing child pornography, the release states. The devices were collected for forensic analysis. Officers also found a laptop bearing a Crowley ISD sticker, revealing Rewoldts contractual role as a psychologist with the school district. Today's top stories: Police believe Fort Worth woman missing since March is dead, search for remains Appeals court considers request to overturn ex-cop Aaron Deans manslaughter conviction Only survivor of deadly Fort Worth crash is home from hospital Get free alerts when news breaks. According to a letter sent Thursday by Crowley ISD to parents, Rewoldt worked in several other districts to conduct classroom observations. He began classroom evaluations at Crowley ISD in 2021 and has not done any work in the district since August of this year, according to the district. In the letter to parents, Tamika Williams, the districts director of special education, wrote, Our records indicate your child may have received a psychological evaluation conducted by an evaluation team which may have included Mr. Rewoldt beginning in 2021. We are releasing this information out of an abundance of caution and to keep you informed about the situation. Both Mansfield police and the district say there is no evidence at this time that Rewoldt had inappropriate contact with students during his contractual work with Crowley ISD, but authorities are notifying the public because of the nature of the charges. We want to assure you Crowley ISD is fully cooperating with the Mansfield Police Department in their investigation, and Mr. Rewoldt had passed all federal and state background checks that are required to work in our schools, the school districts letter states. Detective Sheldon Peacock is asking for the publics help to determine whether there are any potential victims who may have had contact with Rewoldt. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Detective Peacock at sheldon.peacock@mansfieldtexas.gov or at 817-276-4741. The school district said it will keep parents updated on any developments. The Cuban government, irked by the publication of a U.S. government report that continues to include the island on its list of nations sponsoring terrorism, has published its own list of what it calls wanted terrorists, which includes the names of well-known Miami-based Cuban activists, media personalities and influencers who are critical of the government. For the first time, Cubas Ministry of Interior published Thursday a list of people wanted by Cuban authorities for allegedly promoting, planning, financing or committing acts related to terrorism in Cuba and abroad. Most of them live in the United States. The publication follows news of the arrest in Miami of former U.S. ambassador Manuel Rocha, whom the U.S. Department of Justice accuses of having been an agent working for Cuban intelligence for 40 years. While some of the people included in the list have participated in documented acts of violence, others seemed to have been included simply because of their political opposition to the Cuban government. In the past, Cuban officials have compiled and shared with foreign governments lists of people they called terrorists, including political activists with no record of violence. But this is the first time the government officially designates them as such in its Official Gazette. Sixty-one people appeared on the list, including Miami radio host Ninoska Perez Castellon; Orlando Gutierrez, the head of the Miami-based opposition group Asamblea de la Resistencia, and several influencers who routinely criticize the government on social media, including current Miami-Dade mayoral candidate Alexander Otaola. The decree does not provide any evidence of supposed crimes these people allegedly committed, but says all have open investigations in Cuba. Should I surrender, or are they coming to get me? joked Perez Castellon, adding that the list is their response of being again included in the list of countries that sponsor terrorism and the arrest of a spy [who worked for] the U.S. States Department. This is a classic response by the Havana regime, she added, recalling that when Cuba was pushing for the release of the Cuban spies from the Wasp ring arrested in Miami in 1998, the former minister of foreign affairs and head of the National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcon, handed a similar list to the FBI. They published our phone numbers and addresses online, she said. Gutierrez said the accusations against him and the Assembly of Resistance, which also listed by Cuba as a terrorist organization along with another 18 groups, prove their work building support in the United States and abroad for initiatives that put pressure on the Cuban government is having an impact. The formal accusation shows there is no law in Cuba under communism, he said. Similarly, Otaola rejected the accusations and said the list is another example of how the government wants to silence opponents. These actions show the government fears the voices of those challenging their lies, he said in a statement. Instead of recognizing their failure and the damage they have caused to the Cuban people, they are desperately looking for enemies to blame. Other organizations listed as terrorists include the once-powerful Cuban-American National Foundation and the Movimiento Democracia, led by activist Ramon Saul Sanchez, who is also formally designated. The list makes reference to open investigations from several decades ago and as recent as this year. It names organizations like Alpha 66, which dates back to the early years of the Revolution, which the Cuban government has accused of planning violent attacks to overthrow the communist regime in the past. It also includes Felix Rodriguez, a former CIA agent who helped capture guerrilla fighter Ernesto Che Guevara in Bolivia in 1967, as well as people the Interior Ministry claims attempted to kill Fidel Castro and placed bombs in Cuban hotels. Beyond a prohibition from entering the island, it is unclear what other legal ramifications may stem from being on the list. Perez Castellon, who also worked for the Cuban American National Foundation, warned that in the past, Cuba handed similar lists to foreign governments, so activists were denied entry to countries hosting international events where Fidel Castro was expected to make an appearance. Cuba has launched an intense diplomatic and propaganda campaign calling to be removed from the State Department list of states that sponsor terrorism, arguing the financial restrictions associated with the list have affected the governments capacity to provide for the population. But Havana has given no indication it would be willing to release some of the political prisoners it has imprisoned numbering around a thousand a significant obstacle for the Biden administration to consider a review of the islands designation. The annual Country Reports on Terrorism published by the State Department last week does not imply that Cuba has been reinstated to the list, as some media outlets mistakenly reported. It merely summarizes findings for 2022. The Trump administration added Cuba to the list in January 2021, and the country will remain there until the president certifies that the Cuban government is not supporting acts of international terrorism and gives assurances it wont in the future, following a thorough review. Still, Cuban officials promptly pushed back against the report. The lies about Cuba repeated in the recently published report on terrorism by the United States Department of State are insulting, said Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel on X. Its authors lie and they know it. It is another pretext to maintain the genocidal blockade, the Cuban term for the decades-old U.S. embargo on the island. Cuban officials added 61 people and 19 groups to the countrys national list of wanted terrorists, which now includes a range of characters from Cold War-era hitmen to Instagram influencers. In the countrys official gazette Thursday, officials listed a series of acts considered terrorist by the Cuban state, and under each act listed the individuals allegedly involved in those actions. The list includes names like Guillermo Novo Sampoll, a Cuban nationalist who in the late 1970s was convicted and acquitted on retrial in relation to a Washington, D.C., car bombing that killed a Chilean diplomat. Novo landed on the Cuban terrorist list for alleged terrorist acts against Havana hotels and tourist venues in the 1990s. The list also includes Alexander Alazo Baro, a Cuban immigrant to the United States who in 2020 fired 32 shots at the Cuban Embassy in Washington, and a number of individuals under investigation by Cuban authorities for alleged assassination attempts against late leader Fidel Castro. But the list also includes Ninoska Perez Castellon, a well-known Miami radio host and critic of the communist regime, for alleged participation in terrorist attacks in the 1990s. Influencer Alexander Otaola Casal was included as a subject of an investigation for inciting the realization of actions that affect social order in Cuba, through violent acts against public officials and the normal functioning of socioeconomic entities; and promoting armed aggression against Cuba. Otaola replied on Instagram Thursday, calling the accusation that he promotes violence a new manipulation by the Cuban dictatorship. This is one more time a slander and a hoax that communists use to keep the Cuban people entertained and deceived, said Otaola, who is running for mayor of Miami-Dade County. The wide brush used by Cuban officials highlights their frustration with a lack of progress in talks with the Biden administration over the countrys inclusion in the U.S. list of sponsors of terrorism. Cuban officials have over the past two years engaged in a charm offensive in Washington, pushing to reverse the designation, issued by Trump administration officials in that administrations dying days. Cuba has argued the U.S. list is arbitrary and inconsistent with international law. The islands own list is preambled with a U.N. resolution that exhorts member states to share information on terrorist actions and alleged terrorists a resolution passed on Sept. 28, 2001 in response to the 9/11 attacks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON The leader of U.S. Cyber Command urged Congress to renew a contentious foreign spy program as lawmakers debate its future. U.S. Army Gen. Paul Nakasone, who also heads the National Security Agency, on Dec. 8 described Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act as the most important authority that we utilize day in, day out. A lapse, he said at an Intelligence and National Security Alliance event here, would be disastrous. Section 702 allows the government to collect and review communications like emails and text messages of foreigners abroad, including when they are in touch with Americans. The power is set to expire at the end of the month, following renewal in 2018. The Biden administration is pushing for reauthorization while also battling criticism from groups that say it is ripe for abuse and amounts to a warrantless dragnet. Nakasone rejected the criticisms Friday. As the director of the National Security Agency, I will tell you that our focus is not only national security. Its also the protection of our civil liberties and privacy, he said. This is an authority with oversight and transparency that allows both of those things. Failure to renew spy program would be devastating, FBI chief says The House judiciary and intelligence committees this week advanced legislation that would re-up the powerful spying tools. The measures differ, though, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has threatened a showdown on the House floor, Politico reported. Nakasones advocacy aligns him with other government and military officials, including FBI Director Christopher Wray and Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, the CYBERCOM deputy chief. Haugh, who is expected to succeed Nakasone in the dual role, but remains in confirmation limbo, in July said Section 702 was irreplaceable and served as the cornerstone of the presidents daily intelligence rundown. When we see things like the origins of fentanyl in China and its path that it takes to the United States? Informed by 702, Haugh told lawmakers at the time. Counterterrorism actions, the ability to see some of the egregious acts that Russia has done in Ukraine? Informed by 702. Federal prosecutors plan to use some of former President Donald Trumps statements about the 2020 election against him in his upcoming election fraud trial in D.C., including some that targeted Black Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Shaye Moss. Out of the four criminal indictments Trump faces, this case addresses the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection that prosecutors are trying to prove was incited by Trumps false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from him in an attempt to reverse President Joe Bidens electoral victory. Donald Trump. (Photo: The AP/ YouTube Screenshot The former president was accused of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction, and conspiracy against the right to vote and to have ones vote counted for trying to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Special counsel Jack Smith and his team submitted a new court filing that details their intentions to reveal Trumps lengthy history of claiming that the election results were phony chiefly because he disapproved of them and how he supported the Capitol rioters by calling them patriots and political hostages. The filing claims Trump had an established pattern of using public statements and social media posts to subject his perceived adversaries to threats and harassment in the trial. One of the instances of those alleged threats and harassment that prosecutors point to is the treatment of Freeman and her daughter Moss, two former Fulton County election workers who were falsely accused by Trump and supporters in his camp of stealing votes. The filing states that Trump continued to falsely attack the pair despite being on notice that his claims about them in 2020 were false and had subjected them to vile, racist, and violent threats and harassment. Prosecutors go on to note that after the House Jan. 6 committee published transcripts of its interviews with the two women in December 2022 that revealed the threats and harassment they endured after the defendant and his agents falsely accused them, Trump doubled down and recommenced his attacks on the election workers in posts on Truth Social. He even zeroed in on one of the election workers, falsely writing that she was an election fraudster, a liar, and one of the treacher[ous] . . . monsters who stole the country and that she would be in legal trouble. Trump loyalist and former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani already conceded that he made defamatory statements against both women to answer to a defamation lawsuit they filed against him in 2021. After he also accused them of ballot mishandling and fraud, Trump supporters sent a number of heinous death threats to Freeman and Moss, but Giuliani rejected the notion that his false claims caused damages to them both. A jury will determine damages in that case. A federal judge ruled that Rudy Giuliani (left) is civilly liable for defamation against two Georgia election workers, Shaye Moss (center) and Ruby Freeman (right). (Photos: Twitter) Steven Cheung, a Trump spokesman, released a statement following the new court filing for federal Trumps election fraud case: Crooked Joe Biden, Deranged Jack Smith, and the rest of the hacks and thugs attempting to interfere in the 2024 election are getting so desperate to attack President Trump that they are perverting justice by trying to include claims that werent anywhere to be found in their dreamt-up, fake indictment. President Trump will not be deterred. The trial is slated to start in March 2024. Trump also faces three other criminal indictments, one in New York over hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, another in Florida addressing his alleged mishandling of classified federal documents, and one more in Georgia over potential election interference in the state. MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A man has been sentenced to 82 years and 8 months to life on Thursday for the attempted murder of peace officers, the mother of his children, carjacking and domestic violence offenses, according to the Merced County District Attorneys Office. In August, Guadalupe Lopez-Herrera, 55, was found guilty by a Merced County jury of 11 felony counts and enhancements. Guilty of attempted murder of deputies in Merced County According to the DA, he was found guilty in August of 2023 for the attempted murder of a sergeant and a deputy of the Merced County Sheriffs Office and the attempted murder of the mother of his children. Lopez-Herrera was also convicted of carjacking, stalking, and several domestic violence-related cases. Officials say that Lopez-Herrera had been stalking his former spouse in violation, when he broke into her home on Sept. 1, 2019. After he broke into her home he violently attacked her in front of their children. The DA says after that incident, the sergeant and deputy approached a Dos Palos property where Lopez-Herrera was believed to be, the defendant then shot at them multiple times, hitting the sergeant. After the shooting, Lopez-Herrera fled to a Fresno County farm where he carjacked a company truck from agricultural workers. He led officers from multiple police agencies on a chase that ended when he was taken into custody out of the county on Sept. 5, 2019, the DA said. Lopez-Herrera will now be remanded to the custody of the California Department of Corrections to serve his sentence. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. On December 8, 1993, U.S. President Bill Clinton, pictured in 1995, signed the North American Free Trade Agreement into law. File Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI Dec. 8 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1886, delegates from 25 unions founded the American Federation of Labor, forerunner of the modern AFL-CIO, in Columbus, Ohio. In 1941, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare that "a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire" as a result of Japan's "unprovoked and dastardly attack." In 1949, the Chinese Nationalist government, defeated by the Communists, retreated from the mainland to the island of Taiwan. In 1980, former Beatle John Lennon was shot to death outside his apartment building in New York City. He was 40. John Lennon and Yoko Ono listen in on the Watergate hearings on Capitol Hill in 1973. On December 8, 1980, Lennon was shot to death outside his apartment building in New York City. He was 40. UPI File Photo File Photo by Monika Graff/UPI In 1987, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed the first treaty between the two superpowers to reduce their massive nuclear arsenals. President Ronald Reagan (R) and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev applaud after signing the historic arms control agreement banning intermediate-range nuclear missiles in the East Room of the White House on December 8, 1987. UPI File Photo In 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist when the republics of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine signed an agreement creating the Commonwealth of Independent States. In 1993, U.S. President Bill Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement, stating that free trade would lead to worldwide growth, equality, preservation of the environment and peace. The United States, Mexico and Canada agreed to replace NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2020, an initiative by President Donald Trump. Five massive vehicle-borne bombs went off in Baghdad on December 8, 2009, killing 127 people, including women and students, and injuring hundreds in the third coordinated attack to devastate the city since August. File Photo by Ali Jasim/UPI In 1997, Jenny Shipley was sworn in as the first woman prime minister of New Zealand. In 2004, the International Business Machines Corp., IBM, reported it was selling its personal computer business to Chinese rival Lenovo Group for $1.25 billion in cash and stock. A prisoner signals "thumbs-up" after a fire spread through the San Miguel prison killing more than 80 people south of Santiago, Chile, on December 8, 2010. File Photo by Sebastian Padilla/UPI In 2005, a Southwest Airlines jetliner overshot a runway at Chicago's Midway International Airport in a snowstorm, crashing through a fence into a city street. A 6-year-old boy in a car hit by the plane was killed and at least 11 people were hurt. File Photo by Brian Kersey/UPI In 2008, the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and four co-defendants told a military judge at Guantanamo Bay that they wanted to confess to all charges of murder and war crimes. In 2009, in what Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki called "cowardly terrorist attacks, a series of apparently coordinated car bombings in Baghdad killed 127 people, injured more than 450 and destroyed some government buildings. In 2010, a prison fire south of Santiago, Chile, that apparently broke out after a fight between inmates killed at least 80 people and injured a dozen others. In 2020, Britain's National Health Service inoculated its first citizens against COVID-19 as it began its largest vaccine campaign in history. In 2022, President Joe Biden announced that Russian authorities released WNBA star and Olympian Brittney Griner from prison after about 10 months of detainment. She had been sentenced to nine years in prison for smuggling cannabis oil. File Photo by Nathan Howard/UPI Renovation and repair work is underway at the Elgin Mall location planned for a former Dominick's store at routes 25 and 72 in East Dundee. Originally scheduled to open in Feburary, construction delays have pushed that date back to May, officials said. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News) Plans to relocate the Elgin Mall to a former grocery store in East Dundee are moving ahead, but the expected opening date has been pushed back from February to May. By this years end we will be seeking the necessary permits for interior renovations, said Rosa Leal, one of the Elgin Mall Corp. owners. Once approved, we will start construction right away. Advertisement In June, the corporation signed a 15-year lease with 495 Dundee LLC of Elgin, which owns the south end of the strip mall at the northwest corner of routes 25 and 72. The will be moving into a store once occupied by a Dominicks food store. Until theyre ready to move, the 83 independent vendors that currently fill the Elgin Mall will remain at their 308 S. McLean Blvd. location in Elgin, where theyre open Thursdays through Sundays, Leal said. When they relocate, about 60 of those vendors will be joining them in the new venture, she said. Advertisement The pushback in the opening date is the result of construction delays, officials said. East Dundee building inspector Chris Ranieri said 495 Dundee LLC has obtained village permits for interior demolition, facade and roof work, new LED parking lot lights, a fire sprinkler system, replacement of the rooftop HVAC units and parking lot repavement. The plan is to repave the south end of the parking lot by the end of July (2024), Ranieri said. Elgin Malls path to East Dundee has been a bumpy one. In 2021, the vendor owners operating at the Elgin location were told by the building owners that their lease would be ending. A group of them formed the Elgin Mall Corp., looked for a new space to move to and settled on the long-vacant Dominicks store. While a majority of the East Dundee Village Board supported the project and the variances needed, approval was vetoed by Village President Jeff Lynam in February. One month later, the board overrode Lynams veto at a meeting tinged by racially-charged comments made by some speakers opposed to the operation coming to town. That made the corporation officers rethink the location and for a short time they considered moving to the vacant Carsons anchor store on Carpentersvilles side of the Spring Hill Mall, Leal said. Ultimately, that was deemed impractical for several reasons, one of which was Spring Hill owners would only agree to a five-year lease, she said. We wanted something more long term, Leal said. Advertisement About 8 to 10 vendors preferred the mall location, however, and have moved there in the last few months, she said. Village Trustee Kathleen Mahony said many in the village are happy the Elgin Mall stuck with their plans to call East Dundee home. As a trustee with a responsibility of keeping property taxes low for residents, I am grateful for this new sales tax center that will help fund improvements to village services and infrastructure projects, she said. The small businesses that make up the Elgin Mall have more than 20 years of experience and a loyal regional customer base that regards the operation as a shopping destination, Mahony said. Its relocation will also help revitalize a high-visibility village entry point in a space that has stood vacant for more than a decade, she said. And as a consumer, I am looking forward to the opportunity of supporting the many small businesses there that will be providing a breadth of products and services that do not currently exist at retail in East Dundee, Mahony said. Furniture, housewares, fine jewelry and repair, clothing, and cowboy boots my favorite are just a few of the product and service categories that do not currently exist in our village, she said. Advertisement Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News. Bianca Defilippi, left, the CEO of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, talks to members of the Waukegan Intergovernmental Committee. (Steve Sadin/Lake County News-Sun) An update on nearly six months of operation of Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan American Healthcare Systems from CEO Bianca Defilippi turned into a grilling by community leaders, but quickly became a collaborative session on accessing health care. Talking about how people come into the emergency room with a minor ache and become patients because of yet undetected ailments, Defilippi said part of the hospitals job has become helping them develop a relationship with a primary care physician. Advertisement People dont understand why when they come to the hospital with a stubbed toe, I admit them to the hospital and they end up in the ICU, she said. During discharge, we try to connect them with a primary care physician. Defilippi told a group of civic leaders the ways the hospital is trying to help people live healthier during a meeting of the citys Intergovernmental Committee Thursday at the hospital in Waukegan during an update on the facility. Advertisement Named CEO in July when Los Angeles area based American Healthcare Systems completed its purchase of Vista from Tennessee-headquartered Qurorum Health Corp., Defilippi said she is trying to determine the needs of the population. How do we find a way to take care of people (here) without fitting it into the more corporate way geared toward profit, she said. Were getting back to the basics. Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor said the coronavirus pandemic changed peoples habits. Calls to the fire department requesting an ambulance to take patients to the emergency room increased, when the need is often just transportation to a doctor. They would not call the ambulance if they had a primary care physician, Taylor said. When a patient is discharged from the emergency room or another type of hospital stay, Defilippi said that is a key time to educate the patient about ways to find a primary care physician. A case manager or social worker will work with them and help them to develop a plan, she said. We tell them how to sign up for Medicaid or access insurance. Asked about staff shortages since American Health Systems took control in July, she admitted they happened quickly, but were in the works before July 1 when she came aboard. Looking to fill the needs of physicians in specific practice areas, Defilippi said she is negotiating with physicians to join the staff. She hired Dr. Mary Maish as the new chief medical officer. Maish arrives in January from Northwesters Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. Advertisement Along with helping people connect with primary care so health issues can be treated before they become an emergency, Defilippi said finding solutions to mental health needs after treating a physical ailment in the emergency department is a challenge. There is a huge need for mental professionals, she said. We dont have a psychiatric unit. Its a huge problem when we have to work with DCFS, she added, referring to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. A suggestion on treating mental health needs came from Taylor. She said the police have had similar difficulties with DCFS, and suggested collaboration between the hospital and the city. Both Taylor and Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Superintendent Theresa Plascencia suggested better nutrition can lead to healthier lifestyles. Plascencia introduced the concept of equity. The issue is not just access, Plascencia said. There is an equity piece to access the cultural divide. We have 12-year-olds who are preparing meals for families. When the kids eat better, they do better in school. Derek Hough's wife, Hayley Erbert, underwent emergency brain surgery after a cranial hematoma, Hough revealed in a Thursday Instagram post. Erbert became disoriented after Wednesday night's performance for the couple's Symphony of Dance tour and was hospitalized in Washington, D.C., Hough said. "She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy," the professional dancer and "Dancing With the Stars" judge said. "She is in stable condition." According to the Mayo Clinic, an intracranial hematoma is a collection of blood within the skull, which is usually caused by a blood vessel that bursts in the brain. Traumas such as a fall or a car accident can cause an intracranial hematoma. The condition can be life-threatening and usually requires immediate treatment, Mayo Clinic said. During a craniectomy, a portion of the skull is removed to relieve pressure on the brain, according to the University of Rochester Medical Medical Center. The procedure is usually done when a patient has suffered a "very severe brain injury that involves significant amounts of bleeding around the brain or excessive swelling of the brain." Hough did not share any information about how Erbert may have become injured. Last year, Erbert and Hough got into what Erbert described as "a pretty scary car accident in the mountains." She said she "walked away a little banged up, a swollen face, and four stitches above my eyebrow." "I'm manifesting that 2023 is a year of health and strength. No more injuries," Erbert wrote after the 2022 injury. Xochitl Gomez, who won the latest season of "Dancing With the Stars" earlier this week, sent well wishes to Erbert on Thursday. "Focusing all my positivity and well wishes directly toward Hayley," Gomez wrote in an Instagram comment. "She is a shining light." Hough and Erbert got married in late August and started their tour together about a month later. UNLV shooting victims identified "Armed confrontation" stopped UNLV attack, sheriff says Colorado Supreme Court Justices question effort to keep former President Trump off primary ballot (NBC News) Its unclear when or where Republican presidential candidates will debate next or how many of them there will be. But Ron DeSantis wants a head-to-head clash with Nikki Haley, and he might get that chance. The Florida governor told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Thursday morning that he hopes the criteria to make upcoming debate qualification more difficult, potentially resulting in a one-on-one faceoff with the former United Nations ambassador. Hewitt asked DeSantis if hed be willing to debate Haley one-on-one on his radio show, prompting DeSantis to predict that the showdown might be happening anyway in Iowa and New Hampshire. Hopefully, theyll raise the thresholds for qualifying. And it may end up just being a one-on-one debate, DeSantis told Hugh Hewitt before any more official debate plans had been announced. Read the full story at NBCNews.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) won the fourth Republican primary debate, according to a poll of debate watchers. The 538-Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 30 percent of respondents who watched the Wednesday debate said that the Sunshine State governor won. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) came in second, at 23 percent, followed by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) at 19 percent and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy last at 16 percent. Debate watchers were also asked who performed the worst. Ramaswamy topped the field for this question, at 37 percent, followed by Christie at 31 percent. DeSantis and Haley received 9 and 7 percent, respectively. DeSantis received a higher percentage of those who said he won Wednesdays debate versus last months, according to the debate watchers surveyed. His score in Wednesdays debate over the one in early November, where he came in second, was 7 percentage points higher. Haley dropped 11 percentage points in comparison to the third debate, when she came in first. During Wednesdays debate, Haley was targeted by her fellow GOP candidates, possibly due to her recent rise in prominence among the group battling it out for the Republican nomination. DeSantis took a swing at her for allegedly being weak when it comes to dealing with Democrats. The Sunshine State governor said he was sick of Republicans who are not willing to stand up and fight back against what the left is doing to this country, and he accused Haley of capitulating every time the left comes after her, anytime the media comes after her. DeSantis also tried to highlight his age difference with former President Trump, who is 77 years old. The idea that were going to put someone up thats almost 80 and theres going to be no effects from that we all know thats not true. And so we have an opportunity to do a next generation of leaders, DeSantis said. The poll was conducted between Wednesday and Thursday, featuring responses from 763 voters who are likely to vote in Republican primaries or caucuses in 2024. The margin of sampling error was plus or minus 4 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The 67-year-old career college professor who fatally shot three faculty members this week at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, kept a target list of faculty at the school and elsewhere, said authorities searching for a motive. Investigators found ammunition at Anthony Politos apartment, along with an eviction notice, and have identified nearly two dozen letters he mailed in the hours leading up to the shooting to university personnel across the country, they said. He also was fascinated by conspiracy theories and Las Vegas, according to his online writings and former students. Polito was shot and killed by police Wednesday after his attack near the site of the deadliest mass shooting in US history, when a sniper in 2017 killed more than 50 people and injured hundreds at an outdoor concert on the Las Vegas Strip. Wednesdays violence marked the 80th school shooting in the US this year, including 29 at university or college campuses, a CNN analysis shows. Polito, armed with a 9 mm pistol and nine loaded magazines, also injured a visiting male professor in a building that is part of the business school. That man was being treated for life-threatening injuries, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Thursday. None of the faculty members shot Wednesday were on Politos target list, which included people he was seeking on the university campus as well as faculty from the Eastern Carolina University, McMahill said. The sheriff did not explain what led investigators to believe it was a list of targets or where they found the document. It remained unclear why Polito, who lived in the Las Vegas suburb of Henderson, targeted UNLV or if he had any connection to the school. He had unsuccessfully applied to several higher education jobs in Nevada and appeared to be struggling financially, McMahill said. An eviction notice was found on the door of Politos Henderson apartment, the sheriff said. And in the hours leading up to the shooting, Polito had mailed 22 letters to university personnel across the country with no return address, he said. At least some of the envelopes had a harmless white powder in them, Las Vegas police said Thursday evening more details about the letters contents werent immediately released. Detectives are asking people in academia who get a letter with no return address to proceed with caution, McMahill said. UNLV mourns beloved faculty Patricia Navarro-Velez - UNLV.edu The shooting, just days before the start of final exams, was the most difficult day in the history of our university, UNLV president Keith Whitfield said. Killed were business school professors Patricia Navarro-Velez and Cha-Jan Jerry Chang, Whitfield said Thursday in a letter to the school community. On Friday, the county coroner identified the third victim as associate professor Naoko Takemaru. Cha-Jan "Jerry" Chang - UNLV.edu I wont sugarcoat it. We are all hurting right now, Whitfield said. But its in these trying times that we need to lean on one another for support. Words are still hard to come by as were only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesdays tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members, Whitfield wrote. Naoko Takemaru - courtesy University of Nevada Las Vegas Navarro-Velez, 39, an assistant professor of accounting, had been teaching at the school for almost five years and had devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants, Whitfield said. Chang, 64, had been teaching UNLVs business school students for more than 20 years on management information systems, Whitfield said. Takemaru taught Japanese studies, according to her faculty page on UNLVs website. While she faced multiple challenges and physical disabilities, Takemaru was described by her colleague, associate professor Margaret Harp, as a triple-threat artist. She was a professional concert pianist, embroidered and enjoyed making homemade chocolates, Harp said during a news conference Friday. Takemaru was also a cat lover who covered her office in photos, drawings and calendars of cats. Naoko was frail physically, however, she was lionhearted in kindness, lionhearted in generosity, lionhearted in humanity, the point of liberal arts, and I have no doubt she was lionhearted in her final moments on earth, Harp said. UNLV will forego in-person finals in the wake of the fatal shooting but will hold winter commencement as planned. Given the physical and emotional trauma that the university community has endured, and because of the impact to campus facilities, we have decided that faculty and staff should continue to work remotely through the end of the calendar year, university President Keith Whitfield said in a post. Whitfield said the university will provide flexibility for faculty and instructors as well as students to bring this semester to a positive end by ending the semester with the grades earned through work completed before the shooting. Some professors may elect to hold optional online finals or arrange for take-home projects. Winter commencement will proceed in person as planned on December 19 for undergraduates and December 20 for those receiving masters and doctoral degrees. The gunman: Ammunition and conspiracies Investigators found several computers and hard drive components while searching Politos apartment and are reviewing the devices and Politos social media for a possible motive, the sheriff said. Authorities also found ammunition like cartridges found at the scene of the shooting, as well as a box matching the gun police believe Polito used, McMahill said. On a chair, investigators also discovered a document similar to a last will and testament, he said. Politos online writings show interest in the gambling capital and in conspiracy theories. His personal website lists a section devoted to Powerful Organizations Bent on Global Domination! and includes links to common conspiracy theory fodder like Freemasonry, the Trilateral Commission and The Rothchild (sic) Family. Billionaire hedge fund manager George Soros, a common target for antisemitic conspiracy theories, is listed as one of the Great Minds of the Twentieth Century, alongside Albert Einstein. Meanwhile, three of Politos former students say he spoke frequently about Las Vegas and visited the city as much as he could while teaching in other states. His website notes he had made more than two dozen trips to Vegas over the last fifteen years, although it was not clear when the statement was posted. Polito had an unorthodox teaching style and often opened classes with Las Vegas stories, said Jonathan Peralta, who was in one of Politos classes at Eastern Carolina University in 2013 or 2014. This was surprising, Peralta told CNN of the UNLV shooting. The Vegas connection is what makes it so crazy because he would talk about Vegas so much. Polito worked at Eastern Carolina Universitys college of business from 2001 until he resigned in 2017, when he was a tenured associate professor, a college spokesperson told CNN. He had ties to Nevadas Roseman University from October 2018 to June 2022, attending the school and working as an adjunct professor, a school spokesperson said. He also had worked in academia in Georgia, his now-removed LinkedIn page showed. How the shooting unfolded Sean Hathcock, right, kisses Michelle Ashley on Wednesday after the two left candles for victims of the shooting at UNLV. - John Locher/AP Polito got to the university just before 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, just minutes before the shooting erupted in Beam Hall as professors were preparing their classes for upcoming tests and students outdoors were enjoying games, food and other activities. Police began getting 911 calls around 11:45 a.m., prompting officers to rush to the campus, McMahill said. About three dozen 911 calls were released from the shooting, most from those in the Lee Business School where the shooting took place. Others were placed by people fleeing the scene as well as distraught family members relaying information sent via text by loved ones at the scene. Many callers reported hearing a lot of shots, and then screaming. The calls included one from a woman who was crying and hiding under the desk in her office as she described hearing gunshots followed by screaming. Officers entered Beam Hall which lacks interior cameras, the sheriff said with the first officer arriving within 78 seconds of the first 911 call, said Adam Garcia of University Police Services. Polito made his way through multiple floors of the building, where Navarro-Velez worked on the fourth floor and Chang on the third floor, the sheriff said. The gunman left the building around 11:55 a.m., he said. University police outdoors confronted Polito, who was shot repeatedly and collapsed, was arrested and died there, McMahill said. Officers then assembled action teams and began a systematic search for additional suspects and victims, he said. Those teams went through multiple buildings and multiple floors. Many times we had to force entry into rooms where students and faculty were sheltering in place. Officers who shot suspect identified, hailed as heroes The two University Police Services officers who engaged in gunfire with the suspect were hailed as heroes by Chief Adam Garcia during a news conference Friday. They were identified as Detective Nathanial Drum and Officer Damian Garcia, Chief Garcia said. Drum has worked for the department since 2017 and is assigned to the detective bureau, while Garcia has worked for the agency since 2018 and is assigned to the special events division as well as the detective bureau, the chief added. In a word, these two officers are heroes. They kept the worst from becoming a bloodbath, Garcia said. The collective response in actions of our other initial responding officers, UPD, Metro or many regional agencies no doubt saved lives as well. Their swift response and exceptional courage were pivotal in neutralizing this threat and undoubtedly prevented further harm for our community. The two men have been put on administrative leave pending an investigation, as is standard procedure during officer-involved shootings, Garcia said. CNNs Cheri Mossburg, Jillian Sykes, Andy Rose and Evan Perez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Detroits Police and Fire Retirement System is fighting back with an appeal of a ruling allowing the city to make catch-up pension payments, which were delayed during bankruptcy, over the next 30 years instead of 20 years. The Police and Fire Retirement System issued a notice of appeal and plans to file a brief within two weeks as its board aims to fight for a 20-year amortization period. Board Chairman Matt Gnatek said appealing U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Thomas Tucker's decision is in the city's best interests and of the retirement fund, its participants and beneficiaries. We think it is critical to enforce the clear provisions of the Plan of Adjustment, which gave the PFRS Board and Investment Committee not the city the sole authority to determine the required city contributions and to ensure that the PFRS is fully funded as quickly as reasonably possible," Gnatek said in a statement. The city's law department stands by the judge's initial decision. Detroit City Hall. "Judge Tucker's careful decisions are completely correct on the facts and law, and the city believes PFRS' appeal is meritless," said Chuck Raimi, the city's deputy corporation counsel. In August 2022, Mayor Mike Duggan filed the lawsuit in U.S. Bankruptcy Court to force the Police and Fire Retirement System to honor a 30-year period. Payments after the bankruptcy pause were set to resume July 1 of this year. The retirement system in November 2021 adopted a 20-year repayment plan, noting money from the city would enter the system sooner. However, Jay Rising, the citys chief financial officer, said the city would face financial stress under a 20-year amortization schedule. The city would make roughly $20 million more in annual payments to the two pension plans, if the 20-year repayment was required. The bankruptcy court backed the city. As part of the Detroit's bankruptcy plan of adjustment, the city was given a break from payments for 10 years, known as the "pension holiday," to the police and fire system and the city's General Retirement System. To help cushion the blow of the "pension cliff," the city set up reserves in a Retiree Protection Fund, which has about $473 million as of March. The fund is projected to be spent by fiscal year 2038, according to the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, then the city would need to fund legacy pension payments exclusively by city revenues. Free Press reporter Susan Tompor contributed to this story. Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com or 313-635-3491. Follow her: @DanaAfana. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police, fire pension board to fight for 20-year payment plan A group of school kids make their way past soon-to-be utilized security equipment into the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., in this photo taken April 23, 2018. (Gerry Broome/AP Photo) The 360 shows you diverse perspectives on the days top stories and debates. Whats happening This week, multiple students across the U.S. were stabbed or brought weapons to school. Many of the incidents happened at schools that didn't have metal detectors installed. On Tuesday, a 15-year-old boy at a high school in Brooklyn, N.Y., was stabbed in the stomach by another student in a hallway. School safety agents confiscated a variety of weapons from multiple students, including 13 knives, two stun guns and a box cutter. This school did not have metal detectors, but installed them a day after the stabbing occurred. A day later, a 12-year-old girl was stabbed in the leg in a classroom in the Bronx, N.Y., at a school. The next day, school safety agents set up weapon-scanning devices. At a Los Angeles-area high school, two different 15-year-old students brought loaded guns onto the schools campus in separate incidents on Monday and Tuesday. The school reopened on Thursday after metal detectors were installed. In Grand Rapids, Mich., a metal detector at a high school was able to detect a loaded handgun that a 15-year-old student brought to school. Metal detectors were installed at the school this year following four other incidents in which students brought guns to school. Why theres debate Post-COVID, as students returned to classrooms, educators have noted an increase in negative behavior from students, leaving the school system grappling with how to address school safety. Advocates for metal detectors say that the mere presence of the devices could avert a violent incident involving a weapon. One study from 2011 shows that students at NYC public schools with metal detectors were 64% less likely to carry a weapon than in those without them. But some critics warn the security measure could be more of a burden than an actual improvement in keeping schools safe. Besides the morning traffic jam that metal detectors could cause as kids get to school in the morning, there is a lack of evidence that the security device actually increases school safety or prevents school violence. Metal detectors can also be expensive to purchase, install and keep operational. Instead, advocates for less policing in schools suggest using that money to hire more teachers and social workers. Additionally, some educators, parents and students fear that metal detectors would cause unequal treatment among students of color. They say security measures create the reverse effect of safety: anxiety, fear and isolation. Perspectives Anything is better than nothing I'm saying 'yes' to anything that's going to keep our kids safe. For those who say 'nay,' you say nay now because you feel that it looks unfavorable, but what happens when it's your child that's at the end of the knife?" Parent Quiann Simpkins, to CBS News New York Physical safety measures disproportionately affect Black and brown students The relentless exposure to discrimination, police brutality, the endless viral videos of police shootings, and other forms of racism has been shown to be associated with PTSD and mental health challenges. When you add the toll of the pandemic, which has disproportionately affected Black and Latino communities, the removal of these devices has never been more important. It makes them feel like they attend school inside of a prison or that their educators perceive them as a threat. Kayla Patrick, The Education Trust The presence of metal detectors alone can foster a safer school environment "They know they can't bring in a weapon, but they also know the kid behind them can't either. The idea now is that schools are more of a safe zone and that helps parents." Former Chief of Police for Boston Public Schools Eric Weston, to MassLive.com School budgets could be utilized for more immediate needs "Schools are already struggling with adequate resources finding bus drivers, finding enough teachers. To have comprehensive school security with 100% weapons detection essentially requires a TSA-style agency that would cost hundreds of billions of dollars to implement across the country. And that's not viable." Founder of K-12 School Shooting Database David Riedman, to the Associated Press Metal detectors are not as effective at improving school safety as preventative measures Societal illnesses displayed through social media will still terrorize education, lockdowns will still occur and learning will still be interrupted. Policing the violence in our schools will never heal the underlying personal and societal ailments prompting these attacks, and the resource cannibalism away from education and mental health may worsen violence in the long run. Valerie Strauss, the Washington Post Engagement after confiscation can lead to conversation If we are able to confiscate a weapon, we can engage that child, that student in a conversation find out what is happening. It may be a situation of bullying, cyberbullying. It could have been an incident a day or week before. Boston City Councilor Michael Flaherty, to local CBS affiliate WBZ News Students could find workarounds to evade metal detectors Theres a number of ways they can be bypassed. Every school I work with that uses them mentions to me, Oh, we see students do X, Y and Z to get around metal detectors. Its very expensive to do it correctly, and its limited to specific environments. Safe Havens International senior analyst Chris Dorn, to USA Today Metal detectors are already prevalent in other spaces where children frequent As we care about protecting travelers and visitors to federal, state and locally owned buildings, we must also show the same sense of urgency, concern and compassion toward children and adults in schools. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, to local Texas station KXAN Munster High School students received checks last month for passing Advanced Placement exams. (Photo courtesy of the School Town of Munster/HANDOUT) Students at four Lake County high schools studied hard in challenging STEM and English courses and their efforts turned into cash. Theyre part of the Advanced Placement Teacher Incentive Program at Notre Dame or AP-TIP IN. The nonprofit university program is dedicated to improving college and career readiness. Advertisement Dozens of Indiana schools take part in the program, according to spokeswoman Nicole Chase. She said they earned nearly $250,000 in awards. Local students cashing in this year were from Munster, Hanover Central, Highland and River Forest. Advertisement Last month, 336 current Munster High students received a total of $66,000 in awards for receiving a score of 3 or above on AP exams taken in the spring. Funded by donors and the state, the incentive program encourages students who havent taken AP courses and exams in the past to participate in the rigorous course work and possibly earn college credits. Students received $100 checks for each exam passed. The courses included AP-STEM and AP-English courses. Seven Munster High teachers were also recognized, earning a total of $6,000. Guidance counselor Peter Gregory said Munster High has been part of the program since 2021. Each high school cohort participates for two or three years. He said the programs goals are to increase enrollment in math, science and English AP courses. AP teachers participated in training over the summer and get added support from the AP-TIP IN program during the school year. It also provides online support for students. The program has helped us take an informed reflective look at our strategies and procedures leading to increased participation, said Gregory. AP-TIP IN began in 2012 to encourage low income and minority students to enroll in AP science, math and English classes. Advertisement Hanover Central Assistant Principal Tami Kepshire said 40 students participated during the 2022-23 school year earning a total of $7,100. She said teachers have received incentive checks ranging from $500 to $1,000. Our overall number of students taking AP classes has increased slightly each year, and we are seeing a more diverse group in these classes, she said. Highland High Principal John Zack said 35 students received cash awards. Two students received $200 each and the rest received $100 for a total of $3,700. Numbers for River Forest werent available. Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. Respiratory viruses are on the rise throughout the state. Washington saw a similar trend this time last year, with the dangerous and wide-spreading tripledemic. Thats when COVID-19, RSV, and influenza cases all peak at the same time, inundating hospitals. It sent Emergency Department wait times soaring. But this year, local health experts do not believe we face the same threat of a tripledemic. However, several counties are seeing a rapid rise in both the flu and RSV and will for some time. Well continue to see rapid increase in flu and RSV over the coming three to four weeks, says Dr. James Lewis with the Snohomish County Health Department. He and the department are continuing to closely monitor hospitalizations and case counts in the North Sound. It is not something to mess with, says parent, Ashlee Neilsen. Her son Gavin is now finally recovering from a month-long respiratory infection. The fact that it lasts for three weeks, four weeksthats the scariest part. Symptoms can last for a really long time, warns Dr. Lewis. Some people see 10 or 12 weeks. He also warns that while the tripledemic may be gone, long hospital wait times are here to stay. The hospital capacity, particularly through the ER, was strained to a breaking point during Covid. And unfortunately, that has not substantially improved. Were still seeing pretty high wait times, says Lewis. He says the best thing families can do to protect themselves is to get vaccinated against RSV, the flu, and COVID. All have vaccines available. Hunter Biden has been charged with nine federal tax crimes, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday in the Central District of California. President Joe Bidens son was charged with failure to file and pay taxes, evasion of assessment and filing a false or fraudulent tax return, the Washington Post reported. In the indictment, federal prosecutors allege that Hunter engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in federal income taxes for the years 2016 to 2019. CNN first reported on Thursday that Hunter was facing new criminal charges In 2018, the Justice Department opened an investigation into Hunters finances amid allegations of money laundering. The FBI was ultimately unable to find evidence indicating Biden had engaged in money laundering, and the case moved into an investigation of Bidens tax history. In September, Hunter was indicted on three counts related to possessing a firearm while under the influence of narcotics. The following month, he pleaded not guilty to the federal firearms charges. House Republicans have taken aim on Hunters legal issues, arguing they are evidence of the presidents corruption despite having little evidence to prove their suspicions. In April, the committee issued six subpoenas for financial records related to business entities and associates of Hunter. Although the committee claims Hunter used his fathers position as vice president in the Obama administration and current role as president to secure favorable financial deals for himself and his family, these allegations remain unproven. The new criminal charges against Bidens son arrive after House Republicans announced their plan to vote next week to formalize an impeachment inquiry into the president over Hunters foreign business dealings. This article was updated on Dec. 7 at 8:48 p.m. to include details of the indictment against Hunter Biden. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone By Costas Pitas and Andrew Goudsward LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -The Department of Justice on Thursday filed new criminal charges against U.S. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, accusing him of failing to pay $1.4 million in taxes while spending millions of dollars on a lavish lifestyle. Hunter Biden, 53, was hit with three felony and six misdemeanor tax offenses, according to an indictment filed in U.S. District Court, Central District of California. He faces up to 17 years in prison if convicted. The Justice Department said its investigation into Biden is ongoing. "The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019," the indictment read. It added that he had instead spent huge sums "on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature" including over $70,000 on drug rehabilitation. Hunter Biden's lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said in statement that his client had repaid his taxes in full, accusing U.S. Special Counsel David Weiss, who is leading the probe into Hunter Biden, of reneging on a previous agreement and political bias. "If Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought," Lowell said. Weiss "bowed to Republican pressure" to file earlier gun charges against Hunter Biden, Lowell wrote, added new tax charges after the taxes were repaid, and did not respond to a request a meeting to discuss the investigation. The White House declined to comment. It was not clear when Hunter Biden would appear in court. The indictment says Hunter Biden "earned handsomely" while serving on the boards of Burisma, a Ukrainian industrial conglomerate, and a Chinese private equity fund. Prosecutors said that between 2016 and October 2020, he received more than $7 million in total gross income. That included nearly $2.3 million from his position on the board of directors of Burisma between 2016 and 2019, the filing says. Hunter Biden's affiliation with Burisma has been the focus of years of attacks from Republican lawmakers who have accused him of leveraging his family name to make money overseas. "The Defendant had a legal obligation to pay taxes on all his income, including income earned in Ukraine from his service on Burisma's Board, fees generated by deal-making with the Chinese private equity fund, as well as income derived from his work as a lawyer and other sources," the indictment said. Adding to Hunter Biden's income was work for CEFC China Energy Co Ltd, a Chinese energy conglomerate. As Hunter Biden's income increased, so did his spending, according to the filing. In 2018 alone, the indictment read, Hunter Biden "spent more than $1.8 million, including approximately $772,000 in cash withdrawals, approximately $383,000 in payments to women, approximately $151,000 in clothing and accessories". The indictment added: "The Defendant did not use any of these funds to pay his taxes in 2018." Hunter Biden in October pleaded not guilty to charges in Delaware that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child. Weiss was appointed Delaware U.S. attorney by former President Donald Trump. He was made special counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland in August. He brought charges in Delaware against Hunter Biden after the unraveling of an earlier proposed plea deal that had called for him to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax charges for failing to pay taxes in 2017 and 2018, an agreement which likely would have allowed him to avoid prison. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika rejected the proposed plea deal in July, raising concerns over its legality and the scope of immunity it offered. Trump, the leading contender to be the Republican Party's nominee in next year's presidential election, said the plea deal amounted to favorable treatment for the president's son. (Reporting by Costas Pitas in Los Angeles and Andrew Goudsward in Washington; Additional reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington, Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles; Noeleen Walder in New York and Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado; Writing by Brad Brooks; Editing by Eric Beech, Ross Colvin and Edwina Gibbs) Many breathless headlines have appeared in the mainstream media over the past couple of weeks about the impending dictatorship of Donald Trump if he were to win the election next fall. All the major newspapers and magazines have finally begun to delve into exactly what Trump and his henchmen have in store to exact his revenge and enact the white nationalist agenda of the MAGA far right. It's about time. Let's hope they keep it up. Here are just a few of the proposals that we know about. He plans to gut the Environmental Protection Agency and drill in Alaska under the illusion that somehow the "profits" will pay for Social Security and Medicare. (It's a totally absurd proposal.) He's going to use the Insurrection Act to deploy the military to quell domestic dissent and he'll ban homeless camps in cities and put the unhoused in "tent cities." And there are very detailed plans to round up millions of migrants and put them in detention camps before mass deportation. (We're going to have a whole lot of "camps" in America under Donald Trump.) He plans to pardon "a large portion" of the Jan. 6 insurrectionists and "go after" Joe Biden and other political enemies using the Department of Justice as well as the media. And he's going to pull out of NATO, abandon Ukraine and back the right-wingers in the Israeli government. He will essentially declare war on blue states, particularly the cities where he plans to send in what amounts to an occupying federal force. If you can believe it, those are just some examples of what has been proposed. The entire program is beyond belief and there's something new every day. Trump appeared with his favorite courtier, Sean Hannity, this week and was asked very politely if he had any intention of becoming a dictator. Trump said only on day one when he planned to close the border and drill, drill, drill. "After that," he said, "I won't be a dictator." But everyone should realize that Trump has always believed that he had unlimited power as president and continuously patted himself on the back for restraining himself from overusing them. He's not going to be a "dictator." He just plans to use the power he believes he already had, that's all. But for all his dictatorial impulses, it is also true that Trump has a fatally disorganized mind and a tendency to lose focus and there is no way that he will be able to accomplish any of this by himself. So the big question on everyone's mind is just who is he going to get to help him fulfill his goals? We know that the top qualification for all jobs in the administration will be that they can demonstrate 100% fealty to Donald Trump. In fact, that may be the only requirement. Axios reported that job questionnaires are already being circulated and they match what was being used in the final days of the first Trump term when a wholesale reshuffling of the Executive Branch took place. The questions included: What part of Candidate Trump's campaign message most appealed to you and why?" "Briefly describe your political evolution. What thinkers, authors, books, or political leaders influenced you and led you to your current beliefs? What political commentator, thinker or politician best reflects your views?" This tracks with the questions in the "Talent Database" that's being assembled by the Heritage Foundation which, as I wrote about here, has a very spotty record of accomplishment in similar endeavors. But what about the big jobs that everyone will see Cabinet members and department heads? Or powerful White House positions? It's highly unlikely anyone who isn't already in the Trump inner circle will stick his or her neck out "for the sake of the country" after what happened to those who did that in the first term, nor would Trump want anyone like a General Mattis or even a Bill Barr in the Cabinet this time. He will put his closest cronies into "acting" positions wherever he can, just as he did in the last year, and if the Republicans take the Senate, I expect they'll be happy to change the filibuster to give him anyone he wants. So who are we looking at? Axios had another report this week that revealed the top contenders. For vice president, Trump is considering Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, MAGA superstar Kari Lake, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Byron Donalds, R-Fl., is also on the list as is fellow Floridian Matt Gaetz. Melania Trump is reportedly pushing for Tucker Carlson. Seriously. (Nobody thinks he would be a good fit, however, because "he can't be controlled," which is hilarious.) Carlson and Trump are on the horn regularly, however, and he is apparently advocating for the odious Stephen Miller, the mastermind of Trump's heinous immigration program, for, wait for it, attorney general because he's "a serious person." It's not a bad guess that this is being considered since Miller is currently working on the recruitment of an army of right-wing lawyers to staff a MAGA-dominated executive branch. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Then there is the swashbuckling Mike Davis, the former general counsel to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley. Davis announced that he would immediately launch a "three-week reign of terror" in which he would "put kids in cages" and jail prosecutors and journalists who have gone after Trump. That's exactly what Trump wants to hear so don't be surprised if he is chosen. Podcaster Steve Bannon, who was fired from the first Trump administration but is back in the in-crowd is being discussed as chief of staff, and Kash Patel, the man Trump promoted from the ranks to sabotage the Pentagon is assumed to be Trump's CIA pick. Trump's former body man and enforcer Johnny McEntee is expected to be given a powerful position, possibly even in the Cabinet and Ric Grenell, the erstwhile Twitter troll turned ambassador in the first term, is generally considered to be the front runner for secretary of state. Uber wingnut Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ar., is mentioned for Defense Secretary and Jared Kushner is definitely on the list for something if he wants it. There's no mention of Michael Flynn but don't be too surprised if he turns up too. It's a pretty thin bench. Just look at that list. What a rogues gallery. It's nothing but the worst MAGA blowhards and the last standing retreads from the first term so the list isn't very long. Would they end up having to choose from nutty failed candidates like Pennsylvania's Doug Mastriano or Herschel Walker? Maybe Kanye West could be Treasury Secretary and Alex Jones could be the White House Counsel. Why not? Would they be any worse than Marjorie Taylor Greene? It's really not a joking matter actually. All the people mentioned in the Axios piece may be third-rate political figures but they are also dangerous authoritarians and Trump sycophants who would have no compunction about pushing whatever buttons they have at their disposal to punish their enemies and vanquish the political opposition. What they lack in integrity they make up for in malevolence and it's simply unthinkable that the U.S. government would be in their hands. TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) In an announcement on Thursday, Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza said a grand jury cleared a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper and Austin Police officer after an August 2022 shooting. APD releases video of carjacking suspect shooting On Aug. 8, 2022, Brandon Munoz sustained a gunshot wound, during an incident with DPS trooper Austin Ostrander and APD officer Michael Bradburn, according to the DAs office. The grand jury concluded its review of the shooting on Tuesday, a news release from the DAs office said. Munoz was sentenced to five years deferred adjudication on Sept. 8, 2023, in connection with the incident. Man sentenced in 2022 aggravated kidnapping The District Attorneys office takes the work of presenting all facts and evidence to a grand jury very seriously, Garza said in the release. In this case, an independent group of members of the Travis County community heard the evidence and law and decided that Officer Bradburns and Trooper Ostranders conduct was not unlawful. According to the DAs office, since the start of 2021, 91 cases against law enforcement officers were presented to a grand jury, including the cases against Ostrander and Bradburn. The grand jury has returned a no bill 58 times. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A key motivation driving the development of hypersonic weapons, which glide through the atmosphere at more than five times the speed of sound, is the desire to counter missile defenses. Evading terminal defense interceptors would allow these weapons to destroy missile- and air-defenses early in a conventional conflict, opening routes of attack for other weapons. It would also allow hypersonic weapons to pose a serious threat to ships. A recent article , citing defense officials, warns that Even the most advanced US warship in the South China Sea could be defenseless against a hypersonic attack. In contrast, a March Pentagon press statement says that Aegis ships equipped with the sea-based terminal [defense] capability can now engage some hypersonic threats. US, Australia eye joint hypersonics experiments in 2024 Whats the reality? With prospects of a hypersonic revolution pushing U.S. spending and strategy, it is important to understand what hypersonic weapons can and cant do. Our recent analysis of hypersonic weapons and hypersonic defense looks at the physics of missile interception and shows that in contrast to common claims, hypersonic weapons can be intercepted by existing terminal defenses. The hypersonic weapons currently being developed by the US, Russia, and China for conventional uses have maximum speeds below about Mach 10-12. We show that the atmospheric drag on these weapons as they glide and dive to targets on the ground will slow them enough that they can be intercepted by defenses like advanced versions of the Armys Patriot PAC-3 and the Navys Aegis SM-6. This vulnerability was illustrated when Ukraine used PAC-3 to shoot down multiple incoming Russian Kinzhal missiles, despite their maneuvering flight at hypersonic speeds. This means that ships are less vulnerable to hypersonic attack than is frequently claimed. Ship-based radars could detect approaching hypersonic weapons at distances of many hundreds of kilometers, which is more than adequate to fire interceptors at them. Ships with interceptors similar to advanced PAC-3 and SM-6 systems should therefore be able to defend themselves from the hypersonic weapons currently being developed. This finding is supported by a Missile Defense Agency animation showing a carrier group using ship-based interceptors against hypersonic weapons. The video shows a ship-based interceptor like SM-6 engaging hypersonic weapons detected by the ships radar. Developing faster hypersonic weapons could help a country evade current interceptors, but would raise new problems. Faster flight through the atmosphere would lead to much more intense heating of the vehicles, which remains the fundamental challenge in designing these weapons. And at the same time, countries will be working to develop increasingly fast and maneuverable interceptors to engage the next generation of hypersonic weapons their adversaries might develop. Our analysis also shows that hypersonic weapons ability to maneuver during their glide phasearound defended regions, for instanceis typically exaggerated and comes at a significant cost. The very high speeds of these weapons means they require very large aerodynamic forces to turn. Generating these forces increases drag and can significantly reduce the speed and range of the weapon. As an example, consider a Mach 10 weapon that turns by 30o to avoid overflying a particular location and then turns back by 30o to its original direction of flight. Under reasonable assumptions, the drag during this turn would reduce its speed from Mach 10 to about Mach 6 and reduce its total glide distance to less than 60% of the distance it could have flown with no turns. Adding an engine, like a scramjet, could reduce the loss of speed and range during maneuvers, but adding an engine and fuel would increase the weapons size and mass, requiring a significantly bigger booster to launch it. Since scramjets are not a mature technology and operating them is notoriously complicated, powered hypersonic systems will likely be less reliable and more expensive than boost-glide weapons. Ballistic missiles also fly at hypersonic speeds, and flying them on depressed trajectories can deliver missiles in equal or shorter times than hypersonic weapons, without the heating problems. Ballistic missiles delivering warheads that can maneuver in the atmosphere (using maneuverable reentry vehicles, or MaRVs) can use similar guidance technologies and have similar accuracy as hypersonic weapons. MaRVs can also use lift as they reenter the atmosphere to maneuver and re-target over hundreds of kilometers. In general, MaRVs launched by ballistic missiles on depressed trajectories out-perform hypersonic weapons in many scenarios. A recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office predicts they would be a third less expensive than hypersonic weapons. The hypersonic arms race is likely to increase tensions and military spending internationally without enhancing national or global security. Hypersonic weapons do not live up to many of the grandiose claims about their performance, and there are better options for gaining the capabilities they do offer. The United States needs to take a more realistic view of these weapons and the billions of dollars it is spending on them. David Wright is a visiting scholar in the Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has a PhD in Physics. Cameron Tracy is a research scholar in the Center for International Security and Cooperation, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. He has a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. A key motivation driving the development of hypersonic weapons, which glide through the atmosphere at more than five times the speed of sound, is the desire to counter missile defenses. Evading terminal defense interceptors would allow these weapons to destroy missile- and air-defenses early in a conventional conflict, opening routes of attack for other weapons. It would also allow hypersonic weapons to pose a serious threat to ships. A recent article , citing defense officials, warns that Even the most advanced US warship in the South China Sea could be defenseless against a hypersonic attack. In contrast, a March Pentagon press statement says that Aegis ships equipped with the sea-based terminal [defense] capability can now engage some hypersonic threats. Whats the reality? With prospects of a hypersonic revolution pushing U.S. spending and strategy, it is important to understand what hypersonic weapons can and cant do. Our recent analysis of hypersonic weapons and hypersonic defense looks at the physics of missile interception and shows that in contrast to common claims, hypersonic weapons can be intercepted by existing terminal defenses. The hypersonic weapons currently being developed by the US, Russia, and China for conventional uses have maximum speeds below about Mach 10-12. We show that the atmospheric drag on these weapons as they glide and dive to targets on the ground will slow them enough that they can be intercepted by defenses like advanced versions of the Armys Patriot PAC-3 and the Navys Aegis SM-6. This vulnerability was illustrated when Ukraine used PAC-3 to shoot down multiple incoming Russian Kinzhal missiles, despite their maneuvering flight at hypersonic speeds. This means that ships are less vulnerable to hypersonic attack than is frequently claimed. Ship-based radars could detect approaching hypersonic weapons at distances of many hundreds of kilometers, which is more than adequate to fire interceptors at them. Ships with interceptors similar to advanced PAC-3 and SM-6 systems should therefore be able to defend themselves from the hypersonic weapons currently being developed. This finding is supported by a Missile Defense Agency animation showing a carrier group using ship-based interceptors against hypersonic weapons. The video shows a ship-based interceptor like SM-6 engaging hypersonic weapons detected by the ships radar. Developing faster hypersonic weapons could help a country evade current interceptors, but would raise new problems. Faster flight through the atmosphere would lead to much more intense heating of the vehicles, which remains the fundamental challenge in designing these weapons. And at the same time, countries will be working to develop increasingly fast and maneuverable interceptors to engage the next generation of hypersonic weapons their adversaries might develop. Our analysis also shows that hypersonic weapons ability to maneuver during their glide phasearound defended regions, for instanceis typically exaggerated and comes at a significant cost. The very high speeds of these weapons means they require very large aerodynamic forces to turn. Generating these forces increases drag and can significantly reduce the speed and range of the weapon. As an example, consider a Mach 10 weapon that turns by 30o to avoid overflying a particular location and then turns back by 30o to its original direction of flight. Under reasonable assumptions, the drag during this turn would reduce its speed from Mach 10 to about Mach 6 and reduce its total glide distance to less than 60% of the distance it could have flown with no turns. Adding an engine, like a scramjet, could reduce the loss of speed and range during maneuvers, but adding an engine and fuel would increase the weapons size and mass, requiring a significantly bigger booster to launch it. Since scramjets are not a mature technology and operating them is notoriously complicated, powered hypersonic systems will likely be less reliable and more expensive than boost-glide weapons. Ballistic missiles also fly at hypersonic speeds, and flying them on depressed trajectories can deliver missiles in equal or shorter times than hypersonic weapons, without the heating problems. Ballistic missiles delivering warheads that can maneuver in the atmosphere (using maneuverable reentry vehicles, or MaRVs) can use similar guidance technologies and have similar accuracy as hypersonic weapons. MaRVs can also use lift as they reenter the atmosphere to maneuver and re-target over hundreds of kilometers. In general, MaRVs launched by ballistic missiles on depressed trajectories out-perform hypersonic weapons in many scenarios. A recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office predicts they would be a third less expensive than hypersonic weapons. The hypersonic arms race is likely to increase tensions and military spending internationally without enhancing national or global security. Hypersonic weapons do not live up to many of the grandiose claims about their performance, and there are better options for gaining the capabilities they do offer. The United States needs to take a more realistic view of these weapons and the billions of dollars it is spending on them. David Wright is a visiting scholar in the Laboratory for Nuclear Security and Policy in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He has a PhD in Physics. Cameron Tracy is a research scholar in the Center for International Security and Cooperation, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. He has a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Water master Robert Rios walks down to irrigation gates near the border wall in El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 in July 2023. The "ditch riders" frequently find dead migrants trapped in the fast moving water. "Its something you cant shake," Rios said of the smell of death. "It stays with you." This story was republished on Jan. 5, 2024, to make it free for all readers. Editors note: This story contains reporting that some readers may find disturbing. Robert Rios knows the Rio Grande as few do: its vagary and speed, its awesome power to give life and take it away. The flow of the Rio Grande has been steered by humans for a century. Rios, the water master for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1, has been behind the wheel for 52 of those years. Rios manages the ditch riders who monitor the water levels and control the irrigation gates on canals that crisscross farmland and neighborhoods north of the U.S.-Mexico border. A strong current flows in the main canal next to the border wall in the lower valley of El Paso, Texas during irrigation season in June 2023. He takes water orders from farmers during the summer months. And he takes the call when the ditch riders find a body in the river. As sure as the water rises, they find the dead in the river. "Floaters," they call them. "From the time they drown, they go down," said Rios, whose last name in Spanish means "rivers." "They dont surface until a couple of days later, about three days after they drown. Until they float." Most of the time, the bodies belong to migrants. People who traveled hundreds or thousands of miles across the continent, who braved jungles and raging rivers only to be deceived by a placid-looking canal the width of a backyard swimming pool. People who couldn't know that under the surface runs a current that will claw them under. An auxilio sign with a number to indicate its precise location is written in Spanish near a water gate on the main canal just north of the border wall in the lower valley in June 2023. "In years past, we would go to Juarez and hand out fliers in Spanish ... to make sure they are well aware of the dangers," said Robert Rios, water master. In El Paso's deadliest-ever year for migrants, the Rio Grande claimed at least half a dozen people, according to Jay Ornelas, the irrigation district's general manager. Neither the irrigation district, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, nor the El Paso Police Department track migrant deaths and none of the agencies responded to requests for reports on the deaths. But Rios remembers that, last year, he stopped counting the bodies of the drowned the majority, likely migrants at 43. "We try to get the word out to people," Ornelas said. "In years past, we would go to Juarez and hand out fliers in Spanish in our neighboring country to make sure they are well aware of the dangers." More: Flyers warn migrants of drowning dangers from Rio Grande, canals in El Paso area Rios and the 25 ditch riders for District No. 1 aren't first responders, emergency workers or undertakers and yet they all know the smell of death. "Its something you cant shake," Rios said. "It stays with you. You can go home and your wife can make you soup and it smells like a body." The Rio Grande 'just sucks you down' Where the river bends around Mount Cristo Rey into Texas, the Rio Grande becomes the U.S.-Mexico borderline. Each spring, water managers release water from the Elephant Butte Reservoir 130 miles north of El Paso, and the water crawls into the wide, dry bed of the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Rios and the ditch riders divert the river into concrete and earthen channels that rush water to farms like blood through veins, nourishing crops including alfalfa and onion. They ride the river banks from the New Mexico-Texas state line, through urban El Paso east into the Lower Valley. The river travels a mile per hour in its natural channel but speeds up in the constructed V-shaped concrete canals, which pose the greatest risk to anyone who jumps or falls in the water, Ornelas said. Robert Rios, water master for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 checks the water levels in a canal next to the border wall during a sunrise in July of 2023. "We open the gates and pressurize the canals upstream," he said. "On the surface it looks calm, but the gate just sucks you down." He explained the science: "One cubic foot of water weighs 62.4 pounds. If the canal is 10 feet deep, that is 624 pounds of pressure sitting on you. You multiply that by the width of the canal say it is 10 feet wide and you are looking at 6,240 pounds of pressure. "It is extremely, extremely heavy force," Rios said. A man drowns at the river gate All day and all night the ditch riders monitor the canals. They drive along the levees and watch the numbers glow on a digital telemetry site that measures water levels in real time. Rios started managing the river before that technology existed and can spot when a ditch is low by even an inch or two, but he watches the telemetry on his cellphone, too. "You dont want it to get out of control," Rios explains. "You want to monitor it. Were ordering water for ourselves, were ordering water for Mexico" he pronounces the country name in Spanish, Mejico "were ordering water for the city of El Paso, were ordering water for New Mexico. Were bringing it down. We dont let no water get past us." On a summer day before dawn, Rios met up with supervisor Enrique Perez at the head gate known as the Repartidor, a nickname that means "delivery man" in Spanish. The rusted steel border fence stood to the south within view, 30 feet tall. The river churning through the irrigation gates produced a deafening roar in the morning darkness. Rios' truck headlights illuminated the gates, where the placid canal surface spilled into powerful whitewater. Enrique Perez, a supervisor for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 is a younger employee of the water district but has already had to see several deaths of migrants in the canals. In this photo, he stands near the canal with the border wall to the south in the lower valley of El Paso, Texas in June 2023. Eight days earlier, someone was pulled under at this spot. Border Patrol reported to the irrigation district that someone was in the canal near the Repartidor around 3 a.m. on July 11. Perez was the night supervisor and responded. "He went under and they lost him here," Perez said, pointing to the water roaring through the gates. "They eventually found him floating downstream." A firefighters' water rescue team pulled out the body around 5:30 a.m.: a man in his 20s, unidentified. 'It's better to wait for help' Rios has mentored Perez and other supervisors. But the bodies of the drowned is something for which Rios can't prepare them; they can only learn from experience. Robert Rios, water master for the El Paso County Water Improvement District No. 1 rests on the border wall during a sunrise in July 2023. Sometimes migrants mistake the ditch riders for Border Patrol, and they ask for help. The 30-foot border fence has slowed down the movement of migrants through the industrial and agricultural land east of El Paso, but still they come. The evidence is everywhere: fence holes cut by smugglers patched with welded steel mesh, rope ladders hung from the top. Perez said he tries to warn migrants about the canals, whenever he can, before they make a fatal mistake. "If you ever see water, just dont get in," he said he tells them. "Es peligrosa el agua. Tiene mucha corriente. The water is dangerous. It has so much current. Don't get in. It's better to wait for help than to risk your life." Part 6: Family decries deadly violence migrants face in Juarez on journey to US Aline Simerman EL PASO TIMES The body of a Guatemalan migrant JUAREZ Her thin body was found lifeless and abandoned in a ravine in the impoverished border community of Lomas de Poleo, an area that undocumented migrants frequently traverse to cross from Juarez to Sunland Park, New Mexico. With brown skin and dark hair, dressed in athletic clothes and blue socks but no shoes, the young woman in her 20s was lying on her back in the sand. A thick stream of blood, now dry, ran from her nose and her forehead and pooled beneath her head. Cuts on her right arm were visible through the torn sleeve of her hoodie. "I was looking for her purse or backpack, shoes, an identification, but she had nothing with her," a state police investigator said at the scene. "This is a popular route toward the United States." Continue reading This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Rising migrant deaths 2023: 6 lives lost in Rio Grande canals Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion, left to right, Avery Wilson as Scarecrow, Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy and Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman star in Broadway In Chicagos presentation of the Chicago premiere of the all-new Broadway-bound North American tour of The Wiz at Cadillac Palace Theatre ending Dec. 10, 2023 and set to open on Broadway in March 2024. - Original Credit: Jeremy Daniel (Handout/HANDOUT) I still remember being an excited 10-year-old and wanting the hurry home after evening mass at church to see the first television airing of the movie The Wiz on Saturday, Oct. 11, 1980. Still before the time of at home video recorders for TV being common place, viewers had to be home and also sit through all of the commercials for the CBS airing. Advertisement Three years before Michael Jackson joined Diana Ross as Dorothy to Ease on Down the Road in his Scarecrow guise for the 1978 film version of The Wiz, this urban-set spin on the 1939 movie classic The Wizard of Oz was already a Broadway musical hit when it launched on stage in 1975. The Broadway run won seven Tony Awards. The Universal Pictures 1978 film treatment also starred Nipsey Russell as The Tin Man, Lena Horne as Glinda the Good Witch, Mabel King as the Wicked Witch of the West and Richard Pryor in the title role. (Critics thought the 33-year-old Ross was too old to be cast as Dorothy.) When NBC resurrected a stage airing of The Wiz for a live TV broadcast in December 2015, it scored a viewership of nearly 12 million. Advertisement Last week I was talking to Mark Spencer, artistic director of The West Side Theatre Guild in Gary about The Wiz. Spencer has seen national touring productions of the show as well as having produced his own run of The Wiz over the course of years of raising his own red curtain. Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Common, MC Lyte, The Ambassador Theatre Group, and Broadway In Chicago are presenting the Chicago premiere of the all-new Broadway-bound North American tour of The Wiz at Cadillac Palace Theatre which ends Dec. 10. It is set to open on Broadway in March 2024. The tour began in September in the musicals original home city of Baltimore, where the show made its world premiere 50 years ago. This touring cast features Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz, award-winning recording artist Deborah Cox as Glinda, Chicagos own favorite talent Melody Betts as Aunt Em and later, as Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman and recording artist Avery Wilson as Scarecrow. Nichelle Lewis is terrific in her Broadway debut as Dorothy. In addition to the messages of acceptance, understanding, believing in ones self and friendship, the songs in The Wiz also remain a popular aspect of what audiences retain long after leaving the theater. Ease on Down the Road, performed by Ross and Jackson for the 1978 film, was released as single that topped the record charts and enjoyed plenty of radio play. Other songs such as Hes the Wizard, as performed with the Munchkins and Dont Nobody Bring Me No Bad News, as performed by Betts in her evil witch identity, are infectious. Director Schele Williams and choreographer JaQuel Knight guide this great return. That original New York production ran for four years, first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre for a total of 1,672 performances on Broadway. Now its time to see where the Yellow Brick Road leads for this latest incarnation. Tickets are $55-$195 at 800-775-2000 and www.broadwayinchicago.com and www.wizmusical.com. Advertisement The late great TV, film and Broadway actor Mabel King was a great talent and died far too young at age 66 in 1999. She originated the role of Evillene the Witch on Broadway and reprised it for the 1978 film. I grew up watching her as the sage advice mom Mabel Mama Thomas on the ABC sitcom Whats Happening!! from 1976 to 1978. Kings recipe for banana fritters are a golden and delicious tasty treasure worthy of The Wizard himself. Columnist Philip Potempa has published four cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. He can be reached at pmpotempa @comhs.org or mail your questions: From the Farm, PO Box 68, San Pierre, Ind. 46374. Mabel Kings Banana Fritters Makes 4 fritters 4 medium bananas Juice of one-half lemon Advertisement 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar 1/2 cup biscuit mix 1 tablespoon sugar 1 egg 1 cup milk Vegetable oil for deep frying Advertisement Drizzle of maple syrup Directions: 1. Cut each banana crosswise into 3 chunks, each about 2 inches long. 2. Sprinkle with lemon juice and confectioners sugar. Let stand 20 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, mix biscuit mix with sugar, egg, and milk. 4. Dip each banana into batter to coat completely. Advertisement 5. Fry banana chunks in hot oil into brown. Serve with maple syrup. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A Tobyhanna man was sentenced to six years in prison for fentanyl, heroin and cocaine trafficking. The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Thursday that Darius Jamal Scott, 46, of Tobyhanna, PA, was sentenced on December 7, to six years in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release, for heroin, fentanyl and cocaine trafficking. According to United States Attorney Gerard M. Karam, from around April 2022 until June 15, 2022, Scott conspired with others to distribute and did distribute over 40 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, as well as over 100 grams of cocaine, in Tobyhanna and surrounding areas in Monroe County. Lock Haven Man Convicted of Visa Fraud Scott was out on state parole for a prior handgun offense at the time of his commission of this federal narcotics offense. At his sentencing, Judge Mariani ordered that Scotts six-year federal sentence run consecutively to the two-year sentence that Scott received for his parole violation. This investigation demonstrates HSIs commitment to identifying the most determined recidivists that peddle poison and prey on the most vulnerable. HSI will leverage every resource and partnership, especially our outstanding collaboration with the PA Office of the Attorney General Bureau of Narcotics Investigations, to rid our communities of the drug traffickers that plaque them, said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia William S. Walker. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Viking announced its return to Antarctica for a third season of voyages on its sister ships the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both vessels will spend the Austral summer in Antarctica, before returning to North Americas Great Lakes for voyages throughout the spring, summer and early fall. To meet strong demand for Antarctica voyages, Viking has also announced the 2025-2026 season is now open for booking, including its new 87-day expedition from the Arctic to Antarctica, sailing from Nuuk, Greenland to Ushuaia, Argentina. Advertisement Departing in September 2025, this epic journey will allow guests to explore the natural beauty and historic waterways of the Canadian High Arctic before traveling down the east coast of North and South America, calling on ports in the Caribbean, Peru and exploring the Chilean glaciers before continuing to Antarctica. As we welcome guests back for a third season in Antarctica, we are pleased to introduce even more opportunities for the curious traveler to experience this phenomenal region in Viking comfort, said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. Advertisement Our guests are able to explore some of the most pristine destinations on Earth in the most responsible way possible, while also participating in meaningful scientific discoveries, he added. The Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris host 378 guests in 189 staterooms. Vessels are built specifically for expeditions, at an ideal size for safety and comfort in remote destinations. With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels, passengers are as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth. Highlights include: The Aula a stunning panoramic auditorium featuring a 4k laser-projected screen that retracts exposing floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views. Finse Terrace an outdoor lounge area just above sea level with recessed seating allowing guests to enjoy the dramatic scenery. The Hangar a state-of-the-art, industry-first in-ship marina providing ease of embarkation and disembarkation of Special Operations Boats and other equipment. The Bow a forward-viewing partially enclosed platform. The Science Lab where guests have supervised access to learn from and participate with scientists undertaking meaningful research. Advertisement Expedition central the hub for the expedition team to consult with guests on expedition activities and share knowledge about destinations on a one-on-one basis with 3D printed maps, digital screens, and a state-of-the-art spatial data visualization chart table. Dining choices The restaurant offers fine dining featuring regional cuisine and casual World Cafe includes a bakery, grill and premium seafood and sushi. Mamsens serves Scandinavian-inspired fare and Manfredis offers Italian cuisine. The Nordic Spa offers ultimate healthy Nordic traditions, with an indoor heated pool set against expansive windows and a badestamp (wood-sided hot tub) open to the outside. Explorers Lounge an ideal space to take in the magnificent scenery and share discoveries with fellow travelers. The Living Room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a library. Nordic Balcony a first for polar expedition vessels, staterooms feature a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform with an observation shelf to stabilize binoculars or a camera. Advertisement Expedition Ship Suites include Nordic Junior Suites and Explorer Suites similar to those on Vikings ocean ships. Explorer Suites feature two separate rooms, a Nordic Balcony and a full outdoor veranda. The Owners Suite has three rooms, a private deck and a traditional Norwegian badestamp. Environmentally Considerate Vikings expedition ships have set a new standard for responsible travel with an energy-efficient design exceeding the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by nearly 38 percent, and more. Another day, another person of note being singled out by conspiracy theorist and X owner Elon Musk. The mercurial CEO's latest target is Disney CEO Bob Iger, whose empire recently pulled out of advertising on Musk's much-maligned social media network. Along with plenty of other big names in the advertising space, Disney decided to call it quits after Musk infamously threw his weight behind an appalling and deeply antisemitic conspiracy theory. Instead of engaging in some clearly much-needed introspection, Musk lashed out at Iger this week, posting that "he should be fired immediately." "Walt Disney is turning in his grave over what Bob has done to his company," he added. To get a coherent answer as to why Musk made the demand takes some unpacking, so bear with us. Musk implied that Disney was to blame for not pulling its ads from Meta, following a lawsuit alleging the much larger social media company had failed to keep child sexual abuse material (CSAM) off of its platform. "Bob Eiger thinks its cool to advertise next to child exploitation material," Musk wrote, misspelling Iger's name, in response to a tweet that argued sex exploration material on Meta was "sponsored" by Disney. "Real stand up guy." To be clear, Meta has an extremely well-documented problem with keeping disgusting CSAM off of its platforms. Just last week, the Wall Street Journal found that there have been instances of Instagram and Facebook actually promoting pedophile accounts, making what sounds like an already dangerous situation even worse. At the end of the day, nobody's a real winner here. Iger's own track record is less-than-stellar, especially when it comes to Disney's handling of Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill. Yet in many ways, Musk is the pot calling the kettle black. Why? Because X-formerly-Twitter has its own considerable issue with CSAM. Especially following Musk's chaotic takeover last year, the New York Times found back in February that Musk is falling far short of making "removing child exploitation" his "priority number one," as he declared last year. Since then, child abuse content has run rampant on the platform. Worse yet, in July the platform came under fire for reinstating an account that posted child sex abuse material. Meanwhile, instead of taking responsibility for all of the hateful things he's said, Musk has attempted to rally up his base on X, arguing that advertisers were conspiring against him and his "flaming dumpster" of a social media company. During last month's New York Times DealBook Summit, the embattled CEO accused advertisers of colluding to "blackmail" him "with advertising" a harebrained idea that highlights his escalating desperation. At the time, after literally telling advertisers to go "fuck" themselves, Musk took the opportunity to take a potshot at Iger as well. "Hey Bob, if you're in the audience, that's how I feel," he added for emphasis. "Don't advertise." More on the beef: Twitter Is in Extremely Deep Trouble US Space Force is teaming up with SpaceX to launch its X-37B spaceplane on Sunday. The vehicle carries secretive cargo and can fly in orbit for hundreds of days at a time. The spaceplane will launch atop SpaceX's Falcon Heavy, suggesting it will go higher than before. The US Space Force's top-secret X-37B spaceplane is gearing up to launch on board a SpaceX rocket this weekend. The pilotless vehicle is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Sunday 10th December, starting at around 8:14 p.m. ET, per Space.com. X-37Bs are reusable spaceplanes that can fly for hundreds of days at a time, carrying civilian and military experiments on board. They launch vertically on top of rockets, but glide back down to Earth to land on a runway. Their long-duration missions are shrouded in secrecy, prompting speculation that they could be used for spying by the US military. Statements released by the US Space Force suggest this flight could be longer and reach greater heights than its previous mission when it stayed in orbit for 908 days. X37B is shown preparing for its next launch. It is sporting the US Space Force logo for the first time. Courtesy of US Space Force First run by NASA, the project became classified when it was taken over by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2004. Since 2020, the missions have been run by the US Space Force the government's space-defense branch of the military formalized by former President Donald Trump. X37B shown here after its sixth orbital flight mission. US Space Force A statement from the US Space Force noted that X-37B will be "operating in new orbital regimes" during this mission. X-37B will be riding to space on top of SpaceX's Falcon Heavy for the first time. Falcon Heavy is the world's second most powerful operational rocket. It offers three times more lift than the Falcon 9 and Atlas 5, the crafts that previously launched the X-37B missions, New Scientist reported. Altogether, this suggests that X-37B could attempt to reach higher and fly longer than ever before during its seventh flight, New Scientist reported. "We are excited to expand the envelope of the reusable X-37B's capabilities, using the flight-proven service module and Falcon Heavy rocket to fly multiple cutting-edge experiments for the Department of the Air Force and its partners," said Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Fritschen, the X-37B Program Director, in a statement. SpaceX's Falcon Heavy takes off on Oct. 13, 2023 from the Kennedy Space Center carrying NASA's Psyche mission payload. Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images If all goes to plan, this mission will add to the spaceplanes' impressive flight time. Since first launched in April 2010, X37B have accrued more than 3,770 days in space, per the Space Force's statement. There are two known X-37Bs in operation, developed in partnership with Boeing. The upcoming flight, dubbed OTV-7, X-37B will carry "groundbreaking" experiments that will "equip the United States with the knowledge to enhance current and future space operations," said General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations at Space Force. That includes a NASA experiment to study the effect of long-term cosmic radiation exposure on seeds brought in flight. Another experiment will test "future space domain awareness technologies," per the statement. The exact nature of this cargo was not disclosed, but it is likely to relate to the detection and monitoring of crafts floating around the Earth that could threaten national or commercial space systems. During X-37B's last flight, which touched down in November 2022, the plane successfully beamed solar energy from space. Read the original article on Business Insider Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes speaks during the GOP State Convention at the Mountain America Exposition Center in Sandy on Saturday, April 23, 2022. | Adam Fondren, for the Deseret News Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes released internal polling that places him ahead of other potential candidates for the attorney generals office on Thursday. Reyes is widely expected to announce a reelection bid to face possible challengers state Sen. Dan McCay and former GOP state chair Derek Brown. The poll was provided to the Deseret News by the Reyes campaign. It shows he is polling ahead of his potential Republican challengers, but his legal and legislative troubles could still spell trouble for a 2024 bid. The poll, conducted by Lighthouse Research, asked 412 Utah Republicans who are likely to vote whether they would support Reyes for state attorney general or either of his two potential challengers Utah state Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, or former Utah GOP party chair Derek Brown in a 2024 match-up. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points. The poll showed Reyes ahead of McCay 39% to 18%, with 42% saying they dont know. Against Brown, Reyes was ahead 40% to 18% with 41% saying they dont know. And in a three-way matchup, Reyes was at 37% with Brown at 8% and McCay at 6%, while 38% said they dont know and 10% chose other. While Reyes has much higher name recognition than Brown or McCay according to the poll, he also has higher unfavorables with 1 in 4 Utah Republicans saying they have a very or somewhat negative view of Reyes. Another 20% said they were neutral, while 44% said they had a positive or somewhat positive impression of him. Only 4% of voters said they had a negative impression of McCay, 1% said that of Brown. When asked for a response to the poll, Brown sent an earlier statement from former Gov. Gary Herbert, who said, As Chair of the @derekbrownutah Attorney General exploratory committee, Ive spoken with countless community leaders. The support has been overwhelming. With this support, the committee will be making an exciting announcement during the coming week. Stay tuned... . McCay told the Deseret News hes looking at the race. Advisers around me are encouraging me to get involved. He said whether Reyes is running for reelection is certainly one of the factors to consider. McCay said Reyes poll results show theres a lot of folks that dont know who theyre voting for. For a couple of guys who have almost little to no name ID in the state of Utah, Id say starting at an 18% base is not a bad place for an unknown candidate to be, he said of himself and Brown. Reyes is chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, and said he has large commitments on donations for a potential reelection bid should Reyes choose to run again. Alan Crooks, a Reyes campaign spokesman, said he was more than confident after seeing these numbers that (Reyes) is well positioned for reelection bid. But even as he enjoys higher poll numbers than his potential rivals, Reyes faces scrutiny over his connections to Tim Ballard, the former head of anti-trafficking group Operation Underground Railroad, who has been sued by several former associates for alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault. Reyes is also the subject of a complaint filed in Salt Lakes 3rd District Court last month by the same women whove accused Ballard. They say he was guilty of possible witness tampering and that his actions impeded an investigation into OUR, an allegation he called false, defamatory, and unethical as they are based on pure speculation and have no basis in fact. Last month, a bipartisan group of Utah lawmakers voted to launch an internal audit of the Attorney Generals office, including taking a look at Reyes relationship with Ballard and whether that affected his work as the top law enforcement officer. Also, during the 2024 Legislature that begins meeting next month, lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal that the attorney general be appointed rather than elected. Related The state senator, who is not up for reelection next year, said between now and the early January filing deadline, he will be having those key conversations and start fundraising if thats a race were going to do. In response to legislative proposals about appointing the attorney general, McCay said theres a reason voters choose who fills the post. Thats to have the peoples voice represented in a legal capacity at the state level. And if were asking that question, then maybe were asking ourselves, Are we getting that done, or are we not, he said, calling what he described as the lack of progress on the use of federal lands a great example. McCay later added in a statement, Public trust in elected office is paramount. I appreciate Seans cooperation with the legislative efforts being made to restore faith in the Attorney Generals Office. I do not believe the solution is to elect a lobbyist as our states top legal officer. Contributing: Lisa Riley Roche Second gentleman Doug Emhoff marked the beginning of Hanukkah on Thursday in part by chastising a group of prominent university presidents for what he called an unacceptable lack of moral clarity after they declined to say if a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment under their campus policies. Emhoff, speaking at the National Menorah lighting on the Ellipse near the White House, acknowledged the contradiction of celebrating Hanukkah amid the fighting between Israel and Hamas and a recent surge in antisemitism. I know youre in pain. Im in pain. I know a lot of us are feeling unmoored and afraid. Weve not seen anything like this moment, and I know its scary said Emhoff, who is Jewish. Just look at the news the past couple of days. What have we seen? Weve seen the presidents of some of our most elite universities literally unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as antisemitic, Emhoff continued. That lack of moral clarity is simply unacceptable. The presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have drawn widespread criticism from both sides of the aisle in recent days after their appearance at a congressional hearing. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) asked the presidents if a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment under their campus policies. None of the trio directly answered the question, saying it would need to be investigated by the school or depended on the context and how pervasive the calls were. Emhoff described college students afraid to go to class, people afraid to go to synagogues and being attacked in the street because they are Jewish. He referenced a protest outside a restaurant in Philadelphia whose owner is Jewish. Let me be clear: When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity, and when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism, and it must be condemned, Emhoff said. Instances of antisemitism have sharply risen in the aftermath of Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attacks against Israel that left roughly 1,200 people dead. President Biden and the White House have repeatedly condemned antisemitism, as well as cases of Islamophobia in recent weeks. John Kirby, a White House spokesperson on national security issues, told reporters Thursday there are no specific, credible threats against Jewish communities as Hanukkah begins, but he stressed the federal government is monitoring intelligence to track any potential problems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. About 750 members of the Washington Post Guild staged a one-day strike against the paper on Thursday to publicize their position that management is not bargaining with them in good faith. Staffers who picketed were joined by Scabby the Rat, and many Post reporters withheld their bylines from the papers Thursday and Friday editions in protest. The mini-strikers may not have imagined that their direct action would force the Jeff Bezos-owned paper to submit to their demands. Few, if any, subscribers will notice or care that bylines were withheld, nor will many be moved by the fact that the Friday edition seemed fattened with what appeared to be staff stories that had been banked. The true purpose of such public protests is to unite workers behind the cause, drum up sympathy with the public and give management the hotfoot. By that measure, the walkout was a short-term success. But what about the long term? News unions have expanded their footprints in the last couple of years, organizing longtime holdouts like the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and a dozen Gannett newsrooms, as well as most top news websites and magazines (Slate, Vice, HuffPost, POLITICO, The Atlantic, Esquire, The New Yorker, New York, Washingtonian, et al.). But the successes cant mask the newspaper industrys death spiral. Post workers may well win a new contract, secure desired workplace enhancements and collect raises if they keep at it. But the victory may prove Pyrrhic as the newspaper industrys dim and dark present unfolds into its future. According to a Thursday Post piece about the Post strike, labor and management arent even talking the same language. Workers have not had a contract for 18 months. The Guild wants a minimum salary of $100,100 for reporters, and management is offering only $73,000. The parties are also separated by annual cost-of-living demands. Seeing as its only money theyre talking about, Bezos could buy every newsroom employee a $4 million home in the Hollywood Hills or thereabouts, give each $1 million in walking around money and make a bonfire on Malibu beach of $1 billion just to celebrate his generosity, and hed still have $165 billion in his pocket. But thats not how Bezos thinks. He counts every penny and fights unions hard wherever they appear in his kingdom. Since buying the money-losing Post a decade ago for a mere $250 million, hes been adamant about not running the paper as a philanthropy. Instead, he invested untold millions to reverse the newsroom headcount decline, expanding it by more than a third and adding new foreign bureaus, too. And miracle of miracles, he succeeded in making the paper profitable as recently as 2019. Bezos said at the outset that he also planned to make the Post a national and even global publication. While his millions improved what he inherited, he still hasnt made it a national or global read on par with the Times. It may be that there is room in the marketplace for only one national and global publication, and the New York Times has already claimed it. Meanwhile, for all of Bezos ambitions to build a profitable paper, the Post is now projected to lose $100 million this year. Such loses dont encourage bosses like Bezos to give raises or prevent them from trimming staff. You can blame red ink on the stewardship of outgoing publisher Fred Ryan, or you can attribute it to the end of the Trump Bump. (After Donald Trump left the White House the papers digital subscriptions declined to about 2.5 million from 3 million.) Or you could lay it on Executive Editor Sally Buzbee, who arrived in spring 2021 and isnt the sort of news impresario predecessor Marty Baron was. Or you could opt for the unified field theory and blame it all on the irreversible decline of the newspaper industry. As press baron Rupert Murdoch once said, newspapers are rivers of gold. But as he also later acknowledged, Sometimes rivers dry up. After a decade of supporting and expanding the paper, Bezos must fear that his entire newspaper investment will be swept out to sea. Thats not fearmongering. Newspaper trend lines are cratering and may prove to be too steep for Bezos tastes. According to the Pew Research Center, national weekday circulation peaked in 1972 at 63 million and has recently fallen to below 21 million. Newspaper advertising revenue peaked in 2006 at $49 billion and has now dropped below $10 billion, with only about 50 percent of it coming from the digital side. Meanwhile, Google alone pulls in about $76 billion in U.S. ad revenue a year. Not only are the industrys revenues and circulation gone to swirl in the toilet, but there are also fewer newspaper newsroom workers to organize. According to Pew Research, total newspaper newsroom jobs fell 57 percent between 2008 and 2020, and those losses are predicted to continue in the coming years. Organized labor may have conquered the newspaper newsroom, but theyve inherited an empire in near ruins. ****** Disclosure: My spouse is a Post Guild member. The Washington Post has always dragged its feet on negotiations. Just 37 years ago, back when the Graham family owned the paper, the newsroom rallied outside the papers offices at lunchtime to protest the lack of a contract. Send your union demands to Shafer.Politico@gmail.com. No new email alert subscriptions are being honored at this time. My Twitter and Bluesky feeds are not billionaires. My RSS feed would never belong to a union that would have him as a member. CORRECTION: This article previously stated the incorrect annual revenue for the newspaper industry. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) New England's long-shuttered shrimp business, which fell victim to warming waters, will remain in a fishing moratorium indefinitely, fishery regulators ruled last week. The shrimping business was based mostly in Maine and produced small, pink shrimp that were a winter delicacy in New England and across the country. The industry has been in a moratorium since 2013 in large part because environmental conditions off New England are unfavorable for the cold water-loving shrimp. That moratorium will remain in effect with no firm end date, a board of the regulatory Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission voted Friday, Dec. 1. The board stopped short of calling the move a permanent moratorium because it included a provision to continue monitoring the shrimp population and consider reopening the fishery if the crustaceans approach a healthy level. In this Jan. 6, 2012, file photo, northern shrimp lay on snow aboard a trawler in the Gulf of Maine. New Englands long-shuttered shrimp business, which fell victim to warming waters, will remain in a fishing moratorium for an indefinite period of time. The shrimping business was based mostly in Maine and produced small, pink shrimp that were a winter delicacy in New England and across the country. But it was clear board members saw little chance of a future for a fishery that once provided a beloved seafood item that appeared on restaurant menus and in seafood markets every year around Christmas. I think were all done here with this stock. I see the water temperatures. I dont think were coming back, said Mike Armstrong, an environmental analyst and member of the panel. The warming of the Gulf of Maine, a body of water where the shrimp live that is critical to U.S. commercial fishing for species such as scallops and lobsters, is an ongoing subject of scientific study. In addition to the shrimp, other New England species, such as Atlantic cod, have also declined in the face of warming waters and overfishing. Homeless in Sanford: How couple survived 10 months in Maine woods Previous extensions of the shrimp fishing moratorium have been for one year or three years at a time. However, the shrimp stock isnt showing signs of improvement, said Chelsea Tuohy, a fishery management plan coordinator for the commission. Recently, under no fishing mortality, the population continues to decline, Tuohy said. The Gulf of Maine is warming quicker than other areas of the ocean, and the shrimp tend not to do well in warming waters. The commercial fishery for the New England shrimp, which are also called Maine shrimp or pink shrimp, was established in the 1950s and peaked at nearly 30 million pounds (13.6 million kilograms) per year in the late 1960s, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission documents state. Maine fishermen caught more than 10 million pounds of the shrimp per year as recently as 2011. Fishermen in Massachusetts and New Hampshire also once sought them. 'Christmas miracle': New home delivered for Purple Heart veteran and former police chief Shrimp are among the most popular seafood items in the world, and New England shrimp were once a small part of the worldwide shrimp industry, which includes wild-caught and farmed shrimp species from many parts of the globe. Canadian fishermen have long harvested the same species of shrimp as New England fishermen, and their exports of the shrimp are still sometimes found in U.S. seafood markets. Some U.S. fishermen have advocated trying to save New England's shrimp fishery with new management approaches. Glen Libby, a former shrimp trawler, said regulators need to gather more data before taking drastic measures to close a historic fishery. The shrimp panel also voted to investigate the possibility of an industry-based research program about the fishery. A lot of people, mostly in the industry, don't think that we have a complete picture of what's going on, Libby said. Let's not open it up, let's just have a limited season. There's a hunger for more data, that's for sure. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: New England's shrimp fishery to remain closed indefinitely PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Multnomah County is urging Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and the Department of Environmental Quality to deny Zenith Energy an air permit, citing dire environmental safety concerns. The county sent a letter to Kotek and the DEQ on Thursday, describing the dangers of Zenith Energys oil-by-rail terminal along a six-mile stretch of the Willamette River. Multnomah County says studies have found that a sizeable earthquake in the area would lead to an enormous catastrophe, including a massive toxic gas release that could kill thousands of Portlanders and the largest U.S. oil spill since BP Deepwater Horizon. The Department of Environmental Quality has the responsibility and authority to protect public health and the environment. As a jurisdiction with shared values, we urge you to use your existing authority to reject this permit, the letter reads. Tillamook rushes to build bridge in 10 days as weather could divide the Oregon Coast The county adds, You and the agency have the authority to reject this permit and we ask you to do so. Business as usual is unacceptable, given the immediate risks of this facility, and the risks of climate changeWe encourage you to act with the boldness that the moment deserves. We have all seen the detrimental consequences of hazardous weather events in our county, nationally, and globally. We must reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and make policy decisions that address the disproportionate exposure and harm of climate change. For the well-being and health of our community, I urge the DEQ to reject the Zenith air quality permit, Commissioner Lori Stegmann said. The county is joining calls from 37 organizations including unions, environmental organizations, and other community groups to deny Zeniths air permit. VIDEO: Oregon waterfalls at full force after atmospheric river I havent seen the letter, but I am aware of the issue, Gov. Kotek said in a statement. We are monitoring the process by which DEQ is going through around the air permit that they need to approve. My understanding is that for people to challenge the current status of that site, it needs to go through the land use process. My understanding is that no one has filed a land use complaint at this point. As it relates to DEQ, we are monitoring. I want to understand what the decision will be there, but they have not issued that permit yet. In a statement to KOIN 6 News, DEQ said We know many share concerns regarding the environmental threat of fuel in an earthquake zone. In September 2023, the Environmental Quality Commission, DEQs governing board, adopted the Fuel Tank Seismic Stability program rules to minimize risk from fuel facilities in the event of a Cascadia-level earthquake, DEQ said in a statement. DEQ is committed to an open and transparent process for our air quality permitting decision. Multnomah County says Zeniths air permit has not been released to the public and there is no timeline by DEQ for consideration and public comment. In a statement, Grady Reamer, Chief Commercial Officer of Zenith Energy said Zenith is working closely with the City of Portland to implement a plan to convert all our crude oil storage to renewable fuels by October 2027. That transition is well underway. We have already removed one of our primary tanks from crude oil service, and we expect our terminal to be 50% renewable by April of next year. The result of this transition means our proposed air permit will reduce allowable Portland terminal emissions by 80% below the current permit. Portland is a national leader in clean energy, and were proud to be a partner in delivering on this shared vision. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva speaks at a forum promoting cultural tourism of China's Zhejiang Province in Sofia, Bulgaria, on Dec. 7, 2023. A delegation from China's Zhejiang Province welcomed Bulgarian tourists at a forum promoting the province's attractions in Sofia on Thursday. (Photo by Marian Draganov/Xinhua) A delegation from China's Zhejiang Province welcomed Bulgarian tourists at a forum promoting the province's attractions in Sofia on Thursday. During the event, the audience enjoyed a video presentation about Zhejiang, a photo exhibition, a performance of traditional Chinese musical instruments and a tea ceremony. Hu Wei, vice governor of Zhejiang, said the event at the China Cultural Center showcased his province's beautiful scenery, cultural heritage and dynamic vibrancy. "We hope to use this event as an important opportunity to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism and other fields," Hu said. Wang Min, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, said she hoped that interpersonal and cultural exchanges, as well as practical cooperation, between China and Bulgaria would increase. "At the same time, I hope to see more Bulgarian friends embark on a journey to China," she said. Meanwhile, Director of the China Cultural Center in Sofia Hong Hai introduced China's national tourism brand, "Nihao! ('Hello' in Chinese) China," to Bulgaria. The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism recently introduced "Nihao! China" as the tourism brand, featuring a logo with a chubby cartoon panda, "Nihao China" lettering and a traditional Chinese seal conveying the greeting "Hello China." A wide-ranging campaign has started to promote tourism in China with this brand. Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Tourism Irena Georgieva also attended the event. She said her ministry attaches great importance to the development of Bulgarian-Chinese relations in tourism, and supports initiatives promoting bilateral cooperation in this field. "The forum today is undoubtedly an example of this," Georgieva added. The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen struck three commercial vessels with missiles in the southern Red Sea on Dec. 3, according to U.S. Central Command. In response, Washington is working to form a maritime task force to ensure the safe passage of ships. But rather than creating a new task force from scratch, the Biden administration should use the existing Combined Task Force 153 to urgently build a larger international effort to protect commercial vessels sailing near Yemen and to interdict Iranian weapons smuggling to the Houthis. That could help deter and defeat attacks as well as defend freedom of navigation and the unimpeded flow of commerce through one of the worlds most important maritime chokepoints. To understand why this is the best approach, it is helpful to consider the context. Heres what happened on Sunday: The U.S. Navys Arleigh-Burke class destroyer Carney responded to distress calls from commercial vessels transiting international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. During the hourslong ordeal, the Unity Explorer, the M/V Number 9 and the M/V Sophie II were struck by missiles launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. While attempting to assist the commercial vessels, Carney detected and was forced to destroy three UAVs menacing the ships. These attacks represent a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security. They have jeopardized the lives of international crews representing multiple countries around the world, CENTCOM said in a statement on Dec. 3 Unfortunately, this is not the first threat to commercial vessels from the Houthis. The International Maritime Security Construct issued a warning on Nov. 16 for vessels traveling through the vital Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Red Sea just two days after the Houthis threatened to attack international shipping. That warning proved prescient. On Nov. 19, the Houthis hijacked the Galaxy Leader, reportedly a Bahamian-flagged, British-owned, Japanese operated vessel, which had Filipino, Bulgarian, Romanian, Ukrainian and Mexican crew members. On multiple occasions last month, the Houthis used drones and missiles to threaten vessels, forcing U.S. naval vessels to down drones in several instances. The Galaxy Leader ship is anchored offshore of Yemen on Nov. 28, 2023. A support tender vessel is positioned nearby. The ship was captured by Houthi fighters on Nov. 19, 2023. (Maxar Technologies via AP) To be clear, Houthi aggression is not solely Americas problem. The three vessels attacked on Dec. 3 were connected to 14 separate nations. So how are the Houthis able to resource and conduct these attacks? Answer: Iran. Referring to the Dec. 3 attacks, CENTCOM said it has every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Houthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The next day, U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan was more direct. The weapons here are being supplied by Iran, he said. Iran, we believe, is the ultimate party responsible for this. Thats not surprising. Tehran has smuggled weapons and technology for anti-ship ballistic and cruise missiles, UAVs, and other munitions to the Houthis for years. So whats to be done? Sullivan mentioned the need for a maritime task force of sorts involving the ships from partner nations alongside the United States in ensuring safe passage of ships in the Red Sea. The good news is that Washington doesnt need to create a new task force; there is an existing task force within Combined Maritime Forces, namely CTF 153, that can provide a running start. CTF 153s existing mission is to focus on international maritime security and capacity building efforts in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden. Established in 2022, the task force already includes 15 member nations. Notably, Egypt led the task force for six months, concluding its term in June 2023. Given their interests in the Red Sea, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel should contribute. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain are obvious candidates as well, given their relationship with the United States, their interest in unfettered freedom of navigation in the Middle East as well as their CMF membership. Among others, G-7 countries namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom should also support the task force, given their economic interests in the region and their membership in CMF. Such broad participation can lessen the burden for any one country and send the unambiguous message to the Houthis and their patron in Iran that attacks on commercial vessels will not be tolerated. Washington should also explore whether this newly expanded task force or some subset of it could also interdict arms Iran is smuggling to Yemen, in addition to ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels sailing through the Red Sea. After all, if the Houthis continue to enjoy the reliable supply of weapons from Tehran, one can expect such attacks to continue. The Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea constitute an attack on the regional and global economy as well as any nation that relies on unfettered maritime freedom of navigation to sustain its economy and conduct international trade. Indeed, Houthi attacks on commercial vessels is a multilateral problem that requires a multilateral solution. An expanded CTF 153 in the Red Sea supported by dozens of nations could help. Bradley Bowman is the senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank, where Mike Daum is a research analyst. You are here: Business The first Made-in-China metro train in the European Union (EU) was put into commercial operation in Porto on Wednesday. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa took a ride during the first day of its operation and inaugurated the service, emphasizing the government's substantial investment of nearly 50 million euros (nearly 54 million U.S. dollars) from the EU recovery fund, promising extensive benefits for residents and tourists alike. Costa revealed plans to allocate an additional over 1 billion euros (1078 million U.S. dollars) for public infrastructure development in key cities such as Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. Portugal's Minister of Environment and Climate Action Duarte Cordeiro highlighted that the newly launched metro train fulfills the public's expectations for comfortable and secure travel, significantly elevating the efficiency of Porto's metro network. The metro train was manufactured by China's CRRC Tangshan, a collaboration project initiated in early 2020 with Porto Metro, resulting in the production of 18 train sets and a five-year maintenance service agreement. Officially launched in 2021, the first train arrived in Porto by the end of 2022. Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, currently boasts six metro lines and over 80 stations, covering a total distance of 67 km, serving both Porto and its suburban areas. (Reuters) -Voters in Democratic Republic of Congo go to the polls on Dec. 20 and international investors are keenly watching to see if a political shake-up occurs in one of the world's top suppliers of critical minerals. A win for President Felix Tshisekedi would likely mean a continuation of his goal to lure more foreign investment and renegotiate contracts to improve terms for Congo. Tshisekedi's opponents include mining magnate Moise Katumbi and former oil executive Martin Fayulu, whose business backgrounds they both say will help them clean up Congo's corruption-plagued extractive industries if they win. MINES & MINERALS Congo is the world's biggest producer of cobalt, a key component in batteries for electric cars and mobile phones. It is also the world's third-largest copper producer and holds significant deposits of lithium, tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold. The Congolese mining sector, particularly its copper and cobalt mines, is now largely dominated by Chinese companies, but Tshisekedi has tried to woo other foreign investors and renegotiate existing deals to improve Congo's stake in major projects. "A Tshisekedi victory would provide a degree of policy continuity for investors in the mining sector, albeit of a resource nationalist nature," said Aleix Montana, Africa Analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft. Whoever wins will have to take the lead on ongoing talks with China including on the new terms for the Sicomines joint venture, part of a $6 billion metals-for-infrastructure deal from 2008. "Tshisekedi in a new term would have stronger legs to stand on in terms of the negotiating position," said Indigo Ellis, managing director at consultancy Africa Matters Ltd (AML). With Tshisekedi's backing, state mining group Gecamines has also said it plans to renegotiate some terms on its joint venture contracts with partners including Glencore and Chinese investors in a push to buy copper and cobalt proportional to its stakes. OIL & GAS Tshisekedi has tried to develop Congo's largely untapped fossil fuel reserves by auctioning the rights to 30 oil and gas blocks many of them in environmentally sensitive areas. The sale was officially launched in July 2022, but the auctions have been plagued by delays with only the licensing round for the three gas blocks completed so far albeit with the notable absence of major foreign players. The government says Congo has 22 billion barrels of crude reserves and it is targeting production of 200,000 barrels per day, which would make Congo one of Africa's biggest oil producers. The timeline for the development of the blocks remains unclear. RISKY BUSINESS Tshisekedi came to power with the promise to root out endemic corruption. Many Western investors have continued to steer clear, but analysts say that may change in the coming years as global powers seek access to minerals needed to drive the clean energy transition. "The race... is forcing Western miners to re-evaluate their risk appetite," said Montana from Verisk Maplecroft, which rates Congo seventh worst globally on its index that assesses the risk of governments seizing more control of revenue from the extractive sector. But while the risk is higher, Chinese and Western investors are still expected to increase their investment in Congo's mining sector "given the country's rich mineral endowment", Montana added. Nevertheless many investors are waiting to see that elections go peacefully and the transfer to the next term is smooth. The last election in 2018 was the first transfer of power at the ballot box after decades marked by coups and civil conflict. "It makes sense for them (investors) to wait and see what happens," said AML's Ellis. (Reporting by Felix Njini; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by David Evans) Rishi Sunak has said he wants flights to Rwanda to take off before the next election - James Manning/PA The extra 100 million of government money for Rwanda will save the taxpayer money in the long term, Downing Street said on Friday, even though no asylum seekers have yet been deported to the country. No 10 claimed the 290 million for the Rwanda scheme double the amount previously disclosed offered value for money because it would reduce the 4 billion costs of housing and processing asylum seekers in the UK, including 8 million a day spent on hotels. On Thursday, The Telegraph revealed that the Government had given Rwanda an extra 100 million for this year in April, on top of the 140 million already paid. With the Home Office anticipating a further 50 million next year, that brings the total to 290 million. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, described the figures as an unbelievable waste of money. It amounts to almost 100 million per trip for visits to Rwanda by home secretaries Dame Priti Patel, Suella Braverman and James Cleverly. The Telegraph disclosure forced Sir Matthew Rycroft, the top civil servant in the Home Office, to confirm the figures in a late-night letter to the Commons home affairs committee on Thursday. He had refused to reveal the amount to the committee fewer than 10 days earlier. Dame Diana Johnson, who chairs the committee, along with the public accounts committee, demanded on Friday that Mr Rycroft return to face them and explain his disrespectful and disappointing refusal to disclose the cost of the Rwanda plan. He had told MPs they would have to wait until the Home Office annual accounts next summer. The row comes ahead of next Tuesdays crunch second reading of the Rwanda Bill, which declares the central African nation safe for asylum seekers deported from the UK in an attempt to counter further legal challenges after the scheme was ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court. Asked whether the Rwanda plan represented value for money, a No 10 spokesman said: We think that in the long term this approach will reduce the cost that were facing in the UK of processing and housing and asylum seekers. So we do think that its the right approach, but were also mindful that we also have a moral responsibility to act when peoples lives are being put at risk in the long run. We think that in order to stop the boats, its important that we also have a strong deterrent We will put an end to the unacceptable bills that we face in the UK, the 8 million a day on hotel accommodation for asylum seekers. The bulk of the money handed to Rwanda is for economic development such as tech businesses, with 20 million to build housing for deported migrants. It comes under the five-year migration and economic development partnership signed by Dame Priti in April 2022, when she was home secretary. The extra payments pre-date the treaty signed this week by Mr Cleverly to answer criticisms of Rwandas asylum system by the Supreme Court. He said Rwanda had not asked for, or been provided with, any funding linked to the signing of the treaty. Allies of Mrs Braverman said the extra money had been approved by Rishi Sunak. No 10 said it had been an operational decision by Mrs Braverman to release the funding. It comes amid a growing row over Rwandas threat to pull out of the agreement if the Government was seen to act unlawfully by exempting asylum claims from the European Convention on Human Rights. On Thursday, Mr Sunak insisted Rwandas position supported his refusal to bow to demands from Right-wing MPs to exclude asylum claims from the convention. But a Tory source said: Questions need to be asked about the statement the Rwandans have given on our countrys laws. Was it requested by Number 10? Will they walk away after weve given 290 million? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The F-35 contractor recently sued by Lockheed Martin has hit back against Lockheeds claims that the ongoing pricing dispute is a threat to national security. The contractor, Pittsburgh-based Howmet Aerospace, wrote in a recent court filing that Lockheeds intent with the lawsuit is not to protect national security, but to protect its profits. Lockheed has asked the court to grant a temporary restraining order, or TRO, to force Howmet to sell the titanium materials at a lower price. Contrary to Lockheeds cavalier invocation of national security interests, Lockheed is seeking a TRO for one cynical reason: profits, Howmet attorneys wrote in a Thursday court filing. Lockheed Martin employs more than 18,000 people in Fort Worth, where it makes the F-35. It has a $3 billion payroll across its 47 facilities in Texas, according to the company. Last week, Lockheed filed a lawsuit against Howmet, which supplies titanium materials for the F-35 project. The suit was filed in the Fort Worth division of U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The suit outlined a pricing dispute between Lockheed and Howmet, in which Howmet had demanded higher prices for its titanium materials, and Lockheed had refused to pay higher prices. As a result, court filings say, Howmet stopped providing Lockheed and other F-35 contractors with the titanium materials. This break in the supply chain, Lockheed wrote in its lawsuit, will lead to unavoidable and susbstantial delays in Lockheed Martins delivery of F-35 aircraft. That, in turn, means that the pricing dispute is threatening national security, Lockheeds filings say. [MORE: Lockheed Martin sues contractor for F-35, says dispute will delay aircraft deliveries] In a statement released Dec. 1, after the Star-Telegram initially reported on the lawsuit, Howmet said that it had raised its prices to reflect a significant increase in the market rate of titanium materials due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The materials had not only become more expensive to buy, Howmets statement said, but the companys bottom line had also been impacted by other F-35 contractors selling their excess material on the market instead of returning it to Howmet as they were supposed to. Howmet on Thursday filed a response to Lockheeds TRO request, pushing back against Lockheeds claims and urging the court not to force Howmet to sell at a lower price. In that filing, the contractor says that Lockheed is trying to avoid having to pay more for titanium materials, or having to absorb its other contractors increased titanium costs. Lockheeds machinations must be rejected for what they are: an attempt to gain leverage in a business deal, Howmets Thursday filing says. According to the Howmet filing, the increased price of the materials would amount to a $17 million increase to Lockheed over the course of 2024. That increase would be negligible, the filing says, considering Lockheeds massive budget. Lockheeds annual report from 2022 shows net sales that year of $66 billion and net earnings that year of $5.7 billion. Howmets response also casts doubt on whether the pricing disipute would lead to a delay in F-35 shipment anyway, because other contractors likely have a stockpile of titanium materials to work with, because Lockheed could buy titanium materials elsewhere and because Lockheed has already delayed F-35 shipments for unrelated software issues. Lockheed could also, the filing says, agree to pay Howmets price adjustments to restart the materials deliveries, even while the lawsuit is ongoing. Lockheed filed a response on Friday, arguing that the court should grant its TRO request. That filing reiterated Lockheeds stance that Howmet has breached the contract and that the pricing dispute could threaten national security. Lockheed attorneys previously proposed that a hearing on the temporary restraining order if the judge overseeing the case, U.S. District Judge Reed OConnor, holds a hearing could be scheduled for early next week. A group of Republican senators abruptly stormed out of a classified briefing earlier this week following an outburst from South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, who exclaimed, Can we fking get someone in here who knows anything? during foreign aid discussions with defense secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Gen. Charles Q. Brown, who are both Black. The meeting, held in Washington Tuesday, Dec. 5, and led by Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and James Lankford, R-Okla., took place as the administration pursued a deal with Congress to send additional aid to Israel and Ukraine amid simultaneous wars involving U.S. allies. The meeting, also attended by Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and national intelligence director Avril Haines, among others, turned rancorous when some Republicans tried to redirect the talks to the subject of securing the U.S. southern border with Mexico, which GOP hardliners have been seeking in exchange for sending more taxpayer dollars overseas. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Joint Chiefs Gen. Charles Q. Brown (Photos: United States Government) Several Republicans in the room, including Romney, stood up and began shouting after Schumer interrupted a plea by Lankford to strengthen the Southern border, while Schumer tried to push the discussion back to the developing situation in Ukraine, according to PBS NewsHour correspondent Lisa Desjardins. Also there was Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., who loudly confronted Gen. Brown about his stance on securing the border, to which Brown answered that border security did not fall under his purview. Thats when one of the senators screamed at Brown, while asking if the decorated four-star Air Force general had ever personally been to the Southern border, according to Desjardins account. Brown then replied that he was from Texas, prompting more grumbling and Grahams outburst that quieted the room before Republican members walked out. Later Tuesday, Schumer told NBC News that McConnell hijacked the meeting, saying, Instead of asking our panelists, he called on Lankford to give a five-minute talk about the negotiations on the border. And that wasnt the purpose of the meeting, at all. Schumer told the network, One of them started it was disrespectful started screaming at one of the generals and challenging him to why he didnt go to the border. After the meeting, Cramer told reporters that people got up and walked out, because this is a waste of time. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., told reporters it was the most heated briefing he had ever witnessed on the Hill. Well, usually senators dont scream at each other in front of, you know, the secretary of defense and so forth, Hawley noted. Graham, meanwhile, blamed the administration for the breakdown, saying they should have known that Republicans were ready to discuss the border. It started off pretty bad a lot of tension in the room because nobody talked about the border. In case you dont have a television or youve been living in a cave, you would know that most Republicans feel like we need to address the broken border, he said, according to NBC. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ariz., blamed Schumer for sparking the disorder. Schumer running his big mouth, claiming that it was Republicans who, quote, unquote, injected immigration for border security in this debate and I had none of that. Romney attempted to explain the bitterness in the discussions. We want to help Ukraine and Israel, but weve got to have the Democrats recognize that the trade here, the deal, is we stop the open border. They dont want to do that. So Republicans are just walking out of the briefing because the people there are not willing to actually discuss what it takes to get a deal done. The state of Iowa has played an outsized role in presidential politics for decades. Now, the Hawkeye states importance is being played out here in the Badger state, as Republicans and Democrats tussle over Wisconsins current gerrymandered legislative maps. A Calumet County lawmaker is now citing the Iowa model when touting a Republican redistricting plan that calls for the Legislature to OK new maps drawn by nonpartisan staff. Wisconsin Republicans will introduce a nonpartisan redistricting plan based off the Iowa Model, state Rep. Ron Tusler, R-Harrison, said Sept. 12, 2023 on X, formerly known as Twitter. This plan has been hailed as the gold standard redistricting model by Democrats and Republicans alike. Republicans, Democrats, and the Governor pushed this plan last time redistricting happened in 2020. PolitiFact Wisconsin found the Calumet County lawmakers statement interesting, particularly the claim that Republicans, Democrats, and the Governor pushed this plan last time redistricting happened in 2020. Thats because in the wake of the introduction, there was howling from Democrats about an about-face by Republicans to support the plan. And howling from Republicans that Democrats suddenly were balky about a plan they supported all along. Have Republicans, Democrats and the governor really been pushing the Iowa model since 2020? And is whats on the table now, really the Iowa Model? Lets take a look. What is the Iowa model? When asked for backup for the claim, Tusler legislative aide Nick Schultz referred PolitiFact Wisconsin to several news articles, press releases, past lawmaker statements and legislation detailing the Iowa model and why it's being hailed as a gold standard redistricting model. But for our purposes here, we are focused on two things: How closely does what was introduced mirror the Iowa model. And have all the parties pushed that approach since 2020? The Iowa model, as explained in a Sept. 13, 2023, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article, refers to a redistricting method adopted by Iowa in 1980, which calls for Iowas nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency to draw district boundaries for state legislative and congressional seats. Legislation to adopt the Iowa model has been introduced during every session of Wisconsins Legislature since 2011 but until October 2023 had never gotten a hearing during a legislative session. During that period, Republicans controlled both chambers throughout and for a long stretch, also held the governors office. The new Assembly Bill 415 has only had one public hearing, Oct. 19, 2023 and that only came after the recent GOP announcement of support. Under that proposal, announced in September by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, the new maps would take effect in the 2024 election cycle. Following three hours of oral arguments on Nov. 21, 2023, a ruling on a bid to overturn the legislative maps now rests with the state Supreme Court. But there are key differences differences between the Iowa Model and the Wisconsin plan. Richard Loeza, senior legislative analyst at the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, said the differences between Iowas process and Wisconsins largely reflect matters unique to Wisconsin law, such as the timing of the steps in the process and the constitutional power of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. In a memo, the LRB said the proposed legislative redistricting is largely the same as that in Iowa, with some exceptions. Loeza, in an email to PolitiFact Wisconsin, said the main difference is that, under the Iowa Constitution, if no map proposal is enacted by September 15 of the year ending in 1, the Iowa Supreme Court must intervene to adopt a redistricting plan, or cause a redistricting plan to be adopted. None of the Wisconsin proposals in 2019, 2021, or 2023 include such a provision, although such a dispute would likely end up before the court. In addition, Democrats' recent bills have favored adding a provision that maps adopted after three sets from the state agency are rejected must be passed by a three-fourths supermajority of the Legislature. This is to ensure that one party does not ultimately enact a partisan gerrymander at the end of the process. The GOP bill includes neither the Iowa Supreme Court backstop or this provision. Furthermore, unlike the previous Wisconsin bills or Iowa, AB 415s amendments create even more differences between the two states models. Under one example, the amended AB 415 would require the Legislative Reference Bureau to continue drawing maps after a third map was rejected. Additionally, there are still no supermajority requirements in AB 415 as amended. The amendments, Loeza pointed out have resulted in more differences between AB 415 and the Iowa system. John Johnson, research fellow in the Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education at the Marquette University Law School, pointed out that there has been a bill pertaining to the redistricting process proposed in each of the last three legislative biennia. All of the bills bear similarity to the Iowa model but are not the same, Johnson said. Bills in 2019 and 2021 were introduced, received limited GOP support and never made it to a hearing. None of these plans are the same as the Iowa model, Johnson said They all vary in important ways. Have Republicans previously supported the model or moved to enact it? There is little doubt that Democrats have been supportive of the approach in recent years. For instance, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has proposed nonpartisan redistricting in his first two biennial budget requests. Barry Burden, director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said most Republicans in the state legislature and GOP leaders opposed any kind of independent redistricting commission or process until Tuesday, September 12, when Speaker Vos led a press conference to announce support for a freshly crafted bill that would implement a system similar but not identical to the Iowa model. Burden said it was a surprising turn of events given Republicans' history of standing by the existing system and resisting reforms. Jay Heck, executive director of Common Cause Wisconsin, pointed to the change in support of the Iowa model by Republican lawmakers. The short answer is that very few Republicans and certainly not Tusler ever supported any version of the Iowa model legislation before September 11, 2023 -- the date Robin Vos announced his plan, Heck told PolitiFact Wisconsin. Common Cause is a non-partisan national group with state chapters devoted to fighting for reforms to gerrymandering, political spending and other issues. In the supporting information shared with us by Schultz, of Tuslers office, there was mention of past comments by legislative Democrats, as well as legislation authored by both Republicans and Democrats including the Governor. Its true that legislation was co-authored by both Republicans and Democrats, however, Republican support for the earlier measures was very limited. For example, the 2019 measure, AB 303, was introduced in June 2019 by 36 Democratic Representatives and two Republicans. The two Republicans were Reps. Todd Novak, R-Dodgeville, and Travis Tranel, R-Cuba City. Two additional GOP Assembly members, Rep. Joel Kitchens, R-Sturgeon Bay and Rep. Loren Oldenburg, R-Viroqua, signed on as co-authors a month after the introduction. In other words, there was no indication of widespread support by Republicans prior to the Vos 2023 news conference, such as public pronouncements or any votes which could have easily been held, given GOP control of both chambers. In fact: AB 395, a proposal to institute nonpartisan redistricting was introduced to the legislature on June 11, 2021 and was referred to the Committee on State Affairs. No action was taken on the bill and no public hearings were held on it. The bill died at the end of the 2021-22 legislative biennium. AB 303 was introduced to the legislature on June 20, 2019 and was referred to the Committee on Campaigns and Elections. No action was taken on the bill and no public hearings were held on it. The bill died at the end of the 2019-20 legislative biennium. What's more, the redistricting maps created by the GOP the ones being challenged before the state Supreme Court did not include the Iowa approach at all. Indeed, the ongoing dispute and continued disagreement, undermines Tuslers claim that everyone has fought for Iowa-style maps since 2000. Half true Our ruling Tusler said Wisconsin Republicans will introduce a nonpartisan redistricting plan based off the Iowa model. . Republicans, Democrats, and the Governor pushed this plan last time redistricting happened in 2020. The claim, while being largely true, has problems on multiple fronts. First, the plan introduced by Republicans in 2023, proposes a nonpartisan legislative redistricting process almost identical to Iowas process. But has key differences to earlier measures introduced in 2019 and 2021. Those earlier measures did have Republican support, but political experts pointed out that very few Republicans ever supported any version of the Iowa model legislation before September 11, 2023, when the latest plan, backed by Republicans, was introduced. Therefore, there has been GOP support, albeit very limited. For a statement that is partially accurate but leaves out important details or takes things out of context, our rating is Half True. Sources State Rep. Ron Tusler, X, Sept. 12, 2023 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Robin Vos proposed 'Iowa-style' redistricting for Wisconsin. What does that mean?, Sept. 13, 2023 News release Bipartisan Iowa Leaders: The Proposal Currently In Front Of The Wisconsin Legislature Cannot Be Accurately Called The Iowa Model Sept. 14, 2023. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Republicans' redistricting plan is nearly identical to Democrats' bill from 4 past sessions, Sept. 22, 2023. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Challenge to Wisconsin election maps undergoes sharp questioning before state Supreme Court, Nov. 21, 2023 State Rep. Joel Kitchens, testimony before the Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection, Oct. 19, 2023 Legislative Reference Bureau, Memo Nonpartisan redistricting in Iowa and under LRB-4349, Sept. 12, 2023. Richard Loeza, Senior Legislative Analyst, Legislative Reference Bureau, emails Nov. 10, 13, 20, 2023 Jay Heck, Common Cause Wisconsin, email Nov. 8, 2023, phone call Nov. 9, 2023. John Johnson, Marquette University, email Nov. 9, 2023 Barry Burden, University of Wisconsin Madison email Nov. 9, 2023 2019 AB 303 2021 AB 395 2023 AB 415 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rep. Tusler says GOP, Democrats and the governor have pushed Iowa model redistricting since 2020 Claim: A real photo shared around social media in December 2023 shows Elon Musk holding a flag that says "Trump Won, Democrats Cheated." Rating: Rating: Fake November 2023 was an interesting month for Elon Musk. On Nov. 15, the CEO of X (formerly known as Twitter) replied to a post on the site echoing an antisemitic conspiracy theory. "You have said the actual truth," he wrote. Over the next week, major companies like Disney and Apple pulled advertisements from the site, starting a boycott. At the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York City, hosted by The New York Times, Musk responded to the decision: "Bob" refers to Disney CEO Bob Iger, who spoke earlier in the day. A photo of Musk taken by Getty Images photographer Slaven Vlasic just as Musk delivered the second, emphatic "F---," complete with a firm hand gesture, inspired a Photoshop connoisseur online. And so, the image you see below of Musk apparently holding a flag reading, "Trump Won, Democrats Cheated," was created and posted on X (formerly Twitter), where many commenters believed it was real. A white man holds a flag that says, "Trump won, Democrats cheated!" (@PapiTrumpo/X) The photo is not real. Musk was not holding a flag in the original. Snopes determined this in two different ways: by carefully examining the edited photo and by identifying each of the original images used to create the composite. First, the examination of the photo: there were two things that gave the photo away. One was the dramatic difference in clarity between the flag and everything else. While the flag was really clear and well defined, everything else was quite grainy, an effect that can only be the result of combining two photos of different resolutions. Second, zooming in to the border of the flag revealed a thin (seriously, this is probably only a pixel wide or so) white outline on the very edges of the flag. That border would not be present if Musk had been photographed actually holding the flag. Now to the identification: A reverse-image search on TinEye found 122 matches for the image, but none contained the flag. Regardless, sorting those results by date revealed that the earliest use of the photo was on Nov. 28, 2023 from an article on Fox Business. That article credited the photo to Getty Images, and searching "Elon Musk" on that site quickly revealed the original photo. The flag wasn't difficult to find either. Searching "Trump Won Democrats Cheated" on Google Images yielded plenty of candidates, and it was a matter of matching the wrinkles and folds of those flags to what is present in the edited image. Since the border around the flag was white, we knew the flag must have been on a white background. Next, we used the lack of imperfections or wrinkles around the five white stars at the top of the flag in the edited photo to rule out candidates by perusing Amazon, Etsy and Ebay. It took about five minutes before to find this listing on Ebay. The crease running from the bottom of the W to the top right corner of the flag is an exact match. Case closed. This is not the only claim Snopes has fact-checked about Musk's comments at the DealBook summit. We also covered Bob Iger's supposed response and found that Iger's comments were made before Musk's criticism, not after. Sources: Betz, Bradford. Elon Musk Tells Advertisers Who Left X: Go f--- Yourself. FOXBusiness, 29 Nov. 2023, https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-tech/elon-musk-tells-advertisers-who-left-x-go-f-yourself. Donald Trump Flag Trump Won Dems Cheated Red 2024 3x5ft Banner US Shipper USA #1. eBay, https://www.ebay.com/itm/234168244312. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023. Elon Musk Speaks Onstage during The New York Times Dealbook Summit... Getty Images, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/elon-musk-speaks-onstage-during-the-new-york-times-dealbook-news-photo/1821107484. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023. Https://Twitter.Com/Elonmusk/Status/1724908287471272299. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1724908287471272299. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023. Ibrahim, Nur. Was This Disney CEO Bob Igers Response to Musks F--- Yourself Remark? Snopes, 1 Dec. 2023, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/elon-and-bob-iger/. Mac, Ryan, et al. Advertisers Flee X as Outcry Over Musks Endorsement of Antisemitic Post Grows. The New York Times, 17 Nov. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/17/technology/elon-musk-twitter-x-advertisers.html. Musk Tells Boycotting Advertisers to Go f--- Yourself. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK91Ji6GCZ8. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023. Sorkin, Andrew Ross, et al. Elon Musks Mindset: Its a Weakness to Want to Be Liked. The New York Times, 30 Nov. 2023. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/30/podcasts/elon-musks-mindset-its-a-weakness-to-be-liked.html. X. X (Formerly Twitter), https://twitter.com/papitrumpo/status/1732866396634182011/photo/1. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023. Four Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Wednesday night for the fourth GOP presidential primary debate of the cycle. Donald Trump skipped the eventas he has all presidential debates thus farleaving former U.N. Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, with her improved polling and recent backing from prominent donors, as the main target on stage for both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie continued his outspoken criticism of Trump, however, and accused his rivals of ignoring the former presidents sizable lead in the primary contest. Harsh accusations and misleading claims abounded throughout the night. Heres a look at the truth behind three of the most contentious. Nikki Haley and Boeing The candidates were barely eight minutes into the debate when Vivek Ramaswamy leveled charges of corruption against Nikki Haley, whom he accused of being under the influence of billionaire donors and taking money from foreign speeches. After you left the U.N., you became a military contractor, you actually started joining service on the board of Boeing, whose back you scratched for a very long time, and then gave foreign multinational speeches like Hillary Clinton is. And now youre a multimillionaire, Ramaswamy said. That math does not add up. It adds up to the fact that you are corrupt. Given a chance to respond, Haley defended her time with Boeing, which has a presence in South Carolina. I did serve on the board of Boeing. I did a lot of work with Boeing when I was governor, they were a great partner to me, she said. I served for 10 months and then when they decided after COVID that they wanted to go for a corporate bailout, Ive never supported corporate bailout, so I respectfully stepped back and got off the board. Haleys representation of her time at Boeing is accurate. She was nominated to the position of director by Boeings board on February 26, 2019, four months after announcing her resignation as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. The board then formally elected her a few months later, on April 29. Haley stepped down from the board about ten months later, in March 2020, citing disagreements with Boeings plan to seek federal COVID-19 relief money. While I know cash is tight, that is equally true for numerous other industries and for millions of small businesses, Haley wrote in her resignation letter. I cannot support a move to lean on the federal government for a stimulus or bailout that prioritizes our company over others and relies on taxpayers to guarantee our financial position. I have long held strong convictions that this is not the role of government. That said, Ramaswamys claims about Haleys decision to hit the speaking circuit after leaving the Trump administration are also correct, though accusations of actual corruption are unsubstantiated. Financial disclosures filed by Haley in May 2023 show that she earned between $100,001 and $1 million each from 12 speaking engagements between March 2, 2022, and January 27, 2023after Haley resigned from her role in the Trump administration and before announcing her primary candidacy. Haley spoke to a variety of organizations including Partners Group, a leading Swiss private equity firm, and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, a Canadian advocacy group. American Troops in Ukraine In a lengthy argument with Chris Christie and Nikki Haley, Ramaswamy accused Haley of calling for direct U.S. military involvement in Ukraine. I mean, she has no idea what the hell the names of those provinces are, Ramaswamy said, referring to areas of Ukraine under Russian occupation. But she wants to send our sons and daughters and our troops and our military equipment to go fight it. Though Haley has consistently supported U.S. military assistance to Ukraine throughout her campaign, she has never called for American boots on the ground in the conflict. Nikki Haley has been clear about her position on Ukraine: No American troops, no cash, no blank checks, a representative for the Haley campaign told The Dispatch Fact Check. Give Ukraine the weapons it needs to defend its sovereignty and defeat Vladimir Putin. In fact, Haley has made the case for continued U.S. support of the Ukrainian war effort in part by arguing it would prevent the need for further American military involvement. Joe Biden has done a horrific job of really explaining to the American people and making it transparent of where this money goes. The fact that this is actually going to prevent war, she said on Fox News Sunday in October. Its going to weapons, its going to replenish our stockpile, its going to make sure Ukraine has what they need, and its going to make sure that if they win, that this is not a win for Russia or China, but its preventing war so that it doesnt go into Poland and other NATO countries. The Ramaswamy campaign did not respond to a request for evidence supporting the candidates remarks. Transgender Guidance in New Jersey Schools Later in the debate, moderator Megyn Kelly asked Chris Christie whether he sufficiently supported parental rights as governor of New Jersey. When you were governor in 2017, you signed a law that required new guidelines for schools dealing with transgender students. Those guidelines required schools to accept a childs preferred gender identityeven if the minors parents objected, Kelly said. It said that there is no duty for schools to notify parents if their son or daughter changes their gender identity, allowing this serious issue to remain a secret between the school and a child. How is any of that pro-parental rights? Thats simply not true, Christie responded. That law was put into effect in 2018 and regulated in 2018 after I was out of office. In July 2017, Gov. Christie signed N.J. Stat. 18A:36-41, a bill designed to address the development and distribution of guidelines concerning transgender students in New Jersey schools. The bill mandated that the states Department of Education provide guidance to schools on how to handle issues related to transgender students and included a number of requirements. The formal guidance later provided to school districts did not require parental consent for a school district to accept a students asserted gender identity and also stipulated that a student did not need to meet any specific threshold diagnosis or treatment requirements to have their gender identity recognized. That said, Christie is correct that the actual guidelines themselves were not issued until September 2018, eight months after he left office. I would disagree, a spokesperson for the Christie campaign told The Dispatch Fact Check when asked if the candidates debate response was misleading. If you werent there to actually engage in what the guidelines ultimately are, that is the difference. In the years since, Christie has himself criticized current New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphya Democratfor certain policies in the states schools. Asked on the Brian Kilmeade Show in April 2022 whether he approved of New Jersey schools teaching students in kindergarten through third grade* about gender identity, Christie remarked that this is just a further indication of the crazy liberal policies of my successor, Phil Murphy, who is in the progressive movement. Hes on the left of the progressive movement, and this kind of stuff just should not be going on. However, Christies signing of the 2017 bill was also praised by many LGBTQ advocates at the time, and the eventual guidance issued in 2018 was approved by members of the New Jersey Board of Education who Christie appointed or reappointed during his governorship. Clarification, December 8, 2023: Fixed a typo in the sentence about Chris Christies appearance on the Brian Kilmeade Show. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. FILE PHOTO: An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey FILE PHOTO: An Eli Lilly and Company pharmaceutical manufacturing plant is pictured in Branchburg, New Jersey (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have pulled ahead in the race for a slice of the weight-loss drugs market, expected to be worth $100 billion by the end of the decade, and rivals are looking to catch up through acquisitions and trials. The following are deals by big drugmakers and comments from top executives on the promising opportunity: ASTRAZENECA The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker last month placed a $2 billion bet by licensing an experimental pill from China's Eccogene that it believes could cause fewer side effects than current injectable weight-loss treatments. AstraZeneca was "a few years behind" the runaway success of Novo and Lilly's drugs and was "working on the next wave of products", CEO Pascal Soriot told Reuters last month. The company is focusing on overweight population with risk factors like hypertension and kidney disease as opposed to a cosmetic market. JOHNSON & JOHNSON The company may consider entering the market for newer obesity drugs if there was a "really differentiated and complementary" opportunity, CEO Joaquin Duato said on an investor call earlier this week. He said that J&J will consider entering the stage in the future if "there are alternative mechanisms or approaches that make sense." MERCK Merck's experimental drug, efinopegdutide, which is being developed as a treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also showed "compelling" weight-loss benefit. "But it (efinopegdutide) has also about 10% to 12% weight loss benefit...I think we have a whole cardiometabolic program. And I think that our focus here is NASH as the anchor around which we build other things," Merck's Chief Medical Officer Eliav Barr said at an investor conference last month. ROCHE The Swiss pharma group jumped on the bandwagon earlier this month by agreeing to take over weight-loss drug developer Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion. Carmot's most promising drug candidate, a once-a-week injection called CT-388, belongs to the same class as Lilly's Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Roche's pharmaceuticals division head Teresa Graham told Reuters the company had ambitions beyond a low-price alternative to the leaders in the market. Graham said CT-388 could become the best obesity drug in the GLP-1 class, either on its own or in combination with other compounds. PFIZER Pfizer faced a setback this month after it decided not to advance a twice-daily version of oral weight-loss drug danuglipron into late stage as most patients dropped out of the mid-stage trial due to high rates of side effects. The company has a once-daily version of danuglipron still in the development. "With big markets, there's going to be niches of markets and certain patient needs across the market. And how we play in that market is yet to be determined," CFO David Denton said at an investor conference last month ahead of the trial data. REGENERON PHARMACEUTICALS The drugmaker is developing a combination treatment for obesity which it plans to enter clinical trials early next year. "A partner, I think, could make sense. We're certainly not averse to partnering with leaders in the space. Well, first, I think the goal is to figure out if these antibodies have an application in the obesity category," Regeneron executive Ryan Crowe said at an investor conference last month. (This story has been corrected to say that the J&J CEO made the comments earlier this week, not in October, in paragraphs 8 and 9) (Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru) This is a photo of a notebook with "FAFSA" written on it and a drawn graduation cap. This article was originally published in Minnesota Reformer. A new version of the federal application for student aid will open by Dec. 31, two months later than usual. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, is how prospective college students access federal financial aid programs, including grants, subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans, which can be forgiven in certain circumstances. Many colleges and private scholarship programs also use a students FAFSA to determine that students financial need. It will look different from previous years. The FAFSA Simplification Act of 2022 made several changes to the application process and the methodology for determining how much aid a student can get. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The FAFSA is largely based on parents income and tax information. EAB, an education research and consulting firm, found that in 2021 more than 30% of first-generation and low-income college students said completing the FAFSA was difficult, citing lack of parental support, difficulty locating tax information, confusing questions and immigration status. The U.S. Department of Education is marketing the reworked application as better FAFSA, promising to deliver a shorter, more efficient form and to provide additional aid to the students who need it most. The changes, however, have delayed the applications opening date and raised questions about whether the new FAFSA will be better for everyone. The changes in aid calculations will increase aid to low-income students, extending Pell Grants need-based financial aid that students dont have to repay to an additional 610,000 students nationwide. In Minnesota, an estimated 13,000 additional students will receive a Pell grant, a 12.5% increase from 2022. The Department of Education also says under the new rules, more students will receive the maximum Pell Grant award compared to previous years. The changes also reduced the number of questions on the application; previously, students and families manually answered questions based on their tax returns. Now, the FAFSA application will import data directly from the IRS, saving families time. Parents will have to provide up-front consent on the new online application to allow the IRS to share their tax information, presenting a potential barrier for students whose parents are concerned about data privacy. Students will not be able to submit the FAFSA if their parents dont consent to sharing the data. As part of the new application process, parents will also have to use their Social Security number to create a unique login to the online application paper applications do exist but are highly discouraged, according to Zoey Haines, a program manager with Achieve Twin Cities, which provides college and career services. For parents who do not have a Social Security number, the Federal Student Aid Office will use alternative questions to verify a persons identity; if the initial round of online questions isnt sufficient to verify the parents identity, they will have to go through an additional round of verification. The details of that process arent clear yet, Haines said. With the application opening delayed two months, the window for students and families to complete the application, receive their award letters and decide on a college is shorter than in recent years. Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Minnesota Reformer maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Patrick Coolican for questions: info@minnesotareformer.com. Follow Minnesota Reformer on Facebook and Twitter. Kenneth Chesebro, one of the architects of former President Donald Trump's Jan. 6 scheme who pleaded guilty in October to the fake elector conspiracy in Georgia, is now cooperating with Michigan and Wisconsin state investigators in an effort to avoid additional criminal charges, sources told CNN. In 2020, Chesebro, who is now helping investigators in at least four states who are probing the plot, was at the center of Trump's efforts to overturn his electoral defeat. Chesebro's cooperation in Wisconsin is the first indication that the state attorney general has launched an investigation into the slates of false, pro-Trump electors. The lawyer has entered into proffer agreements in several states, which provide him with some protection from prosecution, multiple sources told CNN. Chesebro recently testified to a grand jury in Nevada, where state prosecutors announced indictments against six false electors Wednesday. He has also been in contact with Arizona prosecutors and has plans to sit for an interview as part of the state's ongoing investigation into the elector plot. The Michigan attorney general's office, whose probe of the false electors was the first to produce criminal charges, confirmed to CNN that its investigation is still active, indicating that its scope may be broader than previously known. CNN previously identified Chesebro as an unindicted co-conspirator in special counsel Jack Smith's federal indictment against Trump, where Trump is accused of orchestrating the fake electors plot to disenfranchise millions of voters and unlawfully remain in office. There is no indication that Chesebro is cooperating in the federal probe or that Smith has decided against charging him. Trump's campaign targeted seven states with the scheme in 2020, and charges have been filed in Georgia, Michigan and Nevada. Investigations are ongoing in Arizona, New Mexico, and apparently Wisconsin. The seventh state targeted was Pennsylvania. An international trade delegation visited Quzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province from Tuesday to Thursday to seek trade and investment cooperation. A trade delegation visits DAS Solar, a new energy company, in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, Dec. 5, 2023. [Photo/China.org.cn] Led by Azamjon Mansurov, consul general of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Shanghai, the delegation consisted of 16 representatives from Uzbekistan, the U.K., the Republic of Korea, Greece, and other countries and regions. They toured the Quzhou Intelligent Manufacturing City as well as companies specializing in energy, agriculture, and semiconductor materials. They also attended presentations and engaged in discussions with local businesses for networking and partnering opportunities. Mansurov said there is a broad prospect for cooperation with Quzhou, which has emerged as a new growth engine of Zhejiang's economy. Zhang Jinhua, deputy secretary-general of the Quzhou municipal government, said Quzhou has been capitalizing on the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) to expand global cooperation regarding industrial capacity, logistics, financial services, and other sectors. In the first three quarters of 2023, Quzhou's total imports and exports reached 52.16 billion yuan ($7.29 billion), a year-on-year increase of 17.4%, outpacing other cities in the province. In particular, Quzhou's trade with Belt and Road partner countries reached 31.33 billion yuan in the same period, up 22.5% year on year. Its trade with other RCEP member countries amounted to 22.45 billion yuan, registering a year-on-year increase of 40.1%. BOSTON A Fall River U.S. Postal Service employee could face prison time after pleading guilty in federal court in Boston to obstructing the delivery of multiple mail packages, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Rafael De Los Angeles, 43, pleaded guilty Monday, Dec. 4, to five counts of obstruction of mail. De Los Angeles knowingly and willfully obstructed the passage of mailed packages he was responsible for delivering on five separate occasions in August 2017, a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office states. On each occasion, De Los Angeles drove the packages to different locations that were not listed as the delivery addresses. There, he scanned the packages to record them as having been delivered to the correct addresses before ripping off the address labels and giving the packages to someone other than the listed recipients. An obstruction of mail charge provides for a sentence of up to six months in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $5,000. Sentencing is slated for March 4, 2024. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River USPS employee faces sentencing for obstruction of mail With the first week of December behind us, the sprint is on toward the holidays: the shopping, the parties, the wrapping. We're all paying more to deck the halls, roast the chestnuts and stuff the stockings this holiday. If you're hitting the road, your gift will be the price of gas, down considerably since last year or even last month. And, if you're flying, there are more options than ever to get from Northern Colorado to Denver International Airport. Colorado gas prices fall below $3 per gallon in early December Colorado's statewide average price of a gallon of regular gas this week fell to $2.98, down from $3.065 a week ago and $3.13 a year ago. Gas prices in Fort Collins and Loveland mirrored the statewide average, although there are deals to be had at Costco, where your membership gets you gas for less than $2.70 per gallon. But in a hot gas-war in the Denver market, prices have dropped to about $2.11, according to GasBuddy.com. The low prices may not be enough to make the average consumer change holiday plans, which are typically made well in advance of Dec. 25, but they may take the sting out of making a long drive to grandma's house. And they may be enough to encourage an extra ski day in the mountains, said Skyler McKinney, spokesperson for AAA Colorado. "Generally, we know when people make year-end travel plans they make them well ahead of time and stick to them," he said. Getting a last-minute flight or hotel reservation in popular destinations can be difficult and expensive, so most people plan ahead. Landline adds earlier shuttle routes from Loveland to DIA People enter the Northern Colorado Regional Airport before taking a ride on Landline on Jan. 30 in Loveland. If you're traveling through Denver International Airport this year, Landline and Groome shuttles have nearly three dozen trips per day from Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Colorado State University and other points in Fort Collins and Loveland. Landline, which began service from the Loveland airport three years ago, has nearly doubled the number of trips from last year and this week announced it had added its 15th trip, including shuttles that leave in the wee hours of the morning. The first shuttle leaves Loveland at 3:15 a.m. for the hourlong trip down Interstate 25. The last shuttle leaves at 10:25 p.m. Cost is $29 and up; kids 12 and younger ride free. "A year ago, we were sitting at six to seven trips a day to Denver," Landline CEO David Sunde said. "This will be our busiest holiday season ever. People have really responded to better schedule offerings." Fort Collins-based Landline doesn't disclose its ridership numbers, but Sunde said "we're happy with it. It's sustainable for us." After starting out as a "wingless flight" for passengers flying United Airlines, Landline added regular shuttle service for anyone traveling through DIA and recently added smaller vans as airport shuttles and to get revelers to and from holiday parties. As the calendar gets closer to Dec. 25, airport travel picks up by 20% to 30%, Sunde said. "For us, this year, operating at bigger scale our big priority is being reliable. Last winter/summer, air traffic had so much volatility. We want our connections to be on time and completed safely, no matter the weather." Landline's operations across the county have run between 93% and 95% on time, Sunde said. Landline defines "on time" as arriving within 15 minutes of scheduled arrival. With a new airport terminal under construction at Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Landline's pick-up spot has moved, allowing passengers to wait inside the terminal during cold or inclement weather. Still, construction has cut down on parking space, so Landline is encouraging travelers to get dropped off at the airport to catch the shuttle rather than park at the airport. "Thanksgiving ridership was so high there was no parking space," Sunde said. "But, the situation is definitely improving" as the airport opens more parking. Groome Transportation, formerly Green Ride, offers 21 trips from the park-n-ride at Northern Colorado Regional Airport, and other pick-up points including to your door, beginning at 3:05 a.m. daily. Fares from the airport are $40 with an online discount; and $11 for children 13 and younger. For reservations visit landline.com or groometransportation.com. . This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins holiday travel: Gas prices drop, DIA shuttle service grows Attorney James Harrington announces that the family of Stephen Romero plans to file a civil lawsuit against the Lansing Police Department for their role in the shooting and killing of Romero Dec. 1, 2023. Also pictured are (from l.) Romero's uncle Willie Gripper, father Stuart Tooles, and attorney Gary Felty. LANSING Within minutes on Friday, the Lansing Police Department released "limited" video from the recent police shooting and the deceased man's family announced a pending federal civil rights lawsuit. Police shot and killed 33-year-old Stephen Romero around 11:27 p.m. Dec. 1, outside a home in the 1600 block of Massachusetts Avenue. They had been dispatched to the house for a call about a domestic assault in progress, and were told on the way that a woman had been shot. Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee, who narrated the video posted to YouTube, described what was released as "limited video" and photographs that present a "brief account of the events from the information available to us." Sosebee also identified the officers involve as Donovan Moore and Jeff Kurtz, both four-year veterans. He said both were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of a criminal investigation by the Michigan State Police. Officers with the Lansing Police Department shot and killed 33-year-old Stephen Romero on Dec. 1, 2023, outside of a home the 1600 block of Massachusetts Avenue. James Harrington, a Romero family attorney with the firm Fieger Law, criticized the department for only showing the family and public what he described as "police propaganda" and a "government made slideshow." "This was preventable," he said. "And from what the police showed me, I believe this to be a completely unjustified shooting. And I hope that the investigation reveals that." Harrington said his investigation so far has revealed that "at least six bullets" hit Romero. Police have not said whether both officers fired their weapons or how many times they shot at Romero. The nearly eight-minute video does not show the actual shooting. It cuts off right before shots were fired, after Romero, while on his knees, lifted up his shirt to reveal a firearm in his waistband. During a news conference on Sunday, Sosebee said that Romero "presented" a firearm when officers gave commands to put his hands up, but he declined to provide more detail on what he meant by "presented." After reviewing the video, Harrington said it shows Romero twice pulling up his shirt to show the firearm. He added that the video never shows Romero grabbing the firearm or pointing at officers. Police release 911 call audio Lansing police released video and images captured from bodycam video, as well as 911 call audio captured the night of the shooting, around midday on Friday. The 911 calls leading up to the shooting came from Romero's spouse, a neighbor and a child who was in the home where the domestic assault took place. In the first call, a woman tells an Ingham County dispatcher that her husband was "really drunk" and "super drunk" and had slapped her and was getting violent. She said he had a gun, but not at the time of the call. In the second call, moments later, a neighbor says they heard a single gunshot. The caller tells the dispatcher her son said the woman had been shot. "He shot her," the neighbor says. She said she could not see anything because she had her door closed and because she didn't want to get shot. In the third 911 call, a child who says he is inside the house told the dispatcher his stepdad slapped the woman and fired a gun "to scare her." The child said the woman was not shot. Harrington said he believes at least one of the calls to dispatch came after the shooting. What the body camera video shows Bodycam footage shows a patrol vehicle arrive on Massachusetts Avenue and the officers get out. The driver exits the vehicle and is seen carrying an AR style rifle and running toward a house where they say they hear screaming. Once at the home, an officer encounters Romero next to a white SUV in which another person is sitting and yells "show me your hands" three times, then repeatedly orders him onto the ground. Romero initially lays papers onto the ground and displays his hands outstretched and palms up while standing. He gets onto his knees and with his left hand lifts up the right side of his shirt, displaying a pistol in his waistband. He places his right hand on or near the pistol and the video goes black. Still images provided then show Romero with his hand on or near the pistol while on his knees and then with his hand in a similar position while laying on the ground, presumably after being shot. Other images show the pistol on the ground after the shooting. An additional video shows officers doing CPR. Sosebee says officers "immediately" provided medical assistance. From the time the officers encountered Romero and began shouting for him to show his hands until the video ends is about 15 seconds. Harrington, the Romero family attorney, called on the department to release the full video immediately, saying the department is "hiding from the truth" by not doing so. Stuart Tooles, the father of Stephen Romero looks on during a press conference, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in Lansing, where the family's attorneys announced plans to file a civil rights lawsuit against LPD. Romero was shot and killed by police Dec. 1. Lansing officers have been involved in other shootings This was the second shooting this year that involved Lansing police. Around 5 p.m. on Jan. 5, officers with LPD and the Michigan State Police responded to a report of shots fired in the 2000 block of Irene Court, a side street off of Aurelius north of Jolly. Officers shot and killed Nicolas Micko, 35, of Lansing, after police say he threatened officers with a firearm. He was pronounced dead at the scene and a police recovered a handgun, Sosebee said in January. The investigation into that shooting, which is also being handled by the State Police, remains ongoing. In September, Attorney General Dana Nessels office cleared two Lansing officers in a fatal shooting of 31-year-old Terrence Robinson that happened on Oct. 3, 2022, in the 2000 block of Malcolm X Street. Reporter Ken Palmer contributed to this story. Contact reporter Matt Mencarini at 517-377-1026 or mjmencarini@lsj.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @MattMencarini. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Family plans to sue Lansing police over fatal shooting Dec. 1 El Paso area schools, as well as schools across Texas, have received hoax bomb threats Friday, FBI officials said. The hoax bomb threats were made Friday, Dec. 8, to schools across Texas, including in El Paso, FBI El Paso officials said. The names of the school that have received threats were not released. "The FBI is aware of the numerous hoax incidents wherein a bomb threat at a school is made," FBI El Paso officials said in a news release. "The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention." More: School threats are no joke: El Paso law enforcement officials warn of serious consequences Authorities are urging community members to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement immediately. Community members can report suspicious activities to the FBI El Paso Office at 915-832-5000, El Paso Police Department at 915-832-4400, or the El Paso County Sheriff's Office at 915-546-2280. If there is an immediate threat of danger, community members are urged to call 911. "We urge the public to remain vigilant, and report any and all suspicious activity and/or individuals to law enforcement immediately," FBI officials said. More: Law enforcement warn against making false threats to schools, 2 Montwood students arrested Friday's hoax bomb threats come as false threats against schools continues to increase across the country. The El Paso area has seen numerous threats made to school campuses across the county in 2023. El Paso students have been arrested recently for making false threats to schools. El Paso law enforcement and school district officials have made strong outreach efforts to warn students of the dangers of making false threats and the impact school threat pranks could have on their lives. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: FBI aware of El Paso, statewide false bomb threats made involving schools The Federal Rail Administration has awarded $1.5 million in grants to explore linking Atlanta with Savannah; Charlotte, N.C.; and Chattanooga, Tenn. The grants are part of $8.2 billion in new funding for passenger rail projects announced Thursday. Creating new transit options with routes connecting Atlanta to Savannah, Charlotte, Chattanooga, and cities in between would be a boon to our state and economy, said U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., a member of the Senate Commerce & Transportation Committee. The money comes from the bipartisan infrastructure spending legislation Congress passed two years ago. The Atlanta-to-Savannah route championed by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. would include potential stops in Athens, Augusta, and Macon. The $500,000 grant announced Thursday is in addition to $8 million in congressionally directed spending on the project approved in March of last year. Through the bipartisan infrastructure law, Senator Warnock and I are accelerating progress toward passenger rail networks to serve Georgia and the Southeast region, Ossoff said. This is a long-term project that will require cooperation and strong execution at all levels of government, but it has the potential to unlock huge gains in mobility and quality of life for Georgians. The Atlanta-to-Savannah project is envisioned as a high-speed rail project, as is the planned route between Atlanta and Charlotte. It, too, would include potential stops in Athens and Augusta and would terminate at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Atlanta-to-Chattanooga passenger rail line, which Warnock has pushed, would continue on to Nashville and Memphis. Border security, among the more polarizing issues on Capitol Hill, typically pits Republicans against Democrats. But one Democrat recently spoke of finding common ground with his GOP colleagues. Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, called illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border a legitimate concern, and something both parties should address together. I hope Democrats can understand that it isnt xenophobic to be concerned about the border, Fetterman said in a Dec. 7 interview with Politico. Its a reasonable conversation, and Democrats should engage. About 270,000 encounters which include apprehensions and expulsions occurred at the southern border in September, the latest month with data available, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Honestly, its astonishing. And this isnt a Fox News kind of statistic. This is the governments, Fetterman told Politico, referencing the encounters. You essentially have Pittsburgh showing up there at the border. In 2022, more than 2.2 million people were apprehended as they crossed into the United States illegally, the highest number ever recorded, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. Most were single adults from a variety of Latin American countries, the largest percentages of which came from Mexico, Guatemala and Cuba. While immigration reform is complex, Democrats, Fetterman told the outlet, should acknowledge the large-scale nature of the southern border crossings. A spokesperson for Fetterman did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News. The senators comments come as Republicans are fighting to include border security measures in a bill authorizing aid to Ukraine and Israel, according to Reuters. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Dec. 6 said if Republicans supported the aid bill, he would offer them the ability to add an amendment on border security. But in a vote later that day, every Senate Republican voted against the bill, according to Reuters. Todays vote is what it takes for the Democratic leader to recognize that Senate Republicans mean what we say, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said, according to the outlet. Lets finally start meeting Americas national security priorities, including right here at home. Nearly half of Americans, 47%, consider illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border to be a major problem, according to a June survey of 5,115 U.S. adults conducted by the Pew Research Center. That percentage is up 9 points from 2022. Of Americans who are or lean Republican, 70% view illegal border crossings as a very big problem, while only 25% of those who are or lean Democrat said the same. UN chief invokes rarely used rule to avert catastrophe in Gaza. What does it do? DeSantis names president hed take inspiration from and its not one youd expect 66% of Biden-appointed judges are women, people of color a record high, report says China's State Council on Thursday published an action plan to improve air quality amid the country's effort to promote high-quality economic development. The plan contains a series of measures to achieve bluer skies by 2025, such as propelling green industrial shifts, building a cleaner energy mix, and developing a low-carbon transport system. Its goals are to reduce PM2.5 density in cities at the prefecture level and above by 10 percent by 2025, compared to the 2020 level; to control the proportion of days each year with heavy air pollution to 1 percent or less; and to cut emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds by over 10 percent. The plan lists the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, as well as the Yangtze River Delta region and the Fenwei Plain, as key areas. China will ban new steel production capacities, accelerate the removal of outdated capacities in key industries, and foster green industries. More will be done to develop new and clean energy to ensure that non-fossil energy will account for 20 percent of the country's total energy consumption by 2025. The production and supply of natural gas will also be increased. New energy vehicles will account for no less than 80 percent of new or updated buses, taxis and other urban public transport vehicles in key areas. Efforts will also be made to strengthen supervision and law enforcement, improve laws, improve environmental policies and economic policies, and expand international cooperation on atmospheric environment management and desertification prevention and control, according to the plan. A group of Florida Democrats urged state Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to end his administrations current initiative of banning books in the state. In a letter sent Thursday, the group wrote to DeSantis about their shared concern with the recent uptick of book bans in the states schools and libraries, noting that these actions will foment a noxious climate of repression and marginalization that degrades learning, understanding and undermines all Floridians basic freedoms. The lawmakers cited an American Library Association (ALA) news release earlier this year, which reported 2,571 unique titles were banned or challenged last year in the country, an 38 percent increase from the previous year. Given that reality, and combined with your administrations recent decision to cut ties with the American Library Association, we strongly urge you to end this campaign of censorship in schools and substantively engage with educators, librarians, and parents to protect our students rights to an inclusive, comprehensive education, the letter reads. The lawmakers also wrote in their letter to DeSantis that the book censorship not only interferes with childrens education, but also infringes on their First Amendment rights, noting Board of Education v. Pico, a 1982 Supreme Court case in which the court ruled school boards cannot remove books from school libraries due to their disagreement with the content. It is our firm belief that the banning of books because they contain LGBTQI+ content, or involve issues of race or ethnicity, is an explicit attempt to silence the stories of communities that already face an onslaught of legislative attacks, especially in Florida. As Governor, it is your responsibility to ensure Floridas classrooms remain bastions of growth and inclusivity, rather than sanctuaries of division and hatred, the lawmakers wrote in their letter. Ultimately, it is crucial that you and your administration acknowledge the value of diverse stories in helping forge students who are welcoming and accepting of individuals regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics, the letter concluded. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. The letter was co-led by Reps. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and included from Reps. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.), Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.), Darren Soto (D-Fla.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.), as well. The letter comes days after Frost introduced legislation to curb book bans in the country. The Fight Book Bans Act would enable the Department of Education to provide grants to school districts to cover expenses incurred when fighting book bans, which could address thousands of school districts ongoing inability to fight book bans because the costs incurred are beyond their budgets. Book bans in Florida and in states across the nation are a direct attack on our freedoms and liberties everywhere. As my home state shamefully leads the country in book bans, we cannot let this censorship and dismantling of our education system go unchecked, Frost said in a statement. The Fight Book Bans Act takes a stand against censorship to firmly stand on the side of history, education, our students, teachers, and schools who dont deserve to suffer the consequences of radical politics in the classroom. This is about protecting our libraries and protecting truth and history. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Volusia County CFO Ryan Ossowski, at podium, listens as the County Council discusses elimination of the local business tax during an Aug. 15 meeting. The council voted in November to approve an ordinance wiping out the tax starting Jan. 1, 2024. For many communities across the state, local business taxes provide more than revenue for local governments. The data collected helps planners ensure that businesses are operating within proper zoning, fire departments know when a safety inspection for a new business is needed and economic development departments keep track of what's opening and what's closing. But a lawmaker whose family runs a small marina business in Southwest Florida has filed a bill taking aim at local business taxes. And the Volusia County Council, with a vote in November, has already eliminated its own local business tax. Rep. Adam Botana, R-Bonita Springs, proposed House Bill 609, which would end a requirement of many businesses to pay counties and cities typically around $25, but sometimes much more, annually. He said small businesses are still smarting from the pandemic. "People are trying to bounce back. It feels like a money grab for cities and counties," Botana told The News-Journal. "They have their ad valorem tax. That's how you're supposed to raise money." Ad valorem or property taxes are the primary way local governments collect revenue to provide services residents demand. Eliminating user fees, such as local business taxes, will cause property taxes paid by homeowners to rise, some critics contend. Botana's bill does not yet have a companion in the Senate, but it has been assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee. State Rep. Adam Botana, a Bonita Springs Republican, said his family operates a marina and believes other small businesses could benefit from the elimination of local business taxes, so he's filed a bill proposing that. The chair of Ways and Means, Stan McClain of Ocala, believes it's favorable, Botana said. And he said he met with a Florida League of Cities representative on Wednesday. "We had a good conversation. The door's open and we will be working together on this over this session," Botana said. Another factor that might be in Botana's favor: Seven years ago, now-House Speaker Paul Renner filed a similar bill in 2017 proposing to keep local municipalities from levying any new business taxes. That bill failed to get a vote on the House floor. Eliminating the tax in Volusia County In November, the Volusia County Council approved an ordinance eliminating local business taxes come Jan. 1. Councilman Danny Robins said he first proposed eliminating the business tax more than two years ago, but the discussion was delayed until August, after he had proposed it again. He called eliminating the tax "a layup," an easy call. "Every little bit counts. You add up $50 here, $100 there, $200 here," Robins said. "Every little bit counts." At the August 15 meeting, Councilman David Santiago strongly seconded Robins' motion. "I always felt this was a money grab for the most part," Santiago said. "Small businesses are the backbone of the economy," he said. "I want more businesses to start and have less barriers in place." Council votes to back Robins' idea in August and a follow-up vote to pass an ordinance repealing the tax in November were unanimous. However, some council members raised concerns after hearing staff presentations detailing the utility of the business tax. Business tax used for reasons other than revenue Volusia County CFO Ryan Ossowski and Clay Ervin, director of Growth and Resource Management provided the council background on the tax, which was expected to generate about $464,000 for the county and $411,000 for its cities. Ossowski said the current fees range from $3 to $2,586, depending on the type of business and its size. However, the most common fee is $22. The tax does require two county workers to administer it full-time, so Ossowski said those employees will be reassigned to other positions after business taxes are no longer levied at the start of 2024. Ervin said business tax receipts are "a stopgap" for his department, which screens the types of businesses and their locations against the county's zoning regulations. County employees also use the data on receipts to determine if building codes and fire and safety regulations are being followed, Ervin said. The tax is also helpful to determine whether impact fees should be levied and in regulating the state's processing of hazardous waste, he said. Local business tax remains in Flagler Flagler County, which has not eliminated its local business tax, generates about $75,000 annually, County Attorney Al Hadeed said. Three Flagler County cities also receive business tax revenue: Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach. For the county, the revenue is marginal, Hadeed said. The taxs value is more oriented to data collection. It keeps us aware of the rate of economic development, he said. Because of the tax, the county can keep track of existing businesses, new businesses and the kinds of industries that are in operation. He also mentioned the safety data that helps the fire department to know what businesses need safety checks. The Flagler County commissioners have not taken a position on Botana's bill. Wrapping up Robins said the Volusia County departments that used the tax for data collection are working on a new way to capture that information. At least one Volusia city official expressed some concerns about eliminating the tax. In an email to the council, Devlin Moore, finance director for Orange City, argued in favor of the municipal review of business operations and whether they comply with parking requirements, landscaping regulations and building and fire rules. "Allowing a business to move in without these checks does a disservice to the general public, who relies on public occupancies to be safe, and to the business owner who may not realize some of the improvements that may need to be made prior to lease and occupancy of a building, and then be required to engage in unexpected, and perhaps unbudgeted, improvements," Moore wrote. He also noted that the administrative cost associated with the city's review of businesses' compliance is borne by the business taxpayer, as opposed to shifting the burden to payers of property taxes, writing: "This seems to be an equitable way of doing it. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Bill in Florida Legislature proposes eliminating local business taxes Interview: Saudi energy giant ready to participate in China's energy transition Xinhua) 08:56, December 08, 2023 RIYADH, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to attaining carbon neutrality by 2060, and Aramco, or the Saudi Arabian Oil Group, is ready to work with China in the process of energy transition, Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani, president of Downstream business at the energy giant, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "We're excited to be part of that journey by deploying technologies," Al Qahtani told Xinhua. "As a company we have intensified efforts to further reduce carbon emissions, building on the fact that our upstream carbon intensity is already among the lowest in the industry," he said. Moreover, the official mentioned that China's demand for Arabian crude oil is robust and growing. "Arabian crude oil is very popular in China, and we sell significant amounts of crude oil as exports to China," he said. According to official figures from China, Saudi Arabia was China's biggest oil supplier in 2022, selling 87.5 million tons of crude oil during the year. Meanwhile, the president said he thinks China's current high demand for electric vehicles will not likely impact the demand for crude oil from Saudi Arabia. On the one hand, electric vehicles would contribute to the energy transition, which is happening throughout the world, and "we're moving with our own investments with the belief that there are markets for it," he said. The company's investments in China mainly focus on the high convergent refineries, where more than 50 percent of crude oil is converted to chemicals, he noted. "So we are taking account of future shifts of demand." Aramco's investments in China go back more than a decade and a half, and "we are in regular exchange with our partners throughout China, as there is always discussion for further growth and opportunities," Al Qahtani said. "China is full of opportunities." Aramco is one of the largest integrated energy companies in the world, and its Downstream business focuses mainly on refining and petrochemicals, base oils and lubricants, retail operations, distribution, supply and trading, and power generation. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) This photo taken on April 12, 2023 shows the control center of the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) after a successful experiment in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua] Acknowledging China's remarkable progress in nuclear fusion research, relevant experts have expressed their expectations for more international cooperation to pave the way for a global clean energy future during an event held in east China's Anhui Province. The 10th International Advisory Committee Meeting of EAST (the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak), held in the provincial capital Hefei from Dec. 5 to 7, attracted over 20 authoritative global experts from major international fusion experimental facilities and fusion research institutions. They gathered to discuss the progress and future directions of magnetic confinement fusion research in China. Located in the northwest suburbs of Hefei, EAST is also known as the "Chinese artificial sun." Setting many world records in the field of nuclear fusion energy research, the facility is of great significance to improve the economy and feasibility of nuclear fusion energy, which is considered safer and cleaner, and therefore the ideal "ultimate energy" for the future of humanity. "China now is recognized as a major international player in fusion energy," said Mohamed Abdou, professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), adding that EAST is a famous facility contributing to global research programs, and China has also contributed to the international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject ITER in southern France. Abdou said that he has enjoyed collaborating with China, and will continue to collaborate for a longer time to come. According to the Institute of Plasma Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP), home to EAST, the institute has established stable cooperation relationships with more than 120 scientific research institutions from over 50 countries. More than half of EAST's annual experimental proposals come from its European and American partners. Tony Donne, program manager at EUROfusion, said that he is impressed with the speed and dedication of the Chinese program. "China is really giving an example to the rest of the world." During the three-day meeting, international experts sorted out the innovative work of the EAST team, and conducted a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of aspects such as experimental operation, device upgrades, international cooperation, and talent training. Donne noted that Europe and China have many commonalities in fusion research, with Europe promoting the demonstration power plant, ITER's successor, and China working on the construction of the future China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR). "In some areas, we have very intense collaborations where we have weekly progress meetings with China," Donne said. China's expansion of international cooperation in the field of fusion has also brought new opportunities for partner countries of the Belt and Road Initiative. Adel Trabelsi, director general of the Tunisian National Center for Nuclear Science and Technology, said that ASIPP hosts students from Tunisia and other African countries so they can develop their capabilities, which is very important for the development of fusion technology and its peaceful application. "We can only make fusion work if we work together," Donne said. ORLANDO, Fla. A Florida Republican has introduced a scaled-back version of a bill that aims to make it easier for prominent people to sue for libel, a proposal that died earlier this year in the state Legislature after receiving bipartisan criticism. State Rep. Alex Andrades new proposal seeks to change long-standing legal standards dealing with anonymous sources. Andrades previous bill was mentioned in the GOP presidential debate on Wednesday when Gov. Ron DeSantis and presidential rival Nikki Haley clashed over the merits of anonymous political speech. Andrade, R-Pensacola, has said it should be easier for people whose reputations are harmed by false information to get justice. DeSantis also trumpeted that idea, holding an event in February calling for action to combat what he termed legacy media defamation practices. But First Amendment advocates say the proposed changes raise constitutional issues and would chill free speech across the political spectrum and not just for traditional media outlets. Florida is a place where the First Amendment gets assaulted relentlessly, said Bobby Block, executive director of the Florida First Amendment Foundation. It is making it easier for rich and famous people or prominent individuals to take their critics to court. The bill (HB 757) would consider false statements about public figures based on anonymous sources to have been published with actual malice. For prominent people to win a libel lawsuit, they must show that a publisher went beyond negligence and acted with actual malice, defined as with knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not. That legal standard was first laid out in the landmark 1964 U.S. Supreme Court decision in New York Times v. Sullivan. Andrade did not respond to a request Friday for a comment on his newest proposal. It is scaled back from his previous bill, which would have considered any statement from an anonymous source to be presumptively false. The newest bill, filed on Wednesday, leaves out other provisions from his earlier proposal. Andrades bill doesnt define public figure, but the courts have generally defined it as someone who has achieved fame or notoriety or has voluntarily or involuntarily entered the public spotlight. DeSantis has been attacking Haley over her calls to root out anonymous accounts on social media, saying users should be required to verify their identity. DeSantis slammed Haley over her stance and touted the important role that anonymous writings have played in American history. We have anonymous speech, DeSantis said during the debate in Alabama. The Federalist Papers were written with anonymous writers. Jay, Madison and Hamilton, they went under Publius. Haley then fired back with a reference to the libel bill, saying DeSantis actually went and tried to push a law that would stop anonymous people from talking to the press. Public records obtained by the Orlando Sentinel showed the governors office reviewed a draft version of the defamation bill in 2022. A briefing document stated the intention was to invite challenges to U.S. Supreme Court precedent with the goal of restoring the original understanding of the First Amendment. Asked about Andrades latest bill, Jeremy Redfern, a DeSantis spokesman, said in an email it is under review, along with other legislation filed by lawmakers, and reiterated the governors opposition to Haleys proposal. Still, we have always taken issue with left-wing media defaming people based on untrue statements coming from anonymous sources, Redfern said. It is wrong. But Block said the bill in question would affect all types of published statements, including those from conservative commentators. Several notable conservatives opposed Andrades bill earlier this year, including U.S. Rep. Cory Mills and James Schwartzel, the owner of a conservative radio station in Southwest Florida. The irony is the other night in the debate Gov DeSantis was defending anonymous speech, Block said. This punishes anonymous speech. Andrades bill also seeks to deal with painting someone in a false light using artificial intelligence. That provision would open up people to liability if they use artificial intelligence to create or edit any form of media so that it attributes something false to or leads a reasonable viewer to believe something false about another person. The statute would apply if the content is deemed to be highly offensive to a reasonable person and done by someone who knew the information was false or acted in reckless disregard as to the false implications. Block said he thinks Andrades bill will face an uphill climb in the Legislature based on the opposition it garnered earlier this year. A Senate companion bill has not been filed. State Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Lake Mary, who sponsored a companion measure last time, did not respond to a request for comment. Lawmakers start their 60-day legislative session on Jan. 9. _____ Florida Rep. Alex Andrade is bringing back a "pared down" version of a bill that makes it easier for public figures to win defamation lawsuits. Critics say it would upend nearly 60 years of U.S. Supreme Court precedent regarding free speech and create a "chilling effect" around the use of anonymous sources. Earlier this year, Andrade sponsored a bill that made it easier to sue for defamation, assumed anonymous sources in media reports were false, made it more costly to defend defamation suits by preventing defendants from recovering legal fees, and prevented people suing for discrimination from using a person's religious or scientific beliefs as evidence of discrimination. The bill died during the 2023 legislative session after pushback from free speech advocates and conservative radio hosts who said the bill would increase their legal liability. On Wednesday, Andrade filed a new bill that lacks many of the controversial elements of the previous version but still takes aim at the use of anonymous sources when commenting on public figures, like politicians or celebrities. The Pensacola Republican's bill adds a presumption that anyone publishing a false statement that relied on an anonymous source acted with "actual malice," which is a key legal hurdle for public figures to win defamation lawsuits under federal case law. Andrade told the News Journal that nothing in the bill he brought last year, or the current bill, changes the definition of defamation requiring a statement to be false to be defamation. "Let's all start from the premise, that we're not changing what is and is not defamation, and I think it would have made a lot a lot of things more clear," Andrade said. Andrade said he brought back this pared-down version of the bill because he believes it still has merit. "If you're a public figure right now, it's almost impossible to ever get justice if you're defamed," Andrade said. Bobby Block, executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, said the bill creates a threat to free speech in Florida and the entire country. "It's bad legal precedent, and like the law that was proposed last year, it's un-American," Block said. Block said the "actual malice" standard created in the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court case of New York Times v. Sullivan was created in response to lawsuits being filed in an attempt to suppress speech, and Andrade's bill undermines that. "In my opinion, (the bill is) attempting to tilt the scale against the press and the freedom of the press," Block said. "And that was exactly why the Supreme Court in the 1960s came down with this rule of actual malice because people were using lawsuits as an attempt to chill free speech." Block said the bill undermines the long tradition in America of anonymous sources being used to expose wrongdoing by public officials by "chilling" the willingness of anonymous sources to come forward. "They have various reasons where they might be afraid to speak out," Block said. "They would be afraid of retaliation. They would be afraid of losing their jobs, and they would like to stay in the shadows. This bill is, obviously, an attempt to stop that practice, and the fact of the matter is from the beginnings of the origins of this country, anonymous speech has been protected speech." Andrade said under his bill, the burden is on the public figure to prove what was said or printed is false. "If what's been printed is true, then that section doesn't apply because the only time that section of the bill applies is if what's been printed is false," Andrade said. He said he doesnt believe his bill chills free speech because the Florida law banning "strategic lawsuits on public participation," known as anti-SLAPP laws, which impose severe penalties for anyone who sues for defamation or other legal action because they disagree with what a person said. "The bill doesn't take away the anti-SLAPP statute," Andrade said. "The anti-SLAPP statute is not dependent on New York Times v. Sullivan. The anti-SLAPP statute in Florida got past the early 2000s and is the same type of protection that New York Times v. Sullivan and the Supreme Court back then was trying to provide." Andrade's bill also adds a provision that allows someone to sue for "false light" if content made with artificial intelligence leads someone to believe something is false about a person. The bill also opens defamation lawsuits to any circuit court in Florida if the alleged defaming statement was published on the internet. Andrade said the provisions surrounding artificial intelligence are aimed at bringing back "false light" lawsuits that the Florida Supreme Court struck down because it was too similar to a defamation lawsuit. Block said there are legitimate concerns with AI being used to create fake content, but there are also legitimate uses of AI, such as the use in satire and comedy. "It opens up a can of worms," Block said. "And I have to say that while the governor may frequently say that Florida is the place where wokeness comes to die, it increasingly seems to be the place where the First Amendment gets mauled." This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Florida lawmaker brings back 'pared down' defamation bill State estimates project revenues for Floridas Transportation Trust Fund could dwindle by as much as 20 percent over the next 20 years. The reason: The increasing popularity of electric cars that avoid the states gas tax. Florida ranks second in the nation for the most EVs. While Florida drivers pay an average of $283 a year in fuel taxes that fund things like road maintenance, electric vehicle owners are able to avoid the cost. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Florida lawmakers are learning that solving the issue is more complex than it may seem on the surface. Its estimated that by 2030 that were going to have a $64 million deficit if we dont solve this problem, said State Representative Tiffany Esposito (R-Fort Myers). In an effort to tackle the issue, Esposito first filed a bill that would have created new annual registration fees for EVs and Hybrids ranging from $50 to $200. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 33 states have already moved in that direction, and Duval driver Karen Thornton said she thinks its a fair solution. I think if you can afford an electric vehicle and youre disposed to feel like thats an important thing that you need to do for the environment, yeah, youd be willing to pay it, said Thornton. But in the bills first committee, Esposito changed course with an amendment that threw out the fees. Now the bill would commission a study to investigate how to best deal with electric cars, and in the meantime, direct the sales tax already paid at charging stations to the transportation trust fund. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] This study will find something that is a solution that is specific to Florida, said Esposito. But some lawmakers noted the new plan will likely still leave millions on the table. 85 percent of charging is at home. With that strike all amendment, we are not capturing that 85 percent, said State Representative Lauren Melo (R-Naples). Anne Blair, VP of the Electrification Coalition, argued whatever solution is ultimately agreed on will need to avoid disincentivizing electric vehicle ownership. Because otherwise then it becomes punitive to getting in, you know, what is a cleaner car. A car that is reducing our dependence on oil, said Blair. The bill had to be temporarily postponed by rule during the hearing Thursday. Its not on the schedule for another hearing yet, but the committee chair promised it would be back soon. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida driver who was taken into custody in October for driving a truck painted similar to a border patrol vehicle but instead read Booty Patrol is facing charges, according to an incident report. In the report, DeSoto County deputies spotted the truck on Oct. 29 at the Mosaic Arena, adding that the truck had red and blue flashing lights attached to the grill. Since the Booty Patrol vehicle appeared to be law enforcement, the deputy said he decided to walk to the truck and investigate. However, as he got closer, the driver turned off the lights and fled the parking lot. Deputies said the driver took off so quickly that it spewed dirt and grass up. Booty Patrol: DeSoto County deputies warn drivers of vehicle impersonating law enforcement Despite the truck having a similar paint scheme to a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol vehicle, deputies could tell the vehicle wasnt affiliated with law enforcement and eventually pulled the truck over. According to the report, the driver identified as Gabriel Luviano-Renteria told authorities that the lights on his vehicle were not illegal. Luviano-Renteria was issued a citation as a result. Photo courtesy of the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy of the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy of the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy of the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office However, as deputies reviewed body camera footage from the traffic stop, they realized the white Chevy Silverado was nearly identical to a Border Patrol truck, except for the multiple green decals that said Booty Patrol around the truck. The incident report states that deputies discovered Luviano-Renteria has had multiple run-ins with law enforcement due to his truck and has a TikTok account for his vehicle. Booty Patrol driver caught by Florida deputies He uses this vehicle for publicity and followers and for fame, the incident report said. Watching the videos, I saw he has hashtags listed for #immigration, #ice and talks about how his truck is illegal. According to the report, additional charges were filed on Nov. 21 for impersonating law enforcement and obstructing police. Back in October, the sheriffs office asked drivers to keep an eye out for the Booty Patrol vehicle as it had been impersonating officials in several other Florida counties as well. If any drivers have been pulled over by the Booty Patrol or have any information related to these incidents, call the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigative Division at 863-993-4700. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Undated aerial photo provided by BC Wildfire Service on June 9, 2023 shows wildfires burning in Northeast region of British Columbia, Canada. [BC Wildfire Service/Handout via Xinhua] The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Thursday published the research on carbon emissions from global forest fires, urging effective control of extreme forest fires and the inclusion of resultant emissions into the global carbon accounting system. In the Blue Book on Forest Fire Carbon Emissions Research (2023), the CAS also called for building a comprehensive and scientific carbon emission monitoring and measurement system. The blue book included the latest research achievements on global carbon emissions by experts from the Institute of Applied Ecology, the Institute of Earth Environment and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, all under the CAS. They have analyzed the distribution and temporal-spatial dynamics of global forest fire carbon emissions, evaluated the carbon emissions from major extreme wildfire events globally and their climatic environmental effects over the past 22 years, and provided recommendations for the management of global forest fire carbon emissions. Greater carbon emissions from forest fires Forest fire is a common disturbance process of the forest ecosystem, which significantly affects the composition, structure and succession of forest, thus changing the material cycle and energy flow of the forest ecosystem. The blue book noted that the average annual area globally affected by forest fires was 46.95 million hectares from 2001 to 2022, about 11 times the average annual area of planted forest growth. During this period, the total carbon dioxide emissions from global forest fires reached 33.9 billion tonnes, which can increase the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration by 4.35 ppm. In terms of spatial differences, the carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in high-latitude coniferous forest regions of the Northern Hemisphere showed a trend of rapid increase, said Zhu Jiaojun, head of the Institute of Applied Ecology. Frequent extreme forest fires mainly contributed to the increase in global forest fire carbon emissions, according to the blue book. An extreme forest fire event in Canada in 2023 caused 1.5 billion tonnes of direct carbon dioxide emissions, higher than the overall carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in the country over the past 22 years, said the blue book when reviewing typical cases of extreme forest fire events around the world. The blue book emphasized the importance of international research cooperation to expedite basic research and achieve breakthroughs in key technologies. It urged establishing a technical system for forest fire risk identification, forecast, early warning, prevention and control, as well as developing technologies for post-disaster vegetation reconstruction and rapid carbon sink recovery. China reduces emissions with fewer fires, more trees The blue book said that China has 5.4 percent of the world's total forest areas, while its forest fire carbon emissions account for 0.65 percent of the global total. Between 2001 and 2022, the country's average annual carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires was 10 million tonnes, showing an obvious downward trend. "In future studies, we will focus on the fire prevention in shelterbelts," Zhu said. After decades of afforestation, the country has created the world's largest planted forests, with its forest coverage rate more than doubling from 12 percent in the early 1980s to 24.02 percent last year. The country's afforestation area reached 960 million mu (64 million hectares) over the past decade. In 2022 alone, the Chinese people planted a total of 3.83 million hectares of new forests, official data showed. A former Sacramento County sheriffs deputy was convicted after he was reportedly caught shoplifting and suspended from his job earlier this year, and was then found with firearms illegally converted into assault weapons, prosecutors said. Hector Josue Chavez on Nov. 7 pleaded no contest to a felony charge of illegal possession of an assault weapon and a misdemeanor charge of impersonating an officer, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office announced Friday in a news release. Chavez was still working as a deputy for the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office on April 15, when he entered the Home Depot store at West Stockton and Laguna boulevards in Elk Grove, according to the District Attorneys Office. Prosecutors said Chavez took merchandise from the store without paying before a Home Depot loss prevention officer confronted Chavez, who fled the store on foot. Elk Grove Police Department officers later found and detained Chavez, who had with him the stolen store merchandise, according to the District Attorneys Office. The news release did not indicate what was stolen from Home Depot. As a result of the store theft, the Sheriffs Office suspended Chavez and revoked his law enforcement powers, prosecutors said. Over the following five months, Chavez used an old Sheriffs Office identification card to purchase multiple firearms only law enforcement officers are lawfully allowed to possess, according to the District Attorneys Office. Sheriffs deputies on Aug. 25, served a search warrant at Chavezs home, where they found multiple firearms that had been converted to assault weapons, prosecutors said. Chavez, who was not in custody at the Sacramento County Jail as of Friday, is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 9, 2024, more than a year after his conviction. That same day, the District Attorneys Office has scheduled a motion to dismiss one or both of Chavezs criminal charges, according to Sacramento Superior Court online records. Its unclear whether Chavezs charges will be dropped if he fulfills the requirements of his sentence. Prosecutors said Chavez is expected to be sentenced to a court offer of 180 days in jail and probation. Shelly Orio, a spokeswoman for the District Attorneys Office, declined to answer questions about the prosecutions scheduled motion to dismiss or the details of Chavezs sentence, including whether Chavez will he be allowed to serve his jail sentence through community service or some other type of jail alternative program, how long his probation is, whether he is now prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms and whether the court ordered him to stay away from the Elk Grove Home Depot. The District Attorneys Office spokeswoman also declined to say how man firearms converted to assaults weapons were found at Chavezs home and whether any of those firearms will be returned to him. Its also unclear when Chavezs employment with the Sheriffs Office ended and how many years he worked for the law enforcement agency. Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a Sheriffs Office spokesman, did not respond Friday to questions about the former deputys employment. Chavez earned $133,808 in total pay as a deputy for the Sheriffs Office in 2022, according to compensation records provided by the county to Transparent California. The records also show he worked as a Sacramento sheriffs deputy each year from at least 2015 through 2021. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) A former Christian elementary school principal was sentenced to 30 years in prison for secretly videotaping and photographing students in the elementary schools bathrooms and locker room. Norman Keith Aycock, the former principal of Bayou Academy Elementary in Cleveland, Mississippi, is facing 30 years in federal prison for the attempted production of child sexual abuse material. MSCS teachers say they have not received bonuses According to a press release, the 56-year-old was also ordered to pay restitution to victims and will be required to register as a sex offender. Aycock pled guilty on two counts of attempted production of child sexual exploitative material. He is also under state indictment in the Circuit Court of Bolivar County, Mississippi, where his charges are still pending. Safeguarding our children from predators is one of my top priorities, said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. While we cannot undo the harm that has been done to these victims, we can work together to ensure justice is served. Reports say that the investigation began after a student discovered a hidden camera in the bathroom of the girls locker room at Bayou Academy in January of 2022. Police determined that Aycock was the one responsible for the camera, as well as others placed throughout the school, including the office where he met with students. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. According to reports, investigators discovered Aycock filmed in the school with hidden cameras for over six years. I can think of few things more despicable than a school official betraying the trust of parents, children and the community in the most profound way possible the sexual exploitation of students in his care, said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. The sentence imposed by Judge Mills in this case will mean that this defendant will spend the rest of his life in prison and should serve as a stern warning to anyone entrusted with the care and protection of our kids who would ever consider violating that trust. The Mississippi Attorney Generals Cyber Crime Division investigated the case, along with the Bolivar County Sheriffs Department. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Four suspects are still on the run after University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Police say a driver struck a bicyclist, a car at an intersection and two parked cars during a police chase that ultimately caused three cars to catch fire, Thursday. The fiery crash happened near N. Cramer Street and E. Linnwood Avenue, which is south of UWM's campus. UWM Police said at 11:15 a.m. Thursday, they received a call regarding an attempted car theft in the surface parking lot of Cunningham Hall, the university's nursing school. Police say responding officers discovered the suspects in a separate stolen Kia and began a pursuit. While fleeing, the suspects struck a bicyclist on E. Oakland Avenue and continued driving. While officers tended to the cyclist who sustained minor injuries, the suspects struck a vehicle at the intersection of N. Cramer Street and e. Linnwood Avenue. The driver of the vehicle hit by the stolen Kia was not injured. After the stolen Kia made impact with the car, the vehicle crashed into two parked cars forcing them to stack on top of the Kia. Amazingly no one was hurt when a Kia fleeing UWM Police collided with a bicyclist, a moving car and then two parked cars and burst into flames. @uwmpolice Chief says 4 suspects fled on foot from the Kia. Theyd been seen trying to steal a car from a UWM lot. #WISN12 News pic.twitter.com/clcqt7vYUo Nick Bohr (@NickBohrWISN) December 7, 2023 The four suspects all fled on foot before all three cars went up in flames. Alyssa Marceau, a UWM sophomore soccer player, lives on Cramer Street. She said she started filming the burning cars when she heard a louder than normal sound coming from outside. "I was just lying on the couch, and at first I heard a huge crash of something. I thought maybe it was construction, and I felt the need to go check it out because it was louder than normal," Marceau said. Marceau said she did not think the cars instantly caught on fire, but she said the flames began shortly after she walked out onto her porch. "As the fire started to grow, you could hear continuous popping, which made it grow even more," Marceau said. The Milwaukee Fire Department was on scene at 11:24 a.m. Thursday and cleared the scene just before 12:50 p.m. UWM Police say all suspects are still at large and no arrests have been made. Besides the cyclist, no injuries were reported among any pedestrians or drivers. Car thefts in Milwaukee peaked in 2021 particularly among Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Both auto manufacturers have made improvements to the vehicles that make theft more difficult. Milwaukee car thefts were down 24% from 2022 and 41% from 2021. UWM Police have encouraged their campus community to report anything that seems suspicious to UWM Police Department. Call 414-229-9911 in an emergency, or the UWM Police non-emergency line, 414-229-4627, which is answered 24 hours a day. Students and employees are encouraged to download the Rave Guardian app a safety tool that connects users directly with UWM Police resources. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Four cars involved in fiery crash at Cramer, Linnwood in Milwaukee With the Conservative Party consumed by the row over the Rwanda Bill, Robert Jenrick, the former immigration minister, has sought to put the debate into a wider context. In an article for The Telegraph, he writes that it is time for the country to pay heed to the most critical national interest: securing our borders. But this does not just mean stopping illegal migrants from crossing the Channel on a practically daily basis. The country must also limit the much larger numbers entering legally. Mr Jenrick is not a politician associated with the Right of the Conservative Party. It is a testament to the seriousness of the problem confronting Britain that more political moderates have recognised the need for the country to take more drastic action on legal entries. Integration is probably impossible when migration is running at this scale, and in recent weeks everyone has seen the implications of the evident failure to integrate those who are already here. The pro-Palestinian marches in recent months have been shameful with the open chanting of anti-Semitic slogans and disregard for the commemoration of Britains war dead. Addressing the consequences of mass migration for public services, infrastructure and housing is just as pressing. It is highly debatable whether current immigration policy is economically beneficial given the number of visas that have been awarded to migrants dependants. Importing cheap labour to fill vacancies also disincentivises employers from boosting the skills of British workers. Universities appear more interested in educating international students than young people from the UK. Across Europe, centre-Right politicians are grappling with similar problems. Voters are growing frustrated at politicians promising to reduce numbers, and then failing to do so. In some countries, traditional conservative parties are losing electoral ground to more radical forces on the Right. To his credit Rishi Sunak appears to have recognised this. The steps announced by the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, this week on curbing legal migration are a move in the right direction. But they are also unlikely to bring immigration down to the level the public desires. For that to happen, politicians will need to have a more frank conversation with the voters about what cutting immigration may imply. Overhauling the welfare state, to encourage more people currently on benefits back into work, is surely unavoidable. Reform of sectors such as social care and the NHS may well be necessary, to reduce dependence on foreign care workers and medical staff. But it is essential that this conversation takes place. The pro-immigration consensus that has governed British politics for decades can continue no longer. 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. Barely one-quarter of Franklin County voters returned ballots in last months general election the third lowest among Washingtons 39 counties. And despite being among the states youngest counties, Franklin had the worst youth voter turnout across the state this fall. The county was the only one in Washington where less than 10% of registered voters between the ages of 18 and 24 returned their ballots. Every year, we throw the most important party in town and not everybody shows up and all thats at stake is the future of your government, said Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton. Statewide, Washington saw historically low voter turnout in the Nov. 7 general election, and returns for the Tri-Cities werent that much better. Statewide turnout reached just 36%, according to data from the Washington Secretary of States Office. More than 3 million of the states 4.8 million registered voters did not participate, marking the third time in the past eight years that the state has set a record low turnout percentage. Benton County had better turnout than Franklin. Roughly 36% of registered voters returned ballots But in both Benton and Franklin counties, two-thirds of voters chose not to return ballots, which amounts to more than 113,000 people in the greater Tri-Cities region. That means just 34% of the regions voters about 57,500 returned their mail-in ballots to participate in last months election. The counties that saw the lowest overall turnout were Franklin (28%), Clark (27%) and Yakima (26%). A lack of statewide measures on the Nov. 7 ballot likely contributed to the already poor turnout seen during odd-year elections, reported the Seattle Times. This year general election cycle was the first in decades without a statewide referendum, initiative or advisory vote. State law requires nonpartisan races for small districts such as school boards and city councils to take place during years that end in an odd number, while federal and state races are held in even years. Roughly 64% of registered voters turned out for last years general election midterms. Local auditor offices run elections in collaboration with the Washington Secretary of States Office. Beaton said while it wasnt a good year for turnout, hes sure it wasnt Franklin Countys worst year. He didnt know the exact year, however. Beaton said because voting is a habitual activity year after year that could explain why older voters tend to turn out more consistently in off-year elections than young voters. He noted that Washington state counties with high Latino populations including Yakima, Adams and Franklin counties already tend to have lower voter turnouts. In the Tri-Cities, Latinos lost representation on local city councils and school boards this fall. Some believe it was because young Hispanic voters just havent historically turned out, especially in off-year elections, while others say it was because the positions of some appointed candidates didnt align with the voters. However, the actual level of Hispanic voter turnout in the Tri-Cities isnt known because county auditors and the state do not track ballot returns by demographic groups. When asked how to improve turnout, Beaton said thats more of the responsibility of the Secretary of States Office. His job is to run a fair, transparent and informative public election. Low voter turnout Benton County Auditor Brenda Chilton said its possible many voters are already starting to tune out the political soundbites and advertisements this year in anticipation of the onslaught of campaigning coming during next years presidential election. Its just going to accelerate after the beginning of the new year, after the holidays, since we have a presidential primary in March, she said. I think voter fatigue is a really good way to phrase it. Benton Countys 36% turnout last month was on the lower end of the range than they normally see during off-year elections. That could be for a variety of reasons. Chilton said it remains challenging for local candidates to get their names out to the public. One reason may be the cost media advertisements, as well as direct mailers, continues to rise. When voters open up their ballots and just dont recognize any of the names, its hard, she said. Washington lawmakers earlier this year also got rid of the statewide advisory votes that regularly appeared on ballots. Chilton hopes this years lagging turnout remains an exception. Im hoping this is an anomaly and people are as energized to vote in 2025 as they are to vote in 2024, she said. Washingtons presidential primary is set for March 12, 2024. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) Comcast and the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission has awarded $2 million to Free Geek to help connect underserved communities primarily in East Multnomah County to internet-based services and opportunities, like job and housing openings. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus 2018 American Community Survey, 32,000 households in Multnomah County did not subscribe to internet service and had incomes of less than $75,000 per year. More than 16,200 households in the county did not have computing devices of any kind. In addition, the 2020 Multnomah County Broadband Feasibility Study showed that many low-income households lacked hardware, software and knowledge about discount programs and available digital tools. Free Geek is a Portland-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing economic equity through technology training and career building. The announcement was made at a joint press conference at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on Thursday, Dec. 7. Helpful tips for making the holidays ADA accessible We are very excited to partner with Free Geek to help close the digital divide in Multnomah County, said Marion Haynes, Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The money is in addition to the $689 million in federal broadband funds Oregon is receiving that prioritizes increasing availability in rural areas. Increasing access to existing service is the need in Multnomah County. Read more at PortlandTribune.com The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Gael Veyssiere (Gael Veyssiere) started his work as French ambassador to Ukraine in August 2023, having previously served as the ambassador to Croatia. He succeeded Etienne de Poncins, who was moved to a posting in Poland after serving as the ambassador in Ukraine for four years. Veyssiere arrived in Ukraine at a difficult moment in the war. Soon after he started his tenure which will likely last from two to four years it started to become clear that the countrys summer counteroffensive against the Russian forces wasnt about to reach its objectives. It warranted the mood in Kyiv shifting from exalted anticipation of soon-to-be-made gains to grim acceptance that significant gains wont be seen any time soon. Soon, in November, reports began to question the volume of Frances support for Ukraine numbers, based on public pledges of aid, show that the country lags behind Lithuania. Veyssieres response to that: France chooses to not make all of its aid to Ukraine public. The Kyiv Independent sat down with Veyssiere in Kyiv on Nov. 29 to discuss this and other matters related to France and Ukraine. The video version of the interview is available on our YouTube channel. The Kyiv Independent: If we look at the story of France and Ukraine concerning Russian aggression, its not always been smooth. At the 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest, France was one of the countries that opposed making Ukraine and Georgia NATO action plan members. Since then, Russia invaded Georgia, then invaded Ukraine in 2014, and then started the full-scale invasion last year. How has the relationship between France and Ukraine evolved since then? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, I'm not sure if I would characterize the past like you are doing it. If you focus on what is happening now, since the start of the war, it's very clear that Ukraine is a victim. It has all the rights to have its full integrity and sovereignty. These are both fundamental rights of the country and the people. They are blatantly violated by a member of the United Nations Security Council with the nuclear weapon, and this is unbearable. So we have been wholeheartedly with you since day one and try to be as effective as possible. Then you can add that there is still strong chemistry between President Macron and President Zelensky, which is true. Because they are talking all the time and trying to address the situation and to see how best we can support Ukraine. And then you said earlier that Ukraine is dependent on Western support. Of course, we try to play an important role, as important as possible, with other allies and partners. But remember that in February 2022, when Russia attacked, Ukraine was completely alone, and it resisted. So the real strength of Ukraine is Ukraine, and there is lots of admiration in France for the extremely brave people of Ukraine. So we are here to support you, we are here to stand with you, and we will be with you as long as it is necessary for this terrible war inflicted on you. The Kyiv Independent: To be clear, does France support Ukraine in winning the war against Russia or in merely surviving? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: We wholeheartedly support Ukraine in winning the war against Russia because it's what Ukraine deserves. But it's also our interest. What message would it send to the rest of the world if Ukraine would just survive? Ukraine must survive, of course, but it must win the war. This is what we are standing for. We are not playing for a half-game. It's completely the opposite of what you can read sometimes. We are providing as much military support and equipment as we can. French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael Veyssiere speaks with the Kyiv Independent Chief Editor Olga Rudenko in Kyiv, Ukraine, onNov. 29, 2023 (Olena Zashko/ The Kyiv Independent) Actually, we have been trying since the end of September to enter into a new phase in providing joint military production with Ukraine. It's a key priority for the French president, the minister of defense of France, who happened to be here on Sept. 28, and the French minister of foreign affairs. So we involve the business companies to stand with Ukraine too and to produce with Ukraine. For historical reasons, we have many important French companies in the defense sector. Again, it is what is needed for Ukraine because it's close to the battlefield, but it's also needed for us on the European continent. The sad reality is that we have become accustomed to a long period of peace. We do not produce enough ammunition, equipment, or weapons in Europe. So we need to increase production. It's a win-win situation. The Kyiv Independent: You mentioned the military aid that France provides to Ukraine. And I cant not mention a recent report that basically called out France for the amount of aid provided to Ukraine. According to the Kiel Institute, which keeps track of military aid donated to Ukraine, France has sent Ukraine 533 million euro in military aid. This puts France behind many European countries, including Lithuania. For context, the same report said that Germany allocated 17 billion euros in aid and the UK 6.6 billion euros. In response, the French government said the methodology was flawed, and the actual aid amounted to 3 billion euros. Is that correct? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: So, it's completely correct that we cannot agree with the methodology of Kiel Forum. Basically, they are taking all the public statements and making additions to them. Many things we are providing are not public, and we don't want to make it public. It's a decision that was made since the beginning. The Ukrainian government knows what we are doing, but not everything is public. You are referring to a French report from the French National Assembly, which estimated that the real figure was something like 3.2 billion euros for military assistance only and France's training of 7,000 military people of Ukraine. There is no official figure from the French government, and to my knowledge, there would not be an official figure. We don't want to enter into any competition. We are trying to be present by volume, but we are also trying to be present by quality and to make the move into what the others are providing. For example, we were among the first to provide some strong equipment for artillery, the CAESAR, which is very effective and very strong equipment for artillery and very much appreciated on the front line. US domestic political turmoil threatens to undermine support for Ukraine The Republican party has increasingly soured on continuing to support Ukraine, often citing economic reasons. However, what ultimately doomed the Dec. 6 vote was the mixing of U.S. aid to Ukraine with other political issues, namely domestic border security and the U.S. aid for longtime ally Israel. The Kyiv IndependentNate Ostiller We were also the first ones to provide some light tanks, AMX-10 RC. This doesn't seem so important, but it was. France decided to do that, and then we were followed by others, including Germany. We are also a member of the coalition of F-16. We don't have F-16s, but we can train pilots to fly modern warplanes. So we are doing this and are now trying to develop these joint productions in Ukraine. The technical relationship between the two militaries is excellent. The Kyiv Independent: Why is France making the choice not to make everything (pledges of aid) public? If we're talking about this report that compares and adds public announcements, the public announcements of aid from Germany or the UK amount to much bigger numbers. That means that they are making more things public than France. Why did your country specifically make this choice? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, we should ask the military. We try to provide as much as we can. Of course, it depends on the level of equipment of our own forces, the French military. If you say exactly what you are giving, it's an indication not only to the public but also to the enemy of Ukraine. Sending a precise indication of what we have is not something we want to do. The Kyiv Independent: If we take this 3 billion euros estimation by the National Assembly, it still puts France behind comparable countries in Europe. When you take into account that and some public statements made by President Macron last year, for example, when he said that Moscow needs security guarantees or that Putin shouldn't be humiliated, you start to question whether the purpose of keeping things secret for France is to keep the foot in the door with the Kremlin, and to keep some relationship with Russia and not provoke it. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I really don't understand your point. We are supporting Ukraine as much as we can, providing as much material as we can, and sometimes even sending materials we would have needed for our own forces. And, in fact, it's a bit provocative to say that we want to keep channels open or whatever. The Kyiv Independent: I'm asking because, as a Ukrainian, this is how sometimes it is perceived here. That's my perspective. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, we are here. We are on the ground. We are providing as much support as we can, and we are devoted to continuing to do so. The Kyiv Independent: What do you think has been the most helpful thing France has done for Ukraine since the start of the war? What is the most important weapon it provided or the biggest step it took? What made the biggest impact? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, I think it would be up to the Ukrainian military to say that. I understand that the CAESAR cannons have been extremely appreciated because they are very mobile so that they can hit and run and then hit again. And they are very much effective. And then the AMX tanks. Not in itself, but it created the way for the others to provide those weapons. At one point, there was this discussion in Europe on whether we should propose to provide tanks to Ukraine or there would be an escalation. President Macron was the first leader to decide that it was not an escalation, it was the right tool that Ukraine needed. We want to provide more defense air systems if we can, but it's very difficult because we don't have so many of them. But there is a French air system in Ukraine. Francis Farrell: Ukraine could still lose the war. Lets get some things straight This November has been a particularly grim one here in Ukraine. Over the past month, two media sensations in big Western magazines served as a sober wake-up call about the state of the war. First, Simon Shusters profile in TIME magazine on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys lonely fight The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell The Kyiv Independent: Do you think that because of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, some lessons have been delivered to your country? In terms of how it dealt with Russia before and whether it saw Russia as a threat to Europe? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, it's very clear that Russia hid its game and made commitments to us and many other countries, which they did not plan to implement. They are behaving irrationally. So, we take stock of that, and we act accordingly. And we will continue to do so. In diplomacy, you try to take people by their word. But the ultima ratio, the most important thing, is what they are doing. Russian acts are very clear. The Kyiv Independent: I see. Do you think that more could have been done in terms of sanctions against Russia? Do you think they are working effectively against Russia now? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Sanctions are working against Russia. They are not working as much as we would like. There are still steps that can be taken to increase them. This is why we are discussing this 12th sanctions package inside the EU. The EU has taken more effective, rapid, and comprehensive sanctions than ever in its history. So, the comparison is huge if we compare what the EU is used to doing and what we collectively did for Ukraine and against Russia. But it's true that we still have to increase the efforts. We also have to fight against those not implementing sanctions or diverting sanction regimes. It does exist. The EU, as an institution but also as member states, is looking into it in detail. For example, when you have a sudden rise in exports between some countries with Russia, sometimes it might be because of some sanctions diversions. And, of course, we have to avoid that. And we are determined to avoid that. The Kyiv Independent: And what about some big French companies that still do business in Russia, like Auchan? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, it's very clear. Everybody can think what they want about it. And personally, Id rather have them not do business in Russia, as French ambassador in Ukraine but they have a right to do so. It's not under international sanctions. The Kyiv Independent: Do you think it should be under sanctions? Do you think French companies should be forbidden from doing business in Russia? Do you think it would help the war effort? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I don't have to answer these questions. I'm here to tell you we should implement sanctions. And there are official Ukrainian sanctions against a few companies and individuals, and we respect that. The issue is to have sanctions that would push and bite the Russian economy in such a way that it would put pressure on them to stop the war. That's the thing, okay? And this is what the sanction regimes of the EU are trying to do. Usually, sanctions regimes try to avoid directly hitting the population too much. And again, there is still room for improvement in the international and EU sanctions. We are working on that, and I hope that by December, the EU will be able to adopt the 12th sanction package to support that. The Kyiv Independent: If we talk a bit about the mood in French society. For us in Ukraine it seems that the world's attention is not as much on Ukraine as it used to be, and support is decreasing. Is this the case in French society? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I think that attention and support are not completely the same thing. They are linked, but not directly. So it is true that since Oct. 7, the horrible terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, there has been lots of public attention in France, as everywhere else in the world, focused on this. And as you may know, we have 40 French people who died in Israel. So it's also terrible news for us. The attention was indeed less focused on Ukraine. But at the same time, when you look at the polls, there is still a huge appreciation and huge support for the Ukrainian fight in France, and there is no Ukraine fatigue in France. There is still a huge interest. Of course, the attention was not on the first rank as it used to be because of what was happening elsewhere. But that's life in the media world and the public bubble. And I'm quite sure that the attention will remain on Ukraine. Ukraine will not be forgotten. The situation might be different in other countries, and maybe in the USA, which is much further away, people can be less focused on that. Ukraine holds back Russian assault on Avdiivka as long winter battle looms Our working hours are as follows: first you do a 12-hour shift, then another one, until youve done seven of these 24-hour-shifts, and thats your week said Oleksandr Kolesnikov, a 47-year-old surgeon, sitting hunched over on a bench-turned-overflow hospital bed at a Ukrainian sta The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell The Kyiv Independent: And also, the elections are coming. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: And they have elections. Well, we also have elections coming, European elections. But not exactly with the same challenges, of course. The Kyiv Independent: Since you say there is no war fatigue in France, Id like to ask, as a Ukrainian are the people of France ready to support Ukraine long-term? Are they ready to potentially make sacrifices, in terms of finances, mostly, to support Ukraine's victory? And can this commitment last for years? Do you think the people of France will support Ukraine in trying to win the war for as long as it takes? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I do. But in your question, it is as if you would imply that French people do not pay the price for the war now. They do. Not as Ukraine, of course. The Kyiv Independent: I understand, but this feeling of paying the price can accumulate. It's one thing to pay the price for a year or two, but if you're asked to pay the price more and more, then Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I think it's very important to explain to the French public, like in every country, the sense of what is happening, what the situation is, what it means, what the challenges are. So people would realize why it is so important to be committed to helping Ukraine win this war. A few weeks ago, President Zelensky gave an interview to French TV. I think it's great. They also need to hear from Ukrainians, even in English or Ukrainian, with translation no problem. But it's great to engage the public directly. So, no, I don't see this fatigue. Yes, there is a price to pay. The existing sanction regime is indeed harder for Europeans than for others because we used to have a big trade with Russia. Of course, there is a price to pay. But we are ready to pay this price because we think it's fair and effective. The Kyiv Independent: Something that makes us here in Ukraine somewhat worried about the future of European support for Ukraine is media reports about European governments behind closed doors talking to Ukrainian leadership about the need for peace negotiations. And we're anxious that we can be pushed into peace negotiations. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, our position is extremely clear, and it was said officially a few weeks ago by French President Macron to BBC. And French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna did say that recently, too. It's very simple. We are supporting Ukraine. So, Ukraine decided that they wouldn't negotiate with Russia until the last Russian boot would be outside of Ukraine. We fully support that, completely, 100%. and there is no way that we would put pressure on the country that is the victim of Russian aggression. It's up to Ukraine to decide if and when they want to speak to Russia. And I fully understand that now is not the time for negotiation; now is the time for war. And your president did say very clearly that the counteroffensive is going on and that it will be continued. The Kyiv Independent: And, just to make it clear, would France support Ukraine in its fight to liberate Crimea as well? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, in my understanding, Crimea is, of course, Ukrainian. It was in the borders in 1991, so it's very clear for us. Again, your president and the Ukrainian authorities decided this was the aim: full recovery of the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We support that wholeheartedly. Also, if there is something less than that, it gives a signal that it is possible to invade its neighbor. This is not the kind of relationship we want in the 21st century in the world. Again, it's up to Ukraine to decide what is good for Ukraine and the conditions to be met for any negotiations. We also fully support the 10-point peace formula by President Zelensky. And actually, tomorrow (Editors note: The interview was recorded on Nov. 29) we will participate in new meetings on that. And we participate in every subgroup meeting. Southern counteroffensive runs out of steam as West scrambles to deliver aid As fall weather arrives, observers are looking at the status of Ukraines three-pronged counteroffensive, which continues to move very slowly. Ukrainian forces have yet to fully break through Russias defensive lines and fight to their target cities Tokmak, Berdiansk, and Vasylivka. Their tempo i The Kyiv IndependentIgor Kossov The Kyiv Independent: Youve mentioned the production of ammunition in Europe. Earlier this year, we participated in a cross-border journalistic investigation into how people both in Ukraine and in the EU failed to ramp up the production of ammunition since the start of the full-scale invasion. The conclusion was there was not enough effort and alignment in the EU. Do you think that this can be changed? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: The EU gave itself an objective one million (rounds of) ammunition for Ukraine by the end of March. So, focusing on that objective and working in that direction is very important. There has been no conflict on this scale in Europe since 1945. And, indeed, we didn't have enough production in Europe. So, we are trying to fix that. But in my career, I was posted twice in Brussels. And at that time, speaking of the EU financing ammunition or weapons was unthinkable. It was completely out of the scope. So, we went from this situation to this current situation where the EU is financing this with the EU taxpayers' money. And France is the second contributor to the EU budget after Germany. It's a huge step forward. Sometimes, it's part of the charm of the EU that we would do what is necessary when necessary. It would have been better if we could have done that before. But you cannot rewrite history. So, it is important to continue in that direction. As far as military equipment is concerned, there is some EU financing. There is also some national financing. And the French parliament did vote a few days ago on an additional 200 million euros to a national fund, which enables us to finance Ukrainians buying French weapons. The Kyiv Independent: Living in Kyiv, do you feel the war? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, it's surprising when you are not used to it. Because, 80% of the time, you don't feel the war. And then suddenly, the war imposes itself on you. Because there is an alarm. You have to get down. Or you visit a hospital, and you meet with wounded soldiers with terrible injuries. And then the reality of war is imposed on you. But I'm very humble about that. My family is not with me here. It means that when an alarm is sounding, I'm not worried about my kids. And this must be absolutely terrible. When it happens, I think of the people working for me in the embassy, who are Ukrainians with their kids at home. And they are the ones who feel the war. Because they are worried about their loved ones. I am lucky enough not to be in this situation. The Kyiv Independent: Has anything you've seen in Kyiv, or Ukraine in general, has been a surprise to you? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, many things are a surprise. When you are a diplomat, you try not to come up with pre-fixed ideas of the situation. Because you always fail, actually. So, the good thing is to come as you are and to try to understand people as they are. And usually, you get only good surprises. The resilience of the Ukrainian people is incredible. For example, in this society, you are doing different things at the same time. You are fighting a terrible war imposed on you. You are making reforms. You are aiming to enter the EU. All of this would seem very difficult. But you managed to do that and look good on all fronts. The Kyiv Independent: Do you think Ukraine is indeed looking fine in terms of reforms? In Ukrainian society, there is a call to speed up anti-corruption reforms, for example. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, we have been very impressed by the way Ukraine has answered the seven recommendations of the EU. Of course, there are still many things to be done. You have a few legal things to be settled. I expect them to be settled very early. I know that the government is very devoted to fixing them. When you speak about corruption, of course, you must change the mentality and how people behave. You need a realistic approach and time for implementation, legal decisions, and independent bodies to take full scale over their responsibilities. We are very impressed, in particular, by how NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau), SAPO (Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office), and all the others are working. They are doing a wonderful job. Of course, there are still many things to be done. Ukraine is not Switzerland. It's not France. It's not Germany. It's something different. But the road Ukraine is taking and the efforts already made are very impressive. The Kyiv Independent: When were talking about the battlefield situation, the general observation is that the counteroffensive hasnt achieved the desired result and we are not where we wanted to be at the end of this year. We have not liberated that much land. And the land that was liberated was liberated at a huge price. We don't know what to expect from the battlefield and from our partners in the West, including France, in the next year. What are your thoughts on what's going to happen in 2024? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Well, you can expect support. You can expect continued support. And we hope that all partners will continue to provide full support. Of course, it's up to Ukraine to make military decisions. Indeed, the counteroffensive results are not exactly as expected or wished for, but there are some results. In particular, the Black Sea, for example, is where very important gains have been achieved. We wish, as you wish, for big military gains. We'll see how the situation will evolve. Wars never happen as planned. I'm not a military man, but this I know. We are fully confident that Ukraine will win. And we want to take part in that and to support that. The Kyiv Independent: So France will help Ukraine defeat Russia on the battlefield? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: We are militarily supporting Ukraine to defeat Russia on the battlefield in Ukraine. Absolutely. The Kyiv Independent: Do you think that this is Vladimir Putin's war, as many people in the West do? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I don't know what to answer to your question. I mean, it's not up to me to define this war. It is a war for which Russia, under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, is fully responsible. He's the president, he made those decisions. He decided to invade a neighboring country whose independence and integrity he had the duty to support under the Memorandum of Budapest. He decided to do that. He's responsible for that. Of course, he is. The Kyiv Independent: Well, the question is, basically, whether the Russian population is responsible for the war as well as Putin. Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: Again, a diplomat would not see things like this. There is a state. The state has institutions. Individuals lead institutions. And the responsibility for these decisions is the responsibility of the individuals in power, namely Mr. Putin and his allies. And that's it. But a diplomat cannot go further than that. The Kyiv Independent: You arrived three months ago. Do you think you will be the ambassador in Kyiv when Ukraine wins the war? Ambassador Gael Veyssiere: I hope so. This is why I'm here, of course. Absolutely. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. You are here: China Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po carries out a head-touching ceremony to bless Buddhist adherents at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po on Wednesday completed a six-month tour of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region that involved Buddhist and social activities. During the tour, Panchen Rinpoche visited the cities of Qamdo, Lhasa and Xigaze, performing duties as the president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China. Panchen Rinpoche is also a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. Panchen Rinpoche began his tour on June 5 in Qamdo. After a 13-day visit to Qamdo, he arrived in Lhasa on June 18. On Sept. 12, he arrived at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze. Between Oct. 6 and Nov. 7, Panchen Rinpoche performed an ordination ceremony for Buddhist monks at Tashilhunpo Monastery. This was the first time he ordained monks of the monastery, which indicates that his Buddhist attainments and religious status have further improved. During his stay in Xigaze, Panchen Rinpoche attended a series of Buddhist and social activities in various localities, giving head-touching blessings to a total of more than 45,000 Buddhists. Head touching is a ceremony carried out by a living Buddha to bless believers who consider that it will help them avoid disasters. CHOWCHILLA, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) A Chowchilla prison is hosting its first-ever formal debate between incarcerated college students and on-campus Fresno State students. The Fresno State students will travel to Valley State Prison for the event. Incarcerated students will make up the first-ever 12-member debate team from Valley State Prison. The students at Valley State Prison (VSP) are enrolled through either Merced College for earning associate degrees or Fresno State for bachelors degrees. Around 270 incarcerated students are currently enrolled in Merced College classes and 26 in Fresno State. The on-campus Fresno State students will travel to Valley State Prison in Chowchilla for the event, which takes place on Dec. 14. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. This embedded content is not available in your region. Good evening. Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he is not a fan of Margaret Thatcher as he faced a backlash from his own MPs for praising the Iron Lady. Elsewhere, the Duke of Sussex has lost his latest legal battle against the Mail on Sunday. Margaret Thatcher did terrible things, insists Keir Starmer after backlash to tribute Sir Keir Starmer he was making the point that Thatcher was a leader with a driving sense of purpose - Roger Harris/AFP via Getty Images Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he is not a fan of Margaret Thatcher as he faced a backlash from his own MPs for praising the Iron Lady. The Labour leader claimed the former prime minister did terrible things which he profoundly disagrees with as he sought to placate backbenchers angered by his tribute to her legacy. Sir Keir caused a stir by commending Thatcher for enacting meaningful change and setting loose our natural entrepreneurialism in an article for The Telegraph. UK Government wins legal battle to veto Nicola Sturgeons self-ID law The UK Government acted lawfully by vetoing Nicola Sturgeons self-ID gender laws, a senior judge has ruled in a humiliating defeat for SNP ministers. The Court of Session said Scottish Secretary Alister Jack was within his rights to block the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, despite it being passed by MSPs. Prince Harry loses latest legal challenge against Mail on Sunday The Duke of Sussex has lost his latest legal battle, as a judge ruled that a newspaper may successfully argue in court that his team undertook a masterclass of spinning to mislead the public about his offer to pay for security. Read more about the case here. Evening Briefing: Todays essential headlines Telegraph takeover | The prospective owners of The Telegraph have rejected a plan to reduce the share of Abu Dhabi cash behind the takeover and ease concerns over press freedom. Battle Lines Podcast | A nightmare I hope we can wake up from In this bonus episode of Battle Lines, The Telegraphs fixer in Gaza, Siham Shamalakh, sends us a dispatch from the ground. Speaking via WhatsApp voice notes, Siham reflects on her personal journey of having to flee her home and considers what the future might hold for the Palestinian people. Comment and analysis World news: Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday he will run in the 2024 presidential election. After awarding soldiers who had fought in Ukraine with Russias highest military honour, the hero of Russia gold star, Putin was asked by a lieutenant colonel if he would run again, Russian news agencies said. The Kremlin chief said that he would. The move is expected to keep him in power until at least 2030. Feature of the day Wonka, review: the most fun youll have in a cinema all year The brains behind Paddington plus a charming Timothee Chalamet give Dahl a Goon Show-ish prequel full of irresistible velvety sweetness. Read the piece Business news: Britains competition watchdog looking into Microsofts level of control over ChatGPT Britains competition watchdog is facing a fresh battle with Microsoft over its plans to scrutinise the tech giants ties to ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The Competition and Markets Authority said it was seeking industry views on the deal between the US tech companies as it investigates their role in the development of artificial intelligence technology. Live business news: Car makers face 1.2m payouts over emissions cheating claims, judges told Editors choice New York | Is the citys latest attraction as thrilling as it looks or just camera trickery? Food | They had to be the best chocolates in the world and I took that seriously Money | Incompetent vet didnt realise my cat was dying I want compensation Sport briefing: Todays essential headlines Sign up to our free Sport Briefing Newsletter to receive the latest sporting news, direct to your inbox every weekday morning. Three things for you If you want to receive twice-daily briefings like this by email, sign up to the Front Page newsletter here. For two-minute audio updates, try The Briefing - on podcasts and smart speakers. 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 crash and chase involving a reckless driver sent a Georgia deputy and several others to the hospital on Thursday night. Georgia State Patrol said it all started when Hinesville police received a call about a driver in a Dodge Charger doing reckless stunts at a local car show. An officer tried to stop the driver, who took off onto Ga. 38. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The officer issued a radio call to be on the lookout for the car when a Liberty County Sheriffs Office deputy spotted it. The deputy tried to pull the car over near Old Sunbury Road. However, the deputy initiated a chase when the driver didnt stop. TRENDING STORIES: The driver of the Charger eventually lost control and hit a Volkswagen Jetta, which sent the car crashing into a Nissan Armada. GSP said the Armada was also hit by the Charger, which forced it into the deputys car. The deputy and drivers of the Jetta and Armada had to be taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, the Charger driver escaped on foot. GSP said the deputy had serious injuries while the other victims conditions are unknown. GSP and the Liberty County Sheriffs Office have not released a description of the wanted driver. IN OTHER NEWS A motel manager in Georgia was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for trafficking a woman and forcing her to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for housing. The U.S. Department of Justice said he exploited a woman who had struggled with homelessness, drug addiction and had lost custody of her young child. Shreesh Tiwari, 70, an Indian national and legal U.S. permanent resident, began managing the Budgetel Motel in Cartersville in 2020. Tiwari hired the victim to work as a house cleaner at the hotel, according to prosecutors. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He promised her he would help her regain custody of her child by providing her with pay, an apartment and an attorney. But instead of following through on the promises, prosecutors said Tiwari monitored the victims interactions with motel guests and employees, forbidding her to speak with them, making numerous sexual advances to her, and when he was angry with her he would threaten to throw her out of her room. TRENDING STORIES: Tiwari also threatened to report her drug use to law enforcement or child welfare agencies whenever he was angry with her, according to a release. Eventually, he would evict her from her motel room, and even locked her out of her room at night without warning. Tiwari was sentenced to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay the victim $42,648. Tiwari used his position of power to ruthlessly abuse a victim he knew had already suffered immeasurably, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. The level of this defendants callousness is shocking. But we are thankful that our community is now safer, and other potential victims spared, due to the excellent investigative work of our federal, state and local law enforcement partners who made Tiwaris conviction possible. Our office also intends for Tiwaris prosecution and sentence to provide a stark warning to other traffickers that these crimes carry especially serious penalties on account of the lasting harm done to victims and their families. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: A London gambit by a group of former executives to find a buyer for a closed mill in Perry appears to have stoked the interest of 10 companies, according to the Florida Department of Commerce. Georgia Pacific completed closure of the Foley Mill Nov. 17, 2023 after 69 years of operation. The agency is working as an intermediator between prospective buyers and Georgia Pacific. The Koch Industries subsidiary owns the 69-year-old facility, which provided more than a quarter of the tax base for Taylor County and supported nearly 2,000 jobs until it was shutdown Nov. 17. The layoffs of the plants 525 workers rippled through the economy of a county covered by 525,000 acres of forest. April of this year, Taylor posted its lowest unemployment rate ever at 2.5%. Today it stands at 4.1% compared to the state rate of 2.8%, according to Commerce. In early November, the small town known as the "Tree Capital of the South," sent a representative to a November conference in London in a longshot bid to find an international buyer for the Foley paper mill. The effort may be bearing fruit. Trees are unloaded by a crane at Buckeyes Foley plant in Taylor County in 2012. The Foley Cellulose mill in Perry, Florida, announced on Sept. 18, 2023, that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the plant. Weve referred nearly 10 companies to Georgia Pacific to discuss the land, resources and infrastructure, in the hopes that at least one of those companies is the right fit, said Rose Hebert, director of communications for Florida Commerce. Environmentalists have longed blamed the mill for decades of pollution in the Fenholloway River, which carries the plants wastewater into the Gulf of Mexico. The facility is one of the few in the world capable of the water intensive process of extracting cellulose the basic structure of a cell from lumber and dissolving it into a chemical used in a variety of products, including electronics and ice cream. In exchange for allowing Foley to pump millions of gallons of water from the Fenholloway watershed and then dump wastewater into the Gulf of Mexico, residents of a mostly undeveloped corner of the Big Bend got an economic engine. A report from the UF Institue of Food and Agricultural Science found the mill and related employers provided the county of 22,000 people a $77 million payroll. Starting pay at the plant for most jobs was nearly twice the state per capita income of $35,216. Hebert said at least two of the leads Commerce referred to Georgia Pacific came from the London Pulp Week Symposium 2023, where Bob Cate, a retired plant manager went last month to inform attendees the plant was on the market. A worker uses a crane to lift a roll of cellulose fiber product at the Foley plant in this 2012. Each roll can weigh up to 15 tons. Buckeye Technologies Inc. initiated a series of projects to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The Foley Cellulose mill in Perry, Florida, announced on Sept. 18, 2023, that Georgia-Pacific plans to permanently close the plant. Cate said he did not represent Georgia Pacific but was in London on behalf of the plant, its workers and Perry. Since then hes been like everyone else; on the outside waiting to hear if a buyer will step forward. Its like watching a glacier. You know theres movement. You just dont see it moving, said Cate. The Commerce Departments Laura DiBella was in London with Cate to provide prospective buyers with information about the kind of economic incentives and grants for infrastructure improvements the state could make available. We have consistently heard back from those referrals that GP always meets with them, and we have also consistently heard that GP gives very little actionable feedback in those conversations, said Hebert. Hebert said with Georgia Pacific keeping their cards close to the chest, it is difficult for the the Department and community to know what is going on. Georgia Pacific, which said it completed a "safe and orderly shutdown" of the mill in November, confirms it has accepted calls recently from companies interested in discussing the purchase of the facility. Georgia Pacific spokesman Scott Mixon said the company is developing "a plan" to respond to those inquiries after. Details on the content of the response and timeline have not been officially shared with any party or company outside of Georgia Pacific. Any interest expressed by another company about the sale of the Foley facility and timeline for the sales process will be kept confidential by Georgia Pacific for business reasons, said Mixon. More: Can London help As clock ticks for closure of Perry mill, supporters hoping for a Hail Mary More: What Foley means to Taylor County The staggering numbers behind Perry paper mill closing: 2,000 jobs, $10 million in taxes lost James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Perry, Florida mill closure: Ten companies have inquired about sale The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to analyze and study the economic work of 2024, arrange Party conduct and anti-corruption work, and review regulations on the CPC's disciplinary action. The meeting was chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. Noting that Chinese economy has achieved a recovery this year and the country's high-quality development has made solid progress, the meeting emphasized measures to effectively enhance economic vitality, prevent and defuse risks, improve social expectations, and consolidate and enhance the positive momentum of economic upturn in the economic work of 2024. The meeting urged efforts to pursue progress while ensuring stability, consolidate stability through progress, and establish the new before abolishing the old regarding the economic work next year. The country should strengthen counter-cyclical and cross-cyclical adjustments of macro policies and continue to implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy. The proactive fiscal policy should be appropriately intensified and improved in quality and efficiency, while the prudent monetary policy should be flexible, appropriate, targeted and effective, according to the meeting. It also stressed efforts to lead the development of a modern industrial system through scientific and technological innovations, and improve the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains. Work should be done to increase domestic demand and form a virtuous circle in which consumption and investment promote each other. Reform should be deepened in key areas to constantly inject strong momentum into high-quality development. The meeting also emphasized expanding high-standard opening up and consolidating the overall performance of foreign trade and foreign investment. The country should continuously and effectively prevent and defuse risks in key areas and resolutely safeguard the bottom line against systemic risks. Measures should also be taken to promote urban-rural integrated development and coordinated regional development, further advance ecological progress and green and low-carbon growth, and ensure and improve people's well-being, according to the meeting. The meeting stressed the high-quality implementation of the CPC Central Committee's major decisions and arrangements for economic work, while underscoring efforts to ensure market supply and stable prices of essential goods during New Year's Day and the Spring Festival and ensure full and timely payments of migrant workers' wages. Since the 20th CPC National Congress in 2022, new progress and achievements have been made in advancing the high-quality development of discipline inspection and supervision, the meeting said. Discipline inspection and supervision organs should promote the Party's full and rigorous self-governance and make unremitting efforts to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption, it noted. Efforts should be made to tighten political oversight, advance the fight against corruption, deal a heavy blow to pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, make oversight more effective, and develop a team of discipline inspection and supervision personnel who are high-caliber and professional, the meeting said. Prior to this meeting, Xi had chaired a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, during which a briefing was given on the work of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision in 2023 and preparation for the third plenary session of the 20th CCDI of the CPC. The meeting agreed that the plenary session is scheduled for Jan. 8 to 10 next year. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC has made three rounds of revisions to its regulations on disciplinary action in order to constantly strengthen its capability to purify, improve, reform and excel itself, the meeting noted. The meeting stressed further efforts to enforce strict political discipline and rules, and promote the publicity and implementation of the regulations to enhance the Party's creativity, cohesiveness and capacity to take on challenges. The bipartisan infrastructure law has provided three new grants to Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina to move forward with plans for a high-speed rail corridor. The Federal Railroad Administration awarded $1.5 million to explore creating a passenger rail service that would connect Atlanta to Savannah, Charlotte, N.C. and major cities in Tennessee like Chattanooga and Nashville. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff appropriated funds in 2022 to begin planning a route from Atlanta to Savannah. He spoke exclusively to Channel 2s Karyn Greer about the work to keep the project going. So we have more resources now going to accelerate that development and for planning of Atlanta, Charlotte, Atlanta, Nashville a long way to go. These are long term projects going to require a lot of collective effort. But this is big, big progress for our state, Ossoff told Greer. TRENDING STORIES: There are three main corridors that are being explored. The Georgia Department of Transportation received a $500,000 grant for the Atlanta to Savannah corridor that would include stops in Athens, August and Macon. The North Carolina Department of Transportation received a $500,000 grant for the Charlotte to Atlanta corridor that would include stops at the Greenville-Spartanburg airport, Augusta and Athens. The final $500,000 grant went to the City of Chattanooga for a corridor that would connect Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis. Ossoff said the project will be long-term, but has the potential to improve transportation options for Georgians. What we want to do is connect cities in the region with reliable and safe and efficient rail service. And that may also allow us to build new solutions for commuters who are located between those major cities, at a time when a lot of folks are struggling with congestion, Ossoff told Greer. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS The Glastonbury Board of Education is asking the Town Council to approve $1.19 million to improve HVAC systems and air quality at five of the towns schools, including Glastonbury High School. Board of Education Chair Doug Foyle said the town has the opportunity to improve the air systems in the schools, and that the state would reimburse one-third of the cost, if it acts quickly. The HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grant Program was signed by Gov. Ned Lamont in 2022, and is intended to encourage schools to address ventilation and air quality needs. The rooftop units that weve identified will need to be replaced in the near future. At that point, the town will have to pay 100% of the expense, Foyle said, adding that prices would also likely increase in the future. Superintendent Alan Bookman said the units on the GHS gymnasium roof were installed in 2003, and nearing the end of their life cycle, despite regular maintenance by town staff. The cost of replacement is $630,000. Were now seeing, on the six rooftop units at the high school two of them are not doing so well. We are doing a lot of repairs on those units, Bookman said, adding that the unit at Naubuc Elementary School is 40 years or more old and not doing so well, and would cost $200,000 to replace. HVAC units on the cafeterias at Buttonball Lane, Hebron Avenue, and Hopewell schools are all approximately 15 years old, and while they could last at least another five years or more, replacing them sooner would improve the air quality and take advantage of the savings. The total cost would be $360,000. Town Council members questioned why the improvements are being asked for now, instead of being on the towns Capital Improvement Project list, which is funded via each years budget cycle. Im still having a problem with the whole capital planning and budget process, said council member Whit Osgood. Its understandable why youre asking for it, because theres a grant available, but for projects that have potentially five to eight years of useful life remaining, and these projects werent considered a priority enough to be put into the capital improvement program that we looked at last budget cycle. Bookman said that all of the projects would be on the CIP list in coming years, and Naubuc is already on that schedule. Foyle said the projects that arent on that list would be soon. The CIP program plans five years in advance, and the projects are all due for replacement within six to eight years. We are bringing these things to you, not because they need to be done now, but its because the opportunity for the savings is here now, he said. Director of Operations Al Costa said HVAC units are rarely eligible for state grants, and that the upgrades would all be of the highest technology thats available. The timing of these grant applications are so sudden, Costa said. The deadline is Dec. 31. The five projects would each have to apply separately, and may not all be approved. In that case, Bookman said, there may be more state grant funding next year, but he isnt sure. Im a little pessimistic there will be another round, but you never know, he said. If the grants are applied for but not received, the council would then have to decide whether to proceed with the project(s) or return the funds to the towns General Fund Balance. I think its too much money to leave on the table. I think we do our students a service by putting this in, said council member Larry Niland. I think were in a position where we really need to take advantage of this funding, said council member Jake McChesney. The council voted down an amendment by Osgood to eschew the three elementary school units from the application, but approved the resolution. For more information, visit www.glastonburyct.gov. Good man with a good heart: Man stands guard at Lakeland intersection where teen died, vows to maintain presence LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) When Jake Singletary heard about the death of a Central Florida Aerospace Academy student this week, one of the first things he did was buy a strobe light for his pickup truck. I drive this road pretty regular, and I do know that with all the barricades and all the construction going on and they change the lane around, it gets really confusing, said Singletary. Singletary lives in Mulberry but has ties to CFAA, which is located near the intersection of Medulla Road and West Pipkin Road in Lakeland. His brother attended the school and his mother is now principal. WATCH: Teen fatally struck by school bus honored during Lakeland Christmas parade According to the Lakeland Police Department, crashes at that intersection have increased from zero in 2019 to 18 so far this year. The latest crash came Tuesday morning, when 15-year old Jaxon Crabtree was hit by a school bus on his way to school. It was heartbreaking to know that you can be worried about sending your 15-year old kid to school in the morning, said Singletary. There is no crosswalk at that intersection. Developer JD Alexander signed an agreement with the City of Lakeland in 2018 that requires he install a traffic light at that intersection. He developed the Riverstone community which now has 1,100 homes in it. Grieving father pushes for change after teen fatally struck by bus at Lakeland intersection Alexander told News Channel 8 supply chain issues have delayed the traffic light installation and he hopes it could be completed by March. In the meantime, Singletary is out at the intersection every morning from roughly 6 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. with the strobe light on his truck, trying to make it safer for children crossing the street to school. Hopefully people will be able to see it a little better, bring a little attention to it. I know people driving in the mornings tend to be kind of in a haze, said Singletary. In a statement to News Channel 8, Crabtrees mother Dawn Friesenborg called Singletary a good man with a good heart. It might be too late for my son, but I hope and pray that through this devastation and through selfless and caring people like Mr. Singletary, that a difference will be made, she said. I just hope that whatever Im doing will help her realize that shes not alone in all this and that people do care, said Singletary. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. From the Dispatch Politics on The Dispatch Happy Friday! Are you someone whos procrastinating on your Christmas shopping/a Republican senator who hasnt endorsed Trump yet? Take it from NRSC chair Sen. Steve Dainesget it out of the way now, youll be glad you did! Up to Speed A White House-backed $110 billion spending package allocating cash for Ukraine, Israel, and border enforcement failed a procedural vote in the Senate Wednesday after Democrats balked at broader border policy changes demanded by Republicans. President Joe Biden urged Senate negotiators to return to the table Wednesday ahead of the vote, telling reporters that I am willing to make significant compromises on the border. We need to fix the broken border system, Biden added. It is broken. But the two parties remain far apart in terms of how much ground each side ought to cede. Even the most moderate members on the GOP side have taken a firm line that the immigration portion of the package should be driven by Republicans. Dems want $106BGOP wants a closed border, Sen. Mitt Romney tweeted on Tuesday. Thats the trade. But clueless Dems want to negotiate the border bill. Not going to happen. Hunter Biden was indicted on federal tax charges Thursday, with prosecutors alleging in a nine-count indictment that the presidents son had failed to pay owed taxes and filed fraudulent returns across multiple years. Biden, prosecutors allege, took pains to avoid paying taxes on the seven-figure income he was drawing during his time on the board of directors for the Ukrainian energy company Burisma. Fewer than 1 in 3 likely GOP primary voters watched Wednesday nights Republican debate, a snap Washington Post/Ipsos poll following the contest found, with only 12 percent saying they watched the whole thing. Respondents tapped Ron DeSantis as the events best performer and Vivek Ramaswamy as the worst. After over a year coming in second behind Donald Trump in every national poll, DeSantis slipped behind Nikki Haley for the first time this week, with a Wall Street Journal poll released Thursday putting Haley at 15 percent support and DeSantis at 14 percent. Meanwhile, Donald Trumps overwhelming lead only continues to grow: His current 47.5 percent lead in the RealClearPolitics polling average is his widest to date. DeSantis, Haley (Predictably) Dodge Issue of Trumps Fitness Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis participate in the NewsNation Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the University of Alabama on December 6, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) TUSCALOOSA, AlabamaOnce again, Republicans aiming to emerge as the consensus alternative to Donald Trump were given ample opportunity to make an issue of the former presidents basic fitness for the White House. Once again, with the exception of Chris Christie, they declined, this time on the stage of the Moody Music Building on the campus of the University of Alabama. Asked by the moderators during this weeks fourth televised debate if Trumps age was a problemhe turns 78 in JuneFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis refused to answer directly. Pressed by Christie, the former New Jersey governor, to address Trumps fitness for the presidency based on his multiple criminal indictments and provocative rhetoric, DeSantis sidestepped again. Nikki Haley, not questioned by the moderators during this segment, remained silent; Vivek Ramaswamy, naturally, assumed his usual role as the 45th presidents chief defender. Father time is undefeated. The idea that were going to put someone up there thats almost 80 and theres going to be no effects from that? We all know thats not true, DeSantis said, responding to NewsNations Elizabeth Vargas. Trying again, Vargas asked: But do you think hes mentally fit? DeSantis again bobbed and weaved. I think we need to have somebody younger. Enter Christie. Why doesnt he just answer the question? The question was very direct: Is he fit to be president or isnt he? the former Trump ally turned chief critic said. He wont answer. Hes afraid to answer, Christie continued. This is the problem with my three colleagues. Theyre afraid to offend Let me make clear: His conduct is unacceptable. Hes unfit. Christie hammered these points home after the two-hour primetime faceoff. How cant Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley answer the question as to whether Donald Trumps fit for office? How come Ron DeSantis cant answer the simplest of questions? he told The Dispatch during a brief interview in the spin room. Answer the damn question. Of course, this portion of the debate, and how each candidate responded (or didnt), was entirely predictable. As we reported Wednesday, DeSantis and Haley have conscientiously avoided attacking Trump over using allegations that he mishandled classified documents, obstructed justice and engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Their campaigns and super PACs have concluded the issue is a political loser, even though the former president staked an overwhelming lead in the GOP primary months agoa lead he maintains despite skipping all four debates and with the January 15 Iowa caucuses and January 23 New Hampshire primary nearing. However, Team DeSantis would probably argue the Florida governor was critical of Trump where it counted. He said the former president botched the coronavirus pandemic, saying that the former president failed by not firing then-chief White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci. DeSantis added Trump also should have canned FBI Director Christopher Wray. He said he was going to clean up the swamp. He said he was going to drain it. He did not drain it, DeSantis said. Meanwhile, Team Haley would probably point out that the former South Carolina governor and ex-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations harangued Trump on key domestic and foreign policy issues. Not only that, other than Christie, she was the only candidate on stage to interject criticism of the former president, in whose cabinet she served without being prompted to do so by the moderators or her competitors. And she did so more than once. First, Haley nailed Trump on China. This is where Trump went wrong. Trump was good on trade, but thats all he was with China. Here he allowed fentanyl to continue to come overhe would give them technology that would build up their military and hurt us; he allowed the Chinese infiltration for them to buy up farmland, to put money in our universities and to continue to do things that were harmful to America. Later, when asked how she would tackle high mortgage rates, Haley said: As much as everyone wants to talk about how Donald Trump had a good economy$9 trillion in debt he did just in four years, and were all paying the price of that. Ramaswamy Plays the Hits TUSCALOOSA, AlabamaAs in the previous Republican debates, some of the most pungent rhetoric came courtesy of Vivek Ramaswamy, the wealthy biotech entrepreneur who has characterized himself as the only candidate running (save Donald Trump) who isnt on the take for shadowy special interests. His most frequent target Wednesday night? Nikki Haley, inching steadily upward in the polls for months while Ramaswamy has essentially flatlined. Ramaswamy called Haley a fascist for arguing weeks ago that social-media users should have to post under their own names; brandished a notepad for the cameras on which hed scribbled HALEY = CORRUPT; darkly suggested Haley had made money unethically after leaving public service; called Haley a stooge for her wealthy donors; and went after her ongoing support for U.S. military aid to Ukraine. I think those with foreign-policy experienceone thing that Joe Biden and Nikki Haley have in commonis that neither of them could even state for you three provinces in Eastern Ukraine that they want to send our troops to actually fight for, Ramaswamy sneered. Later, he doubled down: This is a woman who will send your kids to die so she can buy a bigger house. This was a ludicrous attack in all its particulars. Haley, the former South Carolina governor and ex-U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has never called for American troops to fight in Ukraine and named three of the areas at issue in the war minutes later. Moreover, Haley has skin in the military game: Her husband is an officer in the National Guard, currently serving a yearlong deployment in Djibouti. It was also a notable development of strategy for Ramaswamy, who has bounced around wildly in his approach to his opponents. The wealthy entrepreneur came out throwing elbows in Milwaukee for the first GOP debate back in August, calling himself the only person on this stage who isnt bought and paid for. A month later in California, he tried out a softer, friendlier approach, praising his competitors at times and insisting that these are good people on this stage who love the United States of America and share our founding ideals. Ramaswamy has plainly soured on that approach. But its still a little unclear whether his former assessment of Haley as a good person has survived his current assessment of her as a bloodthirsty fascist donor puppet. (Ramaswamy spokesman Zachery Henry told The Dispatch hed get you an answer to that question when Haley answers if she is profiting off of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine that she wants to send Americas sons and daughters to go die inwhich sounds like a no.) Those attacks werent the only new content Ramaswamy debuted on Wednesday. He also opted to use the debate platform to make full-throated endorsements of a number of right-wing crank conspiracies, including the Great Replacement Theory, which posits a vast left-wing plot to replace American white people with immigrants from the third world, and the notion that the January 6 assault on the Capitol was an inside job. None of it appears to be working, if the goal is to win the nomination. Ramaswamy is stuck at 4.7 percent nationally; 5 percent in Iowa; and 7 percent in New Hampshire, placing him behind Christie in the Granite State, not to mention DeSantis and Haley everywhere. But the 38-year-old first time candidate for public office insisted to reporters in the spin room after the debate that hes poised to shock the naysayers. The next milestone is January 15 in Iowa and many of our voters are not the traditional GOP-polled, Iowa voters, Ramaswamy said, and so I predict we are going to deliver a major surprise on that night. And the people who are coming out to support usthey havent shown up in caucuses, but theyre the people who want to hear the truth, not just when its easy but when its hard. Notable and Quotable If Trump wasnt running, Im not sure Id be running. But we cannot let him win. President Joe Biden at a Boston-area campaign fundraiser, December 5, 2023 Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley is increasingly targeting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on environmental issues, assailing his policy record on climate and energy in his state at multiple GOP presidential debates as the two jostle for second in the partys primary. DeSantis appeared to come out ahead of Haley in Wednesday nights fourth Republican debate, hosted by The Hills sister news organization NewsNation, which saw the Florida governor go on the offensive against the onetime UN ambassador and the subject of his environmental record go unmentioned. That marked a notable contrast with the previous two debates, in which Haley mounted a number of sharp attacks against DeSantis on the issue as she worked to build momentum both in the polls and among anti-Trump donors as the leading alternative to the former president. She broached the subject at the second Republican debate in September, accusing the Florida governor of undermining his own presidential campaign pledges to ramp up fossil fuel production with his policies as governor. Specifically, she pointed to his opposition to fracking, the process of fracturing rock to extract natural gas, as well as offshore drilling in the Sunshine State. DeSantis countered that Floridians voted in a ballot initiative to ban offshore drilling, with Haley in turn pointing to his opposition to fracking in Florida independent of any ballot initiative. Haley went further in the third debate, saying DeSantis was praised by the Sierra Club, and youre trying to make up for it and act like you werent a liberal when it comes to the environment. You were, you always have been, just own it if thats the case, but dont keep saying youre something that youre not. SFA Fund, a super PAC that backs Haley, has worked to further broadcast her attacks, cutting an ad featuring clips from that exchange. The ad features misleadingly cropped quotes, however, as noted in a Washington Post fact-check. DeSantis, who leads a state on the front lines of climate change, has a broadly pro-fossil fuels record as governor. He has also clashed with the environmental lobby and misleadingly argued there remains a debate about the effects of climate change at the first GOP debate. However, in his first gubernatorial run in 2018, he did speak in opposition to fracking, citing its potential hazards to Floridas geologic makeup. DeSantis echoed those concerns in the third debate, saying, We are absolutely going to frack, but I disagree with Nikki Haley. I dont think its a good idea to drill in the Florida Everglades, and I know most Floridians agree with me. Florida is not a major oil producer, and opposition to offshore drilling on its coast is a mainstream Republican position shared by its two GOP senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. DeSantiss GOP primary opponent in the 2018 gubernatorial race opposed fracking in the state, as well. As for the Sierra Club, the environmental group did offer commendations in 2019 for DeSantiss moves to protect the Everglades. However, it has assigned him an F grade on his environmental record for 2023, as Sierra Club Deputy Communications Director Jonathon Berman noted. Sarah Burton, the Sierra Clubs political director, further pushed back on Haley associating DeSantis with the environmental group in a statement to The Hill. That Ron DeSantis is proud of his record of endangering Floridians clean air and water, of restricting and undermining a clean energy future, and failing to address the insurance crisis making his state unaffordable for millions that have long called the state home should appall us all, she said. The fact that Nikki Haley believes this disastrous record is something the Sierra Club would endorse is incomprehensible. The Haley campaign also referred The Hill to DeSantiss record on ethanol as a member of Congress prior to his governorship. During his time in the House, DeSantis co-sponsored legislation to end the Renewable Fuel Standard, which requires oil refiners to blend a minimum amount of biofuel into the U.S.s transportation fuel. Ethanol is a pivotal issue in the early primary state of Iowa, where Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) has endorsed DeSantis. DeSantis has said he would protect the mandate as president. In a statement to The Hill, the DeSantis campaign hit back at Haley over her own past policies. Ron DeSantis released the most detailed energy plan of any candidate in this race to restore American energy dominance and is boldly committed to returning the price of gas to $2 a gallon in 2025 by drilling for oil in U.S. oil-rich shale deposits like the Marcellus and Bakken, Bryan Griffin, the DeSantis campaign press secretary, said. Nikki Haley, on the other hand, supported a massive gas tax increase as governor of South Carolina and would be a disaster for the wallets of working families. A DeSantis spokesperson also referred The Hill to The Washington Posts fact-check of the SFA Fund campaign ad. Haleys attacks on DeSantiss record obfuscate the distinction between his priorities as governor and those he would have as president, said Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist from southwest Florida. If [Haley] was governor of Florida Im not sure shed be doing anything different, OConnell told The Hill. I see what shes trying to say, shes trying to say that Ron DeSantis is not who he says he is. But every Republican agrees on day one theyre going to unleash American energy. When it comes to American energy and it comes to environmental concerns, theyre pretty much all on the same page. How youre going to run Florida and how youre going to be as president of the United States are two very different things, he added. Haley ramping up her rhetoric against DeSantis comes at a pivotal moment for her candidacy. DeSantis, once viewed as the heir to former President Trumps dominance of the party, has faltered in direct competition with him, and anti-Trump Republicans increasingly view Haley as the best available alternative to the former president and Republican front-runner. Since the third debate, shes secured the backing of Americans for Prosperity Action, the campaign arm of conservative mega-donor Charles Kochs advocacy group. Recent polling has shown her on the brink of supplanting DeSantis for a still-distant second place behind the former president. This is about trying to say that you are the other candidate in the race against Donald Trump, OConnell said. Trumps front-runner status looms large in the ways the GOP candidates discuss climate and energy as well. The former president has falsely called climate change a hoax and vowed to restore the industry-friendly policies that marked his first term if reelected in 2024. Few of his competitors have strayed far from such rhetoric, and the two Republican candidates who have argued in favor of reducing carbon emissions North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez have already dropped out of the race. In the first GOP debate, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was the only candidate to raise his hand when moderators asked if they believed the global scientific consensus that climate change was caused by human activity. Although Trump is comfortably ahead of all his competitors, he has declined to participate in the GOP primary debates, and with the number of candidates appearing onstage dwindling, the stakes have grown higher than ever for both Haley and DeSantis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Among nearly three-quarters of Americans who said in a new poll that they want the federal government to design policies around a goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, half of Republicans joined Democratic respondents, bucking party lines and showing significant support for Biden administration commitments to fighting climate change. The CNN poll released Thursday found about two-thirds of respondents are worried about the impacts of climate change on their communities, and nearly 60 percent are worried about increasing extreme weather. The results come as world leaders gather at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai to discuss climate change policy. Negotiations have focused on the fossil fuel industry, but they face setbacks as some nations cling to fossil fuel revenues to support their economies. Last week, Vice President Harris pledged $3 billion at the summit to help developing countries climate policy, including investing in green energy. The Biden administration has also allocated billions in tax breaks for purchasing electric vehicles, solar panel arrays and appliances, and it has implemented regulations to reduce industrial emissions. Those policies are popular, the poll found, with about two-thirds of poll respondents saying each of the policy initiatives should either be a top priority of the government or is important. Despite support for underlying policy, a slight majority still disapprove of how Biden has handled environmental issues, according to the poll. Only 43 percent of Americans and 11 percent of Republicans approve of Bidens environmental record. At the same time, another 58 percent of Americans say the federal government isnt doing enough to fight climate change, with just a quarter saying it is doing just the right amount of work. The CNN poll surveyed about 1,800 people reached by mail last month, with a margin of error of 3.2 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Officials in New Hampshire were caught off guard by an announcement from CNN this week that it plans to hold a Republican presidential primary debate in the state next month. We were surprised to be included on a press release by a network about a debate which we had not planned or booked, Neil Levesque, executive director of the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College wrote in a social media post Friday. Such a debate announcement breached the [Republican National Committee] RNC debate rules. We have and will continue to work with the Republican Party on debates. CNN said Thursday the network is planning to hold two debates next month, the first Jan. 10 in Des Moines, Iowa, and another Jan. 21 in New Hampshire. Chris Ager, the chairman of New Hampshires Republican Party told The New York Times that CNNs announcement left him scratching my head and said he hasnt been contacted by the network at all. For a big, professional organization like that, putting out a location on this date and the location doesnt know somethings not quite right, he told the Times. In a statement to The Hill, CNN said it was planning to go ahead with its New Hampshire debate. We cant speak to any miscommunication within Saint Anselm, but we are moving forward with our plans to host a debate in New Hampshire on January 21, the network said. Hours after CNN announced its pair of debates, which do not appear to be officially sanctioned by the RNC, ABC said it would host a debate of its own Jan. 18 in partnership with the committee. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Olathe West High School is a case study in how to integrate green technology with a schools building and its curriculum. A recent report from the European Training Foundation took an in-depth look at the schools efforts as part of the districts Green Tech Academy. The European union agency, based in Italy, focuses on policies relating to education and employment. The report took note of the hands-on learning opportunities for students, praising its problem-based learning and the integration of available facilities and technologies into educational activities, coupled with close collaboration with industry partners that actively contribute to and support the programme. Its a point of pride for the school, which opened its doors in 2017. Not every student at Olathe West is part of the academy program, but those who are choose to focus on either energy or agricultural science. Were preparing kids for the green transition that will take place over the next couple of decades, not only in the United States, but also the world, said Andrew Miller, academy facilitator. Miller said activities like building an electric car at the school inspired European Training Foundation correspondent Andreas Bjerre Lunkeit to include Olathe West in his international report. Other schools featured in case studies within the report were located in Denmark, Morocco, Australia and Singapore. Miller said those schools were more like American junior colleges than high schools. Bjerre Lunkeit visited the school last October to observe and interview students, faculty members, administrators and community business partners about the program. In the report, he outlined how the academy is organized, what it teaches, the types of learning experiences and facilities available, and how it motivates students. Another key part of the study considered how the academys curriculum prepares students for careers in related fields. Jobs students could attain after college include civil engineer, urban planner, ecologist or soil scientist. In the 2021-22 school year, Kaleah McClure worked in the hydroponic garden. The facilities at the Green Tech Academy include a rooftop garden and a greenhouse. The report noted the programs strong ties with the local business community through an advisory board, field trips and internships. Miller said he was proud of how the students Bjerre Lunkeit interviewed represented themselves. Theyre 14 to 18 years old, and theyre speaking and communicating as if theyve been doing this job for 10 to 15 years. Students are so excited about what theyre learning about that they just are ready to talk about it, Miller said. Miller was surprised by the reports depth in providing background information on vocational education in the United States. He also got a few ideas from the process, like adding more to the curriculum about decarbonization. Program officials abroad hoping to establish features similar to those at the academy have been in touch with Miller as a result of the case study. Local feedback to the report has also been positive. We love having our kids highlighted, Miller said. Ive had a couple of people reach out to come out and work with our kids, and I think that is awesome. Anytime we can get community members to focus in with our kids is awesome and very worthwhile. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) Preparing for Hanukkah Judaisms celebration of finding light in the darkness feels uniquely somber yet defiant this year for the diverse Jewish community in Miami-area towns that many consider a welcoming home for their faith. Even here, daily life for many Jews has been upended by the surprise attack on Oct. 7 in Israel, when Hamas militants killed about 1,200, mostly civilians, and by the rise in antisemitism worldwide during the ensuing war, in which more than 15,000 Palestinians have died. Marking start of Hanukkah, Emhoff condemns antisemitism, says Biden and Harris have your back As a result, theres a sense of dread in South Florida, but also a new sense of purpose for Holocaust survivors and new moms alike, regardless of their politics or religious observance, as they prepare for the holiday. I feel like were at war, said Rabbi Sholom Lipskar, who started the Shul of Bal Harbour more than 40 years ago near the beach in Surfside. But hes planning a bigger-than-usual menorah lighting for Hanukkahs start this week. God didnt put us in the world to be martyrs, he said. Every darkness is an opportunity to bring a bigger light. Some anti-Jewish covenants were still on the books when Lipskar arrived in this skinny barrier island near Miami. But by the late 1970s, the city of Miami Beach was predominantly Jewish, with dozens of synagogues, education centers, kosher stores and restaurants. It was so welcoming to Jews across the Americas and beyond that it became known as the Jewish Riviera. Today the Dunkin Donuts on a central causeway only serves kosher, tourists in flashy swimwear frolic in the surf alongside observant young women in modest long skirts, and Hanukkah menorahs have gone up in public squares together with Christmas trees. Its a comfort to me personally to be here, said Julie Basner, a mother of three and a board member of Temple Beth Sholom, a large Reform congregation near an iconic Miami Beach mural thats been covered with posters of the hostages taken by Hamas. Theres no question, weve been united from the get-go. That closing of ranks within the Jewish community, plus the civic authorities support most visible in increased police patrols, has made Basner feel safe enough to put up a pro-Israel yard sign though for the first few days, she kept checking whether it had been vandalized. Centenarian survivors of Pearl Harbor attack return to honor those who perished 82 years ago Her 15-year-old daughter, however, has wondered what to do if strangers ask if shes Jewish. Barby Harel, who helps run a weekly pizza gathering for teens at a local Chabad center, said the first question she was asked on a recent evening was, Are we allowed to say were not Jewish? Out in the street in her head covering, pushing a stroller, Harel has found herself pondering who would take care of her baby if she were attacked or even if they dont attack me, maybe they hate me. She empathizes with the parents who have been too afraid to send their girls to pizza night, where attendance dropped by half despite new armed security. Its incredible to have to hide who we are, said David Wolf, the president of the Shul of Bal Harbour who has lived near it for 25 years. Hes been keeping posters of hostages in his home and will pray for them during Hanukkah. He continues to wear his kippah but has also started carrying his firearm. Rabbis say many families are asking if its permissible to buy guns for protection, worried by antisemitic rhetoric and attacks globally as Israel faces intensifying criticism for the mounting Palestinian casualty toll. Parents started questioning if it was safe to send children to school and what to do in case of riots, said Rabbi Eliot Pearlson of Temple Menorah in Miami Beach, where hes lived since the 1960s. As he sat in his office by an image of his fathers birthplace in Poland, where more than 100 relatives died after being forced in a ghetto or taken to a Nazi concentration camp, Pearlsons phone pinged with messages from family hunkering in home bunkers in Israel, where Hamas has continued to fire rockets. One Florida mother in a town across the bay has carved an improvised safe room in the empty space between walls in her house, stocked with food and water. It was the only thing that would make me feel safe, said Galit Markovitcs Wiernik. Shes helped organize silent marches with empty strollers symbolizing the children kidnapped by Hamas and even though shes secular, she said Hanukkah feels like waiting for a miracle to happen. Other mothers in her group discussed how neighbors and co-workers theyd known for decades have recently made antisemitic remarks, heightening the sense of isolation most say they experience. Its the kind of foreboding they say feels unprecedented in their lifetime except to Holocaust survivors. Ive been in pain, said David Schaecter, 94, who spent nearly three years in Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps, as tears welled up. Im reliving my past. For Gods sake, I cant cope with it. Guarded by rooftop snipers, he and several other survivors gathered for a commemoration of Kristallnacht last month at Miami Beachs Holocaust Memorial, which Schaecter helped found and where he volunteers to educate youth about the Nazis systematic killing of 6 million Jews. Many young people miss the urgency of the phrase never again, said Dan Gelber, whose term as mayor of Miami Beach, where he grew up, ended a few weeks after the attacks. Many across the Jewish community see Holocaust similarities in Hamas Oct. 7 atrocities and they support the state of Israel as a necessary safeguard for all Jews thats fighting an existential threat. Thats why, while many say they pray for minimal further civilian casualties, most express dismay at the anti-Israel, sometimes overtly antisemitic, positions that have emerged, particularly on college campuses. I never was able to connect the dots between 1938 and 2023. I can now. I actually can, for the first time in my life, see, maybe it could happen here, maybe it could happen again, said Jacob Solomon, president of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, his voice breaking. With its emphasis on Gods light miraculously sustained even in the depth of darkness, the message of Hanukkah feels especially timely among such grief and worry. As Jews, were oriented toward hope. No matter how dark things seem, we can find light, said Gayle Pomerantz, senior rabbi at Temple Beth Sholom. For its shabbat service during Hanukkah, the congregation plans to host the eight Miami Beach firefighters only one of them Jewish who spent two weeks in Israel relieving firefighters who had been called up to serve in its armed forces. Already, many are finding comfort in how the local Jewish community has united, overcoming political and religious differences that had driven a wedge among American Jews recently. Day and night, every chat, every post was, What can we do? said Johana Abraham, president of the Shul Sisterhood. Volunteers, once hard to find, have been packing donations, gathering daily to recite psalms and fundraising for Israel coming together like you would for your family. Across the community, some have started wearing jewelry in the shape of stars of David or kippahs as visible signs of their Jewish identity. Many feel that having a joyful Hanukkah is another way to show defiance to terror even though most will include in their family celebration somber prayers for the hostages still held by Hamas. This is no time to hide, Abraham said. Im not afraid because Im going to stand up for who I am. Were still in America. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, third from left, speaks as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, left, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, right, watch during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by NewsNation on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, at the Moody Music Hall at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala. | Gerald Herbert, Associated Press This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here. To submit a question to next weeks Friday Mailbag, email onthetrail@deseretnews.com. Good morning and welcome to On the Trail 2024, the Deseret News campaign newsletter. Im Samuel Benson, Deserets national political correspondent. If you havent already, follow our new On the Trail 2024 Instagram account! Well share exclusive content and behind-the-scenes access there. Have a question for next weeks mailbag? Drop me a line at onthetrail@deseretnews.com. Heres more of the Deseret News 2024 election coverage: The Big Idea The Republicans dont seem to like each other If we learned nothing from Wednesdays debate, we now know the Republican candidates dont like each other very much. Chris Christie took every chance to slam Ron DeSantis. DeSantis was unsparing in his critiques of Vivek Ramaswamy. And Ramaswamy the brashest of the bunch seemed to insult Nikki Haley in every possible way. But context here is important. All of these candidates are trailing former president Donald Trump by huge margins in national polls, and barring a major shift over the next two months, Trump will be the nominee. Lets say something does shift, though, and Haley or DeSantis wins the nomination. That puts all the candidates in an interesting situation. A prerequisite to participating in the debates was signing a loyalty pledge promising to support the eventual Republican nominee. Trump refused, and he hasnt participated in any debates. The others, though, begrudgingly signed on the dotted line. Its hard to imagine any scenario in which most of the candidates would follow through on their pledge. If Trump is the nominee, Ramaswamy and DeSantis will likely follow through, if they have any hope of maintaining a following within the party and running in 2028. (Trump, it should be noted, is open to selecting Ramaswamy as his running mate.) But what about Ramaswamy, if, say, Haley wins the nomination? Ramaswamy has nothing good to say about the former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor. At the debate, he called her corrupt, mocked her experience and compared her intelligence to a three-year-old. Christie eventually butted in and asked Ramaswamy to stop the personal attacks. After the debate, as Ramaswamy was leaving an interview with Megyn Kelly, I asked him if hed honor the pledge, if Haley is the nominee. He wouldnt answer the question. I take that pledge about as seriously as Chris Christie or any other candidate on that stage takes it, he said. I followed up twice, asking if hed support Haley, and he gave the same answer. You can see his responses here: Christie, it should be noted, has called the pledge a bad idea and is clear about his unwillingness to support Trump, should the former president win the nomination. Christie doesnt seem to have a much more favorable view of Ramaswamy and DeSantis, though, and even Haley who hes defended in multiple debates and shares many of his positions is a punching bag in his stump speeches. Its not any more likely that DeSantis or Ramaswamy endorse Christie. But at the first debate, Ramaswamy, DeSantis and Haley each rose their hands when asked if they would support Trump as the nominee, even if he were a convicted criminal. On that, they seem to see eye-to-eye. Dont expect them to agree on much else or to willingly endorse each other if it comes to that. Weekend reads Remember Rick Santorum? The ex-Republican senator from Pennsylvania? The guy who finished second to Romney in 2012, who won, then lost, then won Iowa, after it was too late? No? Well, hes back in the spotlight, and hes calling himself the patron saint of this years crop of GOP presidential candidates. If Santorum, who was polling in single digits at this point in 2011, can wind up in second place, why not these long-shots? Rick Santorum is back the patron saint of every 2024 long-shot campaign (Adam Wren, Politico) Many of Trumps trials will not conclude for months or for years. But Americans should feel hopeful, this essay notes because it shows that even those who seem to be above the law are subject to our justice system. Indeed, while the final chapters have yet to be written, it is not too soon for patriotic Americans to publicly take pride in what is now clearthat our rule of law is durable and works, even under the most challenging circumstances. The Trump Prosecutions Are Cause to Celebrate the Rule of Law (Donald Ayer, The Atlantic) President Joe Biden is adamant that he will be on the ballot next November. This week, though, he revealed his motivation: beating Trump. If Trump wasnt running, Im not sure Id be running, he told donors. Later in the week, he claimed hes not the only Democrat he believes can beat Trump theres 50 who can, he said but Biden is holding firm that hell be the one. Biden Says Im Not Sure Id Be Running if Not for Trump (Peter Baker, The New York Times) Friday mailbag A silly question this week, from reader Mike N.: Would you like to tell us or find out who is really the President of the United States right now? Someone knows. I am sure many people in the government and the media know. Just the American people dont know. Its Joe Biden, who won a free and fair election in 2020. Conspiracy theories that claim Biden has stepped down or is not acting as president have no merit, as far as I can tell. See you on the trail. Samuel Editors Note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here. Vice President Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, celebrated the start of the Hanukkah holiday on Thursday amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Tonight, we proudly light our menorahs and let them shine out our front windows as a reminder that even in darkness, we can bring forth the light, Emhoff wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday. From our family to yours, happy Hanukkah! The post included a photo of the two adding the first candle onto the menorah. Emhoff earlier on Thursday made an appearance during the National Menorah lighting on the Ellipse near the White House. Speaking at the event, Emhoff called out the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for what he called their unacceptable lack of moral clarity after the presidents declined to say if a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment under their campus policies. I know youre in pain. Im in pain. I know a lot of us are feeling unmoored and afraid. Weve not seen anything like this moment, and I know its scary Emhoff who is Jewish, said during his speech. Just look at the news the past couple of days. What have we seen? Weve seen the presidents of some of our most elite universities literally unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as antisemitic, Emhoff added. That lack of moral clarity is simply unacceptable. The university presidents received massive criticism from both sides after their appearance in a congressional hearing earlier this week when Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) asked the presidents if a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment under their campus policies. In response, the trio didnt answer Stefaniks question directly, explaining that those types of incidents would need to be investigated by the school or depended on the context and how pervasive the calls were. The White House has been addressing the rise of antisemitism, as well as Islamophobia, since Hamas surprise attack against Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israeli residents. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Harvard President Claudine Gay is apologizing for her responses to questions about campus antisemitism during a House hearing Tuesday, which led some to call for her resignation Gay got into a heated back and forth with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) on Tuesday after the lawmaker asked, At Harvard, does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvards rules of bullying and harassment? Gay said depending on the context, it could violate the policies and that antisemitic speech when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation that is actionable conduct and we do take action. In an interview with student newspaper The Harvard Crimson on Thursday, she apologized for that interaction. I am sorry, Gay told the outlet. Words matter. When words amplify distress and pain, I dont know how you could feel anything but regret, she added. The backlash has been swift and fierce against Harvard, as well as the other two colleges represented, with Stefanik and Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.), both Harvard alums, saying Gay should resign. Rabbi David Wolpe announced Thursday he was resigning from Harvards advisory group that aimed to combat antisemitism, citing the environment at the university and Gays testimony. The White House declared it was unbelievable that this needs to be said: Calls for genocide are monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country. I got caught up in what had become at that point, an extended, combative exchange about policies and procedures, Gay told the student newspaper. What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community threats to our Jewish students have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged. Substantively, I failed to convey what is my truth, she said. We have our challenges in public education, but Arizona also is blessed to have many amazing public district and charter schools. Arizona is approaching three decades as a national leader in public district and public charter school parental choice, and in that time has compiled reams of data regarding the academic performance of public charter schools. The overwhelming consensus: Arizona public charter schools are performing well. So, I imagine readers were surprised to read The Arizona Republics account of a new report from Harvards Program on Education Policy and Governance. That's not what we've seen on state tests Researchers attempted to analyze 2009-2019 data from the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), and compared charter student performance across states. Every assessment is a snapshot in time, but there is particular risk in using NAEP to gauge the performance of all public charter students or schools. Why? Only a randomly selected sample of Arizona students take the NAEP test. As part of its new analysis, the Harvard team attempted to take these results and extrapolate them across Arizonas more than 560 charter schools and 230,000 students. The results run contrary to years of independent analysis, including state assessments. Charter schools rank among the best Lets start with Arizonas own AzMERIT assessment, which (unlike NAEP) is taken by every student. Between 2015 and 2021, Arizona charter schools had higher passing rates on AzMERIT than the state average and charter students of virtually every racial and ethnic group did better than their peers statewide. The Arizona State Board of Education takes into account AzMERIT, graduation rates and a host of other factors when issuing letter grades for public schools. Charter schools are held accountable: Here's how Preliminary grades for 2022-23 were just issued. The results: nearly 4 out of 5 Arizona public charter schools earned an A or B grade. Its also notable that when U.S. News & World Report compiled its 2023-24 rankings of the best public high schools, charters accounted for seven of the top 10 and 14 of the top 20 in Arizona. Other national reports have confirmed similar results. Arizona school choice involves many factors Our work is far from done, of course. Academic achievement continues to lag among both charter and district students of color, a challenge educators across Arizona are addressing every day. Additionally, there is no single assessment that can account for every measure of school success. Parents must weigh not only academics, but also extracurricular activities, safety, student support and myriad other factors when deciding whether a school is the right fit. While we have our challenges in public education, Arizona is blessed to have many amazing public district and charter schools. That is a testament to our teachers, schools and families. Its estimated that roughly 50% of students in Maricopa County attend a school other than the one to which they are assigned whether by utilizing district open enrollment or attending a public charter. Parents vote with their feet, and public charter schools play an important role in that process, along with our public district school colleagues. While we have many challenges in Arizona public education, public charter schools have proven to be a key ingredient in student success. Jake Logan is president & CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association. Reach him at jake@azcharters.org. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona charter schools are not the low performers that Harvard claims Second gentleman Doug Emhoff singled out three university presidents on Thursday after they didnt explicitly say during a congressional hearing that calling for genocide of Jews would violate their codes of conduct for bullying and harassment. Seeing the presidents of some of our most elite universities literally unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as antisemitic that lack of moral clarity is simply unacceptable, Emhoff said at a ceremony to light the National Menorah near the White House on the first night of Hanukkah, which also marked two months since Hamas unleashed a brutal attack on Israel that killed around 1,200 people. Let me be clear. When Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity and when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is antisemitism. And it must be condemned and condemned unequivocally and without context," Emhoff said. Emhoff is the first Jewish spouse of a president or vice president and has led White House efforts to combat antisemitism and boost safety and security for Jewish communities. Why was a hearing held on Capitol Hill in the first place? University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill delivers an opening statement at a House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing titled "Holding Campus Leaders Accountable and Confronting Antisemitism" on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters) The Anti-Defamation League, which fights antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, found in a recent survey that about 73% of over 500 Jewish college students in the U.S. who responded said they have experienced or witnessed antisemitism during the current school year. In November, the Education Department said there was a renewed urgency for U.S. colleges and universities to fight antisemitism and Islamophobia due to a rise in reports of hate incidents as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues. The federal government has since opened investigations into several universities including the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard following allegations of antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents on campus. The House Education Committee chair said, College administrators have largely stood by, allowing horrific rhetoric to fester and grow. By holding this hearing, we are shining the spotlight on these campus leaders and demanding they take the appropriate action to stand strong against antisemitism. What happened at the hearing? Three university presidents Claudine Gay of Harvard, Liz Magill of the University of Pennsylvania and Sally Kornbluth of MIT testified before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce on Tuesday. They each testified that they were taking steps to combat antisemitism on their campuses, providing increased security and additional mental health resources. Throughout the hearing, the university leaders underlined the difficulty of allowing protests and protecting free speech while fighting antisemitism at the same time. But perhaps the most controversial moment was when Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican from New York and a Harvard graduate, asked each of the school presidents whether calling for the genocide of Jews was against their school's code of conduct or constituted bullying or harassment. To Stefaniks surprise, none of the three answered yes but instead indicated that it depended on the context. Kornbluth said calling for the genocide of Jews would be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe. Magill responded that it is a context-dependent decision. Thats your testimony today? Calling for the genocide of Jews is depending upon the context? That is not bullying or harassment? Stefanik shot back. This is the easiest question to answer yes, Ms. Magill. Gay also said it depended on the context, as when the language is targeted at an individual. Its targeted at Jewish students, Jewish individuals. Do you understand your testimony is dehumanizing them? Do you understand that dehumanization is part of antisemitism? Stefanik argued. The blowback continues to intensify A day after the testimony, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates criticized the presidents in a statement: Its unbelievable that this needs to be said: Calls for genocide are monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country. Any statements that advocate for the systematic murder of Jews are dangerous and revolting and we should all stand firmly against them, on the side of human dignity and the most basic values that unite us as Americans. Magill and Gay attempted to walk back their comments on Wednesday. Despite this, the House Education and Workforce Committee announced Thursday it would investigate Harvard, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania over rampant antisemitism. Rep. Tim Walberg, a Republican on the committee, said, I think we need to put the fear of oversight in all of the universities because they're taking federal dollars. And I think they need to know that federal dollars will be removed from them if they're allowing this type of thing to go on. Meanwhile, calls for all three university presidents to resign over their botched testimonies continue to grow. If Magill doesnt step down, the University of Pennsylvania risks losing $100 million from top donor and Penn alumnus Ross Stevens, the CEO of Stone Ridge Asset Management. On Friday, Stanford University made clear in a post on X that Stanford unequivocally condemns calls for the genocide of Jews or any peoples. That statement would clearly violate Stanfords Fundamental Standard, the code of conduct for all students at the university. Bristol has developed a reputation as one of the most progressive cities in Britain, becoming a focal point for the Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020. The University of Bristol recently pledged 10 million to address racial inequalities after a review into its links to the historical slave trade. But does such concern for the rights of minorities extend to Jewish people? Not judging by the behaviour of one of Bristol Universitys emeritus professors, Harriet Bradley, who called for someone to blow up the venue hosting a conference by the Jewish Labour Movement. Ms Bradley subsequently claimed it was a joke in awful taste. There is alarming evidence that anti-Semitism has been allowed to spread almost unchecked on British campuses, with university authorities who take a strong line against other forms of racism accused of double-standards when it comes to hatred against Jewish people. Jewish students have reported feeling afraid, while the Community Security Trust has recorded a sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents. In the United States, politicians have hauled university leaders before Congress to investigate a similarly shocking trend on the other side of the Atlantic, but there has been no such move here. Why not? As Douglas Murray has written in The Telegraph, the congressional hearings exposed for all to see the hypocrisy of administrators who lead what purport to be bastions of tolerance. They may well now be shamed into action. Here in Britain, universities cannot be trusted to act decisively against anti-Semitism of their own accord. There is a strong case for the Government or the regulator to impose stringent penalties on those who fail in their duty to stamp out hate. 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. WASHINGTON Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., continues to draw the ire of his Republican colleagues in the House weeks after he led the ouster of Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from the speakership, and some of his detractors have privately floating expelling him from Congress. Several Republican House members, many of whom are still angry at Gaetz for his antics that impeded McCarthy and the majority of the conference from passing legislation, have begun to discuss Gaetzs ongoing investigation by the House Ethics Committee in the wake of the expulsion of embattled former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y. Leading up to Santos expulsion, multiple opponents of his removal publicly voiced their concerns about expelling a member who had not been convicted of a crime, which would overturn the precedent set by Congress in modern times. One of those members was Gaetz himself, who openly defended Santos on the House floor. I rise not to defend George Santos whoever he is, but to defend the very precedent that my colleagues are willing to shatter, Gaetz said last week. One House Republican, who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity to speak candidly about conversations between their colleagues, said GOP members were well aware of the future consequences of expelling Santos. There were a number of people who voted to expel Santos with the express intent of thinking through the precedent there on what happens next, the member said. There was a lot of forethought about the precedent and what would happen when a report on Gaetz comes out. Gaetz led the handful of Republicans who voted to remove McCarthy from the top job in the House earlier this year. After the lawmakers voted with Democrats to boot McCarthy, it led to weeks of infighting in the fractured Republican conference to select another leader. Though lawmakers eventually rallied around now-Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., it used up weeks of time as lawmakers tried to reach a temporary agreement to avoid a government shutdown. U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., casts his vote as the House of Representatives holds an election for a new Speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol on October 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. GOP lawmakers, the Republican said, are much more excited to expel Gaetz than Santos if the House Ethics Committee releases a report that is just as damning for Gaetz as it was for the Long Island Republican. The House Ethics Committee is investigating various allegations against Gaetz, including accusations of sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and misuse of campaign funds. The committee has reached out to at least one witness in its investigation in a sign the panel is turning to Gaetz after concluding its investigation into Santos, CNN reported. The Justice Department investigated Gaetz over sex trafficking allegations but decided not to pursue charges against him in February. The House Ethics Committee, a bipartisan panel evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, has been criticized for being slow-moving and having limited options for punishment if it finds wrongdoing. However, after Santos' expulsion following the committee's scathing report showing substantial evidence he broke federal law members had renewed hopes it could act swiftly and promptly to address congressional wrongdoing. One of the complaints that you often hear is that things often go to the ethics committee and it takes an extended period of time, Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., chair of the committee, said last week. I think thats unfair for members of Congress and for members of this body. Its important that the ethics committee do their work, that they return their reports in a timely fashion, so members could face the proper repercussions, Guest said. Another House Republican who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity to speak about the conferences attitude towards Gaetz, said members are waiting for any ethics report on Gaetz to be released before publicly calling for his ouster. If theres anything in there thats bad, I can guarantee people will have their fangs out. He is hated in our conference, the House Republican said. If he comes back as guilty in this ethics thing, I think hes in trouble. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., looks on during a news conference about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) transparency on Capitol Hill November 30, 2023 in Washington, DC. In a recent closed-door conference meeting, the Republican recalled, Gaetz stood up to speak but was yelled at by members to sit down and shut up, reflecting the animosity GOP lawmakers still harbor for Gaetz. But other Republicans are raising concerns their peers may be weaponizing the ethics committee against members with whom they may just have political disagreements. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, a member of the House Ethics Committee who led the investigation into Santos, declined to comment about the investigation into Gaetz but told USA TODAY that every case is independent of one another and cautioned against linking the inquiries into the two lawmakers. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who has openly criticized Gaetz over his politics, also warned against using the committee as a political weapon or a bludgeon against somebody just because you dont like them. Other GOP members are trying to strike a middle ground between immediately pushing for Gaetzs ouster to avoid predetermining judgment and leaving the door open to expelling Gaetz if the ethics committee comes out with damning findings. Two other House Republicans said lawmakers would take a serious and thorough look at the committees report on Gaetz when it is released and make their determination of what they consider a proper punishment then. When asked by USA TODAY about his thoughts on members call to expel him over his ousting of McCarthy, Gaetz, who has taken the vitriol his colleagues have thrown at him in stride, smiled: Which members? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans weigh expelling Matt Gaetz after booting George Santos EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Veterinarians and dog owners across the country have been concerned over a mysterious dog-respiratory illness that has reportedly been spreading across multiple states. Scientists at the University of New Hampshire recently identified a novel bacterium as a possible source of the illness, however other veterinarians suggest there may not even be a new illness at all, and dogs could just be getting ill from an already known disease. With so much uncertainty regarding the unknown illness, El Paso Animal Services Veterinarian Dr. Tony Chacon explained why it can be a danger to the border community. It can be quite concerning, especially if it is a new pathogen. Now, were not saying it is a new pathogen. It could be a different presentation of an already existing pathogen. So I think thats why its very important that we stay up to date on our vaccinations, Chacon said. There have been no reported cases in El Paso, and Dr. Chacon added that they do test any animals with upper respiratory symptoms, but have yet to notice anything unusual. If we vaccinate our pets, were covered for the more common respiratory illnesses that we see and also the sort of more serious respiratory illnesses that we see, such as distemper. So, if we have a nice, healthy population, then theyre more able to fight off diseases, Chacon said. Dr. Chacon said pet owners need to not panic or change their pets daily routine but suggested that it would be wise to avoid high-populated areas, as distemper is still prevalent in dogs in the community. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A cleanup crew picks up debris from the World War II-era hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin in November. Tustin officials are pushing the state and U.S. Navy to aid in the recovery effort. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Crews on Thursday began deconstructing the remnants of a historic blimp hangar in Tustin that caught fire exactly a month ago and burned for weeks, prompting frustration and fear among residents concerned about air quality. The process of taking down the 150-foot-high doors all that remains of the north hangar after the fire is expected to take roughly two weeks to complete, according to the city. While that effort is underway, city officials in Tustin are putting increased pressure on the state and U.S. Navy, which owns the hangar at the now-defunct Marine Corps Air Station, to support cleanup efforts in the wake of the fire. "Frankly, it is the time for the Navy to step up," Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard said during a City Council meeting on Tuesday. "It is the time for the state to step up. It is the time for the environmental agencies to do what they are empowered and authorized to do, which is to give health guidance." Read more: Cavernous WWII-era hangar burns in Tustin, destroying a relic of Orange County's military past An 80-year-old relic of Orange Countys military history, the massive wooden hangar became an environmental nightmare for the city when it caught fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 7. The blaze reignited several times, forcing the closure of nearby schools and shuttering residents inside their homes as the fire released asbestos, lead and other toxic substances into the air. The cause of the blaze, which burned until Dec. 1 in what officials called one of the most challenging structure fires in the countys history," remains under investigation. Fire officials determined early in the fire that the safest option was to allow the blaze to burn itself out. For weeks, residents have packed city meetings to express frustration as they've struggled to get information about air quality and airborne contaminants, including asbestos. Some residents who have paid for their own indoor testing have found asbestos, prompting concerns that the interior of homes may need to be cleaned. Read more: Neighborhoods get little guidance about toxic risks after massive Tustin hangar fire Officials said the city has taken what it could from its reserves to fund asbestos testing and cleanup in the neighborhoods surrounding the hangar. The Navy committed $1 million early on in the fire, but city officials say that's not enough to make a dent in the overall costs, which could reach into the tens of millions. Christopher Dunne, a spokesman for the Navy, said the agency was aware that $1 million was not going to cover the full cost of cleanup. However, the Navy could release that money quickly while it works on accessing additional funds, Dunne said. "The city and the Navy are working together every day trying to carve this thing out to make sure the city gets what they need to cover the costs that they've already incurred plus costs that they have not incurred yet but we know are coming," Dunne said. Council members on Tuesday implored residents to help them push local, state and federal agencies to help. The city and county declared local emergencies in the days after the fire broke out and asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency to open up access to funding for recovery, but that has not happened, officials said. "For our federal and state and local partners that are listening this emergency is not over," Councilmember Letitia Clark said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Flags of China and the European Union. [Photo/VCG] The 2023 China-EU Summit is currently taking place only a few weeks after the Sino-American meeting in San Francisco. This momentum is positive. As China and the U.S. attempt to stabilize their ties, it's hoped that China-EU relations can follow a similar trajectory. In recent years, disagreements have tended to overshadow the agenda, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lack of physical meetings did not help. But the situation now seems different, and sincere dialogue is necessary. President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen have already visited Beijing, along with High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The stage for the 2023 China-EU Summit is thus well prepared. China and the EU recognize the need for mutual collaboration. Trade numbers demonstrate a high degree of interconnectedness. According to Eurostat data, European imports from China reached 626 billion, and exports 230.3 billion last year. The numbers in 2019, the year before the outbreak of COVID-19, were 363.5 billion and 198.5 billion, respectively. The positive trend is evident. The European trade deficit is a theme of concern in Brussels. That is why conversations between the Chinese and the European leadership matter. The rise of European exports to China can be part of the solution. Eurostat data demonstrate that these exports slightly increased in the first two-thirds of 2023. In particular, they reached 114.2 billion in comparison to 113 billion in the same period last year. The room for improvement is significant. Of course, these discussions come on the back of some EU leaders wanting to reduce their dependence on Chinese goods and services. This means that the quality of trade sits at the epicenter of the talks. In 2022, the EU exported motor cars, electronic tubes, medicaments, electrical apparatus, aircraft, and associated equipment, etc. to China. Meanwhile, China exported telecommunications equipment, automated data processing machines, electrical machinery and apparatus, electronic tubes, and furniture, etc. Sino-European negotiations will therefore focus on the interests of both sides to better access the market of the other. From the perspective of the EU, there is an appetite for some hurdles to be removed for foreign ownership to be permitted in new sectors in China. The Chinese government, for its part, notes the difficulty its companies have encountered in investing in the Old Continent in recent years. Dialogue goes beyond trade and investments. In digital affairs, for example, Beijing and Brussels are constantly exchanging their views. This is also the case regarding environmental protection and climate change. Only a few weeks ago, China's Special Envoy on Climate Change Xie Zhenhua met the EU Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra in Beijing. Last but not least, geopolitics will also be on the agenda. The wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continuously outline the importance of stability and peace and dramatically expose risks when diplomatic arrangements are not made. The more China grows, the more its responsibilities increase. The EU considers China a central pillar in building a multilateral world. The 2023 China-EU Summit is another opportunity for Beijing and Brussels to advance the Sino-European partnership. Disagreements certainly exist, as outlined above. Leaders, nevertheless, should be able to elaborate on disagreements and look for compromises instead of viewing them as insuperable obstacles this is what guarantees progress, and this is what China and the EU endeavor to achieve. George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. A federal grand jury in California has indicted Hunter Biden on nine charges, including three felonies, for failing to pay his taxes, understating his income and exaggerating his expenses on tax returns between 2016 and 2019. With separate criminal charges against him pending in Delaware for illegally possessing a gun, the presidents son could face two criminal trials next year as his father runs for reelection against Donald Trump, who himself is facing four criminal cases. The Hunter Biden cases were brought by special counsel David Weiss, the Delaware prosecutor who has long supervised the federal probe into the presidents son. The new charges include tax evasion, filing false returns, failure to file returns on time, and failing to pay federal taxes. They carry a maximum possible prison term of 17 years, although defendants typically get shorter sentences under federal guidelines. Each of the tax charges accuses Biden of acting willfully, something his defense is sure to contest since he has acknowledged struggling for years with drug addiction. Prosecutors acknowledge those issues at points in the indictment, but say Biden spent lavishly on an extravagant lifestyle while shirking on his taxes, including paying for drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing and other items of a personal nature. "[After] five years of investigating with no new evidence and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors," Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement. "I wrote U.S. Attorney Weiss days ago seeking a customary meeting to discuss this investigation. The response was media leaks today that these charges were being filed." The charges come amid an effort by House Republicans to link President Joe Biden to his sons business dealings as part of an impeachment inquiry, though the inquiry has produced no evidence that the elder Biden took any actions as president or vice president to corruptly enrich his family. The tax case has been years in the making. Hunter Bidens financial dealings drew the attention of federal law enforcement in 2018. After years of investigation, Weiss, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware, considered bringing tax charges in California, where Biden lived when he allegedly failed to pay taxes. To do so, Weiss needed to partner with a federal prosecutor in California or receive special authority from the Justice Department. In the fall of 2022, Weiss discussed partnering with Martin Estrada, the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California. But Estrada declined to co-counsel on the case, as he later told congressional investigators. Instead, Estrada said he offered Weiss office space and administrative support. Several months later, Weiss team negotiated a plea deal with the presidents son that would have required him to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax counts. In return, Biden would have been unlikely to face prison time on either the tax or gun charges and would have received protection from future criminal charges. But after a federal judge pressed prosecutors and lawyers for Hunter Biden at a July hearing on details about the deal, it collapsed. Then, in August, Attorney General Merrick Garland made Weiss a special counsel, which formally empowered him to bring criminal charges anywhere in the country. In September, Weiss charged Hunter Biden in Delaware with owning a gun while being a drug user and lying on a form when he allegedly purchased that gun in 2018. The charges Hunter Biden now faces are far more numerous and serious than the pair of misdemeanors hed agreed to plead guilty to under the earlier deal. In a newly unsealed federal indictment, President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, is charged with nine federal tax crimes for what prosecutors are calling "a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million" in federal income taxes for the years 2016 through 2019. The details of the indictment, which we learned of first via reporting from CBS News, break down that Hunter's total gross income for this period of time, in addition to the majority of 2020, was $7 million, indicating that he had plenty of funds during the years in question that could have been used to pay his taxes, including a $1 million payment from a Chinese businessman who had been indicted in the U.S. In full, Hunter is being charged with failure to file and pay taxes, evasion of assessment and filing a false or fraudulent tax return. This is the second indictment from the office of special counsel David Weiss, the first being back in September in relation to prosecutors alleging that Biden's son unlawfully possessed a Colt Cobra 38SPL. Hunter pleaded not guilty to those charges. Hunter Biden said in an interview published Friday that Republican attacks against him are not about me but instead part of a broader strategy to target his fathers presidency by inflicting emotional pain on the first family. Theyre trying to destroy a presidency, Hunter Biden said in an episode of the "Moby Pod" podcast with musician Moby released Friday. Its not about me, and [in] their most base way, what theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle. The podcast's release comes the day after a federal grand jury in California indicted Hunter Biden on nine charges, including three felonies, for failing to file and pay taxes, tax evasion and filing a false return. The indictment accuses him of lavish spending on "drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing and other items of a personal nature." The son of President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden has been entangled in a web of controversy and legal challenges for more than four years, as Republicans have scrutinized his bouts with drug addiction and his business dealings in Ukraine and China. President Donald Trumps first impeachment was tied to a phone call in which he pressured Ukraine President Vladimir Zelensky to open an investigation into the Bidens. Hunter Biden has largely maintained a low profile since the release of his memoir in 2021, with public statements typically coming from his lawyers. But during the podcast interview with Moby, he offered some of his most candid and extensive public remarks in years, delving into his legal challenges, struggles with addiction and the impact of his brother Beau's death in 2015. The timing of the recording was not explicitly disclosed. Biden and Moby met while recovering from addiction and the musician has attended Bidens art shows. Hunter Bidens attorney, Abbe Lowell, echoed similar sentiments in response to the most recent charges, stating, "[After] five years of investigating with no new evidence and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors. Their comments come amidst a backdrop of heightened political tensions, with House Republicans launching an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, centered on allegations of corruption and profiting from his political position. The President has dismissed these allegations as "lies," and no evidence has emerged connecting Joe Biden's actions as president or vice president to corrupt enrichment of his family. As part of the impeachment inquiry, House Republicans have called for Hunter Biden to provide a closed deposition on Capitol Hill, a request he has rejected, insisting on public testimony to prevent potential misrepresentation. Republicans have threatened contempt of Congress proceedings if he fails to comply. During the podcast interview, Hunter Biden mentioned feeling sorry for political adversaries in Congress, including GOP Reps. Paul Gosar of Arizona and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who publicly displayed explicit photos of him during a committee hearing. "These people are just sad, very, very sick people that have most likely just faced traumas in their lives," he said. "They've decided that they are going to turn into an evil that they decide that they're going to inflict on the rest of the world." Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. In the summer of 2019, Joe Biden was the frontrunner in the contest to challenge Donald Trump for the presidency of the United States. There was just one problem: his son, Hunter. At the age of 49, Hunter was a hot mess. He had well-publicised battles with drug addition, a complicated private life that included a relationship with his brothers widow, and was at the centre of a series of corruption allegations. The chaos around Hunter was threatening to taint the candidate who Democrats saw as their best shot at dislodging Trump. And so they came up with a plan. Rather wait for the drip drip of scandal to become a deluge that washed away his father too, strategists would cleanse both Bidens with a sluice of self-revelation. They would grip hold of the narrative by being open and upfront, getting all the dirt out there on their terms. Not only would Joe Biden be spared the ordeal of further humiliation at a less propitious time than the summer before the campaign proper began, he would also get brownie points for honestly, and, if the story was told right, even sympathy for the many tragedies he and Hunter had endured. The result was an 11,000 word profile by Adam Entous entitled Father and Son, which ran that July in the prestigious New Yorker magazine. Entous had clearly been given extraordinary access to Hunter, spending many hours with the candidates troubled son, listening to his stories of broken relationships and drink and booze benders. The article paints a heart-breaking portrait of a man tormented by demons, who turned to drink, alcohol and sex to block out the trauma of losing his mother and baby sister in a car crash which nearly killed him as a small boy. His pain was further compounded when his brother, Beau, died age 46 from brain cancer. Beau had an outside place in the life of both his father and brother. As Entous wrote: Hunter has frequently said that his first memory is of waking up [after the crash] in a hospital bed next to Beau, who turned to him and said, I love you, I love you, I love you. Entouss New Yorker profile largely did its job, blunting any prospect of attacks from Joe Bidens Democratic rivals. Joe formally won the nomination the following summer, and edged Trump out at the election that followed in November. The problem ever since has been that while the New Yorker piece may have inoculated Biden against what had gone before, it had a limited capacity to prevent future scandal. And while it may be informative and even instructive to explain why a flawed person is the way they are, knowing his back story doesnt change the fact that Hunter Biden is a deeply unpleasant individual certainly not the sort of person youd want anywhere near the White House. Since his father entered the Oval Office, Hunter has been unable to stop the chaos he attracts like others catch colds. Hes been embroiled in an seemingly-endless spiral of controversy around his notorious laptop, which contained material showing him having sex and taking drugs, along with a treasure trove of information about his allegedly questionable business dealings. He also was accused of lying about his past drug use while trying to buy a gun (undermining his fathers gun control agenda.) And now in the most recent explosive scandal, he faces criminal charges after being accused of blowing money he should have used to pay his taxes on prostitutes, drugs, booze and designer clothes. Its clear that despite numerous fresh starts, rehab spells and detoxes, Hunter is and will forever be a political liability for his father. Joe Biden has said he will always love and support his second and only surviving son; and thats how it should be. But Hunter needs his fathers attention and time, not the public scrutiny that comes from being related to the Commander-in-Chief. Addicts harm those they love, and thats not fair. But that harm cant be allowed to spread and infect American politics more broadly. Neither Biden might see it, but having a family member this destructive should be a disqualifier for running for the highest office. Its not fair on them, or the American people, to combine the two. There are reasons why Biden was vulnerable on the Hunter issue ahead of the 2020 election Democrat strategists just figured they were less important than the gamble that their man was the only person who could stop Donald Trump. Its a gamble they seem to be making again. Rosa Prince is an editor at Politico 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. Flash People mourn victims killed in Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has intensified its battle against the Israeli army as the deadly conflict enters the third month on Thursday. Overnight, the Israeli army continued its ground incursion into various areas of the Gaza Strip, leading to at least 50 Palestinians killed and dozens of others wounded, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee said that the Israeli forces clashed with an armed cell emerging from a tunnel in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, where several militants were eliminated and the tunnel opening was destroyed. He added that the naval forces launched attacks on infrastructure and military complexes using precision weapons and missiles, as part of the support to forces operating on the ground. In a photo released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Wednesday on its X account, five of the 11 Hamas commanders shown in the picture were claimed to have been "eliminated." They were hiding in a tunnel located near the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza during the strike, said the post. Meanwhile, al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, claimed responsible for sniping at six Israeli soldiers, setting up booby-trapping, and blowing up a house with a barrel bomb in eastern Khan Younis where several other soldiers were barricaded. The Israeli army announced on Wednesday that 10 Israeli soldiers, including officers, were killed by the Palestinian militants in Gaza, bringing the number of Israeli army deaths to 411 since the start of the conflict on Oct. 7. Also on Thursday, Palestine, Iran, and Qatar welcomed the initiative of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to call for a session of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip based on Article 99 of the UN Charter. On Wednesday, Guterres wrote to the president of the UNSC to demand action, invoking Article 99 for the first time since he became UN secretary-general in 2017. Article 99 states that "the UN secretary-general may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter that in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." Since Oct. 7, Israel has been launching a large-scale attack against Hamas in Gaza under the name "Iron Swords," which has left 17,177 Palestinians dead, and more than 46,000 injured, said the Gaza-based Health Ministry on Thursday. The conflict began after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, according to the Israeli authorities. Federal prosecutors filed nine new tax-related criminal charges, including three felony counts, against Hunter Biden on Thursday night, as part of the Department of Justices yearslong probe into President Joe Bidens 53-year-old son. The latest indictment, which was filed in California, accuses Biden of failure to file and pay taxes, tax evasion, and filing a false return. The 56-page court document alleges that Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019 and that he spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills. David Weiss, who was nominated U.S. Attorney by President Donald Trump in 2017 and designated Special Counsel by President Bidens Attorney General Merrick Garland in August to oversee the investigations into Hunter Biden, brought the charges. Trump-appointed district judge Mark C. Scarsi has been assigned to the case. A press release by Weiss and the Justice Department indicated that Biden could face a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison if convicted. The White House has not commented on the indictment, but Hunter Bidens defense attorney Abbe Lowell claimed in a statement Thursday that the charges are politically motivated. Based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now in California, would have not been brought, Lowell said, adding that Weiss bowed to Republican pressure and that no new evidence has been found. Biden was previously federally charged in a Delaware court in September with three criminal counts related to allegedly lying about his drug use when purchasing a firearm in 2018, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Those charges, which were the first to be leveled against a sitting Presidents child, in addition to the latest tax-related charges, come just a few months after the collapse of a misdemeanor plea deal Biden was set to agree with prosecutors so that he could avoid jail time and further lengthy legal proceedings. The charges against Hunter Biden are set to cast even more of a legal shadow over the 2024 U.S. presidential election, which is expected to once again pit President Biden against former President Trump, who himself faces multiple criminal indictments and whose children have also been entangled in conflict-of-interest questions. House Republicans are also pursuing an impeachment inquiry against President Biden, alleging a culture of corruption involving the President and his son, though no evidence has been revealed to implicate the elder Biden in the youngers alleged wrongdoing. Contact us at letters@time.com. The presidents son Hunter Biden has been hit with a set of nine new tax-related federal charges on Thursday. According to court documents, the new charges were filed in the US District Court for the Central District of California by Special Counsel David Weiss. Mr Weiss and his team are alleging violations of three separate portions of the US tax code, including failure to pay taxes, failure to file, evading assessment, and filing a fraudulent form. According to the indictment, Mr Biden allegedly engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019 and spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills In a statement, Mr Bidens attorney Abbe Lowell slammed the Trump-appointed prosecutor, who he accused of carrying out a political errand at the best of the Republican Party. Based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought, he said. First, U.S. Attorney Weiss bowed to Republican pressure to file unprecedented and unconstitutional gun charges to renege on a non-prosecution resolution. Now, after five years of investigating with no new evidence -- and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors. Hunter Biden is facing multiple legal fights (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The case is the second brought against Mr Biden by special counsel David Weiss. Mr Biden was expected to plead guilty to misdemeanour tax charges under a plea deal with federal authorities, but the agreement collapsed in July. The charges add to the multiple legal fights facing the presidents son. In September, he pleaded not guilty to a three-count federal indictment in Delaware alleging he purchased and possessed a firearm while using narcotics. Prosecutors say he lied while buying a Colt Cobra handgun in October 2018. The case, which could result in up to 25 years in prison, was the first-ever indictment of a sitting US presidents child. House Republicans are also pushing for Mr Biden to testify as part of their investigation into his lucrative overseas business dealings. However, teams for the GOP and Mr Biden have engaged in a heated back and forth this week over whether the testimony should be in public or in private. Mr Biden wants to testify in public, with his attorney arguing the GOP offered to hear his statements in public and that a closed hearing could allow Republicans to manipulate, even distort, the facts and misinform the American publica hearing would ensure transparency and truth in these proceedings. The House Judiciary Committee, meanwhile, has threatened to bring contempt charges against Mr Biden unless he testifies in private. There is no choice for Mr. Biden to make; the subpoenas compel him to appear for a deposition on December 13, they wrote. WASHINGTON Hunter Biden said in a podcast interview published Friday that Republicans and the right-wing media are trying to destroy him in order to bring down his fathers presidency. What theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle, and so therefore destroying a presidency in that way, Hunter Biden said in a podcast interview with the musician Moby. Biden and Moby met while both were recovering from addiction, according to a press release announcing the rare interview with the presidents son on the Moby Pod podcast. (Moby was one of several big-name guests at a Hunter Biden art show in 2021.) Republicans have launched an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden over dubious allegations that he and his son sold out the U.S. government in order to make themselves rich. Since publishing a memoir in 2021, Hunter Biden has mostly kept a low profile as reporters, Republicans and federal investigators have sifted through every aspect of his life, including the entire contents of his phone, computer and email account, in search of high crimes and misdemeanors. He also faces a host of federal criminal charges, including nine tax counts filed against him in California this week. In his most detailed remarks about his predicament in years, Hunter Biden told Moby he felt sorry for his political antagonists, mentioning Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who displayed compromising photos of him with escorts during a committee hearing over the summer. I realized that its not about me. And then the second thing that I realized is that these people are just sad, very, very sick people that have most likely just faced traumas in their lives, Biden said. Theyve decided that they are going to turn into an evil that they decide that theyre going to inflict on the rest of the world. Letting go of his resentment, Biden said, was important for him to avoid relapsing. He wrote in his book, Beautiful Things, that his brother Beaus cancer death in 2015 supercharged his addictions to alcohol and crack cocaine, and that he was smoking crack as often as every 15 minutes until he sobered up after meeting his now-wife in 2019. He said he now tries to focus on things in front of him in order not to respond to stimulus from the engine of constant hate churning against him. If you can find the compassion for the Paul Gosars and Lauren Boberts and Marjorie Taylor Greenes and Kari Lakes of the world, you are a far better person than I, Moby said, referring to Republican politicians. Beaus death contributed to Joe Bidens decision not to run for president in 2016 after having served two terms as vice president under Barack Obama. It wasnt Bidens first public grieving; he took the senatorial oath of office in 1973 from the hospital where Hunter and Beau recovered from a car wreck that killed their mother and sister. Hunter Biden has said he and his brother and father had an unusually strong bond, and Joe Biden wrote in his 2017 memoir that as long as I have Hunt, I have Beau. This week the elder Biden denounced Republican accusations against him as lies. As part of their impeachment inquiry, House Republicans have demanded that Hunter Biden sit for a closed deposition on Capitol Hill this month, but he has said he will only appear for public testimony, arguing that Republicans would take advantage of the closed-door interview to later cast their own spin on what occurred. Republicans have threatened to hold him in contempt of Congress if he doesnt show for the deposition. The main corruption allegation concerns Hunter Bidens work for a Ukrainian gas company while his father served as the face of the Obama administrations Ukraine policy. State Department officials have said the arrangement created the appearance of a conflict of interest but that it did not actually affect policy. Hunter Biden has maintained he never did anything seriously wrong, insisting his foreign business deals were ethical and suggesting his legal problems stemmed from bad behavior caused by grief and drug addiction. (The indictment filed against him this week says he refused to pay taxes even after he sobered up and continued living an extravagant lifestyle.) But Bidens appearance on Mobys podcast reflects a more aggressive legal and media strategy, which has included his demand for public testimony as well as lawsuits against the Republican operatives who distributed the contents of a laptop hard drive. There was a point where the advice from the smart people in the room was that this was nothing more than a distraction as related to what really matters to the American people and adding my voice to it would only add fuel to the fire, Biden said. Now that thesis has been completely blown out of the water because its not possible that the fire could be any hotter. Related... President Bidens son Hunter Biden said Republicans are trying to use him to destroy his fathers presidency while speaking out during an interview about the attacks against him. The younger Biden spoke to musician Moby on his podcast, Moby Pod, for an interview that came out just a day after he was charged with tax crimes in California in his second indictment. What theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle, and so therefore destroying a presidency in that way, Hunter Biden said in the interview published Friday. I realized that, that its not about me. And then the second thing that I realized is that these people are just sad, very, very sick people that have most likely just faced traumas in their lives that theyve decided that they are going to turn into an evil that they decide that theyre going to inflict on the rest of the world, he added. When Moby asked why he doesnt defend himself more publicly, Hunter Biden said he was told it would only add fuel to the fire and to keep a low profile while hes under investigation. Now, he said, hes speaking out to help people struggling with addiction. The younger Biden also said were definitely not in the aftermath yet of the attacks against him as his father is still in office and running for a second term at the White House. Ive stopped hoping for an end to this because as long as my dad is president of the United States, theyre not going to stop, he said. He called it a struggle to maintain a well ordered life when hes attacked daily. He said right-wing media has harassed him and parked outside his family home in the past, including during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when his son, Beau, was just 1 year old. Beau, named for his deceased uncle, is now 3 years old. We became prisoners by virtue of that, Biden said. Moby said at the top of his interview that Hunter is a friend and that they met through recovery. President Bidens son, in his second indictment from special counsel David Weiss, will face three felony tax charges in relation to tax evasion and filing a false return, as well as six misdemeanor charges for failure to pay taxes between 2016 and 2019. The charges come as Biden is facing congressional scrutiny over his business dealings and a subpoena for a deposition next week in connection with their impeachment inquiry. The House Oversight Committee has demanded his testimony in a Dec. 13 closed session, but the younger Biden has offered to testify only in a public setting. Earlier this year, Biden was set to plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of willful failure to pay taxes as well as enter a diversion program in connection with a gun crime but the plea deal fell apart. The House is preparing to take a vote next week to formalize its impeachment inquiry into the president and part of its probe reviews Weisss investigation of his son, following claims from two IRS whistleblowers that the special counsels team mismanaged the prosecution and slow-walked the case. Hunter Bidens work for Burisma is at the center of the House GOPs impeachment probe, based on allegations that Biden as vice president deliberately used government policy to benefit his sons work. Republicans have probed whether the president benefited from his sons foreign policy dealings, an accusation that the White House has repeatedly denied. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. You are here: World Flash Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Thursday that Kiev signed a memorandum with the United States to boost Ukraine's military production. "There will be more weapons! Ukraine and the U.S. signed the memorandum on joint production and exchange of technical data," Umerov wrote on Facebook. The document was signed during the Defense Industries Conference DFNC1: U.S. Edition in Washington, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement. The memorandum inked by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian Strategic Industries Ministry and the U.S. Department of Defense will contribute to building weapon production capacities in Ukraine for its army needs, the ministry said. The Defense Industries Conference DFNC1: U.S. Edition, which kicked off on Wednesday, is aimed at supporting the "highest level of cooperation" between defense industry enterprises from Ukraine and the United States. Ukraine is striving to boost its defense production amid the conflict with Russia. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden said critics of his father are "trying to destroy a presidency" through relentless attacks on him and "trying to kill me," in a podcast interview released on Friday. The interview, conducted by his friend, the musician Moby, was released one day after the U.S. Justice Department filed new criminal charges against Hunter Biden, accusing him of failing to pay taxes while funding a lavish lifestyle. It was not clear when the interview, which took place at the younger Biden's art studio in San Francisco, was recorded. The charges on Thursday come on top of a Sept. 14 indictment against Hunter Biden for lying about his drug use during his purchase of a firearm. He has pleaded not guilty in that case. Hunter Biden, 53, has also been at the center of an impeachment inquiry into his father by Republicans in the House of Representatives. House Republicans allege that Joe Biden, a Democrat, and his family improperly profited from policy decisions he participated in when he was vice president during President Barack Obama's administration in 2009-17. House Republicans also say the Justice Department improperly interfered with the investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. The White House and the Justice Department have denied wrongdoing. In the interview, Hunter Biden said he and his wife had to move from their home in the middle of the night after a newspaper published their address while his wife was seven or eight months pregnant and supporters of former President Donald Trump appeared outside of their house and pounded on their door. "I recognize that none of this is necessarily about me," Hunter Biden said. "In their most base way, what they're trying to do is they're trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle, and so therefore destroying a presidency in that way." His father is running for reelection in November 2024. The leading contender for the Republican nomination is former President Donald Trump, who has cheered the Biden impeachment inquiry. Trump was the first U.S. president to be impeached twice, and was acquitted by the Senate both times. Hunter Biden said some of his Republican critics, such as U.S. Representatives Paul Gosar and Marjorie Taylor Greene, were "not healthy people." Representatives for the lawmakers did not respond to requests for comment. "I've never witnessed anything like it," Hunter Biden said. "I've never witnessed the level of an invasion of privacy on any individual that I can possibly think of. I've never witnessed a sustained attack on one person like this." (Reporting by Makini Brice; editing by Jonathan Oatis) In a podcast published just hours after he was hit with a federal indictment alleging tax evasion, Hunter Biden went off on Republicans and conservative media, claiming theyre trying to kill him. Specifically, he claimed he had to up and move his family from their Malibu home less than 36 hours after the New York Post doxxed him, publishing his address and photos of his residence, which he claims led to MAGA Republicans showing up at his door. There is no doubt in my mindand this might sound like some crazy hyperboleis that theyre trying to kill me through other means and I just wont let them, Hunter told the Moby Pod. Hunter, the eldest son of Joe Biden, added that conservative media has fixated on his legal woes in an effort to have his dad ousted from the White House next election. They are trying to destroy a presidency. And so, its not about me. In their most base way, what theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle. And so, therefore, destroying a presidency in that way, he said. Read it at New York Post Read more at The Daily Beast. On Thursday night, the Justice Department unsealed nine new tax-charges against Hunter Biden. The new charges come as the presidents much-maligned son finds himself at the center of countless right-wing conspiracies, GOP-led investigations into his foreign business dealings, and a DOJ special counsel probe Biden doesnt sit down for many interviews, but he did recently talk to his long-time friend and confidant: musician and activist Moby. The first part of the lengthy two-part installment of the Moby Pod was recorded before the DOJs new charges, and released on Friday. Biden and Moby who met while in recovery from addiction spoke candidly about the near-constant stream of harassment and intimidation against himself and his family. Tabloid newspapers have repeatedly written pieces detailing the location of Bidens residence, no matter how many times he moves. According to Biden, when his wife Melissa was seven or eight months pregnant in 2020, one such article resulted in half a dozen to a dozen people, mostly men, in MAGA hats, with bullhorns literally pounding at the front door. So then we moved, in the middle of the night, literally left, Biden added. We left at midnight the next night, packed the entire house in a van and a friend of ours found us another place to stay. And we were able to hide out there for a period of time. According to Biden, the home they fled to would later be featured in articles by the New York Post and Daily Mail, and within days a super right-wing filmmaker, along with a crew of individuals rented canoes and harassed the family from the canal by their home for a week straight. In another incident, protesters with loudspeakers and bullhorns parked a truck displaying photographs outside of his home. Biden said that for days the noisy disturbances made it impossible to even put his son down for a nap. We became prisoners by virtue of that, Biden said, it was impossible to walk on the canal and look at the ducks and, you know, take the stroller to the beach when the sun was going down. For years the younger Biden had kept a low profile regarding the many investigations, conspiracies, and outright lies leveled against him, often under the advice of lawyers. In his view, fading into the background did virtually nothing to stem the tide of conservative ire. Recently, Biden has begun taking a more offensive role in his public defense, suing various individuals, including former Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and the IRS over alleged criminal violations of his privacy. Biden told Moby that the many conspiracies regarding his relationship with his father are reminiscent of the antics orchestrated by former President Nixons dirty tricks campaign, particularly given the overlapping involvement of characters like Roger Stone. The times have changed but the players have not, Biden said. I think that they took that lesson to heart and they decided that the one way in which they would be able to certainly undermine my dads confidence and ability to continue to campaign and move forward particularly after the death of my brother [Beau Biden] [would be] to [make him] think that he could lose his son who hed just regained from the throws of addiction. And so they just began to attack, and attack, and attack. What theyre trying to do is theyre trying to kill me, knowing that it will be a pain greater than my father could be able to handle, and so therefore destroying a presidency in that way, he later explained. But as Biden sees it, the vitriol and harassment leveled against him by former President Trumps supporters is in a way understandable, given the extent to which unproven lies and fantastical claims about him have been amplified by right-wing media. If you have been fed all of these lies, from that I am a pedophile and a sex trafficking maniac, then wouldnt it be incumbent on you to have a deep hatred of me? Biden asked. Wouldnt it be incumbent on you if you saw me at a restaurant, or with my two-year-old on my shoulders with his little Chewbacca outfit on Halloween to come running up to me and scream in my face? I realized that its not about me, he told Moby. I realized that these people are just sad, very, very sick people that have most likely just faced traumas in their lives . Theyve decided that they are going to turn [to an] evil that they decide that theyre going to inflict on the rest of the world. Hunter Bidens finances have been under investigation for nearly five years. Three separate congressional committees are currently investigating him in the hopes of proving allegations of corruption against the president. Last month, Republicans on the House Oversight Committee rejected an offer from Biden to testify publicly before Congress regarding the unproven allegations of corruption the committee has made against him. On Wednesday, Oversight Chair James Comer (R-Ky.), and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, (R-Ohio), threatened to hold Biden in contempt of Congress if he did not agree to a closed-door deposition. There is no choice for Mr. Biden to make; the subpoenas compel him to appear for a deposition on December 13. If Mr. Biden does not appear for his deposition on December 13, 2023, the Committees will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings, the chairmen wrote in a letter to Bidens attorneys. House Republicans are also attempting to move forward with an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, which would place his son at the center of allegations of impropriety against the current president. But it seems that so far every supposed bombshell uncovered by the GOP has been unable to hold water. Most recently, claims by Comer of evidence linking Hunter Bidens dealings with Chinese companies to an influence peddling scheme with the president turned out to be three payments made by Biden to his father to reimburse him for a car loan. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone A Lee County jury on Friday found Michael Smith guilty of being part of a mob that assaulted and killed fellow inmate Cornelius McClary in 2018 during a wild gang brawl in a deadly prison riot in which seven inmates were killed by other prisoners. The verdict after less than an hours deliberation came on the afternoon of the fourth day of a trial at Lee Countys 115-year-old courthouse in downtown Bishopville. It was the first trial of any inmate charged in the 2018 Lee Correctional Institution riot, one of the nations deadliest in the last quarter century. Trial Judge Ferrell Cothran Jr. gave Smith a 45-year sentence 30 years for the mob killing, to be followed by 10 years for possession of a weapon by an inmate. Smith also received a 5-year sentence for conspiracy. The trial marked the first time major events of that night have been aired publicly and in such detail in a formal setting. The riot took place in three different dormitories, but testimony in Smiths trial focused mostly on what happened in his building. Since Tuesday, prosecutors had put up eight witnesses; the defense only one Smith, 31, who took the stand Thursday and told the jury he stabbed McClary to death in self defense. Smiths self-defense description of events was ridiculed Friday morning during arguments to the jury by prosecutors Barney Giese and Margaret Scott, who painted Smith as a vengeful killer who stabbed and struck a helpless and unarmed McClary as he lay on the floor of a prison dorm bleeding from 90 previous stab wounds. It looked like a bunch of sharks attacking poor Mr. McClary, Giese told the jury, pointing to evidence of prison video cameras that Giese said showed Smith, a Bloods gang member, pushing through a crowd of fellow Bloods to follow McClary, who had tumbled down a staircase. At the stairs bottom, Smith stabbed McClary, a member of the Crips gang, in the back, hit him and stab him again, Giese said. Scott told the jury that this was a case of the hunter and the hunter... predator and prey, and Smith was on the prowl and McClary was the prey. Earlier in the week, pathologist Janice Ross, a prosecution witness, testified that McClary had been stabbed 101 times, some of the wounds just cuts but others that would result in death. Defense attorney Aimee Zmroczek emphasized to jurors the testimony from Smith that he had been in fear of his life during the multi-hour riot, and that a friend of his had been stabbed to death earlier that night in another prison dormitory. Zmroczek also blamed the S.C. Department of Corrections for failing to keep inmates in a safe and secure environment. I will say until Im blue in the face, yes, SCDC caused this. The departments failures included the lack of good locks on doors that might have prevented killings, she said. Smith was charged with assault and battery by mob, first degree, resulting in death. He faced three charges: conspiracy and possession of a weapon by an inmate. The jury considered each charge separately and found Smith guilty of each one. The judge in the prison riot trial is Ferrell Cothran Jr. Cothran, who had throughout the trial instructed the jury not to talk to anyone about the case, told them, Now you can talk about it with anybody you want to.... Thank you for your service. This story will be updated. BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WOOD) The 911 calls from a Thanksgiving Day mass overdose in Battle Creek describe a frantic scene. At least 10 people were found unresponsive in a home just after 4 a.m. The three 911 calls are from people who discovered them. Health officials: Multiple ODs in Battle Creek were nonfatal Can I get an ambulance over here? the first caller said. As soon as possible. Theres like people passing out. What do you mean people? Is there multiple people? a 911 dispatcher questioned. Yeah, theres like one laying in the house, and one passed out the caller responded. Theres other people passing out. Hurry up. Please. A partial transcription from the second 911 call. Seven people were taken to the emergency room. Dr. William Nettleton, the medical director for the Calhoun County Public Health Department, said the 911 callers probably saved their lives by getting help quickly. This could have been worse. If it wasnt for the timely response of emergency medical services, the administration of that opioid overdose reversal medication known as Naloxone, the giving of rescue breathing and folks getting the help that they need, Nettleton said. A partial transcription from the third 911 call. He said the people who overdosed thought they were taking cocaine, but it was laced with an opioid most likely fentanyl. In April, seven people died after taking cocaine laced with fentanyl in several locations in Kalamazoo County. Folks who dont usually use an opioid are much more likely to overdose. People who do not know that there is fentanyl or an opioid present are also more likely to overdose and when there is the presence of more than one drug even alcohol can even complicate an overdose, Nettleton said. DEA: Meth flooding markets, getting cheaper, purer He said the county is seeing overdoses at a higher rate. In Calhoun County, in particular, has one of the highest opioid related overdose rates in the entire state of Michigan. Probably about twice as high as neighboring Kalamazoo County, Nettleton said. Naloxone is available in free response kits. To find those kits, you can visit the Calhoun County Substance Abuse Councils website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Boise residents hoping for future passenger rail service to Salt Lake City are again left waiting for their train. The Idaho-Utah joint proposal to establish a new 340-mile Amtrak line was excluded among the dozens of rail corridors awarded hundreds of thousands in federal dollars for study, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday. Passenger trains havent run in the Treasure Valley in more than 25 years, and, for now, that cease in operations will continue. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, on an embargoed call Thursday with members of the media, said the Federal Railroad Administration conducted careful review of applications in the push to prioritize large-scale investments in the nations transportation network. The successful applications were for the corridors that FRA viewed as most prepared for advancement in their planning work, Buttigieg said. I think its also fair to say that even as these projects advance, its not going to be 100% of the answer of a future rail network. What we do have is elements that are going to make for a dramatically improved rail network compared to the one we have today. Additional rounds of the funding program will open to study other potential corridors less than 750 miles in length, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. The agencys spokesperson, William Wong, told the Idaho Statesman that applications for the highly competitive program will be accepted again in 2025, and the program will run into 2026. The decision to leave the Treasure Valley out of the rail projects approved for study frustrated local officials, who for months eagerly awaited word on whether their proposal would be funded and have long sought the return of passenger service. While were disappointed that Idaho wasnt awarded the grant, our commitment to returning passenger rail to the Intermountain West remains strong, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said in a statement to the Statesman. Elaine Clegg, CEO of Valley Regional Transit, the Boise-area public transit agency, was discouraged by the news. There is a huge opportunity to build momentum with a group that desperately needs a reason to be excited about it, Clegg told the Statesman by phone, referring to the coalition of local and state leaders who have joined together in the push to bring back passenger trains. Southern Idahos exclusion from funding from President Joe Bidens administration this year will delay the potential for Amtrak passenger trains in the coming years. Matt Stoll, executive director of the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, the regions transportation planning agency, said the Boise area still has opportunities to study passenger rail. But there is a limited pot of money available both within the region and across the nation, Stoll told the Statesman in a phone interview, and federal leaders are looking for high-population density areas where they can get the best bang for their buck on rail projects that are close to other metropolitan areas. Boise is one of the most remote of the largest 100 metro areas in the country, he added. National rail investment, but not in Boise Boise and its surrounding cities havent had passenger rail service since the late 1990s. Amtrak ran trains along the Pioneer Line, which included stops in Portland, Boise, Salt Lake City and Denver. The route operated for 20 years before it was discontinued in 1997 as a result of federal budget cuts, and it was targeted partly because of low ridership. But the effort by state officials and Idaho cities seeks to renew the line, or some derivative of it, and again provide Amtrak service in Southern Idaho. The bipartisan push has support from McLean, as well as Gov. Brad Little, U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson. Nearly everyone I talk to has a story about how riding the train connected them with friends and family, school or economic opportunity, McLean said in her statement. We know our residents are excited about it. Were excited about it. And well continue working with partners throughout the region and at the federal level to get it done. At a regional rail summit held in Boise in July, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said the Mountain West is among the areas in the U.S. with significant population growth, and yet have the most obvious deficit of access to trains. How can we live in the most prosperous nation on Earth and not find ourselves connecting these communities with this incredible, efficient mode of transportation? he told attendees. So thats what were here to do. We need service in many more of the communities that today are simply not on the map. Through the federal infrastructure law Biden signed in November 2021, tens of billions of dollars were available to expand the nations passenger rail system. Biden, who earned the nickname Amtrak Joe after taking the train to Washington, D.C., during his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, is an outspoken cheerleader of passenger rail. Investing in the transportation mode also is an element of the Democratic administrations attempt to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the use of fossil fuels. The $66 billion guaranteed in the infrastructure law for passenger rail represents the largest investment since Amtrak was created in 1971, according to the White House. Were announcing historic investment in Americas railroads, Biden said last month in remarks about billions for upgrades to Amtraks Northeast Corridor. Ive been talking about this for a long time, I know, but finally, finally, were getting it done. The Federal Railroad Administration announced plans to study dozens of corridors around the country for improved passenger rail. Boise, which applied for a route connecting the Treasure Valley with Salt Lake City, was not selected. One study created through the infrastructure law already is reviewing discontinued long-distance Amtrak lines greater than 750 miles, including the old Pioneer Line. The FRA expects to complete the study in 2024, Wong said. Separately within the infrastructure law, money was set aside to explore intercity rail service corridors with distances of less than 750 miles. States were eligible to apply for $500,000 grants to study establishing new and previous routes. Regions selected for further study include a line connecting Oregon and Washington with Vancouver, Canada, as well as a Colorado route linking the cities of Fort Collins to Pueblo, the U.S. Transportation Department announced. The total funded in this round of rail projects was up to $34.5 million. The Biden administration also announced $8.2 billion in funding for a high-speed rail line connecting Southern California with Las Vegas, and other projects on the East Coast. In addition to its Boise-Salt Lake City line application with Idaho, Utahs transportation agencies applied for a route from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. That line also did not receive funding for study. Wong declined to offer specifics about why certain rail projects were funded over others. He said the FRA received 91 eligible applications. For those projects that failed to receive funding this time around, all should not be considered lost, Wong said, since communities will have opportunities to reapply. Project sponsors that were rejected this time around will be given feedback about how to improve their applications for future funding decisions, he said. This is a new development program that is pretty unprecedented on how we approach railroad development, he said. This first round is a framework of what the passenger rail network will become and how FRA will develop, expand and improve it. INDEPENDENCE, Mo. A pastor in Independence, Missouri, is facing multiple charges for alleged child molestation incidents dating back to 2011. Virgil Marsh, 72, was charged in Jackson County Court on Wednesday with two counts of first-degree child molestation and first-degree statutory sodomy. Clay County man accused of trying to burn house down with wife, elderly aunt inside According to court documents, the Independence Police Department responded to Marshs home back in May regarding a sex offense that happened in 2011. The victim said when she was under the age of 14, in 2011, she would stay over at Marshs house, who was a pastor at her church. Court documents say the victim told detectives of multiple incidents in which Marsh inappropriately touched her. A second victim told detectives Marsh inappropriately touched her when she was under the age of 18, while in bed at Marshs house on several occasions between 2016 to 2018, court documents say. Kansas City police search for package thief caught on camera On Tuesday, Dec. 5, a felony stop order was issued for Marsh, who was picked up outside of his home by Independence police officers. Marsh told detectives he has asked for forgiveness from God and is no longer the man who previously did those things to the victims. He is currently being held in the Jackson County jail on a $50,000 bond. A bond review hearing is set for Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. China publishes action plan to improve air quality Xinhua) 09:08, December 08, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council on Thursday published an action plan to improve air quality amid the country's effort to promote high-quality economic development. The plan contains a series of measures to achieve bluer skies by 2025, such as propelling green industrial shifts, building a cleaner energy mix, and developing a low-carbon transport system. Its goals are to reduce PM2.5 density in cities at the prefecture level and above by 10 percent by 2025, compared to the 2020 level; to control the proportion of days each year with heavy air pollution to 1 percent or less; and to cut emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds by over 10 percent. The plan lists the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and its surrounding areas, as well as the Yangtze River Delta region and the Fenwei Plain, as key areas. China will ban new steel production capacities, accelerate the removal of outdated capacities in key industries, and foster green industries. More will be done to develop new and clean energy to ensure that non-fossil energy will account for 20 percent of the country's total energy consumption by 2025. The production and supply of natural gas will also be increased. New energy vehicles will account for no less than 80 percent of new or updated buses, taxis and other urban public transport vehicles in key areas. Efforts will also be made to strengthen supervision and law enforcement, improve laws, improve environmental policies and economic policies, and expand international cooperation on atmospheric environment management and desertification prevention and control, according to the plan. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Flash The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Beijing on Thursday. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe co-chaired the meeting. Wang hailed the progress since the seventh LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, adding the LMC countries have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields, achieved a series of new achievements and created many new highlights. Wang said China will pursue the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness to work with Mekong countries to jointly build a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future, jointly make the region an example for Belt and Road cooperation, a pacesetter for implementing the Global Development Initiative, a pioneer for implementing the Global Security Initiative and a front-runner for implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. Wang suggested that LMC should focus on six areas in the next stage: building a closer community of shared future, creating a more interconnected economic development belt, creating a more secure development environment, moving towards a more digital development prospect, deepening cultural and people-to-people cooperation with more characteristics, and advocating a more inclusive cooperation concept. The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua] The ministers spoke highly of the positive progress made in the LMC, and agreed that the LMC has become an important platform for maintaining regional peace and stability, promoting regional development and prosperity as well as the industrialization and modernization of all countries. The parties appreciated China's positive contribution to promoting the LMC and agreed to China's proposals on the direction of work in the next stage. Inmates have been left for days without heating and electricity to charge their vapes - MARTINA PARANINFI/MOMENT RF Prisoners at one of the countrys most notorious maximum security jails have claimed their human rights have been violated because a power cut has prevented them from charging their vapes. A large part of Frankland Prison in Durham has been hit by a power cut, with many cells not having electricity for days. The result has been inmates living in darkness and unable to watch television. But most of the complaints have been about the fact prisoners have been unable to charge their vape devices. While smoking is banned in prisons across the UK, vaping has been permitted in most since 2017. A prison source said: The prisoners have been left in semi-darkness and have also been without heat, which is causing a lot of complaints. But the one thing thats really been getting them down is not being able to vape. Some have suggested theyre having nicotine withdrawal and their human rights are being violated. The prison is doing everything it can to get that section of the jail back on the grid but for now a lot of inmates are not happy bunnies. Monster Mansion Frankland was dubbed Monster Mansion because of the large number of notorious killers and rapists it houses. Among those held there are Wayne Couzens, the former Met officer who kidnapped, raped and murdered Sarah Everard, and Levi Bellfield, the serial killer. It is understood that the power outage has not affected the area of the prison housing the most serious offenders, causing some anger among other inmates. The mother of one prisoner said her son was becoming increasingly frustrated at the situation. She said: From around 4pm onwards the wing is dark, theres no heating and no hot water apart from a single flask which they are given and is supposed to last them all day. He cant watch his TV in his cell and he cant even charge his vape pen. Prisoners have human rights as well and what they have been going through is inhumane. The Prison Service say there was no threat to security and vulnerable prisoners had been moved to other parts of the jail if their health was judged to be at risk. Emergency lighting has also been put in place so that inmates arent left completely in the dark. A Prison Service spokesman said: The prison remains secure and fully operational and engineers are working urgently to restore power to the affected areas. 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. OF ALL THE STRANGE, conspiratorial, and potentially dangerous theories Donald Trump and his allies came up with in the days after the 2020 election, this was the strangest, the most conspiratorial, the most potentially dangerous. Millions of electronic ballots for Trump had been deleted, and hundreds of thousands more had been switched to Joe Biden, Trump and his cronies in media, political, and legal circles insisted thanks to software designed at the behest of Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez to rig foreign elections. Never mind that Chavez had been dead since 2013. Never mind that even Fox News researchers said the claims about Dominion Voting Systems were 100 percent false. Fox ultimately paid Dominion $787 million after its hosts ignored the networks research department and spread lies about the firm. But the consequences his allies have faced for pushing lies about the 2020 election have not diminished the former presidents appetite for conspiracy theories. If anything, they have only stoked it. Since then, Trump has fixated on new bogeymen. Lately, he has found one in a mundane nonprofit designed to spot the very voter fraud Team Trump professes to hate. Until recently, 33 states and the District of Columbia a mixture of solidly Republican, Democratic, and battleground states used data from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC) to spot voting irregularities and to identify and reach voters who havent yet registered, a group that numbered 4.4 million people in 2022. ERIC has been employed in this way since 2012, without incident or controversy. But in Trumps imagination, ERIC is the engine for election rigging. Last March, on his social media platform, Trump fumed that Republican governors should immediately pull out of ERIC, and falsely labeled it a terrible Voter Registration System that pumps the rolls for Democrats and does nothing to clean them up. Over the past year, Trump has remained fixated on ERIC, sources who speak to him say. Hes gone so far as to wonder aloud what can be done in the future to make it illegal nationwide while key allies have begun a largely under-the-radar effort to market a replacement system. One person close to him has dubbed ERIC Trumps new Dominion. Just like Dominion or, should we say, just like the Dominion in Trumplands fever projections ERIC is part of a larger architecture of voter fraud, one that has to be ripped out and replaced with a MAGA alternative before America goes to the polls in November. Stop the Steal die-hards are vying for spots in the 2024 campaign legal team. MAGA attorneys are challenging laws that make it easier to vote in Democratic strongholds. Trumps allies continue to question the integrity of the vote, even if polls show him slightly ahead. Because there can be no question about the final tally, in the Trump inner circles view. There is only an election that ensures the right result: Trumps restoration to the White House. Youve probably never even heard of ERIC until now, youd have no reason to. So heres a brief primer: ERIC was created in 2012 by the nonpartisan Pew Charitable Trusts. It started with seven original member states with a goal of helping modernize their outdated, often paper-record-based voter-registration data and offers trustworthy information to clean up voter rolls of deceased or ineligible voters. States are then able to securely share specific information about voters, like the last four digits of a Social Security number or a drivers license number, to eliminate any confusion about who a voter is and whether theyre eligible to register. John Merrill, Alabamas Republican secretary of state, was a fan. Having access to a pool of specific information about whos eligible to vote and whos not seemed like a gift. But when he traveled a couple of years ago to Washington, D.C., where renowned conservative attorney Cleta Mitchell was hosting a private, four-hour meeting for secretaries of state, he found himself in a lonely minority of ERIC supporters. At that meeting, Mitchell made herself clear: She wanted these secretaries of state to pull out of ERIC. It was being used unfairly to promote more Democrat registrations, Mitchell complained, according to Merrills recollection. Whats more, ERIC was actually created and funded by George Soros, the billionaire liberal donor and ultimate bete noire among GOP politicians and right-wing media. Basically, what they wanted to talk about was why we needed to get rid of ERIC, Merrill tells Rolling Stone. This was, to Merrills ears, odd. He knew Mitchell was a Trump ally; she served as a Trump 2020 campaign attorney and sat in on the infamous January 2021 phone call in which the former president demanded that the Georgia secretary of state find him 11,780 votes to overturn the states election. Merrill was a Trump man himself. But this Soros stuff was bizarre. Merrill adds, Not from Cleta Mitchell or anyone have I ever seen any empirical data that would support the position that George Soros is involved in or related to or had any influence at all in the creation or in the administration of the ERIC system. So Merrill spoke up. ERIC was an incredibly valuable tool in protecting and administering free and fair American elections, Merrill told the room. He proposed an information audit to determine whether any partisan third parties had been involved in the nonprofit, whether it had adhered to its bylaws, and whether it had used its budget appropriately. They were very cool to my position, Merrill says. That meeting was just one part of what has become a sustained pressure campaign against ERIC, which has risen to the highest levels of the Republican Party, that involves angry demands from the former president, conspiracy theories in far-right media, and GOP secretaries of state too willing to give into them; nine Republican-led states have left ERIC in the past two years. Trump-aligned activists efforts to discredit the system and strong-arm states into withdrawing opens up the possibility that departing state members including a number of key 2024 battleground states could face chaos on Election Day and afterward. Their voter lists are likely to be significantly less accurate, David Becker, who helped create ERIC, says of the states that have left the nonprofit. Becker resigned from the organization in 2023 following a right-wing pressure campaign against him. There will be old records on the voter lists of people who are no longer eligible in the state that will fuel false claims of potential voter fraud. And there will be inaccurate records [of those] who are eligible in the state who moved within the state that they will likely not catch. Thats a huge problem. Faulty voter files create long lines on Election Day, delays in getting mail-in ballots, an increase in provisional ballots, and delays in determining a winner, Becker says. The bigger potential damage here is that election losers people who have lost an election or perceive themselves to be about to lose an election will have more time and more space to create false narratives about an election being stolen. The more problems at the polls, the more lines, the more provisional ballots, the longer it takes to count overall ballots and get an unofficial winner, those all feed into the potential for chaos and even incitement to violence by election losers. In other words, the 2024 election could see the same maelstrom following 2020. THE SPRAWLING CONSERVATIVE QUEST against ERIC appears to have begun in earnest in the swamps of conspiracy-theory media. In January 2022, the pro-Trump blog Gateway Pundit published a three-part series accusing ERIC of being a secret plot by Soros to create a left-wing voter registration drive disguised as voter-roll clean up. Its a far cry from the boring but necessary work ERIC actually does. In addition to checking for outdated voter information, it produces reports on citizens who are eligible to vote but unregistered. Once every two years, ERIC requires its participating states to conduct outreach to those eligible but unregistered potential voters and offer them information on how they can register to vote often via postcards. Some Republican officials, including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who withdrew his state last year, have objected to that requirement, writing that members should not be forced to conduct such outreach if they dont believe its necessary or relevant. But its hardly the stuff of florid conspiracy theories spun by the Gateway Pundit. When the site ran its series on ERIC, 33 states were members of the nonprofit. But after, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he would suspend the states participation in ERIC following concerns from the public about potential questionable funding sources and possibly partisan actors accessing ERIC data. As the right-wing conspiracy meme gained steam, eight other Republican-led states, including critical 2024 ones such as Virginia, Ohio, and Florida, followed suit, leading ERIC membership to plummet to 24 states and the District of Columbia today. Im disappointed that some of my fellow secretaries of state would surrender to the conspiracy theories, says Adrian Fontes, the Democratic secretary of state in Arizona. If they care about voter-file accuracy and integrity, ERIC is the only tool available to make that a reality. Pennsylvanias Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt says, The perversity with a lot of this is that the arguments against ERIC are allegedly coming from a place of interest in election integrity, when in reality, ERIC is quite possibly the most valuable, useful tool that we have to strengthen election integrity. A Republican who considers himself a hawk on election-integrity issues, Schmidt served as Philadelphia city commissioner and helped investigate instances of voter fraud that led to federal prosecutions. But the theories about ERIC began to spread. It became such a big thing, says Merrill, the former Alabama secretary of state, that he worried certain allies who do not have [Trumps] best interests at heart would try to sway the former president into waging war on ERIC. Merrill says hes had several conversations with Trump over the past year to make it clear hes steadfastly pro-ERIC. During these brief talks, including a 30-minute breakfast at Mar-a-Lago, Merrill told Trump to call him any time if he wanted to understand the benefits of ERIC why its conservative critics were dead wrong. Former Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill is a supporter of ERIC. It didnt work: Though, Merrill says, the former president politely listened to his defense of ERIC, Trump has yet to take him up on his offer. In fact, in the time since that breakfast, according to other sources close to Trump, the ex-president went in the opposite direction and only fell deeper into the ERIC-hating lore. At different points this summer, Trump vented about ERIC to some of his lawyers and campaign staff, simply referring to it as a really bad system created by George Soros that needs to be taken out. (A rep for Soros Open Society Foundations has said it never funded ERIC. A spokesman for Trump did not provide comment for this story.) TRUMPS PLANS FOR the 2024 election extend well beyond meddling with ERIC. The former president was removed from the White House, he believes, because his allies were weak not like Trump, who has called for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution to nullify the 2020 election results. Trump has spent the past three years moaning to friends at his clubs, to conservative lawmakers, and to political advisers that Democrats will try to cheat again, and that the GOP must do everything it can to make sure liberals are stopped, according to four people familiar with this matter. One key component: making sure his government-in-waiting is stocked with people truly tough on supposed Democratic rigging in elections. The [former] president has pushed for us to hit the Democrats on all sides on the [upcoming] election, says a person close to Trump who has spoken to him about this matter multiple times. Back in early 2021, then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi proved to be one of his more potent enemies, pushing through an impeachment of Trump for his role in inciting the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana, on the other hand, was a dependable Trump ally, rounding up dozens of colleagues to sign onto the Trump-backed Supreme Court brief seeking to toss out the election and echoing Trumps lies about voting machines rigging vote tallies. Pelosi was gone soon thereafter. And in October 2023, MAGA Republicans elected one of their own to the position: Johnson. Not long afterward, Trump said he was pleased, because [Mike is] good on elections, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. Ahead of the 2022 midterms, there was a large-scale attempt to place as many MAGA-friendly election deniers in as many key positions as possible particularly in secretary of state posts that could profoundly affect the 2024 outcome. That plan was dashed when the Democratic Party overperformed at the polls, forestalling a predicted GOP red wave. But with Johnsons rise, the leadership for congressional Republicans has only become more drenched in right-wing election denial. And think tanks and party bigwigs are providing a blueprint for what comes next. Project 2025, a policy conglomerate run out of the influential Heritage Foundation, is providing plans for how a reelected Trump could revamp the Department of Justice and other independent bodies into little more than personal attack dogs to sic on his political enemies. Plus, there are strategies in place for Nov. 5, 2024. Major party organs like the Republican National Committee are launching programs to recruit and deploy tens of thousands of GOP poll watchers and election integrity directors to battlegrounds in order to in the words of Trump ally and RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel hold Democrats accountable for bad laws that make voting less secure. And in a December speech in Iowa, Trump asked supporters to go into Democratic cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, and Atlanta so they can guard the vote. Then there are mail-in ballots. They proved crucial for Bidens 2020 victory, and Trump has repeatedly called them a scam. So over the past three years, MAGA Republicans in a number of states have passed bills attempting to restrict voting access, particularly around mail-in ballots. In private, Trump has made it obvious in his conversations with political aides and conservative grassroots leaders that he only views mailed-in ballots as wholly legitimate if theyre sent in by his supporters. Finally, Trump needs lawyers he can trust, especially now that attorneys who helped his efforts to overturn the 2020 election have struck plea deals and cooperated with prosecutors in Georgias Fulton County election-interference case. A better, smarter legal team than last time is how a person close to Trump put it. Another person with knowledge of this matter says that the ex-president has already fielded meetings and phone calls from conservative lawyers who are, in the sources characterization, preemptively auditioning for roles on such a legal team, should one be formed next year. As recently as this summer, Trump had talked to right-leaning legal counselors about the feasibility of laying the groundwork for various post-election audits of mailed ballots inspired partly by a shambolic Arizona audit following the 2020 election in parts of the United States that have historical track records of so-called problems, two sources present for these casual discussions recall. There are few people more central to Trumps plans than Cleta Mitchell, the lawyer pushing the secretaries of state to pull out of ERIC at that D.C. meeting. As recently as September, Trump privately praised Mitchells work, saying she is going to be very important for the next election and beyond. Once a member of the old-school Republican mainstream, Mitchell has become the most ardent of election deniers. Along with participating in Trumps 2021 call with Raffensperger, she stunned a Fox News host on-air in November 2020 when she challenged the election results days after the network had already called the election for Biden. That embrace of Trump dogma has given her staying power in the former presidents network of influential allies. But, according to two people with direct knowledge of the situation, it irks some of Trumps top attorneys working on his various criminal cases many of which grew out of schemes to overturn the 2020 election. Cleta is too militant, even for me, one such lawyer says. Mitchell sent a lengthy email in response to our reporting, which included insisting that ERIC is a way to accomplish one of the lefts objectives, and to do so at taxpayer expense: register more people to vote, not removing bad registrations. Mitchell offered up a number of her recurring criticisms of ERIC, Soros, and ERIC co-founder Becker, and noted: I am proud of the work that we are doing and have been doing for the past three years and, yes, I think that what we are doing to try to restore the rule of law in elections is very important. She also accused Rolling Stone of participating in attacks on election integrity activists, and also me specifically. CONFUSION HAS FOLLOWED in the states Mitchell has persuaded to pull out from ERIC. Former member states have found themselves suddenly deprived of accurate voter-registration data and have scrambled to try to re-create a version of ERIC through side agreements with their neighbors still in the network, says Schmidt, the Pennsylvania secretary. Hes seen some states frantically search to find the most rudimentary public voter-registration data. All you need is $20 and the ability to use Excel to do the analysis theyre doing, he says. But absent the kind of very specific personal information thats only available through ERIC, the data is going to be garbage and potentially result in voters being disenfranchised, according to Schmidt. You cannot just use, for example, name and birthday to go about taking steps to remove a voter, he says. That will result in a terrific number of false matches. The argument is more than theoretical. In 2005, Kansas developed the Interstate Voter Registration Crosscheck Program. Much like ERIC, the network pledged to help states improve the accuracy of the data underlying their voter rolls by allowing member states to share registration information. But Crosscheck relied heavily on using registrants names and birthdays to check for potentially duplicate registrations, leading to high rates of false positives. In one academic study of Crosscheck data, researchers found that the program wrongly flagged 99 percent of registrations. In 2019, Kansas agreed to settle a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union and shut down Crosscheck following a data breach that exposed personal information of voters shared by the program. With the demise of Crosscheck, and as larger, conservative-led states have walked away from ERIC, pro-Trump activists like Mitchell have promoted a new tool, dubbed the EagleAI Network, for states that have left the nonprofit. EagleAI was developed in 2022 by John W. Richards, a medical doctor and health care CEO from Alabama. Cleta Mitchell met with secretaries of state to encourage them to pull out of ERIC. Mitchell has a number of ties to EagleAI, as the investigative watchdog Documented first detailed, including helping the group with strategic planning, legal advice, and hosting demonstrations of the software for her Election Integrity Network nonprofit. EagleAIs developers hinted at their ambition for the software in an August article for Just the News, a pro-Trump outlet. In the article and company documents published with the piece, the company said it wanted the software to be the solution across the nation for use at all levels of Voter Roll validation, maintenance, and review. In an email to Rolling Stone, Richards said that while EagleAI could replace ERIC, doing so is not its mission. EagleAI claims that hundreds of individuals and county election offices in 23 states have shown interest in using it. In December, the company gained its first government user in Georgias Republican-dominated Columbia County, though the states own director of elections, Blake Evans, said in a statement earlier this year that the EagleAI presentations he has seen are confused and seem to steer counties towards unlawful list-maintenance activities. Schmidt, Pennsylvanias top election official, is critical of software like EagleAI. The data sets that theyre looking to use, such as property-tax records, should not be used to generate a list of voters who are ineligible to vote, according to Schmidt, because plenty of eligible voters dont always appear on them. Theres any number of spouses who do not show up on propertytax records. No one who rents an apartment will show up on property-tax records. The software, he says, is utterly unreliable as a replacement for ERIC and would likely result in a terrific number of challenges to voters who are registered and eligible, as well as litigation against states or counties who use it for those purposes. Richards tells Rolling Stone that property-tax records are only a small part of the property data that EagleAI uses. To say that EagleAI data is utterly unreliable is to also say that ERIC data is unreliable we use the same primary sources, he says. Richards acknowledges that EagleAI does not have the Personal Protected Information that ERIC has, like drivers-license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. But, he claims, this does not make EagleAI less accurate. EagleAI also markets its platform for use not just by state and county election officials, but by ordinary citizens to spot potential problem registrations for review and/or election challenges. Conservative groups have already sponsored training sessions for activists to use the software, according to Documented. Even aside from its potential use in government, some fear activists could use software like EagleAI to flood election officials with needless challenges to voters eligibility. EagleAI presents a few concerns, explains Andrew Garber, an attorney with the Brennan Center for Justices voting-rights and elections program. One of them being that it seems to be a tool made to generate mass challenges. Garber says tools like EagleAI that can facilitate mass voter-eligibility challenges are concerning because of the effect they could have on election administration. The people who run our elections have a lot to do. And when they get hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of challenges at the same time, they often have to investigate and come to determinations on those, which takes them away from their other really important work. He adds that such tools can also spread disinformation by giving the appearance that theres something wrong with the voter rolls when, in fact, there isnt. Richards dismisses such concerns, saying any challenges would be due to the fact that there are a high number of problem registrations, rather than anything to do with his software. He says EagleAI will make county election officials more efficient at handling challenges because it makes finding evidentiary documentation more efficient and accurate. He calls allegations that EagleAI could facilitate disinformation laughable. In her email to Rolling Stone, Mitchell defended EagleAI, claiming, EagleAI as an alternative to ERIC simply means that it is a tool that will do what ERIC claims to do but doesnt. IF TRUMP AND HIS LIEUTENANTS get their way, its possible that the failed efforts of 2020 and 2021 (culminating with the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol) could be remembered as a mere dress rehearsal for whatever happens next particularly if the presidential election is close. The hollowing out of ERIC has started while EagleAI begins to take root. The speaker of the House is no longer just someone who will tolerate and back Trumps 2020 election lies, but is now a man who once took the lead on Capitol Hill in trying to nullify that election outcome. And no one and no organization in the Republican Party that truly matters is pushing back on Trumps authoritarianism; theyre adapting to it even when they arent excitedly throwing their arms around it. In January 2023, Merrill stepped down as Alabamas secretary of state, two years after admitting to an inappropriate relationship that upended his political career. His successor, Wes Allen, worked fast to do what Merrill would not. Secretary of State Wes Allen has officially withdrawn from the Electronic Registration Information Center as his first official act in office, a press release triumphantly announced. Still, as Merrill decries MAGA elites assault on ERIC as a destructive endeavor, he nevertheless maintains common cause with even the most zealous of anti-ERIC conservatives. They all want to see Trump restored to the Oval Office, come January 2025. Merrill tells Rolling Stone he is now running unopposed to be an Alabama Trump delegate for the 2024 Republican National Convention. When I spoke to [Trump] in August, I told him I would be helpful, Merrill says. Hes already given me some tasks. UPDATE 11:45 a.m.: This story has been updated to reflect David Beckers accurate title. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Ahead of the 2024 legislative session that begins Jan. 8, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced his supplemental budget proposals Thursday for housing and homelessness issues across the state. The governor said that he is requesting $100 million from the Legislature for Rapid Capital Housing Acquisition, a program that was established to move homeless encampments off of Washingtons freeway rights of way and connect the residents living in those encampments with housing resources. We are making big progress, big progress, in our effort to resolve some of these homeless encampments along our states right of ways, and Im pleased to say now that this is an example of what we can do when we put our minds to it to get people into housing, to remove them from our homeless encampments, to see to it that when people travel our highways, they are not seeing a scourge of homelessness up and down our highways, Inslee said. The governor added that the rights-of-way initiative has been a high priority of his administration, and that more work is still necessary. The job is not done, weve got to keep this progress going, he said. Inslee addressed the high price tag on his request to the Legislature, and said that the cost comes from not only paying those tasked with encampment cleanup and social workers, but also purchasing enough real estate where transitional or permanent housing can be established. Inslee announced the proposal from a former encampment in Seattle along First Avenue and Michigan Street, months after the encampment was cleared in March. He was joined by other regional leaders including Washington state Rep. Nicole Macri, D-Seattle, and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. We know that the response to homelessness is housing and we know the opposite of addiction is connection, Macri said. And those values underride this approach to responding. Macri said she is grateful for the funding for the initiative in the 2023-25 state budget passed earlier this year, and that she is looking forward to continued support from the Legislature. Harrell echoed the governor and Macris sentiments. It is my priority as a mayor, and my administrations priority, to make sure that we house and we treat everyone with compassion, Harrell said. Since its inception in 2022, the right of ways initiative has cleared 30 encampments and connected more than 1,000 people to housing resources in Spokane, Thurston, Pierce and Snohomish counties as well as King, according to the Washington State Department of Commerce website. Commerce is a partner in the initiative. CHICKASAW, Ala. (WKRG) The interim Chickasaw police chief has sent an apology letter to the mayor and city council after he was suspended over social media posts. Mobile sheriffs deputies pull over car as part of Cailee Knight shooting investigation Chief Tommy McDuffie was suspended for three days over the posts content. News 5 obtained videos that showed the following: McDuffie watches clips of animals pouncing on each other and humans scaring dogs and cats, and he laughs at the footage McDuffie, sitting in police uniform, lip-syncs to a quote from recording artist R. Kellys interview with journalist Gayle King. He lip-syncs (to R. Kellys audio): Somebody sent me something on my phone, and it said that I hogtied her. I dont know how to hogtie people. Why would I hogtie her? McDuffie, sitting in police uniform, watches footage of a spelling tournament and laughs as a child asks for more information about a word that resembles a racial epithet McDuffie, sitting in a car in police uniform, sings along to a song with the lyrics, Im Black, yall and Im Black yall, and Im Blacker than Black and Im Black, yall. These are just some examples of the content found in McDuffies videos. Baldwin County deputies searching for runaway in Daphne Chickasaw Mayor Barry Broadhead suspended McDuffie for violating the Citys Social Media Activity Policy, a news release from the citys attorney, Nash Campbell, stated. McDuffie wrote Broadhead and the Chickasaw City Council a public apology. I deeply apologize for my recent behavior on social media. I regret any embarrassment that I have caused the City of Chickasaw or you the Mayor and Council, read McDuffies letter. I hope that anyone that was offended by my actions can forgive me. It was truly not my intent; however, I understand that my behavior is not becoming of a Chickasaw Police Officer of a leader in your city. It will never happen again. Former Police Chief and Public Safety Director Keith Miller was terminated in July during a city council meeting. ALSO ON WKRG.com: Community activists respond to fatal shooting that killed 9-year-old girl For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. In October 2018, Angela Bledsoe dropped her daughter at school not knowing it was the last time they would see each other. Hours later, in the evening, Bledsoe, 44, was found dead on the kitchen floor of her house in Montclair. Her boyfriend and her daughters father, James Ray III, gunned her down before he left the country and prompted an international manhunt. The story of Bledsoe's death, Ray's capture and their tumultuous relationship will air on ABC Dec. 8. He claimed it was self-defense, that he was about to clean his guns when Bledsoe picked up one of them and pointed it at him. "I was about to clean my guns, and Angela picked up one as she was going to shoot me. I reacted in the heat of the moment, eased down and couldn't stop firing," Ray wrote in a letter to his brother. Ray first escaped to Mexico City, and then flew over to Cuba, a country with which the U.S. has no extradition agreement. After the FBI got involved, a bureau agent arrived in Cuba and managed to get local law enforcement to turn Ray over to him. Ray was flown back to New Jersey, where he was kept in custody at the Essex County Correctional Facility. Angela Bledsoe at her high school reunion in 2017 in Suitland, Maryland. How did James Ray and Angela Bledsoe meet? Raised in Brooklyn, Ray served as a Marine and then spent two years as a New York City police officer before earning an M.B.A. and going to law school. He later launched his insurance brokerage firm and hired Bledsoe, an accomplished financial adviser. At that time, Ray was a married man, but that didnt stop him from having feelings toward Bledsoe nor from dating her. At some point, she realized that he was married. "I do not recall how she found out, but she was not pleased, as you can imagine," Bledsoe's friend Jamila McCoy told ABC News. "It's not in her character to date a married man, and it would never have been her first choice to become involved with a married man," she said. But their relationship continued. "When she got pregnant with their daughter, I think that locked her in," a cousin of Bledsoe said. Those who knew Ray and Bledsoe recall they had a lot in common. Still, since early on, Bledsoes family alleges there were problems in their relationship. Through more than seven years of a relationship, things continued to get worse. Just like Ray used to cheat on his wife with Bledsoe, he thought that Bledsoe was doing the same to him. Tension intensified until Bledsoe decided she no longer wanted to be with him. It was on the day that she was meeting a realtor, looking at a new home, that Ray killed Bledsoe. James Ray III takes notes on the first day of his murder trial in Judge Verna Leath's courtroom in Newark on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Ray is charged with murdering his girlfriend, Angela Bledsoe, in the Montclair home they shared in 2018. What happened with the prosecution? The trial was long and loaded with harsh allegations. Rays defense attorney, Brooke Barnett, said, Angela had grown to hate, even despise, have disdain for James. The evidence will show that she picked up the gun, and she pointed it at him in one of her tirades, she added. In turn, prosecutor Michele Miller told the jury of 11 men and four women that Ray was a calculated killer able to methodically withdraw cash, write checks, print his will and write a letter to his brother. Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Michele Miller delivered her opening statement on the first day of the James Ray III murder trial in Newark on March 29, 2023. Ray was charged with murdering his girlfriend, Angela Bledsoe, in the Montclair home they shared in 2018. The jury, though, deliberated in just a few hours. In June 2023, Ray was found guilty of murder, and his sentence was expected to be life in prison. But four days before Rays sentencing, he was found unconscious in his cell at the Essex County Correctional Facility. A sergeant administered him Narcan, a drug that treats overdoses, but that didnt save Ray from dying. The Essex County Correctional Facility has been under review given security issues that have jeopardized the safety of inmates. A man was stabbed to death in 2021, and a 22-year-old detainee with schizophrenia was beaten until he was left in a coma for months. After all the time, effort and money invested in Rays prosecution and international manhunt, a sentence never landed on him. Manhunting Ray involved efforts from local authorities, FBI, Interpol, and the Homeland Security Department. If you commit a crime in the state of New Jersey, we will not forget, we will not forgive and we will find you, said FBI agent Gregory W. Ehriee at the time of Rays capture. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: James Ray III never served a sentence for the murder of Angela Bledsoe An internal report by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction determined two inmates snuck out of prison in this trash dumpster that had been on site in May 2023. Just like in the movies, an Ohio inmate put stuff under his blankets to make it look like someone was sleeping in his bed and then he made his prison escape, according to an internal investigation released Friday. Bradley Gillespie and James Lee escaped from Allen Oakwood Correctional Facility in Lima on May 22, 2023. Prison workers didn't discover them missing for more than 24 hours. Bradley Gillespie and James Lee escaped from Allen Oakwood Correctional Facility in Lima on May 22, 2023. When the mid-morning count on May 23 came up short, guards found items under blankets in Gillespie's bed. Under the blankets, they found a note referencing the escape. Lee and Gillespie snuck out by hiding in a trash dumpster. Security footage at the trash transfer station showed the two men climbing out of the dumpster and running away. An internal report by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction found two inmates escaped in May 2023 by hiding in a dumpster and disguising a bed to make it look like someone was sleeping in it. They stole a car and hit the road, heading to Indiana on Interstate 69 where another security camera captured footage of them passing through south of Indianapolis. Police in Henderson, Ky., gave chase, Lee and Gillespie's stolen car crashed and they took off on foot in the early morning hours of May 24. Officers caught Lee. Authorities found Gillespie's body in the Ohio River on May 28. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction fired a probationary guard and is preparing to take disciplinary action against two other guards and a captain. The prison chief of security, Carl Bendross, returned to duty. Another guard died while on administrative leave. The internal investigation found that another incarcerated person may have tried to warn prison staff that Lee and Gillespie were planning to escape. And another employee received an anonymous note in February 2023 that said Gillespie had a weapon, rope and several $100 bills. The investigation found that there had been eight other internal reviews of inaccurate counts at the prison between October 2022 and May 2023. Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Investigation finished on how 2 Ohio inmates escaped in trash dumpster The University of Pennsylvanias Wharton Business School board and longtime donor Jon Huntsman have both said Penn President Liz Magill should be fired after her testimony during a House hearing on antisemitism. Magill is in hot water after congressional testimony Tuesday in which she was asked if a call for genocide against Jewish people would be considered harassment at her school. She responded that the words would have to turn into conduct. Lets make this great institution shine once again, Huntsman, a former U.S. ambassador, said in a statement to CNN. We are anchored to the past until the trustees step up and completely cut ties with current leadership. Full stop. Huntsman previously said his family would no longer donate to Penn due to antisemitism on campus and the schools response to it, but he is now going further by advocating for Magill to be removed from her position. At this point its not even debatable, Huntsman told the outlet. Just a simple IQ test. And he isnt the only one. The Wharton advisory board sent a letter to Magill, saying it is deeply concerned about the dangerous and toxic culture on our campus that has been led by a select group of students and faculty and has been permitted by University leadership. The testimony Magill gave was further proof to the board that its members and university leadership did not share the same values, according to the letter. There were an unprecedented eight meetings held by the board in the past month to discuss the climate on campus and rising antisemitism. In light of your testimony yesterday before Congress, we demand the University clarify its position regarding any call for harm to any group of people immediately, change any policies that allow such conduct with immediate eect, and discipline all oenders expeditiously, the board wrote in the letter. Further, as a result of the University leaderships stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new l leadership with immediate eect, it said. The calls from Huntsman and the board add to other influential voices in Pennsylvania that have already said Magill should be removed from her position. Six Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers said Magill should be removed. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said the Board of Trustees should meet soon to discuss if Magills comments represented the university, while the two Democratic Senators of the state condemned her remarks. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Texts between actor Jonathan Majors and his accuser, Grace Jabbari, were revealed in court on Friday. The texts from 2022 show Majors urging Jabbari not to get medical attention. "It could lead to an investigation, even if you do lie and they suspect something," he wrote. Actor Jonathan Majors urged his then-girlfriend not to get medical help for an injury because it could lead to an "investigation," explosive texts read aloud at his criminal domestic violence trial revealed. The prosecution read the jury the messages timestamped September 22, 2022, three days after Grace Jabbari a 30-year-old dancer and Major's ex-girlfriend alleges he flew into a rage in their shared north London home while he was filming "Magazine Dreams." Majors, now 34, encouraged Jabbari not to go to the doctor for an injury after some unspecified incident, according to the texts. "It's just fake," Majors texted Jabbari. "And you have, I fear, no perspective of what could happen if you go to the hospital. They will ask you questions and, as I don't think you can actually protect us, it could lead to an investigation, even if you do lie and they suspect something." Jabbari, who has been on the witness stand for four days, texted back that she would cover for Majors. "I will tell the doctor that I bumped my head," according to a text message read to the jury. "If I go I'm going to give it one more day. But I can't sleep and I need some stronger painkillers. Why would I tell them what really happened when it's clear I want to be with you." It's unclear when the injury happened; Jabbari previously testified that on September 19, 2023, Majors confronted her because she had gone out for drinks with a friend and then returned to their home for dinner. Jabbari alleged Majors ripped her headphones out of her ears, and then stomped on them. He began throwing her clothes and possessions into bags and hurling household items around the room, she testified. A September 2022 London police report, alluded to by prosecutors in motion papers, still has not been entered into evidence. The judge has kept strict control on evidence at the trial and restricted the press from seeing any exhibits. The judge in the trial allowed prosecutors to read out the text messages between the Marvel star and his accuser after prosecutors said Majors' legal team "impugned" her credibility. Judge Michael Gaffey agreed that defense questioning during Thursday's cross-examination of Jabbari had cast doubt on her testimony without providing the proper context for why she would not tell police and doctors what happened. Majors is on trial over a separate March 2023 incident in which he's accused of attacking Jabbari in the backseat of a car in New York City. The "Ant-Man" and "Loki" star has pleaded not guilty to all four charges of misdemeanor assault and harassment in connection to the incident. He's accused Jabbari of being violent toward him; she was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge based on his allegation, but prosecutors immediately dropped the charges. Correction: December 8, 2023 A previous version of this story incorrectly identified who read the texts aloud at trial. The text messages were read by the prosecution, not by the trial judge. Read the original article on Business Insider AUSTIN (KXAN) Def Leppard and Journey are making their way to Texas this August as part of The Summer Stadium Tour 2024. While the tour is not stopping in Austin, youll still have chances to catch the bands in three cities across the state, along with special guest Steve Miller Band: Aug. 12 Globe Life Field in Arlington Aug. 14 Minute Maid Park in Houston Aug. 16 Alamodome in San Antonio Ticket presales for these dates start this month on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., according to the tour website. Tickets then go on sale to the general public on Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. Concert hopefuls can register for early access to tickets for their preferred tour date online. After registering, theyll receive an exclusive code and link to buy tickets. The tour runs from early July through early September 2024. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office is currently searching for a missing endangered adult on the Westside of the city. The missing adult, Gene L. Stein, was reported missing today, Friday, Dec. 8, at 7:00 a.m. Read: 24th annual Childrens Christmas Party of Jacksonville happening this Saturday for kids in need Mr. Stein is believed to be driving a White 2015 Dodge Dart bearing Florida tag NVU D89. Mr. Stein has been reported to be exhibiting signs of memory loss and due to his age and health, JSO is concerned for his safety. Read: Hate messages found in two Jacksonville locations on the first day of Hanukkah Here is his description: Name: Gene L. Stein Age: 78 Race/Sex: White/Male Height/Weight: 57/ 175 lbs. Eyes/Hair: Blue / Gray Clothing: Gray sweatsuit Read: Your Money Jax: FBI issuing warnings about holiday shopping scams, how you can avoid them Anyone with information that could lead to Mr. Steins whereabouts is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office at 904-630-0500 or 911. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. On November 29, four judges of the Kyiv Court of Appeal were exposed for receiving illegal benefits The High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine has imposed a pre-trial restriction on another judge of the Kyiv Court of Appeal, Viktor Hlynianyi, the press service of the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office reported on Facebook on Dec. 8. The preventive measure was imposed at the request of a Special Anti-corruption Prosecutors Office prosecutor. Read also: Motor Sich President Boguslaev cooperated with DPR terrorists, SBU says The High Anti-Corruption Court granted the motion and confined the judge to custody with an alternative of bail of UAH 4.99 million ($136,044), with the imposition of appropriate procedural obligations. The preventive measure is valid for 60 days. The High Anti-Corruption Court remanded Kyiv Court of Appeal Judge Yuriy Slyva on Dec. 6 in custody with the option of posting bail of UAH 2.5 million ($68,055). The High Council of Justice allowed four judges of the Kyiv Court of Appeal to be taken into custody. These are judges Vyacheslav Dziubin, Ihor Palenyka, Viktor Hlynianyi, and Yuriy Slyva. Read also: Ukraine seizes $320 million in assets of former Motor Sich leadership They are reportedly suspected of taking a bribe for the decision to cancel the seizure of property in the case of Vyacheslav Boguslaev, the former head of Motor Sich, who was charged with treason. Ukraines SBU security service detained Boguslaev on Oct. 22, 2022, as part of a case of the company's illegal supply of military goods to Russian attack aircraft. The Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv remanded Boguslaev in custody on Oct. 24. According to Radio Libertys investigative project Skhemy, he has had Russian citizenship since 2000 and an apartment in Moscow since 2002. On Nov. 4, Ukraines SBU security service arrested Boguslaev's property worth almost UAH 1 billion ($27.2 million). On Nov. 7, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that Motor Sich, along with a number of other strategic enterprises, would work around the clock for Ukraine's defense. Read also: Suspected collaborator and former Motor Sich head blocked transfer of helicopter to Ukrainian intelligence, in released phone conversations On March 28, Boguslaev was also charged with obstructing the lawful activities of the Armed Forces and other military formations (Article 114-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). According to law enforcement, he ordered to remove the blades from helicopters so that they could not be used by the defenders of Ukraine. Boguslaev is still in custody. According to Skhemy, the former Motor Sich president asked to be handed over to Russia as part of an exchange. In October 2023, the SBU seized assets of Boguslaev and his accomplice, Oleh Dziuba, head of Motor Sich's foreign economic activity department, worth more than UAH 12 billion ($326.7 million). Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine A woman who aggressively threw a burrito bowl in an Ohio Chipotle workers face was found guilty and opted to work in a fast food restaurant as punishment to understand her victims experience. A viral video shows Rosemary Hayne, 39, arguing with an employee, identified as Emily Russell. The two had a heated exchange at the register when Hayne reportedly threw hot food in her face and stormed out of the restaurant in Parma, about 10 miles from Cleveland. Rosemary Hayne was charged with assault for throwing a hot burrito bowl in a Chipotle employees face. (@publicfreskout/Reddit/Screenshot) Hayne was charged with assault for the attack and initially sentenced to 180 days in jail with half the time suspended, CBS News reported. However, during her hearing, judge Timothy Gillian offered her a deal as a lesson to her and others. Do you want to walk in [Russells] shoes for two months and learn how people should treat people, or do you want to do your jail time? Gillian asked, per the report. Hayne chose the first option, knocking 60 days off her sentence. She would be required to work at a fast food restaurant for 20 hours a week for a two-month period. According to WJW-TV, Hayne apologized to Russell for her behavior and explained that she did not like how her food was made, adding that it was disgusting looking. You didnt get your burrito bowl the way you like it, and this is how you respond? Gillian said the news station reported. This is not Real Housewives of Parma. This behavior is not acceptable. According to reports, Russell quit after more than four years at the job and now works for a different fast-food chain. Law enforcement was able to locate Hayne because she placed her order online. Russell believes Haynes sentence was reasonable: She didnt get a slap on the wrist, she said. Hayne must complete her conditions by mid-March, and its yet to be known where she will work to fulfill her obligations. My client is grateful for the opportunity to get a job to reduce her sentence and demonstrate her true remorse for her behavior at Chipotle, her attorney, Joe OMalley, told CBS News. Black holes, despite their name, are far from being an empty space in the dark abyss. These condensed areas of space have mesmerized scientists for decades because gravity pulls so much that even light cant escape them. Black holes are mountains of matter. While we usually think of black holes as being inescapable, something humans should stay far away from, a recent paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Physics Review D resurfaces an ongoing idea in astronomy that there could be a use for black holes for us on Earth in the future as an energy source. The paper comes from researchers at Tianjin University in China who proposed that spatially tiny black holes that have no spin, called primordial black holes, could essentially be turned into batteries and nuclear reactors. According to their calculations, a primordial black hole would have a 25% efficiency rate, which is pretty impressive. Residential solar panels range from 13% to 22.8% efficiency. Wind turbines range from 20% to 40% efficient at converting wind into energy. Clearly, there is a need on Earth to generate energy without greenhouse gas emissions and negative consequences to the environment. Fossil fuels are slowly being phased out in many places around the world. Could black holes be a futuristic, and clean, energy source for us on Earth maybe in hundreds or even thousands of years? Getting close to a black hole, spin or no spin, is a very difficult task, especially considering how whatever gets close enough to it could possibly be lost forever. But the researchers posit this could be possible. Particles moving around a spinning black hole are tossed and hurled away from the black hole with more energy than they go in, under certain conditions. In fact, another recent study, this one in The Astrophysical Journal, presents some of the first ever proof that black holes can actually lose energy, which lends to the idea that it can be harvested via a mechanism known as the BlandfordZnajek process. First proposed in 1977 and named for astrophysicists Roger Blandford and Roman Znajek, it draws on a theory that rotating supermassive black holes will cause magnetic fields to twist into a helix that creates a voltage and brings energy out of the hole. Previously, researchers suggested that these particles being thrown around outside of the primordial black hole could be harvested for their energy. But without a spin, researchers of the Physics Review D paper suggest feeding the tiny black hole with charged alpha particles. The gravitational pull of the black hole would outweigh the electric charge allowing the tiny particles to get sucked in and not spat out. This would allow the black hole to be able to be recharged several times, but it would have a limit. To extract the energy, they would surround the black hole with an electrically-charged field. Basically, an electrical grid for black holes. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. The researchers also concluded that a primordial black hole could have the similar efficiency as a nuclear reactor. However, there is one big caveat to this study, which is that there is no definitive proof that primordial black holes actually exist. In a phone interview, Janna Levin, a professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, Columbia University, said the researchers cast their results in a clever way, and create enthusiasm around black holes in their purest form, which might be primordial ones. It is kind of an irony that the darkest phenomena in the universe figures out a way to become the brightest, she said. It engineers a way to become a particle accelerator. As mentioned, the idea of extracting energy from black holes isnt new. Other physicists, such as Sir Roger Penrose, have theorized other ways to extract energy from a rotating black hole with the Penrose Process." It hinges on the idea that particles falling into a black hole's ergosphere a region outside the event horizon where space-time is dragged around by the spin of the black hole are sped up so fast they break in two. One part goes into the black hole and the other one shoots out with more energy than before. However, Penrose himself has said this method is incredibly inefficient for energy harvesting. More recently, a study published in 2020 in Nature Physics tested the physics of this possibility and verified it was possible. In an article published in The Conversation about their paper, the scientists didnt discredit the possibility of using black holes for energy in the far away future. While we are not anywhere close to extracting energy from a rotating black hole, this doesnt mean it couldnt be done by a very advanced alien civilisation or indeed our own civilisation in the distant future, the researchers wrote. Such a civilization could build a structure around the black hole that rotates with it and then drop asteroids or even electromagnetic waves into it what would be reflected with more energy. In 2021, the U.S. National Science Foundation funded research that concluded the possibility could become a reality with spinning black holes for an advanced civilization as well. Luca Comisso, research scientist at Columbia University and first author on the study, said at the time that the biggest barrier is a technological problem. "Thousands or millions of years from now, humanity might be able to survive around a black hole without harnessing energy from stars," Cosmisso said. If we look at the physics, there is nothing that prevents it." Levin told Salon gravitational energy is surprisingly rich. If you can convert gravitational energy into light energy, or electric energy, like circuit energy, the stuff that power supplies, you should be able to do pretty well, she said. But they're not going to be replacing coal or fossil fuels. At least, not yet. Who knows what somebody will be able to make in a laboratory, she said. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. At Purdue University, it is a tradition that every former president receives a bronze bust to be displayed within the Purdue Memorial Union. And that's even if the former president might be too humble to accept one. Mitch Daniels, the previous president of Purdue University and former governor of Indiana, insisted that the university didnt need to display a bust of him on campus.' After some playful banter from Mung Chiang, president of Purdue University, Daniels conceded. He said, I dont want a bust. Dont spend money on it. I said, 'Im afraid Mitch, its the Purdue tradition. You have to have one. You must have one,' " Chiang recalled before unveiling the bust. Im so glad that in the end, Mitch decided, 'Alright, its OK, its OK. '" Perhaps to get back at his former leaders humbleness, Chiang ensured that the unveiling of Daniels bust was one nobody in attendance forgot. As Daniels and Purdue Pete unveiled the university's newest bust, they were greeted with a giant bronze head that resembled wait for it Pete. Mitch Daniels, Purdue University's former president and Purdue Pete react to the unveiling of the bronze bust of "Mitch Daniels", who served as the university's12th president from 2013 to 2022, inside Purdue Memorial Union, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in West Lafayette. It was clear that Daniels took a moment, staring at Petes head, actually made out of plastic, questioning if perhaps he and Pete might actually be twins. The shock of the moment turned into the realization that Pete and Chiang had tricked him. After he stopped laughing, Purdue Pete presented the real bronze bust of Daniels, and the former president took a moment to appreciate the likeness. I would like to claim that this is the first time that Ive been busted, but that would not be true. Luckily it has been a while, Daniels playfully joked about the occasions he was pulled over by Indiana State Police. Michael Berghoff, chairman of Purdue University's Board of Trustees, speaks about Mitch Daniels before the university unveils the bronze bust of Daniels, who served as the university's 12th president from 2013 to 2022, inside Purdue Memorial Union, on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in West Lafayette. After Daniels finished joking, he took a moment to thank those who attended his bust reveal. There were several faces in the audience that he was not expecting to see, but he was glad they made it. Im really touched, a lot of people came a long distance, and I didnt expect that, Daniels said. He reflected on important moments throughout his journey at Purdue, from the first moment that he stepped on campus 11 years ago to his last day on campus. I just thought that there would be so many opportunities to build on what was already here, Daniels said. I thought of those things that we always excelled in. The disciplines, the researchers, the skills, that determined global, state, national and societal success. It was just such a joy, every day to be a part of it. Daniels noted that many of his most important memories were mentioned in his new book, "Boiler Up: A University President in the Public Square," which was published by Purdue University Press. Proceeds from the sales of "Boiler Up" support the scholarship fund at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools. Mitch Daniels, Purdue University's former president, shares how overwhelmed he was when the university unveiled the bronze bust of himself. The bust was unveiled inside Purdue Memorial Union Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, in West Lafayette. When I thought about coming to Purdue, a big piece of it was the thought that a school like this, a university like this, is the single greatest asset any state, any economy can have, said Daniels. It can be a magnet for talent, it can be a magnet for new investments to grow businesses. If theres any place, I know thats poised to do that its Purdue University. He highlighted how Purdue University played a role in turning Tippecanoe County into one of the countrys most desirable counties for eventual residents. But overall, Daniels was grateful for his time at Purdue University and thanked the students, staff and faculty for giving him the opportunity to be the university's president. Im just so glad that the opportunity came along, and I would like to think we did it justice. Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue unveils bronze bust honoring Mitch Daniels 1. According to Billboard, this is the oldest English-language Christmas carol, dating back to the 1650s: A. Silent Night B. Lo, How a Rose Eer Blooming C. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen D. The Holly and the Ivy Answer: C, God Rest Ye Merry. Read this article. I really like that song. And notice that no, its not God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen. One of the most important commas in all of commadom. 2. There is a theory these days holding that O Come, All Ye Faithful was written with secret political intent, as a rallying crying for what cause? A. The Stuart Restoration of 1660 B. The attempted Stuart retaking of the throne in 1745 under Bonnie Prince Charlie C. The consolidation of the Austrian Empire in 1804 D. Napoleons return from exile in Elba in 1815 Answer: B, the Bonnie Prince Charlie episode. So says Bennett Zon, the head of the Music Department at Durham University. What, you know better? 3. According to a 2015 tally by FiveThirtyEight, what is the most covered Christmas song of all time? A. Silent Night B. White Christmas C. Jingle Bells D. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Answer: A, Silent Night. Followed by White Christmas, second, and Jingle Bells, third. Have Yourself was seventh. 4. According to a 2021 YouGov poll, what do Americans think is the worst Christmas song of all time? A. Baby, Its Cold Outside B. Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer C. All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth D. Santa Baby Answer: D, Santa Baby. It nosed out Grandma by one percentage point, so, within the margin of error. Still, it was liked overall by 68 percent32 percent. Great trivia here: It was co-written by Phil Springer, who, first of all, is still alive (!) and second of all went on to write songs with Utah GOP Senator Orrin Hatch, who was something of a tunesmith. And theres more politics to this: The co-composer was Joan Javits, the niece (I think) of longtime liberal Republican New York Senator Jacob Javits. And I dont see whats so bad about it. Its a fine song. 5. And according to a 2021 ranking by SmoothRadio.com, what is the best country Christmas song of all time? A. Jingle Bell Rock, by Bobby Helms B. Blue Christmas, by Elvis Presley C. Rockin Around the Christmas Tree, by Brenda Lee D. Christmases When You Were Mine, by Taylor Swift Answer: C, Rockin Around. Great song, great guitar, pretty cool sax solo. Brenda Lee was 13 when she record this! 6. Which of these artists has never recorded a Christmas song? A. Snoop Dogg B. They Might Be Giants C. Bee Gees D. Foo Fighters Answer: Surprisingly, C, Bee Gees. Look it up! Snoop appears to have done a number of holiday tunes. They Might Be Giants made a Christmas E.P. with five songs, and Foo Fighters recorded Chuck Berrys classic Run Rudolph Run, also covered by Keith Richards and Dave Edmunds. UPDATE: Kansas City police said Trianna Wilborn and Aaliyah Bowen have both been located and are safe. KANSAS CITY, Mo. Kansas City Police are asking for your help in finding a missing mother and daughter. Trianna Wilborn and Aaliyah Bowen have not been seen since 12:30 p.m. on Thursday. They were last seen near Charlotte Street and Truman Road. Wilborns car was found abandoned and damaged near Chestnut Avenue and East 70th Street. Raytown police investigating alleged threats between school board member and teacher Wilborn is 24 years old. Police said she is 5-foot-6 and weighs 145 pounds. She was last seen wearing a Chiefs shirt, black sweatpants and flip-flops. Bowen is 4 years old, 3 feet tall, and weighs 25 pounds. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and pink pajama pants. Police are unsure if the two of them need medical attention. If you see them or know where they are, call 911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The late Queen Elizabeth II considered it imperative that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex kept effective security after leaving the working Royal family, court documents have revealed. Her most senior aide told a Home Office committee that keeping the Sussexes safe was of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family as he put forward a case for their continuing security, a letter has revealed. Sir Edward Young wrote to Sir Mark Sedwill, the then Cabinet Secretary, after the Sandringham summit of January 2020 to explain what had been decided by the late Queen and her grandson. The letter, included in newly published court documents, reveals how Sir Edward writing on behalf of the Palace in his role as the late Queens private secretary made the case for the Sussexes continued effective security as they left the working Royal family. It invokes the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and talks of the threats the Sussexes face from extremists. The letter, published as part of a summary judgment on Friday, contradicts the prevailing narrative that the Duke and Duchess were cut off by the Royal family after being forced to leave Britain. It has been submitted to the High Court as part of evidence to reach the truth of whether and when the Duke made an offer to pay for his own security. He has claimed it was raised during the Sandringham Summit. Ravec, the Home Office committee that rules on security matters, did not receive any such offer at that stage, it is claimed. They would still attract public attention Reporting the details of what was agreed at the summit, Sir Edward wrote: During their time in the UK, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex expect to attend public-facing engagements representing the charities and causes which remain dear to them. These engagements would no longer be formally undertaken on behalf of Her Majesty but, given the profile of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, we would expect they would still attract public attention In regard to their Commonwealth patronages, although the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be formally representing Her Majesty, they will be undertaking work that is closely associated with Her Majesty and which may appear to the public eye to be very similar to now. Of course, a number of these patronages have been granted to them by Her Majesty, which they will continue actively to fulfil. Her Majesty may from time to time invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to attend national royal occasions in their private capacity, and Her Majesty is likely to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to participate in family events in keeping with other non-working members of the family. Of paramount importance to Her Majesty On the matter of the Duke and Duchesss ongoing security, he wrote: You will understand well that ensuring that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain safe is of paramount importance to Her Majesty and her family. Given the Dukes public profile by virtue of being born into the Royal family, his military service, the Duchesss own independent profile and the well-documented history of targeting of the Sussex family by extremists, it is imperative that the family continues to be provided with effective security. And, of course, the family is mindful of tragic incidents of the past. The discussions to date, including with [the former chairman of Ravec], have been useful in making sure that the parameters of the Ravec process are well understood. Of course, Her Majesty and her family recognise that these are independent processes and decisions about the provision of publicly funded security are for the UK Government, the government of Canada and any other host government. Duke was desperate to keep security The letter goes against the picture Prince Harry has painted of the Palaces attitude to his security situation. In interviews and Spare, his autobiography, the Duke spoke of his distress and fear about life without his UK personal protection officers, describing it as the Palaces obligation and implicit promise to continue. He was desperate to keep security after leaving the Royal family, he wrote, begging his late grandmother, father, brother and staff to continue armed police protection. In a scene depicting the institution wearing me down, and so hostile that Prince William looked as if he planned to murder me, he told them: Look. Please. Meg and I dont care about perks, we care about working, serving and staying alive. The leading proposal under discussion called for total abandonment, he said. In the event, those present agreed reluctantly, in his account to continue a year trial period in which the Sussexes would retain security. The decision, of course, was not the Royal familys to make. It falls to Ravec, the independent committee that is now at the heart of the Dukes latest legal case. After the summit, the late Queen released one of her more moving statements, in which she said the Duke and Duchess would always be much loved family members. The couple moved to Canada, where they received publicly funded security for a short time before learning it was to be pulled immediately. They called on their new friend Tyler Perry, who offered them refuge, including security, in his Californian home. Oval-faced and fuzzy The Duke has not historically been fond of Sir Edward. In his autobiography, he describes him as one of the three Palace middle-aged white men whod manage to consolidate power through a series of bold Machiavellian manoeuvres. Nicknaming him The Bee, he describes him as oval-faced and fuzzy and tended to glide around with great equanimity and poise, as if he was a boon to all living things. In one scene, in which he blames Sir Edward for preventing him from seeing his grandmother to argue the case over his exit in person, he writes: To hell with The Bee. Who was he to try to block me? The Duke only belatedly discovered that Sir Edward was involved in discussions about his security, taking a seat on the Ravec committee. At a court hearing in July last year, it emerged that he, along with the Earl of Rosslyn, the Master of Prince Charless household, were on the committee. Harry has since argued that Sir Edward should not have been involved in the decision because of significant tensions between them. Sir James Eadie QC, representing the Home Office, replied that personal tensions between Prince Harry and Royal Household officials were irrelevant to his change in status when he stepped back from royal duties. Endgame, the new royal biography, goes further. Omid Scobie, its author, writes: Harrys contention is that Young abused his gatekeeping power, gaslighting him when it came to passing along important messages about his lawsuits against the media, and then prohibiting access to his grandmother when Harry needed her the most, all under the guise of protecting the sovereign. Case set to go to trial next year The case is expected to go to trial next year. Part of the evidence will discuss whether Prince Harry made a serious offer to pay for his own security, and whether that message was conveyed to the relevant decision-makers. The judge has already ruled that the Mail on Sunday may argue in court that his team undertook a masterclass of spinning to mislead the public about his offer to pay for security. Mr Justice Nicklin said Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Mail on Sunday, has a real prospect of demonstrating that an honest person could have held the view that Prince Harrys representatives were spinning in a statement about his security. Outside the courts, royal-watchers will recall with sadness the late Queens belief that, in 2020, she had found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. That hope has so far not come to pass. While the scale of the Dukes legal battles has at times appeared ever-expanding, those public court cases do have at least one useful outcome. Document by document, evidence after testimony, the truth rather than their truth will slowly emerge. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. The Texas Supreme Court on Friday night temporarily halted a lower court's order that would have permitted a pregnant Dallas woman, whose fetus has lethal abnormality, to get an abortion. The order came in response to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's request a day earlier that the high court step in to intervene. The Supreme Court did not rule on the merits of the case. The court said it would rule on the temporary restraining order, but did not specify when. Paxtons office submitted its petition just before midnight Thursday, after a Travis County district judge granted a temporary restraining order allowing Kate Cox, 31, to terminate her nonviable pregnancy. Paxton also sent a letter to three hospitals, threatening legal action if they allowed the abortion to be performed at their facility. While we still hope that the Court ultimately rejects the states request and does so quickly, in this case we fear that justice delayed will be justice denied, said Coxs lawyer, Molly Duane, in a Friday evening statement. This is the first time an actively pregnant adult woman has gone to court to get an abortion since before Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973. A similar case was filed in Kentucky on Friday. Abortion has been illegal in Texas ever since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe in June of last year, making leaving the state the only option for a woman seeking an abortion unless her life is at risk. Texas also has a law that allows any citizen to sue someone who helps perform or facilitate an abortion after around six weeks of pregnancy. Paxton has warned that even if the courts allow an abortion in this case, the hospitals and doctors would be liable under that law. In the petition, Paxton asked the Texas Supreme Court to rule quickly, saying that each hour [the temporary restraining order] remains in place is an hour that Plaintiffs believe themselves free to perform and procure an elective abortion. Nothing can restore the unborn childs life that will be lost as a result, the filing said. Post hoc enforcement is no substitute, so time is of the essence. The Texas Supreme Court is currently also considering a similar case, Zurawski v. Texas, in which 20 women claim they were denied medically necessary abortions for their complicated pregnancies due to the states new laws. The state has argued those women do not have standing to sue because, unlike Cox, they are not currently seeking abortions. In the initial lawsuit, Coxs attorneys with the Center for Reproductive Rights argued she cannot wait the weeks or months it might take the Texas Supreme Court to rule. Now, the high court must consider many of the same arguments as those in Zurawski v. Texas, but on a much tighter timeline. The central question is whether a lethal fetal anomaly qualifies a pregnant patient for an abortion under the narrow medical exception to the states near-total abortion ban. Coxs lawyers argue that continuing this nonviable pregnancy poses a threat to her life and future fertility, thus necessitating an abortion. Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble agreed, saying it would be a miscarriage of justice to force Cox to continue the pregnancy. The state disagreed, telling the Supreme Court that Guerra Gambles ruling opens the floodgates to pregnant mothers procuring an abortion beyond the scope of the medical exception. Separately, Duane sent a letter to Guerra Gamble, asking her to bring Paxton in for a hearing on his letter threatening legal action against hospitals that allow Cox to have an abortion. The repeated misrepresentations of the Courts [order], coupled with explicit threats of criminal and civil enforcement and penalties, serve only to cow the hospitals from providing Ms. Cox with the healthcare that she desperately needs, Duane wrote. Plaintiffs respectfully request the Court hold a hearing so Defendant Paxton can explain to Your Honor why he should not be sanctioned. Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, on behalf of President Joe Bidens re-election campaign, condemned Paxtons comments Friday. A Texas woman was just forced to beg for life-saving health care in court and now any doctor who provides her the care she urgently needs is being threatened with punishment including a lifetime prison sentence, Escobar said in a statement. This story is shocking, its horrifying, and its heartbreaking. William Melhado contributed to this story. One of the highest ranking Democrats in Frankfort announced Friday he will retire from the legislature. Rep. Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, said he wont seek re-election, saying it was time to give someone else the chance to run for the seat hes held for more than 20 years. As the Jan. 5 deadline to file for office looms, no other person has yet to file for his seat. Graham was first elected to the seat, which covers a majority of Franklin County, in 2002. For more than 30 years now, the people of Frankfort and Franklin County have given me the privilege to be their voice in both local and state offices, and I have used that opportunity to advocate on their behalf and to protect and promote our state and local government workers and public education, Graham said in a statement. However, I feel strongly that now is the time to give someone else the chance to be our next state representative, a job I have loved since first being elected in 2002. Graham made history last year by becoming the first African-American to lead a legislative caucus in the Kentucky House of Representatives. Big news: top House Democrat Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, announces he wont seek re-election. pic.twitter.com/WC9ZW0eoVH Austin Horn (@_AustinHorn) December 8, 2023 Prior to leading the House Democratic caucus, Graham served as caucus chair and also chaired the House Education Committee right before Democrats lost the House majority, from 2013 to 2016. Before holding office at the Capitol, Graham served as a Frankfort city councilman for nearly a decade in the 1990s. In a statement, he praised the Frankfort community. Whether in office or out, I will never stop doing all I can for the community I love and that made me who I am today, Graham wrote. Theres no better place to work, live and as Ill soon find out retire. Graham said he plans to enjoy retirement with his wife, Mildred. Being an elected official takes a lot of your time, and your family pays that price as well, Graham said. I promised my wife that I would begin to scale that back so we can truly enjoy our retirement, and this decision will fulfill that goal. If youre looking for the perfect place to kindle some holiday cheer, youd have to go out of your way to beat this Kentucky small town. The photo book retailer Mixbook surveyed 3,000 families to determine the 75 most Christmassy towns in America. Mixbook ranked Bardstown a picturesque town in Nelson County billed as the bourbon capital of the world No. 21 on its list. Heres a look at some of the other cozy Christmas towns that made the cut, and why Bardstown is a great place to spend the holidays, according to those surveyed. What makes Bardstown a great place for Christmas? Bardstown, known for its picturesque downtown and nearly a dozen distilleries located nearby, was once named the Most Beautiful Small Town In America. Along with the beautiful churches, museums and distilleries you can visit all year-round, Bardstown becomes a special place during the holiday season. Its downtown is transformed into a winter wonderland with elaborate twinkling shop window displays, according to the citys website. Santa's spreading joy on the Square for a few more Saturdays! Bring your little ones for a magical moment with Santa and capture the season's joy in adorable pictures. #VisitBardstown #BardstownMainStreet #SantaOnTheSquare #FamilyFun pic.twitter.com/kaysYJORI5 Bardstown, KY (@visitbardstown) December 5, 2023 You can stop for a tour at My Old Kentucky Home and see a cast of actors perform Charles Dickens Christmas Carol, take a carriage ride through town or catch the local tree lighting ceremony, among other events. The Mixbook accolade for Bardstowns Christmas appeal is just one of several for the city recently. In May, Southern Living named it as one of the 50 best small towns in the South. In February, Travel and Leisure said it was one of the 20 most beautiful in the U.S. Americas most Christmassy towns According to Mixbook, the most Christmassy towns in the country are those that embody the essence of the holiday season with their unique traditions, making them popular destinations for tourism. Heres a look at the top 10, according to Mixbooks rankings: Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Durango, Colo. Lake Placid, N.Y. Stowe, Vt. Alexandria, Va. Old Saybrook, Conn. Stockbridge, Mass. Holland, Mich. Bethlehem, Pa. North Pole, Alaska You can see Mixbooks complete list of the 75 most Christmassy towns at mixbook.com/inspiration/most-christmassy-towns-2023. Do you have a question about Kentucky for our service journalism team? Let us know via the Know Your Kentucky form below or email us at ask@herald-leader.com. A Kentucky woman Friday filed an emergency class-action lawsuit, asking a Jefferson County judge to allow her to terminate her pregnancy. Its the first lawsuit of its kind in Kentucky since the state banned nearly all abortions in 2022 and one of the only times nationwide since before Roe v. Wade in 1973 that an adult woman has asked a court to intervene on her behalf and allow her to get an abortion. A woman in Texas this week asked a local judge there to allow her to terminate her nonviable pregnancy. Kentucky, like Texas, has a near-total abortion ban with no exceptions for rape, incest or lethal fetal conditions that result in a nonviable pregnancy. The Kentucky woman, whos using the pseudonym Jane Doe, is eight weeks pregnant and is seeking an abortion in the Bluegrass State, but cannot legally do so because of the challenged abortion bans, according to the 52-page lawsuit filed Friday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky. Filed in Jefferson County Circuit Court, the class-action lawsuit, which includes Planned Parenthood as a plaintiff, asks a judge to block enforcement of Kentuckys trigger law and six-week abortion ban. She and other pregnant women who wish to no longer be pregnant are suffering medical, constitutional and irreparable harm because they are denied the ability to obtain an abortion. Jane Doe brings this action on behalf of herself and a class of similarly situated people who are now or later become pregnant and seek an abortion in Kentucky but cannot obtain one in the Commonwealth because of the challenged abortion bans, the lawsuit reads. To protect the constitutional rights of Plaintiff Jane Doe and the class she represents . . . this Court must declare the Bans unconstitutional and permanently enjoin their enforcement. In a news release, Jane Doe said in a statement she was a proud Kentuckian, and I love the life and family I have built here. But I am angry that now that I am pregnant and do not want to be, the government is interfering in my private matters and blocking me from having an abortion. Last summer, Kentuckys two outpatient abortion providers sued the state after a pair of laws took effect criminalizing the health care procedure a trigger law banning abortion in all cases except to save the life of a pregnant person, and a six-week ban, which outlaws abortion once fetal cardiac activity develops. Planned Parenthood and EMW Womens Surgical Center argued the bans were unconstitutional, violating a pregnant persons right to bodily autonomy and self-determination rights they argued were protected by the Kentucky Constitution. The clinics in November 2022 asked the Kentucky Supreme Court to temporarily block both laws while the broader and more consequential question does the Kentucky Constitution inherently protect a right to abortion? was interpreted by the courts. The high court denied injunctive relief to the clinics in February, because a majority of justices said the providers lacked adequate constitutional standing to sue on behalf of impacted patients. EMW and Planned Parenthood contested that Kentuckys abortion restrictions cause harm to individuals, broadly legally referred to as third-party standing. Since both clinics are seeking relief for third-party individuals, in order to be recognized as having adequate third-party standing, justices concluded earlier this year that its necessary for both clinics to provide specific, concrete examples of the harm caused by the law, and to show there is a genuine obstacle or hindrance that prevents a third-party from asserting their own interest. Justices said both clinics met the requirements of first-party standing when arguing harm from the trigger law, since a cause and effect were clear: a full-stop ban on elective abortions meant EMW and Planned Parenthood had to cease providing that service. However, they lacked first-party standing in challenging the six-week ban, because its impact on their ability to provide service is less clear, a majority of justices said. First-party standing, in this sense, meant finding an actual a pregnant woman actively in need of an abortion who cannot legally access one in Kentucky to demonstrate irreparable harm caused by the ban. The high court made sure to note its ruling didnt preclude abortion clinics from suing the state, again, once they located a plaintiff who was directly impacted by Kentuckys abortion bans. Until then, the question of whether Kentuckys Constitution inherently includes abortion protections has yet to be answered, they said. To be clear, this opinion does not in any way determine whether the Kentucky Constitution protects or does not protect the right to receive an abortion, they wrote. Nothing in this opinion shall be construed to prevent an appropriate party from filing a suit at a later date. In its filing on Friday, lawyers for the plaintiffs said abortion was a critical component of reproductive health care and crucial to the ability of Kentuckians to control their lives. Pregnancy and childbirth impact an individuals health and well-being, finances and personal relationships. Whether to take on those risks and responsibilities of pregnancy is a personal decision that must be left to the individual to determine for herself without government interference. Pregnant Kentuckians have the right to determine their own futures and make privates decisions about their lives and relationships, lawyers for the plaintiffs said. Access to safe and legal abortion is essential to effectuating those rights. This breaking story will be updated. Kris Mayes, Arizona attorney general, speaks at a Kroger townhall meeting with Lina Khan, chairperson of the Federal Trade Commission, in Phoenix. Nevada this week became the third state to bring criminal charges against electors who falsely claimed Donald Trump won the White House in 2020, adding public pressure on Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes to follow suit. Mayes' investigation of people who claimed Trump won Arizona in a scheme to change the election result is ongoing. The Democratic state prosecutor has kept details of the probe and its scope cloaked. Asked about the Nevada indictment and status of Arizona's inquiry on Thursday, Mayes' spokesperson Richie Taylor declined to comment. The investigation is likely to take a step forward Monday, when former Trump campaign attorney Kenneth Chesebro is expected to meet with state investigators, according to a report in The Washington Post. Chesebro wrote memos that outlined how electors could cast votes for Trump, despite his loss in several states. His cooperation in Georgia and Nevada has been seen as crucial to making those cases against so-called fake electors. Chesebro was charged in Georgia and pleaded guilty for his role, and he was a witness before the Nevada grand jury that handed up indictments against six electors on Wednesday, including the state GOP chair. Spyware executive: Trump allies orchestrate disinformation plot to take control of MAGA Chesebro's attorney, Robert Langford of Las Vegas, deferred most questions about Chesebro's role in Arizona's case to Mayes' office. "I'll reiterate what I have said in the past, which is my client will travel anywhere in the United States to tell the truth about what took place prior to Jan. 6 with the Trump campaign," Langford told The Arizona Republic. "As far as, you know, what his role in all of that was, he played a very limited role in their overall plan to use an alternate slate of electors." Chesebro is also represented by Phoenix attorney Rhonda Neff in the Arizona case, Langford said. Trump electors met in seven battleground states after the 2020 presidential election and sent certificates to Congress claiming Trump won in what federal prosecutors have called an effort to overturn the election result. By 10,457 votes, Arizonans elected Democrat Joe Biden that year, meaning the state's 11 electoral college votes went to the Democrat and helped push Biden to victory. Mayes has said repeatedly that her investigation may take longer than other states because of the comparably short time she has been in office. She was sworn in Jan. 2 and replaced former Republican Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who was term-limited and often criticized for fostering mistrust of elections. Prosecutors in three states Nevada, Michigan and Georgia have filed criminal charges against Trump electors. Georgia's case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, a Democrat, is broadest. It charges others, including Trump and several of his attorneys, engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the election result. Chesebro pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to commit filing false documents in Georgia in exchange for his testimony against other defendants. Trump is also facing federal charges alleging he led a plot to steal the election from Biden, including through the fake elector scheme in the battleground states. The fake electors in Arizona were: Tyler Bowyer, an executive with Turning Point USA and a committeeman for the Republican National Committee; Nancy Cottle, who chaired the Arizona Trump electors; lawmaker Jake Hoffman; state Sens. Anthony Kern; Jim Lamon, a failed U.S. Senate candidate; Robert Montgomery of the Cochise County Republican Committee; Samuel Moorhead of the Gila County Republican Party; Loraine Pellegrino, the secretary of the Arizona Trump electors; Greg Safsten, former executive director of the Arizona Republican Party; Kelli Ward, the state GOP chair at the time; and Michael Ward, her husband and a GOP activist. Reach reporter Stacey Barchenger at stacey.barchenger@arizonarepublic.com or 480-416-5669. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona investigators to meet with Kenneth Chesebro in Trump elector scheme SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Police are looking for suspects in connection to a theft at a LensCrafters on Thursday afternoon, the San Francisco Police Department said. The theft happened around 3:30 p.m. in the Union Square location at 685 Market St. Witness said a group of juveniles entered the store and stole a large quantity of merchandise, according to SFPD. The suspects were able to escape before police arrived. CVS Pharmacy to close location in San Francisco Officers were at the scene of a theft at LensCrafters in downtown San Francisco on Dec. 7 (Citizen App). LEGO Store at San Francisco Centre mall closes As of Thursday evening, no arrests have been made in connection to the theft. Citizen App video (above) from the scene shows SFPD officers investigating the theft. SFPD says anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 415-575-4444. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. While the holiday season brings joy and cheer, it also brings out Grinches in the form of package thieves and scammers. In 2022, an estimated 119 million delivered packages were stolen nationwide, according to data from SafeWise, and Colorado is ranked as one of the top states where package thefts occur. Larimer County law enforcement have shared tips to prevent gifts from being stolen from your porch or your car and how to avoid a gift card scam they've seen locally. Here's more on how to protect your packages this holiday season, and what to do if your gifts are swiped from your porch: How to prevent porch pirates Keep an eye out for delivery notifications and bring in your packages ASAP. Try to coordinate deliveries for when youll be home if possible. Consider having packages delivered to nearby locations or lockers when possible. If you wont be home, consider asking a neighbor to bring your packages in for you. Consider installing a security camera to monitor your front porch. If you see suspicious activity, call Fort Collins police at 970-419-3273. If its an emergency, call 911. What to do if your package was stolen or lost If you got a delivery notification but dont see your package, dont panic. First, check with the delivery company to make sure it was actually delivered. If your package was delivered, search for it around your front entrance. Ask neighbors, family members or roommates if they saw it or picked it up. If you believe your package was stolen, you can file a report with the shipping company. Amazon, FedEx, USPS and UPS all have different reporting processes. Amazon: You can report a stolen package through your Amazon account by going to "Your Orders," going to the order in question, selecting "Problem with Order" and selecting that the package did not arrive. You can then request a refund. FedEx: You can file a lost package claim online at fedex.com/en-us/customer-support/claims.html. UPS: After 24 hours, you can file a lost package claim online at ups.com/us/en/support/file-a-claim.page. Your refund will come from the seller, so you'll have to contact them, too. USPS: You can fill out a help form online at usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm to help the post office locate your package. If it isn't located after a week, you then need to fill out a missing mail search request with the tracking number and any evidence that the item was stolen. You can also file a police report online with Fort Collins Police Services (for crimes that occur within Fort Collins city limits) at fcgov.com/police/coplogic-start-report. When do I need to ship my packages by to get them delivered by Christmas? All shipping companies have various shipping options at different speeds to try and get packages delivered by Christmas. Here are the basic shipping deadlines for each: FedEx: Send your packages by Dec. 19 to ensure a pre-Christmas delivery. UPS: Ship by Dec. 19 with 3-day ground shipping to get it there in time for Christmas. USPS: The earliest deadline is Dec. 16 to get packages delivered by Christmas. Stay alert while holiday shopping in person As online shopping and shipping deadlines approach, there's always time to do some in-person shopping. Keep these tips from Fort Collins police in mind while out shopping during the holidays (and all the time): Always double-check your doors are locked when you leave your vehicle. Never leave your car running unattended, even if youll just be a minute. Keep store purchases and other valuables out of sight to make your vehicle less tempting for thieves. Sheriffs office warns of gift card switch scam The Larimer County Sheriffs Office is warning that scammers have been stealing gift cards from store racks, opening them and replacing the code on the back with their own card number. When someone purchases and activates the card, instead of the money going on that gift card it goes straight to the scammers card. Here are some tips to avoid getting scammed: Order gift cards directly from businesses rather than off the shelf. If you do shop from the shelf, check the packaging carefully to make sure it is intact and take a card from the back of the stack. If its an option, register the card and use it as soon as possible. This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins police offer tips to avoid porch pirates this Christmas EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A pedestrian was struck by a car Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 and died as a result of his injuries, Las Cruces Police say. The incident happened shortly before 6 p.m. on the 1900 block of East Lohman Ave. Las Cruces Police learned a 2012 Chevrolet Impala was traveling east on Lohman when a man, on the south sidewalk, began running north across the roadway. The 58-year-old driver of the Impala tried to avoid striking the pedestrian but was unsuccessful in her attempt, police said. The victim, identified as 60-year-old Kevin Taylor, had head injuries and was airlifted in critical condition to University Medical Center of El Paso. LCPD Traffic investigators learned Taylor died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at UMC. The driver of the Impala remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators. Speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash. Investigators interviewed witnesses whose statements were consistent with the drivers account. No citations or charges were issued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A southern Nevada man is accused of attempting to vote twice in the 2022 midterm election, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. Bradley Burt, 66, of Henderson, was charged with one count of voting more than once in the same election, which is a felony. On Oct. 26, 2022, Burt voted early in the 2022 midterm election at an early voting location, a criminal complaint from the Nevada Attorney Generals Office alleged. On Nov. 8, Burt then attempted to vote by sending in a mail-in ballot, the complaint said. Burt was a registered non-partisan, election records said. Nonpartisans comprise the largest voter-registration group in Clark County, with Democrats and Republicans following. Last December, the Nevada Secretary of States Office told the 8 News Now Investigators that several people had attempted to vote twice in the election, but that security systems had flagged the attempts. Each case is treated seriously until investigators determine no criminal intent. State and county security measures identified the attempted double votes, tossing their second attempts from the system. The votes are not counted. Measures the Nevada Legislature put in place in 2021, alongside the mail-in voting law, scrubbed voter rolls of non-eligible and deceased voters. Burt is the first known person charged in connection with the 2022 election. So far, one person has faced charges stemming from the the 2020 election. The 8 News Now Investigators first reported Donald Kirk Hartle, 56, a registered Republican, initially faced two charges relating to the 2020 election. In court last November, Hartle pleaded guilty to one charge of voting more than once in the same election. Hartle had reached a deal with prosecutors to avoid prison time and to change his plea after a year. In November 2021, Judge Carli Kierny fined Hartle $2,000 and ordered him to stay out of trouble. Having completed that requirement as of mid-November of this year, Judge Bita Yeager accepted Hartles updated guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to vote more than once in an election. Audits and lawsuits filed in states, including Nevada, found no evidence of widespread voter fraud. Hartle was the only case the Nevada Attorney Generals Office has prosecuted thus far in relation to the 2020 election. Nevadas voting machines do not have a modem and print out a paper record. It can take years for voter fraud allegations and investigators to result in charges. Investigations from the 2020 election are ongoing and the ones for 2022 were ongoing. Police arrested Burt on a bench warrant on Nov. 30, records showed, after he failed to show for a court appearance. He posted $1,000 bail and was due in court later this month. An attorney for Burt was not listed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The college professor who opened fire at a Las Vegas college campus sent 22 letters to various University personnel across the country at least one of which contained an unknown white powder prior to the shooting, police have said. Anthony Polito visited a post office in nearby Henderson on Wednesday morning and sent the letters with no return address, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill told a press conference on Thursday. We are currently working with the postal inspector and our federal partners to begin processing these letters. We do not know the contents of these letters and were working to contact the recipients of those letters, he said. Mr McMahill continued: In the screening of those envelopes that we were able to intercept, after going through 14,000 pieces of mail and identifying the 22 that were sent, the first letter that we opened had an unknown white powder substance in it. Our armor unit, detectives are out currently processing those envelopes and what were asking is that if anybody in the education world receives a letter with a no return address that is taped, we asked you to proceed with caution and contact your local authorities. Have particular attention from the ones that have been addressed are those that Carolina and UNLV. Anthony Polito has been identified as the gunman (Antony Polito website) Despite this, Mr McMahill said that investigators were still working to establish a motive for the attacks. I want to stress that were still learning a lot about this suspect is still trying to understand motive, he said. We know he applied numerous times for a job with several Nevada higher education institutions, and was denied, each time he was rejected, he said. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill formally identified Polito at a press conference on Thursday (AP) Mr McMahill added that the suspect had a list of people he was seeking on a university campus as well as faculty from the Eastern Carolina University. We have contacted almost everyone on those lists to make sure that they are all right. We have done that for all of UNLV and all of Eastern Carolina with the exception of one individual who is on an international flight, Mr McMahill told a press conference. The shooting occurred on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus on Wednesday (Las Vegas Review-Journal) Polito was struggling financially at the time before the shooting, as evidenced by an eviction notice taped to his door when authorities executed a search warrant, Mr McMahill said. We believe the suspect acted alone and we have zero indication of any other suspects at this time, Mr McMahill said. A document similar to a last weill and testament was found at Politos residence in Henderson. Las Vegas (KLAS) Las Vegas police said the woman accused of setting a large apartment fire and displacing 21 people allegedly set her clothes and mattress on fire before running from police on the scene, police documents said. On Dec. 4 at around 8:40 a.m., dispatchers learned of a large fire at an apartment complex near the intersection of Viking and Wynn roads in central Las Vegas. Callers also told 911 that people were already evacuating and running from the building. According to fire officials, no one was killed, but officials declared the building a total loss, impacting around 15 apartment units. Police arrested Mariza Arteaga Muller, 41, after her son named her as a person of interest, according to the arrest report. He told police he was sleeping when the fire alarm started going off. His mom told him there was a fire and he found an [arrangement] of clothing in an unusual pattern on her bedroom mattress, which was on fire, the report stated. Mariza Arteaga Muller, 41, was arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan police and faces charges of first-degree arson and false statements to obstruct a public officer in this case following a central valley fire. (LVMPD) He said that she previously attempted to start a fire in the past month, documents stated. Woman accused of arson after Las Vegas apartment fire displaces 21 people Arteaga Mullers son told police he tried to put the fire out with a blanket, but was unsuccessful. Instead, he left the apartment and called the fire department. When he asked his mother why she did it, she said nothing and walked away, according to the report. An officer spotted Arteaga Muller walking southbound on Arville and called out to her, asking her to stop. She shook her head no and started to walk away, the report stated. When the officer continued asking her to stop, she began running away from him. Officers were able to restrain Arteaga Muller and take her into custody. She refused to acknowledge officers and would not speak to anyone. While Arteaga Muller was held in a patrol car, she managed to slip out of her left handcuff and tried to open the door of the vehicle. Fire officials said 18 adults, three children, and 10 animals were displaced due to the fire. The Red Cross of Southern Nevada is assisting a total of 32 people as a result of this fire. Arteaga Muller faces charges of arson in the first degree and making false statements to obstruct a public officer. She is being held at the Clark County Detention Center on a $21,000 bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. (Bloomberg) -- Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shings long-time partner Solina Chau called on governments to listen to more voices to avoid making poor policy decisions in a fast-changing world. Most Read from Bloomberg Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a conference in Hong Kong, Chau, 62, said theres a need for counter proposals to power and counter-factual thinking. If you get stuck by normalcy bias and bad policies in an ever-changing world, it will cost you very dearly, she said, while not referring specifically to Hong Kong. The comments mark a rare insight into the thinking of key members of the inner circle of the citys richest man, to whom Chau referred to frequently in her briefing to reporters. They come days before the finance hub holds its first city-wide election since revamping its electoral system to effectively ban pro-democracy candidates from standing. Asked whether she was voting, Chau said: I dont think I have received a voting card yet. The once-vibrant city is faced with a raft of challenges, including deep deficits, slumping stock and real estate markets and the emigration of tens of thousands as pandemic curbs and national security laws restricted activities. Part of the crackdown also included limiting the influence of tycoons such as the 95-year-old Li in picking the citys leader and legislators. Finance Hub Hong Kong is struggling to retain its status as global financial hub as China tightens its political grip and a slowdown in deals causes banks to make deep cuts in jobs in the city. International investors are still confused, and having reservations about Hong Kong indeed, she said. Its very natural. We are cautious about our own matters, too, right? Chau, who co-founded Lis venture investment arm, said that people shouldnt be too pessimistic and that living happily and well is the best publicity for Hong Kong, adding that its the governments responsibility to do everything possible to let the people live well and happily. The citys leader, former policeman John Lee, this week warned that even criticizing government policies on housing and the economy could be a form of soft resistance. More than 270 individuals have been arrested by national security police, while dozens including pro-democracy activists and former opposition lawmakers are facing charges under the law which carries a sentence as life-long imprisonment. Li in 2020 backed the security law imposed by Beijing on the city, while in 2019 he called on the government to show mercy on young people who were protesting. Victor Li, the tycoons son, on Friday urged people to vote in this weekends district council vote. Chau also called on the government to broaden its support for innovation, beyond the popular industries such as artificial intelligence and chips. Li is closely watching the markets but that its meaningless to discuss short-term movements, she said. Its not easy traversing this particular economic malaise, Chau said. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. A police lieutenant with 25 years on the job filed a claim for damages from the city alleging institutionalized racism in the Fresno Police Department and retaliation for reporting misconduct. Lt. Ignacio Ruiz Jr., 46, accuses some of the highest ranking officers of giving white officers special treatment while passing over higher qualified minority officers for promotions in a department he describes as toxic and divisive, according to a claim for damages form submitted to the city. The claim was first reported in a local blog called Fresno Spotlight. Ruiz says in the claim he endured stress and anxiety and was threatened with losing his job. He also said information connected to an internal investigation of him for damage to his police cruiser, which should have remained confidential, was shared across the department. The claim said he was the subject of an unfair and tainted investigation for a dent in his patrol car, which he reported. The news of the investigation was spread among officers and included what Ruiz said were untrue rumors the damage was the result of his having an affair with a married Clovis woman, according to the claim. Ruiz was placed on administrative leave as part of that investigation though he remained employed by the department as of Thursday. The police department and Chief Paco Balderrama declined to comment through a spokesperson, saying they dont discuss active or potential litigation. In his claim, Ruiz says departments problems date back to former chief and current Mayor Jerry Dyer, who led the department for 18 years before he was forced into retirement by department policy. Dyer declined to comment, his spokesperson said, citing the potential litigation. The claim cites past lawsuits filed by former police alleging racism by Dyer, including ringtones on his phone that played racially stereotypical and insensitive music based on the race of the city leader who was calling. That 2011 lawsuit was settled out of court. Ruiz is represented by Fresno attorney Kevin Little, who said the department was retaliating against Ruiz. He filed the claim in July. It is troubling that Lt. Ruiz has identified long-standing customs, policies and practices of favoritism and discrimination regarding how the department deals with personnel issues and with the public, Little said. It is unfortunate that the department did not conduct a meaningful inquiry into Lt. Ruizs complaints and instead has opted to retaliate against him. It is routine for an employee who may want to file a lawsuit to first file a claim for damages, which would give the city the opportunity to settle the claim before anything is filed. The city would typically need to reject the claim before a lawsuit would be filed. Ruiz said the department has not properly maintained its data for stops made by police under Assembly Bill 953 of 2015, the claim says. If audited, the data would show a disproportionate amount of stops for people of color especially those who are Hispanic or Black, the claim says. The claim for damages also describes a schism in the Fresno Police Department that breaks down along racial lines between white officers and Hispanic officers, sometimes called Brown, Mexican or HPOA, a reference to the now-defunct Hispanic Police Officers Association. Ruizs claim says he has had conversations with other high-ranking Hispanic officers who shared similar stories of a department that favors less qualified white officers. The claim names several ranked officers. Its the harshest penalty available in Michigan, a life sentence without the possibility of parole. But that isnt enough for the parents of one student killed by a school shooter. Ethan Crumbley killed four of his classmates and wounded seven other people at an Oxford, Michigan, high school in 2021, among them 17-year-old Justin Shilling. Friday, Shillings parents will join the hundreds of American families who have had to meld grief with legal procedure. I personally feel that when you do something like that, that you should meet the same fate. You cant just pull the trigger on somebody and then walk away like nothing happened, Craig Shilling, Justins father, told CNN ahead of Crumbleys scheduled sentencing. I actually, I dont think hes going to get what he deserves to get, but I feel like hes going to be punished for the full extent that they can be, but then in my mind that is not enough, Shilling added. In October 2022, the gunman pleaded guilty to one count of terrorism causing death, four counts of first-degree murder and 19 other charges. Prosecutors said at the time they believe this was the first time a mass shooter had ever been convicted of terrorism on state charges for an act of targeted violence like this. The state of Michigan doesnt have the death penalty, but in September 2023 a judge ruled the shooter is eligible for life without parole, despite him being 15 at the time of the shooting. A lesser sentence of life with the potential for parole could also be handed down. Im praying for life without parole, Justin Shillings mother, Jill Soave, told CNN. That would be the least amount of justice, you know, that I would consider for his actions. Nothing is enough. You know, he gets to live, and my son doesnt. So Im never going to feel satisfied as a parent, but that is the maximum punishment allowed by the law. So I am praying that the judge will make that decision, Soave added. Staring down a killer Justins parents are among those planning to provide a victim impact statement to the court at the sentencing hearing Friday to talk about how their lives have changed since the shooting. Im very grateful that Friday we do have the final sentencing for the shooter. That part, to be over, is going to be huge for me, Soave said. Being in the courtroom with a person that murdered my son, I dont want to do that. Its hard, but Im going to speak for myself and for Justin, she said as she fought back tears. Jill Soave - CNN Both parents describe primal feelings of rage against the shooter, and they want their voices to be heard. Soave said she can feel Justins presence still, that it helps her feel a sense of calm. Shilling hopes to keep a similar level of composure. Thats all that I can do, try and keep myself composed enough to get through my speech, he said. And make sure that I do the best for my son. In some of Justin Shillings final moments, he was hiding in a bathroom with another student, Keegan Gregory, who was texting his family groupchat in real time as everything played out. A screenshot displays text messages between Keegan Gregory and his family on the day of the shootings. - Courtesy Meghan Gregory IM [sic] HIDING IN THE BATHROOM, OMG, HELP, MOM, read a series of messages. He killed him, OMFG read the next two. Then for four excruciating minutes, nothing. He wasnt responding, and I started screaming hysterically, Meghan Gregory, Keegans mother, told CNN. Finally, a text came through, I JUST WATCHED HIM KILL SOMEONE, AND HE PUT ME UP AGAINST THE WALL before he texted that he ran and, likely as a result, survived. The day he came home, he sat with us and he said, I shouldnt have left him, Gregory said, recalling what her son told her about Justin Shilling, who was killed in the same bathroom where Keegan was hiding. Theres nothing he couldve done for Justin, but he feels this guilt because they were in it together. Keegan was 15 at the time of the shooting and for years has gone to therapy to try and process what happened. Hes now moved away from the area to a different school. He couldnt go back into Oxford. He tried. But it was too much for him, Meghan Gregory said. Meghan Gregory - CNN While CNN sat with his mother, Keegan was working on his victim impact statement, something he initially wanted nothing to do with, his mother said. Now, he feels its important that he gets up there. Hes a completely different person than he used to be, his mother told CNN. Having that innocence ripped from him changed him. He doesnt get the childhood that most kids get. The school district and governmental immunity While the sentencing in the criminal case is one major thing these families are dealing with, theyve also filed civil lawsuits alleging the school and some of its employees should have done more to stop the shooting from happening in the first place. Im not really one of those guys thats just gonna go out and sue, sue, sue, said Craig Shilling. That said, You have to have accountability. You have to know that everything, every rock was overturned, you looked everywhere, that all the questions got asked and answered, he added. An independent report commissioned by the Oxford Board of Education, and released in October, found in part, that had proper threat assessment guidelines been in place and District threat assessment policy followed, this tragedy was avoidable. Roses hang from a fence to honor the victims of the shooting at Oxford High School on December 7, 2021 in Oxford, Michigan. - Emily Elconin/Getty Images Ven Johnson, President of Ven Johnson Law in Detroit and Flint, Michigan, is representing a number of the Oxford shooting victims and families, including the Shillings and Gregorys, who have filed state and federal lawsuits. What we do in civil law is we go after everybody whos culpable, Johnson told CNN. Their own paid-for report says they screwed up and could have prevented the shooting. And they didnt. And yet, theyre still here in court, trying to get out of being held responsible. A portion of their civil claims center on the morning of the November 2021 shooting. Ethan Crumbleys teacher found a note on his desk. It had a drawing of a handgun pointed at the words, The thoughts wont stop. Help me, as another section showed someone who appeared to have been shot twice and the words blood everywhere, according to the lawsuit. That was among the warnings that prompted a meeting with school officials and his parents. His parents resisted the idea of taking him out of school, so he returned to class, according to the civil lawsuit. No one ever checked his backpack. Hours later, he went into a bathroom with that backpack and came out with a gun, according to criminal prosecutors. However, in state civil court, a judge sided with the school district, ruling the district was protected by governmental immunity and that the employees were not the direct cause of the injury or damage. Thats all B.S., if you ask me. I mean, you have to, you have to own up to your mistakes, no matter what they are, Shilling said. Craig Shilling - CNN Meghan Gregory told CNN she wont be able to rest until anyone who may be found culpable in the school district is held accountable. I cannot let it go, she said. CNN has reached out to attorneys for the school district about the appeals process and for comment about governmental immunity wins they have had in state circuit court, but has not received a response. The families are in an appeals process for their cases filed at the state and federal levels, and if successful, the state case, for example, could be absolutely a potential landmark decision under Michigan law in terms of governmental immunity, Johnson said. Michigan is one of many states that extends some protections from civil lawsuits to government agencies and workers while engaged in the exercise or discharge of a governmental function. Its absolutely, absolutely, in my opinion, it is denial of equal protection, its unconstitutional, and it should be thrown out. And thats one of many arguments were making on appeal, Johnson said. The grieving doesnt end Regardless of all the court efforts, none of them will bring back the four people who were killed in this shooting, 16-year-old Tate Myre, 17-year-old Madisyn Baldwin, 14-year-old Hana St. Juliana, and Justin Shilling. Pictured, from top left, Hana St. Juliana and Justin Shilling; from bottom left, Tate Myre and Madisyn Baldwin. - Obtained by CNN He was the only Justin Shilling there ever will be, Craig Shilling told CNN. Its part of why he said they started the CHOOCH Foundation, which stands for Caring and Helping Others Often Creates Hope, in honor of Justin, because thats the kind of person he was, said Shilling. Jill Soave also created the Forever Justin Shilling Foundation to honor his love for nature. She told CNN Shilling was an organ donor and helped save the lives of six others through donations of his organs and tissue. Its a reality thats helped Soave cope, she says, even as she prepares to stare down his killer. I wouldnt say that I will ever forgive him. And I dont think Im required to. But I have to accept that this has happened, Soave said. The grieving doesnt end. Its an ongoing process of trying to learn how to live how to get through every day. I have not held [onto] anything and when I need to fall onto my knees and pray and cry and scream, Ive allowed myself to do that, she said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Lionel Dahmer, who has died aged 87, was the father of the notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and author of a memoir in which he sought, without much success, to understand why his sons mind was invaded by demons and whether he was in some way to blame for creating a monster. Jeffrey Dahmer, the older of Lionels two sons, was arrested in July 1991 and confessed to killing 17 young men and boys in Wisconsin and Ohio between 1978 and 1991, having sex with some of the corpses, mutilating and even eating some of them and preserving parts as trophies. Convicted in 1992 and handed 15 consecutive life sentences, he was beaten to death by a fellow inmate in prison in 1994 aged 34. Jeffrey Dahmer in 1992 - Curt Borgwardt/Sygma via Getty Images Thrown into the media spotlight after his sons crimes were discovered, Lionel Dahmer visited him regularly in prison until he was killed. I still love my son. Ill always stick by him I always have, he told Oprah in 1994. A Fathers Story, published shortly after his sons death, portrayed a family not so different from many other white middle-class American families, and a son who, as a young child, seemed little different from other boys in Bath Township, Ohio. Apart from an interest in dead animals and taxidermy, young Jeff, his father insisted, was a polite, kind and pretty normal child who rode a bicycle, fished and was the class clown at school. The Dahmers were not perfect. Both father and son preferred their own company; Lionels marriage to Jeffreys mother Joyce, who suffered from poor mental health, was unhappy but arguments were not generally violent. Though they were not demonstratively affectionate, Jeffreys parents did not beat, molest or abandon him. Lionel, a research chemist, sometimes took his son to work with him and had him help with household chores. Casting around for the one factor to explain the unexplainable, Lionel Dahmer castigated himself for not spending more time with his son when he was adolescent and suggested that his analytical scientists mind might have left him ill-equipped to provide the emotional support he needed. Otherwise, was it the breakup of his marriage to Joyce when Jeffrey was in his teens? The prescription drugs Joyce took during the pregnancy? The alcoholism that began when Jeff was a teenager? There was no screaming in the night, no rambling speech, no moments of catatonic blankness, Lionel wrote despairingly. If he had done any of these things, then I might have sensed how deeply he was moving into his madness, and sensing that, I might not only have saved him somehow, but all the others he destroyed as well, he wrote. Instead: I saw only a quiet little boy. When a detective arrived at Lionels home in 1991 and said he was investigating a homicide, Lionel immediately assumed Jeffrey was the victim. It was only then that he learnt the horrific truth. Reviewers of his book were left as baffled as the author. Lionel Dahmer was not a bad father; children far more neglected than Jeffrey do not in general go on to become serial killers. And that made Lionels story all the more disturbing. Lionel Dahmer's memoir Lionel Herbert Dahmer was born to Herbert Dahmer, a maths teacher, and Catherine, nee Hughes, on July 29 1936, in West Allis, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. He took a degree in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin and in 1959 married Joyce Flint. Their son Jeffrey was born in 1960 followed, six years later, by another son. In his memoir, Lionel looked for portents for his sons problems in his own life. As a child, he recalled, he once lured a young girl up to his room and hypnotised her; as a teenager he sent away for chemicals and made bombs, even exploding one in a hallway at his high school, and in his late teens he had nightmares about killing people. Lionel went on to take an MSc from Marquette University in 1962 and a doctorate from Iowa State in 1966. In 1968 the family moved to Bath Township where Lionel worked as a research chemist for PPG Industries. In 1978 Lionels marriage to Joyce ended. Joyce moved to Wisconsin with their younger son, leaving 18-year-old Jeffrey in Lionels care. The same year, Lionel married for a second time, to Shari Jordan. By this time Jeffrey had murdered his first victim. On June 18 1978, while his father was absent, he had picked up a hitchhiker, 18-year-old Steven Hicks, killed him, dissected the body in the basement and buried the remains in the back yard. Several weeks later, he unearthed the remains, dissolved the flesh in acid before flushing the solution down the lavatory and crushing the bones which he scattered in woodland. In 1981, after Jeffrey had dropped out of college and been discharged from the army owing to alcohol abuse, Lionel sent his 21-year-old son to live in West Allis, Wisconsin with his grandmother, to whom Jeffrey had once been close, hoping that her influence might persuade him to change his ways. He remained there until 1990; three of his victims were murdered at his grandmothers home. While Lionel Dahmer was not an uncaring or abusive father he does seem to have been remarkably unobservant. Working long hours in the laboratory, he never seems to have realised that Jeffrey was an alcoholic at high school; nor did it occur to him that he might be homosexual. On one occasion, finding a heavy wooden box at the West Allis house, Lionel, thinking it might contain pornographic materials, tried to insist Jeffrey open it. They had a row, but it was only later, in a phone call from prison, that Jeffrey told his father the box had contained the mummified head and genitals of the last victim at the West Allis location. Lionel Dahmer, with his second wife Shari, in court during the trial of his son Jeffrey - Curt Borgwardt/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images While he clearly never considered his son capable of murder, Lionel can not have been unaware of his propensity for sexual violence. In 1989, when Jeffrey was sentenced to five years probation for molesting a child, Lionel asked the judge to get Jeffrey treatment. This may be our last chance to institute something effective, he wrote. But nothing ever explained why Jeffrey Dahmer grew up into a monster. Jeffreys mother, Joyce, died in 2000. Lionels second wife, Shari, died in January this year. His other son survives him. Lionel Dahmer, born July 29 1936, died December 5 2023 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Preschoolers from Primrose School of West Little Rock are doing their part this holiday season by donating 375 canned goods to the Arkansas Foodbank. Donations were collected by preschoolers who were encouraged to complete age-appropriate household chores for allowance money to buy canned goods. Arkansas Foodbank working to combat food insecurity Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools said that teaching children the value of giving and sharing with others is one of the cornerstones of early education. Nurturing generosity in young children is an investment in the future of our society, Kirchner said. At Primrose Schools, we believe that teaching children the value of giving, sharing and caring is a cornerstone of early education. And, by educating children to be service-minded and to give without expectation, we are working together toward a brighter future of caring, community-oriented citizens. North Little Rock food pantrys need doubles after tornado The nationwide initiative fosters giving without expectation and is a key component of the schools balanced learning curriculum. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Los Angeles Superior Court may leverage artificial intelligence to help protect the personal information of minors, according to a report by Bloomberg Law. As Maia Spoto reports, Accenture PLC has been contracted to provide AI that will be used specifically to help read and identify characters and patterns in documents. That will replace the current system, which the Bloomberg report compared to Microsoft Words function to find and replace names with information input by court staff. While the AI system is intended to handle the redactions, Los Angeles Superior Court staff will review the redactions to ensure they are correct, the court said according to Spotos report. There is room for problems to arise when using AI in legal matters, however. In New York, an attorney had ChatGPT help him craft a filing, only for the court to discover later that some of the cases cited in the filing were made up. Chinmayi Sharma, a Fordham University School of Law associate professor, told Spoto that if court employees trust AI too much and dont provide proper oversight, there could be trouble ahead. If law firm associates are relying on AI made-up sources, she said, you can imagine how an overworked state court clerk may be tempted to assume the system was correct. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. A Maryland mans pastime with his father turned out to be profitable when a winning lottery number came to him in a dream, lottery officials said. The man, who is a longtime lottery player, would buy scratch-off tickets with his father to see if they would win anything, according to a Dec. 8 Maryland Lottery news release. Recently, the man was surprised to see his dad appear in a lottery-inspired dream. In the mans dream, his dad gave him a scratch-off ticket, featuring the number seven, according to lottery officials. The dream felt very real to the man, so he went out to test his luck. The man went to a liquor store in Baltimore, where he bought some wine and a few Winning 7 scratch-off tickets, lottery officials said. The first ticket won him $15, lottery officials said, but when he scratched off his next ticket, he was floored to see how much he won. The second tickets winning totaled $57,777 featuring the mans lucky number from his dream. I wasnt expecting it at all, the man said in the release. After I saw it, I double-checked it and rushed home to see my wife. Now, the man has two priorities for how to spend his money, according to lottery officials: renovating his home and spoiling his wife. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Is this right? Wife interrupts football game to show husband her big SC lottery win Wife quietly plays lottery game as her husband sleeps then she has to wake him up Man wakes family in middle of night with news of big lottery win. My heart stopped PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Low-income households in Washington will receive more than $40.6 million in restitution following a major settlement with chicken and tuna companies accused of over-charging for their products. Washington Attorney General Bob Fergusons Office reported that 19 broiler chicken producers had been gouging their prices since at least 2008, causing customers to overpay the companies by millions of dollars. Multnomah County Library employees say they feel unsafe at work in new audit Several tuna corporations, including Chicken of the Sea, StarKist and its parent company, were accused of a similar price-fixing scheme where executives would contact each other to avoid detection so they could exchange internal company policies and data. The tuna companies in the 2020 lawsuit now owe families $5.1 million. Fifteen of the chicken companies named in the 2021 lawsuit owe Washington families $35.5 million; the remaining companies are set to go to trial in October 2024. When powerful interests break the law and harm Washingtonians, my office holds them accountable, and prioritizes getting money back to those who were most impacted, Attorney General Ferguson said in a statement. Portland police sergeant pleads guilty to harassment charges after off-duty incident Residents whose household income is at or below 175% of the federal poverty level should expect restitution in the coming weeks. According to the Attorney Generals Office, this is 15% of the states population or 402,000 households. Officials will mail $50 checks to single-person households and $120 to multi-person households through Dec. 31. Washington families were cheated by corporate price-fixing conspiracies they knew nothing about and now those who felt this gouging most severely are receiving checks from my office. The holiday season puts a financial strain on families, and we hope Washingtonians are helped by these checks, Ferguson said. Amtrak extends delay for Cascade service between Portland, Seattle due to landslide Washingtons claims administrator will hold $1.7 million in restitution for households that are eligible for checks, but dont receive one by the end of the year. Eligible residents who dont receive a check have until June 5, 2024, to submit a claims form. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) Former Catholic priest Lawrence Hecker was denied a request for a lower bond on Friday, Dec. 8. This is the second time hes made the request, and it was denied. Hecker is facing charges of aggravated rape, kidnapping, crimes against nature and theft. He was indicted in September. Former New Orleans model rearrested on attempted rape charges one year after release The charges follow the discovery of a 1999 document found by The Guardian newspaper where Hecker apparently confesses to the archdiocese that he sexually molested and harmed several teenagers between 1966 and 1972. Hes pled not guilty to the charges against him. His bond remains at$855,000. A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for Jan. 19, 2024. The trial is scheduled for March 25, 2024. Stay updated with the latest news, weather, and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play store and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson remains the clear favorite to be the Republican Partys nominee for governor in 2024 in a new poll, but the director of East Carolina Universitys Center for Survey Research adds that the race is not over. The poll released this week found 34 percent of Republican primary voters backing Robinson. Meanwhile, 8 percent chose attorney Bill Graham, 7 percent picked Treasurer Dale Fowell and 3 percent selected former state Sen. Andy Wells. However, 49 percent of Republican primary voters said theyre undecided. I would say that Mark Robinson is still the clear favorite on the Republican side, but keep an eye on Bill Graham. Hes starting to make some movement in the polls, said Peter Francia, director of ECUs Center for Survey Research. Graham entered the race in mid-October, committing $5 million to the campaign and running TV advertisements soon after that. Francia noted that in a short amount of time, Graham has found some support. Hes moved into second place. And, if he can continue to make inroads with Republican voters, it may turn out that by March 5, we have a competitive race on the Republican side, said Francia. He has a lot of money. Hes pumped a lot of his money into television ads, and hes starting to make a little bit of a dent. The same poll found former President Donald Trump dominating the Republican field, as 63 percent of Republican primary voters chose him. Thats 50 points more than his next closest competitor, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Francia says the support for Trump could translate to undecided voters in the governors race choosing Robinson, as the two have publicly backed each other. ECU did not poll the Democratic primary for governor. In addition to Stein, former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan is in the race along with Chrelle Booker and Marcus Williams. The race is expected to be the most competitive gubernatorial election in the country next November. When the pollsters asked voters who they would choose between Robinson and Democratic Atty. Gen. Josh Stein, 44 percent picked Robinson compared to 40 percent for Stein. Another 16 percent were undecided. Treasurer Folwell has raised concerns about Robinsons ability to win against Stein given the lieutenant governors history of antisemitic statements and offensive comments about the LGBTQ community and others. Folwell went to the State Fairgrounds Thursday to formally file to be on the ballot. The reason Im in this race is that history is full of people who convince others to do things based on hatred, said Folwell. For most of the last 20 years, the voters of this state generally speaking have voted against someone. Im going to give them an opportunity to vote for someone. Folwell also criticized Robinson for being unwilling to debate other Republicans in the race. Robinson had scheduled to file his candidacy paperwork as well on Thursday, but a campaign spokesman said something came up. He did not respond to a request for a response to Folwells comments. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS17.com. A Lubbock ISD middle school teacher was arrested early Thursday evening, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, the district announced. James Tapley, 30, was arrested by Lubbock police on charges of online solicitation of a minor and improper relationship between an educator and a student, according to a statement from LISD. On Monday, Nov. 27, Lubbock ISD Police received notification of an investigation by the Lubbock Police Department regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship between a middle school teacher and a minor. The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave pending further investigation, according to the LISD statement. Tapley was previously assigned to Irons Middle School. The district has accepted his resignation and he is no longer employed by Lubbock ISD. Tapley was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center Thursday evening. His combined bond was set at $600,000. He was listed by LISD as previously being an English Language Arts and Reading teacher. "Allegations of this nature are disturbing and Lubbock ISD takes these matters very seriously," the LISD statement reads. Lubbock ISD sent a message to parents, signed by Principal Tommy Duncan. The statement from LISD to Irons Middle School families To the Irons Middle School community: We are writing to inform you of a deeply concerning incident involving a member of our faculty. James Tapley, a former teacher at Irons Middle School, was arrested tonight by the Lubbock Police Department on charges related to online solicitation and improper relationship between an educator and student. First and foremost, our priority remains the safety and well-being of our students. Upon learning of the investigation, Tapley was immediately placed on administrative leave on November 28, pending the outcome of the legal process. We recognize that news of this nature can be distressing and raise concerns among our students, parents, and staff. Please be assured that the alleged activities do not reflect the values and standards of Irons Middle School or Lubbock ISD. We are committed to maintaining an environment where all students can learn and grow in a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment. We understand that this news is upsetting, and it may raise questions and concerns. We encourage parents to have open conversations with their children about internet safety and to report any concerns they may have about online interactions. Counseling services are also available to any student or staff member who may need support. Please email the Executive Director of Counseling and College/Career Readiness Charlotte Sessom at charlotte.sessom@LubbockISD.org or contact campus counseling staff for assistance. There are no words strong enough to express our deep disappointment and extreme outrage at this violation of professional and ethical conduct we expect of our teachers. In times like these, the strength and unity of our community is more important than ever. We remain dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environment for all our students. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock ISD school teacher accused of improper student relationship Its not true that the congressional Trumpublicans -- as Im from here on calling members of the party that Donald Trump now more wholly owns than most of the buildings with his name out front -- are getting nothing done. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland recently ticked off a pretty good list of what keeps them busy: All the Republicans do now is fratricidal, internecine warfare. And expulsions. And impeachments. And censure motions, for a guy who pulled a fire alarm, which reminded me of the day in kindergarten when I had to sit with tape over my mouth all afternoon because just for fun Id flicked off the lights in the hall. (Yes, Mrs. Barefield knew how to get my attention.) Thats what its come to, on that of the aisle, Raskin went on, among an utterly cannibalistic group of people. Which is accurate but incomplete, because when theyre not fighting each other just to keep their skills up, members of the former national security party are hard at work undermining democracy around the world. To Russia, with love Pro-Putin Trumpublicans in the Senate gave their man in Moscow an early Christmas present this week by blocking the aid to Ukraine that our allies there desperately need before the end of the month. Americas Ukraine-funding failure is yet more wind in Putins sails was the apt headline on this weeks The Intelligence podcast for The Economist. Historys going to judge harshly those who turn their back on freedoms cause, President Joe Biden warned, to which the unserious Rs in the former worlds greatest deliberative body said haha; whatever. To them, freedoms cause means never having to mask up, not ending Putins attempt to put the empire back together. It involves easy access to weapons of war without a background check, but no more aid of the kind that could save us from ever having to put American boots on the ground in Europe if Ukraine were to lose and Russia were to keep right on marching. As Biden said, If Putin takes Ukraine, he wont stop there. All Trumpublicans used to know this; remember a whole 21 months ago, when we all flew those little blue and yellow Ukrainian flags, and woke up every day praying that Zelensky had survived one more night? But now even Lindsey Graham has forgotten -- who again was John McCain? -- as Josh Hawley did long ago. This is Europes backyard, this is Europes issue, first and foremost, Hawley said on Laura Ingrahams show on Fox. We have to be honest with the world that its time for Europeans to take the lead on defense of its own continent, not least because we need to look to China, our biggest overseas threat, and we need to secure our own southern border, and that brings me to my biggest beef here; we dont have any money to do anything for Americans. We cant see to any of our national security imperatives and yet we have unlimited money, apparently, according to Joe Biden, for Ukraine. Its crazy. China is watching So crazy I barely know where to start, but Ill give it a shot: Ever hear of NATO, Josh? Europes problems are very much our problems. Youre ignoring that China is also watching us to see how we handle Ukraine, and that those cues will inform how they handle Taiwan; the world is a small place, and the cause of freedom is everywhere interconnected. So what happens in Europe is absolutely our national security imperative. And when you say how sad it is that we supposedly cant afford anything for Americans, how does that square with the historic infrastructure package you voted against two years ago? Its Ukraine, Ukraine, Ukraine, Hawley said on Fox, and I just gotta tell ya, Im not gonna vote for a dime more until the United States security, our border security, is actually made whole and made right. Biden may have called the Trumpublicans bluff, because he has since said hes willing to negotiate on the border. Maybe Rs will take yes for an answer, but do they even want a compromise? Since theyve never enacted comprehensive reforms when they could have, Ill hold off on considering this a done deal. Rs dont believe in government, and so see failing to govern as a kind of success. But if theyre not, as Biden charges, willing to literally kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield in the process, now would be the perfect time to prove him wrong. Emmanuel Macron said the event had been carried out in the spirit of the Republic - X Emmanuel Macron has triggered a secularism row for attending the lighting of the candle for Hanukkah, a move branded a mistake by the head of Frances top Jewish group. On Thursday evening, Haim Korsia, Frances chief rabbi, lit a candle to mark the eight-day Jewish festival of light in the presence of the French president at the Elysee Palace. While such an event wouldnt raise eyebrows in the UK, Church and State are kept strictly separate in France under a 1905 law, which celebrates its anniversary on Dec 9. Carole Delga, a Socialist party politician and president of the Occitanie region, wrote: The Elysee is not a place of worship. Two days before the anniversary of the 1905 law, this is a bad signal sent by the State to the Republic. We cannot compromise with secularism. This common bond is precious but fragile. Gesture is a dangerous spiral Manuel Bompard, a Left-wing MP from the France Unbowed party, called the gesture an unforgivable fault while his colleague Alexis Corbiere warned against a dangerous spiral and asked: Will Macron do the same for other religious cults? Some yes, some no? Julien Aubert, of the conservative Republicans party and former MP for Vaucluse, said: Can you imagine a Christmas or Eid mass at the Elysee Palace? Its not serious. Laurence Rossignol, a Socialist party senator, said: Macron as president is like a 10-year-old with a little chemistry kit, but with real nitroglycerine and real matches. Even Yonathan Arfi, the president of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (Crif), called it a mistake. Its not really the place of the Elysee Palace to light a Hanukkah candle, because the Republican DNA is to keep away from anything religious, he said. Some asked whether Mr Macron may have been seeking to make amends for not taking part in a march against anti-Semitism, organised by top French officials on the Left and Right in the wake of the Oct 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. David Lisnard, the Right-wing president of the association of French mayors, asked: How can we refuse to take part in a civic march against anti-Semitism on the incongruous and fallacious grounds of safeguarding national unity, and celebrate a religious festival within the presidential palace? With the row snowballing, the French presidency on Friday said Mr Macron did not regret the celebration at all, assuring that it had been carried out in a spirit that is of the Republic and harmony. If the president had lent himself to a religious gesture, or had taken part in a ceremony, that would not be respectful of secularism. But thats not how it happened, the Elysee argued. The candle was lit after Mr Macron had been presented with the annual prize of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER) for combating anti-Semitism and safeguarding religious freedoms. The context is very important, the presidents entourage defended itself in the face of the controversy, stressing that he was not organising a Hanukkah ceremony, before adding: The Chief Rabbi of France, who was present, welcomed the presidents speech of thanks after receiving his prize by lighting the first Hanukkah candle. Thats not quite the same thing as inviting people to take part in a Hanukkah ceremony. Elisabeth Borne, the French prime minister, defended the decision. There are different ways of sending a signal to the Jewish community... and the message from the president at this time is that we protect and support all those who wish to practice their religion, and in particular the Jewish community, she insisted. Contradictory signals The problem, pointed out by Matthieu Croissandeau, a journalist at French news broadcaster BFMTV, was that Mr Macron is sending contradictory signals regarding secularism. He said: In the space of three months, weve seen the education minister ban the abaya (a Muslim garment) in (state) schools and sent a letter to all parents reminding them that the principle of secularism supposes the neutrality of the state towards everyone, whatever their religion. In the same breath, weve seen the president attend mass with the Pope in Marseille and now we have a religious candle lit in the Elysee, all that is not very coherent. He said the problem was it further muddied the waters regarding laicite, which is misunderstood and increasingly contested. An Ifop poll published on Friday suggested that 78 per cent of French Muslims feel it discriminates against Muslims. France has reported over 1,500 anti-Semitic acts and comments since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. In Germany meanwhile, Olaf Scholz on Thursday became the first chancellor to light Berlins central Hanukkah menorah, also in a sign of solidarity with Jews amid a surge of anti-Semitism during the Israel-Hamas war. Wearing a kippa, Mr Scholz called for the immediate release of Israeli hostages as he addressed a crowd gathered at the Brandenburg Gate for the start of the Jewish festival of lights. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. When Jose Antonio Colina was a student in Venezuela in the 1980s, the school books depicted a large swath of neighboring Guyana as a Zona en Reclamacion zone in reclamation the terminology the text books used to argue that the land actually belongs to Venezuela. The area, called Guyana Essequibo, is a resource-rich jungle about the size of Florida. It makes up three-quarters of Guyana, and many Venezuelans grew up learning that it belonged to them, not to their neighboring country. Decades have passed since Colinas school days. But the centuries-old border dispute persists, and it recently escalated after Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro carried out a national vote that asked voters whether Venezuela should annex Guyana Essequibo. Maduros government claimed that 10 million Venezuelans voted and that 98% favored invading Guyana. There are over 132,000 Venezuelans in Miami-Dade County, according to the U.S. Census. And many of them, like Colina, are grappling with the most recent developments of the border dispute. While many affirm their home countrys right to claim Guyana Essequibo, they vehemently oppose Maduro and believe that the Venezuelan leader is using the border conflict for his own benefit to manipulate the run-up to next years presidential election. It is a political scam carried out by Nicolas Maduros regime. His intention is not to even claim an area that belongs to us, its purely political interests trying to divert attention from the problems that Venezuela is experiencing... and to divert and possibly prevent the elections, said Colina, who leads an organization of politically persecuted Venezuelans in South Florida called Venezolanos Perseguidos Politicos en el Exilio. Colina, a former lieutenant in Venezuelas national guard, said Maduro Is playing with fire, and that Venezuela does not have the capacity to face a military even as small as Guyanas armed forces. Any kind of military action would isolate Venezuela from the international community even further, he added. The Essequibo belongs to us, he said. But if we really want to reach a solution we have to see it from a practical and realistic point of view. That is a territory that has been in dispute for more than 50 years. The population that is there does not even speak our language. We have to look for a mechanism that benefits both parties. Before the referendum took place Sunday, the United Nations International Court of Justice ordered Venezuela to not invade Essequibo. After the vote, Maduro created a military zone near the countrys border with Guyana and designated a general as the sole authority of Essequibo, where about 125,000 Guyanese live. The invasion threats have prompted concern from U.S. officials and sparked criticism and warnings from international observers. War is the greatest stupidity that human beings have invented. Unfortunately we are in this situation because a government that does not have any type of legitimacy is trying to have legitimacy through the exercise of sovereignty, said Jose Hernandez Contreras, a journalist and former diplomat at the OAS of opposition leader Juan Guaido who lives in Miami. Beatrice Rangel, a business consultant in Miami Beach, believes that the latest escalation in the Essequibo conflict is happening because Maduros political power is weak and he wants to rally support for his government. Rangel told the Herald that Venezuela has a right to claim the Essequibo, but that its an antiquated and non-enforceable right that arises from a 19th century vision. When someone says this is mine, it is because they have possession of that thing. So the question is: Do Guatemalans have possession of Belize? Does Venezuela have possession of the Essequibo? The answer is no, she said. Rangel wants a solution that benefits both countries. She hopes that diplomatic negotiations could pave the way for a stronger economic future for both nations. She suggested that if the two nations collaborated they could become a global aluminum production empire, given Guyanas a high volume of bauxite and Venezuelas large iron deposits. They should come to a practical arrangement and see how by working together they can achieve something better, she said. Wesley Kirton, the president of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce in Miami rejects that Guyana Essequibo belongs to Venezuela and said that the escalation of the threats from Venezuela is an unfortunate development that threatens the security of the Caribbean and the hemisphere as a whole. Kirton urged Venezuela to obey the order from the international court, and said that Guyana views Venezuela as a neighbor and friend, and that his country has taken in thousands of migrants from Venezuela. Mr. Maduro is pushing this not only for his political survival but based on greed, said Kirton, who added that the dispute threatens the many indigenous communities who live in the Essequibo. We have a very high respect for our indigenous people and we want to see them live comfortably without any fear. Kirton said that South Floridas Guyanese community has been holding virtual briefings to discuss the situation, and that businesses are fielding questions about whether its safe to keep doing business in Guyana or whether the supply chains and shipping will be affected. The Essequibo belongs to Guyana, Kirton said. There is no doubt about that and you will not find a single Guyanese that supports the claim by Venezuela, and even more so the reckless behavior of Mr. Maduro. Miami Herald data reporter Ana Claudia Chacin contributed to this story. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) A man wanted by the New Orleans Police Department for attempted rape and battery has been arrested. According to the NOPD, Special Victims Division officers arrested 52-year-old Dean Kelly on Thursday, Dec. 7 on charges of attempted third-degree rape and sexual battery from an October incident. Kelly is a former New Orleans model, known for his appearance in an Aerosmith video. Lafourche Parish schools, roads closed due to marsh fire smoke Police documents revealed he spent the last 10 years in prison on sexual battery and other charges, until his release in 2022. According to officers, Kelly is expected to be booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center. Officers say the investigation is active and ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call officers at (504)-658-5523 or Crimestoppers at (504)-822-1111. Stay updated with the latest news, weather, and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play store and subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. A Georgia man is behind bars after officials said he committed arson at a strip mall. Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said that Randy Neal Deloach, 41, of Douglas, was arrested in connection with a commercial structure fire in Coffee County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On July 3 at around 11:30 p.m., the Douglas Fire Department responded to a fire at a strip mall on Peterson Avenue. Firefighters eventually were able to extinguish the fire, but it caused $900,000 worth of damage, according to officials. Several businesses were damaged as a result of the fire, including Liquidation Market, True Light Ministries Church, East of Eden Church, and Amazing Grace Bakery. Following a thorough fire scene examination and interviews with several witnesses, our arson investigators classified this fire as incendiary, said Commissioner King. Analysis of the scene revealed the area of origin to be within the structure of the Liquidation Market, and the fire was ignited using an open flame lighter or match. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities occurred as a result of this event. Deloach was arrested on Wednesday and remains in jail. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was taken to the hospital after being shot in his sleep at his apartment, Memphis Police say. A little after 1 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 4000 block of Eagle River Road near Lamar and Getwell. The victim said he was asleep in his room when he heard gunshots. No charges for Dollar General worker who shot robbery suspect: D.A.s office He was shot once in his left arm and taken to Regional One in non-critical condition. His house, along with a home nearby, received damages as a result of the shooting. Two other people were in the home at the time of the shooting. They were not injured. Memphis murder map: Homicides in 2023 MPD says video footage showed three dark-colored sedans driving by the home multiple times before shots were fired. Over 60 rifle and handgun rounds were found in the parking lot. I heard like 50 to 60 shots right up in her, a neighbor said. Sound like a BOMB. Like for real, a real machinegun. Hours after police cleared the scene, occupants of the targeted apartment also cleared out and left a pile of furniture and belongings behind. Woman, teens arrested in string of violent carjackings, robberies They moved out this morning. I dont know why. But they just moved out, said Sherwood Brown, another neighbor. It sounded like you fighting in a war man. It sounded like it was in front of my house but it was two doors from me. Brown says this sort of reckless gunplay calls for a much stronger anti-crime response from City leaders. That could have been my grandchild or something. A stray bullet flew through their room. So yes it scares me, Brown said. Look like they need to bring the Army in here to take care of all the stuff thats going on here. You aint safe here. If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. This photo provided by the Albany County Sheriff's office shows Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, who was arrested for firing gunshots outside a Jewish temple on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 in Albany, N.Y. Alkhader has been federally charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. (Albany County Sheriff via AP) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A man who fired a shotgun into the air outside a synagogue in New York's capital city is an Iraqi-born U.S. citizen who told investigators he felt affected by events in the Middle East, a federal agent said in a court filing. No one was injured by the gunfire Thursday afternoon outside Albanys Temple Israel, but children attending preschool had to shelter in place while police searched the area. Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 28, was arrested a short distance away from the temple after laying down the shotgun, police said. He said Free Palestine when officers arrested him, according to Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Federal prosecutors charged Alkhader with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person a charge authorities said was related to his admitted use of marijuana. He could also face state charges. Hawkins said the episode was being investigated as a possible hate crime. The episode happened on the first night of Hanukkah amid rising fears of antisemitism worldwide and fallout from Israels intensifying war in Gaza. Threats against Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities have increased across the U.S. during the war, which entered its third month on Friday. Speaking from the synagogue on Friday during Shabbat services, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the shooting episode, saying her top priority is to ensure everyone has the ability to practice their religion safely. I wanted to come here tonight and recognize that the tranquility of this wonderful community has been upended, she told worshippers. All hate crimes must be condemned and not tolerated here. Alkhader, who lives in Schenectady, which is near Albany, waived his right to remain silent and spoke with law enforcement officers after his arrest, a task force officer with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said in a court filing. The officer's affidavit didn't detail what Alkhader said about his motivation, but the officer wrote that he offered that the events in the Middle East have impacted him. A person who answered the door at Alkhaders address in Schenectady and identified himself as his father declined to be interviewed, but said his son was mentally ill. After a brief appearance in federal court Friday morning, Alkhader was sent back to detention. He entered the court shackled and wearing a green jacket over his orange jail uniform. At times, he seemed to have difficulty following instructions from the judge. My English is limited, he told the judge softly. He said he speaks Arabic. Federal prosecutors and Alkhaders public defender, Timothy Austin, declined to comment after the appearance. There was no date set for a preliminary hearing or a possible detention hearing. FBI spokesperson Sarah Ruane praised the swift coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement. Hank Greenberg, a member of Albanys Temple Israel and spokesperson for the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York, decried what he called the heartbreaking reality Even with this grieving and suffering and fear we're experiencing, he said, at the same time we know we will endure and prevail as we have in the past. ___ Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @MaysoonKhan. A man found guilty for attempted murder of two Merced County Sheriff deputies, as well as his ex-wife, was sentenced to 82 years and eight months to life in prison. Guadalupe Lopez-Herrera, 55, appeared Thursday before Judge Carol Ash with his attorney Merced County Deputy Public Defender Katie Wagner in Merced County superior court. The judge said Lopez-Herrera showed no remorse regarding any of the incidents, and that he denied a lot of the acts, the accusations and tended to blame the victim or police. Ash further described Lopez-Herreras offenses as serious and outrageous. Lopez-Herrera was found guilty by a Merced County jury in August. The attempted killings took place in September 2019. Attempted murder in Dos Palos According to authorities, Lopez-Herrera violated a restraining order and broke into the home of his former spouse and violently attacked her in front of their children on Sept. 1, 2019. When Merced County Sheriffs Deputies approached three days later the the Dos Palos property where Lopez-Herrera was staying, he fired several shots at two approaching deputies. Sgt. Clint Landrum was struck in his tactical vest. Fellow deputy Julio Ibarra-Perez also was shot at. Following the shooting, Lopez-Herrera fled to a Fresno County farm, where authorities said he carjacked a vehicle from agricultural workers. He was eventually taken into custody on Sept. 5, 2019, after leading officers from multiple law enforcement agencies on a chase outside of Merced County. While discussing the reasoning for the sentence, Ash said witnesses were clearly upset when they saw Lopez-Herrera in court and she recalled seeing one witness visibly shaking during their testimony. Ash went on to say I know in the sentencing memorandum he made a statement that he feels his health is better today without the drugs and alcohol than it was back then and he expresses some remorse in the memorandum, but he certainly did not express this during the course of the trial. Sentencing was expected According to Merced County Deputy Public Defender Katie Wagner, Thursdays sentencing was expected. He was facing life on the two counts for attempted murder on the peace officers with gun enhancements, so he did received those sentences which comes out to 54 years to life plus determinant sentences for the convictions relating to the domestic violence and alleged assault on his wife, said Wagner. Merced County Deputy District Attorney Katie Gates said Lopez-Herrera is expected to serve the determinant sentences of 28 years and eight months prior to serving the term of 54 years to life in prison. Wagner said there were no big surprises and that the court did have some discretion with regards to the sentencing. Some is not really up to discretion, the court had to give life counts so that was expected, said Wagner. However, the court did accept some of my arguments with regards to some of the counts being run concurrent or stayed and so she did do that, as well as striking some of the firearm enhancements. Wagner said that with a jury verdict, it is hard to say what they considered or what they did not consider. Wagner said she believes there were some issues with the trial and that those issues can be taken up with the court on appeal by an appellate attorney. I think it is worth noting he is very remorseful, said Wagner. He is very concerned about the well-being of his children going forward. Wagner said that even though some of the facts of the trial were quite egregious, Lopez-Herrera is still in contact with some of his children who wish to maintain contact with him. Thats whats most important to him, said Wagner. While he did have significant issues with drug abuse, other things going on that I think significantly contributed to these crimes, I think ultimately he has always been concerned for the well being of his children specifically. According to Wagner, Lopez-Herrera reiterated today his desire to maintain contact with his children and to make sure he can provide for them and that they can go to college. So I think his heart is still in that place with regards to his concerns with the kids and he is remorseful for his actions, said Wagner. Lopez-Herrera was remanded to custody of the California Department of Corrections to serve his sentence following the hearing. The case was prosecuted by Merced County Chief Deputy District Attorney Katie Gates. Eighth LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Beijing Xinhua) 09:14, December 08, 2023 The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe co-chaired the meeting. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's commission for external relations, also attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held in Beijing on Thursday. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe co-chaired the meeting. Wang hailed the progress since the seventh LMC Foreign Ministers' Meeting, adding the LMC countries have steadily advanced cooperation in various fields, achieved a series of new achievements and created many new highlights. Wang said China will pursue the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness to work with Mekong countries to jointly build a Lancang-Mekong community with a shared future, jointly make the region an example for Belt and Road cooperation, a pacesetter for implementing the Global Development Initiative, a pioneer for implementing the Global Security Initiative and a front-runner for implementing the Global Civilization Initiative. Wang suggested that LMC should focus on six areas in the next stage: building a closer community of shared future, creating a more interconnected economic development belt, creating a more secure development environment, moving towards a more digital development prospect, deepening cultural and people-to-people cooperation with more characteristics, and advocating a more inclusive cooperation concept. The ministers spoke highly of the positive progress made in the LMC, and agreed that the LMC has become an important platform for maintaining regional peace and stability, promoting regional development and prosperity as well as the industrialization and modernization of all countries. The parties appreciated China's positive contribution to promoting the LMC and agreed to China's proposals on the direction of work in the next stage. The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe co-chaired the meeting. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's commission for external relations, also attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Tao) The eighth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting is held in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 7, 2023. Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Myanmar's Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe co-chaired the meeting. Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, head of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee's commission for external relations, also attended the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Tao) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (R) meets with Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 7, 2023. Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said here on Thursday that Laos attaches great importance to the development of news, culture and tourism, and hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in these sectors to attract more Chinese tourists. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) VIENTIANE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone said here on Thursday that Laos attaches great importance to the development of news, culture and tourism, and hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in these sectors to attract more Chinese tourists. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation, jointly organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, Xinhua News Agency and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday. In the afternoon, during a meeting with Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, Sonexay said that the forum facilitated Laos-China cooperation in media, culture and tourism. Laos welcomes Chinese companies to visit Laos and help develop Laos' tourism industry. Sonexay expressed his gratitude to China for the support and assistance it has been providing to Laos. He said the Lao government supports the cooperation projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, and the opening of the Laos-China Railway has facilitated the movement of people and goods in Laos, promoting the development of local economy and trade. He thanked Xinhua News Agency for its help in the development of the Lao journalism sector, and hoped that Xinhua and the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos would further strengthen cooperation to showcase the rich tourism resources of Laos and attract more Chinese tourists. Fu said the forum is one of the many important cooperation outcomes signed under the joint witness of the two countries' top leaders in October, and Xinhua will make its due contribution in serving the Belt and Road cooperation, boosting the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future, and deepening the friendship between the people of China and Laos. Xinhua is willing to exchange and share with the Lao media in news gathering, economic information collection and service, personnel training, and provide assistance as much as it can, Fu said. When Laos assumes the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) next year, Xinhua will focus on related activities and the achievements of Lao economic and social development, and widely report them through multi-language and multi-form channels. During his stay in Laos, Fu also met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune and Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket, with the two sides exchanging views on strengthening media exchanges and cooperation to promote the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. CHICAGO -- More than 70 kidney transplants were performed every day in the United States last year. Rachel Watson wanted to be one of the donors, but was told she didnt qualify at first. Watson, a 27-year-old digital marketer living in Warrenville, Illinois, had been moved by a news story about a local politician in need of a kidney. In 2022, she reached out to a Chicagoland hospital about donating one of her kidneys to a stranger. During a phone screening, Watson was told that she weighed too much to be considered as a donor. In January, Watson tried again at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. She passed an initial donor screening, but her BMI was still too high. Thats when she learned about Project Donor, which helps interested kidney and liver donor candidates who are turned away because of their weight or smoking history. Project Donor, a program run out of the University of Chicagos Center for RISC, which develops creative solutions for social problems, estimates that 90% of individuals interested in kidney donation dont make it through the process. The goal is to bring that number down by reaching potential donors who miss donation BMI cutoffs by five to 30 pounds, or because they actively smoke cigarettes, according to University of Chicago professor Steve Levitt, who founded Project Donor and authored the book Freakonomics. Most donation centers require donors to have a BMI lower than 35. They also must not have smoked for at least 90 days before surgery. More permanent factors such as diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure or serious mental health conditions also make potential donors ineligible. The system isnt set up to help them solve those problems, Levitt said. We were amazed that there was nobody there trying to take these heroes, these people who are giving up their kidneys for somebody else. About 90% of Project Donors patients are working on weight loss, with the rest trying to quit smoking. When patients start working with Project Donor, they have a 10-minute consultation with case managers over the phone, then check-ins every two or three weeks. The project provides either free smoking cessation products or free access to Noom, Weight Watchers, Future Fitness or On Point Nutrition. Patients can get a free electric scale, as well as free access to online therapy provider Better Help, upon request. The project also provides financial assistance, funding donors transportation and covering their lost wages during recovery. Project Donor is working with 170 prospective patients, about 20 of whom live in the Chicago area. Another 250 people have been through the program, research assistant Noah Duncan said, and 25 participants have met their donation goals so far. Eight, including Watson, have donated a kidney. Eight more are still navigating the pre-surgery process. Kidneys are the organs most likely to come from a live donor, and Levitts team estimates that 20,000 potential donors dont qualify every year. About 106,000 people are currently on the waitlist for a new organ, according to the American Kidney Fund. More than 92,000, or 87%, need a kidney. Some will wait three to five years, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Meanwhile, 12 die waiting every day. Weve been working honestly without much success for a long time on organ donation, Levitt said of the medical communitys efforts. The project launched in May 2022 and now has eight employees. Organ donations are facilitated by 56 organizations across the United States. Project Donor has worked with more than 30, and Levitt hopes to connect with every single one. Well work with anyone who will work with us, Levitt said. An individuals BMI is based on a combination of weight and height. A 5-foot-tall person weighing 180 pounds couldnt donate a kidney, while a 6-foot-tall donor could weigh up to 258 pounds. Some medical professionals and patients dont like to talk about health in terms of BMI. The American Medical Association released a report in June clarifying that BMI predicts health in populations better than individuals, and harms communities of color by drawing on limited data. But for kidney donation, it still sets a standard. Most participants are looking to lose five to 30 pounds over six months. For Watson, donating meant losing 17 pounds. I feel like the way people talk about weight is like its some taboo secret, Watson said. Even if they dont mean for it to be something to be ashamed of, their tone just comes across as it should be. Watson chose to use Noom. She liked that the apps language focused on education and building healthy habits when talking about weight loss, she said. Most case managers double as masters of social work students at the University of Chicago. And Watson said she didnt feel any shame in discussing her weight loss efforts with them. It was so focused on, We just want to help you meet your goal, and what tools can we give you to do that? Watson said. In the end, it took Watson three months to lose the weight. Her official donor acceptance letter, sent from Loyola in May, still hangs on her fridge. A Get Well Soon card from Project Donor sits nearby on her credenza. My house still very much has the artifacts of support they have given me throughout the past year, Watson said. Its a little dorky, but the National Kidney Registry, after I donated, sent me a certificate that I have framed on my living room wall. Watson donated her kidney in June and was back at work four weeks later. She still doesnt know exactly who got her kidney. She received vouchers that could be used to give a friend or relative of her choice priority to receive a kidney of their own. Watson gave her vouchers to a friend of a friend based in DuPage County, whose husband needed a kidney. She said meeting her voucher recipient provided some of the catharsis she started to want after surgery. It totally makes up for any doubt or questioning that I have in my mind, Watson said. After seeing people who so desperately want to give their loved ones a kidney but are discouraged from that, if I can fill that gap, its like a no-brainer. Loyola is one of 10 active kidney transplant centers in Illinois. Five are based in Chicago, including University of Chicago Medical Center, Lurie Childrens Hospital, Rush Medical Center, University of Illinois Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Project Donor staff check in on their participants for a year after their procedure. Donors are free to reach out years down the line if they decide they want help with relapsed habits, she said. Watsons Noom subscription will last a year, and she said some of the habits from her weight-loss journey have stuck. She built gym visits into her daily routine and thinks about food differently. As notable as the weight-loss help, though, was the removal of financial barriers. Watson said the project improved her faith in the medical system somewhat, though shes become wary of debts associated with donating an organ, which she hadnt considered at first. Im very grateful for how it turned out for me, and wary for other people who do have the medical bills, Watson said. On average, Project Donor spends $400 per participant, and research assistant Ruby Rorty said the group estimates a new kidney is worth between $1.1 million and $1.5 million, in future earning potential and quality of life. As economists, were very happy with that return, Rorty said. Sir Keir Starmer he was making the point that Thatcher was a leader with a driving sense of purpose - Roger Harris/AFP via Getty Images Sir Keir Starmer has insisted he is not a fan of Margaret Thatcher after facing a backlash from his MPs for praising the former Tory prime minister. The Labour leader claimed Thatcher did terrible things with which he profoundly disagrees with as he sought to placate backbenchers angered by his tribute to her legacy. In an article for The Telegraph, Sir Keir commended her for enacting meaningful change and setting loose our natural entrepreneurialism He has since stressed that he was making the point that she was a leader with a driving sense of purpose, rather than expressing support for her policies. You couldnt say she didnt have a plan At a gala dinner in Scotland on Thursday evening, he clarified that he was no champion of her politics. Asked whether he was a fan of Thatcher, he said: No, absolutely not. She did terrible things, particularly here in Scotland, which everybody in this room, myself included, profoundly disagrees with. In comments first reported by The Daily Record, he added: The point I was trying to make in a piece that we penned last week is that there are some political leaders who have a mission, a plan, that they implement. And [Clement] Attlee, of course, was one of them the new Jerusalem. Thatcher, whether you liked her or you didnt like her, you couldnt say she didnt have a plan or a mission. The SNP leapt on Sir Keirs initial remarks, with Humza Yousaf, the Scottish First Minister, saying they were an insult to working-class communities. Frustrated Labour backbenchers also warned that Sir Keir risked alienating traditional supporters, with one saying: Does he really think that Thatcher followers will be fooled into voting for him? In the meantime, he is jeopardising long-time Labour voters. Meanwhile, senior Conservatives claimed the comments proved Sir Keir will say anything to get elected. 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. Last month, a poll showed that 57% of Florida voters disapproved of the performance of U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, the state's 1st District Congressman. Now it appears that many of his coworkers don't like him much, either. Fresh from expelling former Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y. after his investigation by the House Ethics Committee several Republican House members have started talking about doing the same to Gaetz after his own ethics investigation comes out, according to one House Republican who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity. GOP lawmakers, the Republican said, are much more excited to expel Gaetz than Santos if the House Ethics Committee releases a report that is just as damning for Gaetz as it was for the New York Republican. If theres anything in there thats bad, I can guarantee people will have their fangs out. He is hated in our conference, the Republican said of the GOP conferences attitude towards Gaetz. If he comes back as guilty in this ethics thing, I think hes in trouble. Why do some of Gaetz's own party want him gone? Heres what to know about the U.S. Congressman. Who is Matt Gaetz? Matthew Louis Gaetz, 41, is the current U.S. representative for Floridas 1st congressional district and a lawyer. Born in Hollywood, Florida, Gaetz was raised in the Panhandle in a house familiar to Jim Carrey fans: it was the one used in the movie "The Truman Show," Gaetz said in the HBO documentary "The Swamp." Gaetz is the son of Don Gaetz, a former hospice company founder and prominent Florida politician who served as a member of the Florida State Senate from 2006 to 2016 and served as the Senate president from 2012 to 2014. Gaetz graduated from Niceville High School and went on to get a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary sciences from Florida State University in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from the William & Mary Law School in 2007. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2008 and is a member in good standing although he was briefly considered delinquent for having failed to pay $465 in bar fees and later reinstated. In 2010 he succeeded Rep. Ray Sansom as state representative in the 4th district in a special election after Sansom, the former Florida House Speaker, resigned on corruption charges and won again in the general election. He ran unopposed in 2010, 2012 and 2014, and then ran for the U.S. House in 2016, representing the 1st district. According to the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) from the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University, Gaetz ranked as the second-least effective Florida lawmaker in Congress when it came to moving and passing bills. Matt Gaetz and his fiance, Ginger Luckey, at the White House in December. Matt Gaetz is married to Ginger Luckey, the sister of Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey. Gaetz and Luckey announced their engagement in December 2020 and married in August 2021. Does Matt Gaetz have any children? In June 2020, Gaetz announced on Twitter that he has a teenage son named Nestor, whom he claims to have raised for the past six years. Gaetz has no blood relation to Nestor Galban, of Cuba, who is referred to as one of two "local students" he worked with while in Tallahassee in 2016, according to a 2020 Pensacola News Journal story. They currently live in Fort Walton Beach. What is Matt Gaetzs net worth? Estimates place Matt Gaetzs net worth anywhere around $235,000 though there are unconfirmed reports that he may be worth much more. On Gaetzs latest Congressional disclosure form, his reported assets ranged between $235,000-$625,000. The form requires representatives to report most of their holdings, though not all of them. Gaetz does come from a wealthy family. His parents, Don and Victoria Gaetz, had a reported net worth of $29.6 million, according to a document he submitted to Floridas ethics commission in June 2020. Why is Matt Gaetz controversial? Gaetz's career has seemingly been one controversy after another, starting with a 2008 DUI charge that was subsequently dropped (between 1999 and 2014 he racked up 17 traffic tickets). He became embroiled in more controversy after Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election and Gaetz positioned himself as one of his biggest supporters. Gaetz quickly developed a reputation for controversial statements, inviting political feuds and getting on FOX News, even naming his podcast and his 2020 book "Firebrand." Gaetz tried to abolish the Environmental Protection Agency One of his first acts as a congressman was introducing legislation in February 2017 that would abolish the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposal garnered very little support from his colleagues and stalled on the House floor, but it made national headlines nonetheless. Gaetz cast lone no vote on anti-human trafficking bill Later that year in December, Gaetz cast the lone no vote on an anti-human trafficking bill that easily sailed through both houses of Congress on Dec. 19. Gaetz said at the time, from a Facebook Live session in his living room, that he voted no because, despite best intentions of the bill, it represented "mission creep" at the federal level in creating the committee. Gaetz invited alt-right activist and racist internet troll to State of the Union In February 2018, Gaetz was once again under fire for inviting an infamous alt-right activist and racist internet troll Chuck Johnson to the State of the Union address in Washington D.C. Gaetz claimed at the time he had no idea who Johnson was and he gave him a ticket after he showed up at Gaetz's office before the speech Tuesday. Gaetz was accused of witness intimidation over Michael Cohen tweet Some members of Congress accused Gaetz of attempting to intimidate a witness on Feb. 26, 2019, when he sent out a tweet about Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen that implied he had multiple extramarital affairs and suggested his wife might be unfaithful while he was imprisoned due to new information disclosed to her. Gaetz eventually deleted the tweet and apologized. Gaetz crashes Cohens hearing Gaetz continued to make headlines while Cohen was in the media spotlight when he crashed the House Oversight Committees hearing with Cohen. Gaetz, claiming he only wanted to observe the hearing and ask questions, but was not part of the committee. Afterward, the House Ethics Committee and the Florida Bar Association opened an investigation into Gaetz over the aforementioned tweet. The state bar found no probable cause that Gaetz violated any rules in August 2019. Gaetz announces he had a Cuban 'son' named Nestor In June 2020, Gaetz sent shockwaves through social media in June when he announced he had a Cuban son, Nestor, who he claimed to have been raising for the past six years. Nestor is the biological brother of Gaetz's ex-girlfriend and he said at the time he was a "single dad." Gaetz was accused of violating House ethics rules by using taxpayer money on speech-writing consultant In 2020, Politico reported that Gaetz had improperly sent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars to a limited liability company linked to a speech-writing consultant who was removed from the Trump administration. The report also noted that Gaetz may have used taxpayer money to build a private studio in his fathers home in Niceville and rent video equipment. Gaetz used COVID-19 pandemic as excuse for absences Gaetz along with dozens of other Republican House members were accused of citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to skip votes in February 2021. Gaetz and the others asked others to vote on their behalf while they instead attended the Conservative Political Action Conference, which took place at the same time as their absences. Gaetz accused of having sexual relations with a 17-year-old girl In March 2021, the New York Times broke the story that Gaetz was reportedly being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department over allegations that he had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl and paid for her travel. The Times cited "three people briefed on the matter" who said investigators are examining whether Gaetz violated sex trafficking laws. The news came just after a CNN report that alleged Gaetz had shown nude pictures of women he had slept with to other lawmakers on the House floor. Gaetz responded to the report on his Twitter account Tuesday evening, later sending the statement to the Pensacola News Journal, alleging he was the victim of a former Justice Department official seeking $25 million payment. "Matt Gaetz has never paid for sex, the statement said. "Matt Gaetz refutes all the disgusting allegations completely. Matt Gaetz has never ever been on any such websites whatsoever. Matt Gaetz cherishes the relationships in his past and looks forward to marrying the love of his life." Gaetz later mocked the scandal, calling it "Gaetzgate." The Justice Department ultimately decided not to charge Gaetz in February after investigators warned that two of the key witnesses were unreliable. Gaetz was investigated for allegations of sexual misconduct, campaign finance violations, taking bribes, and using drugs Following the announcement of the DOJ probe, the Democrat-led House Ethics Committee opened its own investigation. "The Committee is aware of public allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct," reads a statement from the House Ethics Committee. The investigation deferred its investigations at the request of Justice Department so as not to interfere with its probe. In July, the now-Republican-led committee quietly relaunched the investigation, CNN reported. Gaetz on the chopping block? House GOP members may expel Matt Gaetz if ethics investigation finds allegations credible Gaetz led efforts to block Rep. Kevin McCarthy from becoming Speaker of the House In January the country was witness to an increasingly awkward process as the House attempted to elect a new Speaker. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-CA, was the odds-on favorite but Gaetz led a revolt against him and brought enough votes to prevent McCarthy's win. It took a record 15 elections and a series of concessions to Gaetz and other hardline Republicans that left him in a precarious position. Gaetz got Speaker McCarthy kicked out As McCarthy struggled to avoid a government shutdown, Gaetz threatened to oust him if he attempted to negotiate a deal with Democrats to get votes on a bipartisan solution. Passing the funding deal became impossible with just Republicans as the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, including Gaetz, continued to block McCarthy's efforts by insisting on deep funding cuts from government spending. Hours before the deadline, McCarthy and other Republicans carved out a temporary deal to keep the government going through Nov. 17. Two days later, Gaetz introduced a motion to remove McCarthy as Speaker. McCarthy, now the first House Speaker ever removed by a motion to vacate, later accused Gaetz of getting him removed as revenge over the House ethics probe. I think its more personal. If the Ethics Committee never does anything to Gaetz, then Gaetz was successful in stopping what probably should rightfully come to him, McCarthy said. This led to more weeks of infighting among the fractured Republican House members to agree on another House Speaker during a time when lawmakers were trying to reach another temporary agreement to again avoid a government shutdown. Is Gaetz next to go? Now that the House Ethics Committee has started up its investigation into Gaetz again, House GOP members may be prepared to expel their fellow congressman if it comes back guilty. Several members have expressed complaints about Gaetz's ouster of McCarthy, his role as a hostage-taker in the public perception of House Republicans as being unable to govern during the Speaker elections, and his inappropriateness for the office. Matt Gaetz, to say he came here as a fiscal crusader, its more likely he came here for the teenage interns on Capitol Hill, to be honest, Marc Short, former Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff, told CNN. Rep. Garret Graves, R-LA, told Semafor that there should be repercussions for McCarthys removal and claimed that Gaetz would make a great dictator. "I think Matt would be a great dictator in a small island nation in the Pacific or something, that's probably the best next step for him, he said. Other Republicans have since come out to accuse Gaetz of treating the vote as a political stunt to gain more attention as Gaetz has begun spinning the vitriol against him to fundraise. In a recent closed-door conference meeting Gaetz stood up to speak, the anonymous House Republican said, but was yelled at by other GOP House members to sit down and shut up. Gaetz still has his defenders and even some detractors who don't want to see this trend continue. Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who has previously criticized Gaetz, warned against using the committee as a political weapon or a bludgeon against somebody just because you dont like them. Ken Tran, USA TODAY, contributed to this article. Editor's note: Matt Gaetz's current Florida bar standing has been corrected. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Matt Gaetz: Florida congressman under investigation, lacks approval McDonald's will soon be opening its first new spinoff restaurant: CosMc's. Unfortunately, it won't be anywhere near Florida. The restaurant chain is keeping busy. It also recently announced the release of an adult version of the Happy Meal, the Kerwin Frost Box that will be coming Dec. 11 and announced last month a collaboration with Crocs. Here's the latest on CosMc's. What is McDonald's spinoff restaurant, CosMc's? McDonald's described CosMc's as "a new small-format, beverage-led concept thats truly out of this world. "Inspired by nostalgia and powered by a menu of bold, refreshing beverages and tasty treats. At CosMcs, were exploring how we might solve the 3 p.m. slump by lifting humans up with every sip. Ready to blast off? Visit cosmcs.com or follow CosMcs on Instagram, TikTok and X. Where and when will the first CosMc's open? The first CosMc's location will open in Bolingbrook, Illinois this month. As part of a limited test, the first CosMcs location will open in Bolingbrook, Illinois, in December. The town is located about 30 miles outside Chicago. Will a CosMc's come to Florida? That's unknown at this time. McDonald's said "additional outposts" are planned to open in the coming months but except for a couple of locations in Texas, was not specific on where the new restaurants will be. "By the end of 2024, we plan to open approximately 10 CosMcs pilot locations, with more opportunities for mood-boosting escapes across the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metro areas," McDonald's said. What will be on CosMc's menu? Expect "otherworldly beverage creations," along with a small lineup of food, including a select few McDonalds favorites, McDonald's announced. There will be specialty lemonades and teas, blended beverages and cold coffee including Sour Cherry Energy Slush, Tropical Spiceade and Smores Cold Brew. Customize your beverage with popping boba, flavor syrups, energy or Vitamin C shots, and more. Food offered at CosMc's includes: Spicy Queso Sandwich, Savory Hash Brown Bites and Pretzel Bites served with dipping sauces. On the sweet side, there's a Blueberry Lemon Cookie Sundae and Caramel Fudge Brownies. A few McDonalds classics also will be on the menu. CosMc's to feature 'dynamic menu boards' McDonald's announced CosMc's will use "dynamic menu boards and cashless payment devices" to make the customer experience quicker. Drive-thru pickup windows are assigned once an order is ready. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: New restaurant: CosMcs Florida, locations, menu. McDonald's spinoff State Rep. John Bradford changed his campaign plans Friday, filing to run for Congress in an area near Charlotte. He told The News & Observer on Friday morning as he filed paperwork that he received a lot of encouragement to run for Congress in the 8th Congressional District and is in the process of setting up his campaign and website. Its really something Ive always wanted to do, Bradford said. And, frankly, Washington is broken. And I think Washington needs more legislators from North Carolina, weve done some great things for the state. And Im highly qualified. And so thats why I decided to make the change. Bradford, a Republican from Mecklenburg County, had been campaigning for state treasurer. On Friday, A.J. Daoud, a former North Carolina lottery commissioner and state party leader who was running for state auditor, told The N&O he would run in the GOP primary for treasurer instead. The 8th district is made up of Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, Union and parts of Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Robeson counties. Its an area where residents tend to vote Republican. I have a company that does business all across the state, Bradford said. I have a huge business constituency across the 8th district. So this just feels right, and Im excited. Four other candidates have already announced their intentions to run there, including Mark Harris, whose campaign in 2018 was accused of election fraud centering on a political operative working in Bladen County. The investigation of those allegations led the state to call a new election in which Harris did not run, and which Rep. Dan Bishop went on to win. So far only Bradford and Republican veteran and attorney Don Brown have filed in the race. The 8th district race does not have an incumbent, with Bishop, a Republican from Waxhaw, instead running for attorney general. Bradford had been one of several potential candidates mentioned to replace Rep. Patrick McHenry, a Republican from Lincoln County who announced Tuesday after 20 years in Congress that he would retire. McHenrys announcement caught many people by surprise since the 10-term congressman, who recently served as temporary House speaker, had already said he would seek reelection. McHenry, though, represents an area just north of the one Bradford ended up filing in. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Ancient plant fossils that puzzled scientists have turned out not to be plants after all, new research has revealed. Instead, the small round shapes bearing a leaflike pattern were once the shells of baby turtles that lived during the time of dinosaurs. Scientists have nicknamed the turtle species Turtwig, after a Pokemon character that is half-turtle, half-plant. The discovery marks the first time baby turtle carapaces have been found in northwestern South America, according to the study authors. The results of their research were published Thursday in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica. In the Pokemon universe, you encounter the concept of combining two or more elements, such as animals, machines, plants, etc., said lead author Hector Palma-Castro, a graduate student of paleobotany at the National University of Colombia, in a statement. So, when you have a fossil initially classified as a plant that turns out to be a baby turtle, a few Pokemon immediately come to mind. In this case, Turtwig, a baby turtle with a leaf attached to its head. But it took some sleuthing to solve this paleontological mystery that began decades ago. Wrong place, wrong time It all started when Colombian priest Padre Gustavo Huertas discovered the fossils in the Paja Formation. The formation is part of one of Colombias geological heritage sites called the Marine Reptile Lagerstatte of the Ricaurte Alto. Previous fossil discoveries from the site include dinosaurs, plesiosaurs, pliosaurs, ichthyosaurs, turtles and crocodile relatives called crocodylopmorphs dated from the Early Cretaceous Period, between 113 million and 132 million years ago. Huertas collected fossils and rocks at the site, near the town of Villa de Leyva, from the 1950s to the 1970s. When he found the leaf-patterned rocks, he deemed them a fossil plant. Huertas went on to describe the specimens as Sphenophyllum colombianum in a 2003 study. But other scientists were surprised to hear that the plant was discovered in northern South America and dated between 113 million and 132 million years ago. The now-extinct plant, once prevalent around the world, died out more than 100 million years earlier, according to the fossil record. Previous research about the plant showed that its leaves were typically wedge-shaped with veins that radiated out from the base of the leaf. The age and location of the fossils intrigued Palma-Castro and Fabiany Herrera, the assistant curator of paleobotany at the Negaunee Integrative Research Center at Chicagos Field Museum of Natural History. Herrera collects and studies plants from the Early Cretaceous Period (100.5 million to 145 million years ago) in northwestern South America, a part of the continent where little paleobotanical research takes place. Both fossils, about 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter, were housed in collections at the National University of Colombias department of geosciences. As Herrera and Palma-Castro examined and photographed the fossils, they thought something seemed strange. When you look at it in detail, the lines seen on the fossils dont look like the veins of a plant I was positive that it was most likely bone, said Herrera, the studys senior author, in a statement. Solving a fossil mystery Herrera contacted his colleague Edwin-Alberto Cadena, a senior lecturer and paleontologist who studies turtles and other vertebrates at Del Rosario University in Bogota, Colombia. They sent me the photos, and I said, This definitely looks like a carapace the bony upper shell of a turtle, said Cadena, a study coauthor, in a statement. I said, Well, this is remarkable, because this is not only a turtle, but its also a hatchling specimen, its very, very small. Cadena and one of his students, Diego Combita-Romero at the National University of Colombia, compared the fossils with the shells of other extinct and modern turtles. When we saw the specimen for the first time I was astonished, because the fossil was missing the typical marks on the outside of a turtles shell, said study coauthor Combita-Romero in a statement. It was a little bit concave, like a bowl. At that moment we realized that the visible part of the fossil was the other side of the carapace, we were looking at the part of the shell that is inside the turtle. During their analysis of the shells, the researchers determined that the turtles were about 1 year old at the most when they died. As young turtles develop, their growth rates and sizes can vary, Combita-Romero said. But its rare to find remains of young turtles because the bones in their shells are so thin. These turtles were likely relatives of other Cretaceous species that were up to fifteen feet long, but we dont know much about how they actually grew to such giant sizes, Cadena said in a statement. The researchers didnt blame Huertas for mistakenly categorizing the fossils as plants. What he believed to be leaves and stems were the vertebrae and rib bones within a turtles shell. We resolved a small paleobotanical mystery, but more importantly, this study shows the need to re-study historical collections in Colombia. The Early Cretaceous is a critical time in land plant evolution, Herrera said. The research team next aims to uncover the forests that once grew in the region, he said. In paleontology, your imagination and capacity to be amazed are always put to the test, Palma-Castro said. Discoveries like these are truly special because they not only expand our knowledge about the past but also open a window to the diverse possibilities of what we can uncover. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mike Johnson stunned Washington when he won the speakers gavel this year. Rising from relative obscurity, hes now second in line to the presidency, having leapfrogged better-known, seasoned GOP leaders to seize one of the top prizes in American politics. As one of the least experienced speakers in recent history, Johnson, 51, is now relying on a cadre of trusted House allies, senators, former Trump officials and congressional leadership aides to help him navigate a perilous political landscape made more complicated by the GOPs razor-thin majority, divided government and fresh shutdown threats. Heres a look at Johnsons inner circle on Capitol Hill. Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (NBC News; Getty Images) The Mentors Johnson has had two main mentors during his seven years in Congress: Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan. Both of them ran for speaker and fell short during the GOPs three-week leadership fight, clearing the way for their onetime mentee to rise to the top job. While the dynamic may be politically awkward, theres no personal bitterness between Johnson and the men. Scalise, a fellow Louisiana Republican, has known Johnson for more than two decades. Seven years Scalises junior, Johnson followed closely in his mentors footsteps. Both attended Louisiana State University and served in the statehouse in Baton Rouge; both won seats in the U.S. House, then won a competitive race to lead the conservative Republican Study Committee, which both men used as a stepping stone to GOP leadership. A senior statesman, Scalise has assumed the role of top lieutenant and trusted adviser to Johnson a stark contrast to Scalises chilly relationship with his onetime rival, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif. Mike is a passionate conservative. Hes come up here to work, Scalise said in a brief interview. Ultimately as speaker, hes been really focused on unifying everybody and getting our agenda back on track. His other mentor is Jordan, R-Ohio, another former Republican Study Committee chairman who was also the founding chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, the far-right group of which Johnson was briefly a member. Earlier this year, Jordan had appointed Johnson, a constitutional attorney, as the chairman of Judiciarys Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government. And as the House begins to ramp up its impeachment investigation, Johnson and Jordan will need to remain in close contact. In an interview, Jordan called Johnson a friend and a solid Christian guy. He recalled a trip he and the now-speaker took with their wives to Israel in February 2020. During a breakfast meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the lawmakers this new Covid-19 situation was going to get really bad. They were in disbelief, but as Netanyahu delivered the warning, he was coughing, sneezing and blowing his nose, Jordan said. Its just one of those funny things, Jordan said, chuckling as he recalled the story. So weve been friends too. A great guy, hes gonna do a great job. Rep. Elise Stefanik and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (NBC News; Getty Images) The Sherpas Johnson was the vice chair of the GOP Conference when House Republicans dumped Chairwoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., and replaced her with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y. Johnson quickly offered his support to the new chair and the two discussed how they could partner together running the conference, a GOP aide said. When Johnson won the speakers gavel, Stefanik returned the favor. In those initial days, she sent some of her communications staff to Johnson to help triage a chaotic situation and get the office up and running, the source said. Last weekend, Stefanik played the role of Sherpa, the aide said. She introduced Johnson around her home turf, New York, as the two made the fundraising rounds and raised cash for the handful of vulnerable Empire State Republicans who are key to holding the majority. The duo hauled in more than $1.5 million, Stefanik said. He knows New Yorks incredibly important, Stefanik said in an interview. We had a lot of introductions to donors that have supported myself and the House Republicans for years. They enjoy getting to know the speaker, and I think its going to be the beginning of a great long-term investment in our effort to save the country. Later, the pair sat on a sofa next to each other on Fox & Friends, fielding questions on everything from the ousted Rep. George Santos and Ukraine funding to the impeachment inquiry. Johnson is also close to the chairwoman of the influential Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. At his request, McMorris Rodgers gave the speech to nominate him as speaker in a closed-door meeting of House Republicans. They became friends shortly after Johnson arrived in 2017, when McMorris Rodgers was serving as GOP Conference chair. When Johnson won the vice chair post three years later, McMorris Rodgers advised the future speaker on numerous matters. The two frequently discuss energy, a leading industry in Johnsons home state of Louisiana. And theyve bonded over their conservative Christian faith they're both members of a congressional prayer group and their children, aides said. Johnson has four children, while McMorris Rodgers has three, including one with special needs whom she frequently speaks about. Sen. Ron Johnson, Sen. Rick Scott, Sen. Mike Lee (NBC News; Getty Images) The Senate liaisons Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah; Rick Scott, R-Fla.; and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; have earned reputations for bucking their party leadership and causing headaches for Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. The trio is part of a small group of Senate rabble-rousers known as the Breakfast Club, which regularly meets for dinner on Wednesday nights. Until recently, the group had been little more than a thorn in the side of McConnell and his allies. But with Johnsons ascent to the speakers office, the three conservative senators have taken on a new, more prominent role: liaisons between the new speaker and the Senate GOP Conference. Tides have been shifting in the Senate this year; as then-Speaker McCarthy faced rampant demands from hard-liners in the House, the conservative flank across the Capitol was emboldened in turn. At the end of September, McConnell who is rarely overruled by his rank-and-file members was forced to abandon his steadfast position on including aid to Ukraine as part of a deal to avert a government shutdown. Now, with conservative newbie Johnson wielding the gavel, the Senate trio feels more empowered than ever to protest the views of leadership and instead push belt-tightening fiscal policies found untenable by the Democratic-led Senate. A former low-level member of leadership, Johnson is not close to McConnell or many senators. So he has leaned on the trio to help introduce him to senators during his appearances at Senate lunches and to test how conservative proposals, like the laddered stopgap funding bill he used to temporarily fund the government, would play in the upper chamber. Its helpful that he engages with us. So I can legitimately go and say that when Im at our lunches and say Weve sat down with the speaker and this is his goals. And this is what hed like to accomplish, Scott said in an interview. And I think thats what we would like to accomplish. Lets all figure out how we can do this together. Rep. Jodey Arrington and Rep. Drew Ferguson (NBC News; Getty Images) The Classmates In 2016, Johnsons election to the House was overshadowed by the election of another Republican: Donald Trump. The future speaker had to navigate a challenging political environment with a new, unpredictable president whose early-morning tweets would often dictate the day on Capitol Hill. Johnson did so alongside his fellow members of the class of 2016, and he grew close to several, including Reps. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa. When you come in together, your class is the closest friends that youll have most of the time, because you learn at the same time and at the same pace, Ferguson said in an interview. And this place is full of political landmines, and your class is the only group that steps on them together. Everybody else is happy to let you do it. You have to learn to trust one another for good advice. Ferguson, who previously served in leadership as Scalises chief deputy whip, conceded that Johnson has been dealt a tough hand with a minuscule majority and a mounting to-do list. But he said the speaker is viewed by his colleagues as smart, talented and an honest, transparent broker. Another one of that 27-member GOP class of 2016 is Arrington. As Budget Committee chairman, Arrington had a high-profile falling-out with then-Speaker McCarthy. But with his friend and classmate now in the top job, the West Texas lawmaker is suddenly back in the mix. Mike and I share the same faith. We both have a young family back home. The western part of Louisiana that he represents the politics, culture, the values, its almost identical to West Texas, Arrington said. During the messy October speaker impasse, Arrington, too, had considered making a bid for speaker. During a private phone call, the two shared each others thinking about the race. Then, they prayed together. I knew he was feeling what we say in the evangelical community: He was feeling called. And I told him I had an interest too, but I said I dont feel the calling like I hear you feeling it, Arrington recounted. It was clear that God just made a path for him. The timing had to be just right. You had to have gone through the other candidates. And you could just see there was momentum. Raj Shah and Chad Gilmartin (NBC News; Getty Images) Top staffers Johnson has built out his speakers office with a mix of veteran aides from his congressional office, former Trump White House officials and a former top McCarthy aide. Heading the office is chief of staff Hayden Haynes, a Louisiana native who was Johnsons first campaign manager when he ran for the House in 2016 and has served as his chief of staff ever since. Hes joined by deputy chief of staff Garrett Fultz, who served as Johnsons deputy chief and legislative director in his personal office. Perhaps Johnsons most well-known staffer is Raj Shah, a former Trump staffer, whom the speaker has tapped to run his communications operation. Shah has spent the past four years as senior vice president at Fox Corp. and earlier held top communications roles in the Trump White House and at the Republican National Committee. Johnson named another former aide, Hannah Fraher, as his House Operations director. Ashley Callen, a Capitol Hill veteran who most recently served as Scalises general counsel, was named general counsel for Johnson, where she provides legal strategic advice. And Courtney Butcher, who headed member services for the GOP Conference under Stefanik, was named member services director in the speakers office. Chad Gilmartin is another former Trump official whom Johnson has brought onto his communications team; after Trump left office in 2021, Gilmartin went to work for McCarthy. Chris Bien is a veteran McCarthy aide who rose at the start of this year to House floor director. He is continuing in that critical role for Johnson, advising Republicans on everything from parliamentary procedure to legislative strategy on the floor. Others in the speakers communications shop include Corinne Day, a former aide to Sen. Ron Johnson; and Taylor Haulsee, who previously worked for then-Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and recently returned to Team Johnson after a short stint in the private sector. Leading Johnsons policy shop, tasked with crafting and reviewing legislation, is Dan Ziegler, who previously served as executive director of the Republican Study Committee when Johnson was its chairman. Before that, he worked for Heritage Action for America and the American Energy Alliance and served in the George W. Bush administration. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune delivers a speech at the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 7, 2023. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) VIENTIANE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, met in October with Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao president. The two leaders signed a 2024-2028 action plan between the CPC and the LPRP on building the China-Laos community with a shared future, which has given new connotations to the relationship between the two parties and the two countries. In a congratulatory letter to the forum, Thongloun said 2023 is a historically important year for the cooperation between Laos and China. The new five-year action plan is an important document of strategic significance for the two countries to strengthen close cooperation and high-quality development in the new period, said the Lao president. As an important platform and mechanism for implementing the five-year action plan, the Lao leader said in the letter, the forum will make positive contributions to deepening mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. He said the LPRP and the Lao government attach importance to and support the strategic alignment between the Belt and Road Initiative and the planned transformation of Laos from a land-locked to a land-linked country. The cooperation between Laos and China has proved with practical actions that outcomes of the Belt and Road cooperation such as the Laos-China Railway, social and cultural projects, and the Laos-China Economic Corridor have brought tangible benefits to Laos and other developing countries, said the Lao leader. The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, Xinhua News Agency and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, under the theme of "China-Laos Community with Shared Future: New Era, New Opportunities, New Paradigm." Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said that the forum provides a good opportunity to promote the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, investment and tourism. He said the theme of the forum focuses on the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, which is in line with the interests of the people of the two countries, and will help to show the international community the important results of the Laos-China Belt and Road cooperation in the past 10 years. The close and efficient cooperation between the two countries will further consolidate and advance the building of the Laos-China community with a shared future, and promote world peace, stability, friendship and sustainable development, he said. Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, attended the forum and delivered a speech. He said the forum is a concrete step to implement the results of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries in October, and is a platform to discuss cooperation and seek common development. As China's national news agency and an international news agency, Xinhua has always been committed to contributing to the exchanges and cooperation between China and Laos. Looking forward, Xinhua is willing to further leverage its unique advantages to expand exchanges and cooperation with all walks of life in Laos, provide strong support for Laos as it assumes the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) chairmanship next year, and further promote China-Laos relations, Fu said. Wang Chang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Laos, and Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Suanesavanh Vignaket also addressed the opening ceremony. At the forum, China Economic Information Service, a subsidiary of Xinhua, published a report on new opportunities of the China-Laos economic and trade cooperation in the new era. A series of cooperation agreements were signed, covering fields including finance, media, telecommunications, as well as culture and tourism. Participants also visited a photo exhibition on the achievements of the China-Laos community with a shared future. Fu Hua, president of Xinhua News Agency, delivers a speech at the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 7, 2023. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) People visit a photo exhibition on the achievements of the China-Laos community with a shared future in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 7, 2023. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) This photo taken on Dec. 7, 2023 shows the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation held in Vientiane, Laos. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and Lao president, sent a congratulatory letter to the forum. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) This photo taken on Dec. 7, 2023 shows the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation held in Vientiane, Laos. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune (7th L) and Fu Hua (7th R), president of Xinhua News Agency, attend the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation in Vientiane, Laos, Dec. 7, 2023. The second Belt and Road Forum for Laos-China Cooperation kicked off here Thursday to discuss the implementation of the outcomes of the meeting between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, and the building of the China-Laos community with a shared future. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Days after police in Memphis released footage of the brutal beating of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man who died after being beaten by a group of Memphis police officers, a group of Democratic lawmakers vowed to pass a series of police accountability measures that had been introduced in previous sessions but stalled under Republican leadership. "These will be re-introductions," said Sen. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, during a Jan. 31 press conference. "Make no mistake, the men and the women behind me who are both in the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus and are allies and supporters have introduced bill after bill after bill after bill. And with Republicans in the majority, nothing moved." In previous sessions, when they were in the minority, Democrats sponsored legislation to, among many items, ban the use of no-knock warrants, increase training standards for de-escalation methods, require officers to intervene when they see another using excessive force and ensure that use-of-force violations would be included in an officers record if transferring to another agency. This year they had a newly minted Democratic trifecta on their side, and it moved quickly to check off a litany of policy goals, repealing Michigans right-to-work law, passing a series of gun safety measures, expanding abortion access and more. But by the end of the year, the Democrats' policing proposals had seen even less action than under Republican leadership. No bills were introduced. I was ready to go that day, Anthony said, referencing the January press conference in a November interview with the Free Press. In terms of introducing legislation, there's so many bills that are really low-hanging fruit that we could be introducing and working through the process. Every day that we don't act, I think we're disappointing our stakeholders who have been lifting up these issues, particularly during 2020 with the murder of George Floyd. In order to prevent the next crisis, we have to prioritize this next year. Work has taken place to re-introduce the legislation, Democratic lawmakers say. But they're also cognizant of razor-thin majorities in each chamber last year and now, an even split between parties in the House until two seats can be filled in April special elections. Its an issue that is important for a lot of lawmakers and important for a lot of community members, and also has the support of a lot of law enforcement officials, said Sen. Stephanie Chang, D-Detroit. At the same time, we recognize that building support for the bills is really important among our colleagues in the Legislature. Chang, who chairs the Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety, sponsored policing bills in past sessions. Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, chairs the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus. She said the package is necessary to improve community safety, not only for residents but also for law enforcement officers who desire consistent policies while working. This is a package that would be transformational, Geiss said. Work has continued throughout the year on it. And I'm hopeful that we'll be able to get something done when we return in January. There were so many things that we were able to get done in 2023. And it's disappointing that this was not one of them. Supporters see missed opportunity not advancing policing bills in 2023 Some Democratic lawmakers are frustrated with the lack of movement over the policing bills, given the amount of support for codifying some law enforcement standards from community advocacy groups who have repeatedly called for change. There's definitely urgency from the people that I represent, said Rep. Kristian Grant, D-Grand Rapids. Grants district covers the southeast side of Grand Rapids, where Patrick Lyoya, a Congolese refugee, was shot and killed by a police officer during a struggle that ensued after he tried to flee a traffic stop. The officer was charged with murder, but not before footage of the shooting sparked protests and calls for change in Grand Rapids. Similarly, calls for change took place nationwide and in Michigan after the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020, as well as the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in Louisville that year during a no-knock raid. A crowd throws up their fist while gathered outside of the Grand Rapids Police Department to protest in downtown Grand Rapids on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The part that breaks my heart, there's a piece from the people that I represent. (They) also said, we want this, but we don't even know if it ever will really happen, we don't know if we ever even really expected it, Grant said. When we have a (Democratic) trifecta, the people who have supported us for the longest should not be the last ones to see the good effects. Not passing this legislation under a Democratic majority would be a major disappointment, said Teferi Brent, who chairs the Community Safety Committee of the Black Leadership Advisory Council formed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. I would hate for us to get to the point in order for us to have serious police reform, criminal justice reform, that we wait until somebody else gets killed, he said. We have an opportunity to protect citizens and police, and we have to do that." "Ultimately as far as the Democratic Party in the state of Michigan, they need to be behind this. They need to push this. They need to understand that this is important to Michiganders, especially to African Americans." Previous efforts to pass policing legislation stalled, and bills not even being introduced in 2023 is worrisome, Brent said. While lawmakers haven't made policy movement, Anthony, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, pointed to funding for law enforcement training included in the state's budget for the current fiscal year. Included in the state budget were millions of dollars for police officer training, including $10 million for the Michigan State Police Training Academy "to support realistic, multi-disciplinary training opportunities for law enforcement agencies across the state," according to the governor's office. "We've put money and resources into the budget to make sure that we're uplifting law enforcement," Anthony said. She pointed to the policies previously introduced as "simple things" lawmakers can pass to provide "guardrails and provisions to make sure everyone gets home safe," civilians and officers alike. Bill proponents believe measures have enough support to overcome any political framing In previous sessions, Democratic lawmakers attributed a lack of movement on policing legislation to political machinations in 2020, a bipartisan package of bills stalled in the Senate, as the presidential election that year took the steam out of calls for change. Bills were again introduced in the next session on May 25, 2021, the first anniversary of Floyds murder, but werent voted on before the session wrapped up at the end of 2022. Still, political concerns may have slowed momentum for getting the measures passed. Josh Pasek, a professor of communication and media and political science at the University of Michigan, previously told the Free Press that bills dealing with law enforcement are often scrutinized as being anti-police, creating a challenge for Democratic candidates representing or running in competitive districts. Like Chang, Grant said its important for lawmakers to make sure the policing bills, which supporters are referring to as police improvement bills, have broad support in both chambers. Grant noted that in the 2022 election, Democrats were able to win swing House districts that gave them the majority this year, and those close seats will likely be heavily targeted by Republicans in 2024. I think that we had so much that had to happen in this first year, Grant said. We have to expand this majority so (things arent) walked back. I still think there's hope in this session, but I think that was a lot of leadership's hesitancy in the first year. I've had multiple conversations with them, though. And I do believe that there's some possibility for some movement. Ultimately, it's House and Senate leadership that decides which legislation gets prioritized. A spokesperson for House Speaker Joe Tate, D-Detroit, didnt respond to a request for comment for this story. Tate was among the lawmakers who spoke at the January press conference, saying "I'm committed to working with my colleagues, community members, leaders in law enforcement, anyone and everyone who is willing to ensure the safety and peace of mind of all Michiganders." A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, declined to comment for this story, though Anthony said, "we do have commitment from our leadership that we will be taking some of these proposals up." In the past, Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II have voiced support for certain police accountability measures. Asked about the proposals during a recent scrum with reporters, Whitmer said, its important that we do take some action and Im hopeful that we can next year. Bill proponents note that polling shows there is broad support for many of the measures previously proposed in Michigan. Politics matters in deciding how we move forward, in terms of the strategy around moving these police improvement bills. But I think that was very clear to me from the polling, and from talking to a lot of different folks is that the majority of Michiganders support addressing no-knock warrants, Chang said. What we're talking about are issues that are actually not very controversial when it comes to responsible policing and training. Protesters march through downtown Detroit on the sixth day of protests against police brutality on Wednesday, June 3, 2020. In addition to some of the proposed measures polling well, Brent noted several police departments in Michigan have already started adopting some of the policies touted by lawmakers the Detroit Police Department has a formal Duty to Intervene policy (although through a directive thats set for reevaluation at the end of the year) and Lansing police announced a ban on no-knock warrants in 2020, for example. But a lack of uniformity among law enforcement agencies still places individuals at risk when certain policies arent in place, Brent said. Law enforcement in this country is one of the few institutions where you have absolutely no standardization, there's far too much discretion, Brent said. You really want policies in place that minimize negative interactions between police and citizens. Brent echoed lawmakers in saying legislative changes are needed to make communities safer for both citizens and police officers, particularly pointing out how raids executed through no-knock warrants can create dangerous scenarios. The Michigan State Coalition of the NAACP also adopted a resolution in September calling on lawmakers to pass policing legislation. The resolution, which says the policies would make communities safer for both citizens and police officers, also states Michigan has an opportunity to enact reforms that will help keep our communities and police officers safe by improving both officer policies and reshaping the way in which we train our officers. Lawmakers say they are working to ensure that unlike in previous sessions, the bills can actually go beyond being introduced and actually pass next year. For many of us lawmakers, this is one of our top priorities, Chang said. We are working extremely hard to build the support that's needed in the Legislature to pass these bills. Free Press staff writer Clara Hendrickson contributed to this article. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) @arpanlobo. Become a subscriber today. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Democrats yet to introduce previously backed policing bills Ethan Crumbley was sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars during a hearing in which he addressed loved ones of the four Michigan high school students he killed two years ago. Family members of the four students killed at Oxford High School on 30 November 2021 gave heart-wrenching victim impact statements during an emotional hearing at an Oakland County courtroom on Friday. Judge Kwame Rowe then handed down a life sentence without the possibility of parole. The shooter killed Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Tate Myre, 16, Hana St Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17, at the school in Oxford Township, about 40 miles north of Detroit. Six other students and a teacher also were wounded. The shooter had pleaded guilty to all 24 charges in the shooting, including first-degree murder and terrorism. Because Crumbley was 15 at the time of the shooting, there was also a possibility that he could have received a shorter sentence anywhere from 25 years to 40 years that would have eventually made him eligible for release by the state parole board. Today is about victims. Today we learned their names. Their faces. We heard their voices, said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. The sheer force of destruction, violence, trauma and murder the shooter caused that day did not stop at the doorway of Oxford High School. It was carried through the doors and out into the community. We cannot understand. But we can give them the grace and dignity they deserve by listening. FILE - Students hug at a memorial at Oxford High School in Oxford, Mich., Dec. 1, 2021. (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Crumbley addressed the court and apologised to the victimss families, also asking the judge to grant the sentence that survivors saw fit. Crumbley said he was trying to change and was already making progress, seemingly showing remorse for the four lives that he cut short and the countless others that he impacted. All I want is for the people Ive hurt to have a final sense that justice somewhat was served in any fit capacity that they recognise, Crumbley said. Any sentence that they ask for, I ask that you impose it on me. Because I want them to be happy, I want them to feel secure and safe. I do not want them to worry another day. But I really am sorry for what Ive done and what Ive taken from them, I cannot give it back, but I can try my best in the future to help other people and thats what Ill do. His attorneys had previously tried to argue that Crumbley could benefit from rehabilitation and a chance at freedom decades from now. But Judge Rowe said that the evidence suggested Crumbley carried out the attack with the sole purpose of causing harm and because he wanted to go down in history as the biggest shooter. The court cannot ignore that, Judge Rowe told the court. He has an obsession with violence. This act involved extensive planning and research and he executed every last thing that he planned. The judge also addressed victims in the courtroom. I know that whatever sentence the court imposes will not bring your loved one back or cure the mental anguish or lifelong physical scars that some of you have, he said. But I hope that this sentence does allow you to close a chapter in your life. Crumbley remained emotionless and stared down at the table as families of the victims and survivors of the attack shared with the court the horrors they experienced on the day of the shooting. Justin Shilling, 17, Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Hana St Juliana, 14, and Tate Myre, 16 (Family handout/Comp) Baldwins mother Nicole Beausoleil, the first to speak, recounted desperately asking school officials for news about her daughter before being told that she had died. Ms Beausoleil said she had to be dragged away from the morgue after identifying her daughters lifeless body. That was not my daughter, Madisyn was far from lifeless, Ms Beausoleil said, struggling to contain her tears. I hope the screams keep you at night and they cause real hallucinations ... [I hope] those four walls become your home suffocating in guilt. Buck Myre also remembered learning about the shooting from his wife and rushing to a Meijer store where Oxford High School families gathered waiting for news about their children. [My wife] put her head in her hands and she said, Not my baby boy, Mr Myre said. Our family has been navigating our way through complete hell ... We wear the pain like a heavy coat, constant reminders every day. Every hour is the darkest time of the day. Mr Myre also spoke of forgiveness for Crumbley, his parents and school administrators whose failures contributed to the tragedy. We are miserable. We miss Tate, he added. Madisyn Baldwins mother speaks at Ethan Crumbleys sentencing hearing (USA TODAY/Screengrab) Justin Shillings father Craig Shilling asked Judge Rowe to give Crumbley, whose name Mr Shilling avoided through his statement, the harshest sentence possible. This unfair reality is something I will never get over ... I still find myself waiting up for [my son] ... its unbearable to know that hes never going to walk through that door, Mr Shilling said. I going to ask you to lock this son of a b**** up for the rest of his pathetic life. My son doesnt get a second chance, and neither should he, Mr Shilling added. Hannah St Julianas sister Reina St Juliana spoke about loving and missing her sister, and life not being the same after 30 November 2021. Ms St Juliana described the shooter as a creature that left Hannah lying in a pool of blood crying in pain and then went to shoot her again. [He] does not deserve to take another breath, Ms St Juliana said. Im sorry I cant feel even a fraction of the world because If I did, the shooter would be dead. Hana St Julianas sister Reina speaks at Ethan Crumbleys sentencing hearing (UA TODAY/Screengrab) Im just going through the motions because apparently we are supposed to move on. Loving Hannah shouldnt be this painful, and life shouldnt be this paralysing, she added. I dont want to wake up every morning because Hana is not here. I dont want to be happy because Hana is my happy. Crumbleys guardian ad litem Deborah McKelvy described him as a life that is salvageable, an artist and troubled teen who was a victim of violent thoughts and lack of parental involvement. His attorney Paulette Loftin said she had seen Crumbley go through all of the stages of grief, but the teen is now a different person after receiving counselling and psychiatric treatment. To me, his life is worth salvaging, his life is worth rehabilitating, Ms McKelvy said. And I know everybody who spoke here today probably cannot see that but his life is worth more than the worst thing he did. In a journal, the shooter wrote about his desire to watch students suffer and the likelihood that he would spend his life in prison. He made a video on the eve of the shooting, declaring what he would do the next day. I want to shoot up the school so f***ing badly, Crumbley wrote in one entry of the journal, recovered from his backpack in a school bathroom after the shooting. The first victim has to be a pretty girl with a future so she can suffer just like me ... I want America to hear what I did, he also wrote. I will cause the largest school shooting in the state. I wish to hear the screams of the children as I shoot them. Previous court hearings have heard alarming details about potential signs of violence that were missed by school officials. The weekend before the shooting, prosecutors say Crumbley purchased the Sig Sauer 9mm used in the attack at a gun store in Oxford. His mother Jennifer Crumbley posted a message on social media that weekend saying, mom and son day testing out his new Christmas present, according to prosecutors. Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail. They are awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges, accused of making a gun accessible at home and neglecting their sons mental health. Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail (Oakland County Sheriff's Office) On 29 November, a teacher caught Crumbley searching for ammunition online, prosecutors say. School officials contacted Crumbleys parents by phone and email, but they did not answer. Jennifer Crumbley allegedly texted her son that day, saying: LOL Im not mad at you. You have to learn not to get caught. On the day of the shooting, a teacher found a drawing on Crumbleys desk depicting a school massacre. The illustration showed a semiautomatic handgun pointing at the words the thoughts wont stop help me, prosecutors said. It also depicted a drawing of a bullet with the words blood everywhere written above it. The words my life is useless and the world is dead were also seen next to a laughing emoji. Crumbley and his parents met with school staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings, but no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay. The Oxford school district hired an outside group to conduct an independent investigation. A report released in October said missteps at each level school board, administrators, staff contributed to the tragedy. PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) Parents of students killed at Michigans Oxford High School described the anguish of losing their children Friday as a judge considered whether a teenager will serve a life sentence for a mass shooting in 2021. Crime victims in Michigan have a right to speak in court, and the final hearing in suburban Detroit was tense and emotional. Ethan Crumbley, 17, could be locked up with no chance for parole for killing four fellow students and wounding others, a punishment sought by the Oakland County prosecutor. But because of the shooters age, Judge Kwame Rowe also could order a shorter sentence anywhere from 25 years to 40 years at a minimum that would eventually make him eligible for release by the state parole board. We are miserable. We miss Tate, said Buck Myre, the father of Tate Myre. Our family has a permanent hole in it that can never be fixed ever. Nicole Beausoleil recalled seeing the body of her daughter, Madisyn Baldwin, at the medical examiners office, her hand with blue-painted fingernails sticking out from a covering. I looked though the glass. My scream should have shattered it, Beausoleil said. The shooter pleaded guilty to all 24 charges in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, including first-degree murder and terrorism. Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, also will have an opportunity to speak in court and possibly explain why he believes he should be spared a life sentence. Defense attorney Paulette Michel Loftin has argued Crumbley deserves an opportunity for parole after his sick brain is fixed through counseling and rehabilitation. But after listening to testimony from experts, Rowe said in September that he had found only a slim chance that Crumbley could be rehabilitated behind bars. In a journal, the shooter wrote about his desire to watch students suffer and the likelihood that he would spend his life in prison. He made a video on the eve of the shooting, declaring what he would do the next day. Crumbley and his parents met with school staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings. But no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay. Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail. They are awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges, accused of making a gun accessible at home and neglecting their sons mental health. The shooter killed Myre, Baldwin, Hana St. Juliana and Justin Shilling at the school in Oxford Township, about 40 miles north of Detroit. Six other students and a teacher also were wounded. The Oxford school district hired an outside group to conduct an independent investigation. A report released in October said missteps at each level school board, administrators, staff contributed to the tragedy. Crumbleys behavior in class, including looking at a shooting video and gun ammunition on his phone, should have identified him as a potential threat of violence, the report said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A Concord middle school student was handcuffed on campus in the middle of the day Friday. But, first, he was tased. Concord Police said the C.C. Griffin Middle School student allegedly shoved a teacher a Behavior Management Technician and disregarded the student resource officers orders to put his hands behind his back. He then allegedly punched the officer numerous times before the officer used the stun gun and arrested him, according to the police report. It was the first time a Taser had been used on the school campus in at least two years, said Lindsay Manson, the citys spokesperson. Now, Concord Police Department is reviewing the use of force to ensure it complied with its policies. There are no overarching guidelines for using stun guns on school campuses, said Mo Canady, the executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. Officers must comply with the rules set by their department. Are there NC taser laws for schools? North Carolina laws say officers may use force only when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary, and those laws dont change inside schools. When SROs respond to on-campus events such as crashes, theft, drug sales or assaults that would otherwise warrant police intervention off-campus, the legal standards are no different than they are anywhere in the community, according to the National Association of SROs. Concord police are investigating an incident that left seven CC Griffin Middle School students hospitalized after they consumed an unknown substance Friday. North Carolina school personnel were assaulted 1,374 times during the 2021-2022 school year, according to the most up-to-date data released by the Department of Public Instruction. There were also 64 assaults resulting in serious injury and 62 assaults involving a weapon. According to the Concord Police Departments policies, Tasers are an alternative to deadly force in situations where time and circumstance permit. Their primary purpose is to save human lives and prevent injuries. The uniformed officers stationed in some Cabarrus County schools carry both tasers and guns, officials said. Its not always a bad thing when you hear that tool had to be used, Canady said. It could very well be, and is likely, that using that tool, when appropriate and under policy and procedure, stopped the situation from worsening. Weapon regulations also say conducted electrical weapons, like stun guns or Tasers, may be used only when a subject presents an imminent threat or may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Canady said he can understand the initial shock factor the public feels when an SRO uses a weapon on campus. Its rare, he said, and so are assaults on officers. When I first became a high school SRO in the 90s, I was struck by the size and the strength of some of the students, especially athletes, he said. Some of them are walking around in adult bodies still with an adolescent brain but even with an adolescent brain, they are not going to go to that level (of assault). Tasers, stun guns used on students More than 100 miles west of Concord, a jury in September convicted an Avery County resource officer of contributing to the abuse of a juvenile and willfully failing to discharge his duties when he convinced a 17-year-old to shock herself with a Taser. In Ohio, one officer was placed on leave in 2018 after he jolted a Taser near a sleeping student to wake her. NASRO does provide guidelines for selecting officers who have good character and an interest in working with youth, Canady said. Officers must volunteer for school positions, he said. No one should ever be plucked from a different assignment into a school. Being an SRO is the most unique assignment in all of law enforcement, Canady said. It requires a unique officer, and its not for every officer. Truly, its not for most officers. The tasing at C.C. Griffin Middle School was not related to an incident that hospitalized seven students after they ate THC edibles, school officials said. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Arizona A remote desert region along the southern border has become a makeshift international arrivals area for thousands of migrants from Africa, Asia and Latin America hoping to work and reunite with family members in the U.S. Over the past few days, large groups of migrant men, women and some families with children have spent the night in a makeshift staging ground in this rugged section of the U.S.-Mexico border, waiting for overtaxed border officials to process them. Many expect to be released into the U.S. after being vetted by local Border Patrol agents, who lack the resources and manpower to screen everyone in a timely manner. Most of the migrant men hailed from African countries, including Guinea, Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal, as well as some nations in Asia like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Syria. Some men had left their hometowns in Ecuador and other parts of Latin America. The families traveling with children were predominantly Mexican and Central American. The migrants set up fires at night and in the early morning hours to keep warm amid dropping temperatures. Many of them brought blankets to sleep next to the border wall. Without restrooms, they relieved themselves near the cacti that adorn the picturesque landscape of this national monument, located two hours away from the closest U.S. city. Migrants huddle around fires for warmth along the U.S.-Mexico border near Lukeville, Arizona, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez/CBS News The wait to be processed was so long in recent days that Mexican families and merchants traveled regularly to the staging ground to sell drinks and food, hoping to convince the desperate newcomers to buy their burritos, tamales and cups of coffee from the other side of the border wall. Daniela Segura Salgado, 31, spent the night near the border wall with her four young children: a 1-year-old baby, her 3- and 9-year-old girls and an 11-year-old boy. The Mexican mother shivered as she carried her youngest, who was covered by blankets. "We didn't sleep like we should," Segura Salgado said in Spanish, referencing the dropping temperatures overnight. "But sleep would win me over at times because I'm really tired from a lot of walking with my children. My son in my arms and my daughter up on my shoulders." The chaotic and striking scenes at the outdoor staging area in the middle of the Arizona desert illustrate the dire humanitarian implications of the crisis along the southern border, where migrants have been arriving in greater numbers and from more countries than ever before in U.S. history. For only the second time ever, Border Patrol apprehended more than 2 million migrants who entered the U.S. illegally in fiscal year 2023. Defying historical seasonal trends, illegal border crossings have spiked this month. Over the past several days, Border Patrol has processed near-record levels of migrants, making roughly 10,000 apprehensions every 24 hours, up from the 6,000 daily average in October, according to internal government data obtained by CBS News. "I've been working in this sector of the border for almost 20 years, and we've never seen anything like this," said Dan Abbott, a local volunteer with the group Humane Borders, which distributes water and food inside the Organ Pipe National Monument, hoping to prevent migrants from perishing in the treacherous terrain. "Something better" Some of the African and Ecuadorian men who were lined up waiting to be taken into custody by Border Patrol said they had embarked on days and weeks-long journeys across Latin America to find better opportunities in the U.S. They cited the deteriorating economic and security conditions in their homelands. Some mentioned they had family members in different states like New York and Texas. Migrants wait along the U.S.-Mexico border in Lukeville, Arizona. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez/CBS News Economic misfortune and a desire to reunite with relatives are not grounds for U.S. asylum, which can only be granted to migrants fleeing persecution based on certain factors, such as their race, religion or political views. Over the past few years, however, the U.S. asylum system has become a proxy process for migrants to stay and work in America, irrespective of whether they have valid claims or not. A mounting backlog of roughly 3 million pending cases has crippled the federal immigration court system's ability to adjudicate claims in a timely fashion. Most migrants are not screened for asylum at the southern border anyway, federal statistics show, since the government does not have sufficient asylum officers, holding facilities and other resources to interview asylum-seekers under a process known as expedited removal. Consequently, most of those who are not deported are generally released with court cases that typically take years to complete. Some migrants braving the elements in the Arizona desert said they were escaping dangerous situations. Segura Salgado, the migrant mother from Mexico, said she came to the U.S. due to the violence in the Mexican state of Guerrero, a region plagued by violent crime and drug trafficking. She said a relative was recently killed there. Daniela Segura Salgado waits along the wall separating the U.S. and Mexico near Lukeville, Arizona, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. / Credit: Camilo Montoya-Galvez/CBS News "I am fighting as much as I can so my children can have something better. A warm bed where they can sleep without having to hear a gunshot," Segura Salgado said. A daily battle against smugglers The spike in migrant crossings comes as Congress debates an overhaul of the asylum system. Republicans have capitalized on the unprecedented levels of border crossings to demand sweeping asylum restrictions as part of ongoing negotiations over President Biden's multi-billion-dollar national security funding request, which includes aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. GOP lawmakers have said they will not support additional assistance to Ukraine unless the bill includes asylum restrictions. The dynamic could pave the way for the first overhaul of the U.S. immigration system since 1996. But the talks could also meet the same fate of previous failed immigration reform efforts over the past two decades. Over the past year, the Biden administration has sought to manage migration at the southern border through a strategy that pairs stricter asylum rules for those who enter the country illegally with expanded channels for migrants to come legally, including by launching an app that allows them to get appointments to be processed at ports of entry. While officials credited the strategy for a two-year low in illegal border crossings in June, unauthorized migration has increased sharply since then, frustrating Republican lawmakers and Democrats in communities struggling to house the new arrivals, such as New York City and Chicago. In a statement, Customs and Border Protection said it was surging staff and resources to the Arizona desert and targeting transportation companies used by smuggling organizations to shuffle migrants near the U.S. border. A U.S. Border Patrol agent asks immigrants to sit in a queue of those awaiting transport from the U.S.-Mexico border on Dec, 6, 2023, in Lukeville, Arizona. / Credit: John Moore/Getty Images Border Patrol agents battle those smuggling organizations every day. In the Organ Pipe National Monument, for example, the movement of migrants is rarely organic. It's typically organized by a network of smugglers in Mexico who cut parts of the border wall to let groups of migrants into the U.S. Just a few miles away from the outdoor staging area, dozens of migrants streamed through a small breach in the border wall. They started running after the suspected smugglers told them that reporters were filming the scene. The last to make their way through the breach were parents traveling with young children. The children smiled as they ran. "They're filming!" one of the suspected smugglers said before running away and disappearing across a nearby Mexican highway. The scene was not an anomaly. Border agents and contractors repair wall breaches on a daily basis, but they struggle to keep up with the smugglers. Right next to the part of the wall that had just been breached was a bollard with a label indicating that it had been repaired earlier in the day. UNLV shooting victims identified "Unbelievably frugal" Indianapolis man left $13 million to charities Hunter Biden indicted on federal tax charges LUSAKA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday called for strengthened partnerships to tackle maternal mortality rates which have remained high. Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo said in a conference that in 2023 the country was still losing an average of 15 women per week due to preventable and manageable conditions. She said in 2022, the number of maternal deaths stood at 734 while perinatal deaths stood at 7,735. The conference is being held under the theme, "Increasing Partnerships in Maternal and Newborn Care to Improve the Quality of Clinical Midwifery Practice in Zambia." The theme, she said, highlights the individual and collective responsibilities of all partners toward improving the lives of women, newborns, children and adolescents in the country. She said the government will ensure strengthened partnerships with midwives as they are frontline providers of women's and newborns' health care. This, she added, will be done through the facilitation of effective provision of resources and creating a conducive environment as well as strengthening legislation for midwives. The minister said the government has included 759 slots for midwives in the recruitment exercise of health workers this year, adding that more will be recruited next year. More Americans say they believe Hamas is mostly responsible for the war in Gaza compared to the Israeli government, according to a new survey. The Pew Research Center poll results, released Friday, show that a majority of respondents across the political spectrum 65 percent agree that Hamas shares more responsibility for the conflict. However, Democrats (50 percent) are more than twice as likely as Republicans (21 percent) to say the Israeli government also bears a lot of responsibility. Roughly 20 percent of Americans said Palestinians are responsible for the war and 13 percent said Israel is at fault. The war in Gaza, now two months old, has sparked fears over a new large-scale war in the Middle East and has split the opinions of many Americans, especially Democrats. The Biden administration has strongly backed Israel in the conflict. While most Americans approve of the decision, fewer support President Bidens handling of the U.S. response to the war, according to recent polling. About a third of Americans say they approve of Bidens response, while over 40 percent disapprove, according to the Pew survey. While about half of Republicans disapprove of Bidens actions, Democrats are more split. About 44 percent of Democrats approve of Bidens Israel policy, while 33 percent disapprove, the poll found. The Israeli military began a ground operation into southern Gaza this week, despite warnings from the U.S. government to reduce civilian casualties. The conflict began Oct. 7, when Hamas militants killed about 1,200 Israelis in a brutal attack on border communities. Over 17,000 Palestinians, including of 7,000 children, have died in the war since. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have continued to advocate for a indefinite cease-fire in the conflict to assist civilians, though the Biden administration and Israeli governments have refused. The Pew poll surveyed about 5,200 people from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3, with a margin of error of 1.8 percentage points. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. This article was originally published in Source New Mexico. More information about the atrocities committed at boarding schools run by the federal government that were designed to eradicate Indigenous people is expected in the new year. In May 2022, the U.S. Department of Interior released a report based on the federal governments first-ever investigation of the boarding school system in the country. It identified 408 federal Indian boarding schools which dispossessed Indigenous people of their lands and forcibly assimilated their children, including 43 schools in New Mexico. The reports second volume is expected to be published in early January 2024, said Heidi Todacheene, a senior advisor to U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna). Todacheene could not give a specific date of publication. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. The upcoming report will contain new information on the total number of Indigenous children who attended federally run boarding schools, including their names and tribal affiliations, Todacheene (Dine) said. Related Surviving Genocide: Native Boarding School Archives Reveal Defiance, Loss & Love It will also identify their marked and unmarked burial sites, the schools affiliations with religious organizations, and federal money spent on the boarding school system, Todacheene said. Todacheene was speaking via Zoom from Washington D.C. on Tuesday to the New Mexico Legislatures Indian Affairs Committee in Santa Fe. Since the first volume on the U.S. boarding school initiative came out, Todacheene said, officials from Interior and other federal agencies have continued researching and collecting data, including through Road to Healing listening sessions across the country. The second-to-last session was held in Albuquerque on Oct. 29, according to Native News Online. During the sessions, Todacheene said, Interior has come to realize that the United States forcibly removed Indian children and relocated them hundreds or even thousands of miles away from their original tribal communities to prevent runaways or those from returning at home. Federal laws have also forced parents to give up their children through punishment, imprisonment, or withholding food rations to families and communities, Todacheene said. The deliberate federal disruption of tribal communities through the removal of Indian children to off-reservation boarding schools will never be completely healed, nor that the loss of community or language or culture can adequately be replaced. The listening sessions are over but Todacheene said Haaland and Interior assistant secretary Bryan Newland (Ojibwe) still welcome anyone to share their story or experience. About half of the federally run boarding schools received support or other involvement from religious organizations, the report found, and the federal government paid those schools using money from Indian Trust Funds to take children away without their parents consent and force them into environments designed to destroy generational bonds by eliminating language and culture. Sen. Benny Shendo (D-Jemez) asked if the Interior Department plans to pay reparations to survivors, but Todacheenes presentation ended before she could answer. I believe thats illegal, because those are accounts that are held in trust for people, Shendo said. For the federal government to dip into that fund to pay for the annihilation and dispossession of tribes of their land, I think its pretty egregious. Rep. Harry Garcia (D-Grants) asked what the federal government is doing to make up for the damage it did to survivors. Theres gotta be long-term effects on these children who are adults now, Garcia said. Todacheene said the second volume will contain Newlands recommendations on how to move forward and help elevate those issues. All of our leadership at the Department and other federal agencies, and of course in Indian Country, we know that we could have some improvements to our health care and mental health services, Todacheene said. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Source New Mexico maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Shaun Griswold for questions: info@sourcenm.com. Follow Source New Mexico on Facebook and Twitter. Police in Edna, Texas, are investigating the murder of a 16-year-old cheerleader who was found dead by her mother in their home's bathtub earlier this week, her family said. Lizbeth Medina was a cheerleader at Edna High School who had dreams of becoming a nurse, said her aunt Ana Medina. Raised by a single mother, she was close to her grandparents, aunts and uncles. They said that whenever Lizbeth cheered for her high school football team, her face lit up with joy. Those dreams were cut short when her mother, Jacqueline Medina, came home to Cottonwood Apartments Tuesday around 7 p.m. and found her daughter unresponsive. She called 911, and police arrived to find Lizbeth Medina dead, according to a news release by the Edna Police Department. "Lizbeth was getting ready to go to school - she was still in her pajamas," said Ana Medina. "We have no information right now about anything. We just want answers." Lizbeth Medina. (Courtesy Ana Medina) Investigators would not specify what led them to believe the cause of Medinas death was murder, stating that the investigation is ongoing. Police said they still have not identified a suspect responsible for Lizbeths death. They increased patrols in the area, and are working to bring the perpetrator to justice, Edna Police Chief Rick Boone said in a Facebook post. Lizbeth's family is asking anyone with information or security camera footage that could help the investigation come forward to police. Jacqueline Medina gave birth to Lizbeth when she was 16, and raised her in Grand Island, Nebraska, said her aunt Ana Medina. The mother and daughter moved to Edna last year, when Jacqueline got a new job in renewable energy. "My sister is inconsolable. Any mother would understand the pain she's going through," said Ana Medina. Lizbeth's family set up a GoFundMe to raise funds for a funeral and memorial. They tried to arrange a candlelight vigil for Lizbeth tomorrow, but it was canceled by the high school due to concerns about the suspect still being on the loose, said Ana Medina. Edna High School could not be reached for comment. Edna is a small city in Jackson County with a population of less than 6,000. The community came together to support Lizbeth's family, sending cookies, T-shirts memorializing Lizbeth and messages of support, Ana Medina said. "Lizbeth was outgoing and confident someone willing to take off her shirt to give it to someone else. She was always there for everybody charming, young, and full of energy. That was all just cut short," the aunt added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Police are investigating what they say is the murder of a sixteen-year-old girl in Texas who was found dead in her home earlier this week. Jaqueline Medina of Edna, Texas, found her daughter, Lizbeth Medina, dead in their apartment on 5 December. The Edna Police Department suspects Ms Medinas death was a capital murder, they wrote in a 6 December press release . The department is now working with state police to investigate Ms Medinas death. Ms Medinas aunt, Ana Medina, launched a GoFundMe for the family. She was a student and cheerleader at Edna High School, she was loved by many but most importantly she is loved and will be missed by the family she leaves behind, she wrote on GoFundMe. Ms Medinas mother told local outlet Crossroads Today that she hopes there is justice for her daughter. Words cant explain what I felt at that moment, finding my daughter in the matter that she was, she said. All I can say is that I hope with all my heart that there is justice with my daughter. The Edna Police Department said on 8 December they are working diligently to investigate the case. We also understand the community is concerned about the individual still being on the loose, the police department wrote. Outside agencies are in the area and working with Edna PD to provide extra patrol. Ms Medinas mother told Crossroads Today she hopes the community remembers her daughters exceptional qualities. I just want her to be remembered as the special little girl that she was, she said. Loving, kind, and bighearted. The Rethink Coalition and Indy Chamber have unveiled their vision for a recessed I-65/I-70 interstate inner loop. The renderings for the proposed project showcase a partially underground highway with green spaces to connect surrounding neighborhoods and room for more urban development. Rethink Coalition is a non-partisan group with a mission of creating "a restorative and transformative vision for Central Indiana in connection with the necessary reconstruction of the aging I-65/I-70 Interstate inner loop that encircles downtown Indianapolis." The group's proposal, released Wednesday, offers a potential solution to the I-65 and I-465 downtown inner loop, which is the focus of INDOT's ProPEL Indy study, a two-year study that aims to identify ways to modernize roads and improve the regions overall mobility, equity, economic opportunity and quality of life-based on community feedback. This map is part of the Rethink Coalition and Indy Chamber's vision for a recessed I-65/I-70 interstate inner loop released Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 Once the study is complete, this Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study will put forward a variety of potential solutions to modernize I-65 and I-70, balancing big ideas with sound engineering and responsible financial management, Natalie Garrett, Strategic Communications Director for INDOT, shared with IndyStar. According to Garrett, ProPEL Indy has been engaged Indianapolis residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and commuters about their visions for the future of our interstates, including the Rethink Coalition. "We have asked for bold concepts and ideas that will modernize the interstates and improve the region's overall safety, mobility, equity, economic opportunity, and quality of life," Garrett said. At the time of publication, ProPEL Indy has received over 950 comments that include various recommendations and concepts. Garrett encourages all residents and stakeholders to visit ProPELIndy.com to provide input on I-65 and I-70 within the I-465 loop. Rethink Coalition first proposed a "depressed" highway in 2018, but in August 2021 they teamed up with Indy Chamber to secure funding for studies and rework their proposal. Together, they put together a $2.8 billion proposal to rebuild the highways partially underground, this time calling it a recessed highway. More: A coalition is renewing calls to put I-65, I-70 underground downtown. Here's what's new. "The recessed highway concept not only addresses our city's traffic challenges but also opens up opportunities for thoughtful development, community connectivity, and enhanced quality of life," said Taylor Hughes, Indy Chamber's Vice President of Policy and Strategy. Key features of the renderings include: Enhanced traffic flow and reduced environmental impact Inclusive economic development of newly created and under-developed land Thoughtful integration of green spaces and pedestrian-friendly zones Community connectivity through multimodal, walkable treescapes and strategic capping of the recessed interstate More renderings and concepts from the Rethink Coalition can be found on their website at rethink65-70.org/ourvision. At the time, these renderings are part of a proposal. No timeline for the project has been announced. Katie Wiseman is a trending and breaking news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis roads: See the recessed highway renderings for I-65/I-70 ZAGREB, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The summit of China and the European Union (EU) is significant for strengthening mutual political trust and bilateral cooperation and further efforts need to be made to improve bilateral ties, Croatia's former president Ivo Josipovic told Xinhua in an interview. The China-EU Summit was an opportunity work towards restoring mutual political trust and "nothing should stand in the way" of that effort, Josipovic said. The relationship between China and Europe is also important for world peace, especially in light of the increasingly turbulent situation in Ukraine and the Middle East. China is "indispensable" in tackling the most important and thorny international issues, he said. Josipovic agreed with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has said that China and Europe should not view each other as rivals. "We should not view each other as rivals just because our systems are different, reduce cooperation because competition exists, or engage in confrontation because there are disagreements," Xi said on Thursday while meeting with Charles Michel, president of the European Council, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who were in Beijing to attend the 24th China-EU Summit. "I see Europe and China as partners, not rivals, and their common interests far outweigh their differences," Josipovic said. "The China-EU Summit was an opportunity for that, and I expect that new trust will be established, which will also open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation," Josipovic said. Police in Virginia have arrested a man wanted in a fatal shooting off N.C. 54 last summer, the Durham Police Department said Thursday. Dominique Morgan, 33, was arrested Dec. 1 by the Lynchburg Police Department, according to a news release. He is accused of murdering 55-year-old Johnny Lloyd Banks Jr. of Raleigh, who was shot around 7 a.m. July 10 at a strip mall in southern Durham near Research Triangle Park. Banks, a native of Nashville, North Carolina, was known as Mr. Johnny in his community, according to an online obituary. He was a former baptism minister at Transformation Church in Raleigh. He was the type of man that always had an encouraging word and a big smile on his face, the obituary states. Johnny was the type of man that would give you the shirt off his back. Two of His favorite sayings were Chicken is good, God is great and God aint broke, and Heaven aint bankrupt. Morgan was taken to Blue Ridge Regional Jail in Lynchburg, where he is being held without bail. He is charged with first-degree murder and felony conspiracy to commit murder. Anyone with further information is asked to call Investigator B. Paulhus at 919-560-4440 ext. 29136 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves. Three recent Gautier High School graduates were honored and memorialized Thursday night during a candlelight vigil at Gautier High School. Hundreds of community members, students of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, and family members of SeDhari Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond showed up at Gautier High Schools stadium to remember the lives of Watson-Person and Watkins, and to pray for Richmond, as they waved candles and cellphone lights. Watson-Person, Watkins and Richmond, who were best friends and students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, were involved in a fatal accident on U.S. 49 in Stone County early Tuesday morning. Watson-Person and Watkins died as a result of the accident, while Richmond remains hospitalized in critical condition. Students place notes on a Christmas tree during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates, SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond who were involved in a fatal crash, at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Watson-Person and Watkins were killed in the crash. Gautier Mayor Casey Vaughan, who helped organize the vigil, spoke during the event, acknowledging the loss of the two girls and hoping people would pray for Richmond, whose birthday was Thursday, the day of the vigil. Religious leaders from several community churches, including New Era Baptist Church, St. Marys Catholic Church, Agape One Ministry, First Baptist Church, as well as others also led the community in prayer. Family members of Watkins attended the vigil, including her grandmother Carole Robinson, who originally gave Watkins the nickname Muffin, by which she was widely known, after the chubby cheeks and light colored afro Watkins had as a child. Kyla Watkins grandmother, Carole Robinson, hugs family members as family, friends and community members arrive for a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. She was very bubbly, she got along with everyone, Robinson said told the Sun Herald. Watkins aunt, Danyelle Harris, who also was in attendance, lit up when she talked about her. I remember Muffin from when she was born up until now went from my sweet Muffin to my sassy Muffin. She had a smile that could light up the room, and people were drawn to her. She was a fashionista and loved to dress. Her hair and her makeup were on point, Harris said about Watkins. My mother, her grandmother, absolutely adored her. Were going to miss her. We miss her. Dr. Ladd Taylor, vice president of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, shared a story of the three girls bond, describing how when one girl would go anywhere on campus, like a trip to the business office, all three girls would go. It really touched my heart that people came out not only for Muffin but for all three of the girls. You could feel the love from Forrest General to here to Mobile and when the college came to the hospital. You could feel the love for all three of the girls, Robinson said. Take a look at photos from the vigil. Family, friends and community members attend a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Casey Vaughan, mayor of Gautier, speaks during a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Family, friends and community members attend a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. A note placed on on a Christmas tree during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates, SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond, at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. The tree will be placed inside Gautier High School in memory of Watson-Person and Watkins, who were killed in the crash. Gautier students place notes on a Christmas tree during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates, SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond who were involved in a fatal crash, at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. Watson-Person and Watkins were killed in the crash. Family, friends and community members listen to prayers during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Representatives from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College attend a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Family, friends and community members attend a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Family, friends and community members pray together after a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Billy Ellzey, superintendent of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, speaks during a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Family, friends and community members wave cellphones during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Danyelle Harris, who is Kyla Watkins aunt, and two of Kylas friends, Destiny, left, and Azaria, center, after a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School involved in a fatal crash in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Family, friends and community wait for a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates to begin at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Rev. MJ Kirby of First United Methodist Gautier and members of the Gautier cheerleading coaching staff lead a litany of hope during a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Religious leaders from different churches attend a candlelight vigil in honor and memory of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Staff of the Pascagoula-Gautier School District react during a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. Family, friends and community members attend a candlelight vigil in honor of three Gautier High School graduates at Gautier High School in Gautier on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023. SeDhari Saniya Watson-Person, Kyla Muffin Watkins, and Tatyanna Richmond were involved in a fatal crash on Tuesday, leading to the deaths of Watson-Person and Watkins. Richmond remains hospitalized. NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights Dec. 8, 2023 NEW YORK, Dec. 8, 2023 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League: This is the last of a three-part installment on the anti-Catholic cell group in the FBI. At issue is the FBI's reliance on sources known to have an animus against Catholicism. In the Report issued by the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the FBI, and its probe of traditional Catholics, it says the following about the memo that revealed the Bureau's caper: "The two FBI employees who co-authored the memorandum later told FBI internal investigators that they knew the sources cited in the memorandum had a political biassources including the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), Salon, and The Atlantic." Both The Atlantic and Salon have long evinced an antipathy to Catholicism. Two years ago, The Atlantic published a piece titled, "The Real Threat to American Catholicism." And who might that be? Why the bishops, of course. It was their opposition to abortion that made them a threat to Catholicism. Last year, Salon ran a story on how the Catholic Church is "dictating reproductive health careeven in blue states." It was concluded that we have too many Catholic hospitals nationwide, facilities that do not permit abortion. That is the source of the alleged dictatorship. SPLC is the real clincher. As corrupt as it is partisan, it can no longer lay claim to being a beacon of information on hate groups in the United States. Its penchant for smearing innocent individuals and institutions is legendary. The Report said that one of the FBI analysts even acknowledged that the "SPLC was known to have a political bias." Despite this, they accepted "with high confidence" the information they gleaned from SPLC on the Catholic Church (their italics.) On the SPLC website, they offer a list of "hate groups." Lumped in with real hate groups is an organization of mothers concerned about what their children are being taught in the public schools. It has 220 entries on Moms for Liberty. Only a deranged person would consider them a hate group. Other organizations that espouse traditional values, but are in no way hatefulyet are labeled as such by SPLCinclude the Family Research Council, Liberty Counsel, Alliance Defending Freedom and the American College of Pediatricians. In 2017, when Carol Swain was a professor at Vanderbilt University, she recommended against allowing the president of SPLC to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee. She did so for a principled reason. "Rather than monitoring hate groups," she said, "the Southern Poverty Law Center has become one." As a result, SPLC conducted a smear campaign against her, claiming she is "an apologist for white supremacists." Swain is black. Other notable Americans who are anything but hateful, but who have been branded as such by SPLC, include Somali refuge Ayaan Hirsi Ali, political scientist Guenter Lewy, and Princeton professor Robert P. George (he is a member of the Catholic League's board of advisors). SPLC's smear tactics backfired when a noted evangelical organization, D. James Kennedy Ministries, sued SPLC in 2017 for defamation. It accused the far-left "hate group" specialist of making "false and misleading descriptions," subjecting it to "disgrace, ridicule, odium, and contempt in the estimation of the public." In other words, SPLC is a master propagandist, branding as "hate groups" institutions that are merely advocates for traditional moral values. One might think that Antifa, which is a real terrorist groupit is responsible for countless acts of violence against innocent personsmight be included in SPLC's list of hate groups (if for no other reason than to give it cover as an objective source). Instead, it is one of their biggest fans. In 2020, it posted an article entitled, "Designating Antifa as domestic terrorist organization is dangerous, threaten civil liberties." Just substitute the Klan for Antifa to get a sense of how absurd this sounds. SPLC agents know a thing or two about domestic terrorism. Earlier this year one of its attorneys, Thomas Webb Jurgens, was charged with domestic terrorism after engaging in violence at a future Atlanta police training facility. Having an anti-Catholic cell group in the FBI is bad enough. It is made worse when its agents turn to anti-Catholic journalistic sources, and to anti-American outlets. Indeed, it makes us wonder why these FBI employees are still on the public payroll, funded, in part, by traditional Catholics. Lexington County-based Nephron Pharmaceuticals is being sued by another drug manufacturer, which claims Nephron products are being marketed as a replacement for its own drug without FDA approval. Pacira Biosciences claims Nephrons promotion of two drug compounds called BKK and RKK has undercut its own drug Exparel, an FDA-approved non-opioid medication meant to reduce pain after surgeries. The Florida-based company claims the marketing is deceitful because Nephrons compounds have not been reviewed or studied for surgical pain relief by the FDA. This is a deeply troubling case in which Nephron, inflating its profits while potentially putting patients in grave danger, is claiming that its drug cocktail products are safe, effective, and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (when they are none of those things), Pacira claims in a lawsuit filed with the federal court in Columbia. An attorney for Nephron vigorously denied Paciras claims in a statement to The State, as well as alleging the rival drug manufacturers claim was moot. More than a year before Pacira made any of these claims, all of which Nephron unequivocally denies, Nephron stopped making the medications at issue for completely unrelated business reasons, Nephron attorney Nikole Mergo of law firm Maynard Nexsen said in a statement. Nephron is committed to producing safe and affordable life-saving medications for patients across the country and does not let claims like these distract the company from this critical work. Nephron intends to defend the claims vigorously, Mergo added. This is not the first lawsuit Pacira has brought over its pain medication. Last year, a federal court in New Jersey dismissed a defamation suit the company brought against the American Society of Anesthesiologists after the societys journal ran articles examining Exparel. A judge found the articles represented legitimate scientific opinion about the drugs effectiveness. In 2020, Pacira agreed to pay $3.5 million after the U.S. Justice Department accused the company of paying kickbacks in the form of research grants to health care providers who purchased Exparel. Prosecutors said the company passed on the grants without any requirement to follow a proposed research topic or meet certain milestone before receiving payment. In many cases, Pacira did not follow up with the grant recipient to ensure that the work was being performed, and in some cases, the grant recipient did no work at all, the Justice Department said in a statement announcing the settlement. The companys latest lawsuit claims Nephron is using a legal loophole to flood the market with its illegal drugs as fast as possible. An exception to federal drug law called the 503B exemption allows pharmaceutical manufacturers to sell compounded drugs drugs that are a combination of other drugs without FDA approval so long as they met a drug shortage or critical need. Pacira says the compounds of Nephrons drugs may meet those standards, but Nephrons specific BKK and RKK compounds do not. Both drugs contain ketamine and ketorolac, with BKK adding bupivacaine and RKK ropivacaine, the lawsuit claims. While its drugs have not been approved by the FDA, Nephron has distributed misleading advertisements and marketing materials that were intended to and implied the FDA has approved them, according to the lawsuits. Among other claims, Paciras lawsuit claims Nephron sells the drugs on its website under a banner that says Nephron is fully inspected and approved by the FDA, and features the FDA logo on its website. Using unapproved drugs that have not been evaluated for efficacy and safety presents inherent and needless risks to patient health and safety, the lawsuit says. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nevada Trooper Alberto Felix, who was killed in the line of duty, was remembered and honored Friday following a procession along the Las Vegas Strip to a Henderson church for his memorial service. Felix, 54, left behind a mother, wife, and three children. The procession for Trooper Felix began around 9:30 a.m. at Palm Mortuary at Jones and Oakey boulevards, traveled along U.S. 95 southbound, a small portion of I-15 southbound, and then along Las Vegas Boulevard, and finally onto the 215. Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Funeral procession for Trooper Alberto Felix who was killed in the line of duty. (KLAS) Felix, 54, and Nevada State Police Sgt. Michael Abbate were both killed on Nov. 30 after a suspected DUI driver struck them on I-15. Driver identified; 2 Nevada State Police officers struck, killed on I-15 in Las Vegas Abbates memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 11, at Central Church at 10:30 a.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A view of the 510-foot-long replica of Noah's Ark at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown. Religious tourism in Kentucky makes big money and that brand of tourism just got bigger. A newly launched Kentucky Faith Trail will take visitors to some of the most important faith-based sites in the state. The self-guided tour, which includes 11 stops, is meant to pay homage to the role religion plays in Kentucky's identity, according to a news release from meetNKY, Northern Kentuckys tourism organization, and other partners. It's also meant to promote religious tolerance and understanding. "The trail is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to embark on a shared journey of discovery and reflection," the release stated. Sites on the trail include basilicas, historic locations, and, of course, the Ark Encounter. The latter is on a site in Williamstown that's larger than Disneyland and depicts what Noah's Ark would have looked like, according to the organization, which also has said the attraction has brought in millions of people since it opened in 2016. About 1,200 people work at the site at its peak summer season. The Creation Museum in Petersburg, which is part of the same umbrella non-profit Answers in Genesis, is also on the trail. "The launch of the Kentucky Faith Trail is a testament to the state's commitment to promoting religious tolerance, understanding, and cultural appreciation," according to the release. "The trail is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to embark on a shared journey of discovery and reflection." Here are all the stops within the Kentucky Faith Trail: A digital passport will be released for the Kentucky Faith Trail and you can earn prizes for checking into locations on the trail. You can find more information about the Kentucky Faith Trail at its website, which includes a complete list of attractions, information about each site, and photos. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What is the Kentucky Faith trail Its Art Basel and Miami Art Week! Often lauded as North Americas most comprehensive international contemporary art fair, Art Basel is returning to Miami Beach for its 21st edition Dec. 8 - 10. Thousands of artists, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers will soon swarm the city to enjoy contemporary and modern art from 277 galleries. Miami Art Week, which consists of a host of art shows, kicked off Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 10. The Miami Beach Convention Center will host most of the action and will be divided into sections, each with its own focus. Art Basel Miami Beach is one of just four Art Basel fairs in the world. The founding fair is in Basel Switzerland and the others are in Hong Kong, and Paris. Not only will patrons enjoy elite art, this year, Art Basel and the MICHELIN Guide are joining forces to provide Art Basels guests with a premium dining experience in Miami Beach. The chefs at LAtelier de Joel Robuchon, the only two MICHELIN Star restaurants in Florida, will personally welcome guests and provide insights into the dishes. Inside 305 The most important place in the art world: Miami Art Week kicks off with big openings A guest views MELO by artist Kandy G Lopez at the opening of Gimme Shelter at the Historic Hampton House, the museums first art exhibition. The early part of Miami Art Week is typically dedicated to VIPs. On Monday, many of these elite patrons visited the Hampton House, an historic Miami hotel that provided refuge to Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali. The Historic Hampton House Museum of Culture & Art in Brownsville presented Gimme Shelter, a show that pays tribute to the hotels history as a safe space for African Americans in the 1950s and 60s when Miami was segregated. Black entertainers were allowed to perform in Miami Beach but were forced to go over town to stay at a hotel. Black art, hip-hop and skateboarding: A guide to some of the coolest events for Miami Art Week Artist Alicia Bailey, right, speaks to visitors on a guided tour by Fair director Mikhaile Solomon, left, at the Art Prizm Fair during Art Basel in the Design District neighborhood of Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. During Art Basel and Miami Art Week, thousands descend upon the city looking to enjoy fine art, good food, and an overall exciting time. Here is a guide for anyone interested in Black art, discovering more about hip-hop, or just looking for the best parties. Outside the 305 In final AP African American studies curriculum, some topics DeSantis blasted are gone Gov. DeSantis announced he is targeting more than a dozen school board members in next years elections. On Wednesday, the organization overseeing Advanced Placement courses offered in high schools nationwide released the final version of its new African American studies course. The course excludes lessons that Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Education previously labeled as an effort to push an agenda on students. A review of the 300-page course by the Miami Herald shows the College Board decided to exclude topics on the Black queer experience a topic DeSantis has singled out in his criticism and only include the Black Lives Matter movement and the reparations debate as optional, meaning they wont be required or included on the final AP exam. The course does, however, include Black authors and scholars flagged as inappropriate by Florida education officials, such as Kimberle W. Crenshaw and Angela Davis. Ideas rejected by the DeSantis administration, such as intersectionality and race-related concepts, also remained in the curriculum. The release of the final course curriculum sets up a potential encore of a clash between the governor, his education department and the College Board. In January, DeSantis announced the state would be rejecting the course over what he argued was the inclusion of topics the state says are foundational to critical race theory and an attempt to use Black history for political purposes. Digital redlining and the Black rural South This is Capital Bs premiere story in its Disconnected: Rural Black America and the Digital Divide project, which examines the disparate effects of broadband accessibility on Black Americans in the rural South. For decades, millions of Americans have been forced to go without internet or pay for subpar service, which thwarts opportunities to participate and thrive in todays society, especially for Black communities in the rural South, where the digital divide is the greatest. In this region, about 38% of Black households dont have home internet, a higher percentage than white people in the same region and the national average, a 2021 report from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found. Given the history of neglect to Black communities, residents in rural Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi told Capital B they question whether the billions of dollars from the feds for broadband will reach their area. High Culture Black and Basel: top picks for Black art during Art Basel Miami Beach An entire collection from the Segou called The Segou Collection (Ive Known Rivers), an African art exhibit, sits on display during the Art of Transformation preview on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in the Hurt Building in Opa-Locka. These figures based on African folklore stories made by putting plaster over wire. With so much art to take in during Art Basel and Miami Art Week, it can be difficult to navigate the scene. If youre looking to support Black art, Sugarcane Magazine has provided a guide to help those in this search. A few notables from their list include the following: Prizm Art Fair, Perez Art Museum, The Art of Black Miami, and Calabash Visual Arts Fair. Where does The 44 Percent name come from? Click here to find out how Miami history influenced the newsletters title. Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel,, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli troops rounded up Palestinian men in the northern part of the territory for interrogation, seeking Hamas militants. The U.N. vote came after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the first time invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter, which enables a U.N. chief to raise threats he sees to international peace and security. He warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said halting military action would allow Hamas to continue to rule Gaza and only plant the seeds for the next war. Around 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during Hamas Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory has surpassed 17,400, with more than 46,000 wounded. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, but said 70% of the dead were women and children. Currently: U.S. vetoes U.N. resolution backed by many nations demanding immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. Six Palestinians are killed in the Israeli militarys latest West Bank raid, health officials say. Palestinians try to survive wars new chapter in southern Gaza. Man who fired shotgun outside New York synagogue cited events in the Mideast, federal agent says. Harvard president apologizes for remarks on antisemitism as pressure mounts on Penns president. Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war. Heres whats happening in the war: U.S. DENIES IT FORBADE PALENSTINIAN OFFICIAL FROM SPEAKING TO REPORTERS WASHINGTON -- The U.S. State Department on Friday denied an allegation that it had forbidden a visiting Palestinian official from speaking to reporters in Washington. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki had joined his Arab and Turkish counterparts Friday in traveling to Washington on a rare joint mission to Washington. The foreign ministers said they wanted to push the Biden administration to drop its objections to an immediate cease-fire between Israel and the Hamas militant group. At a press conference by the Arab and Turkish diplomats, a reporter asked Malki about a Bloomberg story that quoted Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh as saying he hoped Hamas would be a junior partner to governing Palestinian officials. But Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan quickly intervened. The U.S. government, the Saudi diplomat said, had imposed visa restrictions on his Excellency that do not allow him to respond to media questions. Prince Faisal said he believed the ban was a historical practice with the Palestinian official in the U.S., and that violating it would bring legal repercussions. No such thing, the State Department said in a statement later. We have imposed no restrictions that prohibit individuals from speaking to the press. ROCKET FIRED FROM GAZA LANDS IN TEL AVIV TEL AVIV, Israeli A rocket fired from the Gaza Strip landed in central Tel Aviv on Friday, causing damage to a parked car. Police and forensic teams were on the site to clear the road from debris and any remnants of the rocket. There were no reports of injuries. Hamas militants have fired thousands of rockets into Israel during the two-month war. The rocket fire has continued, despite a fierce Israeli ground offensive inside Gaza. The rocket barrages have displaced tens of thousands of people in southern Israel from their homes and set off air-raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Gaza. ISRAEL SAYS ATTEMPT TO RESCUE HOSTAGES FAILED JERUSALEM The Israeli military says two soldiers have been seriously wounded in a failed attempt to free Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The military said Friday that it killed numerous militants in the overnight operation, but was unable to rescue any hostages. Earlier Friday, Hamas said its fighters had stopped a rescue attempt and clashed with Israeli special forces. It claimed an Israeli soldier who was being held hostage was killed by Israeli air fire meant to protect the withdrawing forces. Israels military had no comment on the claim. Hamas is believed to be holding some 137 hostages who were captured in the Oct. 7 cross-border attack that triggered the war. 4 KILLED IN ISRAELI DRONE STRIKE IN SYRIA DAMASCUS, Syria An Israeli drone strike hit a car in southern Syria on Friday, killing four people, two Syrian pro-government media outlets reported. A Hezbollah official in Beirut said three of the dead were members of the Lebanese militant group. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the group usually does not announce where its fighters were killed. Hezbollah has deployed fighters in different parts of Syria over the past decade alongside government forces in the countrys conflict, now in its 13th year. The latest deaths raise to 93 the number of Hezbollah fighters killed during battles with Israeli troops since the Israel-Hamas war started two months ago. There was no comment from Israel. The newspaper Al-Watan and Sham FM radio said the strike targeted a car in the southern town of Baath, and that the bodies were taken to a hospital in the Syrian town of Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel captured the Golan Heights during the 1967 Mideast war. It annexed the strategic territory overlooking northern Israel in 1981, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed. U.S. SAYS IT DOES NOT SUPPORT IMMEDIATE CEASE-FIRE UNITED NATIONS The United States is reiterating its opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza, saying it would leave Hamas in charge of the territory still holding over 100 Israeli hostages. U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Woods statement to an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday was a strong signal that the United States will veto a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution is backed by Arab and Islamic nations, the U.N. secretary-general and many other countries. The council has scheduled a vote for later Friday. The resolution is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the council. Wood said the U.S. does not believe that an immediate cease-fire would lead to durable peace, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security because Hamas would remain in charge. A halt to military action would only plant the seeds for the next war" he said, "because Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace, to see a two-state solution. He also called the Security Councils failure to condemn Hamas cross-border attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7 a serious moral failure. EU PUTS 2 HAMAS LEADERS ON TERRORIST LIST BRUSSELS The European Union on Friday put two senior members of the militant group Hamas on its terrorist list over the Oct 7. attack on Israel. EU headquarters said that it is freezing the funds and other assets in Europe of the commander general of Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif, and deputy commander Marwan Issa. The move came in response to the threat posed by Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel. No further details were provided. Hamas and its military wing as organizations have been on the EUs terrorist list for about 20 years. ISRAELI MILITARY SAYS IT FOUND WEAPONS AND A TUNNEL AT A GAZA UNIVERSITY JERUSALEM The Israeli military said Friday that it found weapons and a tunnel under the campus of Al-Azhar University in Gaza. The military said the tunnel stretched one kilometer (0.6 mile) from the university to a nearby school. It did not provide video or photo evidence of the tunnel, but released photos of weapons it said soldiers found at the university, including explosives and rocket parts. The military said it also found a Hamas control room with cameras, phones, walkie-talkies and weapons near a hospital in northern Gaza, as well as an additional tunnel entrance. A photo released by the military showed an opening to an underground passageway with a ladder stretching downward. Israel said the discoveries show that Hamas is embedded in civilian zones a claim central to Israels justification for heavily striking civilian areas in Gaza and calling for mass evacuations. Israel says the militants use an extensive tunnel network running underneath civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals to conduct military operations. ISRAELI TROOPS DETAIN HUNDREDS RAFAH, Gaza Strip U.N. monitors said Israeli troops reportedly detained men and boys from the age of 15 in a school-turned-shelter in the town of Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Eylon Levy, an Israeli government spokesperson, said Friday that authorities were questioning the detainees who he said were picked up in Hamas strongholds to determine whether they were members of the militant group. Those detained were military-aged men who were discovered in areas that civilians were supposed to have evacuated weeks ago, Levy said, indicating there would be more such sweeps going forward as troops move from north to south. There also has been a dramatic surge in deadly military raids and an increase on restrictions on Palestinian residents in the occupied West Bank since the start of the war. Israeli forces stormed into a refugee camp in the West Bank on Friday to arrest suspected Palestinian militants, unleashing fighting with local gunmen in which six Palestinians were killed, health officials said. The Israeli military did not respond to a request for comment on the operation. ISRAELI DRONE STRIKE KILLS FOUR IN SOUTHERN SYRIA, REPORTS SAY DAMASCUS, Syria -- An Israeli drone strike hit a car in southern Syria on Friday, killing four people instantly, two Syrian pro-government media outlets reported. The attack came a day after the Israeli military said shells were fired from Syria toward areas controlled by Israeli troops in the Golan Heights. There was no comment from Israel on the drone strike. Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy said Friday that the Israeli military struck a number of targets in Syria in response to two launches on Thursday that fell in open areas. The newspaper Al-Watan said the strike targeted a car in the southern town of Baath, and that the bodies were taken to a hospital in the Syrian town of Quneitra on the edge of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Sham FM, a pro-government radio station, also reported the strike in Baath. Israel captured the Golan Heights during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. It annexed the Golan Heights in 1981, a move not recognized by most of the international community. POET KILLED IN ISRAELI STRIKE ON GAZA CITY DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip Friends and colleagues of a locally celebrated poet, editor and professor of English literature in Gaza say he has been killed by an Israeli strike on Gaza City. Refaat Alareer, a 45-year-old English-language writer and activist known for poems of protest against Israels military campaigns, was killed Thursday. Alareers death was confirmed by his colleagues at We Are Not Numbers, a Palestinian group he helped establish in 2015 that seeks to tell the stories behind the numbers of Palestinians in the news. He was killed along with his brother, sister and her four children in a strike on their house in Gaza City where they had stayed despite Israeli military demands that the population evacuate south. On Monday, Alareer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that his walls were shaking with the thunder of bombing, shelling and gunfire that was getting closer and closer. The last poem he wrote and shared on social media read, If I must die/let it bring hope/let it be a tale. Alareer taught English literature with a focus on Shakespeare at Gazas Islamic University and wrote and edited several books of poetry and short stories. Alareer drew fierce criticism for his rhetorical attacks on Israel, particularly his praise of Hamas Oct. 7 assault on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted about 240 others, including women and children. In an interview with the BBC, he described the rampage as legitimate and moral. Archaeologists in Peru recently unearthed the ruins of a sprawling complex dating back to a powerful ancient empire known as the Wari State. The team of researchers from the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the University of Almeria were exploring an earlier known settlement near the town of Orcona, when they discovered something new, according to a Nov. 27 news release from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. It was the remains of an approximately 1,000-year-old two-story building. Experts said the building dates to the Wari Empire, sometime between the seventh and 10th centuries. The approximately 1,400-square-foot building was connected to a patio with various small warehouses. The Wari Empire began expanding its control around the seventh century by establishing political centers throughout the Andean mountains and to territories along the coast and to the north, the university said. Most settlements that have been found from the empire were discovered in city-like enclaves, but the newly found ruins represent the first development in a rural region known to exist during the empires rule. The buildings walls were made of large stones which were then covered with adobe and plastered in white and yellow. The ground floor was preserved and had evidence of food preparation and storage. The attached patio was nearly 5,400 square feet and had storage rooms marked by walls made of large stones, according to archaeologists. Experts said the building was likely owned by a group of the ruling class who used it as a place for servants to work various artisanal jobs, food preparation and more. Although the structure is the first of its kind to be discovered, researchers had previously identified a ceramic model with the same configuration in a tomb in Peru, according to the university. Evidence at the building indicates that its construction was planned out and took a considerable amount of work. Orcona is in western Peru, about 280 miles southeast of Lima. Google Translate was used to translate a news release from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Trove of 900-year-old mummies buried with ancient treasures unearthed in Peru Huge tomb filled with treasures sat untouched for more than 2,100 years. Until now Collapsed wall concealed spectacular 900-year-old mummies in Peru until now Worldwide protests against capitalism and corporate greed have dominated headlines over the weekend, as the occupy movement continues into its third week. The demonstrations went global following initial protests in New Yorks Times Square, with international financial centres targeted by thousands. Activists in London set up camp on the steps of St Pauls Cathedral after disruption broke out at Paternoster Square, home of the London Stock Exchange. Rome saw widespread rioting as a result of the protests, with more than 100 people injured and an estimated 1.75m damage caused. While the motives of those protesting varies internationally, many have chosen to unite by wearing the iconic Guy Fawkes mask originating from Alan Moores graphic novel V for Vendetta. [Gallery:Vendetta protest masks in pictures] Often seen as a sign of rebellion, the Fawkes mask has been used for a number of years in protests and demonstrations. Online hacker collective Anonymous have used the mask to symbolise the shroud of mystery that surrounds the groups members as well as the anarchy it intends to create. But is use of the mask by occupy protestors symbolic or simply a way to remain unidentifiable? Origins Alan Moores original V for Vendetta graphic novel was set in a dystopian United Kingdom, under rule by fascist party Norsefire. The series portrays the UK after a nuclear war with revolutionary character V attempting to overthrow the government. The character wears a mask of Guy Fawkes, would-be assassin of King James I in 1605. Moores work gained international notoriety after the novel was adapted for film in 2006, inspiring thousands to use the mask in protests across the globe. Members of Anonymous were first seen with the masks in early 2008, protesting against the Church of Scientology in what they called project chanology. The action was called after the church filed a copyright claim to YouTube, attempting to remove a leaked interview with Tom Cruise. Incensed by this, Anonymous turned out in force to a number of Scientology churches to protest the claim as Internet censorship. While members clad in V masks stormed churches, many more attacked Scientologist websites and prank called centres across the globe. Widespread usage Many of those now involved in the occupation of St Pauls, London, would have also demonstrated in the protests surrounding the March 2009 G20 summit in London. While the protests were marred by the death of newspaper-seller Ian Tomlinson, many used V masks to hide their identity whilst displaying a revolutionary ambition. Four months on they were used at the G8 summit in LAquila, Italy, where Italian students in V masks occupied a building to provide an info point for demonstrators arriving in the city. Insignia of Alan Moores enigmatic V character was also used during the occupation spray painted onto a mast erected behind a protestor who addressed the press. Usage of the mask primarily continued across global protests against financial institutions and at global summits. Though there is no recent ruling or statute in the UK on the wearing of masks, police in the US have moved to enforce a law dating back to 1845 that prohibits a masked gathering of two or more people. Unless they are holding a masquerade party, that is. New York police used the anti-mask law, updated in 1965, to arrest four protesters at the occupy Wall Street demonstrations in late September. Corporate agenda Despite the V mask being used as an anarchistic rebellion to capitalism and global financial institutions, protesters buying the iconic headwear have unwittingly lined the pockets of one of the largest media companies in the world, Time Warner. The corporation holds rights to the V image and is paid a licensing fee from every sale of the mask. In particular that is a blow to hacker group Anonymous who are known for their hatred of corporate America and gained infamy for their attacks on Mastercard, Visa and other global institutions. This seems to have not perturbed protesters across the globe however, as many are still using the V mask as the face of the occupy demonstrations. Sales of the mask have jumped by 179% on Amazon.co.uk - coinciding with the demonstrations in London and across the globe. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) - Attendees of the Asia Artist Awards at the Philippine Arena will be treated to hours of performances next week, including special collaboration stages from their favorite Filipino, Korean, and other international acts. In the report of official media partner Star News Korea published on Friday, it said P-pop group and global sensation SB19 will perform with &TEAM, a rookie boy group under HYBE Labels Japan. Seventeen's sub-unit BSS (BooSeokSoon), comprised of DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan, will also take the stage with Korean rapper Lee Young-ji for their catchy tune "Fighting." The report said Kim Jae-joong and AAA host Kang Daniel will also perform separately, while "1 Night 2 Days" costars DinDin and Yoo Seon-ho will also heat up the stage together. Lee Young-ji, Ash Island, and Paul Blanco are expected to show off their skills in a rap performance. Considered Asia's Oscars and Grammy Awards, the AAA recognizes Asian artists in film, television, and music. The annual ceremony is graced by Korean actors and artists, as well as other Asian talents. The eighth edition of the awards ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on Dec. 14. The star-studded event will begin with a red carpet then followed by the six-hour awards show. Nikki Haley went after TikTok, but she may have flubbed her statistics Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley accused TikTok of transforming young Americans into Hamas supporters as she renewed her call to ban the popular Chinese-owned video app at the Republican presidential primary debate late Wednesday. But when Haley cited a recent study on TikToks influence, she appeared to flub its findings in a way that confused some viewers. Haley singled out TikTok for criticism during the debate, echoing previous calls from her and other politicians who argue TikTok is a security risk and a potential propaganda vehicle for the Chinese government. We really do need to ban TikTok once and for all, and let me tell you why: For every 30 minutes that someone watches TikTok every day, they become 17% more antisemitic, more pro-Hamas based on doing that, she said in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Some viewers said they found Haleys statement confusing because, by the logic of her statistic, anyone who uses TikTok would quickly become extremely antisemitic. So youre saying my niece will become Hitler in a few hours? a user joked on the social media app X. Matt Walsh, a far-right podcaster, called it the fakest statistic Ive ever heard in my life, and tech billionaire Elon Musk responded to Walsh, Good grief. TikTok took the attack by a presidential candidate seriously, quickly firing back at Haley on X late Wednesday that her statement is 100% false. On Thursday, a TikTok spokesperson said the study Haley was trying to cite relied on cherry-picked data points. Representatives for Haley did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Haley was apparently referring to research published Nov. 30 on X and GitHub by Anthony Goldbloom, a data scientist and tech entrepreneur in San Francisco who has been examining TikToks Israel-related content. Goldbloom ran an analysis of TikTok hashtags and worked with the polling firm Generation Lab to survey young adults about their social media use and their views about Jews. Among Goldblooms findings: a correlation between spending time on TikTok and holding antisemitic views or anti-Israel views, as defined by young adults answers to a set of 12 questions. The questions asked people whether they agreed or disagreed with various statements, such as: Jewish people can be trusted just as much as other American people in business. People who said they spent at least 30 minutes a day on TikTok were 17% more likely to hold antisemitic or anti-Israel views compared to those who dont use TikTok at all, he found. The finding went viral after Goldbloom published it, with 3.7 million views on X as of Thursday, according to X. Goldbloom said in an interview Thursday that Haley summarized his research incorrectly, though he said he didnt hold it against her. He said that her quote would have been accurate if shed made clear that it was 30 minutes a day. There was a slight stumble in the way the research was described, he said. No doubt she had a lot of facts and figures to remember, and so she was close. He added, I put the data out there so it would get noticed, so to have someone with a high profile mention it is great. Generation Lab also said Haley was wrong. It conducted the survey for Goldbloom but wasnt involved in the post-survey analysis or the inferences Goldbloom drew. Then, last night, we saw Amb. Haley twist those inferences beyond the point of recognition. What she said was incorrect, Generation Lab founder Cyrus Beschloss said in an email, referring to Haley by her former title as ambassador to the United Nations. Even as TikTok has grown in popularity, it has been in political limbo since 2020, when President Donald Trump tried to ban it but was blocked by the courts. The Biden administration this year tried to force TikToks Chinese owners to sell their stakes, citing data privacy concerns, but TikTok has fought back in a lobbying push and a public relations campaign. Whether TikTok has an anti-Israel bias has become an urgent question among politicians, technologists and users over the past two months, since the Oct. 7 attacks in which Hamas killed more than 1,200 people in Israel and the ensuing war in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 17,000, according to Palestinian health officials. Young Americans increasingly tell pollsters theyre more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause than their parents and grandparents are, and some of Israels defenders allege that TikTok is the reason for the shift in public opinion, given the popularity of pro-Palestinian videos on the platform. Political scientists and public opinion experts have said a variety of factors are likely to be affecting Americans shifting views toward Israelis and Palestinians: from images of injured Palestinian civilians that go viral on social media to the way the Black Lives Matter movement has galvanized left-wing demonstrators to the rightward lurch of Israels government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Thomas Zeitzoff, an associate professor of public affairs at American University, said the research done by Goldbloom was tricky to evaluate. One reason for doubt, he said: People dont always give reliable answers when surveyors ask how much time they spend on an app like TikTok. Self-reported social media data is a minefield, he said. It may also be that people who are already pro-Palestinian tend to cluster on TikTok, rather than that TikTok is shaping their views, Zeitzoff said. The equivalent way of saying it is: Going to a Yankees game really makes people drunk. Well, no, people who like to drink maybe go to Yankees games, he said. Goldbloom acknowledged in the interview that his data analysis hadnt shown a causal relationship between TikTok use and anti-Israel or antisemitic views only a suggested correlation. I havent done a randomized control trial that starts off with someone having no view on Israel-Palestine and ends up with them beating up Jews on college campuses, but at some point, I think there are enough data points that I feel reasonably confident that TikTok is responsible for some amount of the antisemitism were seeing, he said. Goldbloom, 40, said he started doing the research because he wanted his kids to be safe on college campuses when theyre college-age. He and they are Jewish, he said. He declined to say what he thinks of Haley as a candidate. A native of Australia, he said that he only recently became a U.S. citizen and that next years presidential election will be his first opportunity to vote for president. He said he doesnt identify with a political party. Goldbloom, who sold a startup to Google in 2017, said he hoped the added attention to his research from the Republican debate would push TikTok to make changes. He and several like-minded technologists including a Tinder co-founder and a former Facebook executive have met with TikTok to raise their concerns, but, he said, the response has been limited. Theyve spoken to us enough to know that were not a Mickey Mouse operation, Goldbloom said. TikTok said Thursday it still wasnt persuaded by Goldblooms work. Weve engaged with Mr. Goldbloom in good faith, providing him with factual information and access to our senior executives on multiple occasions, TikTok spokesperson Alex Haurek said in an email. Unfortunately, he is cherry picking data points to make inaccurate comparisons and draw false conclusions in support of a false narrative, he said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Michelle Bray (center) at the close of her October 2022 trial in Kenton County Circuit Court. A Northern Kentucky mother, convicted of allowing two of her children to be subjected to repeated physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her former boyfriend, was sentenced Tuesday to 30 years in prison, prosecutors said. Kenton County Circuit Judge Patricia Summe imposed the sentence, which matches the recommendation reached by a jury at the close of 43-year-old Michelle Bray's trial in October. Bray was found guilty of nine counts, including complicity to criminal abuse, complicity to promoting a sexual performance by a minor, complicity to sexual abuse and human trafficking. Police began investigating Bray early last year after a relative reported to police that Brays then-boyfriend, Christopher Whittaker, stored images and videos of child sexual abuse involving Brays underage daughter on his computer, prosecutors said in court filings. Bray and Whittaker were living together at her house in Edgewood with Brays children. Prosecutors said Whittaker, at times with Brays involvement, used the womans daughter and then 7-year-old son to perform actions related to a fetish called trampling, which involves walking, stepping and stomping on people or objects for sexual gratification. Bray taught those actions to her daughter, who was as young as 9 years old at the time of some of the incidents, according to prosecutors. Several videos also show Brays daughter stepping on a cat, at Whittakers direction, while he holds the animal down. Investigators uncovered other video depicting Bray, wearing a wedge-style heel, stepping onto her disabled sons torso, according to court filings. Joseph Holbrook, Bray's attorney, argued in court that videos depicting Bray and her daughter trampling on Whittaker didn't rise to the level of sexual abuse because the girl and her mother were clothed, albeit revealingly, and allegations that Bray was grooming her daughter for Whittaker were unsubstantiated. Brays relationship with Whittaker began in early 2016 after he contacted her via social media and he took advantage of Bray being a working, single mother to gain access to her daughter, Holbrook said. Prosecutors said it was Bray who provided that access and that it all started with Bray teaching those things to her young daughter. The jury agreed. "Unfortunately the number of people exploiting children only seems to be growing, but that's why we have prisons," Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders said in a new release Thursday. Whittaker, 40, pleaded guilty in March to 84 felony counts related to the physical and sexual abuse of Brays children, court records show. Prosecutors did not offer him a lighter prison term and he was given 10 life sentences. He's also facing charges in Grant County related to similar allegations involving the child of an ex-girlfriend. Bray and Whittaker must each serve 20 years of their sentence before they're eligible for parole. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NKY mom gets prison for letting kids be used in 'trampling' fetish The proposed takeover of The Telegraph by an Abu Dhabi-backed consortium is continuing to raise concerns - Tetra images RF Here at Telegraph Towers, Christmas began with all its usual merriment as Sundays charity phone-in got underway. I spent the day taking calls from lovely readers who proved to be every bit as generous and warmhearted as in previous years. In the course of the day, we chatted about the brilliant causes we chose for this years appeal, namely Race for Dementia, Marie Curie, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the childrens charity Go Beyond. There were moving reminiscences, interspersed with laughter but I would be lying by omission if I didnt mention the long and make no bones about it troubling shadow cast by the uncertainty surrounding the fate and future of this newspaper and our sister publication, The Sunday Telegraph. Again and again, subscribers and readers brought the subject up unbidden. I was asked repeatedly what it would mean to fall under the control of an Abu Dhabi-financed investment fund. I was obliged to admit it doesnt augur well. A great strength of this newspaper is the way it operates without fear or favour. It is a meritocracy in which female reporters, writers and editors garner every bit as much respect as their male colleagues; our views are amplified, our intelligence valued. We reflect our readership. This is not the case in the United Arab Emirates. Any reassurances of editorial independence being offered by individuals are meaningless they are not binding, they are not guarantees. Attitudes to women there are repressive, rights curtailed. According to a report published by the London School of Economics, just 20 per cent of women work. The Daily Telegraph has always been a broad church one that even has a little pew set aside for yours truly. There is a place for a contrarian like me who relies on instinct rather than ideology, has no truck with pomposity and believes in the imperative of puncturing the over-inflated egos of the political class, regardless of party colours. This paper prides itself on publishing stories, cartoons and commentary that the powerful would probably rather suppress. Our mature democracy is robust enough to withstand even encourage knockabout humour and criticism. UAE culture is a world away from ours; dissent is not tolerated. Make no mistake if we are taken under the control of Abu Dhabi this papers female voices will be silenced. Including mine. Many of our readers have raised concerns over the potential sale of Telegraph Media Group to the Abu Dhabi-linked Redbird IMI. While Ofcom carries out its investigation we are inviting the submission of comments on the process. Email salecomments@telegraph.co.uk to have your say. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. By Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union's executive is due to approve next week a legal proposal on using proceeds from Russian assets frozen under sanctions, but doubts in France, Germany and Belgium mean Ukraine would not get the money anytime soon, officials and diplomatic sources said. The draft law is expected on Dec. 12, two days before the year's final summit of the EU's 27 national leaders at which billions of much-needed budgetary and military aid for Kyiv are at stake, as well as advancing Ukraine's membership bid. The prospect of a Hungarian veto and budget bickering between EU states weigh heavy on chances for an agreement that would give a boost to Ukraine, exhausted fighting against a Russian invasion through the war's second winter. Kyiv would not be getting instant good news either on getting its hands on proceeds derived from frozen Russian assets, according to diplomats and officials in EU hub Brussels who laid out lingering doubts by the three key capitals. A German foreign ministry spokesman said Berlin was actively chasing assets of sanctioned persons and entities to freeze. "To what extent such assets can be used for reconstruction is under discussion on the EU level. But we need to consider all relevant financial and judicial questions as a whole," he said. The EU executive says some 28 billion euros worth of private Russian assets and a further 207 billion euros of the Russian central bank's funds are arrested in the bloc. Some 125 billion euros of the latter sum is held by Belgian company Euroclear. Belgium estimated it would collect 2.3 billion euros in taxes on that in 2023-24. It said it would use those proceeds to help Ukraine. "NOT IN THE NEAR FUTURE" The Commission's proposal next week would aim to introduce standard rules for handling such assets across all EU states. Unanimous backing of the 27 would be needed to enact it. The proposal would clarify legal obligations of institutions involved, as well as tasking them to put the immobilised Russian assets aside, according to EU officials. Crucially, it would not, however, include a direct proposal to transfer new proceeds on those assets into the EU budget, said the officials, quoting litigation risks, management questions and criticism by the European Central Bank. EU leaders are not expected to give the proposal their final approval at the summit but, possibly, task their 27 governments to work more on it. With heavyweights Germany and France voicing reservations, no quick deal is in sight. "A group of member states still has legal concerns," said a senior EU diplomat, adding that transferring the funds to central EU coffers was "nothing that I could see happening in the near future." A Belgian official said any such new levy needed to be done hand-in-hand with the global West. The official saw more as declaration of intent than a necessary specific formula a G7 statement on Wednesday calling for "decisive progress" to support Ukraine through windfall profits of companies holding blocked Russian sovereign assets. If the experience of G7 sanctions on Russian oil and diamond imports were to serve as a guide, agreeing such measures and putting them in place is bound to take weeks if not months. There was no response from the Elysee to a request for comment on Friday. (Reporting by Gabriela Baczynska, additional reporting by Alexander Ratz in Berlin and Elizabeth Pineau in Paris; Editing by Angus MacSwan, Kirsten Donovan) Norman Lear's wife, Lyn Lear, was with him to the very end. In 1987, the "All in the Family" creator married Lyn Lear after his first two marriages to Charlotte Lear and Frances Lear ended in divorce. Together, Norman and Lyn Lear welcomed three kids, son Benjamin Davis Lear and twin daughters Madelaine Rose and Brianna Elizabeth Lear. After more than three decades of marriage, Norman Lear's family announced on Dec. 5 that he died at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family members. Norman lived a life of curiosity, tenacity, and empathy. He deeply loved our country and spent a lifetime helping to preserve its founding ideals of justice and equality for all, his family said in a statement. He began his career in the earliest days of live television and discovered a passion for writing about the real lives of Americans, not a glossy ideal. At first, his ideas were met with closed doors and misunderstanding. However, he stuck to his conviction that the foolishness of the human condition made great television, and eventually he was heard, the statement continued, adding a private funeral service will be held for immediate family. Read on to learn more about Norman Lear's third wife, Lyn. Norman Lear and Lyn Lear (Jean Baptiste Lacroix / WireImage) Norman Lear and Lyn Lear were married for over 30 years In a 1990 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Norman Lear recalled his love story with Lyn and said they met in 1984 when one of their mutual friends brought her over on a blind double date with Norman Lear and his second wife, Frances. While Norman Lear said they spent most of the evening talking about the advocacy group People for the American Way and Lyn Lear's doctoral dissertation, he said he got to know her better once they had lunch a couple of weeks later. Over time, he said they "fell in love" and realized his marriage to Frances was over. In 1987, the pair got married and have been inseparable since. Lyn Lear was nominated for an Emmy Like her hubby, Lyn Lear is an exquisite filmmaker. The documentary filmmaker has her own production company called Lyn Lear Productions where she "inspires, educates and activates audiences on global and environmental issues through film, television and all forms of media," per the official website. Over the years, Lyn Lear has produced some great films like 2014's "Cesar's Last Fast," 2021's "Bring Your Own Brigade," and 2023's "Defiant." But out of all her projects, she's probably most known for her work in 2019s The Great Hack," which earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination. Lyn Lear has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology According to her official website, Lyn Lear has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. In a recent interview with People, Norman Lear said he always loved the fact that his wife was her own person. My wife is her own individual, and I fell in love with that, he said. She is a sterling human being. I love that she loves me. Norman Lear and Lyn Lear during ABC's Lyn Lear is a mom of three Lyn Lear is a proud mom of three kids, Benjamin and twins Madelaine and Brianna, whom she shares with her hubby. However, Norman also is a father to his daughter Ellen, whom he welcomed with his first wife, Charlotte, and his two daughters Kate and Maggie, whom he shares with his second wife, Frances. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Norman Lear recalled the moment he told Kate and Maggie about Lyn Lear and said he might've rushed the process a bit. I did like Ben Benedict moving too fast," he said. "Insisting that they ought to be able to get together and find each other and love each other more quickly than life allows." However, Norman Lear soon learned that his efforts were futile. My daughters love their mother very deeply, he said. (And) Frances was very much alive. But a daughter isnt eager to meet the woman that has replaced her mother. It would be unreal if one were to assume that they would find that enjoyable. But they love me. I have great daughters, terrific daughters." Lyn Lear is an environmentalist and co-founded a non-profit Lyn Lear is passionate about the environment. According to her official website, she co-founded the Environmental Media Association (EMA) with her husband in 1989. The EMA is dedicated to promoting environmental causes through storytelling. The duo also co-founded the Lear Family Foundation, which supports numerous nonprofit organizations around the country that help in education, youth initiatives, health and more. Lyn Lear had a good work-life balance with Norman Lear In 2015, Lyn Lear spoke to PBS for the "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You" documentary. While speaking with the network, she said she and Norman Lear would always put their busy schedules aside to make time for one another. "We do have breakfast together as much as possible, but not every day," she said. "He gets up much earlier than I do, so he gets up and reads the paper and he works out at different times. But we always have dinner together at night and we talk about a lot of things at night, and we do make appointments to talk about things as well." "When we drive to places, we talk in the car. We talk as much as we can," she added. This article was originally published on TODAY.com North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer's son has been charged with manslaughter after his alleged involvement in a police chase that resulted in the death of a sheriff's deputy Wednesday night. Ian Cramer, 42, faces manslaughter, fleeing an officer and other charges in connection with the incident in Mercer County, North Dakota, according to court records. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the charges, which were first reported by The Associated Press. A police pursuit of Cramer ended in a crash that killed sheriff deputy Paul Martin, who had taken cover behind his vehicle after laying a tire deflation device in the road, court documents said. In a statement Wednesday, the Republican senator said that his son suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations," and that his family is grieving the death of the sheriffs deputy. "We grieve especially for the family of the hero who tried to help Ian," Cramer said. "We ask the public for prayers for the lost officers family and colleagues who serve us every day and are grateful for all they do for us." Sen. Cramer said that his wife, Kris, was with their son "when he insisted on going to his brother" Isaac Cramer, who died in 2018 after being hospitalized with liver and kidney failure stemming from alcoholism, The Bismarck Tribune reported at the time. Cramer, who served three terms in the House, was elected to the Senate months after his son Isaac's death. On Wednesday, Kris Cramer took her son to the Sanford Health emergency room in Bismarck, the senator said, adding that when his wife got out of the vehicle, "Ian jumped into the drivers seat and fled." According to Bismarck police, officers were called to the Sanford emergency room to respond to a damaged ambulance bay door, and learned that Ian Cramer had "allegedly rammed the doors" of the bay and fled after his mother brought him there over signs of mental health issues. The senator said that after his son fled, his daughter helped law enforcement track him through Kris Cramer's cellphone, which had remained in the vehicle. The North Dakota Highway Patrol said in a news release that it located Ian Cramer in a 2017 Black Chevy Tahoe in Hazen and that a "pursuit ensued" after law enforcement approached Cramer and he fled in the vehicle. During the pursuit, Cramer "veered and crashed head-on" into an unoccupied Mercer County Sheriffs Office patrol vehicle which Martin was standing behind, highway patrol said. Martin, 53, was killed when the impact of the crash pushed the patrol vehicle into him, according to highway patrol, which said the deputy was readying a tire deflation device in an effort to end the pursuit. An 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriffs Office, Martin was described in a post on the sheriff's office Facebook page as a "beloved brother in law enforcement, a husband, father, and grandpa." "Our wound is raw, and our hearts are broken," Sheriff Terry Ternes wrote. Ian Cramer was taken into custody after the crash and transported to a hospital before he was taken to a detention center, highway patrol said. A Bismarck Police Department spokesperson and the Mercer County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Ian Cramer's initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A North Texas woman was arrested on charges including assaulting law enforcement and members of local media during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia said in a news release Thursday. Dana Jean Bell, 65, of Princeton, was charged in a criminal complaint with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers and obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. She is also charged with multiple misdemeanors including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly conduct in the Capitol grounds or buildings; and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building. Bell was arrested Thursday in Princeton and made her initial appearance in the Eastern District of Texas. According to court documents, open-source video footage and other evidence identified Bell among a crowd of rioters inside the restricted area of the Capitol grounds and inside the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. She was sometimes seen carrying a purple backpack, a gray knit winter hat, an American flag and a cell phone with a cover featuring an American flag backdrop and images of former President Donald Trump, according to the release. In a video publicly posted on social media, Bell is seen assaulting a member of the local D.C. media. In the video, an angry group of rioters yelled at members of the media and called them traitors and fake news, and told them to get out, the release states. They used expletives and flipped off the camera crew. In the same video, Bell aggressively attempted to push or grab at a media member, the release says. She also assaulted another member of the media who stepped in to intervene, authorities allege. After the second assault, Bell turned to the first member of the media and kicked that person in the legs, according to the release. After the alleged assault, Bell made her way to the Capitol building and pushed her way to the rotunda doors, which were being actively protected by law enforcement, authorities said. As officers attempted to keep a door to the Capitol closed to prevent further breach, Bell attempted to pull that door open, the release says, just before successfully entering the building. In another video posted publicly on social media, within a minute of the rioters attempted breach of the Speakers Lobby at the Capitol, rather than comply with officers orders for the crowd to disperse or back up so they could render aid to an injured rioter, Bell instead approached the officers, aggressively yelled at them, and showed them her middle finger, according to the release. Bell was also captured on body-camera footage, where she is seen acting aggressively and uttering threats or insulting language very close to officers faces, according to the release. At one point in the footage, she is heard calling a police officer a (expletive) traitor and other expletives. She is also heard telling officers, Do not touch me, while she resisted and pushed back against officers as she was forced to exit the Capitol. She also told a police officer yall suck while flipping her middle finger in the officers face, according to the footage. During the same confrontation, Bell grabbed an officers baton and actively resisted and pushed against an officer while speaking aggressively toward them, the release says. She exited the Capitol building after spending approximately 30 minutes inside, authorities said. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section. This case is being investigated by the FBIs Dallas and Washington Field Offices. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Texas assisted in the case. In the 35 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,230 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. Norway has decided to modify the conditions it sets for Ukrainians to claim temporary asylum in order to discourage new arrivals, Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported on Dec. 7. The changes will primarily impact housing conditions, payments for families with children, and the possibility of returning to Ukraine. Payments The plan includes discontinuing social assistance payments for children during the initial 12 months of their stay in the country. This payment is made after the extension of the temporary residence permit following the first year, with families remaining eligible for new monthly payments. Read also: Lithuania extends residency permits for Ukrainian refugees until March 2025 Transition conditions for families already in Norway at the time of the changes are still under discussion. A "waiting period" before individuals gain access to the full spectrum of social support is also expected to be introduced. Housing and travel to Ukraine Controls will be heightened over trips to Ukraine for those receiving social benefits and holding a residence permit, with justification required. Violation of the terms of the residence permit during such trips may result in its revocation. Read also: Nearly 900,000 Ukrainians to receive UN aid this winter People seeking housing must exclusively apply to the National Reception Center in the municipality of Rode. The option of accommodation in hotels and resorts will no longer be available for those who relocate to another region, making the National Reception Center the sole "entry point" for housing applications. Accommodation in hotels is expected to be discontinued altogether. Why Norway is tightening requirements for Ukrainian refugees The rationale behind these stricter measures is the overwhelming interest in Norway from Ukrainians who fled to Europe due to the war, seeking more favorable conditions than neighboring countries. Payments for Ukrainians in Norway, as of August, were reported to be 2-4 times higher than those in Sweden, and approximately twice as high as in Denmark. Read also: Japan launches program granting refugee-like rights to war-displaced foreigners The surge in Ukrainian arrivals has placed a significant burden on Norway's social security system, with a 50% increase in the number of applicants over the past two months compared to Denmark, Sweden, and Finland combined. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Family members of Zachary Fornash embrace during a vigil Thursday night for Fornash, who was shot and killed by a Canton police officer Tuesday night near the Skyland Terrace apartment complex in southeast Canton. CANTON A candlelight vigil Thursday night helped family grieve the loss of 24-year-old Zachary Fornash and protest his shooting death by a police officer two days earlier. About 50 people gathered in a parking lot at Skyland Terrace apartments along Alan Page Drive SE, a short distance from where Fornash was killed Tuesday night. Hours earlier, Canton Police released video of the shooting from the body camera of the police officer involved. Fornash's supporters, some crying while clutching strings to red balloons, gathered around lit candles for a moment of silence and a balloon release as music played. "Zachary would love and appreciate all of this. We appreciate everybody showing up and showing out for him. We appreciate the no violence, the no drama. They made it all about Zachary. And not what the media has painted Zachary out to be," said Fornash's wife, Alexus Fornash. "They painted him out to be a bad person because he had past charges. He was not a bad person. He's made mistakes like everybody in this ... world has. And he has overcame so much in his life. That he's one of the strongest people that I know." Court records show Fornash had been arrested twice within the last month, accused of making threats with a weapon. Sierra Mason, a local activist who has organized protests against police shootings, led chants critical of Canton police. When a police vehicle drove by, several people made derogatory remarks. "In cold blood!" one man shouted. Related: Canton police officer shoots, kills 24-year-old man; state to review incident Mason kneeled by the candles and said, "It does not matter what he had went through. It does not matter what he ever did in his life. It does not matter what mistakes he made. He did not deserve to die. (He) should be here." Video of Canton police shooting Zachary Fornash Police said a resident had flagged officer Garrett Marino down to report that a man had shown a gun during an argument. Marino saw Fornash standing by a parking lot. In the video released by police, Marino yells at Fornash to get on the ground. The officer said Fornash had a gun. "Get on the ground or you're going to get shot!" Marino screams. He said it repeatedly again and ordered Fornash to show his hands and put them on his head. Zachary J. Fornash Fornash turned from the officer and walked away across the parking lot to the grass with his hands in his pocket or at his side. The officer screams three more times for Fornash to put his hands on his head as Fornash continues to walk away. When Fornash turns toward the officer, the officer fires multiple shots. "It's a BB-gun," Fornash said from the ground. He later died at Aultman Hospital. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting. Related: 'It's a BB gun.' Canton police say man fatally shot by officer had pellet gun Reaction from Zachary Fornash's family Those at the vigil who said they watched the video said the shooting was unjustified. Alexus Fornash acknowledged that her husband was carrying a pellet gun, which he should not have done. But she said in the video he never pulled the pellet gun out of his pocket. She questioned why the police officer didn't use a stun gun or rubber bullets instead. Canton police released this photo of a pellet gun they said Zachary Fornash had when he was shot by officer Garrett Marino. Fornash, 24, died Tuesday night as a result of the shooting. "I heard the gunshots. I live over there. I have to live across the street from where my husband was killed," said Alexus Fornash. "My (5-year-old) daughter gets on the school bus right there. You can literally see where her daddy died. From her bus stop. I can't save her from that pain." She said February would have been their one-year wedding anniversary. At the start of their relationship about four years ago, she had a daughter, now 5, who's always considered Zachary Fornash her father. And the pair have a 2-year-old son and one-year-old daughter, who are too young to understand what happened. Alexus Fornash wore a hoodie with a picture of her with her husband that reads, "In Loving Memory of Zach." "My (5-year-old) daughter asked me today, 'What happened to my daddy in the ambulance?' I can't answer that for her." Fornash's mother, Cassandra White of Hartville, said she watched the police video 10 times. "Why? Why? K-9 was on site. Why not release K-9?" she asked. "Why not pellet him? Why not tase him? Why? Family members said they want others to know about Fornash's strengths as a husband and father. "He was an amazing husband in the ways that he could be amazing," Alexus Fornash said. "And I love him dearly. And I will miss him everyday for the rest of my life because someone chose to take his life." Campfield Hickman Collier Funeral Home in Barberton is handling arrangements. Reach Robert at robert.wang@cantonrep.com. X formerly known as Twitter: @rwangREP. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Family, supporters grieve loss of Zachary Fornash to police shooting Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) Two US-made films "Between The Temples" and "Ghostlight" starring Golden Globe nominee Dolly de Leon will premiere at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. "We're going to Sundance!" the veteran actress wrote on her Instagram account. De Leon said "Between The Temples," written and directed by Nathan Silver, is the second film that she made in the US. Silver described the movie as an "anxious comedy." It follows a story of a choir leader in a crisis of faith, who finds his world turned upside down after his grade school music teacher reenters his life. The film stars Jason Francesco Schwartzman, who made his appearance in eight Wes Anderson films, and Carol Kane, an Oscar nominee for her role in "Hester Street." Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson's "Ghostlight," meanwhile, is a comedy drama about a construction worker who unexpectedly joins a local theater's production of Romeo and Juliet. De Leon will be joined by American stage, film, and television actor Keith Kupferer, and theater actress Katherine Mallen Kupferer in "Ghostlight." "Between The Temples" and "Ghostlight" will be screened on Jan. 19 and 20, respectively. Three Filipino films will also be screened in the festival next year. These are full length film "In My Mother's Skin," and short films "It's Raining Frogs Outside" and "When You Left Me On That Boulevard." In 2022, Martika Escobar's "Leonor Will Never Die" became the first Filipino recipient of Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit at Sundance. "The Headhunter's Daughter" by Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan also became the first Filipino film to bag Sundance's Short Film Grand Jury Prize. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack in Marawi" last weekend, which killed four people and injured over 70 others. The regional bloc said it is ready to work with the Philippine government following the blast during a mass celebration at the Mindanao State University (MSU) gymnasium last Dec. 3. "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and wish the injured a speedy recovery," ASEAN said in a statement. "We stand in solidarity and are ready to work with the Government and people of the Philippines during this difficult time," it also said. "We also reaffirm our commitment to continue, strengthen, and enhance regional counterterrorism cooperation to prevent recurrence of terrorist incident in the future." Government forces arrested one of the suspects on Wednesday during an operation in Barangay Dulay Proper. The suspect was an accomplice of a certain Omar, whom witnesses said placed the improvised explosive device at the university gymnasium, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it welcomes any assistance from other Southeast Asian governments. "While we have started our efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, we welcome any future assistance that the ASEAN may extend to further enhance intelligence to prevent any similar incident from happening again," said DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano in a statement. Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa earlier said the Senate will soon investigate the possible liability of local military and police commanders, as well as officials of MSU in the bombing incident. Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign has reached out to the Libertarian Party in Iowa to inquire about running for president on the party's ticket. Campaign operatives for Ramaswamy attended a local party event this week, and Ramaswamy has had conversations with two Iowa Libertarian officials, including one instance where he expressed interest in joining the ticket, one of those officials confirmed. Ramaswamy, an Ohio entrepreneur and author who in 2004 voted for a Libertarian presidential candidate, has openly criticized Republican leadership and policy as he seeks the party's presidential nomination in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. But he has struggled to gain traction in Iowa and other early states, Ramaswamy's potential defection to a third-party ticket could shake up an election that already contains several independent hopefuls. Asked Thursday if he would run under the Libertarian ticket should he be defeated in the Republican race, Ramaswamy told the Register, "No." But he held out the possibility the Libertarian Party might nominate him. "I expect to get the GOP nomination," Ramaswamy said. "I have strong libertarian instincts. I can't stop them from nominating me, and I would be proud if they did." Iowa caucuses: Vivek Ramaswamy challenges Gov. Kim Reynolds, GOP on carbon capture pipelines Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy arrives at the Family Leader's Thanksgiving Family Forum, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) Ramaswamy spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told the Register on Thursday morning that the candidate was running as a Republican, not a Libertarian, and that the campaign was focused on bringing libertarians to support Ramaswamy in the Republican caucuses. At a campaign event focused on eminent domain last week, Ramaswamy spoke briefly with Ryan Kurt, chair of the Polk County Libertarian Party. Kurt said that when he told Ramaswamy his role, the Republican candidate "mentioned that he might be interested in pursuing the Libertarian ticket." "I told him if you're going to do that, you might want to start talking to some libertarians," Kurt said. Days later, Kurt said he received a call from Ramaswamy's campaign asking if it could send representatives to the Polk County chapter's monthly meeting Wednesday. During that meeting, Ramaswamy's representatives discussed "logistics of a possible LP run and some of the nuances of Iowa politics," including the ability to be nominated for multiple party caucuses, Kurt said. However, the staffers "expressed that they're not currently planning any sort of pursuit of the LP ticket," Kurt said. Ramaswamy told the Register he hadn't known his staff had attended the event, but he approved of their doing so. "I wasn't aware of that, but sounds good," he said. "We go everywhere." Weeks earlier, at a Thanksgiving party, Ramaswamy met with Jules Cutler, the chair of the Iowa Libertarian Party. A fellow attendee snapped a photo of the encounter, which Cutler said happened purely by chance and lasted "less than a minute." "I introduced myself as the chair and I jokingly asked why he's not running on the Libertarian ticket," Cutler said. She said she'd met multiple Republican candidates this cycle, including former Vice President Mike Pence and radio host Larry Elder. She said her conversation with Ramaswamy was being "blown out of proportion." A number of candidates have filed for Libertarian Party's 2024 presidential nomination; in Iowa, the Libertarian Party earned enough support last cycle to qualify as an official party for this coming election. The state party plans to hold caucuses on Jan. 15, the same night as Republicans and Democrats. In addition to the Republican and Democratic fields, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Cornel West and Jill Stein have all launched campaigns as independent candidates for 2024. Galen Bacharier covers politics for the Register. Reach him at gbacharier@registermedia.com or (573) 219-7440, and follow him on Twitter @galenbacharier. Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Caucuses: Ramaswamy campaign flirts with Libertarian Party ticket PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission is implementing stricter measures for third-party companies that deliver alcohol directly to customers doorsteps. On Thursday, the agency announced that companies like Grubhub, Instacart, DoorDash and Uber Eats will be required to have a third-party delivery facility permit starting next year. The companies will also be required to train their employees on proper liquor delivery. Things to do in Portland this weekend: SantaCon, Winter Bazaar, free PAM day OLCCs new program comes after Oregon lawmakers approved House Bill 3308, a measure designed to further monitor who can accept booze from home. The agency reported that home alcohol deliveries have increased in popularity in recent years, but third-party delivery companies havent been forced to adhere to the same compliance standards as brick-and-mortar businesses. Unfortunately, this absence of oversight contributed to an operating environment where delivery companies could leave alcoholic beverages on doorsteps without confirming that the order was received by an adult 21 years or older, or that the delivery recipient wasnt visibly intoxicated, the agency said in a news release. Enormous catastrophe: Multnomah County urges state to deny Zenith air permit In October 2022, the OLCC unveiled Eyes On Oregon: An Observational Study of Home Alcohol Delivery Compliance. For the study, the agency called on volunteers between the ages of 21 and 26 to document whether their identification was checked during private home deliveries. Between May and September of that year, officials found that 37% of home alcohol deliveries didnt consist of a proper ID check. According to the agency, there were no meaningful differences in ID checks across race or gender but non-compliance was more common among the youngest volunteers. Washington, Union, Lane, Multnomah, Malheur, Douglas and Benton counties were test sites for the study. Malheur, Douglas and Benton counties were all tied with 100% success rates. Multnomah County had the second-highest percentage at 70%, while Washington County had the lowest at 44%. The OLCC also said that non-compliance was more likely between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., and for deliveries made to apartments or graduate-student housing. Tillamook rushes to build bridge in 10 days as weather could divide the Oregon Coast A large percentage of non-compliance was related to use of scanners or digital photos of IDs uploaded during online ordering; these are tools intended to support age checking, but do not replace the need to check a physical ID, the agency added. OLCCs new delivery permits will go into effect on Jan. 1, and be valid for a full calendar year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Callum Grub drives a car that is a decade older than his grandmother, Anne, with whom he lives - WALTER NEILSON A 1940s-obsessed teenager has revealed he is so dedicated to the period that he only listens to Vera Lynn and drives a car older than his grandmother. Callum Grubb, 19, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, models his lifestyle on a 1940s gentleman by driving a black 1938 Austin Cambridge, only using a telephone from the period, and riding a 1952 Raleigh bicycle. He said he was as old-fashioned as they come, and drives a car that is a decade older than his grandmother, Anne, with whom he has lived since the age of 12. Callum Grubb saved up for his car, named Poppy, since the age of 13 - WALTER NEILSON While Anne, 75, owns a mobile phone, her grandson does not, adding that when he had to use a laptop for college he hated it. He told the BBC that he fell in love with the era during his first year of high school. Ive always loved history, he said. When I was younger, I looked at my great grandads prisoner-of war diaries and I just love everything about the period. The young man collects memorabilia related to the period such as oil lamps and a vintage record player on which he plays favourite songs by Vera Lynn, Anne Shelton and Frank Sinatra. However, he added that he does not ration. I like my food too much for that, he said. Callum Grubb says driving the car is like you are back in time especially when you get into the old country roads - WALTER NEILSON He has saved up for the recent purchase of his 1938 Austin Cambridge car, named Poppy, since the age of 13. The car has no seatbelts but he said he absolutely loves it. Its like you are back in time, especially when you get into the country roads, he said. The car survived the blitz in London but it can only reach 50mph and even that is pushing it, he added. Mr Grubb said this meant there was often a sea of traffic in his wake but that people did not seem to mind. He bought the car for 7,000 in early November and has the original invoice showing that the car cost 215 in 1938, equivalent to around 18,000 today. 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. Mack Rodriguez found herself enrolled in her schools computer science program, a choice she had placed at the bottom of her list of class preferences. Despite her initial reluctance, she developed a passion for the subject and aspires to pursue a career in cybersecurity with the National Security Agency. I didnt switch out, and I ended up loving it, Rodriguez, a senior at Enochs High School, said. Its so much fun. There are 30 million well-paying jobs in the U.S. that do not require a bachelors degree, with a median income of $55,000, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education. Career technical education (CTE) pathways expose students to these career paths, dispelling the notion that college is the sole option after high school. Last week, Modesto City Schools hosted its second annual Inspire Youth Inspire Dreams event at Modesto Junior College, showcasing various high school programs to eighth-graders. The students came from middle schools both within MCS and in feeder districts, including Sylvan Union. For those planning to attend college, CTE classes offer college equivalency, translating into credits. Rodriguez, who still intends to go to college, plans to take the CompTIA Security Plus test at the years end. Success in this test opens doors to government job opportunities. It usually costs $400, but for Rodriguez, thats covered by Enochs computer science program. The CTE program also lets students participate in internships, which help bolster their college applications and resumes. During the MJC showcase, Rodriguez engaged with middle school students, passing flyers to those interested in exploring computer science classes in high school. Ten minutes before the event, she programmed a Matrix-esque code, running it on her laptop screen to catch the attention of the attendees. She observed curiosity from the kids, particularly those interested in video game development. I had no idea what I wanted to do, and this just guided me. It gave me all the things I needed if I wanted it, Rodriguez said about the CTE program. INCREASED GRADUATION RATES According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who engaged in CTE during high school exhibited higher graduation rates compared to their non-CTE peers by 94% to 86%. They also demonstrate a greater likelihood of either enrolling in college or securing full-time employment within eight years of high school graduation. The majority of participants in Modesto City Schools CTE programs are Latino students, comprising 62%. Following closely are non-Latino white students, at 21%. Rachelle Barkus, senior director of education options at Modesto City Schools, said student interests still generally align with gender stereotypes. For instance, female students tend to show interest in nursing, while male students lean toward fields like welding. For that reason, the event intentionally featured both female and male teachers at each booth to encourage diversity across various career pathways. Modesto City Schools students using construction tools at the Inspire Youth Inspire Dreams expo on Nov. 30, 2023. A SHORTAGE OF TECHNICAL WORKERS After the No Child Left Behind Act was signed in 2001, funding for CTE declined as the emphasis shifted toward college attendance. In 2014-15, a trend emerged where students were diverting away from certain industries due to a growing preference for higher education, according to Barkus. In response, the state introduced the California Technical Education Incentive Grant to inject additional funding into these programs. Today, each grant awarded to school districts yields about $1.5 million to $2 million, providing crucial financial support for CTE initiatives. More students are opting for certificates or technical colleges, attracted by the prospect of higher pay. Barkus also believes this shift might be attributed to a general sense of burnout from the remote learning experience during the pandemic. Students crave more hands-on, kinesthetic learning opportunities, she said. Ryan Poulsen, who teaches construction woodworking technology at Modesto High School, said most kids are advised to go to college, but acknowledges its not for everyone. Many students, he noted, find themselves burdened with student loan debt and engaged in coursework unrelated to their interests or skill sets. Its hard to tell someone that maybe you shouldnt go to college, but you should get some training, Poulsen said. Professions that dont require a college degree can offer substantial pay. Poulsen said he earns more from construction work over the summer than he does as a teacher, even after 18 years in the education field. He also sees it as an ideal career for students who prefer active, hands-on work over spending the day in front of a computer. Poulsen said he knows the utility of CTE for many students but recognizes its limitations. Most students dont know what they want to do in high school, so theres a chance they wont end up pursuing a career based on classes they chose during their freshman year. A VARIETY OF CAREER OPTIONS Ahead of the event, the eighth-graders completed a career exploration worksheet to identify potential areas of interest, like public services, engineering, architecture and transportation. Many students gravitated toward interactive booths. At one featuring culinary arts, they could observe cooking with pasta. At the construction table, they could try their hand at hammering. Students said they found the event a valuable resource in preparing for high school. Anessa Soto, an eighth-grader at Savage Middle School, initially expressed interest in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sector. But after engaging with representatives at the Forensic Biotech Academy based at Enochs, she discovered new interests and is now considering a future as a nurse or police officer. Soto appreciated the friendly, approachable nature of the event participants, noting their helpfulness in addressing questions. She said that contemplating her post-graduation plans is a constant thought. She, however, felt that this event alleviated some of those worries. With studying and stuff like that, what do I do in between? Soto said. I think this helped. Omid Scobie has written that 'unbeknownst' to him, 'early and uncleared text' had been provided to his Dutch publisher - Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Omid Scobie has finally admitted that the names of the two alleged royal racists were included in early drafts of his book. For more than a week, the author of Endgame has denied any responsibility for the King and the Princess of Wales being named as the relatives who had made comments about Prince Archies skin tone before he was born. But in a piece for the i newspaper, Scobie wrote that unbeknownst to him, early and uncleared text had been provided to his Dutch publisher in advance so translators could begin working on the text leading to names appearing in books sold in the Netherlands. It is the first time that Scobie, 42, has appeared to acknowledge that he had written the names of the senior members of the Royal family in early drafts. The co-author of Finding Freedom has previously strenuously denied ever submitting a version of Endgame with the names included. The race row first began in March 2021, when the Duchess of Sussex alleged in an Oprah Winfrey TV interview that a member of the Royal family had speculated about the colour of her unborn sons skin. The Sussexes never named the individual and in Scobies book it became clear that two members of the family were alleged to have made comments about the princes skin colour. In his article, Scobie said that he made it very clear that any names would not be revealed due to legal reasons. Yet he described how he was in the middle of TV interviews in New York on Nov 28 when a single name surfaced on social media. Despite the controversy, Endgame sold less than 6,500 copies in Britain in the first five days after its publication - Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock Mr Scobie said that he was at the very least relieved when the Dutch publisher confirmed that copies containing what it described as a translation error would be removed from stores. However, when a second name emerged from the book, Scobie claims that details at this point were still being pieced together and he did not have the full story. He wrote: To be clear, the only publisher I worked directly with was the one covering the US and UK. I spent almost two months with independent British barristers and in-house legal counsel to ensure that every detail in the finished book was legally watertight. He added: Unbeknownst to me at the time, early and uncleared text was provided to the Dutch publisher in order for them to start work on the translation, with the understanding that their translation would be updated to reflect the final version of the book I officially submitted. Initially, Xander Uitgevers, the publisher, said that a translation error had led to the names being published. Soon after Scobie told the Dutch chat show RTL Boulevard: Theres never been a version that Ive produced that has names in it. But Saskia Peeters, a translator who worked on the book, told the MailOnline that the names of the royals had been there in black and white. Yet despite the controversy surrounding the translation, Endgame sold fewer than 6,500 copies in Britain in the first five days after its publication. New Dutch versions of the book were published on Friday, with suggestions from journalists in the Netherlands that descriptions had been subtly changed and sources obscured in the update. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) More than 40 volunteers departed Manila for Palawan Friday morning for their planned three-day Christmas convoy to the disputed West Philippine Sea. Civilian group Atin Ito said the first batch of volunteers includes youth and student leaders, and fisherfolk representatives. "Loaded with essential donations and supplies, the group set sail for El Nido, Palawan, aboard a 150-capacity civilian marine vessel," it said in a statement. Based on the photos forwarded to the media on Friday, a sculpture of a saint was seen as one of the things being carried on the ship. In El Nido, the group will be joined by 100 fishers, with 40 boats participating in the civilian convoy. The convoy, which aims to deliver Christmas gifts and supplies to Filipino troops assigned in the contested waters, will sail in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, Patag, and Lawak islands from Dec. 10 to 12. "As we sail forth, let our collective commitment echo in the waves: the spirit of Christmas is not confined to festivities but resonates in our shared duty to improve the living and working conditions of our fisherfolks and frontliners in the West Philippine Sea. It embodies our nation's resilience and our peaceful but determined defense of our sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Akbayan Party President Rafaela David, a convenor of Atin Ito. "Our voyage is a testament to the enduring strength of Filipino unity, even in the face of foreign aggression and intrusion within our beloved West Philippine Sea," David added. The itinerary of the Atin Ito Christmas convoy includes a briefing for the media and a send off dinner on Dec. 9. On Dec. 10, they will sail from San Fernando Port in El Nido en route to Ayungin Shoal on board the civilian boat TS Kapital Felix Oca and the coast guard vessel BRP Melchora Aquino. They are expected to arrive in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal In the early morning of Dec. 11, then travel on to Lawak Island and Patag Island. They will sail back to San Fernando Port from Patag Island in the afternoon of the same day. On their last day, Dec. 12, they are expected to arrive in the afternoon at San Fernando Port, where there would be a debriefing for the media and delegates. After diinner, they would travel back to their homes. Late in November, the National Security Council approved Atin Ito's plan to sail in the West Philippine Sea. It earlier rejected the proposal amid China's aggression. READ: Brace for China's action in response to WPS Christmas convoy, Tolentino says Omid Scobie has appeared to admit that an early manuscript for his royal book Endgame did identify two royals at the centre of a race storm. Thousands of copies of the Dutch version of Mr Scobies book were dramatically pulled from shelves and pulped after King Charles and the Princess of Wales were identified as the royals who allegedly made remarks about the skin colour of unborn baby Archie, the son of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Mr Scobie had denied ever writing their names in the English manuscript, while the Dutch publisher initially chalked the blunder down to a translation error. However, Mr Scobie has now appeared to admit that an uncleared version of the manuscript was provided to the Dutch publisher without his knowledge. Unbeknownst to me at the time, early and uncleared text was provided to the Dutch publisher in order for them to start work on the translation, with the understanding that their translation would be updated to reflect the final version of the book I officially submitted, he wrote. Mr Scobie wrote of the moment he found out that a Dutch edition of the book had named royals in the race row. I was in the middle of TV interviews in New York on 28 November when a single name surfaced on social media, after it was published in the Dutch edition. My stomach flipped. The 403 pages that I had carefully written, edited, and signed off to the printers made it very clear that any names would not be revealed due to legal reasons. Still confused about what had happened, and unable to keep an eye on the unfolding story during my back-to-back press appearances, I was at the very least relieved to see the Netherlands publisher swiftly announce that copies containing what they described as a translation errorwould be removed from stores. As a second name started circulating, questions were coming in thick and fast; I had many too, but details at this point were still being pieced together and I dont have the full story. The writer discussing Endgame (ITV) He added: To be clear, the only publisher I worked directly with was the one covering the US and UK. I spent almost two months with independent British barristers and in-house legal counsel to ensure that every detail in the finished book was legally watertight. What I can be sure of is that I edited carefully, took independent legal advice, and the finished book that I submitted was not the version published in the Netherlands. The Sunday Times has previously reported that translators worked on an early signed-off manuscript instead of the final copy received ahead of the release of Endgame published as Eindstrijd (meaning Final Battle) in the Netherlands. Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement yet but is considering all options, including legal action in response to the scandal. The Independent has contacted Mr Scobie for comment. In November, one of the two translators who worked on the book, Saskia Peeters told Mail Online that Charles and Catherines names were in the manuscript that she received. I translate what is in front of me I did not add them, she said. Ms Peeters also said the controversy had been upsetting, adding that she wasnt sure why Mr Scobie had denied writing the names in the first place. I dont know why he would say that. I have been translating for many years, she said. This is the first time anything like this has happened. This is not something I wanted to be involved in. This has been upsetting. After the story first broke last week, Mr Scobie claimed there was no version of Endgame that he wrote which contained the names of Charles and Catherine. Appearing on the Dutch chat show RTL Boulevard, he said: The book is in several languages, and unfortunately I do not speak Dutch. But if there are translation errors, Im sure the publishers will have it under control. I wrote and edited the English version, he added. Theres never been a version that Ive produced that has names in it. The allegations that two senior members of the royal family had made comments about the colour of Archies skin first came to light during a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, though no members of the royal family were named at the time. Meghan said there had been concerns and conversations within the palace about the skin colour of the firstborn son. Prince Harry later denied that he and Meghan had accused a senior member of the royal family of racism. Robert Jenrick and Natalie Elphicke, the MP for Dover, meet a resident of the town amid concern about the number of small boat arrivals - Stuart Brock/Anadolu One of my first visits as immigration minster was to a family in Dover. Their home had just been broken into by a small boat arrival. It was a portent of the damage illegal migration is doing to this country that would confront me every day in my position. A day later, I was summoned to the Commons to explain why hundreds of hotels were being taken over to house these illegal arrivals. There was, of course, no defence I could offer for this farcical situation, nor any immediate solution, with my hands tied by primary domestic legislation and the European Convention on Human Rights for these illegal arrivals to be housed. Soon after, I was working with the MP in Knowsley dealing with the aftermath of a riot in a deprived area of Merseyside, where trouble surrounding an asylum hotel had led to communal violence on the streets. If former home secretary Sajid Javid declared a major incident when 250 arrivals crossed between January and November in 2018, five years on and 114,000 illegal arrivals later when I walked into the beleaguered Home Office it was clear that the illegal, dangerous and completely unnecessary crossings had pushed the UK beyond breaking point. The Prime Minister was right, therefore, to promise to do whatever it takes to end this farce. And, until Wednesday, he had kept his word. While the legality of the Rwanda policy was winding its way through our courts, we did everything else we could, striking a deal with Albania, increasing returns of immigration offenders and cracking down on illegal working. The result has been a 30 per cent decrease in arrivals compared with last year and the closures of asylum hotels. That is progress, but far from enough. The bleak reality is that there is every reason to suggest the outlook is deteriorating. There was a 30 per cent increase of illegal arrivals into the borderless Schengen area this year, geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa will further stoke migratory patterns, and there remains more than 100 million individuals displaced worldwide. So long as the EU cannot police its borders, the UK will be forced to grapple with the injustice of illegal migration. Meanwhile, the ruse the open-border enthusiasts in the Labour Party are attempting to sell the country is that you can arrest your way out of this problem. Their suggestion that an additional cross-border cell of officers can solve one of the great challenges of the 21st century would be laughable if it wasnt such a serious matter. To actually stop the boats requires establishing the strongest possible deterrent to those thinking about making the journey. The Rwanda policy is the only credible deterrent we can implement to achieve that effect this side of a general election. Following the signing of the treaty between the UK and Rwanda that directly responds to the Supreme Courts concerns, our ability to implement the policy now rests on the passage of effective legislation. Legislation must address the Supreme Courts judgment that Rwanda may subsequently remove people to countries that are not safe. And it must block off inevitable further systemic and individual legal challenges that would otherwise prevent flights from taking off. The Prime Minister is right to say the Bill goes further than ever before. But the test for the legislation isnt where it ranks in the many Bills the Conservative Party have introduced over the past few years. The test is: will it work? Will it end the merry-go-round of legal challenges that prevent small boat arrivals being swiftly removed in sufficient numbers to create a meaningful deterrent? Having done as much as I could to strengthen the legislation I concluded, regrettably, the answer is no. It was therefore clear I could not continue, in good faith, in my position as the Bills minister. By allowing individuals to make claims that their circumstances mean they cannot be sent to Rwanda, the Bill invites each small boat arrival to concoct a reason to delay their removal. The small boat-chasing law firms will gladly assist them in this endeavour, and the smuggling gangs will quickly produce a well-tested narrative for their customers to deploy upon arrival. The Supreme Courts judgment, which criticised Rwanda heavily and in many respects unnecessarily means judges will be far more receptive to their personal claims, thereby compounding the risk that individuals are taken off flights in considerable number. This is not merely my opinion. It is also the careful judgement of some of the countrys finest legal minds. But these claims neednt ultimately be successful to undermine the scheme. The ability for every illegal arrival to lodge a personal claim will place the courts under immense pressure. Backlogs will likely build, and cases that would at best take months to resolve will be stayed considerably longer. Injunctions will likely follow. And we will begin losing bail claims, forcing us to release people from detention. People will of course abscond and disappear into communities. Even on an optimistic assessment, it will still take a protracted period for an individual to be removed following their illegal entry. Because of our limited detention capacity, this will severely limit our ability to detain all arrivals crossing illegally. A busy day of crossings will take our ability to detain anyone else who comes across subsequently offline. The idea, therefore, that this Bill will guarantee all those arriving are detained and swiftly removed is for the birds. The only Bill capable of delivering that is a Bill that guarantees removal within days, not months, of arrival by blocking off individual challenges that would otherwise prevent that. Another core concern that I have is that, despite the rhetoric suggesting otherwise, the Bill does not exclude interim rulings of the sort that grounded our first attempted Rwanda flight from the European Court of Human Rights. Again, given the loss in the Supreme Court, the likelihood of such rulings increases significantly. The new Bill replicates the provisions under the section 55 of the Illegal Migration Act, which enables ministers to use their discretion, but in practice I know the instances this will be used is vanishingly rare, if ever. It would be unforgivable for the Government to find itself, after two Acts of Parliament, derailed by the exact same issue that grounded flights over a year ago. As Richard Ekins, a leading lawyer, set out in a recent Policy Exchange report, the ability to issue a rule 39 indication is a power the Strasbourg court has awarded itself and was never something the UK agreed to when it signed up to the convention. It is only the shifting and undemocratic concept of customary international law that has afforded it any status until now. The Bill must therefore, in clear statutory language, preclude rule 39 indicators from preventing removals. Having promised to do whatever it takes to stop the boats, the goal now seems to have been reduced to delivering some symbolic, half-filled flights, taking off in the spring of next year. Clearly for the policy to work we need individuals removed at scale, and within days of illegally stepping on to our shores. Anything less than this and the boats will keep coming. Controlling our borders would, of course, be far more straightforward if we extricated ourselves from the complex web of international frameworks that have taken on near mythical status within Government. These treaties were designed for a different world and have since been stretched beyond their intention. It will only become painfully more apparent that these outdated treaties cannot be renegotiated any time soon, so they must give way. One of the great advantages of our uncodified constitution is the unfettered power of our sovereign Parliament to create law, and that is a power we should not be afraid to take advantage of. Whilst Westminster consumes itself with debates on stopping the boats in the coming weeks which accounts for less than 10 per cent of overall migration to the UK legal migration remains at historically unprecedented levels. Yet the arguments advanced by the Government about why we must stop the boats severe community cohesion challenges, pressure on public services and housing challenges self-evidently apply far more strongly to legal migration, but have received a fraction of the attention. GP services and hospitals do not grow on trees. Integration is impossible if you let in over 1.2 million new people as we have done over the last two years. Business investment and productivity will continue to be sluggish if companies retain their dependency on cheap foreign labour. As a recent Centre for Policy Studies report revealed, we need to build at least 515,000 homes in England each year to keep pace with this level of net migration and until we do the housing crisis will only worsen. These are all facts the public feel acutely in their day-to-day lives, which is why reducing net migration amongst virtually every voting group has such salience. Despite the significant improvements announced to raise the minimum salary threshold and restrict the number of dependants, the Government still remains a considerable way off meeting its 2019 manifesto commitment to reduce net migration from 2019 levels, and to reshape our economy to a high-wage, high-investment model one that prizes GDP per capita, not just GDP. The reforms I secured need to be implemented immediately via an emergency rules change to prevent a fire sale of visa applications and must be accompanied by further significant measures in the new year. For starters, the graduate route is ripe for comprehensive reform. Too many universities have fallen into the migration, rather than education, business, and are marketing low-grade, short courses as a back-door to a life in the UK. Post-Brexit, we finally have the levers at our disposal to deliver on the promises politicians have successively made the British public to reduce net migration radically. The resistance we now encounter is the political preference for the short-term expediency of cheap labour, an outdated orthodoxy on the economic benefits of immigration pushed by the OBR, and flawed assumptions about the social and cultural benefits of mass immigration peddled by people insulated from the trade-offs. There is no better example of the failed Westminster consensus over the last 30 years than the historically unprecedented levels of immigration that have been forced on voters against their wish. As we are seeing in election after election across Europe, immigration will be a defining issue of 21st century politics. The publics patience has already snapped. Centre-Right parties across Europe have a choice: begin to deliver on the mainstream concerns of ordinary people when it comes to immigration, or face their red-hot fury at the ballot box. Robert Jenrick is the Conservative MP for Newark 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. GROVE CITY (WCMH) OnStar, an emergency service subscription for cars, helped Franklin County sheriffs locate and recover a stolen vehicle on Thursday morning. The Franklin County Sheriffs Office received a report of a stolen 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 from a resident on the 2400 block of Big Run Road South in Jackson Township. After declining deal, former Columbus officer in federal sex workers case changes plea to guilty OnStar contacted the sheriffs office and provided it with tracking information, which helped deputies locate the stolen vehicle in the area around Mound Street and Clarendon Avenue. Onstar remotely disabled the vehicle, which allowed deputies to apprehend the two suspects who were inside a male and female were taken into custody. Stolen merchandise was also recovered in the car, along with illegal narcotics. The sheriffs office said it is still investigating the incident. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. An email from a Palm Beach County elementary school teacher to school district officials about the Israel-Hamas war has resulted in her being placed on paid administrative leave after outcry from a state lawmaker. But constitutional lawyers and free speech experts say her note, which urged the school district to "publicly recognize the Palestinian community" in its communications about the conflict, is an "open-and-shut" case of protected speech. "Whether you agree with those who raise concerns about Palestinian rights or disagree with them does not matter as far as the First Amendment is concerned," said Jim Green, a West Palm Beach attorney and former state leader of the American Civil Liberties Union. "Everyone is entitled to speak freely about matters of public concern." The elementary school teacher works with gifted fourth- and fifth-grade students, according to district records. The school district is investigating her. She did not respond to requests for comment. On Nov. 1, she sent an email to Superintendent Mike Burke and school board members highlighting the deaths of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy stabbed to death in Illinois. "Parents can only effectively engage in conversations with their children about the importance of respect, empathy, and the harmful consequences of prejudice if they understand that the Palestinian people in Gaza are being violently and indiscriminately massacred," she said. The note was in response to an Oct. 10 message from Burke sent days after the Hamas attack to district staff and families that said the school district stresses "the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity." "We are committed to safe and secure schools that foster a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs," the letter said. "Antisemitism, like any form of discrimination or hatred, has no place in our schools or community. Our schools will not tolerate antisemitism, and we will take appropriate action to address and prevent any instances that may arise." The school district did not answer questions on Oct. 11 about whether it had seen any incidents of antisemitism or Islamophobia since the attacks. It also did not answer questions about why Burke sent the message or why it did not include a reference to Islamophobia. After the teacher sent the note to school leaders, Rep. Mike Caruso, a Republican from Delray Beach, sent a letter to be read into the record at a Nov. 15 school board meeting calling for the teacher's suspension. Caruso wrote that the teacher's letter and social media posts amounted to "disgusting antisemitic genocidal rhetoric." Caruso accused the teacher of posting "from the river to the sea" on her Facebook page, a pro-Palestinian slogan that Israels supporters say is antisemitic and a call to destroy the state of Israel. But as of the day of Caruso's letter, her public social media profiles did not contain the slogan, and her Facebook profile remains locked down on "private" mode. Caruso did not return a request for comment. Muslim leader says 'double standard' exists in speech on conflict Since the teacher has been placed on leave, president of the South Florida Muslim Federation Samir Kakli has called out what he says is a "double standard" for free speech on the Israel-Hamas conflict. "Look at what the teacher said in this statement, (and) compare that to other statements that have been made by elected public officials on the other side," Kakli said. Kakli referred to an incident on the state House floor Nov. 7 when Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Pensacola) said, "All of them," after Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) asked: "How many (dead Palestinians) will be enough?" Salzman later said she was referring to Hamas militants, not Palestinian civilians. "Where is the outrage against Michelle Salzman?" Kakli said, adding that there is instead outrage over "this teacher who was asking for fairness and balance from the school district and leadership to protect Palestinian and Muslim students." Saja Bai (standing on stage) and her mother Amani Bai, seated to the right of Saja, chant during a Palestinian rally in downtown West Palm Beach on Nov. 19. Israel supporters stationed themselves across the street. Though the teacher is on paid leave and has not lost her job, constitutional attorney Enrique Armijo, a law professor at Wake Forest University, said "it's not even a close question" of whether her letter to the superintendent was within her First Amendment rights. "I think whats really happening here is that the school is feeling heat from this state rep. (Caruso)," he said. "They already know, or will learn and should learn, that this is clearly protected speech." What is free speech for school employees? First Amendment scholars and attorneys use two questions derived from the Supreme Court's 1968 decision in Pickering v. Board of Education to test whether freedom of speech applies in cases that involve public employees such as school teachers: Did the employee speak out on matters of public concern? Do the free speech rights of the government employee outweigh the employer's interest in a disruption-free workplace? In both questions, Green, Armijo and University of Santa Clara law professor Margaret Russell were unanimous in their opinion that the teacher's letter constitutes protected speech. Armijo said the Israel-Hamas war is "one of the most debated and contested issues in the world." "Any court would find that this was a matter of public concern," he said. The second part of the test deals with whether an employee's free speech disrupts the workplace, although not all workplaces are created equal. Want more education news? Sign up for ourExtra Credit weekly newsletter, delivered every Friday! Private employees do not have a constitutional right to free speech while at work, and people employed at will can be dismissed for almost any reason. But public employees, such as school teachers and government workers, do have a right to free speech in the workplace as long as it doesn't disrupt the efficient operation of the agency. As such, school districts have to weigh employees' rights to free speech against their need to run schools and government entities safely and effectively. The tone and audience of the teacher's letter are important in answering that question, Russell said. If the teacher had threatened other employees or managers, the letter could have been deemed disruptive to the workplace. "But she wasnt threatening, she wasnt sabotaging or saying she was going to talk about this issue in the classroom," Russell said. "She wasnt insulting anyone. That is, at its core, political speech." Political speech is often referred to as the most protected speech to ensure laws do not limit Americans' right to criticize the government. That right is "central to the meaning of the First Amendment," according to constitutional scholars at the University of Baltimore. Russell pointed out that the teacher's letter was privately addressed to top school board officials and not shared in a lesson to students or in a flyer passed out in class. "Based on my understanding, this teacher absolutely has a free speech right, which is being trampled upon," Russell said. Read the teacher's Nov. 1 letter below: Good Afternoon Superintendent Burke and School Board Members, I am an employee of Palm Beach School District and I am writing to you in regard to the ongoing devastation in the Middle East. Mr. Burke, in your last email regarding the topic on October 10th, you reminded our District that "we stress the values of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity" and encouraged parents to engage in conversations with their children about the importance of respect, empathy, and the harmful consequences of prejudice. For this, I commend you. However, the atrocities in Palestine, specifically Gaza have not stopped. Today marks the 25th day of constant bombardment on innocent Palestinian civilians with a death toll at over 8,000, of which 3,500 are children. As an educator of our community's children, I implore you to uphold the stress on the "values of respect, tolerance, and inclusivity" for the Palestinians in our community during this devastating time. Parents can only effectively engage in conversations with their children about the importance of respect, empathy, and the harmful consequences of prejudice if they understand that the Palestinian people in Gaza are being violently and indiscriminately massacred. On October 14, Wadea Al-Fayoume, a six year-old boy, was stabbed 26 times at his home in Chicago by his family's landlord as a result of hate crime due to the family being Muslim and Palestinian. Our community must be properly informed about the devastation happening to Palestinians to avoid such hate and evil. In addition, I would like to make something very clear: The American voices speaking up for the freedom of Palestine and calling for a ceasefire, including countless Jewish voices, are voices for humanity. This is not a matter of religion, skin color, or race. This is a matter of humanity. We as humans are standing up for human rights. Every morning for the last 25 days, I am waking up to first-hand accounts online of Palestinian civilians being killed. Palestinian parents crying out because their children were killed and dismembered by the bombing. Palestinian children crying out because their parents were killed. Doctors treating patients on the floor of hospitals with no anesthesia and no electricity, just the flashlight from a phone. I, amongst many Americans, Arab and non-Arab, mourn these losses and feel helpless and in awe at what we are witnessing. So again, I am pleading with you to please publicly recognize the Palestinian community by speaking up for humanity and encourage our community to show understanding and empathy to the Palestinian people. --- Katherine Kokal is a journalist covering education at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at kkokal@pbpost.com. Help support our work, subscribe today! This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Was Florida teacher's letter on Israel-Hamas war protected free speech? Do The Limbo After moving to oust Sam Altman, OpenAI cofounder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever is in a sort of limbo, and nobody seems to know what will happen next. As Business Insider reports based on interviews with people in the know who spoke on the condition that their identities remain anonymous it remains unclear what role Sutskever will play in the AI firm moving forward after turning on Altman just before OpenAI's Thanksgiving week massacre. "Ilya is always going to have had an important role," one of those insiders said. "But, you know, there are a lot of other people who are picking up and taking that responsibility that historically Ilya had." Ouch. Before the incredible failed coup at the company, Sutskever was far from a household name, and fewer still knew who he was before ChatGPT burst onto the scene a year ago. Known primarily for his outlandish statements about algorithmic sentience, the Russian-born researcher is considered something of an "AI god" by his acolytes and now is thought of as a traitor to others who think he won't be able to come back from voting alongside two fellow (and now former) OpenAI board members to fire Altman as CEO over vague accusations of dishonesty. What's Going On According to two insiders who spoke to BI, Sutskever hasn't been seen in the firm's San Francisco offices all week, and his position within the company is "to be determined," one of those sources said. This isn't exactly surprising given that Altman hinted pretty explicitly in his note following his re-hiring as CEO that although he has "zero ill will" towards his fellow cofounder, the company is nevertheless "discussing how he can continue his work at OpenAI." In an interview with The Verge, however, the CEO did admit that he was "hurt and angry" that Sutskever had essentially shanked him Brutus-style. Sutskever, for his part, has also been making some vague statements online suggesting continued tumult at OpenAI. In one since-deleted tweet, he posted a reference to the memetic phrase "the beatings will continue until morale improves," which he said "applies more often than it has any right to." In another post made on his art Instagram, this one still up, he posted a stern-looking cloud head though that one, at least, looks more like the artist himself than any of his coworkers. As BI's sources described, the working relationship between Altman, Sutskever, and Greg Brockman the other cofounder who resigned in solidarity with the CEO after his ouster, and who was brought back upon his return has soured tremendously. "Once trust is broken," one former staffer explained, "it cannot be regained." More on OpenAI: Sam Altman's Right-Hand Man Says AI Is Overhyped This essay was originally published as part of the Center on Reinventing Public Educations 2023 State of the American Student report. As part of the effort, CRPE asked 14 experts from various sectors to offer up examples of innovations, solutions or possible paths forward as education leaders navigate the current crisis. (See all the perspectives) Its time to bring back the coffee cups! When I first attended the annual meeting of the Education Commission of the States in the early 1990s, they were handing out coffee cups with an exhortation that all kids can learn. I remember thinking, duh, of course they can. The standards movement was in full bloom at the time, and the statement seemed like a no-brainer. Support The 74's year-end campaign. Make a tax-exempt donation now. No longer. The pandemic merely illuminated and exacerbated what has been happening in American education for years: the systematic dismantling of a culture of high expectations. Rather than continuing to work together to help all children meet these high standards, which had been the national focus for a few decades, too many state leaders have settled for moving the goalposts, lowering the standards, and pretending that everything was okay. It isnt. Combating historic declines with a commitment to excellence, opportunity and innovation On the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), Virginia had a 13-point drop in fourth-grade reading since 2017 (the largest reading decline in the nation) and a 12-point drop in fourth-grade math (tied with Maryland as the largest math decline). Both declines are nearly three times the national average in learning loss, and they began before the pandemic as previous administrations lowered expectations across the board. The pandemic worsened everything, of course. As a result, were on the verge of losing an entire generation of students. This tragic reality has fueled our sense of urgency and commitment to change in Virginia. Nothing but boldness will suffice. We know that Virginia has excellent schools, but not every student and family has access to that excellence. We are relying on a much broader set of innovative solutions, and tapping into the expertise of educators and community partners to ensure that every student can attend a school that prepares them for success in life. For example, 19 (and counting) partnerships have applied to take advantage of the $100 million we have earmarked for Lab Schools, which will stimulate innovative approaches to teaching and learning; encourage greater collaboration among K-12, postsecondary, business and other community partners; and develop model programs that can be replicated. In Southwest Virginia, public schools, community colleges, and local hospitals are collaborating to develop a school to prepare students for careers in health care, which will help support these traditionally underserved communities. On the eastern shore, NASA, Virginia Space, the local community college, and aerospace companies are working with K-12 school districts to launch an aerospace-focused school as part of the goal to make the area the space hub of the east coast. Efforts like these are breaking down the walls between education and work, blowing up the one-size-fits-all approach to education, and providing students, especially those who have been marginalized in the past, exposure to the careers of the future. Related To Improve the Nations Schools, First Close the Honesty Gap To help support and accelerate efforts such as these, weve created an Office of Innovation within the Virginia Department of Education. This office will not only catalog innovative approaches throughout Virginia, but also network and learn from them so we can replicate success in every corner of the commonwealth. Together with education stakeholders, we will continue to dive into the important and tough questions such as: Why doesnt the commonwealth have more Thomas Jefferson High Schools, the highly acclaimed STEM school, when the waiting list shows huge demand for many more? Why are colleges lowering admissions standards at the end of students K-12 journeys, when it is much more effective (and fair) to focus on challenging them and preparing them from their earliest years? Thats why we are rethinking gifted/talented and similar programs to provide historically underrepresented kids access to educational opportunities that some children have always had. In addition, the Virginia Literacy Act is revamping how we teach all students to readensuring that all instructional materials, professional development, licensure, and teacher prep are based in the science of reading by the 2024-25 school year. What can we learn from the new tutoring and mentoring partnerships among K-12, the Urban League, and historically Black colleges and universities in the Petersburg and Hampton Roads areas that can be scaled statewide and nationally? Empowering families Parents matter. They deserve to not only have a seat at the table, but to be at the head. We are proactively empowering parents with more actionable information and greater options for their child to access excellence. Parents have inflated perceptions of student achievement. National research documents that 90% of parents believe their child is at or above grade level in reading and math. In reality, only 37% of students nationally perform at or above grade level in reading and matha 53% gap between parent perception and reality. This is largely due to a lack of transparency around student proficiency and a dearth of effective communication with parents. Therefore, Virginia is preparing data reports that tell the truth about where every student and school stands. This year, for the first time ever, schools sent every parent and teacher the same understandable, actionable academic proficiency report, showing a clear picture of how their students were performing and offering discussion topics to support student success. The Virginia Department of Education has also created a complementary online portal, Virginias Visualization and Analytics Solution (VVAAS), which includes easy-to-read charts and tables showing a students performance compared to their peers. Thanks to a work group created in our latest legislative session, we are developing an online parent portal that will give parents quality information so they are informed champions and partners in their childrens education. The State Board of Education is also revising our school accreditation system so that there is clear, easy-to-digest information about the academic proficiency and progress of students in every K-12 school in the commonwealth. We are using data as a flashlight, not a hammer, to inform better decisions at kitchen tables, classrooms, school boards, and the State Capitol. A professional learning community of 25 school districts is helping us develop tools and supports to use this data effectively. Our goal is for every off-track student to have a personalized learning plan with a set of actions to address learning gaps. These plans will be developed and implemented in partnership with teachers, parents, and students. Well also train teachers on how to communicate with parents and students about the steps to get a student to grade-level proficiency. To combat the drastic impact of COVID-19 school closures on students educational progress and address the earlier decline in proficiency, we provided $63 million in grants to help families access tutoring services this summer. We have also been increasing awareness of the Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit so that more families can afford to send their children to schools that can better meet their academic needs. In all this work, we are empowering parentswith better information and, when possible, financial support, while always ensuring that they are at the head of the table. Breaking down silos to provide multiple pathways to success for all Virginia learners We must also increase exposure, experience, and expertise in the world of work in high school and postsecondary education. To achieve this, Governor Youngkin has vowed to further blur the lines and increase coordination between K-12, higher education, and the workplace. Our goal is that every high school student graduates with an industry-recognized credential and/or an associate degree. We will do this by expanding career and technical education, launching lab schools, and accelerating dual enrollment partnerships between high schools and community colleges. Our colleges have an equally urgent focus on connecting learning with working. The business community, higher education, administration, and General Assembly are all committed to the Virginia Talent & Opportunity Program, which aims to ensure a paid work experience for every college student while in school. Fast Forward, a short-term workforce credential and training program in Virginias community colleges, provides affordable opportunities for students to receive training and credentialing in high-demand industries like information technology, skilled trades, infrastructure, and healthcare. The Virginia Community College Board voted this past year to allow high school students to take advantage of this program as well. Additionally, our G3 program, a tuition assistance program for Virginia students, is aiding community college students in high-demand industries. Virginia, like every other state in the country and every other country in the world, is competing for talent. Quality schools are the foundation and door-opener. The good news is that we know how to improve student success: with high expectations, great instruction, transparency, accountability, and a commitment to innovation. Given the setbacks of the past several years, however, were now in an all-hands-on-deck moment in Virginia. By law, Governor Youngkin is limited to a single four-year term. Were not wasting a minute. See more from the Center on Reinventing Public Education and its 2023 State of the American Student report. Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump is introduced to the crowd as he walks to the stage at a caucus event, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It remains to be seen who will be Utahs top pick for president. | AP Utah will once again be the focus of presidential politics when the University of Utah hosts the final presidential debate on Oct. 9, 2024. It will be exciting for citizens of the Beehive State. However, were far from knowing who will be standing on that debate stage 10 months from now. We analyze the current state of presidential politics as it relates to Utah. A recent Deseret News/HarrisX poll revealed 20% of Utah Republicans preferred former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley to be Donald Trumps running mate should he secure the nomination. Some 18% selected Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. In an October poll, the question, If the 2024 Republican presidential primary were held today, who would you vote for? resulted in 30% for Trump; 14%, DeSantis; 13%, Haley; 12%, other candidates; and 20% undecided. What does this reveal about the Republican nomination in Utah? Pignanelli: There are two Republican primaries happening the primary to challenge Trump and the primary against Trump for the GOP nomination. The first must end conclusively or Trump wins the second by plurality. Marc Thiessen, Fox News These surveys offer fun calculations. Despite commanding leads in other states, Trump struggles in Utah. Adding undecided to the 39% that want someone else, the resulting 59% indicates Utahns desire an alternative to the former president. Immediately after the 2022 elections, almost 100 frustrated local Republican officials sent a letter to DeSantis, urging him to run for president. He was then 11 points ahead of Trump. However, DeSantis popularity slowly dropped in Utah and nationally, while Haleys reputation rose. The unknown factor is that the Utah Republican presidential preference election will be decided by those attending precinct caucuses, and not a general ballot. It is difficult to predict where these activists will be in late winter. Political observers were amazed by a Marquette University survey stating that Haley performed the best against President Joe Biden, 55% to 44%. The calculus indicates Utah Republicans are leading a subtle national trend. Webb: I, unfortunately, cant see Haley or DeSantis overtaking Trump for the GOP nomination, unless hes serving a lengthy prison sentence. Even then, many of his supporters would stick with him. Trump will also likely win Utahs electoral votes, although with not as large a margin as in most other Republican states. Why Republicans support Trump when better alternatives exist remains a mystery to me. Personally, I dont like bullies. And Trump acts like a junior high school bully. He claims to be 50 points ahead of DeSantis and Haley, but instead of being magnanimous (he would not understand the meaning of that word), he personally insults them and calls them stupid names (birdbrain Haley). Does he not understand he will need the votes of their supporters in the general election? Someone placed me on Trumps email lists, so I get all of his campaign email messages (about a dozen a day). I can barely stand to read them. He constantly belittles his competitors, not just disagreeing with them on policy, but engaging in personal insults. He boasts, he exaggerates, he lies, he rewrites history. He has massive character flaws and is simply not fit to be president. Either DeSantis or Haley, by contrast, would be stable, sensible and tough conservative presidents. An earlier Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll affirmed 65% of Utahns disapproved of President Biden. As of this week an aggregate of national surveys compiled by FiveThirtyEight affirmed 55.4% of Americans disapprove of Biden (53.1% have similar negative attitude towards Trump). How will this affect presidential deliberations in Utah? Pignanelli: Texas Sen. Ted Cruz captured almost 70% of the votes cast in the Utah Republican presidential primary in 2016 (Trump received 16%). Of all the red states, Utah performs the worst for Trump. Consequently, the desire to dump Biden may push precinct caucus attendees to select the strongest alternative to Trump still standing on March 5. Afterwards, there will be six months of Biden bashing in the primary and general elections. Webb: Unfortunately for Democrats, Biden is the likely Democratic nominee. He will lose in Utah, even against Trump, and probably in enough swing states for Trump to reclaim the presidency. Ive been watching presidential politics for 50 years and I dont believe weve had two worse presidential frontrunners. One is mercurial and vengeful and the other is feeble and will destroy the economy with massive deficits and federal spending. Both parties should select younger nominees who are more vigorous and more acceptable to the general electorate. But I worry its too late. Utahs presidential preference election will be on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2024, along with 17 other states and a territory. Could Utah have a real impact on this massive event? Pignanelli: Ten primary/caucus elections will occur before this mega-election, weeding out the weakest candidates. The precinct caucus attendees determining the Utah selection is a smaller audience. Thus, candidates can spend less to gain more traction in gathering valuable convention delegates. Our state could be a critical breakthrough for a trending contender. Webb: Assuming theyre still alive (politically) in March, DeSantis and Haley will be scrambling for every possible delegate. So if either one thinks a win is possible in Utah, the state could attract significant attention. Republican LaVarr Webb is a former journalist and a semi-retired small farmer and political consultant. Email: lwebb@exoro.com. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah state Legislature. Email: frankp@xmission.com. Editors note: A previous version of this op-ed cited a Deseret News/Hinckley Institute poll when the data was actually from a Deseret News/HarrisX poll. Palestinians evacuate a survivor from a destroyed house hit by an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip in October. (Mohammed Dahman / Associated Press) Until two months ago, my life as a 17-year-old in Gaza was marked by the predictable anxieties and aspirations of a student applying to university. I dreamt of crossing borders to pursue a better life of landing on my feet at an American school and, eventually, of returning to serve my community as a doctor. Education was my blueprint for escaping this city of war. Now as I huddle in a cramped, dimly lit room with 12 other women in Rafah, those dreams seem like fragments of another life. Our stomachs echo with hunger, and our throats burn with thirst. We exist in constant darkness, the world illuminated only by the flashes of missiles and the red glow of destruction. As you read this, I urge you to pause to hear the shrill sirens and the heart-stopping booms of bombs and feel the tremors that shake our jaws. I have lived in Gaza for 17 years. But amid the ruins, I no longer recognize its streets. Where will I walk now? Read more: Opinion: Here's what the mass violence in Gaza looks like to a scholar of genocide My family was forced to leave our home when the war broke out. I took only one bag I wish it were large enough to carry my house, my cat, my memories. This week, when the Israeli army reached Khan Yunis, we had to flee for the fourth time. Even before Oct. 7, children in Gaza were born with the burden of survival. We learned to walk on rubble, avoiding shrapnel like puddles. Still, this time is different. Looking around, I find myself in a space too small for dreams; there is only room for nightmares. Each morning, I awake from a few fleeting hours of sleep to news of another relatives death. The Israeli bombings are not only attacks on our city, but assaults on our humanity. They have destroyed our hospitals, schools and places of worship, including mosques and churches . I am not a terrorist. I am a student, a sister, a daughter. My dreams are not a weapon; they are how I hope to rise above this conflict. Children in Gaza think not of conquest or destruction but of a life untouched by the tyrant of war. We dream of classrooms, not wreckage; of playgrounds, not bomb craters. Read more: Opinion: How are people changed by being taken hostage by Hamas? By fleeing Israeli bombs? Our deaths should not be inevitable. Over the past weeks, my Instagram feed has been flooded with voices from around the globe uniting in an urgent plea for a cease-fire. It is not enough to lament the loss of life. There must be an unyielding effort to protect it. To devalue a Palestinian life to see it as less worthy of safety and dignity is inhumane. Ceasing the bombardment is a moral obligation. How are we, the children of Gaza, to embrace Israel, when every explosion that shatters the sky shapes our understanding of the world? Each bomb ravaging our streets sows deep within us seeds of fear, anger and mistrust seeds that threaten to sprout and entangle our hearts for years to come. Even if we stay alive, what will become of our futures? Our innocence folds amid this onslaught, which we neither chose nor understand. More than 15,000 people in Gaza, 70% of them women and children, have already been slaughtered. Thousands more lie unrecognizable under the rubble. Up to 1.8 million Palestinians have been displaced , myself included. We are not faceless statistics, but innocent human beings. History will look to us to measure the cost of moral weakness the consequences of dismissing the sanctity of all human life. Read more: Does Israel's treatment of Palestinians rise to the level of apartheid? In Gaza, age is a fallacy. It is the most dangerous place on Earth to be a child . Since October, I have lost more friends than has my 78-year-old grandmother. The anguish has become a companion of my existence. If I were your daughter, would you stand for it? President Bidens own life has been marked by profound loss a deep, aching grief that I feel, too. So I wonder: Will he save us? Will he join the chorus demanding a cease-fire? Our lives hang in the balance, tethered to the hope that the world will recognize our humanity. This is not a call for political intervention but a plea for compassion. We do not ask for heroes. We ask for empathy. Over the past two months, the stars have been obscured by smoke, but I know they are there. They live above Gazas smog, shining reminders of a world beyond war. I aspire to be among those stars a beacon of hope in a sky darkened by violence. I feel that I have been sentenced to death, but death no longer scares me. I only fear that when I die, my story will be forgotten. We plead with Israel, the U.S. and the world: Please end the bombardment. Let the children of Gaza dream again. Salma Hamad is a teenager in Gaza who still hopes to apply to British and American universities. With the help of Al Muntaha Tutoring, an online charity that educates young Arabs in English, she has been documenting her experiences of the war. 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. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said that 27 Filipinos who fell victim to human trafficking and were allegedly forced to work for criminal syndicates returned to the Philippines on Friday. The DMW, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Task Force Against Trafficking welcomed the Filipinos on Friday. They were rescued with the help of Cambodian authorities in coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh last September, the agency said. DMW Assistant Secretary Francis de Guzman said the agency was in the process of helping the 27 Filipinos file cases of syndicated illegal recruitment and qualified human trafficking. They will also be given government aid and transportation services to their respective provinces. Earlier this year, Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that human trafficking syndicates would entice Filipinos to work as customer service or call center workers in Cambodia. Upon arrival, Filipinos who fall victim to the trap are forced to work as crypto scammers, tricking foreigners from the United States and Canada by getting them to invest into cryptocurrency schemes. The DFA said that some of these victims are forced to work for up to 16 hours a day. Others were reportedly tortured and mistreated by the syndicates. Since the program launched last fall, L.A. Metros ambassadors the unarmed green shirts who offer riders hospitality, navigation help and connections to social services have saved more than 70 lives on transit. They did so with CPR, suicide prevention, naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses and other interventions. Among transit riders surveyed, 63% said that they felt safer in the presence of ambassadors. This quantifiable evidence showing success is part of why community advocates like us celebrated when in October, the Metro board voted to transition its ambassadors from a contracted pilot to a permanent in-house program. But Metro is also exploring another in-house proposal: replacing its ineffective and expensive law enforcement contracts with its own police force, a move the board is set to consider next year. This plan to keep policing at the center of Metros safety strategy will undermine both the success of the ambassadors and Metros efforts in recent years to improve safety for all riders. Read more: Metro looks to create its own police force. It won't be easy The ambassador program reflects efforts to develop a community-based approach to public safety . In response to the 2020 George Floyd protests and movements for Black lives, Metro formed a public safety advisory committee of transit riders, including several members of our coalition, the Alliance for Community Transit-Los Angeles (ACT-LA), to identify solutions to problems they encounter on Metro. Many of the committees recommendations including the ambassador program were based on our coalitions Metro as a Sanctuary vision, which prioritizes riders basic human needs through facilities improvements (e.g. bathrooms, shade, lighting, cultural programming and food) as well as services such as mental health outreach, regular cleaning and maintenance, and frequent, reliable and free transit. The goals of care-based safety are to create environments that ease tension and foster goodwill among riders, increase ridership in a way that reinforces safety, and target root causes of crime and community distrust, namely economic inequality and a lack of resources . The aim is to stop violence before it starts. Ambassadors are key to this vision as the face of Metro and the first line of support for riders. Many come from the transit-riding communities they represent and have experienced homelessness, incarceration and disability, making them uniquely informed about varied rider needs. Metro's budget documents for fiscal year 2024 seem to recognize the need to prioritize nonpolicing approaches, presenting an inverted triangle of public safety with ambassadors, mental health outreach and homelessness services at the top. Yet the current plan invests in contracted law enforcement and armed security at more than four times the rate more than $200 million of these care-based safety solutions, which are on track to receive about $45 million . Read more: Editorial: Metro riders need safer trains and buses. That doesn't necessarily mean more police Metro is calling the potential in-house force a transit community safety department , but that really means doubling down on more of the same, policing. The agency claims this shift would save money, citing its own study projecting that an internal department would cost perhaps $38 million less than its contracts with the L.A. police and sheriff departments and the Long Beach Police Department. But the estimated $134.5-million cost for in-house policing would still dwarf the budget for the ambassador program and could balloon in the future, as is the trend for police department spending in recent years. Most crucially, changing the management structure does not fix the fundamental problem with building public safety on transit around police . Safety on Metro is a real concern (though its worth noting the relative safety risk of riding transit is much lower than driving in a car). Many riders, particularly women, report feeling unsafe on the system. As one of the most extensive public spaces in L.A. County, our transit system is also one of the places where our opioid and housing crises are most visible. Read more: Opinion: L.A.'s half-empty, crime-ridden Metro trains don't have to stay that way But a Metro police force is not equipped to address those crises. The job of police officers is typically to restrain, cite and arrest people, not to connect an unhoused person, opioid user or a rider without fare to the resources or support services they need. It is not to offer navigation assistance or provide the frequent, reliable service that attracts and keeps riders safe . As for emergencies, municipally operated services including mental health specialists reached by 988 or 911 are already available and often more effective than a police response . For perspective, consider: With the $135 million being considered for in-house officers, Metro could employ more than 2,000 ambassadors in addition to the around 300 employed now and give riders more of the unarmed, uniformed presence that they already say makes them feel safer. It could create an expansive network of mental health and homelessness providers available to ambassadors, help deliver millions more hours of bus and rail service or even make possible universal fareless transit , all strategies to enhance ridership . Instead, Metro is opting to continue an unproductive cycle of policing that disproportionately harms the low-income communities and riders of color who constitute the majority of its core ridership. This distorted perspective of what Metro should offer was on full display when at a recent town hall about its budget, Metro staff touted 1,180 citations, 761 arrests and 17,731 ejections for which the agency was responsible. These numbers shouldnt be treated as a success but as a failure they reflect incidents that should have been prevented by the intervention of social services rather than reactively responded to by officers. Metro should get to community safety with an approach that takes those two words literally: safety via community investment, not a continued focus on policing. Scarlett De Leon is campaigns director for ACT-LA and a former member of Metros Public Safety Advisory committee. Yotala Oszkay Febres-Cordero is applied research specialist for ACT-LA and a Leading Edge fellow with the American Council of Learned Societies. 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. Christoper Nolans Oppenheimer will miss out on an Oscar nomination in the Visual Effects category, as it has been revealed the Cillian Murphy-starring blockbuster was not among the films to make the final shortlist. AsVariety reports, a total of 20 films will move on to the next round of voting, which is due to begin next week. Those films are: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Barbie, The Boys in the Boat, The Creator, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Godzilla: Minus One, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Marvels, Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One, Napoleon, Nyad, Poor Things, Rebel Moon: Part One A Child of Fire, Society of the Snow, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts and Wonka. That list will be reduced to 10, with the new shortlist announced on 21 December. The final five nominees will be announced on 23 January, ahead of the Oscars ceremony on 10 March. Along with Oppenheimer, other high-profile snubs in the Visual Effects category include Blue Beetle, The Little Mermaid, The Flash, Ferrari and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The 2024 Academy Awards will take place on 10 March (Matt Sayles/Invision/AP) It was recently announced that the 96th Oscars will begin one hour earlier than usual, with the official show starting at 7pm eastern for the first time. The official pre-show will also begin earlier, at 6.30pm eastern. The show has traditionally begun at 8pm. Despite various experiments to keep the runtime to three hours, the broadcast has sometimes stretched past 11pm. The Oscars are broadcast globally in more than 200 territories and film academy membership has also become more international in recent years. Those involved in the show, from the film academy to the network, have also been working to get ratings back to pre-pandemic levels and making modest gains. Jimmy Kimmel is returning to host the show for the fourth time, with Raj Kapoor serving as executive producer and showrunner alongside Katy Mullan and director Hamish Hamilton. Additional reporting by Associated Press PORTLAND, Ore. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden is asking the U.S. Department of Justice to allow Apple and Google to be more transparent about alleged surveillance of mobile push notifications. In a Wednesday, Dec. 6, release, Oregons senior senator released a letter hed sent to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. Apple and Google should be permitted to be transparent about the legal demands they receive, particularly from foreign governments, just as the companies regularly notify users about other types of government demands for data, Wyden told the attorney general. These companies should be permitted to generally reveal whether they have been compelled to facilitate this surveillance practice, to publish aggregate statistics about the number of demands they receive, and unless temporarily gagged by a court, to notify specific customers about demands for their data. Man shot, killed by officer Wednesday identified by authorities Wyden began investigating possible surveillance of push notification records after receiving a tip that foreign governments had requested such records from Google and Apple. According to the companies, the information they provided Wyden about this practice is restricted from public release by the U.S. government. Push notifications are alerts sent by phone apps to users smartphones. These alerts pass through a sort of digital post office run by the phone operating system provider which, overwhelmingly, are Apple or Google. Because of that structure, the two companies have visibility into how their customers use apps and could be compelled to provide this information to U.S. or foreign governments. Read more at Portlandtribune.com. The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Chinese state councilor calls for renewed efforts to tackle drug-related crimes Xinhua) 09:30, December 08, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Wang Xiaohong on Thursday spoke of the requirements to advance the war on drugs and facilitate the high-quality development of drug control. Wang, also director of the China National Narcotic Control Committee, made the remarks at a national teleconference on drug control. Wang detailed the necessity of tackling drug-related crimes with a zero-tolerance approach, calling on relevant government departments to make full efforts to crack down on criminal gangs, networks and individuals related to illicit drugs. He also stressed the need to enhance border control as well as the handling of new types of drugs, such as fentanyl. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on Catholics to be God's instruments of hope amid difficulties during a mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mother on Friday. "Like the palm tree, Mary also offered hope for pilgrim humankind," Advincula said in his homily at the Manila Cathedral. "When we are overwhelmed with struggles and difficulties, she offers us her guidance and care." Describing her other virtues, Advincula said Mary is strong like a cypress tree, a proof of God's providence like an olive tree, and honest and humble like a plain tree as she accepted her mission as the Mother of Christ and brought him into this world, even when she doubted at first. "Like our Immaculate Mother, may we also imbue and practice these virtues," he said. Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown and Msgr. Rolando Dela Cruz, Manila Cathedral rector, concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. After the mass, the faithful were allowed to come near the image of the Blessed Mother to offer prayers, a practice previously prohibted due to COVID-19 pandemic. The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation that celebrates the conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary without original sin. Catholics are expected to attend a mass during a holy day of obligation. The Immaculate Conception was declared the country's patroness by Pope Pius in September 1942. Two Panda Express workers were attacked by an irate customer who was armed with a knife, according to Missouri authorities. Police in Richmond Heights said Phillip Person was arguing with the Panda Express workers Wednesday, Dec. 6, over his free food order. Person was upset the workers would not refund the meal. He began throwing food around, and one of the victims knocked his food from his hand, police said. He struck the female victim in the face. When a male co-worker intervened, Person chased him with a knife and stabbed him, according to the criminal complaint. The worker who was stabbed in the back was taken to the hospital and later released, police told KTVI. Person fled the restaurant in a trash truck, and he was soon pulled over, police said. An officer found a knife under his seat. Court documents show Person was charged with assault and armed criminal action. He was jailed on a $250,000 cash bond. The health and safety of our associates and guests is our top priority, Panda Express said in a statement to KSDK. We are grateful for the quick action of law enforcement and first responders, and thankful that our injured associates are on the path to recovery. Richmond Heights is a western suburb of St. Louis. Kroger worker stabbed to death by man who had been threatening staff, Indiana cops say Hammer-wielding man attacks McDonalds worker, then runs off, Virginia officials say Taco Bell burglary suspect had mens room soap dispenser stuffed in pants, TN cops say Kevin Fraser, the artistic director at Titchfield Festival Theatre, said legal advice was taken before the expansion went ahead - ANDREW CROFT/SOLENT NEWS AND PHOTO AGENCY An amateur theatre chief is embroiled in a planning row with his Hampshire council after he sanctioned the covert construction of a 450-seat venue without permission. Kevin Fraser, the artistic director at Titchfield Festival Theatre (TFT), approved the creation of a new 1.7 million performing arts hub despite two previous applications being rejected by Fareham council. Since 2010 the theatre has staged productions from a converted barn containing two auditoriums capable of seating 100 and 200 people respectively. But with hundreds of children using the venue every week and a busy programme of up to 40 shows a year, bosses decided to expand the venue to include a third area with a capacity of more than 450 people. The Arden at Titchfield Festival Theatre where an enforcement notice has been served over the construction of the new venue - ANDREW CROFT/SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY Proclaiming itself as Europes largest community theatre, land previously granted planning permission as a storage area was chosen to build a new venue, the Arden. The 67-year-old former Foreign Office diplomat said legal advice was taken before TFT pressed ahead with its long-planned expansion. Performances have been staged throughout the summer following its completion, while a nativity play and Robin Hood pantomime, featuring Mr Fraser, are included in its upcoming festive programme. A planning application for a 567-seat theatre was rejected in 2019, which was followed up by another rejected application later that year - ANDREW CROFT/SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY But the new venues long-term future has been thrown into uncertainty after Fareham borough council officials served Mr Fraser with an enforcement notice requiring the new theatre to close by Feb 29 unless an appeal is lodged. One councillor said the decision to build a new 450-seat venue without planning permission beggars belief, adding the space was only intended to be used for storage. But Mr Fraser, 67, who was based in Chile while working as a diplomat in the 1970s, insisted the sites long-term use for community theatre meant planning permission was not necessary. Describing Fareham council as packed full of Scrooges and Grinches, he claimed the TFT had fallen victim to a vindictive vendetta by Conservative members who are scared of competition between it and a council-run theatre expected to open next year. A nativity play and Robin Hood pantomime, featuring Mr Fraser, are included in the theatres upcoming festive programme - SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY Titchfield Festival Theatre is an incredibly successful community theatre company supported by thousands throughout the borough and wider area, Mr Fraser told The Telegraph. It is the largest community theatre in Europe as well as being the only fully sustainable green theatre in Europe. Fareham borough council clearly dont want competition, they want to negate it. There are 20 theatres in Shaftesbury Avenue in London why cant we have two in Fareham? We are not going anywhere and will still continue. But we are being pestered and hounded and at Christmas, hence why I call them the Grinches and Scrooges. Mr Fraser said the row was likely to feature in the upcoming Robin Hood pantomime and that he was ready to challenge any attempts to close the new venue. There might be a few jokes about can you put that statue there? Have you got planning permission? That kind of thing, to keep the story alive. We are here, we are not going away. Even if they win and close the Arden down, we still have our two other theatres at the front. We are not going anywhere and will still continue, he added. Keith Fraser says Titchfield Festival Theatre is the largest community theatre in Europe - TITCHFIELD FESTIVAL THEATRE The new venue was covertly constructed after attempts to receive approval from councillors proved unsuccessful. A planning application for a 567-seat theatre was rejected in 2019, which was followed up by another rejected application later that year. Building work on the new venue began in August last year. In a statement Fareham borough council said it had been alerted to the new development earlier in the year and that productions had continued to be staged and advertised despite the risk of enforcement action. Officers visited the site and met with representatives of the theatre company who explained that work was underway to create a new 450-seat theatre, it said. Officers were shown around the development which includes a newly excavated underground orchestra pit beneath the stage and a complex of backstage changing rooms and rehearsal areas. The new theatre has been created in a space which had previously been granted planning permission for use as storage. Council officers warned the company that, without planning permission being obtained, the new venue was at risk of enforcement action being taken. Despite this warning, various public performances have taken place with shows being advertised on the theatre company website throughout December and well into 2024. Titchfield Festival Theatre had founding objective to advance theory William Shakespeare lived and worked in southern Hampshire - GOOGLE Titchfield Festival Theatre was initially established at Titchfield Abbey in 2001 with one of its founding objectives to advance the theory that William Shakespeare lived and worked in southern Hampshire. Shakespeare is believed to have links to the village through an alleged affair with the Earl of Southampton, Henry Wriothesley, who sponsored the writer for a time. Our whole raison detre is that Titchfield we believe was the area where Shakespeare spent his lost years, Mr Fraser said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. About 20 mostly unknown candidates for president presented their cases to voters Thursday at St. Anselm College in Manchester, N.H. Continuing a 50-year tradition of hosting lesser known candidates, the New Hampshire Institute of Politics brought together 14 Democrats and six Republicans vying for their parties nominations with long-shot bids. It just costs $1,000 to qualify for New Hampshires ballot, much lower than other states, leading to the glut of lesser-known candidates. Nearly 50 people will be on the ballot in New Hampshire between both primaries. While most candidates on the stage took the opportunity seriously and laid out policy platforms and issues important to them others notably did not. Vermin Supreme will take away your guns, and give you better ones, iconic long-shot candidate Vermin Supreme said. These better guns will shoot marshmallows, but they will still be lethal. Supremes 2024 campaign is his ninth run, and its for his third political party, at different points pursuing the Republican, Democratic and Libertarian nominations. Famous for wearing a rubber boot on his head, Supreme has made numerous headlines for his advocacy for time travel research and human-pony chimeras. Musician and perennial candidate Paperboy Love Prince also featured at the event. A one-time progressive candidate for a New York congressional district and New York City mayor, Prince said their candidacy was focused on spreading love. Dressed in a flamboyant red outfit, a turban and wearing a Game Boy as a chain, Prince gave an impassioned speech advocating for universal basic income and a unique $1 million love grant policy. The politicians and leaders are doing theater on us. We need to start spreading love, and we need to do that in a major way, they said. We need policies that give positive reinforcement. The same way that you can get a ticket for doing something bad or doing something negative, you should be able to get a love ticket for doing something positive in your community and helping out your fellow people. The stage also featured businessmen, academics and retirees from all over the country. Ive lived in 11 different cities and two countries, and in the wisdom Ive gained from all of these places, Ive learned that everyone in those communities values their family, their friends, and their community most of all, said Gabriel Cornejo, a Democratic presidential candidate. Others pledged to fight against crime and gun violence. Too many young people are being gunned down in our country every day, too many people are losing their children, and too many people are losing their parents in this country, said Darius Mitchell, a Republican candidate. The New Hampshire primary, the second vote of the election cycle, is set for Jan. 23. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. SEASIDE HEIGHTS Board of Education officials voted unanimously to start the process of closing Hugh J. Boyd Elementary School Friday, approving a resolution, amid parent protests, to ask permission to hold a vote on merging districts with Toms River. On Friday morning, dozens of parents filled the school's gym and objected to the resolution, which they argued would make travel difficult for many coastal parents and spawned concerns it would cut students off from needed services. Others argued many parents in the district opposing the resolution wouldn't be able to vote because of their non-citizen status. A report prepared by Statistical Forecasting LLC, Porzio Compliance Services and Steven Cea earlier this year estimated both Seaside Heights and Toms River would save about $2.7 million by closing the Boyd school and sending its elementary students to Toms River East Dover Elementary School and Toms River Intermediate East. If that happened, Seaside Heights would end its relationship with Central Regional School District, which serves students in grades 7 through 12. Parents gathered at the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School in Seaside Heights on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, to object to a plan to close the school and send students to Toms River Regional School District. Board members Erik Hershey, Tim Smith, Anthony Storino and James Boyd voted 4-0 in support of the resolution that asks New Jersey Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan for permission to hold a special vote on the measure. "Ultimately it (the decision to close the school) is left up to voters of this town," school board President Erik Hershey told the crowd gathered at the Boyd school. The Toms River Board of Education will hold a similar hearing at High School North at 5:30 p.m. Friday. Seaside Heights school officials said the measure would save borough taxpayers money, but parents told the school board Friday that they worried about the change to their children's education. Maria Ramos told the board through an interpreter that many parents in the community who work in local restaurants and on the boardwalk do not drive, and they would struggle to reach the mainland to pick up their children if there were a problem. She also worried about her daughters being bullied in the larger school district. Other parents worried about larger classroom sizes in Toms River schools being a detriment to their children's education and criticized the idea of merging districts when the regional school district has suffered for years under declining state aid. Related: Toms River 'cataclysmic' state aid cut puts hundreds of school jobs at risk "The decision about the future of Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary is a monumental one for the Seaside Heights community and a life-changing one for our students," Sherie Ensor and Suzanne Heagen, co-presidents of the Seaside Heights Education Association, the school's teachers' union, said in a statement to the Asbury Park Press. "That is why we are deeply concerned that it is being rushed through with little opportunity for thoughtful consideration or public input." Ensor and Heagen said the study was not released publicly until before the Thanksgiving holiday, which gave parents and community members little time to read it before Friday's meeting. They also said the school board was avoiding public input by holding the meeting in the morning while parents were taking their children to school. "Families in Seaside Heights deserve the opportunity to understand what the closure of Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary would mean for their childrens education," Ensor and Heagen said. "This is not a decision that should be rushed or hidden from the public, but that is exactly what the Board of Education is doing." Parents gathered at the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School in Seaside Heights on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, to object to a plan to close the school and send students to Toms River Regional School District. Hershey said he believed students would be better served by having a larger group of peers. The student body at the Boyd school has shrunk 12% in the past 10 years, down from 230 students in 2012. "They'll grow up to be more well-rounded," Hershey said. Alicia D'Anella, an attorney for the school board, said Friday's resolution vote by the school board was a "preliminary step" in a potentially months-long process that will allow voters to have the final say. The education commissioner must also approve the request for a special election before the matter can be put out to a vote. "The decision is ultimately yours," she told the audience gathered in the Boyd school. "The voters get to decide." But a group of parents said they would not be able to have their say on the issue. Parents gathered at the Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School in Seaside Heights on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, to object to a plan to close the school and send students to Toms River Regional School District. "I am a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (recipient)," said Norma Jarana, who is a graduate of the Boyd school and now serves as a student teacher there. Jarana said she has been in the United States since she was 2 years old, but she has no legal pathway to citizenship. Despite being a longtime Seaside Heights resident, she cannot vote on any future referendum regarding the school. The same holds true for many of the parents within Seaside Heights, because of their non-citizen status, she said. "Their vote does not count," Jarana said. An exact count of non-citizens Seaside Heights isn't known, but the district has a robust immigrant population. According to New Jersey Department of Education records, about 43% of students in Seaside Heights speak a language other than English at home mainly Spanish. Officials at Central Regional School District, where Seaside Heights students go after graduating from sixth grade at Boyd Elementary, are expected to also oppose the change. Seaside Heights taxpayers make up a substantial portion of Central Regional's tax base, along with Berkeley, Seaside Park, Ocean Gate and Island Heights. Seaside Heights Borough Administrator Christopher J. Vaz told the Asbury Park Press in 2021 that the feasibility study proposal exploring closing the Boyd school was mandated by the state, because the borough receives transitional aid from New Jersey. The aid enabled the borough to preserve essential municipal services despite deep declines in its tax base after Superstorm Sandy. Education trends: Homeschooling grew during the pandemic. Why more NJ families are choosing the option Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 15 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Seaside Heights: Voters should decide if Hugh J. Boyd should close A partner at a top law firm has been struck off after he secretly took dozens of videos and photographs of a female trainee from under a desk. Sex predator Richard Smith, 59, took covert recordings and images of the junior staff member without her consent after becoming besotted with her. Mr Smith a department head at a highly ranked firm also inundated her with thousands of messages, asked her out to dinner, and bombarded her with unwanted gifts. After two years of his campaign, Mr Smith was caught on a train when a passenger spotted him upskirting the trainee solicitor while sitting opposite her in first class. Photographs found on his phone after the late-night incident in November 2019 showed he took images of her crossed legs and another of her face. Now the senior solicitor has been struck off at a tribunal and been ordered to pay 59,550 in legal fees. Smith had more than 90 pictures of the trainee The trainee solicitor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the tribunal she felt violated and sick at the thought of his collection of photographs and videos. The Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal heard Mr Smiths behaviour occurred between December 2017 and November 2019, while he was a partner and head of real estate at the undisclosed law firm. He had been warned twice to stop recording the trainee after colleagues became suspicious of him holding his phone close to his chest while pointing it at her. The considerably older lawyer sent the trainee 1,241 WhatsApp messages between January and November in 2019 and only received one reply from her. After December 2018, when he was told for the second time to stop recording her, he sent 2,656 Skype messages, consisting of 41,178 words. Phone records show he even searched her name online 63 times. He had in excess of 90 pictures of the trainee, including images taken from under a desk with her legs crossed. On his work phone, 22 images and four videos were recovered. The tribunal heard how in November 2019 he was on a late-night train back from a meeting and sitting opposite the trainee as she dealt with emails. A passenger approached him and said: Why are you filming her and taking pictures of her legs in between her skirt? Trainee left sleepless The tribunal report, which referred to the trainee as Person A, said: Mr Smith showed Person A the photographs and deleted them from his phone. Person A was upset, left the carriage, and locked herself in the trains toilet for about 20 minutes. On her return to the carriage, she told Mr Smith she did not want to talk to him and sat elsewhere on the train. The photographs taken on that night included at least one photograph of Person As legs/knees, that photograph being seen by Person A and apparently the member of the public. Also taken was a full photograph of Person As face as she concentrated on an email. The trainee said: I saw a full photo of me typing and then one of my legs in the central area the gap between my legs was not visible as I had my legs closed and I was wearing black tights. I am always conscious of what I wear when I am going out with [Mr Smith]. The British Transport Police detained Mr Smith and an investigation was launched. The trainee added: I am scared to see him and/or to hear his voice. Scared of how that would make me feel on the day and for weeks/months after. This is a man who has violated me by taking thousands pictures and videos of me (according to what the police said) without me knowing. I dont think I can stand to be in the same room with him. Just the idea of it leaves me sleepless. Trainee feared reporting him would harm career The tribunal report added that Mr Smith repeatedly offered her lifts home, and gave her unwanted gifts of biscuits, chocolates and gadgets, that she felt unable to refuse. She had feared reporting him officially at work due to it potentially harming her career prospects, it was heard. Mr Smith admitted all the offences, saying he found Person A to be attractive and that was the reason for his taking photographs and videos of her. Mr Smith described himself as being in love with Person A and besotted by her, and romantically attracted to her, it was heard. Paul Lewis, the tribunal chairman, ruled that Mr Smith a lawyer of 34 years must be struck off. He said: Mr Smith was an extremely experienced solicitor who knew how to interact appropriately with junior colleagues, and had chosen, notwithstanding warnings received, to interact with Person A in a wholly inappropriate manner. The tribunal found, as had been admitted, that Mr Smiths conduct was aggravated by its sexual motivation. It was deliberate, calculated and repeated, and had continued over a period of time. He had deliberately targeted a junior member of staff over whom he had supervisory responsibilities and had thus abused his position of power and authority over her. However, this was more than a mistake or error of judgment, rather his conduct amounted to a repeated and prolonged abuse of a position of trust. The Tribunal found that his actions were of a predatory sexual nature. 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. Adrian Angeles, program coordinator at Habitat Humanity Central Arizona, attends a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. After she was released from prison, Brandy Smith struggled to find job opportunities in Arizona due to her criminal history. For people like Smith, who have more than one conviction, rights restoration is not automatic in Arizona. Criminal records remain in public view unless people take it upon themselves to seal them. That process can be daunting, but a new company aims to help in the process. On Wednesday, Dec 6, a Utah-based legal technology company known as Rasa Legal hosted a criminal record expungement clinic and free resource fair for Valley residents at the ASU downtown Phoenix campus. From 1 to 6 p.m., attendees met with volunteer lawyers to discuss their expungement eligibility, access information to health and educational services, and participate in a fair chance hiring event with employers from all over the Valley. While attendees were encouraged to register for the event, walk-ins were welcome to participate. According to Rasa officials, nearly 400 people had already registered for the event which was open to anybody with a criminal record. Noella Sudbury, the CEO and founder of Rasa, coordinated the event, partnering with several different local organizations and sponsors to deliver the assistance and resources that people with criminal records might need. "I think an event like this is just a great way to bring community together," Sudbury said. "I'm passionate about making this accessible to anyone." Noella Sudbury, CEO and Founder of Rasa Legal, poses for a portrait during a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. Rasa, known as a public benefit corporation, aims to provide low-cost legal record clearance services to individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, according to the company's mission statement. This is done in part by partnering with other organizations that provide corporate sponsorships, as well as utilizing proprietary technology that the company has developed to streamline the legal process. Mark Muday, Chief Technology Officer, said Rasa Legal is building a database of court records in Arizona that allows people who may have a criminal history that spans multiple jurisdictions to begin their search in one place. "Sometimes the records can be scattered all over the place," he said. Once a person's records have been identified, software developed by Muday checks to see if they are a candidate to have their records sealed, expunged, set aside, or if they are available for a certificate of second chance or rights restoration. Homeless in Tucson: People in need are struggling to get services. The city wants to change that Muday acknowledged that there are currently free services available to the public, like the Arizona Judicial Branch website, that can be used to identify case information. But he said the process can be overwhelming, and if someone does manage to locate all their records, they would then have the daunting task of comparing them with state law. "We have found that most people who try to do it on their own fail," Muday said. "So we're trying to centralize the information, and then we use a computer code to check it against state statute." "So some of the questions are 'Do you have any open criminal cases?' 'Are you currently on probation or parole?' 'Have you ever been convicted of a crime in another state?' Sometimes that affects eligibility. Mark Muday, chief technology officer at Rasa Legal, left, attends a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. If someone is found to qualify for one of the options, Rasa Legal offers to represent the person through the process for $250, which Muday said is less than typical attorney fees for similar legal assistance. Lynnae Thandiwe, an attorney who works as a paralegal instructor at Pima Community College, volunteered her services to help people use the software to see if they are eligible for services. "They want to know, so they can try and remove barriers for employment and housing," Thandiwe said. ACLU of Arizona Legal Director Jared Keenan said Arizona only allows for automatic rights restoration after one's first felony conviction. He believes the state should expand that process to include all convictions. "This will save Arizonans time and money while they seek to restore fundamental civil rights, including the right to vote," Keenan said. "Felony disenfranchisement prevents many Arizonans from fully participating in public life with no benefit to public safety." According to Sudbury, several of her staff at Rasa include formerly incarcerated individuals. "It's really important to me as the founder of the company to hire people with criminal records and show that they are just as capable of these types of jobs as people without records," Sudbury stated. "I want to be a model of fair chance employment." West Pharmaceutical Service' Azra Baab, campus and community ambassador (left), and Mark Ely, senior recruiter (right), attend a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. Founded in September of last year, Rasa has helped more than 10,000 people across the state of Utah determine their record clearance eligibility, Sudbury stated. Now, she is eager to bring her company's services to Arizona, she said. "There's over 2 million people in Arizona with some type of misdemeanor or felony record," Sudbury stated. She went on to add that Arizona also has the fifth largest incarceration rate in the country. In addition to the fair, a 10:30 a.m. panel was held by Rasa to discuss the economic benefits of hiring individuals with records, Sudbury stated. Involved on the panel included Vice Chief Justice Timmer of the Arizona Supreme Court, the director of the Arizona Department of Corrections Ryan Thornell, and City Councilman Kevin Robinson. "We're seeing so much expansion of job opportunities throughout Arizona. People need workers," Sudbury explained. "When you're an employer and you're excluding people with criminal records, you're excluding a third of the potential workforce." For those seeking record clearance, guests were directed to Rasa's legal clinic, where a team of lawyers provided limited-scope legal advice about their record expungement eligibility under Arizona law. She went to state that qualified individuals were also granted the option to pay over time without interest, to make the process low-cost, achievable, and accessible. "It gives someone a pathway for hope, for opportunity, for a better life," Sudbury said. Additionally, the American Family Insurance Institute pledged to fund the first 100 cases that Rasa represented free of charge, with attorneys assigned to oversee the entirety of the court process for eligible individuals. Nina Targovnick, senior attorney at Community Legal Services, left, helps a client during a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. According to Sudbury, a new sealing law that went into effect in January of this year helped make this event possible. Known as A.R.S. Section 13-911, this Arizona law allows certain individuals with criminal records to petition courts to have their cases sealed from public view. Sudbury went on to say that this law grants those who are eligible to do "basic things," such as renting an apartment or acquiring employment without needing to disclose their criminal history. Even if attendees were ineligible for record expungement or rights restoration, which includes certain offenses under Arizona law such as 1st-degree felonies, Rasa was determined to make sure no one at the event left "empty-handed," according to Sudbury. "As we've done these events, it's really important to me to partner with other service providers who can offer something to [clients]," Sudbury said. "Tons of community partners are all coming together. Even if [guests] aren't eligible to clear their record, they're still eligible to receive some great services from all of the great non-profits in the community." Tempe renter discrimination ban: Tempe landlords can no longer bar subsidized renters: What does it mean? Such resources, which involved over 30 different partnering organizations, included healthcare services and screenings, educational opportunities, professional clothing providers, and a grocery vendor, which provided food to justice-impacted families. In addition to the resource fair, employment opportunities were offered to guests, with over 15 different companies across the Valley participating in the event. "All of the employers who've signed up know that this fair is focused on hiring people with criminal records, and they are willing and eager to do that," Sudbury said. This included looking over resumes, conducting interviews, and in some cases, offering job positions onsite. Brina Baldovinos, account support specialist at Rasa Legal, helps a client expunge their records during a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. 'You have to take a chance': Rasa opens doors for Valley resident While not all types of records were hirable, it was important for candidates to be transparent about their background, according to Sudbury. "It's ok to be open about your record," Sudbury said. She went on to say that individuals who successfully have their records expunged have their wages go up by 20% within 1 year of record clearance. "We are seeing that happen every day," she said. However, many misconceptions continue to surround justice-impacted individuals seeking employment, according to Sudbury. "Sometimes, people with records have years of experience. They're not a threat to public safety. They're skilled and add value to organizations," Sudbury said. "You have to take a chance on them. [Employers] need to be educated on fair chance hiring, how to do it right, and see it as an opportunity for their business." Amy Daeschel, director of client services at Rasa Legal, helps a client during a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. For Arizona resident Brandy Smith, Rasa provided her an open platform to share her own story in the criminal justice system. Originally from California, Smith moved to the Valley when she was 12, where she, "eventually fell into the wrong crowd," she said. At age 19, she became addicted to methamphetamines. According to Smith, she "grew deeper and deeper into her addiction," over time, despite support from her family members. At age 29, she was sent to prison for the first time for motor vehicle theft, forgery and fraud, after being in and out of county jail for years prior, she said. "I wasn't accountable for my actions," Smith stated. 'Find a way to make this happen': Phoenix planned homeless shelter on land contaminated for decades After 2 and 1/2 years in prison, Smith said she was able to maintain stability for a year after release. However, she returned to prison a second time for similar charges, she added. In 2011, Smith was arrested for a third time, this time with U.S. Marshals surrounding her home, Smith said. She was sentenced to prison for 7 years. Smith lost it all, including contact with her son and the death of her father, she said. According to Smith, it was halfway through her third prison sentence when she realized she needed to change. "I asked myself, 'What am I going to do with my life?' I didn't know the answer to that question," Smith said. "But I knew I wanted different." Brandy Smith, a former client of Rasa Legal, poses for a portrait during a record sealing and expungement clinic and resource fair sponsored by Utah-based tech company Rasa Legal in the A.E. England building at Arizona State University in Phoenix, Ariz., on Dec. 6, 2023. It was then when Smith began taking accountability for her actions, she said. "Every single day I would tell myself, 'I'm going to do whatever it takes to not go back to prison,'" she said. "I took a hard look in the mirror and said, 'Listen, you're the problem.'" This led Smith to find opportunities to make money and improve herself while incarcerated, such as taking on various jobs and investing in rehabilitation programs, she said. After she was released from prison for the third time, Smith said that, despite her focus on sobriety and newly acquired skillset, she struggled to find job opportunities due to her criminal history. While she eventually managed to land a minimum wage position, it wasn't until an opportunity from an organization known as Arouet that her life really changed, Smith said. Sex-trafficking victims being branded: An Arizona woman is helping remove their tattoos While initially unqualified for the position, the CEO of Arouet, a foundation that assists previously incarcerated women with societal re-entry and opportunity, gave Smith a chance, she said. Five years later, Smith is now the program director of Arouet. "For my part, I stopped being a victim of my own story and I took my power back," Smith said. "(Arouet) took a chance on me and saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. And they believed in me before I did," Smith said. "I couldn't have made it without those people." In October of this year, Rasa reached out to the Arouet Foundation, where Smith was able to connect with Sudbury and share her story. "These events are super critical to our community," Smith said. "Organizations like Rasa Legal bring together this type of community event and really just open doors to conversation and bridge the gap." Smith went on to say how the social divide between those with and without criminal records has grown over the past several decades, which negatively impacts the community, she said. "[Rasa] is helping us build trust between the general public and the previously incarcerated," Smith added. "I'm excited for this opportunity. It's been a long time coming." While still not eligible for record sealing at this time, Smith continues to work with Rasa for legal proceedings to eventually restore her rights and remains hopeful, she said. "The day that I hit eligibility, I'm coming for it." Smith said. In the meantime, Smith remains eager to share her story, encouraging other previously incarcerated individuals and those with criminal backgrounds to "not give up." "Let go of the guilt and the shame. Share your story and ask for help, because there are people out here who will help you," Smith said. "There's lots of people who want to be part of the solution." This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rasa hosts job fair and record expungement service at ASU phoenix Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has begun its preparations for the upcoming holiday rush of travelers, reviewing almost 500 special permits and setting up for terminal inspections starting Dec. 21. LTFRB spokesperson Celine Pialago on Friday said a total of 428 operators have filed for special permits which totals to 1,090 units nationwide. Meanwhile, inspections led by LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III will include terminals both owned by local government units and public utility vehicle operators. All of the terminals and all of their units will be inspected and must be compliant to our memorandum circular in terms of terminal facilities," Pialago told CNN Philippines' The Source The LTFRB will check if you have drop off and pick up areas for private vehicles, if there are CCTV cameras, online ticketing and dispatching, detailed schedule of trips, sufficient number of security personnel, enough ramps for PWDs. she added. The spokesperson said all special permits are currently in process and most are for routes from Metro Manila to north and south bound areas. While the board is limited to regulation and policies, Pialago said they are closely coordinating with the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Land Transportation Office for the holiday preparations. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) Scientists from the University of the Philippines (UP) urged the public to wash and cook their fresh produce and seafood properly as a preventative strategy against parasites. The UP Diliman College of Science's Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB) discovered Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) in vegetables and oysters they examined from Central Luzon local markets. These included mung bean sprouts, lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower. Researchers Cielo Emar Paraoan, Ren Mark Villanueva, and Marie Christine Obusan found that T. gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, was present in six out of 60 vegetable samples, or 10% of the total. For oysters, they observed that 9.09% or four out of 44 samples were contaminated. The experts said T. gondii is one of the most contagious parasites in the worldaffecting almost one-third of the population, particularly the vulnerable like the immunocompromised and pregnant. While majority of those infected show no symptoms at all, some may experience flu-like symptoms like fever, headaches, and muscle pains. However, in extreme situations, toxoplasmosis might result in brain inflammation and blurred vision, according to UP scientists. "Fortunately, treatments are available for toxoplasmosis, hence symptomatic individuals are advised to seek timely medical attention," they said. Although the study only examined a limited sample size, it provides evidence that vegetables and oysters sold in public markets and supermarkets have the potential to spread T. gondii. "The most sustainable approach for reducing the risk of T. gondii exposure through the consumption of seafood should focus on reducing T. gondii contamination at its source, as well as mitigating the flow of contaminated runoff to water bodies," the authors said in their paper, published in the October 2023 issue of the Philippine Journal of Science. The scientists said they are currently conducting research that finds the parasite in environmental samples. One man has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving that police say led to a crash that killed a 24-year-old man last month. DeAndre Bess, 27, of Sacramento was arrested Nov. 25 in connection to a fatal crash just three days earlier on Thanksgiving, the Sacramento Police Department said Friday. Bess is suspected of driving under the influence when his vehicle crashed into a pole near the intersection of Marysville and Los Robles boulevards in the Hagginwood neighborhood of North Sacramento. Police responded to the crash at 8:15 p.m. and found two men inside the car. Bess was transported to a hospital with critical injuries at the time. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene by fire personnel. The victim was identified by coroners officials as Darien Marcelle Demery, 24, of Sacramento. A GoFundMe page posted by his father identified Bess as Demerys brother. Darien lost his life in a car accident while accompanying his brother, DeAndre Bess, to the store, David Demery said in a post. The pain of this loss is immeasurable, and our family is grappling with the void left behind. Bess was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, the Sacramento Police Department said. He has since been released on his own recognizance, jail records show. Atlanta police are investigating after a woman attempted to burn down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birth home. Police told Channel 2 Action News they were called to Kings birth home on Auburn Ave. near the King Center just after 5:45 p.m. When they arrived, they found two off-duty NYPD officers who had been visiting the center had a suspect detained until they could arrive. Police said they have arrested 26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson and charged her with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Police say two tourists from Utah who were in the area saw Henderson pouring gasoline on the home and interrupted her. That action saved an important part of American history tonight, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said. Video from a witness shared with Channel 2s Michael Doudna shows a woman dressed in all black pouring gasoline on the windows and in the bushes of the home. Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry said had the witnesses not intervened, the house could have been burned to the ground in moments. It could have been a matter of seconds before the house was engulfed in flames, DeBerry said. TRENDING STORIES: They say they are working with several district attorneys offices, the ATF and the FBI. Because Kings home is federal property, Henderson could face further federal charges. The King Center released the following statement: Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to this historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement. We thank the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Department, the National Parks Service, and Mayor Andre Dickens for leading the efforts to ensure the safety of our cherished national landmark and its adjacent neighbors. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Seven officers from a half-dozen agencies crowded around a car just after midnight on June 11, 2022 near a tiny old mining town in Colorado. Behind the wheel was Christian Glass, a scared 22-year-old whod called 911 after his car became stuck on rocks; he was having some type of mental health crisis, repeatedly telling officers he was afraid to get out of the car. Hed committed no crime, but Clear Creek Sgt Kyle Gould, supervising remotely, gave his deputies permission to breach the vehicle. They first alternated between coaxing and sternly ordering Christian out, and then, about an hour after they arrived and joined by officers from other agencies, more aggressively demanded that he exit. Officers swarmed the car as Christian became more terrified in the drivers seat. One jumped on the hood, and two more deployed tasers as Christian cried, prayed and screamed, thrashing around inside the vehicle while clutching a small geological knife hed earlier offered to toss out of the car. The man whod told him not to throw it, Clear Creek deputy Andy Buen, fired five shots into the vehicle, killing. Christian had never left the car. Oh my god, one officer can be heard saying in the body camera footage. What did we do? Christian loved art, sports, geology and had a passion for social justice, his family say; he had trained as a chef and was looking at coding programmes (The Glass Family) Within months, Buen was charged with second-degree murder, official misconduct and reckless endangerment; his next court date is days before Christmas. Gould pleaded guilty on 16 November to duty to intervene and report excessive force agreeing never to serve again as a security or law enforcement officer. Now the additional six officers at the scene have been charged with the same offence a development Christians family has been pushing for since his killing. The officers are being prosecuted under legislation passed by Colorado lawmakers in 2020, in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Elijah McClain and similar incidents of violent police brutality across the country. At least 17 other states have also mandated duty to intervene laws in the same time period, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures , and what happens in Colorado with these officers may indicate how the laws play out across the nation. Successful prosecutions and punishments that could permanently end law enforcement careers mark a new step in increased and more proactive self-policing, but prosecutors are also faced with choosing just how wide to cast the net. The laws enshrine the duty to intervene that many agencies already had on the books but just because that policy was there doesnt mean that it had been followed or that there were any repercussions when it was broken, Colorado State Rep. Leslie Herod, who helped spearhead and push through the legislation, told The Independent. Now, it is spelled out explicitly in statutes that officers must intervene if witnessing the use of excessive force by another and if theyre convicted of failing to do so, then their careers in law enforcement are over. What we need is the force of the law to ensure that there is some sense of justice and some ability to prosecute when wrongdoing happens, Herod said. Fifth Judicial District Attorney Heidi McCollum acted on that ability last month, when she announced duty to intervene charges against Georgetown Police Officer Timothy Collins; Idaho Springs Officer Brittany Morrow; Colorado State Trooper Ryan Bennie; and Division of Gaming Officers Mary Harris and Christa Lloyd; and Georgetown Marshal Randy Williams, who is also charged with third-degree assault. There have historically been other legal recourse for charging officers not directly involved in excessive-force incidents charges such as conspiracy, or aiding and abetting, to which two officers pleaded guilty following the death of George Floyd. Body camera footage shows officers talking with Christian for more than an hour, trying to get him to leave his trapped vehicle although hed committed no crime, before the situation escalates within minutes and the 22-year-old is shot dead (Glass family lawyers/video screengrab) But when it comes specifically to their role as law enforcement officers and not intervening for when excessive force is being used, this is the first and only law that would apply said Rep. Herod, whose own father spent decades in law enforcement. The work that we have done has been ground-breaking, she told The Independent of the new laws, which also include strict body camera, accountability and transparency requirements. But were not done. In the meantime, the new duty to intervene legislation is more aggressive and provides another avenue for prosecutors. What these misdemeanours do is they give prosecutors a choice between doing nothing and prosecuting the person for a manslaughter offence and sometimes even a murder offence when they werent directly responsible for the death, Boston College law professor R. Michael Cassidy told The Independent. An expert in prosecutorial ethics, he says that, instead of prosecuting for the death, you dont have to prove that he caused the death; youre just proving that he knew that another officer was using excessive force and didnt intervene and report. The first Colorado conviction of an officer on the duty to intervene charge came earlier this year, when a jury in April found former Aurora cop Francine Martinez guilty of failing to stop another officer from choking and beating a veteran with a gun during an arrest. On the night Christian Glass called 911, several officers tried various tactics to coax him from the vehicle before Buen, the only one to fire his gun, pulled the trigger. As they were milling about, discussing their options, Idaho Springs Officer Brittany Morrow chatted with Christian about his interests in geology, watching as he formed a heart shape with his hands through the window. We love you too, she told Christian. We just want you to be safe. Officers offered Christian food, a cigarette and tried to establish rapport but at one point, a Colorado State Patrol supervisor questioned the determination to remove Christian from his car. Christians parents, Simon and Sally Glass, had been pushing for charges against the additional officers since the beginning; the family won an historic $19m settlement earlier this year (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If theres no crime and hes not suicidal or in grave danger, then theres no reason to contact him, the supervisor said to State Trooper Ryan Bennie over the radio, 9news reported. The parents of Christian have maintained since the start that all officers at the scene should be charged, a lawyer for the family summing up their feelings at a press conference in the hours after the district attorneys announcement. Simply being kind to a kid for a couple of minutes before your buddy kills him is not sufficient for intervening, attorney Qusair Mohamedbhai said. You need to save this mans life. He called for help. And they should have actively done something simply doing nothing is insufficient. Its a lesson that may be taught more frequently in courtrooms across the country as new laws are utilised by prosecutors. Over time, if more states enact these duty to intervenes, then you will see more prosecutions, Prof Cassidy tells The Independent. And hopefully, one of the benefits of the prosecution will be the deterrence value; it will encourage police officers to intervene. He likens the new laws to legislation put in place about reporting child abuse. Twenty years ago, we implemented mandated reporting for people who deal with children and saw child abuse, he said. And the idea was that, yes, you might not be responsible for the child abuse, but you have a duty to report it if youre a particular type of caregiver. This is kind of an extension of that. It is putting the onus on other police officers on the scene to do something to prevent misconduct by other officers. So I think it holds great promise, but I dont think were there yet. Laws like these have a much broader brush and stem from the thought that, if you hold a lot of these officers at risk of themselves being prosecuted, theyre going to be a lot more careful to be watchdogs of each other and make sure that the other one doesnt engage in excessive force, said criminal law professor Aya Gruber, who taught on the University of Colorado Law School faculty for more than a decade before joining USC this year. Many cops are already more proactively policing their fellow officers, watching as their counterparts face charges and the possible ends of their careers, according to one Colorado expert with decades of experience in both law enforcement and the courtroom who asked to remain anonymous. As part of the settlement for the Glass family, officers will receive crisis intervention training; Christians parents have repeatedly stated they do not want any other family to suffer as theirs has (The Glass Family) In todays world, it is helping, if nothing else, making people cognizant, he told The Independent. In Colorado, officers found guilty of the duty to intervene charge will lose their certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training board effectively ending their law enforcement careers. Other states have implemented similar practices. But Prof Gruber from USC is sceptical of the laws efficacy in practice as well as prosecutors willingness to use them against departments that help them close cases. I actually dont harbour a lot of hope, just based on my research, that these kinds of broad criminal prosecutions are going to do much of anything to stop police use of excessive force, she told The Independent. I think its just a lot of post hoc these terrible things occur, some of them catch fire and are on the media, and we want a lot of heads to roll. The new laws are not enough to stop police killings, says Prof Gruber.I think that police departments need to make commitments to how they train and hire and recruit officers, she said. In the Christian Glass case, his parents advocacy has ensured those training changes are already happening. They won a $19m settlement in May the largest in Colorado history which also mandated crisis intervention training for officers. CSP has this entire training where theyre showing a video of this family to all their troopers saying, This is your duty to intervene, Siddartha Rathod, a lawyer for the Glass family, told reporters in the hours after the announcement of additional charges. Theyre going to create a VR training program based upon Christian Glasss scenario so that other officers can say, Hey, where can I step in and intervene? Sally clutched a heart-shaped rock Christian had in his car on the night he was killed as she addressed reporters. Those six officers didnt pull the trigger, but they had an absolute duty or responsibility to stop that rogue cop, Sally told reporters, adding: Every one of them should have said Stop. And they all had a duty to do that. Thats part of wearing the uniform. Its something weve really campaigned for. The Glasses and their lawyers, however, were not pleased by the reactions of the charged officers departments. Col. Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, released a statement saying he was shocked by the charge against his officer and found no indication that Trooper Bennie violated any Colorado State Patrol policy or training. Idaho Springs Police Chief Nathan Buseck released a statement saying: I strongly believe that Officer Morrow was not in a position to intervene in the tactical decisions of the two Clear Creek County Sheriffs Office deputies and Georgetown Marshal. It was their direct actions, over approximately 90 seconds, that led to the shooting of Christian Glass. The Glasses lawyer Mohamedbhai pointed to those statements as proof of how law enforcement looks in the mirror and says: Weve done nothing wrong. He continued: Its going to take a district attorney, and likely a jury, to tell law enforcement what their duty to intervene actually means because they dont seem to understand. And thats why this is so important. And thats why Simon and Sally Glasss advocacy and persistence and constant, Just please charge everyone is so important. State Rep Herod, three years after passing through the very legislation that led to these prosecutions, says she too hopes the laws continue to strengthen law enforcements self-policing but that, again, the work is not over. I think a lot of folks believe that, after 2020, weve done all that we can do to ensure that policing is the upstanding profession that it should be, she told The Independent. And I just dont think were quite there. While, yes, I am proud of the progress in Colorado, weve got to do more. We cant rest on that. The gunman who killed three people and injured one more at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas attempted to mail at least 22 letters to university personnel across the country just before the shooting, police said Thursday. Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said one of the intercepted letters contained a white powder substance and urged caution to people who receive suspicious mail without a return address. Police later said the powder was found to be harmless. The suspected shooter, 67-year-old Anthony Polito, was shot and killed by police at the scene of the shooting Wednesday, officials said, adding he applied to numerous higher education jobs throughout Nevada, including UNLV. Two of the victims of the shooting were UNLV professors, though it is unknown whether Polito knew them. The identity of the third victim was not released because police had yet to contact their family, police said. A fourth victim, also a UNLV professor, was described as in life-threatening condition at a local hospital. McMahill said Polito had a list of professors at UNLV and East Carolina University, where he previously worked, in his possession when he was killed. A motive is still unclear, he said. None of the faculty members on the list was a victim in the attack, McMahill added. During a search of Politos apartment nearby, police said a document appearing to serve as a last will and testament was found, and an eviction notice was posted on the apartment door. When Polito was shot and killed by police, he was headed toward the nearby student union. The gunman had more than 150 rounds of ammunition on him, McMahill said, adding he was glad [the shooter] didnt get out of UNLV. Yesterday was the most difficult day in the history of our university, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said in a statement Thursday. Words are still hard to come by as were only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesdays tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members. Another faculty member remains hospitalized. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. With the help of Emma Stone's marvelously uninhibited performance, With the help of Emma Stone's marvelously uninhibited performance, "Poor Things" catapults Yorgos Lanthimos as one of few male filmmakers that are particularly fascinated by peculiar, challenging female characters. It seems a little low-bar to praise a director for doing whats already part of the job: helming a terrific female character. But amid a season that includes Priscilla, a film that tells you nothing about its eponymous woman, and Killers of the Flower Moon, which gives us a frustratingly incomprehensible female lead, weve had to modify our expectations. Barring a few exceptions this year like Maestro and May December, male filmmakers have seemed to lack any interest in developing a complex woman for the screen. Thats especially true when it comes to a difficult woman, one who simply refuses to abide by any standard. But thats exactly what Yorgos Lanthimos marvelous new film, Poor Things, is most curious about the oft-misinterpreted journey of an unruly woman (a fascinatingly uninhibited Emma Stone), and the needlessly onerous and familiar road many of us must take in order to live our own lives. Curious because so much of the movie refreshingly relies on giving the character space to express exactly who she is as well as a trust that the audience will stay invested as that identity continuously evolves at her own will throughout the films nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime. And to think, it only took an oddball tale of a Dr. Frankenstein-like character (played by the inimitable Willem Dafoe), a historically possessive character, to launch a distinctly female odyssey. In this case, Dr. Frankenstein hasnt created a monster. Through problematic means that are properly challenged in the film, hes unexpectedly liberated a phoenix. What makes What makes "Poor Things" so enthralling is that it tracks the agitation of an independent woman, even during her most infantile state. This all probably sounds a little wackadoodle. But if youre familiar with Lanthimos previous work think 2015s The Lobster or 2018s The Favourite, which Stone also stars in you should be well primed for the delirium of Poor Things. Adapted from Alasdair Grays novel of the same name by screenwriter Tony McNamara (wouldnt you know, more men!), Poor Things opens to a beguiling scene. A calm Dr. Godwin Baxter (Dafoe) is seemingly studying the infant-like behavior of Bella Baxter (Stone), whos busy throwing her food and dishes on the floor and running all around. Is she experiencing a mental health crisis? Is she throwing a literal tantrum? A bevy of questions spring to the surface at the tippy top of the narrative because were thrust inside some kind of domestic chaos of no identifiable origin inside what appears to be an upper-class Scottish home. But Stone is so interesting to watch here as she throws her body from one way to the next, a physical performance feat that continues throughout the film. A few questions are soon answered in Poor Things. First off, Dr. Baxter is a scientist who has revived Bella using human parts. (To reveal more would go into spoiler territory.) Hes had her live with him and has been analyzing her progress. Needless to say, its been strange. But its also engrossing to watch a woman wake up each day with the sole purpose of figuring herself out, while rejecting all social cues the doctor has been trying to teach her like, to be nice and courteous and respectful to others, how to use her body and be normal. The life Max McCandles and Dr. Godwin Baxter have created for their female experiment is not enough to contain her in The life Max McCandles and Dr. Godwin Baxter have created for their female experiment is not enough to contain her in "Poor Things." What about Bellas feelings and thoughts, though? Thats what drives the narrative and Bellas personal adventures and misadventures. Were watching a live portrait of a woman who makes her own decisions by asking questions of herself rather than being told what to do, think and how to behave. What does it look like to play? What do all of Dr. Baxters many gadgets and tools actually do? How can she experience pleasure on her own? As Bellas life continues to rapidly unfold, she becomes more curious about her body, what it can do and whats next for her. Her sexual curiosity and thirst (beginning with masturbation) mounts to the point where her home and even Dr. Baxters well-meaning new apprentice Max McCandles (a thrillingly against type Ramy Youssef) arent enough to contain her. Like many independent women before her and since, she flies the coop. And she, unsurprisingly, is met with resistance each time. It is frustrating to have to leave what is familiar to you just because the rules and confines no longer apply to who youve become or are becoming. Its a tedious, laborious exercise many women experience several times over throughout the course of their lives on the way to their own satisfaction. Thats what Poor Things closely examines. Lanthimos delivers a gorgeously cinematic excursion of womanhood albeit a white woman of substantial means and ability propelled by a hunger for new life experiences, personal failures, tragedies and triumphs. The film refuses any notion that for Bella to want something or feel a certain way is inappropriate. Told in several parts stages of Bellas life that she must digest the film then launches into Bellas sexual sojourns with the bumbling and equally horny Duncan Wedderborn (a hilariously buffoonish Mark Ruffalo). Mark Ruffalo plays one of several male characters trying in vain to domesticate Stone's uninhibited Bella Baxter in Mark Ruffalo plays one of several male characters trying in vain to domesticate Stone's uninhibited Bella Baxter in "Poor Things." (Every characters name makes them sound like an aristocratic cartoon, helping give the film its bizarre and fantastical charm. And its easy to adapt to it within this context and almost hallucinogenic landscape). With this sense of freedom comes more barriers with unsatisfying explanations. Is that real freedom? Thats a question real-life women have been asking since time immemorial and, here, a fictional character somewhat birthed in a lab is wondering the same thing. Why should Bella have to abandon her new friends (including one played by Jerrod Carmichael) while on a cruise just because Duncan desires her company? Why should she stop reading a book because her new intellect might intimidate men? Later, when she becomes a sex worker, why shouldnt she be able to refuse a client? And why cant she comment on the taste of Duncans spunk among strangers or punch a wailing baby at a fancy restaurant? (Okay, those two things might be crossing the line by any standards, but they help amplify an undercurrent of wondrous humor in an already quirky story). Its kind of like the moment in a sci-fi offering when aliens come to Earth for the first time, completely aghast at how the hell we live like this. The rules imposed on women in particular by men like Duncan or Dr. Baxter often have no fundamental reason to exist outside the fact that thats just the way things are and thats where society is most comfortable. In her own way, Bella calls bullshit on all of that. And rightly so. Amid a season of buzzy, male-directed films that have rendered otherwise fascinating female characters opaque, Amid a season of buzzy, male-directed films that have rendered otherwise fascinating female characters opaque, "Poor Things" is particularly curious about the mind and journey of a peculiar, intractable woman. For Bella, that really comes down to traveling anywhere she wants at any moment, confronting the world around her and having good sex. Relatable. More implicitly observed is who Bella finds love with and how, which reaches far beyond the societally built boundaries too readily accepted. Meanwhile, Lanthimos lens and Robbie Ryans luscious cinematography capture each vivid trajectory with an inquisitive, nonjudgmental eye. They seem to get as swept up in Bellas journey as we do. That allows the character, particularly through Stones performance, to dictate who she is on her own terms. Perhaps the more precise word is abandon, reckless or otherwise, that emboldens Bella to feel all her feelings, embrace the atypical and even make poor decisions simply, as she even puts it, for the experience. Bella questions anything and everything and doesnt shut up about it until she gets a sufficient answer. No matter how nervous that makes others. If Dr. Baxter and Duncan, and to some degree Max, are obstacles on the way to Bellas true self, the saga at the end of her expedition in the film could only be described as catharsis. Yes, another male figure is involved and, once again, Bella makes an unexpected decision. Poor Things is all about choices a woman makes that may seem peculiar or improper or shudder! unladylike to others and the journey one takes to arrive at those points. It asks questions of its protagonist and waits patiently for her answers, accepting her at every turn. Dr. Baxter himself might even call that a breakthrough. POPE COUNTY, Ark. The Pope County Sheriffs Office took to social media Thursday to say goodbye to one of their most loyal partners. According to the Facebook post, Retired Forest Service K-9 Officer Dunja had been battling cancer for some time and was humanely euthanized to end her suffering. Monticello Police Department mourns the passing of beloved K-9 injured in recent storm The post said that Dunja served with distinction alongside her handler Officer Hugh Davis in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest until she was retired on September 25, 2021. Officer Davis then began a new position as a Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife. The post said that Dunja was born on March 24, 2014, in the Netherlands. Dunja spent her final day at the Pope County Sheriffs Office performing a final narcotics detection and a bite on a decoy with a hidden sleeve, according to the post. Dog found alive with missing hikers body after 72 days in Colorado mountains She then had a sendoff by state, county and local officers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) A Pottsville man was sentenced to one year and four months in prison for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine. The United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Bartel, 64, of Pottsville, Schuylkill County, was sentenced on Thursday, December 7, by U.S. District Court Judge Mannion, to one year and four months in prison on the charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Doctor and wife admit to genetic testing kickback and bribe scheme According to U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam, Bartel previously pleaded guilty and admitted to possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl for further distribution. Officials say the charge stems from an investigation in which PSP made a traffic stop of a vehicle Bartel was driving on August 3, 2022, in Pottsville, and seized approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine, 1,371 packets of fentanyl, and $1,974 in U.S. currency. Law enforcement says Bartel was the only person in the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Some residents and businesses in Salisbury will not have power for a majority of their Saturday, Duke Energy told customers on Thursday. According to a social media post from Duke Energy, the planned outage is expected to last from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. READ MORE: Fallen trees down power lines, triggering outages for thousands in east Charlotte Approximately 1,000 customers will be impacted, including many businesses. That money is gone LA Murphs Fine Cooking is sandwiched between Catawba College and Livingstone College along West Innes Street and Statesville Boulevard. Thats a very scary thing when you hear youre going to be without electricity, said owner Laura Murph. She has been in business for 16 years. The most important thing is we need refrigeration to keep our foods cold and fresh, Murph said. And without electricity, thats impossible. Murph said some businesses in the area plan to close. She says shell miss out on the tourists and regulars who come through on Saturdays for breakfast and lunch. That money is gone, she said. Murphs main concern is a catering order she has for 250 people on Sunday. There is only way theyll get it done, she told Channel 9. Work during the middle of the night, Murph said. The power outage may also impact traffic signals. The company asks that drivers treat intersections without a working traffic signal like an all-way stop. The power company planned the emergency scheduled outage to replace transmission infrastructure. (WATCH: New rules for Duke Energy customers means less savings for going solar) A pregnant woman in Kentucky filed a lawsuit Friday demanding the right to an abortion, challenging the states six-week ban, as well as its near-total trigger ban. The lawsuit was filed in state court on behalf of an anonymous woman using the pseudonym Jane Doe, who is about eight weeks pregnant and cant legally obtain an abortion in her home state. Doe is seeking class-action status on behalf of all Kentuckians who are pregnant or may become pregnant and cant legally access abortions because of the states laws. The lawsuit seeks a court ruling that declares the states trigger and six-week bans unconstitutional and blocks them from being enforced any longer. Doe and the others in the class are suffering medical, constitutional, and irreparable harm because they are denied the ability to obtain an abortion, the lawsuit stated. She is joined in the lawsuit by the Kentucky chapter of Planned Parenthood, which operated one of only two outpatient health centers licensed to provide abortions in the state. This is my decisionnot the governments or any other persons. I am bringing this lawsuit because I firmly believe that everyone should have the ability to make their own decisions about their pregnancies, plaintiff Doe said in a statement issued by the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the groups supporting her effort. Kentucky has two overlapping abortion bans, rendering the procedure illegal in almost every circumstance. The states trigger law banning all abortion was passed in 2019 and took effect last year when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. It bans all abortions except when theyre carried out to save the life of the patient. It does not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest or severe fetal anomalies. The state also has a six-week heartbeat law in effect, which bans abortion after detection of fetal cardiac activity. The six-week ban also contains no exceptions for rape or incest, only for saving the life of the pregnant patient. The lawsuit comes less than a year after the state Supreme Court dismissed another challenge to the bans. The court in a narrow ruling in February said the states two abortion clinics did not have standing to challenge the ban on behalf of their patients. But the ruling didnt address any larger issues of constitutionality and left open the possibility that patients could challenge the laws directly. The lawsuit is only possible because Kentuckians rejected an anti-abortion ballot measure last year that would have amended the state constitution to exclude the right to abortion. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A cap-and-trade system would allow companies to buy and trade a limited number of emissions allowances or permits. The number of those permits could decline over time to reflect the emissions cap. (Kyle Bakx/CBC - image credit) The federal government will unveil its oil and gas emissions cap framework on Thursday, a senior government official told CBC News. The framework will be implemented through a cap-and-trade system, the official said. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson will jointly announce the cap plan. The news was first reported by the Globe and Mail. A cap-and-trade system would allow companies to buy and trade a limited number of emissions allowances or permits. The number of those permits could decline over time to reflect the emissions cap. The other option Ottawa was contemplating was an enhanced carbon price for the oil and gas sector. The government official didn't say where the cap will be set in megatonnes. The official said the new plan will establish a range, rather than a single cap. The plan will include a number of compliance options, including the purchase of carbon credits and participation in a decarbonization fund. Speaking to reporters ahead of Wednesday's question period, Wilkinson said the system won't be implemented right away and the government will give industry time to adjust. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson speaks to reporters during the Liberal Cabinet retreat in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson says the emissions cap plan will give industry time to adapt. (Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press) "There will be some time for adoption but there will be a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2030," he said. He didn't offer any further details about the plan. Guilbeault is currently in Dubai at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, better known as COP28. The federal government has vowed to cut carbon emissions by at least 40 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. The federal environment commissioner said last month that Ottawa is not on track to meet that target. Alberta premier says feds asked her to sign NDA Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, meanwhile, says the federal government asked her and her team to sign a non-disclosure agreement before examining a preview copy of Ottawa's plan. "They asked us if we'd be prepared to sign a non-disclosure agreement and then tell us what they're going to impose on us," Smith said in an interview airing Wednesday on CBC News Network's Power Politics. "Does that sound like cooperative federalism to you? Because it sure doesn't sound like it to me," she told host David Cochrane. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith explains how she intends her first usage of the province's Sovereignty Act to push against federal clean energy regulations. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has said she'll oppose Ottawa's pending regulations to cap oil and gas emissions. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press) A federal government official told CBC News it's normal government practice to ask stakeholders to sign non-disclosure agreements before allowing them to examine anything as significant as the emissions cap plan. Smith who is also in Dubai for COP28 told CBC News she didn't sign the agreement. Asked why she thought she was asked to sign the agreement, she said Ottawa "doesn't respect our jurisdiction." "This is something that is so important, has such a major impact on the development of our resources, that they should be working collaboratively with us," she said. Smith has said in the past her government plans to oppose Ottawa's pending regulations. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) Security forces have arrested one of the suspects in the bomb attack on Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City that left four people dead and 72 wounded, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad confirmed on Friday. He said the suspect was captured on Wednesday during an operation in Barangay Dulay Proper, Marawi. The AFP said the suspect was an accomplice of a certain Omar, whom witnesses said placed the improvised explosive device at the university gymnasium. "This development shows the seriousness of the government in capturing the perpetrators of the terrorist attack on innocent civilians," the AFP statement read. On Thursday, an official of the MSU told CNN Philippines' that one of the suspects, Kadapi Mimbisa, used to be a university student. READ: Marawi blast suspect was former MSU student school official The Philippine National Police previously said Mimbisa alias Engineer is one of the two persons of interest in the bombing. The other is Kadapi's son, Arsani Mimbisa alias Khatab, it added. After an executive session with top security and intelligence officials, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa said he is convinced there was no failure of intelligence in the Marawi bombing, in contrast to what he earlier suspected. Dela Rosa said there was enough intelligence information but lack of appropriate action. "Pag binalewala mo yung intel report [at] wala kang gawing kaukulang actions, then sigurado pagdating sa atake you'll be defenseless," the former PNP chief said. [Translation: If you ignore the intel report and you don't take appropriate actions, then for sure when it comes to attacks you'll be defenseless.] He said the Senate will investigate the possible liability of local military and police commanders, as well as officials of MSU in the fatal incident. CNN Philippines correspondent Eimor Santos contributed to this story. President Joe Biden recently toured Floridas Gulf Coast, continuing his rhetoric promoting himself as the most pro-union president in history. This discriminatory language by President Biden discounts the value of work done by the vast majority of construction industry professionals who choose not to join a union nearly 9 in 10 workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Associated Builders and Contractors supports awarding public works projects to contractors that can complete infrastructure projects safely, on time and on budget, regardless of labor affiliation. Fair and open competition for these projects delivers the best value to all American taxpayers, not excluding 88.3% of the construction industry who freely choose not to join a union. The latest data shows, year-over-year, the percentage of construction industry union membership dropped despite robust overall job growth, suggesting construction industry workers are not enthusiastic about joining a union when given a choice to do so. This is why the Biden administration should not continue to advance controversial policies specific to the construction industry requiring its workers to subject themselves to union-only policies. There is no reason to mandate union-only labor when contractors can fairly compete against each other. Exclusionary policies and campaign speeches are the last thing Florida citizens need as they continue to face rising prices on everything from food to insurance to housing. Grant Archer Director of government and political affairs Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast Chapter. President Biden, shown disembarking Air Force One at San Francisco International Airport last month, will be in Los Angeles for a fundraiser from Friday to Sunday. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP via Getty Images) President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden plan this weekend to attend a fundraiser hosted by Hollywood elites that is likely to make L.A.'s notoriously bad traffic even worse but authorities have yet to offer advance warning to help motorists avoid the expected road closures. The first couple plan to address prominent donors supporting Biden's reelection bid for 2024 at a home in Westwood on Friday. Notable hosts for the event include directors Steven Spielberg and Rob Reiner. Biden is scheduled to arrive via Los Angeles International Airport on Friday, then head to Santa Monica Airport before the fundraiser. He will depart from LAX at an undisclosed time Sunday after a two-day visit. Read more: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gather outside Biden fundraiser "For security reasons, there is no advance announcement to the public regarding ramp closures related to a visit by a U.S. president or vice president," said Caltrans spokesperson Marc Bischoff. "The LAPD or other enforcement personnel make rolling closures at ramps along a motorcade route, with no advance announcement to the public." Bischoff recommends that motorists check traffic information, including the Caltrans website, prior to leaving for their destination. In March, Biden visited the site of a mass shooting in Monterey Park, triggering several street closures and limits on parking around the site of his visit. Read more: A Pritzker heir was about to co-host a Biden fundraiser in L.A. Then he was accused of sexual misconduct In June, Los Angeles hosted Biden and leaders from the Western Hemisphere for the ninth Summit of the Americas, an event that also created traffic headaches for motorists for six days in downtown L.A. and near LAX. Airport officials have confirmed that Van Nuys and Burbank airports will remain open during the president's visit but will implement temporary flight restrictions. A representative from Burbank said flight restrictions would be in effect Saturday and Sunday. Although officials did not confirm whether these restrictions were in response to the president's visit, the precautions align with his scheduled time in Los Angeles. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Prince Harry has lost his bid to throw out the Mail on Sundays defence to his libel claim over his UK security arrangements. The Duke of Sussex, 39, is suing Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) over a February 2022 article about his legal challenge against the governments decision to strip him of his security detail when he moved to the US. A High Court judge has ruled that the Mail can go ahead with an honest opinion defence in a trial, which will include their claim that Prince Harry made misleading statements about offering to pay for his own security. Prince Harrys lawyers have said the story was an attack on his honesty and integrity, as it claimed Harry tried to keep details of his legal battle to reinstate his police protection secret from the public. In June 2022, parts of the article were found to have been defamatory by a High Court judge, who concluded that they gave the reader the impression Prince Harry was intentionally attempting to mislead the public. ANL is contesting the claim, arguing the article expressed an honest opinion and did not cause serious harm to his reputation. They added that Harry had made a false claim over his willingness to pay for police protection in the UK. At a hearing in March, the High Court heard the dukes bid to strike out ANLs honest opinion defence or grant judgment in his favour on it. But In a written ruling on Friday, Mr Justice Nicklin gave this defence a greenlight to go to trial. Prince Harry has launched a legal challenge against the government over his publicly funded police protection, which was withdrawn after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020 (PA) Justin Rushbrooke KC, for Harry, said in written submissions for the March hearing that ANLs defence to the libel claim rests upon two provably false premises relating to a press statement. The statement, released when Harry first made his legal challenge in January 2022, read: The duke first offered to pay personally for UK police protection for himself and his family in January of 2020 at Sandringham. That offer was dismissed. He remains willing to cover the cost of security, as not to impose on the British taxpayer. Harry claims that the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to change the degree of his personal protection was unlawful and unfair. However, in a Home Office document prepared for a February 2022 preliminary hearing in Harrys security claim, the department said his offer of private funding notably was not advanced to Ravec at the time of the dukes visit in June 2021, or in any pre-action correspondence. The Mail on Sunday article claimed this was a crushing rebuttal to Harrys initial public statement that implied he had always been willing to foot the bill. They added that the statement from Harrys PR team, confused the media and misinformed the public. Rushbrooke KC told the court it was absolutely obvious that the press statement makes no claim that the claimant (the duke) made an offer to Ravec or the Home Office or that his judicial review proceedings were to challenge a refusal to accept it. However, in his judgement dismissing the Duke of Sussexs bid Mr Justice Nicklin said there is a real prospect that ANL will succeed in demonstrating that there was a misleading description of the issues in the judicial review claim. Andrew Caldecott KC, for ANL, previously said the bid to end their defence without a trial was wholly without merit and that the whole case is built on sand. He added: The claimant was responsible for press statements that said he would pay for security when he had never expressed any willingness to pay until after the judicial review. The ruling comes just one day after the High Court finished hearing Harrys claim that Ravecs decision to change the degree of his personal protection was unlawful and unfair. A different judges decision in that case is expected at a later date. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) One of the professors who was killed Wednesday when a gunman opened fire at the University of Nevada, Las Vegass business school is a Central Michigan University alum. According to his resume on UNLVs website, Cha Jan Jerry Chang, 64, graduated with his masters degree in computer science from CMU in May 1986. Chang was identified as one of the four victims in the shooting. According to the coroner, Changs cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. 2 professors killed in UNLV campus shooting identified Sheriff Kevin McMahill said investigators are still working to pin down a motive, but gunman Tony Polito did not appear to be targeting students. McMahill said he entered campus with a list of people he was seeking. UNLV shooter had list of targets, sent letters to educators nationwide The Associated Press reports that the university will remain closed Friday but is tentatively scheduled to reopen next week for finals. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. The quality of care and repair needs of the Fulton County Jail have been a much-discussed issue for officials and the public for years, but that discussion has grown more heated in recent months. A series of headlines focused on the jail facility, covering issues ranging from structural damage to inmate attacks and deaths have led to a back-and-forth between the Fulton County Sheriffs Office and the Fulton County Commission. The latest proposal county commissioners were given had a price tag between $1.7 and $2 billion. The proposal was presented Wednesday, pitched as Sheriff Pat Labats Vision for a New Facility that provides a Safe, Humane, and Sustainable Environment reflecting Best Practices in Pre-Trial Detention. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the proposal deck, the new facility would increase the number of beds available to detainees while replacing the current jail location on Rice Street. The feasibility study provided for the presentation says explicitly that the jail is obsolete, overcrowded, deteriorated, and unsafe. In 2023, the sheriffs office confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that the jail has at various points lost power, had holes broken through walls by inmates, attacks on staff by inmates, suffered several incidents of inmate-on-inmate violence, and had 10 people in sheriffs office custody die. The jails quality was already a point of concern for members of the Fulton County Commission, but was noted during a series of high-profile court events as well, and is now under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Among the various high-profile events involving the jail were the RICO prosecutions of former President Donald Trump and 18 others, and the trial of Atlanta rapper Young Thug and the alleged Young Slime Life gang. The Georgia Senate has also set up a special committee to investigate issues at the jail in recent weeks. TRENDING STORIES: Since his election as sheriff, Labat has said the jail needed serious help to fix the problems inmates, staff and officials are experiencing and observing within it, and has repeatedly asked for the funding to take steps to address it. The commission and the sheriff have not seen eye to eye on the issues solutions. An audit of the jail shared with Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne revealed flooded cells from burst pipes behind the walls, exposed wiring and crumbling infrastructure, among other problems. To address the needs of Fulton Countys inmates, the sheriffs office said making a new facility is the best option, citing a need for better medical treatment options focused on mental health and recovery support, as well as working to help those in custody better reenter normal populations after serving time behind bars. As proposed, the new jail would have 4,416 beds, split between 3,920 for men and 496 for women. Of that, the sheriffs proposal shows a split between standard beds and medical and mental health beds. The proposal also includes provisions to provide more space for each detainee and to increase dedicated housing for mental health treatment. The new jail, if approved for construction, would be almost four times larger than the current facility on Rice Street, according to the proposal. The plan notes that the detainee population is expected to grow, while additional detainees will continue to be outsourced. The proposal said operating costs were expected to include driving up to 900 detainees per day, while showing the jail currently has a 16% staff vacancy, with recruitment and retention challenges. Maintenance and repair needs were also said to be a constraint in assumptions for 2024 to 2028. If approved, the new jail would be completely built by 2029, with the sheriffs office saying as more staff are hired, outsourcing of detainees would decrease. However, operating the jail was also reported to have an increased cost of 24.9% from 2028 to 2031 due to some of the needs and planned changes within the proposal. Costs forecast for the process came in at over $1.75 billion, if optimal. Those costs include: Sitework Cost $30,995,000: Includes 20 acres of site development and demolition of low-rise buildings only Construction Cost $1,174,942,000 Soft Costs $294,550,000 Total Project Cost: Q4 2023 $1,500,487,000: Range of Expected Cost: (-15% / +20%) per AACE Estimate Classifications Cost per Bed: Q4 2023 $339,800 Escalated Project Cost: Q3 2029 $1,756,032,000: 4% Escalation applied through the anticipated mid-point of construction Cost per Bed: Q3 2029 $397,700 The full proposal is publicly available online. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: ST. GEORGE, Utah (ABC4) The Washington County Attorneys Office has requested waiver hearings for Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt. Eric Clarke, the Deputy Washington County Attorney, filed court documents today, Dec. 7, asking for a waiver hearing for Ruby Franke on Dec. 18 and Jodi Hildebrandt on Dec. 27. ORIGINAL STORY: 8 Passengers mom Ruby Franke arrested for alleged child abuse A waiver hearing is conducted to see if a preliminary trial can be forgone, and the parties will go to a trial phase. Franke and business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were each charged with six counts of aggravated child abuse following the discovery of two of Frankes children in conditions of neglect and abuse on Wednesday, August 30. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Daily News Police arrested the two women after Frankes son escaped through a window of a house owned by Hildebrandt and fled to a neighboring home looking for food and water. Later, Frankes 10-year-old daughter was found malnourished in Hildebrandts house. ABC4 has reached out to all attorneys involved for comment on the waiver hearing request and will update this story as we receive more information. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. (CNN) Azerbaijan and Armenia have agreed to a prisoner exchange, and to work towards normalizing ties and a peace deal to a decades-long conflict a move the United States and European Union have welcomed. Azerbaijan will release 32 prisoners of war to Armenia in exchange for two, all members of the military, according to a joint statement published by Azerbaijans state news agency AZERTAC. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement reads. The breakthrough comes after talks between the offices of the Azerbaijani president and the Armenian prime minister. An agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries, the statement reads. A US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the prisoner swap represented an important confidence building measure as the two countries work towards a peace agreement. We commend Azerbaijani President (Ilham) Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister (Nikol) Pashinyan for their joint efforts to lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the South Caucasus, Miller said in a statement. The United States will continue to strongly support efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace. Establishing and deepening bilateral dialogue between sides has been a key objective of the EU-led Brussels process: todays progress is a key step, EU Council President Charles Michel said on X. I now encourage the leaders to finalise the peace deal ASAP. The neighboring nations have been engaged in a decades long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in the Caucasus Mountains. In September, Azerbaijan regained control of Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic-Armenian enclave within its borders, after launching a lightning 24-hour assault. Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally considered part of Azerbaijan but for decades has been under the control of Armenian separatists. Armenia and Azerbaijan had already fought two wars over Nagorno-Karabakh since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and ceasefire agreements between them have proven brittle. Armenia earlier this year conceded that the region was part of Azerbaijan, but there are still divisions over the future of its government. The latest breakthrough on prisoner exchanges and normalizing ties came as delegates from both countries also attend the COP28 climate talks in Dubai. The statement also said that Armenia would pull out of the running to host the annual UN-backed climate summit next year and that it hoped other countries would support Azerbaijans candidacy. There is a vacuum for the summit host for COP29 in 2024, which should be held in eastern Europe, as UN rules dictate. The two nations had before Thursday been blocking each others candidacy in the voting process. The host country is decided by vote among nations within the region for the year. Russia has voted against several nations that are members of or allied to the European Union. Azerbaijan, which has been forging closer ties with Russia, is a major oil and gas producer. Oil and gas make up nearly half the countrys GDP and more than 90% of its exports. Ramaswamy defends debunked conspiracy theories he shared at Republican debate Entrepreneur and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy shared multiple conspiratorial or controversial claims at Wednesday night's debate, amplifying them to a new level of prominence in the 2024 race. Ramaswamy touted himself as an outsider willing to speak "truth" on stage. But most of his assertions on hot-button topics like Jan. 6, the 9/11 terror attacks and demographic changes in the U.S. were groundless or have been repeatedly debunked. He told ABC News at a campaign event the following day that he was "proud" of having stirred discussion of the issues, he said. He also said he didn't believe the theories had, in fact, been debunked. "I think it is important to speak to the hard truths and I would love to have a strong discussion on the merits of it," he insisted. Jan. 6, 2021, riot at Capitol wasn't 'inside job' "Why am I the only person on this stage, at least, who can say that Jan. 6 now does look like it was an inside job?" Ramaswamy said at one point in the debate. That baseless idea has become popular among fringes on the far-right and on social media, at times even winning support from lawmakers, including Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who last month claimed without evidence that there were "undercover federal agents disguised" in the crowd during the rioting at the U.S. Capitol, as Congress had gathered to certify Donald Trump's election defeat. MORE: Why Vivek Ramaswamy got the most 'boos' at the Republican debate as he went after Haley, Christie More than 700 people have admitted to a variety of charges in connection with Jan. 6 -- 210 of those people having pleaded to felonies -- according to the Department of Justice; and more than 130 people have been convicted at trial. In multiple hearings, convicted rioters have put forward a range of different excuses for their actions -- with many pointing the finger at Trump and conservative media outlets who pushed lies about a stolen election while framing the Electoral College certification as the final opportunity to prevent Trump's removal from office. PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy participates in the NewsNation Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the University of Alabama Moody Music Hall on Dec. 6, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) 'Great replacement theory' Ramaswamy also boosted the "great replacement theory," the white nationalist belief that immigration policies are designed specifically to dilute the political power of white Americans by making them a smaller share of the population. The idea has been elevated by media figures like Tucker Carlson and inspired mass violence, including the 2015 Charleston, South Carolina, church massacre and the 2019 shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. Ramaswamy alleged during the debate that the theory "is not some grand right-wing conspiracy theory but a basic statement of the Democratic Partys platform." He subsequently said on CNN, "I don't care about skin color ... Do you share the ideals of this country?" He also said that he did not want to stir violence. "I want to be careful in the way that I speak about this," he said. But he added, "As a leader, it is important to give people the permission to say in public what they'll otherwise say in private." While it is true that Democrats have historically adopted more liberal immigration policies and that the country's demographics are becoming less white and more racially diverse over time, there is no evidence that those changes are being engineered by politicians to ensure they can win power with those voters. More specifically, although non-white voters have favored Democrats in presidential elections, they do not all vote as a uniform bloc. In fact, Trump made small but noticeable gains with Latino and Black voters from 2016 to 2020, according to exit polling; and other Republicans have seen major success with some of those voters, too. In the 2022 race, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis won Latino voters over Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, exit polls showed. MORE: Another feisty GOP debate that's about narrow differences and not Trump: ANALYSIS Reviving claims over 9/11 Ramaswamy revived his claims about 9/11 terrorist attacks, carried out by al-Qaida, and the groups truly behind it. He argued Wednesday that "the government lied to us for 20 years about Saudi Arabia's involvement in 9/11." Unlike his other theories on the debate stage, Ramaswamy's comment about Sept. 11 reflects -- at least partially -- well-known suspicions that were investigated by authorities. Fifteen of the 19 terrorists were Saudi citizens. Families of 9/11 victims and 9/11 survivors have for years been embroiled in a legal battle against Saudi Arabia's government, claiming it has some responsibility. The kingdom, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, has long denied any involvement. The 2004 the 9/11 Commission report reads, in part, "It does not appear that any government other than the Taliban financially supported al Qaeda before 9/11, although some governments may have contained al Qaeda sympathizers who turned a blind eye to al Qaeda's fundraising activities." "Saudi Arabia has long been considered the primary source of al Qaeda funding, but we have found no evidence that the Saudi government as an institution or senior Saudi officials individually funded the organization. (This conclusion does not exclude the likelihood that charities with significant Saudi government sponsorship diverted funds to al Qaeda)," the report goes on to say. ABC News' Alexander Mallin contributed to this report. Ramaswamy defends debunked conspiracy theories he shared at Republican debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (CNN) The exiled leader of Belarus democratic opposition is warning the United States that abandoning Ukraine in its fight against Russia and its President Vladimir Putin would threaten the security of all of Eastern Europe. Belarusian people and Ukrainians are facing the same enemy imperialistic ambitions of Russia. And we have to fight the sentiment together, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told CNNs Chief National Security Analyst Jim Sciutto. Without free and independent and safe Ukraine, there will be no safe Belarus. But also vice versa. Without free Belarus, there will be constant threat to all our neighbors in the whole region, she added. Tsikhanouskayas husband was imprisoned after announcing he would challenge Belarus longtime leader, Alexander Lukashenko, in the 2020 presidential election. She ultimately ran in his place in an election widely considered fraudulent. Tsikhanouskaya fled with her children to Lithuania in the same year, after Lukashenkos government, with aid from Russia, forcefully stamped down pro-democracy protests. Tsikhanouskaya says she has few details about her husbands safety in prison, sharing with CNN, I havent heard about my husband since March this year. [The] lawyer is not allowed to visit him, letters are not delivered. So I am not sure if he is alive. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Lukashenko has deepened ties with Putin, and Belarus a former Soviet nation has become a key ally and strategic partner in the fight, with Russian forces using Belarus as a launchpad for invading Kyiv. This week, Tsikhanouskaya traveled to Washington D.C. for meetings with lawmakers to advocate for increasing pressure on Lukashenkos regime and countering Putin, including continuing to provide military and security support to Ukraine. Her meetings with the State Department are the first of what both sides have described as a comprehensive strategic dialogue between US officials and the exiled democratic leaders of Belarus. The United States can play a crucial role in Belarusian pro-democracy efforts, Tsikhanouskaya said, but she expressed fear that a new American president could undo diplomatic progress. Responding to the presidential campaign of former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly spoken warmly of dictators including Putin, she said she hoped he would be defeated in 2024. We need [to] help Ukrainians to win this fight against Russia until the next elections in the USA, she said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Abandon Ukraine and all of Eastern Europe is under threat, exiled Belarusian opposition leader warns US" Vivek Ramaswamy emerged from the fourth GOP debate in Alabama facing backlash from Republicans over his aggressive performance. The 38-year-old GOP millennial called former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley fascist and compared her campaign launch video to a woke Dylan Mulvaney Bud Light ad, while claiming former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies (R) version of foreign policy experience was closing a bridge from New Jersey to New York. His attacks were met with blowback from his GOP competitors, while some strategists afterward argued the tactics demonstrated he was an unserious presidential candidate. Most of the people do not like the below-the-belt punches, Republican strategist Scott Jennings said. You know, too-cute-by-a-half rhetorical. You know, sneak attacks whatever you want to call it. They just think its out of bounds, especially coming from him. Jennings said that while Ramaswamy may have been trying to emulate former President Trump, whom Ramaswamy has often praised, it wasnt selling. Trumps brand and image were so strong on the front end, that it gave him the latitude and credibility to engage with his opponents in some of the ways Vivek is its just he doesnt bring that to the race, Jennings said, arguing that Ramaswamy doesnt have Trumps personal warmth and humor. Ramaswamys campaign refuted that characterization, with senior adviser Tricia McLaughlin arguing that his critics are just pissed because he had a great debate performance, and he was not their chosen candidate. I think that if people actually saw Vivek on the campaign trail, which we put out tons of footage, it shows Viveks warm, she said, adding later, Vivek is gonna speak his convictions no matter what, and some people are gonna like it, and some people are gonna hate it. Ramaswamy came out swinging during the fourth debate in Tuscaloosa, Ala., which was hosted by The Hills sister organization NewsNation. He targeted several contenders, particularly Haley and Christie, even at one point holding up a piece of paper reading Nikki Haley = Corrupt. So reject this myth that theyve been selling you, that somebody had a cup-of-coffee stint at the U.N., and then makes eight million bucks after, has real foreign policy experience, Ramaswamy said of Haley Wednesday night. It takes an outsider to see this through. Ramaswamys pugnacious debate performances have rankled many over the past few months, and that animosity came to a boil Wednesday night. In one of the debates most memorable moments, Christie took Ramaswamy to task for his insults lobbed against Haley. This is the fourth debate the fourth debate that you would be voted in the first 20 minutes as the most obnoxious blowhard in America, the former New Jersey governor told Ramaswamy in front of a live audience. Haley for her part sought to brush off his insults, at one point saying, when asked to reply to Ramaswamy, No, its not worth my time to respond to him. Ramaswamys debate performance also generated scrutiny after he floated several debunked claims, including the idea that the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack was an inside job and that the 2020 election was indeed stolen by Big Tech. Those comments in particular drew fierce criticism, including from high-profile figures in the media. If what he means by inside job is it was a sitting president of the United States who launched a coup against the government, that there were members of the House of Representatives who helped him that absolutely is true, former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) told CBS Mornings on Thursday, describing some of his remarks as Area 51 conspiracy theory garbage. CNN analyst Van Jones said Wednesday night that Ramaswamys remarks had left him shaking. That guy is dangerous, Jones said. Thats dangerous. After the debate, Ramaswamy was pressed further by CNN reporter Dana Bash over some of his controversial views. During the exchange, he doubled down, arguing that it was important to have a discussion about the events of Jan. 6, among other topics. A fact-check by the network noted there was no evidence whatsoever to suggest the Capitol attack was an inside job and that the idea has been repeatedly rejected by FBI Director Christopher Wray. Ramaswamy certainly wasnt the only candidate to go negative during the debate, but his performance might have hurt him the most. A Washington Post/Ipsos Poll released Thursday found that Ramaswamys performance fared the worst among Republican debate watchers. The fourth debate came as the clock ticks down for non-Trump Republicans to shore up support. That includes Ramaswamy, who trails Trump, DeSantis and Haley in the early states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. I think he is at risk of losing relevance in this race and is doing everything he can to make the highlight reels, said Alex Conant, who worked on Sen. Marco Rubios (R-Fla.) 2016 presidential campaign. This is somebody who presented himself as a serious person at the beginning of the campaign. And, you know, as we get closer to the caucuses hes not running a serious campaign at all, he added. At the same time, Ramaswamys defense of Trump, including during the first debate, has won him praise from the former president. Hes a smart guy. Hes a young guy. Hes got a lot of talent. Hes a very, very, very intelligent person, Trump told Glenn Beck on Blaze TV in August. Hes got good energy, and he could be in some form of something. I tell ya, I think hed be very good. I think hes really distinguished himself. But even some of Trumps supporters were less than impressed with Ramaswamys performance. He seemed to have put even more pressure on himself to cut people off, to demonstrate that hes smarter than everybody, and it really came off not only flat, but it came off as really pedantic, smug and unnecessarily combative with the other three on stage, said John Ullyot, a Trump 2016 senior adviser, who has not yet joined the campaign but supports Trump in 2024. And some members of the party, like Iowa-based Republican strategist Jimmy Centers, note that Ramaswamy has outperformed expectations. I thought he was articulate and thoughtful and had some interesting ideas. But frankly, I didnt think that he would ever rise to the position where he was in the middle of the debate stage back in September and October, right, not on the fringes, Centers said of first meeting Ramaswamy in January. But that doesnt mean Republicans dont see him as a longshot. I have no doubt that he was running is running because he believes he could be the nominee for the Republican Party for president. You know, what his goal is now, as Im sure he realizes, that is becoming a longshot, if not outright impossible I dont know, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Raymond School Board voted not to renew the contract of Raymond School's principal, who has filed a discrimination complaint against the district. Board members on Dec. 6 voted 4-1 in a roll call vote not to renew Jeff Peterson's contract after a seven-hour hearing in the Racine County school's gym. Audrey Kostuch, Janell Wise, Gwen Keller and Amanda Falaschi voted not to renew Peterson's contract. Peterson has been on administrative leave since Sept. 28 over allegations of misconduct. Peterson maintains the district is discriminating against him because he is gay. In voting not to renew Peterson's contract, the four board members said the district needs to move forward. Falaschi said she was "trying to find the best way for this school and community to heal," saying it was about the district's students, families, staff, community and those at the Dec. 6 meeting. "There is a huge divide among all of us right now, and it's an emotional time. For me, I believe there is no way for everyone involved to heal and move forward with either Jeff (Peterson) or Mike (Garvey, Raymond School District superintendent) in administrative roles at Raymond. My vote is not against Jeff, but for the entire community and everyone sitting here," Falaschi said. Garvey submitted his resignation in November, effective Dec. 31. Amy Helvick was the lone board member to vote against the contract nonrenewal. "As I stated to my fellow board members ... I do not believe Mr. Peterson was given a reasonable expectation to succeed in the performance improvement plan set before him," Helvick said. The hearing was held mostly in open session at Peterson's request before the board deliberated in closed session. It returned to open session to vote. Peterson remains on administrative leave while a third-party investigation continues into allegations against Peterson. Shana Lewis, the district's legal counsel, said it is not the same investigator or investigation that was the subject of the Dec. 6 meeting. Peterson's current contract expires in June. Deck was stacked against his client, Peterson attorney says While the board deliberated, Peterson's attorney, Wesley Haslam, of Kravit, Hovel & Krawczyk, told reporters things were stacked against his client, but he felt he and Peterson were able to get out what information they needed to during the hearing. "It was a hearing that I thought went very well. There's far more to come out, but really, this is a nonrenewal hearing. This isn't a discrimination case, but we're letting everyone know discrimination is the underlying factor here," Haslam said. Peterson said the meeting was an opportunity to provide the public with information they didn't know. He also said the school did not provide him with appropriate feedback on the performance improvement plan Garvey put him on. He said the expectations laid out in the plan were not clear, and that he was not provided data or examples to help him meet expectations. "It's very difficult to meet targets when you don't get any feedback to what you're submitting," Peterson said. An ACLU request, a complaint and a lawsuit The school board's decision comes about two months after Peterson was placed on administrative leave while the district conducted an investigation into allegations that he engaged in misconduct while performing his job. A letter from Garvey to Peterson did not specify what the alleged misconduct was. Soon after he was placed on leave Sept. 28, Petersen filed a discrimination complaint against the district with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, claiming the district discriminated against him for being gay and asking for his job back. That complaint has not yet been ruled on. Haslam said it would likely take six months to resolve. On Nov. 10, before Garvey submitted his resignation, attorney William Sulton filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of residents asking a judge for a declaration terminating Garvey's employment. The lawsuit was filed after school board members refused to fire Garvey following a vote Aug. 23 at the district's annual meeting to "pursue legal proceedings with respect to Dr. Garvey's contract." On Nov. 17, the ACLU of Wisconsin filed a records request with the school district seeking information about Peterson's leave, and announced concern about whether Peterson had been discriminated against by Garvey or other district officials. The Raymond School District is a one-school district in Racine County with about 430 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. District says Peterson was recommended for nonrenewal due to job performance The hearing had a trial-like feel to it, at which each side made opening statements, provided evidence and testimony, cross examination, redirects and closing statements. Lori Lubinsky, an attorney with Axley Brynelson who represented the district, argued that Peterson did not comply with the performance improvement plan he received in April for not performing up to par with respect to staff accountability, instructional practices, building of professional capacity, reducing staff division and professional ethics. Lubinsky said that not only did Peterson not comply with the plan, but that he thought he did so, which was reason to end his employment. Lubinsky also noted that there had been additional disciplinary actions taken against Peterson in the past, for a variety of reasons. Garvey was the district's only witness and was on the stand for about 2 hours. During his testimony, he spoke about a report indicating there was a divide between veteran and newer staff members, which Garvey said concerned him. "In order to meet the mission, we need to all be on the same team. Having a couple different accountability standards really is not achieving that mission because we need to have everyone trusting in our leadership team. When we have a group of staff who don't see that or don't see that their colleagues are held to similar standards, it really erodes that trust in the administration," Garvey said. Garvey also testified that he did not believe Peterson complied with his performance improvement plan. "It demonstrates that we're traveling different paths. I evaluate staff members with their job responsibilities. If we're not converging on those ideas and we're either parallel or going different directions, it's just not a good fit," Garvey said. Garvey said he was aware of Peterson's discrimination complaint and said Peterson's sexual orientation did not play a role in his decision to recommend the board not renew Peterson's contract. Peterson's attorney says complaints about Peterson's performance was pretext for anti-gay discrimination; fellow teachers praise Peterson's leadership But Haslam argued that documentation related to the nonrenewal "is just pretext." "It's pretext for anti-gay discrimination that is palpable. But most importantly of all, we're going to talk about Mr. Peterson and how this community has supported him, how it continued to support him and how he's here right now putting himself in front of all of you and subjecting himself to this because of his love for this community and this school," Haslam said. Peterson said he wrote a letter to the board Aug. 21 saying he was being discriminated against. Less than a month later, the board notified him he would be put on administrative leave and considered for nonrenewal. Peterson said he saw that action as retaliation for his claim of discrimination. And, in rebuttal to Garvey's statements, Raymond School teachers Jessica Niermeyer, Diane Voge and Kelly Rasmussen testified that staff were not divided. They praised Peterson's leadership and character. Voge called Peterson "an exemplary leader." "He brought incredible things to the school. He started new traditions that brought our staff even more together than we are. He's a great communicator. He created team leaders in which our 'team' chose who was going to be the leader," Voge said. Since Peterson left, Voge and Rasmussen said, the environment at the school has changed. Both said they feared retaliation for speaking up at the meeting. Rasmussen said the school was no longer a fun place to work; instead, there's "a culture of paranoia and fear where we are all afraid for our jobs and livelihood." Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @AlecJohnson12. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Raymond School Board votes to end principal's contract Hunter Biden has been hit with a string of new criminal charges accusing him of skipping out on more than $1.4m in taxes while enjoying a lavish lifestyle of exotic cars, drugs, escorts and girlfriends. Justice Department prosecutors filed the new nine-count indictment against President Joe Bidens son in California on 7 December, charging him with two counts of filing a false return, one count of tax evasion, four counts of failing to pay taxes and two counts of failure to file taxes. The charges mark the culmination of a long-running investigation by David Weiss a Donald Trump-appointed judge and the special counsel selected to preside over the case. Prosecutors say Hunter made millions of dollars in income between the years 2016 and 2020 all the while engaging in a years-long tax evasion scheme. According to the indictment, Hunter engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019, from in or about January 2017 through in or about October 15, 2020, and to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns in or about February 2020. Instead of paying his tax bills, the presidents son allegedly spent millions of dollars funding his extravagant lifestyle including spending money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature. In short, everything but his taxes, the indictment states. This marks just the latest legal trouble for the presidents son after he was hit with three felony gun charges in September over a gun purchase in 2018 when he was in the throes of drug addiction. Those charges came after he reached a plea deal with the Justice Department back in June before the terms of the agreement fell apart before a judge. Under the terms of the deal, Hunter had agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanours for failing to pay his taxes on time in 2017 and 2018. In exchange, prosecutors would not charge with him a gun possession violation. The judge refused to accept the scope of the plea deal and the agreement which was slammed as a sweetheart deal by Biden critics fell apart. This then paved the way for first the three-count indictment on gun charges and, now secondly, the nine-count indictment on tax charges. Read the new, second indictment against Hunter Biden in full here: Trust Issues With levels of distrust towards the news reaching new heights, some publications have begun experimenting with publishing artificial intelligence-generated content which has been an unmitigated disaster in many instances. And as it turns out, readers are becoming increasingly wary of the trend, which could only serve to erode their trust even further. According to a new preprint study by researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Minnesota, readers want news media to disclose if the article was AI-generated. But they also tend to trust news organizations less if they use AI-generated articles unless they list other articles that have served as sources for the AI-generated content. "As news organizations increasingly look toward adopting AI technologies in their newsrooms," the researchers write, "our results hold implications for how disclosures about these techniques may contribute to or further undermine audience confidence in the institution of journalism at a time in which its standing with the public is especially tenuous." Full Disclosure For their study, the researchers surveyed 1,483 people English speakers located in the United States and presented them with a batch of political news articles that were AI-generated. Some were labeled as created by AI and some were not. Others were labeled as AI and contained a list of news articles that served as sources. The researchers then asked the readers to rate the trustworthiness of news organizations by looking at the articles. The researchers found that readers rated content from news organizations that published articles labeled as AI-generated lower on an 11-point trust scale compared to news organizations that had articles with no disclosure. Interestingly, articles that were labeled as being AI-generated weren't deemed by participants as being "less accurate or more biased," according to the paper. This tracks with the results of the appended survey participants also filled out: more than 80 percent of them want news organizations to label if content was AI-generated. The researchers also noted some important limitations of their study, including pre-existing partisan divides and the associated variation in the amount of trust in the media. People may have also been put off by the lack of real-world associations of the mock news organizations named in the study. It's a heavily nuanced topic that highlights the need for further research as well as more disclosure and a thorough vetting of generated content by news orgs. "I dont think all audiences will inevitably see all uses of these technologies in newsrooms as a net negative," coauthor and University of Minnesota researcher Benjamin Toff told Nieman Lab, "and I am especially interested in whether there are ways of describing these applications that may actually be greeted positively as a reason to be more trusting rather than less." More on AI content: Sports Illustrated Union Says Its "Horrified" by Publication of AI-Generated Writers A sweeping set of recommendations about what Chicago-area transit could look like in the future has been sent to the state legislature, setting the stage for lawmakers to debate potentially thorny issues about funding for public transit and whether the CTA, Metra and Pace should be consolidated into one agency. The report, drafted by regional planners after meetings with community organizations, lays out recommendations to address public transit funding, governance and the experience of riding buses and trains, as the regions three public transit agencies face a looming financial cliff and languishing ridership numbers. Among the options included are additional taxes, such as expanding the sales tax base, and two options to revamp oversight of the regions separate transit agencies. But some of the options are likely to be contentious among influential business groups, which have already raised concerns about expanding taxes, and suburban and city representatives vying for influence on transit agency boards. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle supports consolidating the transit agencies. At a ceremony to formally hand the report to lawmakers Thursday morning, she said she also supported recommendations to raise $1.5 billion in new public revenue for transit the more expensive of two funding options but reform, and changes to the decades-old way public transit funding is distributed to the three agencies, is needed first, she said. Even if our transit agencies work together well now, there have been many years, decades even, in which the service boards were at cross-purposes, she said. To solve the transit systems problems we have to show unity of purpose with our policies leading in one direction. Chicago Chief Operating Officer John Roberson said at the ceremony Mayor Brandon Johnson was committed to working with the rest of the region and lawmakers in Springfield to address public transits needs. He did not address the mayors view on consolidating the agencies but instead focused largely on funding, saying transit has been chronically underfunded for decades and lack of investment is an equity issue. We are already seeing the beginnings of what the cost of inaction can look like, he said. We need a more robust system that will attract more riders back to downtown. The report came from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, which was tasked by the legislature with drafting recommendations as the regions public transit agencies face a combined $730 million budget hole once federal COVID-19 relief funding starts running out in 2025. Transit agencies have warned that failure to plug the hole could lead to catastrophic service cuts and fare increases. Regional ridership also has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Public transit, which has long served downtown office commuters, is facing a fundamental shift as typical commuting patterns change and more white-collar employees work from home. Now, lawmakers will choose how to move forward with the recommendations. The CMAP report includes two sets of proposals with two price tags. One calls for $1 billion in new public funding annually, and the other $1.5 billion. Both also call for the transit agencies to generate another $200 million through fares or savings. The new money could include increased funding for existing free, reduced-fare and paratransit programs, raising regular fares and expanding programs to keep fares affordable for low-income riders and youth. A key idea includes expanding the sales tax so that it applies to some types of services and potentially also raising the rate that goes to Chicago-area transit, though that could be paired with lowering the rate in the rest of the state. Also under consideration are driver fees, such as a surcharge on vehicle registration costs. The recommendations also address service, including improvements to the bus system, adding transit ambassadors to boost safety and the perception of safety, and moving to one fare system across all types of public transit, instead of maintaining largely separate fares for the CTA, Metra and Pace. The service and funding changes are paired with recommendations to change the way transit is overseen in the region. Currently, the CTA, Metra and Pace are each operated by a separate agency, and the Regional Transportation Authority coordinates financing. The recommendations could include simply strengthening the RTA and keeping the separate agencies, or folding the three transit agencies into one entity, an idea that has been floated before but never gained traction. Whether the concept would gain enough traction this time around remains to be seen. In an August letter, Preckwinkle and leaders of DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will and McHenry counties expressed support for consolidating the regions transit agencies and giving more control to suburban elected officials. Thursday, Preckwinkle said she supports many of the other recommendations in the report, which line up with goals the county outlined in its own transit plan. A proposal to expand reduced fare programs to low-income riders similar to a new Cook County-backed pilot program for Metra riders would be a key step toward transit equity, she said. Integrating fares across the three transit agencies is also a top priority for the county. Sustainable funding sources for all transportation modes are critical to a strong, resilient transportation system, she said. And our transit system is part of the economic foundation of our region. Funding recommendations that call for added taxes, including expanding the sales tax base, have already been met with opposition. Jack Lavin, CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, said the city is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic and now is not the time to think about expanding taxes. Were trying to get people back downtown, he said. Were trying to get people shopping and (focus on) retail corridors across the city. The chamber was part of a group that advised CMAP while drafting the report, and Lavin said he supports many of the recommendations around governance of the systems and ensuring they operate efficiently. A strong transit system is key to Chicagos success, he said. But before going to taxpayers for more money, he said, transit oversight and operations need to be addressed. A better customer experience could make riders more willing to pay higher fares, he said. If were going to ask taxpayers to reach deeper into their pockets, we need to see these reforms, he said. We need to see a more efficient, reliable transit system that embraces technology and can help all of these areas be more efficient, accessible, safe and clean. State Sen. Ram Villivalam, a Chicago Democrat who sponsored the bill tasking CMAP with drafting the recommendations, said review of the way the regions transit agencies are governed is sorely needed to ensure greater accountability and transparency for residents. There will be differing views on funding, but any conversation about money comes with an understanding that public transit also needs to be safe, reliable, accessible and environmentally conscious, he said. I do strongly believe there is a commitment from the Illinois General Assembly, in a way there hasnt been in the past, to look at funding and not be adverse to funding programs that will positively benefit the constituents that we serve, he said. Obviously, the question is how. And the second question is, is the funding going to create the system that we believe our residents deserve. sfreishtat@chicagotribune.com Hong Kong (CNN) Italy, the only G7 country to join Chinas flagship Belt and Road Initiative, will leave the global infrastructure program when its contract expires next year - the latest sign of hardening European attitudes to Beijing and its global ambitions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday confirmed the widely expected move, a campaign pledge during her run for office last year amid complaints the deal signed with China by a previous government in 2019 had brought few benefits to Italys economy. Meloni stressed however that Rome could maintain good ties with Beijing outside the program, which has expanded Chinas global influence while raising concerns it has saddled some countries with unmanageable debt. I think that we should improve our cooperation with China on trade, the economy, Meloni told reporters, according to Reuters, in her first public comments on the issue after reports Italy had told China of its decision not to extend the pact after it expires in March 2024. The tool of the (BRI) has not produced the results that were expected, she added. Italys move comes as the European Union has embarked on a campaign to de-risk its supply chains from Chinas and secure sensitive technologies after the bloc deemed Beijing a systemic rival in 2019. Those frictions were on show Thursday during a summit between EU heads and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the two sides grappled with points of contention from trade to Russias war in Ukraine - with little concrete progress made. Chinas Foreign Ministry took a measured tone when asked about the Italian withdrawal during a regular press briefing Thursday, pointing to the enormous appeal and global influence of Belt and Road cooperation. China firmly opposes attempts to smear and sabotage Belt and Road cooperation or stoke bloc confrontation and division, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, without referring directly to Italy. Wicked decision China has inked agreements with what it says are more than 140 countries for partnership on the program, which has funneled hundreds of billions of dollars into roads, ports, airports and bridges, largely across the Global South over the past decade. Italys decision to join the scheme in 2019 was widely seen at the time as a diplomatic win for Beijing and drew criticism from Washington and Brussels. In an interview with newspaper Corriere della Sera this summer, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto branded the 2019 decision as wicked, citing growing trade imbalances between the two countries. China imported $26.9 billion in Italian goods last year, compared with $21.4 billion in 2019. By contrast, Chinese exports to Italy rose to $50.5 billion from $33.5 billion over the same period, according to Chinas customs data. Rome joined the scheme under former China-friendly Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, who condemned the withdrawal in an interview posted to his Facebook page, saying it was made for ideological reasons and risked scuppering potential expansion of Italian exports. Chinese Ambassador to Italy Jia Guide earlier this year in an interview with Italian news outlet Fanpage suggested a reckless decision to withdraw from the pact would have a negative impact on cooperation. Italian leaders have appeared keen to navigate the withdrawal carefully, with Meloni repeatedly suggesting it was possible to have good relations with China outside the Belt and Road plan. She has also previously denied speculation that the United States pressured her to quit the scheme. EU meeting in Beijing The news of Romes withdrawal came as the delegation of top European Union officials arrived in Beijing for the first in-person EU-China summit in four years. The meeting was seen by Chinese leaders as a key opportunity to smooth contentious relations with Europe, which Beijing continues to see as a key potential counterweight in its competition with the United States. We should not view each other as rivals just because our systems are different, reduce cooperation because competition exists, or engage in confrontation because there are disagreements, Xi told the visiting leaders, according to Chinas official readout. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel pressed Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang on the gaping trade deficit between their economies and unfair competition, while Li urged the EU to be prudent in its use of restrictive economic policies. Though the summit appeared to do little to resolve key issues, Von der Leyen said it saw both sides agree that it is in our joint interest to have balanced trade relations. The EU side would be looking for concrete progress following these discussions, the bloc said in a statement after the meeting. The fourth Republican debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this week pulled in the lowest ratings yet of all GOP primary debates during the 2024 presidential race. Over 4 million people tuned in to NewsNation and The CW to watch Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie go head-to-head on stage on Wednesday night. This is down from 7 million viewers of the third debate, which was down from 9 million and 12.8 million from the second and first. Wednesdays debate frequently veered out of control as most of the attacks focused on former UN Ambassador Ms Haley who has been rising in the polls. Entrepreneur Mr Ramaswamy was met with boos from the audience when he called her corrupt and a fascist before going on a screed about her foreign policy experience, saying experience isnt wisdom. Former New Jersey Governor Mr Christie finally had enough of Mr Ramaswamy calling him the most obnoxious blowhard in America. On Thursday, CNN announced that they will host two debates in January one on the 10th in Iowa, and another on the 21st in New Hampshire. Key Points GOP debate ratings plummet to 4 million viewers Best moments from the 2023 GOP presidential debates Key takeaways from Republican debate: Ramaswamy branded a blowhard and Haley under attack in GOP showdown Ramaswamy slammed for being one step away from Nazi propaganda' 14:30 , Gustaf Kilander Vivek Ramaswamy faced severe criticism from Van Jones on CNN after the debate for his pushing of the racist great replacement theory. I was shaking listening to him talk because a lot of people dont know that is one step away from Nazi propaganda coming out of his mouth, Mr Jones said of the entrepreneur. I was shaking listening to him talk because a lot of people dont know that is one step away from Nazi propaganda coming out of his mouth. -Van Jones on Vivek Ramaswamy talking on the debate stage about the racist Great Replacement theory. pic.twitter.com/11gaY0HQpg Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 7, 2023 Debate attacks on Trump decrease from first debate even has his polling lead widens 14:00 , Gustaf Kilander For each debate, the candidates have been more willing to attack each other rather than Donald Trump, the frontrunner whos far ahead in the polling and whose lead has only increased since the debates began in August. A Politico analysis revealed that on Wednesday night, the four candidates went after each other just four times while Mr Trump came under fire on just nine occasions, with only Chris Christie spending serious time attacking Mr Trump. During the first debate several months ago, Mr Trump had 52 per cent in the national polls and he faced 10 attacks in the initial showdown. His support has now risen to 60 per cent, but the attacks against him have decreased. Part of the reason is that the ex-governor from the Garden State is the only real Trump critic left in the race, with the other having either dropped out or been unable to qualify for the debate former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson attacked Mr Trump twice in the first on-stage clash but has since been unable to qualify while Mr Trumps former Vice President Mike Pence attacked him in both of the first two debates but ended his campaign before the third. Best moments from the 2023 GOP presidential debates 13:31 , Natalie Chinn The Independent has rounded up the funniest, messiest, and most outrageous GOP debate stage moments from 2023. There were four Republican presidential primary debates this year, with the first taking place in August. At the first debate, there were eight candidates present. At the fourth one, only four candidates were invited to join. Donald Trump did not participate in any primary debates. The main players were consistently Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Ron DeSantis. From yelling over each other about policy to poking fun at footwear, the Republican candidates showed their true colors on stage this year. Key takeaways from Republican debate: Ramaswamy branded a blowhard and Haley under attack in GOP showdown 13:30 , John Bowden The fourth Republican debate is over, and what did we learn? Not much, beyond how little these people seem to like each other. Wednesday nights showdown in Alabama touched on issues which previous debates skipped over most glaringly, the GOPs culture war against transgender Americans. But the main feature of the last meetup of the four underdog Republican candidates seems to have been the animosity which spilled out into view at multiple points. Obviously, the frontrunner, Donald Trump, was once again absent. So none of this really mattered in the grand scheme of the 2024 Republican primary; he is the wide favourite to win the nomination, and remains so after tonight. But what tonights debate really did was illustrate the greater state of the modern Republican Party, and what kind of candidate everyone who is not Donald Trump, the Republican insiders, believe their party wants to see if not now, then in 2028. With that in mind, lets take a look at the last Republican debate of the year, and probably the election cycle, as we prepare for the Iowa caucuses next month. Ramaswamy pushes litany of far-right baseless conspiracy theories 13:00 , John Bowden and Gustaf Kilander If you thought Vivek Ramaswamy being described as scum on live TV would show the peak (or the depths) of his rivals disgust, Wednesday night was either a welcome surprise or even a shock. The 38-year-old was his typical pugnacious self at Wednesdays debate, and this time the candidates were ready for him. Nikki Haley, who last time let her southern charm slip for just a moment, would only smile as he came after her again tonight. Chris Christie, meanwhile, had a prepared takedown of the Republican newcomer ready and waiting one for which Ms Ramaswamy had no real defence. Even after the debate, Mr Ramaswamy saw no relief. His performance was torn apart by NewsNations panel, where former White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney dubbed him an unserious candidate several times. If Mr Ramaswamy gained anything tonight, it was a national stage to declare his allegiance to the GOPs furthest right wing with his endorsement of Donald Trumps 2020 election lies, his denunciation of the scientific consensus on climate change, and his embrace of the so-called Great Replacement conspiracy. Mr Ramaswamy said, all three of my other colleagues on this debate stage have been licking Donald Trumps boots for years for money and endorsements. Ron DeSantis youve been a great governor, but you would have never been one without actually begging Donald Trump for that endorsement to you, he added. I think the real enemy is not Donald Trump. Its not even Joe Biden. It is the deep state that at least Donald Trump attempted to take on and if you want somebody whos going to speak truth to power, then vote for somebody whos going to speak the truth to you, he said. Why am I the only person on the stage at least who can say that January 6 now does look like it was an inside job, that the government lied to us for 20 years about Saudi Arabias involvement in 9/11? he asked. That the great replacement theory is not some grand white-wing conspiracy theory but a basic statement of the Democratic Partys platform that the 2020 election was indeed stolen by big tech, that the 2016 election, the one that Trump won, for sure, was also one that was stolen from him by the national security establishment. We need a president that can serve two terms 12:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr DeSantis argued on stage on Wednesday that Mr Trump is too old to be president. The idea that were going to put someone up there thats almost 80 and theres going to be no effects from that We all know that thats not true, he said. We have an opportunity to get the next generation of leaders and really be able to move this country, but we also need a president that can serve two terms, he added. GOP debate ratings plummet to 4 million viewers 11:47 , Rachel Sharp The fourth Republican debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this week pulled in the lowest ratings yet of all GOP primary debates during this 2024 presidential race. Over 4 million people tuned in to NewsNation and The CW to watch Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Chris Christie go head-to-head on stage on Wednesday night. This is down from 7 million viewers of the third debate, which was down from 9 million and 12.8 million from the second and first. Despite the lower numbers, the debate coverage actually marked a record for NewsNation, marking the cable news channels largest audience ever. NewsNation was incredibly honored to host last nights debate, and we are very pleased that so many viewers tuned-in and watched, Sean Compton, president of networks for Nexstar Media, said in a statement. This debate represents a remarkable achievement for a cable news network that is just barely three years old. Were very proud of the NewsNation team, the great job done by the moderators, and the overall production. In the end, the real winners last night were the nations voters. This is an angry, bitter man' 11:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Christie went after Mr Trump on Wednesday night, saying, Theres no mystery to what he wants to do. He started off his campaign by saying I am your retribution. Eight years ago, he said I am your voice. This is an angry, bitter man who now wants to be back as president because he wants to exact retribution on anyone who has disagreed with him, he added. Anyone who has tried to hold him to account for his own conduct, and every one of these policies that hes talking about, are about pursuing a plan of retribution. And yet, at the first debate, my three colleagues on this stage when asked if he would be convicted of federal felonies, would they still support him they raised their hands, looked into the camera and let everybody know that they would still support him, even if hes convicted, he added. Let me make it clear. His conduct is unacceptable. Hes unfit and be careful what youre gonna get ... hes letting you know. I am your retribution. ... He will only be his own retribution, he said. Europe is committing suicide with mass migration, DeSantis says 10:00 , Gustaf Kilander Arguing against multi-culturalism as he went on an anti-immigration screed, Mr DeSantis said, look whats happened in Europe. You have more antisemitism in Germany than at any time since Adolf Hitler. Why? Because they imported mass numbers of people who reject their culture. Europe is committing suicide with the mass migration, he said. We should not be importing people from cultures that are hostile, he added. Moderators ask candidates about Trumps Muslim ban 09:00 , Gustaf Kilander The moderators asked about Mr Trumps intention to reinstate his Muslim ban, restricting international travel from Muslim-majority countries. I dont think that you have a straight-up Muslim ban as much as you look at the countries that had terrorist activity that want to hurt Americans, Ms Haley said. What worries me the most are those that came from Iran, from Yemen, from Lebanon, those areas where they say Death to America. Thats where you want to be careful. Its not about a religion. Its about the fact that certain countries are dangerous and are threats to us. We will shut down government agencies that should not exist 08:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Ramaswamy outlined the massive cuts he intends to make if elected. In my administration, by the end of year one, we will have a 75 per cent reduction in the number of federal bureaucrats, we will shut down government agencies that should not exist, he said. We will rescind any regulation that fails the test of West Virginia vs EPA, which is the most important Supreme Court case of our lifetime. That said if Congress didnt delegate that to an administrative agency, then its unconstitutional. These are seismic changes. These are big changes that the next president can deliver without asking Congress for permission or for forgiveness, he added. And I want people to understand that distinction because people have been sold myths by politicians for a long time saying, Im going to work with Congress to do this or that much of what you heard on the stage from the other politicians fit that description. They need Congress, the things that Im promising you is what the leader of the executive branch gets to do under Article Two of the Constitution. DeSantis pushed on policy amounting to extra-judicial killings 07:00 , Gustaf Kilander The moderators asked Mr DeSantis: You have pledged to send the military to the southern border on day one of your administration with orders to shoot quote stone cold dead anyone illegally entering with a backpack that you believe contains fentanyl. Critics have called this a shoot-first ask-questions-later policy that would amount to extra-judicial killing. You are a former military lawyer. Why do you think this idea of yours would be legal? The drug cartels are invading our country and they are killing our citizens by the tens of thousands, he said. Every year, we had a situation in Florida, there was an 18-month-old baby that was crawling on the floor of an Airbnb rental. There was fentanyl residue on the carpet and the baby died. Is this acceptable in this country? I know that elites in DC dont care. They dont care that fentanyl is ravaging your community. They dont care that illegal aliens are ravaging our community and overwhelming our community, he added. The commander in chief not only has a right, you have a responsibility to fight back against these people. Christie calls Trump Voldemort' 06:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Christie criticised his opponents for not discussing Donald Trump, saying, The truth needs to be spoken. He is unfit. The fact is when you go and you say the truth about somebody who is a dictator, a bully who has taken shots at everybody, whether theyve given him great service or not over time, who dares to disagree with him, then I understand why these three are timid to say anything about it, Mr Christie said, referring to Mr Trump as Voldemort and he-who-shall-not-be-named. The most obnoxious blowhard in America 05:00 , Gustaf Kilander Mr Christie slammed Mr Ramaswamy after he went after Ms Haley on foreign policy on Wednesday. This will be the fourth debate that you would be voted in the first 20 minutes as the most obnoxious blowhard in America, the ex-New Jersey governor told the entrepreneur. Were now 25 minutes into this debate and he has assaulted Nikki Haleys basic intelligence, not her positions, her basic intelligence ... she wouldnt be able to find something on a map that his three-year-old could find. Nikki and I disagree on some issues, but Ill tell you this. Ive known her for 12 years, which is longer than hes even started to vote in the Republican primary, he added. Mr Ramaswamy shot back that Mr Christies foreign policy experience was closing a bridge from New Jersey to New York. (Bloomberg) -- The Republican National Committee has freed its presidential candidates from their pledge to only participate in debates sanctioned by the party, allowing rivals to Donald Trump to confront each other again before key nominating contests in Iowa and New Hampshire next month. Most Read from Bloomberg Television networks CNN and ABC have already announced plans for January debates in Iowa and New Hampshire, and the RNCs decision Friday means there could be still more. It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next president, and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit, the party said in a statement. The change is unlikely to lure Trump, who has a wide polling lead, into any televised debates. The former president has said he will boycott all the forums, hoping to avoid confronting his Republican rivals directly as he focuses on a general election campaign against President Joe Biden. The four debates so far this year have had conservative news organizations as co-sponsors, following complaints in past cycles that more mainstream or left-leaning organizations were unfair to Republican candidates. The RNC required contenders pledge to forgo events not approved by the party as a condition for appearing at those four debates. Four candidates attended Wednesdays sanctioned debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Ohio entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. It was the smallest debate stage for Republicans at this point in the campaign than at any time since 1999. DeSantis, Christie and Ramaswamy all asked the RNC to loosen the restriction on outside debates, according to a person familiar with the process. The debate sponsors not the party will decide who qualifies for future forums. CNN has set a threshold of 10% support in three national or Iowa polls for its Jan. 10 debate in Des Moines, ahead of the Jan. 15 caucuses. The criteria are similar for New Hampshire, but the top three Iowa finishers will automatically be invited to its New Hampshire debate on Jan. 21. ABC News and WMUR TV in Manchester, New Hampshire, said they would hold also hold a debate in the Granite State on Jan. 18, ahead of the Jan. 23 primary. Only Trump, DeSantis and Haley are polling above 10% in Iowa, while Trump, Haley and Christie cross that threshold in New Hampshire. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. FORT MILL, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Before you are legally allowed to drink, gamble or rent a car teenagers are able to make a financial decision that can impact them for the rest of their lives. I have 50-year-old clients who are still paying off their student loans, said Markia Brown, a financial education instructor and accredited financial counselor. Fort Mill School District preparing for continued growth with possible new bond Brown teaches clients across the country how to better manage their money, something she says U.S. school systems should have been doing for decades. We learn about the Pythagorean theorem, and I never used it after I graduated, but you literally think about money every single day, even before your graduate, Brown said. With no federal laws requiring financial literacy to be taught in the classroom, some states are taking it upon themselves to pass legislation. Last year, South Carolina joined a growing list of states, including North Carolina, to tweak their high school graduation criteria. The S.C. Department of Education approved requirements that entail students to complete a course on financial literacy in order to graduate. This is an important thing for students to learn, regardless of whether you are going into college or you are going into career out of high school, said Joe Burke, chief spokesperson for the Fort Mill School District. While the Fort Mill School District says it has already been offering students optional classes on finance, this week, its school board passed a new mandatory half-credit class. No matter what your path it, this is something that is going to be important to you for the rest of your life, and we believe this is a topic that is something we should be preparing kids for in their future, Burke said. First 8 major school projects announced by CMS after voters pass $2.5 billion bond The district says the course is still being worked out, but will include topics like how to handle a checking account, work with banks and personal financing. I am really hoping that this will eventually become a 50-state thing, Brown said. Like, this is just the standard here. We are doing everything that we can to ensure that our children are receiving the best education possible. The new course at Fort Mill high schools will go into effect with the districts current freshmen class. Burke says they will likely take the course during the next school year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Prof Harriet Bradley said her remark was a 'terrible mistake in awful taste' - X A retired sociology professor has been stripped of her honorary titles by two universities after suggesting on social media that someone should blow up the venue of a Jewish Labour conference. Prof Harriet Bradley made the remark on X, formerly known as Twitter, under a post that said Wes Streeting and Bridget Phillipson, shadow cabinet members, were due to speak at the event. Avon and Somerset Constabulary confirmed that the post was recorded as an incident of malicious communications and was being investigated. Prof Bradley, 78, apologised to anyone who had been hurt, offended or frightened and said: It was a remark made as a joke, but I can see now it was a terrible mistake in awful taste. She said she was of Jewish heritage and had great respect for the Jewish people and their terrible historical sufferings. The social media post is now being investigated as an incident of malicious communications - X She is understood to have been awarded the honorary status of emeritus professor by both the University of Bristol and the University of West England after she retired as a sociology professor. On Friday morning, a Bristol University spokesman said: We can confirm that we have withdrawn the emeritus and honorary status of retired employee Prof Harriet Bradley with immediate effect. On Thursday, the University of West England (UWE) said it would investigate further after being made aware of Prof Bradleys recent social media posts. A University of West England spokesman said: Harriet Bradley is no longer employed by UWE Bristol and following her recent offensive remarks on social media, we can confirm that her honorary title of emeritus professor has been removed with immediate effect. Mike Katz, the national chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, which organised the conference, said on Friday: We welcome the decision of both the University of West England and University of Bristol to take swift and meaningful action here. You dont need to be an academic to understand that British Jews mustnt be held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government, nor that calling for our conference to be bombed, at a time of rising anti-Semitism, is no laughing matter. The Telegraph has approached Prof Bradley for further comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. A strike by an Israeli tank crew killed a Reuters journalist and injured six other reporters in Lebanon in October as they were covering the war between Israel and Hamas, according to an investigation by the news service. Reuters published its findings into the killing of Issam Abdallah, 37, on Oct. 13 as he was filming about half a mile from the Israeli border in Lebanon. The wire service spoke with dozens of government and security officials and analyzed footage from the scene after two tank shells were fired 37 seconds apart. Shrapnel from an explosive device was identified as the piece of a tail fin from a tank round by an independent research institute in The Hague. The evidence we now have, and have published today, is that an Israeli tank crew killed our colleague Issam Abdallah, Alessandra Galloni, the editor-in-chief of Reuters, said in a statement. We condemn Issams killing and we call on Israel to explain how this could have happened and to hold to account those responsible for his death and the wounding of our colleagues. Issam was a brilliant and passionate journalist who was much loved in this newsroom. Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni gives statement on Reuters investigation of the killing of video journalist Issam Abdallah pic.twitter.com/MOnubAPzkr Reuters Press Team (@ReutersPR) December 7, 2023 This photo provided by Reuters shows journalist Issam Abdallah in Saaideh, Lebanon, on July 4, 2023. This photo provided by Reuters shows journalist Issam Abdallah in Saaideh, Lebanon, on July 4, 2023. Abdallah and the other six reporters, from Agence France-Presse, Al Jazeera and Reuters, were wearing blue flak jackets and helmets, most of which had the word Press in white lettering written on them. When presented with the evidence by Reuters, the Israel Defense Forces issued a terse comment: We dont target journalists, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, the IDFs international spokesperson, told the wire service. At least 63 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began 56 Palestinian, four Israeli and three Lebanese, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Dozens more have been injured or arrested. Reuters findings were bolstered by another investigation by Human Rights Watch on Thursday, which said the journalists were not working near areas with active fighting. HRWs report found the tanks attacks had directly targeted them, saying the incident appeared to be a war crime. According to @HRWs report, the 2 Israeli strikes in south #Lebanon that killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdullah & injured 6 others were an apparently deliberate attack on civilians, and thus a war crime. Those responsible should be held to account pic.twitter.com/enNtXvXl6J Ramzi Kaiss / (@kaiss_ramzi) December 7, 2023 Mourners carry the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah, who was killed by Israeli shelling in his hometown of Khiam, in southern Lebanon, on Oct. 14. Mourners carry the body of Reuters videographer Issam Abdallah, who was killed by Israeli shelling in his hometown of Khiam, in southern Lebanon, on Oct. 14. This is not the first time that Israeli forces have apparently deliberately attacked journalists, with deadly and devastating results, Ramzi Kaiss, the groups Lebanon researcher, said in a statement. Those responsible need to be held to account, and it needs to be made clear that journalists and other civilians are not lawful targets. Amnesty International also published its own report on Thursday, saying it, too, believed the attack should be investigated as a war crime. The groups deputy regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, Aya Majzoub, said it had uncovered chilling evidence pointing to an attack on a group of international journalists who were carrying out their work by reporting on hostilities. Galloni said Thursday that journalists needed to be safeguarded during the conflict. At Reuters we report the news of the world with accuracy, integrity, independence and freedom from bias, she said. It is critically important that our journalists are able to do so, safely. Related... The gunman who killed three people in a shooting spree at the University of Nevadas Las Vegas campus on Wednesday had an obsession with Sin City and peculiar ways of working, according to his former students. Anthony Polito, 67, was named by police as the suspect in the shooting, which ended when he was shot dead by police officers. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill said Polito was armed with a handgun and a stash of ammunition when he allegedly shot four faculty members at around 11.45am on Wednesday in Beam Hall, where the colleges Lee Business School is located. Three victims, including assistant professor Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, and Dr Cha Jan Chang, 64, were killed in the attack. The third victim was identified as Dr Naoko Takemaru. A fourth person, who has been identified only as a 38-year-old male who was a visiting professor, is in hospital in a stable condition, police said. Law enforcement sources said Polito had unsuccessfully applied for a college professorship at UNLV sometime prior to embarking on the deadly rampage. Police said he was struggling financially at the time of the attack, and that an eviction notice had been taped to his door. Anthony Polito has been identified as the gunman (Anthony Polito website) Polito is believed to have sent 22 letters to various university personnel across the country at least one of which contained an unknown white powder before the shooting. However, police later confirmed that the white power was harmless. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department chief Kevin McMahill added that the suspect had a list of people he was seeking on a university campus as well as faculty from Eastern Carolina University. While Politos motive for the shooting remains unclear, as well as details about his life leading up to the deadly shooting, his former students have described him as an eccentric but popular professor who had peculiar ways of working. In particular, the 67-year-old, who previously worked as a professor at colleges in Georgia and North Carolina, was remembered for his odd fixation with Las Vegas. On his personal website, he noted his love for the city, writing: I had the pleasure of making more than two dozen trips over the last fifteen years. I dont gamble that much, but there is plenty to do there, thats for sure !! Over those years, my steel trap mind collected more information and trivia about Vegas than probably anyone in this state east of I-95. His former student, Paul Whittington, who was taught by Polito in 2014, said his class was among my least favorites. He was a poor instructor and had an odd fixation with Las Vegas. Spent more than half the class talking about all his trips to Las Vegas, he added. Flowers rest against a UNLV campus sign after a December 6 shooting left three dead (Getty Images) He was my professor. He definitely enjoyed talking about his Vegas trips and how he exclusively stayed at the Wynn hotel, another former student wrote on social media. A former student also recalled Politos fixation on student feedback. The 67-year-old compiled years worth of anonymous comments from student surveys praising his instruction, publishing an 109-page report on his website. Mr Whittington said Polito was fixated on the surveys and would dwell on the comments students submitted after they finished his course, even talking about them in class. He would actively try to guess or seek out who it was that was leaving the negative feedback. And he would make comments about that in class, he said. It was always uncomfortable to think about, especially knowing that I didnt leave him a great review. I always wondered in the back of my head, Was I talked about after his class? Did he point to my seat and say, I know that guy who didnt like me and he wrote a bad review I remember his face? Mr Whittington added that he now wonders whether Polito had a violent nature in him when he was his professor. Its devastating, he said. If hes capable of that today, was he capable of that 10 years ago when I was in his class? Thats something thats been very unnerving to me and my family today. Others who knew Politio, including Kimberly Chatelain-Flint, the property manager of the apartment complex he lived at while he was teaching at East Carolina University, described him as a loner who sometimes would get a little too personal. Always in a professor-like way, coat, heavy cologne, and he would come and sit at my desk and talk to me, she told NBC News. It felt like he needed someone to talk to. On his personal website, Polito also included claims that he had cracked the secret of the identity of the infamous Zodiac Killer, who terrorised Northern California in the late 1960s and taunted police with codes. A shattered door is viewed at the student union building the morning after a shooting left three dead at the University of Nevada (Getty Images) In asserting his apparent solving of the case, Polito insisted he was not a total crackpot or a dumb guy but had used his MENSA skills to reach his conclusion. He also wrote pieces about the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life and what he believed to be the real meaning behind the Leonardo DiCaprio movie Inception. In another section on the website, titled: Powerful Organizations Bent on Global Domination! he listed companies including the Rothschild family, Bilderberg Group, the International Monetary Fund and Economics Department of MIT. In that section, Polito posted a link to a website created by far-right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. PROVIDENCE A Smithfield man is facing federal charges that he illegally possessed ghost guns, an AR-15 assault rifle and silencers as a felon previously convicted of firearms and drug crimes. Federal authorities on Wednesday arrested Brendan Farley, 39, of Rogler Farm Road, Smithfield, and charged him with possession of firearms by a felon; possession of ammunition by a felon; and possession of unregistered firearm silencers after a search of his car and the home he shares with his parents. Farley appeared Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lincoln D. Almond. He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond with conditions that he refrain from using drugs and alcohol and that he seek substance-use treatment. He was ordered not to possess firearms. His lawyer, Kevin Fitzgerald, declined to comment on the case. More: Man who led police on chase through East Providence held without bail on weapons charges According to an affidavit by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Special Agent Brendan Jaffe, he was alerted by U.S. Postal Service security to a suspicious package addressed to Farleys home. Security opened the package and discovered AK-47 automatic assault rifle components that had been sent to Rhode Island by Apex Gun Parts, based in Colorado. Prior firearms, drug charges The discovery prompted a review of Farleys criminal record. Jaffe learned that Farley admitted in 2018 to felony charges of driving without consent of the owner while transporting a loaded Marlin Model 70 .22-caliber rifle with a round in the firing chamber and was sentenced to three years probation. On Feb. 10, 2017, Farley was arrested by the Johnston Police Department after a bartender at Escada Restaurant & Bar on Putnam Pike reported that Farley had told him he was a state cop and was deep undercover and needed information on the table behind him, the affidavit said. Farley lifted his sweater revealing a pistol in a tan holster and stated, This is my badge. Officers found Farley wearing a tan pistol holster, but without the pistol. When officers questioned him, he stated that he usually carried a pistol holster on his belt without a weapon. More: A bomb threat or a 'dark sense of humor'? RI man faces charges after delayed flight Farley pleaded no contest to misdemeanor counts of impersonating a public officer and obstruction and received a one-year suspended sentence with probation. Farley was taken to the Adult Correctional Institutions, where he was found to be in possession of three baggies of cocaine wrapped in U.S. currency, according to the affidavit. He later admitted to one felony count of possession of cocaine, first offense, and was sentenced to two years probation. He also admitted violating his probation, for which he received two years in prison, with nine months to serve and 15 months suspended. What authorities say they found Jaffe learned through the Postal Service that since last Dec. 16, packages from various firearm or firearm parts sellers had been delivered to Farley's address, the affidavit said. Almond signed off on a warrant for authorities to search the home Farley shares with his parents and his Audi. The search was executed Wednesday. Inside the home, authorities alleged that they found three 9 mm Glock ghost guns; one Sig Sauer-type ghost gun; one .22 Glock-style ghost gun; a ghost AR-15 platform; an AR-15 rifle, believed to be automatic; a suspected fully automatic machine gun; and two ghost short-barrel rifles, as well as 32 magazines and 11 silencers, according to the affidavit. Two firearm magazines were seized from his car, authorities said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI man faces federal firearms charges after weapons seizure Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, said that the things were doing are beginning to work - BBC Rishi Sunaks plan to stop the boats is beginning to work, a Cabinet minister has claimed in the wake of the Government unveiling its new Rwanda Bill. Johnny Mercer, the veterans minister, admitted measures already taken to combat illegal Channel crossings had not been everything we wanted. However, he pointed to a year-on-year reduction of almost one third in the number of small boat arrivals and insisted Mr Sunaks new legislation would serve its intended purpose. Speaking on the BBCs Question Time on Thursday night, he said: Weve resettled 25,000 people from Afghanistan now and people are working incredibly hard every day to show the compassion that we need in this country towards these people. That is not the same as open borders This is an entirely separate issue. Mr Mercer also pointed to a 90 per cent decrease in the amount of illegal migrants arriving from Albania after the Government signed a returns agreement with the country last year. He added: You say its not working, right, but in other countries weve seen a massive increase in the summer, in Italy and places like that, up to 80 per cent. In this country, small boats have gone down 30 per cent. Is it everything? No. Is it everything we wanted? No. But its a start, and the things were doing are beginning to work. Measures taken by previous governments include a deal negotiated by Theresa May with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, to pay the French government an extra 44.5 million for border security in the 2018 Sandhurst Treaty. The UK is planning to send France another 471.6 million to stop the boats between now and 2026. On Friday morning, Tom Pursglove, the minister for legal migration, claimed the Rwanda programme would deliver value for money after the Telegraph revealed Britain has given Rwanda an extra 100 million this year before the deportation of any asylum seekers. When you consider that we are unacceptably spending 8 million a day in the asylum system at the moment, it is a key part of our strategy to bring those costs down, Mr Pursglove told Sky News. So I think this is the right investment to make that will help us to achieve those objectives of saving lives at sea, stopping people drowning in the Channel, as well as getting those costs under control in a way that I think taxpayers across the country would all want to see. He also said Rishi Sunak would make a success of the partnership and predicted this would help him lead the Conservatives to victory at the next election, amid speculation about his political future. I think colleagues back the Prime Minister in taking action on this issue, Mr Pursglove said. I think colleagues will support the passage of this legislation. We have a unity of purpose about stopping the boats. I think that he will lead us into this election, I think we will win this general election and I think he is showing the leadership that the country wants to see on this really important issue. 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. Editor's note: The following story includes graphic material. Audience discretion is advised. (CNN) Simchat Greyman had to pause several times when describing the evidence of sexual violence he saw when recovering bodies of victims of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel. One body was so severely brutalized that he and his colleagues from ZAKA, the ultra-orthodox Jewish human remains recovery organization, couldnt tell whether it was a man or a woman. Greyman described finding a woman who was shot in the back of her head, lying on her bed, naked from her waist down. A live grenade was planted in her hand. And then there was the body with the nails. I was called into a house, I was told there are few bodies over there. I saw in front of my eyes a woman, laying (down). She was naked and she had nails , Greyman managed to say before pausing for a long time, struggling to get the words out. She had nails and different objects in her female organs. Her body was brutalized in a way that we could not identify her, he added, the trauma clearly visible on his face. Greyman was testifying at a United Nations session on sexual and gender-based violence in the October 7 Hamas terror attack, hosted by Israel at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday. He was one of several eyewitnesses invited to address the meeting, providing evidence that sexual violence and rape occurred and were weaponized by Hamas during the attacks. CNN cannot independently verify individual allegations and claims. However, several first responders who attended the scenes of the October 7 attack told CNN the attacks were overwhelmingly gruesome and that some female victims were found undressed. Mounting evidence The evidence of sexual violence presented during the session at the UN was ample and overwhelming and came from different sources. While Greyman spoke about his experience from the search and rescue operations, Yael Richert, a superintendent with the Israel Police, shared information gathered during the investigation so far. She said survivors of the terror attack told investigators they witnessed Hamas terrorists perpetrating sexual violence against the victims. She quoted testimonies of several individuals all of whom either directly witnessed sexual violence or saw clear evidence of it. There were girls with broken pelvis due to repetitive rapes, their legs were split wide apart in a split, Richert quoted one survivor of the Nova music festival massacre as saying. We heard girls that were pulled out from the shelters. Girls that shouted. They raped girls. Burnt them just after that. All the bodies outside were burnt, Richert said, reading from another testimony. Shari Mendes, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservist who looked after the bodies of female soldiers killed during the attack, also described the evidence she saw, saying many of the bodies arrived in bloody shredded rags or just an underwear and their underwear was often very bloody. Photographs and videos from the scenes back Mendes accounts. A video geolocated by CNN to a neighborhood in Gaza, showed a young, barefoot woman pulled from the trunk of a Jeep by a gunman and then forced into the backseat of the car. Her trousers were soaked with what appeared to be blood. Our team commander saw several female soldiers who were shot in their crotch, intimate parts, vagina, or shot in the breast. There seem to be a systematic genital mutilation of a group of victims, she added. The Knesset, Israels parliament, held a separate session on sexual violence last week. One Knesset member, Yulia Malinovsky, accused Hamas of raping women in order to humiliate Israel as a nation. Hamas has repeatedly denied allegations that its fighters committed sexual violence during the attack despite the evidence. Israeli and US officials believe that Hamas continues to hold hostage a number of civilian women in their twenties and thirties, despite agreeing it would release all women and children as part of the truce agreement last week. US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that Hamas refusal to release them was what broke this deal and ended the pause in the fighting. Difficult investigations The Israel Police said previously that they had been interrogating suspects, compiling evidence from the scenes of the terror attack and interviewing witnesses as part of their investigation into sexual crimes and other atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7. While the evidence of sexual violence found on victims bodies appeared overwhelming, the police said last month that its investigators did not have firsthand testimony from survivors and that it was not even clear whether any victims survived. Since then, dozens of hostages have been released from Gaza as part of a truce between Israel and Hamas and some have also mentioned sexual abuse during their testimonies. Speaking after a private meeting with some of the released hostages and relatives of those still being held in Gaza on Tuesday, Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had heard stories of sexual abuse. I heard, and you also heard, about sexual abuse and incidents of brutal rape like nothing else, he told a news conference. Israelis public broadcaster, Channel 11, has obtained and released an audio from the meeting on Tuesday, in which former hostages described their time in captivity. Theyre touching the girls and everyone knows it, one of them said. As well as Israel, several international organizations have vowed to investigate the sexual crimes committed by Hamas. Last week, the chair of a UN commission of inquiry investigating potential war crimes on both sides of the Israel-Hamas war said it will probe accounts of sexual violence allegedly carried out on October 7. International response Israel has accused international organizations and the media of ignoring the issue. Netanyahu called out the UN for what he said was a delay in acknowledging the allegations of sexual violence committed by Hamas. I heard stories which broke my heart on the torture, both mental and physical, Netanyahu said at a news conference following his Tuesday meeting with former hostages in Tel Aviv. The Israeli prime minister added that until a few days ago he had not heard the UN or human rights organizations decry the claims of sexual violence. The UN agency UN Women found itself the primary target of the criticism, with activists calling it out for remaining silent on the issue of Hamas sex crimes and choosing instead to focus on the plight of women in Gaza. UN Women put out a statement on Monday condemning the attacks and saying it was alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities and sexual violence during those attacks. I say to the womens rights organizations. I say to the human rights organizations, you have heard of the rape of Israeli women. Horrible atrocities, sexual mutilation. Where the hell are you? Netanyahu said. Biden also addressed the issue at a fundraiser in Boston on Tuesday, calling on all of us government, international organizations, civil society and businesses to forcefully condemn the sexual violence of Hamas terrorists without equivocation. Without equivocation, without exception. He said that testimonies and reports that have been shared over the past few weeks showed unimaginable cruelty. Reports of women raped repeatedly raped and their bodies being mutilated while still alive of womens corpses being desecrated, Hamas terrorists inflicting as much pain and suffering on women and girls as possible and then murdering them. It is appalling, Biden said. After hosting four events in which their front-runner, former President Donald Trump, refused to participate, the Republican National Committee on Friday threw in the towel and announced it wouldnt host any more 2024 primary debates. The decision doesnt preclude other organizations, like news networks, from hosting their own independent debates but they wont have the Republican Partys blessing. We have held four successful debates across the country with the most conservative partners in the history of a Republican primary. We have no RNC debates scheduled in January and any debates currently scheduled are not affiliated with the RNC, the RNCs Committee on Presidential Debates said in a statement to Politico. It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next President and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit, the committee said. In this file photo, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel speaks at a fundraiser with former President Donald Trump. In this file photo, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel speaks at a fundraiser with former President Donald Trump. ABC and CNN separately plan to host a total of three Republican presidential primary debates in Iowa and New Hampshire next month. This weeks fourth and apparently final RNC debate was marked by a pronounced decline in viewers. Just 3.2 million people tuned in to the discussion hosted by NewsNation, compared to 9.1 million for the NBC-hosted debate a month prior. Trump has actively sought to undercut the events, at times even participating in counterprogramming to reduce their impact. Instead of attending this weeks debate, for instance, Trump participated in a friendly town hall hosted by his longtime ally Sean Hannity. Trumps actions have reportedly drawn the ire of Republican officials. One Republican operative told CNN the committee sees it as an intentional slap in the face especially after the RNC has spent millions on Trumps mounting legal bills. Related... The Republican National Committee is pausing its participation in 2024 GOP primary debates, the organization decided Friday. The RNCs decision, made by a 16-member internal body, means that any forthcoming debates will be hosted by networks independently of the committee. Two outlets ABC and CNN have announced plans to host future debates in Iowa and New Hampshire ahead of early state voting. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis already said he will attend CNN's planned Iowa debate before next months caucuses and ABC's planned New Hampshire debate. We have held four successful debates across the country with the most conservative partners in the history of a Republican primary. We have no RNC debates scheduled in January and any debates currently scheduled are not affiliated with the RNC, the RNCs Committee on Presidential Debates said in a statement. It is now time for Republican primary voters to decide who will be our next President and candidates are free to use any forum or format to communicate to voters as they see fit. The first of the committee's four Republican primary debates was televised on Fox News in August. Since the first event, the committee has raised the thresholds for fundraising and polling that candidates need to qualify. The RNC-established benchmarks have helped to winnow the field. While eight candidates participated in the August debate, only four took the stage at Wednesdays showdown in Tuscaloosa, Alabama: DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. The field is considerably smaller at this point than during the last seriously contested GOP primary in 2016, when going into January of that year there were still 12 candidates appearing in debates. Former President Donald Trump has refused to participate in any of the RNC-sponsored debates. He has aggressively pressured RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel to forgo hosting debates, arguing that he has a wide lead in the polls and that the committee should be focused on preparing for the general election. The committee has also faced pressure from Trumps lower-polling rivals, who argued that the party should allow candidates to participate in an array of forums and debates without penalty. The candidates each signed an RNC pledge earlier this year that they would not take part in any debate that was not sanctioned by the RNC. Without the centralized organizing mechanism the RNC provided, media companies will now be responsible for hosting future debates. It is an arrangement that comes with pitfalls, as is already apparent. After CNN on Thursday evening announced plans to host a Jan. 21 debate at New Hampshires Saint Anselm College, just three days after Saint Anselm had already announced that it will be hosting a debate with ABC News on Jan. 18. Neil Levesque, the executive director of the colleges New Hampshire Institute of Politics, on Friday morning wrote on X: We were surprised to be included on a press release by a network about a debate which we had not planned or booked. Reached for comment on Friday, a CNN spokesperson stood by their plans with the college saying in a statement: We cant speak to any miscommunication within Saint Anselm, but we are moving forward with our plans to host a debate in New Hampshire on January 21. Media outlets will determine qualification thresholds, not the RNC. CNN has said that candidates must poll at 10 percent in approved national and early-state surveys. ABC News has yet to announce its benchmarks. Trump is highly unlikely to participate in any future debates, aides say. Russian aggression against Ukraine should be resolved with Chinas help based on international law, European Council (EC) President Charles Michel told Chinese leader Xi Jinping, according to a statement on the EC website. Michel agreed with Xi that the EU and China bear responsibility for achieving peace and stability based on the principles outlined in the UN Charter. As we speak, Russia continues to attack Ukraine and to seriously violate the UN Charter and Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, said the EC head. We would like to be able to discuss with you how best to resolve this situation and to support the principles of international law. The conflict between Israel and Hamas was also discussed. We condemn this [Hamas on Israel] attack and support Israels right to defend itself, said Michel. This [solution] must be done in accordance with international law and the principle of proportionality. We want to commit to providing humanitarian aid and supporting a peaceful two-state political solution. Peace and stability are important everywhere, and we hope to be able to work together to encourage Iran and the Hou this to not cause escalation in the region. Read also: China presents position paper on ending Russias war on Ukraine We are also following the situation in Asia, stated Michel. We are concerned about the growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait and in the South China Sea and, as you know, we are opposed to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also maintain our position of recognising the One China policy, he added. Michel cut short his trip to Beijing as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban threatened to disrupt the EU leaders' summit on Dec. 5, reported Politico. The so-called Chinese Peace Plan on Ukraine was released by Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry on Feb. 24, NV reported. Beijing called for a ceasefire and negotiations but did not advocate for the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. Ukraine criticized the Chinese plan and offered advice on how Beijing should deal with Russia in March 2023. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine At least one civilian was killed and four injured some seriously after Russian invaders attacked Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Dec. 8, said Dnipropetrovsk military administration head Serhiy Lysak. All four victims have been hospitalized and are being operated on. Two remain in serious condition. More details are not yet available. Earlier, Lysak reported hearing explosions in the city in the morning and the evening. He also reported that the attack caused several fires, all of which have been extinguished. Several regions in Ukraine were under air alert on Dec. 8 after Russia launched a large cruise missile and attack drone attack on many areas of the country. Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron! Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine Kyiv, Ukraine (CNN) Russia fired a barrage of cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine early Friday morning after a nearly 80-day pause, Ukrainian officials said. The air raid in Kyiv lasted almost two hours but all missiles heading towards the Ukrainian capital were destroyed by air defenses, according to Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration. Some homes were damaged in Kyiv as a result of falling debris from downed enemy targets, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said. But a missile that hit the city of Pavlohrad in Ukraines central Dnipropetrovsk region killed one and injured four others, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. In the eastern Kharkiv region, one person was killed and several others injured in overnight strikes, Klymenko said. A five-story residential building was damaged in Kupiansk district, while at least seven apartment buildings and more than 20 cars were damaged in the city of Kharkiv. Russia struck Kharkiv with six S-300 missiles, the head of Kharkiv regions military administration Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals office said it had launched an investigation into the strike. The barrage of 19 missiles across Ukraine was the first such attack in more than two months, as Western intelligence assessments warned Russia is likely to expand its bombardment of civilian infrastructure during the winter. Of the 19 missiles fired, 14 were destroyed in the Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command. After a long pause of 79 days, the enemy resumed attacks with cruise missiles launched by Tu-95MS strategic aircraft. Preliminarily, approximately 10 bomber missile carriers fired cruise missiles of the Kh-101/555/55 type from the Engels city area, Saratov region, Popko wrote on Telegram Friday. The latest major cruise missile attack on Ukraine was on September 21, with 43 missiles launched and 36 intercepted, according to data from the Air Force Commands official Telegram account. On November 25, Russia launched what Ukrainian officials said was the biggest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, targeting Ukraine with 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones. And on Wednesday, a further 48 Shaheds were launched, according to the Air Force Command data. The deputy chief of Ukraines Defense Intelligence Vadym Skibitsky said in November that Russia would likely use a combination of missiles and drones to attack Ukrainian infrastructure this winter. Last year, with limited Ukrainian air defenses in operation, Russia was able to target Ukraines energy grid in an attempt to break Ukrainian resilience with punishing blackouts. This winter, defense and energy officials say Ukraine is better prepared. But Skibitsky warned Russias strikes will definitely not be such primitive attacks as last year. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Russia launches cruise missile barrage on Ukraine after long pause" Russia fired a barrage of cruise missiles at targets in Ukraine early Friday morning after a nearly 80-day pause, Ukrainian officials said. The air raid in Kyiv lasted almost two hours but all missiles heading towards the Ukrainian capital were destroyed by air defenses, according to Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration. Some homes were damaged in Kyiv as a result of falling debris from downed enemy targets, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said. But a missile that hit the city of Pavlohrad in Ukraines central Dnipropetrovsk region killed one and injured four others, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said. In the eastern Kharkiv region, one person was killed and several others injured in overnight strikes, Klymenko said. A five-story residential building was damaged in Kupiansk district, while at least seven apartment buildings and more than 20 cars were damaged in the city of Kharkiv. Russia struck Kharkiv with six S-300 missiles, the head of Kharkiv regions military administration Oleh Syniehubov wrote on Telegram. The Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals office said it had launched an investigation into the strike. The barrage of 19 missiles across Ukraine was the first such attack in more than two months, as Western intelligence assessments warned Russia is likely to expand its bombardment of civilian infrastructure during the winter. Emergency service teams respond to damage in Kharkiv, eastern Ukraine, December 8, 2023. - Sergey Kozlov/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Of the 19 missiles fired, 14 were destroyed in the Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, according to Yurii Ihnat, spokesman for the Ukrainian Air Force Command. After a long pause of 79 days, the enemy resumed attacks with cruise missiles launched by Tu-95MS strategic aircraft. Preliminarily, approximately 10 bomber missile carriers fired cruise missiles of the Kh-101/555/55 type from the Engels city area, Saratov region, Popko wrote on Telegram Friday. The latest major cruise missile attack on Ukraine was on September 21, with 43 missiles launched and 36 intercepted, according to data from the Air Force Commands official Telegram account. On November 25, Russia launched what Ukrainian officials said was the biggest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion, targeting Ukraine with 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones. And on Wednesday, a further 48 Shaheds were launched, according to the Air Force Command data. The deputy chief of Ukraines Defense Intelligence Vadym Skibitsky said in November that Russia would likely use a combination of missiles and drones to attack Ukrainian infrastructure this winter. Last year, with limited Ukrainian air defenses in operation, Russia was able to target Ukraines energy grid in an attempt to break Ukrainian resilience with punishing blackouts. This winter, defense and energy officials say Ukraine is better prepared. But Skibitsky warned Russias strikes will definitely not be such primitive attacks as last year. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Ukraines Air Force reported the probable launch of cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers on the morning of 8 December, with the missiles already moving over Ukrainian territory. Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram Details: The Air Force said the approximate time of issuing an air-raid warning in the southern and eastern oblasts was 06:30. alerts.in.ua 6.30 SCREENSHOT: ALERTS.IN.UA AT 6:30 Quote: "Do not ignore air-raid warnings!" 06.50: "The first group of missiles in Kharkiv Oblast [is moving] toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (Dnipro/Pavlohrad). They may change their course. Do not ignore air-raid warnings." 06.55: "Several groups of missiles are flying toward the settlement of Pavlohrad!" 07:02 (Kyiv time), "Dnipro - stay in shelters. Missiles are changing direction to the west." 07:09 (Kyiv time), "Myrhorod - stay in shelters." aletrs.in.ua 7.17 SCREENSHOT: ALERTS.IN.UA AT 7:17 07:11 (Kyiv time), "Missiles entering the airspace of Kirovohrad Oblast." 07:18 (Kyiv time, "Missiles in Kirovohrad Oblast, heading west." 07:24 (Kyiv time), "Cherkasy - stay in shelters! Missiles from Cherkasy Oblast are heading towards Kyiv Oblast. Their course may change." Added: At 07:31 (Kyiv time), the Air Force reported that missiles were moving from the south towards Kyiv. And 10 minutes later, they wrote that another group of missiles had entered the territory of Ukraine - they are currently in the Chuhuiv district of Kharkiv Oblast, heading for Dnipro Oblast. Update: At 08:19, all-clears were given in many oblasts, including Ternopil, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia and Chernihiv oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! FILE - Masha Gessen attends the 68th National Book Awards Ceremony and Benefit Dinner at Cipriani Wall Street on Nov. 15, 2017, in New York. Russian police has put Masha Gessen, a prominent Russian-American journalist, on a wanted list after opening a criminal case against them on the charges of spreading false information about the Russian army. It is the latest step in in an unrelenting crackdown against dissent in Russia that has intensified manifold after the Kremlin invaded Ukraine more than 21 months ago (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) TALLINN, Estonia (AP) Russian police have put prominent Russian-American journalist and author Masha Gessen on a wanted list after opening a criminal case against them on charges of spreading false information about the Russian army. It is the latest step in an unrelenting crackdown against dissent in Russia that has intensified since the Kremlin invaded Ukraine more than 21 months ago, on Feb. 24, 2022. The independent Russian news outlet Mediazona was the first to report Friday that Gessen's profile has appeared on the online wanted list of Russia's Interior Ministry, and The Associated Press was able to confirm that it was. It wasn't clear from the profile when exactly Gessen was added to the list. Russian media reported last month that a criminal case against Gessen, an award-winning author and an outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, was launched over an interview they did with the prominent Russian journalist Yury Dud. In the interview, which was released on YouTube in September 2022 and has since been viewed more than 6.5 million times, the two among other things discussed atrocities by Russian armed forces in Bucha, a Ukrainian town near Kyiv that was briefly occupied by the Russian forces. After Ukrainian troops retook it, they found the bodies of men, women and children on the streets, in yards and homes, and in mass graves, with some showing signs of torture. Russian officials have vehemently denied their forces were responsible and have prosecuted a number of Russian public figures for speaking out about Bucha, handing some lengthy prison terms. Those prosecutions were carried out under a new law Moscow adopted days after sending troops to Ukraine that effectively criminalized any public expression about the war deviating from the official narrative. The Kremlin has insisted on calling it a special military operation" and maintains that its troops in Ukraine only strike military targets, not civilians. Between late February 2022 and early this month, 19,844 people have been detained for speaking out or protesting against the war while 776 people have been implicated in criminal cases over their anti-war stance, according to the OVD-Info rights group, which tracks political arrests and provides legal aid. Gessen, who holds dual Russian and American citizenships and lives in the U.S., is unlikely to be arrested, unless they travel to a country with an extradition treaty with Russia. But Russian court could still try them in absentia and hand them a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Pressure is also mounting on dissidents imprisoned in Russia. On Friday, supporters of Alexei Gorinov, a former member of a Moscow municipal council sentenced to seven years in prison for speaking out against the war, reported that his health significantly deteriorated in prison and he is not being given the treatment he needs. Gorinov was sentenced last year and is currently serving time at a penal colony in the Vladimir region east of Moscow. In a post on the messaging app Telegram, his supporters said his lawyer visited him on Friday and said Gorinov doesn't have the strength to sit up on a chair or even speak. He told the lawyer that he has bronchitis and fever, but prison doctors claim he doesn't need treatment, the post said. The 62-year-old Gorinov has a chronic lung condition, and several years ago had part of a lung removed, the post said. Allies of imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny were also concerned about his well-being on Friday. Navalny is serving a 19-year prison term on the charges of extremism in the same region as Gorinov, and for the last three days his lawyers have not allowed to visit him, the politician's spokeswoman Kira Yarmysh said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Yarmysh said that letters to Navalny were also not being delivered to him. The fact that we can't find Alexei is particularly concerning because last week he felt unwell in the cell: he felt dizzy and lay down on the floor. Prison officials rushed to him, unfolded the bed, put Alexei on it and gave him an IV drip. We don't know what caused it, but given that he's being deprived of food, kept in a cell without ventilation and has been offered minimal outdoor time, it looks like fainting out of hunger, Yarmysh wrote. She added that the lawyers visited him after the incident, and he looked more or less fine. Navalny is due to be transferred to a special security penal colony, a facility with the highest security level in the Russian penitentiary system. Russian prison transfers are notorious for taking a long time, sometimes weeks, during which theres no access to prisoners, and information about their whereabouts is limited, or unavailable at all. Navalny, 47, has been behind bars since January 2021. As President Vladimir Putins fiercest foe, he campaigned against official corruption and organized major anti-Kremlin protests. His 2021 arrest came upon his return to Moscow from Germany, where he recuperated from nerve agent poisoning that he blamed on the Kremlin. Navalny has since been handed three prison terms and spent months in isolation in prison for alleged minor infractions. He has rejected all charges against him as politically motivated. Russia is risking its pilots for symbolic strikes on Snake Island, UK intel suggests. It's already lost one jet. The burnt Su-24 was discovered by local authorities after videos of the sabotage appeared online, Baza reported. Sefa Karacan/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Russia has been risking its pilots in symbolic strikes on Ukraine's Snake Island, UK intel said. Kyiv is believed to have already shot down one of Moscow's bomber jets near the area. The UK's Ministry of Defense said Snake Island "has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance." Russia has been putting its fighter pilots in jeopardy to carry out extremely risky strikes against Ukraine's Snake Island for symbolic reasons, according to British intelligence and Kyiv is believed to have already shot down one of Moscow's jets near the area. The Ukrainian Air Force said this week that it shot down a Russian Su-24M attack jet near Snake Island as the aircraft tried to bomb a coastal region amid the Kremlin's grinding nearly two-year war with Ukraine. The UK's Ministry of Defense said in its latest daily intelligence update on Friday that it was "highly likely" the Russian Su-24M bomber was taken out on Tuesday by a Ukrainian surface-to-air missile over the northwestern Black Sea near Snake Island. Since the summer, the UK intelligence group said, "Russia has continued to conduct high-risk, crewed strike missions against the island." "This is likely mainly for messaging reasons because the island has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance and Russia wants to demonstrate it can project force across the Black Sea," British intelligence said. According to the UK's Ministry of Defense, the two-man crew on the Russian Su-24M "was likely lost," and "the location and operational conditions would make a successful Russian search and rescue mission extremely challenging." It was at Snake Island where early in the war, Ukrainian border guards famously cursed out the Russian warship Moskva as Ukrainian forces refused to surrender. Later , Ukraine sank the Moskva with long-range missiles . "We haven't had any downed Russian Su aircraft for ages! Let's put that right!" Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, said in a Telegram post on Tuesday as he claimed the Russian Su-24M was shot down, Business Insider previously reported. "It seems that the Moskva cruiser will soon become an aircraft carrier!" Oleshchuk joked. According to the UK's Ministry of Defense, Ukraine and Russia still deal with regular combat aircraft losses. "Overall, air defenses continue to severely limit the effectiveness of tactical air operations," the UK intelligence group said. Read the original article on Business Insider (CNN) The US Justice Department on Thursday announced charges against one Russian intelligence officer and one Russian IT worker for conducting a years-long cyber-espionage campaign against current and former US government officials, and interfering in a national election in the United Kingdom. In the UK, the two Russian operatives were part of sustained unsuccessful attempts to interfere in UK political processes over several years that hacked politicians, civil servants and journalists, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement. British diplomats have summoned the Russian ambassador to the UK and condemned the alleged interference activity, Leo Docherty, a UK Foreign Office minister, said in a statement to parliament. The two Russian men Ruslan Aleksandrovich Peretyatko, an officer with the FSB intelligence service, and IT worker Andrey Stanislavovich Korinets also tried to hack numerous current and former US intelligence and Defense Department employees, as well as those at the State and Energy Department, from 2016 to 2022, according to the US indictment unsealed in federal court in San Francisco. In some cases, the hackers successfully breached victims email accounts and stole valuable intelligence related to US defense and securities policies, foreign affairs, as well as information on nuclear energy technology, the US indictment alleges. That stolen intelligence would be particularly valuable to the Russian governments efforts to engage in malign foreign influence in the US, the indictment says. The Russian embassy in Washington, DC, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Peretyatko and Korinets, and the State Department offered $10 million reward for information leading to the identification and location of the men. The men live in Russia, US officials said, meaning the prospect of them appearing in a US court room is slim. Its the latest attempt by the US and its allies to expose alleged Russian hacking and influence operations in an effort to make them less impactful. It comes as US officials brace for sustained foreign interference efforts in the 2024 US presidential election. A successor to the Soviet-era KGB, the FSB has multiple elite hacking teams at its disposal that it uses to surveil Russian citizens, interfere in foreign politics and burrow in US critical infrastructure, according to US officials and private sectors. In this case, Peretyatko and Korinets are accused of being part of an FSB plot to cause havoc ahead of the 2019 UK general election in part by leaking hacked documents on US-UK trade negotiations. Ciaran Martin, the former head of UK governments National Cyber Security Centre, told CNN that the hack-and-leak operation did not create the divisions in UK society around the election that the Russians apparently were hoping for. The most heartening aspect of this story is the way different parts of the British system pulled together, said Martin, who is now managing director at investment firm Paladin Capital Group. The adversaries targeted people from across the political spectrum, including a leading Scottish Nationalist member of parliament, Martin said. Crucially, rather than seek to exploit this for political gain, the Conservative Government, through Security Minister Tom Tugendhat, treated the operation as a serious threat to our democratic system, he added. Whether a sharply divided US political system will react in a similar way to potential Russian hack-and-leak operations in 2024 remains to be seen. Hackers backed by Russian military intelligence leaked troves of Democratic National Committee during the 2016 election, according to US officials and private experts, causing a stir in the US media for many weeks. Don Smith, vice president of threat research at cybersecurity firm Secureworks who has tracked the indicted FSB hacking group for years, called them a persistent irritant that conduct Russian information operations straight out of the textbook. From straightforward hack-and-leak operations to standing up their own websites to launder information aimed at UK readers, the Russian groups attempts to weaponize stolen information have evolved over that time, Smith, who regularly confers with UK officials on cyber threats, told CNN. This story has been updated with additional developments. Scientists may have solved the physics behind massive and violent "superflares" that rip free from stars thousands of times as bright as the sun. Our host star regularly erupts with solar flares that can impact Earth and, if strong enough, disrupt communications and power infrastructure on a global scale. But these solar flares are mere child's tantrums compared to the thousands of "superflares" that NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and now defunct Kepler space telescopes have seen blasting from stars between 100 and 10,000 times brighter than the sun. Superflaring stars have stronger magnetic fields than the sun, leading to brighter flares, and these stars also seem to display an initial, short-lived boost in brightness enhancement, followed by a secondary, longer-lasting (but less intense) flare. Yet despite this disparity in scale and power, the superflares of bright, distant stars and the solar flares of the sun are believed to share the same underlying physical mechanisms, emerging from the sudden release of magnetic energy. Thus, a team of scientists led by University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy Postdoctoral Researcher Kai Yang and Associate Professor Xudong Sun used solar flares as a proxy for superflares to model these massive eruptions of plasma. Related: Gigantic hole in the sun wider than 60 Earths is spewing superfast solar wind right at us "By applying what we've learned about the sun to other, cooler stars, we were able to identify the physics driving these flares, even though we could never see them directly," team co-leader and University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy Postdoctoral Researcher Kai Yang said in a statement. "The changing brightness of these stars over time actually helped us 'see' these flares that are really far too small to observe directly." Keeping scientists in the loop Scientists have theorized that coronal loops, which are massive hoops of plasma that follow the trajectory of magnetic field lines seen on the sun, may be present in superflares as well. If they exist, however, these loops would need to be incredibly dense on the superflaring stars; as of yet, astrophysicists have been unable to test this idea. From our vantage point on Earth, we can only witness coronal loops on the sun. But another feature could hint at the presence of these distant stars' coronal loops, the team says. In particular, Kepler and TESS have spotted some stars with a peculiar "bump" in associated light curves. This "peak bump," as it's called, seems to represent a jump in brightness and result in a light curve that resembles a phenomenon seen on the sun when an initial burst of light is followed by a second, more gradual peaking of the light a phenomenon called "solar late-phase flares." Sun, Yang and fellow colleagues wanted to know if these presumed late-phase brightness enhancements in visible light on distant stars could be caused by massive stellar loops like the sun's coronal loops cause our star to vary in brightness. To test this theory, the team turned to computer simulations of fluids that mimicked coronal loops, periodically upping the length of the loops and increasing the magnetic energy behind. Related Stories: Our universe's most extreme stars sometimes 'glitch' we may now know why Historic magnetic storms help scientists learn what to expect when one hits This 'forbidden' exoplanet is way too massive for its star The team found that large flare energies would pump more mass into these loops on brighter stars, increasing their density just as predicted. This would indeed allow dense stellar loops to contribute to visible light emissions. And, the scientists concluded, with a longer evolutionary timescale, the loops would surely produce a distinct, secondary emission peak just as seen in light curves collected by TESS and Kepler. The team further found that the late time "bump" flaring of light seen in the light spectrums of distant, flaring stars would be the result of super-hot plasma at the highest points of associated coronal loops on the stars cooling down, then falling back to the star as glowing material. In turn, that whole process would lead to the atmosphere heating up. The team believes this finding supports their model because it is analogous to the coronal rains seen falling from coronal loops that cause the sun's own atmosphere to heat up. The teams research was published on Dec. 6 in The Astrophysical Journal. Scottish First Minsiter Humza Yousaf speaks to Chief Executive of Angus Council Margo Williamson on Oct 23. Ms Williamson wrote to the Scottish Government two days later questioning Mr Yousafs claim that his administration was working with the local authority to help - Andrew Milligan / PA A council chief overseeing the recovery effort in Scottish communities devastated by floods complained the SNP government ignored her for two weeks while Humza Yousaf was publicly pledging his support. Emails released under the Freedom of Information Act show Angus Council pleading with the Scottish Government to help the area recover from the devastation caused by Storm Babet. The First Minister visited Brechin on Oct 23 pledging support for the community after the River South Esk breached flood defences, causing millions of pounds of damage to homes and businesses. But Margo Williamson, the councils chief executive, wrote to the Scottish Government two days later questioning Mr Yousafs claim during the visit that his administration was working with the local authority to help. In an extraordinary intervention that appeared to question whether Mr Yousaf was telling the public the truth, she said: I clearly did not want to say otherwise but I am unaware of any contact from officers in Government to outline what might be possible. Ms Williamson wrote again to the Scottish Government on Oct 31 stating: It is concerning almost two weeks on, that no officer in Scottish Government has contacted myself to ask how we are coping as a Council or discuss how Scottish Government can lean into the recovery phase of Storm Babet. On Nov 2 two weeks after the storm she was offered a 15 minute catch-up with Sean Neill, the Scottish Governments director of local government and housing and a meeting with council officials was finally held the following day. First Minister Humza Yousaf visits Brechin to thank members of the emergency services and Angus Council on Oct 23 - Andrew Milligan / PA There is frustration at official level about the gap between the need for the central and local government to work together on recovery and visible actions, the official minute of the talks noted. The documents, which were obtained by the Tories, emerged amid mounting anger among residents and business about the lack of support they have received from the SNP-Green government in Edinburgh. The Scottish Government has offered grants of 1,500 for damage to homes and property and 3,000 for businesses. Angus Council has been given an extra 100,000 for its homelessness budget to help families who have lost everything. But local opposition councillors have attacked the sums as derisory and claimed millions of pounds of promised help have yet to materialise. The ruling SNP administration on Angus Council survived a vote of no confidence this week. Full of promises but no action Stephen Kerr, a Scottish Conservative MSP and the partys UK general election candidate for Angus & Perthshire Glens, questioned how Mr Yousaf could have publicly claimed his government was working with the council when clearly it wasnt. Accusing the SNP of being full of promises but no action, he said: The people of Angus, especially Brechin, will be very angry. They have been offered next to no help to respond to the immediate aftermath of the storm. Not a penny has been promised to help Angus recover and improve the flood defences of affected areas, a cost Angus Council says is going to be in the many millions. Storm Babet on Oct 19 this year was the wettest day the Angus area had experienced since records began, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of homes and businesses. Rescue workers from the coastguard escort Brechin residents to safety as the River South Esk breaks its banks - Iain Masterton / Edinburgh International Festival Brechins flood defence wall was built to protect the town from waters 3.8m above normal river levels but the storm brought 5m. Many homes and businesses were not covered by insurance for floods due to previous incidents, while those that were have seen their premiums surge. During his Oct 23 visit, Mr Yousaf told BBC Scotland discussions would continue with the local authority over the coming days, weeks and months about what support his government could provide. Im hoping my being here so quickly after that terrible weather event is a demonstration the government at the highest level will be involved in discussions with Angus Council to help as much as we possibly can, he said. I am unaware of any contact from officers in Government Two days later, Ms Williamson wrote to Louise Macdonald, the Scottish Governments director-general communities, stating that Angus and particularly Brechin has suffered terribly over the past week. She said: The FM visited on Monday and said several times, that Government were working with Angus on support for the people of Brechin. I clearly did not want to say otherwise but I am unaware of any contact from officers in Government to outline what might be possible. In a follow-up letter to Ms Macdonald on Oct 31, Ms Williamson said her previous email had been passed to the Scottish Governments resilience team but we need far more than that group could provide. Although she said the Bellwin scheme for financial assistance had been activated, she said this was designed for emergency response rather than recovery and much as it is appreciated it does not address the challenges Angus is facing now and in the immediate future. Ms Williamson then noted that no Scottish Government official had been in touch in the fortnight since the storm to discuss the areas recovery and warned the latter would be significant in terms of budget and timescales. Storm Babet on Oct 19 was the Angus area's wettest day since records began - Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Scottish Government and Angus Council officials agreed details on Nov 3 for setting up a taskforce to oversee the recovery efforts. Its membership includes Ms Williamson and Deputy First Minister Shona Robison. On Oct 24 the Scottish Government emailed the council to state that Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur had activated the Bellwin Scheme and your potential claim has been noted and added to our tracker. An Angus Council spokeswoman said that since the chief executives letter the taskforce has been set up and the grants of 1,500 per household and 3,000 per business announced. A Scottish Government spokesman said it has been committed throughout to supporting local recovery efforts the Storm Babet Ministerial Taskforce was established to co-ordinate and support on both the immediate recovery response and longer-term issues. 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. As if battling cancer isnt hard enough, now patients at UWs Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center are being extorted. Last month, the Cancer Center experienced a data breach, exposing data for an unknown number of patients. Some of those patients are getting emails threatening to leak their personal information if they dont pay up. Nicholas Quinlan got one of those emails at 6:30 am Wednesday. He said he didnt even know about the Nov. 19th data breach before then. To me, it felt like a real good sales tactic like heres all your information do you want to pay to get it offline, said Quinlan. That email, which is attached below in its entirety said in the subject line, [FREDHUTCH] QUINLAN NICHOLAS Your private data and medical history is being sold on dark net markets. It also says Quinlan is one of 800,000 patients whose names, SSN, addresses, phone numbers, medical history, lab results, and insurance history, is compromised. The email had information that looked pretty real. it had my address it had my patient record number; it had my insurer on it. I felt like it was pretty likely that data had been lost or was online publicly, said Quinlan. The email references the November data breach. It also says We have been in contact with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. They had the chance to protect your data, but they refused to make a deal. That email also tells recipients, itll only cost $50 to get that info scrubbed from the dark web. I definitely went back and forth on it, you know $50 for my social security number not being out there that sounds ok, said Quinlan. He added, Theres no honor amongst thieves so I didnt feel I could trust that $50 would go on to remove my information. Fred Hutch Cancer Center says theyre working to find out how many patients had their information leaked; but know that email has gone to others. The Cancer Center has been telling patients: We are sorry youre receiving these messages. Unfortunately, this is a common tactic threat actors use, and we have notified local and federal law enforcement of these messages. If the message demands a ransom, DO NOT PAY IT. Please report these messages to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Then block the sender and delete the message. In addition, you may consider reporting the message as spam through your email. Quinlan says he hasnt gotten that email. He also says hes never set foot in the Cancer Center, but he is a patient with UW Medicine. If you look where the domain is from, thats a Brazilian domain, and who knows if the hackers are there or if they hacked that website thats sending emails, said Quinlan. Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center merged in 2022 to form Fred Hutch Cancer Center. Fred Hutch is an independent organization that also serves as UW Medicines cancer program. Again, to report getting that extortion email, Fred Hutch encourages victims to make a report at https://www.ic3.gov/ The University of Washington provided the following statement to KIRO 7 News: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center recently experienced a cybersecurity incident. We are close partners with Fred Hutch Cancer Center; Fred Hutch serves as UW Medicines cancer program and we advance cancer research together through the Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Childrens Cancer Consortium. As a result of our work with Fred Hutch, the cybersecurity incident experienced on Fred Hutch systems impacted data for some UW Medicine patients who have not been seen at Fred Hutch. At this time, we dont believe our University-based system has been compromised. A forensic team is continuing to assess the situation and Fred Hutch will directly contact any individuals whose information was involved. Patient care is not interrupted; Fred Hutch, UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center and UW Medicine Primary Care clinics are open and serving patients. Fred Hutch has established a dedicated call center to support patients: 888-983-0612, available Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. 6 p.m. PT and Saturday and Sunday between 6 a.m. 2 p.m. PT. You can also find information specific to this incident at fredhutch.org/data-security. Indonesia to grant visa-free for tourists from China Xinhua) 09:32, December 08, 2023 JAKARTA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government will impose a visa-free policy for tourists from 20 countries and regions including China in an attempt to attract more foreign visitors, the country's Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said Thursday. "The free-visa policy has been based on some considerations, including the economic impacts, the principle of reciprocity, and the security aspects," Uno told reporters after a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta. "We will finalize the regulation one month ahead before officially enacting it," he said. Indonesia has targeted to welcome 14 million foreign tourists in 2024 which will hopefully contribute to the country's economic value of up to 200 trillion rupiahs. "Hopefully we can increase the number of tourist arrivals to reach the value target, specifically by targeting high spenders, and improve the local economy," Uno said. (1 U.S. dollar equals about 15,526 rupiahs) (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) (CNN) The Israeli prime minister said Wednesday that Israeli forces had surrounded the house of Yahya Sinwar, potentially closing in on the top Hamas official in Gaza and the man most wanted by Israeli authorities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Sinwar was not in the house and was believed to be hiding underground in Gaza, but a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that it was only a matter of time before we get him. Israel has publicly accused Sinwar of being the mastermind behind Hamas terror attack against Israel on October 7 though experts say he is likely one of several making him one of the key targets of its war in Gaza. A longtime figure in the Islamist Palestinian group, Sinwar was responsible for building up Hamas military wing before forging important new ties with regional Arab powers as the groups civilian and political leader. He was elected to Hamas main decision-making body, the Politburo, in 2017 as the political leader of Hamas in Gaza branch. However, he has since become the Politburos de facto leader, according to research by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). He has been designated a global terrorist by the US Department of State since 2015, and has been recently sanctioned by the United Kingdom and France. Harel Chorev, senior researcher at the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies at Tel Aviv University, said that while Sinwar is a key player within Hamas, he shouldnt be seen as its sole leader. He is perceived as the most senior one because he has a very high public profile, but Hamas doesnt work this way, he said. Hamas is a decentralized organization with several separate power centers and he is one of them. Chorev said that while Sinwar is a prominent figure, he is one of a triumvirate of Hamas officials responsible for the October 7 attack, along with Mohammed al-Masri, popularly known as Mohammed Deif, the commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military arm of Hamas, and Deifs deputy, Marwan Issa. Sinwar, with his silver head of hair and dark eyes set deep under prominent eyebrows, is by far the best known and most recognizable of the three, but it was Deif who announced the October 7 attacks. But while Sinwar has spent the past few years giving speeches and being photographed, Deif is an extremely secretive, shadowy figure who hasnt been seen in public in decades. Dead man walking Sinwar was born in 1962 in a refugee camp in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. His family was displaced from Al-Majdal, a Palestinian village in modern day Askhelon, during the Arab-Israeli war. He joined Hamas in the late 1980s and became one of the founders of its feared internal intelligence apparatus, known as the Majd. He was convicted in 1988 of playing a role in the murder of two Israeli soldiers and four Palestinians suspected of collaboration with Israel, and spent more than two decades in Israeli prison. Sinwar later said he had spent those years studying his enemy, including learning to speak Hebrew. He was released in 2011 as part of the deal that saw more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners exchanged for Gilad Shalit, an IDF soldier who had been captured and taken to Gaza, where he was held for more than five years. At that time, Sinwar called the exchange one of the big strategic monuments in the history of our cause. Chorev said his release was helped by the fact that his brother was one of Shalits kidnappers and insisted on him being included in the deal. Back in Gaza, Sinwar has risen through the ranks and quickly became a key player within Hamas. Chorev said he became known for his brutality and the violence he inflicts on anyone he suspects of betrayal or collaboration. It is well known that while in prison, he tortured people, mostly members of Hamas, using (a) hot plate to cause them burns his role in the Majd really tells you a lot about his character, his cruelty. But at the same time, Israelis who met him said that he can also be very practical, openly discussing options, Chorev said. As the political leader of Hamas, Sinwar focused on the groups foreign relationships. According to the ECFR, he was responsible for restoring Hamas relationship with Egyptian leaders who were wary of the groups support for political Islam, and for pulling in continued military funding from Iran. Sinwar was considered a vital decisionmaker and likely the main point of contact within Gaza during the intense negotiations over the return of the more than 240 hostages taken into the enclave by Hamas in the October 7 attacks. The talks involved senior figures from Israel, Hamas, the United States, Qatar and Egypt. At the end of the day there are two people atop the negotiations, said Gershon Baskin, a well-known Israeli peace activist involved in the 2011 release of Shalit, the Israeli soldier. One is Yahya Sinwar on the Hamas side, and the other is Benjamin Netanyahu on the Israeli side. More than 100 Israeli and foreign hostages were released by Hamas and 240 Palestinian prisoners and detainees released by Israel as part of a truce won in those talks, before the temporary ceasefire collapsed on December 1, with Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the failure. Sinwar has been called many things over the past two months: Israeli military spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht called Sinwar the face of evil and declared him a dead man walking. Israeli media compared him to Osama bin Laden, while a profile published by the IDF nicknamed him the Butcher from Khan Younis. But Chorev said that despite his position in the spotlight, Sinwar is just one of many commanders Israel needs to remove before it can say it has destroyed Hamas. To put it simply, if Israel will kill Sinwar, it doesnt mean necessarily that it will topple down Hamas. However, Hamas can still be toppled down even if Sinwar stays alive because its not (a hierarchical orgnization). In order for Israel to destroy Hamas, it needs to destroy a critical mass of power centers, not just him, he said. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A second arrest has been made in connection with a mid-November robbery at an AT&T store, according to the Mobile Police Department. Cailee Knight murder suspects speak after arrests Cornelius Obrain Barnes (Photo courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriffs Department) Cornelius Obrain Barnes, 21, joins Dennisca Mabettya Moore, 25, of Moss Point, Miss., as suspects in the case, according to an MPD news release. On Tuesday, Nov. 14, at approximately 9:54 a.m., officers responded to a robbery complaint at AT&T, 3730 Airport Blvd., Mobile, according to an MPD news release. INCIDENT LOCATION: This embedded content is not available in your region. Upon arrival, officers learned that two people had entered the store which sells wireless products, including mobile phones claiming they planned to make a purchase. One of the people asked to use the restroom and, while in the back of the store, gained unauthorized access to a storage area, according to the release. BREAKING: 2 charged with Cailee Knights murder, Mobile police say A store employee confronted the man, who pepper-sprayed her, police said. The people then ran away with the stolen items, and the victim received medical treatment for her injuries. Barnes was arrested Thursday in Moss Point, Mississippi, according to the MPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The Second Black-Owned And Operated Nail Salon In This NC Region Brings Diversity And Inclusivity To Major Mall | Photo: Getty Images Katossa Glover broke barriers in her community by becoming the first Black woman to own a nail salon with an all-Black staff, which opened at a mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month. As the first Black woman to own a nail salon in Northlake Mall, Glover told Queen City News about her latest business venture and how she plans to serve the community through her services. Id never seen a full-service Black salon in the mall. And it was honestly a dream of ours, and I didnt know it would come to fruition. But when we came to Northlake, they embraced us and theyve been supportive ever since, Glover told the outlet. The Charlotte native has been in the beauty industry and became the owner of Applause! Hair Designs in 2014. She later moved into Northlake Mall in 2020. Thats the feeling that clients have when they leave. Thats the feeling people should have. When they leave your salon, they should feel like you are really applauding them, that theyre worth it, Glover said. Glovers business was a big success until she was forced to shut down temporarily due to the pandemic and the closed mall. However, she recovered and later reopened her business to the Charlotte community. She officially opened the first Black-owned and fully operated nail salon on Nov. 12, right next door to her hair shop, per QC News. When we reopened our clients rushed the door. So its the support of not only the hair salon clients because those clients are now coming here because they were so excited about the nail salon opening. So, it feels like we have our own community here in this corner, Glover said. Her customers also appreciate the skills and professionalism she offers through her business. I would describe Katossa as an anchor. You can always you can take a breather because of your schedule or just life hits. But shes always there to welcome you back and to pick up where she left off, Tracey Pickard said, according to QC News. Shes been a customer of Glovers for five years. Glover recalled the salon being packed with customers during Thanksgiving week from the time she opened until closing. We were packed from 8 a.m. until literally 9 p.m. We closed the door and I had to tell people at 9 p.m. We cant take anybody else. I heard people say that normally thats not the case in nail salons and hair salons, but black Friday for us was nothing short of amazing, Glover said. Glovers salon is not just a place to get your nails done; its a hub for women to gather and socialize. The salons success is due to the service quality and the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere she has created. When we get the support of other cultures, it means even more because its not just about us having a Black team or having Black clients. It is about being a Charlotte native. Literally, my goal is to give back to Charlotte, whoever that is, she said. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) Salt Lake City Police have arrested a second suspect in connection to a shooting that took place at a house party in October that injured a 20-year-old man. On Wednesday, Dec. 6, police say they safely took into custody Rene Chacon, 19, and booked him into the Salt Lake County Jail. He faces a single count of obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to detectives during their investigation. Arguments yet to be heard in case challenging Utahs ban on trans athletes playing on girls teams According to SLCPD, Chacon attended the large house party near 900 South and Edison Street on Oct. 8. During the party, a fight allegedly broke out, leading to the 20-year-old shooting victim suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Both Chacon and Andre Ruiz, a 19-year-old suspected of shooting the victim, allegedly fled the scene after the incident. During an initial interview, Chacon allegedly denied seeing Ruiz shoot the victim. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now ABC4 Breaking News Alerts After Ruiz was safely taken into custody last week, police say they learned Chacon may have lied during the interview and interviewed him again. Chacon allegedly admitted to knowing Ruiz had shot the victim and driving Ruiz away. Both Chacon and Ruiz are currently being held without bail, pending a preliminary hearing. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Panera is facing a second lawsuit for selling a misleading and dangerous drink. After drinking three servings of Paneras charged lemonade on Oct. 9, Dennis Brown, 46, was headed home from the restaurant when he collapsed on the street, suffering from a cardiac event. The lawsuit, dated Dec. 4, describes, After being found unresponsive on the sidewalk at approximately 5:45 p.m., Dennis was pronounced dead at the scene. The first lawsuit was filed by then-21-year-old Sarah Katzs family earlier this year in October. On the day of her death, Katz drank a large charged lemonade and went into cardiac arrest several hours later at a friends birthday dinner, per the Deseret News. One large Panera charged lemonade contains 390 milligrams of caffeine, amounting to over three 12-ounce cans of Red Bull, according to the reports. In addition to 390 milligrams of caffeine, the drinks sugar content ranges from 20.5 teaspoons to 29.75 teaspoons, per the lawsuit. Related A death certificate from the law firm Kline & Specter, PC, shows Browns cause of death was cardiac arrest due to hypertensive disease, NBC reported. Brown lived with a chromosomal deficiency disorder, developmental delay, and ADHD but lived independently and was gainfully employed, the lawsuit describes. It adds that Brown had high blood pressure and did not consume energy drinks. In an interview with NBC, Elizabeth Crawford, attorney for Browns family, said, I think the general public believes Panera to be a healthy fast food alternative. So it is completely reasonable for someone like Dennis Brown to rely on the fact that this lemonade was safe for consumption and safe for consumption in refills, just because they encouraged it with their unlimited sip club. The Panera Charged Lemonade was in the lobby, allowing customers to self-refill their drinks. The lawsuit asserts it is an unregulated beverage that doesnt provide adequate warning of its potentially life-threatening effects. Brown ordered charged lemonade on Sept. 28, Oct. 2, Oct. 4, Oct. 5, Oct. 7 and for the final time on Oct. 9. A Panera Bread spokesperson told ABC, Panera expresses our deep sympathy for Mr. Browns family. Based on our investigation, we believe his unfortunate passing was not caused by one of the companys products. The spokesperson added, We view this lawsuit, which was filed by the same law firm as a previous claim, to be equally without merit. Panera stands firmly by the safety of our products. In a statement to WSB-TVs Michele Newell, the Food and Drug Administration said it was saddened to hear of the passing of a consumer and as always, takes seriously reports of illnesses or injury from regulated products. While the FDA generally does not comment on possible, pending or ongoing litigation, the FDA continued, the agency monitors the marketplace of FDA-regulated products and takes action as appropriate, including collaborating with the Federal Trade Commission regarding marketing claims, according to WSB-TV. FRESNO, Calif. (KGPE/KSEE) Santa Clauses are coming to town, more specifically the city of Fresno, on Saturday for the second annual Santa Pub Crawl. This is an event that allows people to dress up as Santa Claus in their own way and hop to different venues in the Tower District in Fresno hosted by the Tower District Marketing Committee. Organizers say those who are 21 and older, can purchase a wristband for $10 for access to drink specials, prioritized drink service, prize drawing for Santa Costumes, no cover charges into participating venues, and skipping the lines. Venues that are included in this event are The Lincoln Pub, Banzai Japanese Bar, Splash Video Dance Bar, Bobby Salazars, Lucys Lounge, FAB, Sequoia Brewing Co. Goldsteins, The Howling Wolf, and Indias Oven. If you need a ride, organizers say the Tower District now has free rides on the City of Fresnos new Fresno Hop Trolly system from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. that can get you safely to the crawl and back home with stops in The Tower District, Fresno City College, Fresno States Campus Pointe and Downtown. Check-in will begin at The Lincoln Pub at 609 E Olive, Fresno 93728. The second annual Santa Pub Crawl in Tower District will be on Dec. 9 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. To purchase a wristband click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com. Sen. Kevin Cramers (R-N.D.) son was charged with manslaughter Thursday after he killed a North Dakota sheriffs deputy in a car wreck Wednesday evening, according to local police. Police said Ian Cramer, 42, crashed his familys SUV that was reported stolen into a police cruiser following an hourlong chase, killing the sheriffs deputy standing behind the vehicle. The younger Cramer was charged with manslaughter, fleeing a police officer and reckless endangerment, as well as a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license, court records show. His first court appearance is scheduled for Friday. The deputy, Paul Martin, was outside his patrol car to deploy a tire deflation device to end the pursuit when he was killed, police said. In a statement earlier Thursday, the senator said his son suffered from mental health issues that manifest in paranoia and hallucinations. I will take the first flight I can to be with our family as we grieve what has happened, Kevin Cramer said. We grieve especially for the family of the hero who tried to help Ian, and we pray for our gracious God to show up as He always does in tragedy. We ask the public for prayers for the lost officers family and colleagues who serve us every day and are grateful for all they do for us. The senator said his wife, Kris, had taken Ian to the Sanford Health emergency room in Bismarck, N.D., Wednesday night after he insisted on seeing his brother, Ike, who died in 2018. The senator said that when his wife stepped out of the vehicle, his son hopped into the drivers seat and fled. While driving off, Ian Cramer drove through the hospitals emergency entrance, damaging it, according to The Associated Press. The senators daughter tracked where Ian Cramer was going through his wifes cell phone, which led officers to locate him in nearby Mercer County, where the crash occurred. We also ask God for healing for Ian. We love him and hurt deeply, the senator said in his statement. Lauren Sforza contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The U.S. House of Representatives swiftly dislodged the disgraced George Santos from office with a rare, bipartisan ratification of disgust. The Dec. 1 vote to expel the New York fabulist and accused thief came about a year after The New York Times first began probing his seedy and imagined background. It was rare for Congress not only to take such a dramatic step, but to do it so swiftly. The Santos debacle raises an obvious question: Now former Congressman George Santos held a press conference on the House Triangle outside of the United States Capitol on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. He has since been expelled from Congress since Friday. Dec. 1, 2023. If the House, constantly engulfed in partisan warfare, can pull this off, why hasnt the Senate taken any similar action toward New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, accused of serving as a clandestine agent of the Egyptian government who was compensated with bribes? The federal criminal charges filed against Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, are a potentially far more damaging breach of one of the nations most cherished Democratic institutions than stealing campaign funds to smooth out Santos' puffy jowls with Botox. Why won't the Senate move on Bob Menendez? So where is the Senate's internal ethics watchdog? Why hasnt it moved to crack down on or expel one of its own legally challenged members, who already dodged a separate, tawdry corruption case five years ago? Secrecy and tradition help explain why. The U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics said in a terse statement in September that it does not comment on matters pending before the Committee or matters that may come before the Committee" and that as a matter of longstanding policy the committee of four Democratic senators and four Republicans holds its powder until the federal case against Menendez is resolved. In fact, that is precisely the path the panel took in the first Menendez corruption case over the past decade. Senator Bob Menendez is shown as he walks towards federal court in the Southern District of New York, in lower Manhattan, Monday, October 23, 3023. The ethics panel launched its own investigation of Menendez in 2012 but put it on hold when, four years later, the Justice Department formally accused the senator of accepting campaign donations, expensive stays at a luxury hotel and free flights in exchange for helping a south Florida eye doctor, Salomon Melgen, settle a dispute with Medicare, obtain visas for Melgens foreign girlfriends and protect a port security contract with the Dominican Republic. The ethics panel did not resume its work until after an 11-week trial ended in November 2017 in a hung jury. Five months later and after the Justice Department dropped the case the ethics panel severely admonished Menendez, said he violated Senate Rules, federal law and applicable standards of conduct and ordered him to pay for the gifts at appropriate market value and amend his financial disclosure forms. But that was the end of that sordid chapter. Menendez resumed his duties, but, according to federal officials, it was not much longer before was on the path toward the current set of charges, which include accusations of taking bribes in the form of bars of gold bullion, cash and a new car for his wife. He is also accused of accepting payments in exchange for using his clout to block a state and federal investigation of two New Jersey men. Menendez has denied the charges and says he will be cleared once all the facts of the case are made clear. He has not ruled out running for reelection next year. 'Bobby from Jersey': Sen. John Fetterman trolls Sen. Bob Menendez with George Santos Cameo 'Very reluctant to throw one of their own into the sacrificial fire' So it might seem that the outraged response to his first major brush with federal law enforcement would prompt the Ethics Committee to act with more expediency the second time around. Shouldn't the Senate be ready to replicate the ethics enforcement path hewn by the House? Not likely, say analysts and observers of the committee, which is known for its glacial pace and secretive deliberations. For one thing, the Senate is ruled by a clubby set of customs. While Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., has garnered national attention for publicly calling for Menendez to step down and trolling him by hiring Santos for a juvenile video prank the Democratic caucus has largely kept a low profile. After publicly calling on Menendez to resign when the charges were unsealed in September, most Senate Democrats have kept mum. I think it underscores a really, really important difference between the House and Senate," said Ross Baker, a Rutgers University political scientist who has studied the Senate. He said the Senate is a very small institution, in which interpersonal relationships are extremely important. Senators are very, very reluctant to throw one of their own into the sacrificial fire of public indignation. There's a kind of a kind of an unspoken code that you just never should rush to judgment on a colleague. More Charlie Stile: Can Steve Fulop have it both ways on nepotism? Can he attack Menendez and support Murphy? Senate Ethics Committee: 'a black box' That institutional reluctance is reflected in the committees skimpy record of enforcement, according to a recent study cited by the Campaign Legal Center, or CLC, a Washington, D.C., nonprofit ethics and campaign finance watchdog, which filed a formal early complaint about Santos conduct. The study, conducted by the outlet Raw Story, found that among the 1,523 complaints sent to the Senate Ethics Committee from 2007 to 2022, none resulted in a formal disciplinary action. (A severe admonishment letter like the one Menendez received is not considered formal punishment.) Its a little bit of a black box," said Delaney Marsco, senior legal counsel for ethics at the CLC. We don't really know what they're doing at any given time. We don't know [if] theyre investigating anybody." She added that in cases where an investigation becomes known, theres no policy of making everything public in the end. The committee did not return a call regarding a possible probe of the Menendez allegations. A Menendez official did not respond to requests for comment. Marsco also drew an important distinction between the Senate and the House, which was confronted with a virtual tsunami of accusations about Santos from his alleged stealing from his campaign account for personal expenses to his false biography. She noted that in addition to the House Ethics Committee, which is filled with members of Congress, the lower House is monitored by the Office of Congressional Ethics, a separate, independent body made up of public, unelected members who are not tied down by the same political, interpersonal relations as elected House members. The office can and often does make its findings public. It was the OCEs own report, completed in May, that helped prod the House Ethics Committee to release its devastating report on Santos last month. That release led to the third and final vote to expel Santos. It was the power of transparency that turned the tide. The Senate doesn't have an independent investigatory body that makes everything public, Marsco said. They just have this ethics committee. The black box, in other words. And because of its lack of transparency, some speculate about the Ethics Committees political motives. Baker argues that perhaps the swift, across-the-board calls in New Jersey for Menendez to step down may have given the panel reason for pause, believing that the charges filed by the Southern District of New York would doom his chances if he ran for reelection or he might eventually cave. The feeling was well, you know, If these domestic sources of support are opposed to him, you know, we'll let the voters take care of it, Baker said. Marsco also noted that Supreme Court rulings over the past decade have narrowed the legal definition and that, in turn, has made committee members additionally cautious about leaping into a probe. Whatever the case may be, the little black box is not likely to play a role in pushing Menendez to the Senate exit door. Charlie Stile is a veteran New Jersey political columnist. For unlimited access to his unique insights into New Jerseys political power structure and his powerful watchdog work, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: stile@northjersey.com This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bob Menendez: Why won't the Senate Ethics Committee move? Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) announced Wednesday that he sent a letter to officials demanding answers to an op-ed published by The Washington Post that he said suggested an open rebellion against the U.S. Vance sent the letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a response to the Nov. 30 column written by a Post contributing editor Robert Kagan, which warns readers, A Trump dictatorship is increasingly inevitable, and, We should stop pretending. Based on my review of public charging documents that the Department of Justice has filed in courts of law, I suspect that one or both of you might characterize this article as an invitation to insurrection, a manifestation of criminal conspiracy, or an attempt to bring about civil war, Vances letter said. Kagan argued that former President Trump will be the Republican presidential nominee, and disapproving Republicans will fall in line. Votes are the currency of power in our system, and money follows, and by those measures, Trump is about to become far more powerful than he already is, Kagan wrote. Kagan argues that a second Trump presidency is likely, and the road to dictatorship is possible. In an announcement, Vance argued that Kagans piece said another Trump presidency would justify succession, treason and political violence. According to Robert Kagan, the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency is terrible enough to justify open rebellion against the United States, along with the political violence that would inevitably follow Vances announcement said. Vance asked Garland and Blinken to respond to several questions by Jan. 6. He asked if the Department of Justice (DOJ) would open an investigation into Kagan and if the department agrees with the author that blue states like California and New York can be free to flout the federal government. Vance asked how the DOJ distinguishes between heated political rhetoric and evidence of a conspiracy and if Kagans words might intimidate voters in the next election. The Hill has reached out to Vance for further comment on his letter. According to a spokesperson for the Post, the organization stands by Kagans thoughtful essays. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON A bipartisan group of senators resumed border talks Thursday, offering faint hope that Congress can craft and pass a broad legislative package that would include aid for Israel and Ukraine before the end of the year. The lead negotiators Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and James Lankford, R-Okla. met Thursday afternoon, Lankford and a Democratic source familiar with the negotiations told NBC News. The meeting did not yield a final result, but a new proposal was discussed, both said. It took place in the basement hideaway office of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., who has also been involved in the effort. They are back at the table, negotiations are back, the Democratic source said. Republicans presented us a proposal, we are still digesting it. There is still a lot of daylight between the two sides. The source said conversations will continue remotely Friday and into the weekend, as senators left Washington, D.C., for the week on Thursday. Amazingly, we have phones and internet and email and everything else, and so will continue to stay in contact, Lankford told reporters as he left the Capitol. Were going to continue to talk, said Murphy. The negotiations had stalled last Friday and are resuming a day after the Senate failed to advance an Israel and Ukraine aid bill over Republican objections that it lacked immigration policy changes. Tensions were high Thursday, but seem to have calmed. Lankford and other Republicans said that President Joe Bidens remark on Wednesday that he was willing to make significant compromises on the border in order to secure money for Ukraine helped bring the two sides back to the table. The White House made a very clear statement: Hey, lets actually get something resolved, Ukraines too important not to be able to do this, Lankford said. So I did think it was helpful for him to be able to make that statement, and I reciprocated right back to the White House: I hear you. Were not trying to be able to overask either. Sinema, speaking with KVOA News in Tucson, said the bipartisan group is making progress, but there is still a ways to go. She also called on colleagues to come to the middle and solve this crisis together. But with Congress set to leave town for the year at the end of next week, Lankford admitted that they would likely need to add more legislative days if they wanted to finish a deal before the holidays. Theres a week left on the schedule, but weve added weeks before, Lankford said. Some senators are not so optimistic that the group can reach the agreement thats needed to unlock passage of the entire package before next year. I just dont think its realistic to expect that theyre going to take it up and pass it, especially if theyre planning on leaving, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. So I think were unfortunately looking at a January exercise. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., agreed. I, for one, think its unlikely that we get done by Christmas, and I hope Im proven wrong. During a press conference earlier Thursday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said it was time for Biden to be a part of negotiations. These negotiations need to change the president United States should be involved, Graham said. He is responsible for this situation more than any member of the House [or] the Senate. He is the commander in chief, and when it comes to securing our border, our Commander in Chief Joe Biden is AWOL. Lankford said he has been speaking to White House staff throughout this process, and that he agreed the president needs to be a part of the negotiations. But he declined to specify what that would involve. The White House has got to be engaged in this, Lankford said. If the White House is not engaged into the negotiations, then nothings going to get done on it. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) An accused serial burglar connected to at least ten incidents is in custody following a police chase, the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office said. Demarko McClinton, 27, of Lancaster, faces multiple charges including burglary and gun possession during a violent crime. Deputies said a gun was stolen during one of the robberies. Records show that during October and November of 2023, McClinton stole snacks, money, and video recording material during ten attempted robberies, including some thefts that occurred on the same day, the sheriffs office said. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Crime & Public Safety The businesses ranged from auto-related companies to lawn maintenance businesses. McClinton was arrested last week following a police chase that the South Carolina Highway Patrol assisted with. He is currently being held without bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. (BCN) Jose Corvera, an unhoused man with mental health challenges and limited English proficiency was riding a bike in the Mission District in San Francisco in August of last year. As he rode, he held another bike in tow alongside him. He was also in possession of a replica handgun, which the San Francisco Public Defenders Office said he used to protect himself on the streets. On that same day, police said they received a report of a stolen bicycle. Officers said they wanted to stop Corvera to question him. What ensued resulted in a street being blocked off, multiple San Francisco police units arriving his attorney estimated nearly 80 officers the appearance of two military-grade armored vehicles, and Corvera being shot at approximately 15 times from four different officers, including one shot that nearly missed his head, his attorney said. Pleasant Hill neighborhood shelter-in-place lifted after shooting Corvera was never charged with being in possession of a stolen bike. Instead, he was charged with resisting arrest, brandishing a replica firearm and interfering with the lawful performance of a police officer. His trial began in early November, but ended in a hung jury, leading the public defenders office to argue not for the first time that Corvera should never have been approached in the first place. The office said some jurors told them that they felt police had confronted their client for racially motivated reasons. Now the public defenders office has filed a Racial Justice Act claim in Corveras case. RJA claims are based on a state law that went into effect in 2021 that allows defendants to raise issues of bias in their cases based on race, ethnicity or national origin. Mr. Corvera was unjustly singled out by the police based on racial stereotypes of Latinx people, of the unhoused, and of their rights to possess things like bikes, said attorney Kathleen Natividad in a statement released by the public defenders office Wednesday. On Thursday, police spokesperson Sgt. Kathryn Winters said that the public defenders office is entitled to mount whatever defense they deem appropriate for their client. It is up to the courts to determine if the defense has merit, wrote Winters in an email. The merits of their claim will be argued in court. As for this case, there is a parallel administrative investigation that will examine the officers actions and determine whether they were in policy from the stop through the officer involved shooting. Winters declined to comment further on the case or whether officers approached Corvera out of bias. Because of the pending criminal trial and the pending administrative investigation, we will not speak to the veracity of Mr. Corveras defense, as it would be inappropriate for us to make public statements that could result in claims that conditions exist that prevent a fair trial for the defendant, she said. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott held a town hall soon after the shooting, as he does with any officer-involved shootings. The department played body-worn camera images of the encounter that showed the gradual buildup of police the morning of Aug. 6, 2022. According to Cmdr. Paul Yep, Corvera was pursued onto Shotwell Street and an officer reported seeing a gun in his hand. Corvera can be seen holding what looked like a gun in the footage. Corvera crouched down behind a car and pointed the replica firearm at the officers, who in turn pulled out their weapons. Audio of Corvera can be heard, with him yelling, Get out of here! and, I dont need no help. Man arrested in connection with death of SF tech worker Police discharged their firearms, but no one was hurt. Eventually Corvera tossed his fake gun into the street. Police allege his gun then fired, but there is no sound on the audio to confirm this, except for an officer saying, It went off when he threw it. At the time of the town hall, the public defenders office said the stop by police had instigated and escalated a situation which endangered the public, Mr. Corvera, and members of the SFPD. The RJA hearing is set for Dec. 13. and due to the mistrial, prosecutors are pursuing another trial that is scheduled to begin Dec. 29. Public Defender Mano Raju on Wednesday urged the District Attorneys Office to drop the case. The District Attorneys Office did not respond to requests for comment. Copyright 2023 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Shane MacGowans widow, Victoria Mary Clarke, shared an anecdote about Johnny Depp with the actor in attendance during her eulogy at the Pogues frontmans funeral on Friday that the Pogues frontman had urged Johnny Depp to forgive Amber Heard. Depp, 60, was among the stars in attendance at the ceremony held at St Mary of the Rosary Catholic Church in Nenagh, County Tipperary. The Pirates of the Caribbean star had been friends with MacGowan for over 30 years before the Irish singers death on 30 November aged 65. Depp was among the pallbearers who carried the coffin out of the church and gave a reading during the Prayers of the Faithful segment of the funeral. During her eulogy, Clarke, 57 who married MacGowan in Copenhagen in 2018 after a decades-long relationship recalled her late husbands advice to Depp amid his bitter legal trials with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, 37. Johnny Depp (left) and Shane MacGowans widow Victoria Mary Clarke (Shane MacGowan/Facebook) I hope you dont mind me saying this, Johnny, Clarke began with a smile in the actors direction. When Johnny had a court case involving his ex-wife Amber, Shane had a long conversation with you, didnt he? And urged you to forgive Amber. Yeah, he just thought it was the best thing to do because he believed genuinely in forgiveness. Speaking directly to the actor, she asked: Im sure you have by now, havent you? Of course you have; of course you have. In 2022, Depp sued Heard for $50m (40m), claiming she defamed him in an op-ed for The Washington Post where she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse. The jury ultimately ruled in Depps favour on 2 June that year. MacGowan had shared a message of support for Depp during the trial which was televised, gaining international attention writing on Twitter/X: Stay strong brother we are with you. U2 frontman Bono, Nick Cave and Bob Geldof were among the other big names to attend MacGowans funeral. Clarke previously revealed that the cause of MacGowans death was pneumonia. The artist had suffered from a number of health issues over the years, and had recently been discharged from hospital in Dublin, where he was being treated for encephalitis. She posted: Shane hated funerals and he refused to go to them with a few rare exceptions. So its incredible to think that so many people want to come to his and that so many beautiful people are pouring their hearts and souls into making it magnificent and magical and memorable for him and for us who are left behind. Grant Shapps said his daughter had endured anti-Semitic chants at her university following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. In an interview with The Times, the Defence Secretary, a practising Jew, said his daughter had told him that people had been rampaging through her campus chanting from the river to the sea. Mr Shapps said his family had felt the impact of the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, in which terrorists killed 1,200 people. He said of his daughter: She was telling me people were rampaging through the campus shouting: From the river to the sea, which is clearly an anti-Semitic trope, and it puts her under pressure and makes her feel uneasy. Mr Shapps said he is British in the first instance, Defence Secretary second, and thirdly my religion happens to be Judaism. But most of all I am a human being, he said. Whether someone dies in Gaza or dies in Israel, to me there is no difference. It shouldnt be happening in either. I think that sense of humanity should be at the forefront of everybodys minds. His comments follow a row over the Metropolitan Polices decision to permit the from the river to the sea chant at pro-Palestinian protests in London despite Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, warning that it was widely understood as a demand for the destruction of Israel. Scotland Yard said demonstrators at a march in October would be allowed to chant the slogan as long as it was not used to incite violence or intimidate Jewish people. Robin Simcox, the Governments independent counter-extremism tsar, has previously suggested he believed the from the river to the sea chant was genocidal. Mr Shapps also warned that the Israel-Hamas war could get worse, potentially sparking enormous conflict in the Middle East. He said the Palestinian Authority was the only game in town when it comes to governing Gaza after the conflict after The Times reported that a British military team in the West Bank is helping to prepare the body to take charge. Mr Shapps made his remarks during a trip to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, at which he planned to push for humanitarian aid to be delivered faster, including by sea directly into Gaza, and for the release of all remaining hostages. The events of October 7 horrified the world, and I personally want to offer my support and condolences to Israel and its people, he said. We fully support Israels right to defend itself, but it is important their fight against Hamas terrorists remains within international law. He posted a picture of himself in Israel on social media: Walking through Kibbutz Kfar, two months to the day since Hamas terror attack. Whilst overhead an Iron Dome defensive rocket screamed past bringing down an incoming rocket moments later. All a stark reminder that a sustainable two-state solution is needed now more than ever. pic.twitter.com/e7jByWdhU8 Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) December 7, 2023 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer. Asbury University says a reported on-campus incident is under investigation Friday after media reports of a woman being found unresponsive in a dorm late last month. The Jessamine County Sheriffs Office told the Herald-Leader it is actively investigating the incident, which led to the hospitalization of an Asbury student on Nov. 27. The student was taken to the intensive care unit after she was found, according to WKYT, the Herald-Leaders reporting partner. WKYT received a statement from the students lawyer that said the student sustained significant injuries that are consistent with a violent assault. In a statement provided to the Herald-Leader, Asbury University said nothing currently indicates there is a threat to members of the campus community. Asbury University is aware of a recent report of an incident on its campus. The matter is being investigated by appropriate authorities with the universitys full cooperation, the statement read. At this time, Asbury is not aware of any information to indicate a current threat to members of the campus community. Asburys priority remains the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff. The Jessamine County Sheriffs Office added it does not believe there is an immediate danger to campus life or safety and will continue to support the University in all safety aspects for staff and students. The sheriffs office also said it was aggressively pursuing all leads regarding what caused the students injuries. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Jessamine County Sheriffs Office at (859) 885-9512. A Granada Hills family who was targeted in a dinnertime burglary was victimized again Tuesday night, marking the second time burglars have ransacked their home in less than a week. Located in the Greyhawk Ranch community, the home was burglarized on Nov. 29 when thieves escaped with around $150,000 worth of valuables. The victim, only identified as David, had returned from Christmas shopping with his wife and their newborn baby when he spotted the thieves leaving his house with a stockpile of stolen items. He chased them down in his car and rammed their vehicle to prevent them from fleeing the neighborhood. The burglars eventually escaped in their damaged vehicle. However, just days later, a group of intruders, possibly the same ones who previously ransacked his home, broke into his residence once again. The home, currently undergoing renovation and upgrading, sits along Wood Ranch Road. The victim and his family are fearful for their safety. Video from a baby monitor showing a burglar inside the nursery of a Granada Hills home that was targeted in a $150,000 dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. A Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. The suspects getaway car is spotted leaving the victims driveway. A Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. (OnScene.TV) A Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. A leftover bullet from thieves after a Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. (OnScene.TV) A Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. (OnScene.TV) The street where a Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. (KTLA) A Granada Hills home was broken into and victims lost around $150,000 worth of valuables in a dinnertime buglary on Nov. 29, 2023. The suspects getaway car is spotted leaving the victims driveway. Im imagining if we were home, what wouldve happened, David said. I have a newborn baby. They went into [the babys] room. They broke ornaments, they broke drawers. I dont understand why L.A. became like this. Following the two break-ins at their home, David said his wife is deeply traumatized by the incident. Their neighbors camera captured part of the first break-in on Nov. 29. The group of hooded burglars is seen ransacking the homes interior before hopping into a getaway car. Security video captured the tense confrontation playing out on the street. After David damaged their suspects vehicle, he followed them down the street where they began shooting at his car. Thousands of Southern Californians targeted in ATM skimming theft They eventually escaped with around $150,000 of valuable items. A few nights later at around 7:30 p.m., three armed intruders shattered a glass door and entered Davids home for the second time. But a piercing alarm scared them off. We had nothing in the house, David said. I dont know why they came back with a gun. But they got inside the house and then they ran away. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and L.A. Police officials said data shows that violent crime is down citywide in 2023. However, the victims KTLA has spoken with said they disagree. A crime mapping website shows that over the past eight days in Granada Hills, 547 crimes were reported in the community and surrounding areas. The incidents include everything from car thefts and assaults to home burglaries and more. Residents in the area told KTLA they are fed up with the increasing crime and worried for their safety. Residents are concerned as a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries appears to be plauging communties near Woodland Hills. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) A Granada Hills home targeted by three masked thieves in a November 2023 dinnertime burglary. (George Lozano, Jr.) The Gaspar familys dog who was pepper-sprayed after their Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys gun safes that were destroyed after their Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) The Gaspar Familys Woodland Hills home was broken into on Nov. 13, 2023 in what appears to be a troubling uptick in dinnertime burglaries across the community. (Gaspar Family) Video shows a homeowner being detained following a deadly shooting during a home invasion on Dec. 2, 2023 in Granada Hills, CA. (KeyNewsTV) On Dec. 2, another Granada Hills homeowner shot and killed an intruder when three to four armed men entered the home on the 11400 block of Swinton Avenue Back in November, another Granada Hills homeowner was seen armed with a gun while chasing a group of burglars off his property. Its unsafe for everyone, David said. All of our neighbors are in shock. Everyone is putting in more security. Theyre worried. The dinnertime burglaries have been reportedly plaguing the San Fernando Valley where intruders would break into homes between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. a time when people are believed to be out to dinner. A Woodland Hills home was also targeted around the same time. The victims returned home to find their back door smashed in, security cameras ripped out of the walls and every room completely ransacked. Their valuable jewelry and personal items were all gone. Its insane, said Maria Turley, a local resident. Were not safe anymore. Were a quiet little community. Ive been here for 28 years. This doesnt happen, but its become normal now. We need to be doing more about hiring police officers and getting more officers out on the streets, said L.A. City Councilmember John Lee, who represents the area. Lee said at the moment, the LAPD is short around 1,200 officers, the equivalent of about four police divisions. In January, we will be launching a community safety initiative that will utilize technology to not only help us catch the criminals, but to recognize patterns so that we stop some of these thefts before they happen, he said. Despite the mayor and LAPD saying crime reports have been down, Lee said in the communities surrounding Granada Hills, home break-ins have increased by 100 percent since the year before. We are getting so many incidents recently, David said. Victims said thieves are often seen in high-end luxury vehicles and operate in groups of three or four people. They often use walkie-talkies or cell phones to communicate quickly. The encounters are also often violent. The series of break-ins remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Spains finance minister Nadia Calvino has been named next president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), resolving a fractious and long-running dispute among EU finance ministers. Vincent van Peteghem, the Belgian minister who chairs the public lenders Board of Governors, told reporters that finance ministers had formed a consensus over her candidacy. Calvino will be "a strong next president of the EIB, the biggest investment bank in the world," van Peteghem said. I wish her all the best." Calvino herself told reporters she was "grateful and honoured" to have her colleagues' backing. "This support reflects the respect, appreciation and leadership that we have gained through the hard intense work of the last year." Calvino, previously an official at the European Commission, pipped Denmarks Margrethe Vestager in the race to head up the EUs lending arm. The position is set to become vacant when Germanys Werner Hoyer steps down at the end of December, and van Peteghem had already suggested Calvino as the lead candidate in a letter to counterparts sent last week. The position had been hotly contested but Spain held a trump card. Under the Council of the EUs presidency, which rotates among member states, Calvino has since July chaired meetings of finance ministers likely giving her extra leverage to win support. Vestager has since 2014 been the EUs top antitrust enforcer, taking on major tech companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook but temporarily stood down in September to campaign for the EIB role. In a post on X, Vestager confirmed she was now withdrawing her candidacy and would resume Commission duties. An EU institution funded and governed by the blocs 27 national finance ministries, the EIB has more lately rebranded as the blocs climate bank in 2019 promising to support 1 trillion in sustainable investment and end fossil fuel finance while also funding billions of euros of reconstruction in war-torn Ukraine. Calvino previously headed up the EUs budget department, and was in 2019 was a candidate to head up the International Monetary Fund, ultimately losing to Bulgarias Kristalina Georgieva. Her future in the national government seemed in doubt after Spains socialist party finished second in July elections but prime minister Pedro Sanchez has since shored up his position thanks to a controversial deal with Catalan separatists. Hoyer, previously Germanys deputy foreign minister, will step down on 31 December after serving two six-year terms. SPRING CITY, Utah (ABC4) A Spring City family is hoping that by warming the taste buds of their friends and neighbors they will be able to make the holidays a little warmer for those in their community who are in need. Chris Draper and his family did a homemade pizza fundraiser last fall to raise funds for the Sanpete County Food Pantry, after finding out they did not have enough food to send meals home with kids over the holidays. They set up a little pizza shop in their garage and sold fresh, hot pizza from their driveway. They were able to raise enough money to supply 100-weekend meal kits for kids, which was greatly needed by the pantry at a time of year that is typically harder on those in need. Beware of fake Ballet West Nutcracker tickets Draper found out by September of this year the pantry had given out as much food as they did the entire previous year and he decided he wanted to help again. It was a great experience for our whole family, Draper recalled. It was also a great way to help the food pantry and spread awareness in our community on how much they really need everyones help. Photo courtesy Chris Draper. Draper has organized another pizza fundraiser on Monday, Dec. 11 and he needs the communitys help to make an even bigger impact this year. He has organized a GoFundMe in hopes of raising enough money to buy more pizza ovens and all the supplies needed to sell enough pizzas to supply 300 meal kits this year, or about $3,000.00. Spring City has even helped support the effort this year setting up a place in City Hall to hold the event so that more people can participate. Draper says last year it was just his wife, Courtney, and kids, Ashton, 11, Benson, 9, and Calvin, 6, helping and it was tough, but this year they have extra hands helping in the effort this year. We have friends who have agreed to help out. Then he laughs, And friends who dont know they are helping out yet. Anyone looking to buy the pizzas can just walk up and order. The pizzas will be served up on the second floor of City Hall, located at 45 South 100 East, in Spring City from 5 8 p.m. In addition to buying delicious pizzas, individuals will be able to scan a QR code and donate additional funds to the Sanpete Food Pantry. Pizzas are $10 each and when you buy 3 you get one free. So, what does Draper say about his homemade pizza? He says its pretty good. He has spent a lot of time finding just the right recipe. He describes it as a Neapolitan-style pizza that cooks quickly at a high temperature. He says last year they had people that would stop by and try the pizza and come back to buy more for the rest of their families. While he is not planning on giving up his day job as a software engineer, he does have a cooking channel on YouTube and cooking is one of his passions. You can watch him whipping up his famous fundraising pizza and other treats on his YouTube channel Some Dads Cook. Draper is also hoping they can do the pizza fundraiser twice a year so the donations from the GoFundMe will continue to help the pantry. To donate visit the Sanpete County Food Pantry Pizza Fundraiser page on GoFundMe. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Jason Straughan, founder and CEO of CodeUp, is photographed on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Billy Calzada, Staff / Staff Photographer Jason Straughan of CodeUp and David Heard CEO of TechBloc speak with Judge Nelson Wolff during a reboot rally hosted by Tech Bloc at the Weston Urban Legacy Park downtown Thursday evening. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad Graham Weston of Weston Urban speaks during a reboot rally hosted by Tech Bloc at the Weston Urban Legacy Park downtown Thursday evening. Behind him are Jason Straughan of CodeUp, Judge Nelson Wolff and CAST Principal Melissa Alcala. Robin Jerstad / Robin Jerstad Jason Straughan, right, founder and CEO of CodeUp, sits with Stuart Rowe, admiissions manager, at CodeUp on Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Billy Calzada, Staff / Staff Photographer The chief executive and co-founder of Codeup, a San Antonio-based computer coding school, said Friday he has stepped down. Jason Straughan, who co-founded the firm with tech entrepreneurs Michael Girdley and Chris Turner in 2013 and served as the companys CEO for the past six years, announced his departure Friday. Sometimes a company needs a strategic visionary, sometimes a company needs an operator, Straughan said on X. Im a strategy and growth person, but Im not a good operator. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Codeup didnt reply to requests for comment and no information was available about a successor. In a statement Straughan posted to the social media site earlier Friday, he called his work at Codeup the most inspiring of my career. He continued: The company needs different leadership for the next phase of the journey in service to our students. Thank you for all the wonderful years, memories, and life change. Working on this mission has been the peak of my professional life. He confirmed the move via text. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Company in transition The news comes after months of transition for the tech startup that teaches computer coding at locations across Texas in 13- to 22-week sessions. Earlier this year, the company consolidated its downtown and Rackspace Technology campus locations into two floors at one of the Petroleum Towers at 8700 Tesoro Drive. The move apparently was prompted by Rackspaces decision last year to leave its Windcrest campus for an office park near Stone Oak. In October, Codeup apparently laid off roughly 25% of its 124-person workforce, according to a post by a former employee on LinkedIn. Neither Straughan nor Girdley responded to questions about the cuts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement Friday, Ileana Gonzalez, CEO of San Antonio tech advocacy group Tech Bloc, praised Straughan and described Codeup under his leadership as a beacon of education and empowerment. Were so thankful for Jasons strategic acumen and commitment to fostering talent, as he not only empowered countless individuals through education but also left an indelible mark on our community, she wrote. His visionary leadership has fueled the success stories of Codeup graduates and positioned San Antonio as a prominent player in tech workforce development. While many tech firms struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, Codeup grew, opening a Dallas campus in February 2020 and virtual campuses with offices in Houston and Austin in 2021. Rackspace connection Also in 2021, Codeup acquired Rackspace Technologys cloud-computing academy. At the time, Straughan said the move was part of a 10-year mission to be the number one place in Texas to enter a career in technology, and the acquisition of Rackspace Cloud Academy is just another piece in our continuing to that goal and that vision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to his work with Codeup, Straughan has been a longtime supporter of San Antonios tech district along Houston Street including advocating for making it a pedestrian-only stretch so some in the tech community were surprised when the firm left its downtown headquarters. In June 2021, Straughan had said in a post on Twitter: The Tech District is made of PEOPLE (not cars). Make Houston Street in San Antonio pedestrian only. Invest in the future of our city. He expounded on that in an interview that year. A statue of USC founder Robert Widney has suddenly vanished, and its not clear if or when it will return. According to the Daily Trojan, the statue was removed on Nov. 28 for maintenance and cleaning, the University said in a statement to the student newspaper and KTLA. The statues accompanying plaque is also gone. Widney, a real estate promoter, attorney and prominent judge, was one of the four founding fathers of the University of Southern California in 1880. One of the most enduring accounts of his life occurred in 1871, when Widney intervened as violent anti-Chinese rioting stormed through town, drawing his pistol and plunging into the mob to escort several immigrants to safety, the University explained when the statue was unveiled in 2014. His legacy on racial issues, however, has come under scrutiny in recent years. Robert Widney Brochure A professor and historian at the University of California, Merced told The Los Angeles Times in 2020 that Widney was most certainly supportive of extralegal lynchings. His brother and USCs second president, Joseph Widney, penned a book titled, Race Life of the Aryan Peoples, which stated that Black and white people cannot live together as equals, the Times reports. The university did not answer the question of whether the Widney statue would be returned. In 2020 and amid the nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, USC removed the name and bust of Rufus Von KleinSmid, a former university president and known eugenicist, from a historic campus building. The eugenics movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries sought to improve the human population through selective and controlled breeding, advocating for forced sterilization and excluding some groups from reproducing. It became associated with Nazi Germany and was used to justify the Holocaust. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) said all three college presidents who testified at a House hearing this week on antisemitism should be fired for their lack of moral clarity on the issue. Stefanik in an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal said the presidents of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) had put a focus on antisemitism on elite college campuses. This lack of moral clarity is shocking. If only it were surprising. In the months since Oct. 7, the mainstreaming of anti-Jewish hate has been on full display at the poisoned Ivy League and other so-called elite schools, as has the gutless lack of response from university leaders, Stefanik wrote. In a moment at the hearing that went viral on social media, Stefanik asked the three presidents whether a call for Jewish genocide would be considered harassment on their campuses. Each president responded similarly, saying it would depend on the context of the calls and if the calls turned into conduct. The responses have been defended by free speech advocates who have said it is true that the context and pervasiveness of those types of calls matter, but many have said this defense does not work due to these universities history with protecting free speech. Stefanik pointed out Harvard placed last on the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expressions College Free Speech Rankings. She also said there is hypocrisy at the schools, which she argued had banned speakers expressing viewpoints they disagreed with. The failure to call out and punish those demanding the genocide of Jewish people is the consequence of decades of appeasement of radicalism and watering down of principle at our most hallowed institutions of higher education, which were founded as bastions of moral clarity and the pursuit of truth, Stefanik said. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), the chair of the House Education Committee, announced a congressional investigation Thursday into the three schools, going after their disciplinary policies and the type of learning environment at the institutions. The president of Harvard has apologized for her testimony during the hearing, and Penns president released a statement clarifying her positions, but it has not stopped donors and students from calling for their removal. The leaders of these universities want us to believe they face, through no fault of their own, a predicament for which they have no responsibility or accountability. In fact, they are directly responsible for the vile antisemitic hatred overrunning their campuses, Stefanik said. She concluded that the boards at all three schools should fire the presidents and find leaders who can restore moral clarity. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. ALBANY, New York A reckoning is needed for universities and colleges that allow unchecked antisemitism on campuses, Rep. Elise Stefanik warned in an interview Friday with POLITICO. Stefanik, whose grilling of top university presidents this week became a viral moment, wants to take a deeper look at sources of funding as well as how diversity, equity and inclusion offices function and their treatment of Jewish students. I fear that this investigation will uncover very, very damning evidence of this abused position of power in academia, she said. Stefaniks questioning of the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and their equivocations over whether calling for the genocide of Jews should be considered bullying and harassment drew an instant backlash. The hearing also illustrated the increasingly perilous road higher education institutions have been on since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas and a willingness by members of Congress to step in and address the issue. Tensions have been heightened on college campuses in the wake of the attacks and subsequent bombardment of Gaza by Israel. The moment for Stefanik during a congressional hearing also came as Jews in the U.S. have more broadly faced a reported uptick in antisemitic threats and hate crimes. A gunman opened fire near an Albany synagogue on Thursday evening. No one was injured, and a suspect is in custody. Stefanik, who represents a neighboring district in upstate New York and is familiar with the synagogue, tied the shooting to the posture from the university leaders. Its a reminder of all those university presidents who said it takes conduct or action for it to be harassment, she said. No, it does not take conduct or action to qualify for harassment or violent behavior. In her exchange with Stefanik, Harvard President Gay said whether calling for a genocide is harassment is dependent upon the context. Penn President Liz Magill told Stefanik its a context-dependent situation. MIT President Sally Kornbluth said the speech would have to be targeted at individuals to be considered against campus policy. Major donors have announced plans to withhold contributions to the schools. Gay apologized for her answer to the House committee. Magill is facing calls for her resignation. Democratic leaders also seized on the answers, with White House officials and others calling them unacceptable. Stefaniks questioning of the university presidents has drawn international praise, and even support from some Democrats who have generally disagreed with the conservative lawmaker. David Friedman, the former U.S. ambassador to Israel, in a statement to POLITICO called it a defining moment in the fight against antisemitism." The failure of these academic leaders to fully condemn calls for genocide against the Jewish People exposed, in breathtaking fashion, how universities are failing to educate their students, he said. Stefanik, a Harvard alumnus, said there was a smugness about the answers. She has called for the university leaders to resign. You ask three middle schoolers and put them on a congressional stand, they know how to answer the questions, she said. But this warped pseudo-intellectualism from the pinnacle of the ivory tower Harvard, Penn and MIT it is atrocious, and its a sad reflection of whats happened in academia. Stefanik, the House GOP conference chair, believes more information is needed to determine how widespread antisemitism is on campuses in the United States. She wants to review university and colleges sources of funding from overseas and called for a deeper look at campuses' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. House Republicans plan to proceed with document requests of universities and colleges to determine the scope of antisemitism in higher education. I believe were going to find this is ingrained in the universities themselves, she said. But Stefanik also believes improvements in education, including the teaching of the Holocaust, are needed for younger Americans. Concerns over campus bias against Jews also comes as a generational shift among Americans views toward Israel has been seen in public polling. A gap between older and younger voters in the U.S. over the issue has widened in recent weeks. A Quinnipiac University poll in November found increased sympathy for Palestinians among voters age 18 to 34, growing from 26 percent to 52 percent in just a month. Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, believes university presidents have not met the moment in addressing antisemitism at their institutions. A more productive approach could include directing more money and resources to the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education to investigate hate and bias incidents at colleges and universities, she said. That is a place where members of Congress, including senior Republican leaders, can have a huge impact, she said. Former Frost & Sullivan CEO Darrell Huntsman filed a federal lawsuit against the San Antonio consulting company last month in federal court in California. He alleges the firm retaliated against after he alerted the board to wrongdoing. His suit follows a lawsuit the firm filed against him in September in federal court in San Antonio. It accused him of embezzlement. YouTube Former Frost & Sullivan Inc. Chief Executive Darrell Huntsman accused of embezzling more than $1 million has fired back with his own claims against the San Antonio market research and consulting firm. In a lawsuit filed last month in federal court in California, Huntsman alleges Frost & Sullivan terminated his employment in retaliation for alerting its board to falsified information on a loan application used to fraudulently obtain $2 million through the federal Paycheck Protection Program. He also says that he informed the board of his suspicions that Wyman Bravard, a company owner and director, and Krishna Srinivasan, global managing partner, attempted to siphon the PPP money into their personal accounts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Frost has yet to file an answer to the lawsuit, and one of its lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Huntsman filed the lawsuit a little more than two months after the firm sued him in federal court in San Antonio, accusing him of giving a more than $1 million no-bid contract to a company headed by a close friend. The firm, which alleges Huntsman committed fraud, misappropriated trade secrets and breached his fiduciary duty, seeks to recover unspecified actual damages and punitive damages. On the same day Huntsman sued Frost, he filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit the company initiated against him. He called the San Antonio court an improper venue because he said he never worked in the city while employed at the firm from 2019 until the end of 2022. He lives in Utah. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dire straits Frost provides consulting services and data analytics for an array of industries including aerospace and defense, chemicals, health care, energy and the environment. It was founded in 1961 and employs 1,200 people around the world. Huntsman joined the company as chief operating officer but was quickly promoted to CEO. Besides a base salary of $275,000 and bonuses, he says in the suit he was promised 5% equity in the company. He adds the he never received the bonuses or the equity. Executive board members Bravard and David Frigstad, chairman, each own 41% of Frosts shares. A nonprofit founded by Frigstad holds a 14% interest, Huntsman says in his suit. Bravard and Frigstad are named defendants in the complaint. Frost was in dire financial straits when Huntsman joined, his suit says. It also had tens of millions in losses from 2010 to 2019 and owed millions of dollars in unpaid employee compensation, while auditors had questioned its continued viability. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Huntsman says he cut costs, reorganized the company and regained compliance with certain loan terms in an effort to get the company back on track. He also steered Frost through the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing pay cuts to avoid layoffs, the suit says. It adds, though, that Bravard and Frigstad refused cuts in their pay. The pay cuts ended in August 2020, the suit says, the same month Frost received a more than $5 million loan from the pandemic-era Paycheck Protection Program. It was an $800 billion emergency disaster loan program administered by the Small Business Administration. It was designed to provide money to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees that were affected by the pandemic. Borrowers could have the loans forgiven if the money was spent on payroll and other eligible expenses. Second loan When a second round of PPP loans became available, Huntsman says in his suit that he asked then-Frost Global CFO David Gens whether the firm qualified. Gens said it didnt qualify, the complaint says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nevertheless, the lawsuit says, Bravard and Srinivasan, who also is an executive board member, applied for and obtained a $2 million PPP loan on behalf of Frost. The loans status is listed as ongoing by FederalPay.org. When Bravard, Srinivasan and Frigstad didnt attend board meetings to address the second PPP loan, the suit says Huntsman and the chair of the firms governance committee hired a law firm to perform an independent investigation of its financial operations and governance. Bravard and Frigstad responded by removing all members from the board, including Huntsman and Gens, dissolving all oversight committees of the board and terminating the law firms investigation, the lawsuit says. Ex-CFOs lawsuit Huntsmans allegations are similar to those made in a lawsuit that Gens filed against Frost, Bravard and Frigstad in 2021 in a California state court while he was still employed at the company. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an amended lawsuit filed in September, Gens says Frost did not meet one of the qualifications of the second PPP loan program a revenue reduction of more than 25% in the first three quarters of 2020 as compared with 2019. Gens also alleged that Bravard runs personal expenses through the company, even while (it) was under a tax audit from the IRS. And before the filing of Gens original complaint, he says Bravard and Frigstad had the company pay for such personal expenses as groceries, fine wine, family vacations overseas, and other extravagances. Gens alleged that the pair continue to take close to $500,000 per year through improper personal expenses while refusing to pay employees over $10 million in earned bonuses. Gens sued for a 2% equity interest in Frost that he says he was promised. He also sought injunctive relief to require Frost to repay the $2 million PPP loan. Frost had moved to dismiss Gens first amended complaint in 2021, saying the suit spills a lot of ink making outrageous allegations against the company and its directors. Gens dismissed the lawsuit Nov. 8. The matter resolved through settlement to the satisfaction of both parties, said Justin Morelle, a San Diego lawyer representing him. Terms of the settlement are confidential, Morelle said. Gens employment at Frost ended after a little more than two years in September 2022, his LinkedIn profile shows. Huntsman says in his suit that Frost turned around on his watch and achieved record profits in 2021. (Bloomberg) -- Rishi Sunak backed the winning side in the UKs pivotal vote to leave the European Union, fueling a rise that ultimately made him premier. Now hes fighting to avoid becoming the latest Conservative leader consumed by the resulting civil war in the governing party. Most Read from Bloomberg The British prime minister faces a crucial two weeks if he is to control feuding Tory Members of Parliament and lead them into a general election expected next year. The latest fight is about whether the government should bend or ignore domestic and international laws so the UK can deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda without considering their claims. But the schism runs far deeper, posing existential questions about the Conservative Party, the relative power of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the judiciary, as well as UK sovereignty and its place in the world. When lawmakers vote Tuesday on the anti-immigration legislation Sunak says will get Rwanda deportation flights in the air, those old Brexit dividing lines, tactics and risks that brought down former Prime Minister Theresa May will return to the fore. That contradicts the political brand hes tried to build since taking power last year following the chaotic premierships of Mays successors, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss: stability after years of turmoil. Brexit is undoubtedly the origin of this, but actually the split has got much worse, former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, who backed Remain in the 2016 referendum and was ejected from the party in 2019 after rebelling against Johnson, told BBC TV. What were now watching is a split between people who believe in the rule of law and people who dont. The Rwanda plan has been controversial since it was announced by Johnson in 2022, and has been repeatedly held up by European and UK courts. Persistent questions about value for money will intensify after it emerged this week the UK has spent 100 million ($126 million) on the plan this year, on top of the 140 million previously paid out before any flights have taken off. Rather than drop it, Sunak and his team have embraced a policy they see as a way of reversing the Tories low standing in the polls. It is intrinsically linked to one of the five pledges Sunak wants voters to judge him by, to stop asylum-seekers arriving in small boats across the English Channel. Ministers see the Rwanda deportation program as a necessary deterrent, even as they tried to convince the courts that the African nation is a safe place to send deportees. The UK Supreme Court decided last month it isnt, ruling Sunaks plan unlawful and triggering the Tory disarray. Like the wrangling over Brexit, the issue is becoming one of political purity, especially for right-wing Tory MPs. There is considerable overlap between the lawmakers who demanded the hardest possible divorce from the EU and those demanding Sunak override UK law and take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights so asylum-seekers have no legal venue to appeal. Just as in those heated post-2016 Brexit years, there are also Tory MPs deeply uncomfortable with the UK turning its back on international obligations and overriding laws for political gain. If theres any prospect of any British bill or act of Parliament bypassing international law, then I will not support it, Tobias Ellwood, who has advocated the UK rejoining the EU single market, told Times Radio. We uphold international law. We dont break it. There was a moment Wednesday when Sunak appeared to have threaded the needle between the rival camps. A new treaty with Rwanda ministers said guaranteed deportees couldnt be forcibly moved back to their home countries, coupled with legislation to dis-apply elements of UK human rights law and declare Rwanda safe, would allow flights to proceed, he promised. Members from both factions emerged from a meeting with Sunak broadly expressing satisfaction. But the relative calm vanished dramatically with the resignation of immigration minister Robert Jenrick, taking Downing Street by surprise. People familiar with the matter said the impact was immediate on both sides of the argument. On the right, where there is barely disguised positioning to succeed Sunak, Jenricks resignation prompted a race to ensure he didnt steal a march by appearing the most hard-line on immigration. Their response was straight out of the Brexit playbook, with MPs referring analysis of the legislation to a self-described star chamber of like-minded lawyers. At the same time, more centrist Tories were angry that having made concessions to help Sunak keep right-wing colleagues onside, Jenrick quit anyway. Their mood darkened further when a tense and combative Sunak used a hastily arranged press conference to try to get right-wing MPs onside by talking up his bills hard-line anti-immigration elements. That One Nation group of moderate Tories will also consult lawyers before deciding how to vote, a person familiar with the matter said. Some are nervous about how much power is handed to ministers, they said. That all means Sunak faces a dangerous period as he tries to get MPs onside. In a sign of how uncertain he is about the potential size of any rebellion, the premier decided not to make Tuesdays vote one of confidence in his government. That would dramatically raise the stakes, to the point where if he lost, hed face intense calls to resign or call an election. Sunak said hed like the bill to become law in record time, suggesting hell try to complete its Commons passage before the house breaks on Dec. 19 for its Christmas recess, setting up a battle in the Lords next year. Given how totemic the Rwanda plan has become, the stakes are high regardless of the votes status. Its far from clear Sunaks opponents on the right have the numbers to oust him, while theres no desire to do so on the Tory left. But just as Tory wrangling over Europe weakened premiers from Margaret Thatcher and John Major to David Cameron and May, so Sunak even as a committed Brexiteer is struggling to tame the partys internecine conflict. The Tory civil wars have completely reopened, ex-Tory Chancellor George Osborne said on his Political Currency podcast. Rishi Sunaks big claim was, Ive come after the chaos of Boris Johnson and the chaos of Liz Truss Ive stabilized things. He cant now claim anymore to have stabilized things. His government is fragmenting around this immigration issue. (Updates with cost of Rwanda plan in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2023 Bloomberg L.P. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A woman arrested late last year was found guilty of shooting and killing her boyfriend Justin Lee Williams. On Nov. 24, 2022, Williams, 41, was found shot on North Lombard Street, and his girlfriend Barbara Michelle, now 44, was found at a crash nearby and arrested as a suspect. After being transported to the hospital in critical condition, Williams died two days later. Vancouver murder-suicide suspect, victims identified by Clark County authorities On Friday, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt announced that Michelle was found guilty on Dec. 7 on charges including first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, all of which constitute domestic violence. She was also charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants. Michelle is set to be sentenced early next week. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A suspect in the death of Bernardo Pantaleon has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in March, police said. Phoenix police said they booked 21-year-old Leonardo Santiago on a second charge of first-degree murder of Osvaldo Hernandez Castillo, 20, on March 20. Officials said Castillo was found fatally shot in a car near 24th Avenue and Mission Lane. He died on the scene. Police said detectives collected evidence, but the case remained active until they gained new digital evidence that linked Santiago to the March homicide. It was not immediately clear what that evidence was. On Thursday, detectives questioned Santiago about the new evidence, and he told police of his involvement in the March homicide, according to police. Police said Santiago was booked on a second charge of first-degree murder. Santiago was one of four arrested in connection with the murder of Bernardo Pantaleon, 30. Pantaleon was killed at a Phoenix park on Nov. 26. His family says he was "brutally" killed due to his sexuality. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Leonardo Santiago booked on 2nd murder charge in March fatal shooting The suspect who fired a shotgun near the Temple Israel synagogue in the Albany, New York, faces charges in court Friday. No one was injured. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said anti-Semitism and Islamophobia hate must be rejected. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A man accused of firing a shotgun outside a Temple Israel synagogue in Albany, N.Y., is due in court Friday. No one was hurt in the incident. Suspect Mufid Fawaz Alkhader was federally charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Two shots were fired from a Kel-Tec KS7 12 gauge pump shotgun around 2 p.m. Thursday, according to Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins. Police don't know where the shots were directed. At a news conference Hawkins said, "We were told by responding officers that he made a comment, 'Free Palestine.'" Police are investigating the shots as a hate crime. The Albany FBI said on X, "Thanks to the swift coordination between the ATF, FBI, and our partners at Albany Police Department and New York State Police, Mufid Fawaz Alkhader has been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person." New York Gov. Kathy Hocul said the suspect allegedly made "threatening statements" as he fired the shotgun in a parking area of Albany synagogue Temple Israel. "And I remind everyone, as New Yorkers this is not who we are. This must stop. We reject hate, anti-Semitism [and] Islamophobia. All hate crimes must stop, and all violence in every form must cease," Hocul said. On Nov. 26, three Palestinian students studying at U.S. universities were shot in Vermont. One of them was paralyzed. Reacting to those shootings, a cousin of one of the wounded students said on X, "Dangerous performative rhetoric from U.S. pundits and politicians as well as constant dehumanization of Palestinians has a real-life cost." According to the FBI, hate crimes based on anti-Jewish bias accounted for 1,122 of all the 2,042 religion-based crimes in 2022. The FBI recorded 158 anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2022. Most hate crimes tracked by the FBI in 2022 were race-based, with over half being committed against Black people. Seattle Police detectives are looking for a suspect who shot a man in the face in the University District Thursday night. Shortly before 7 p.m., a caller reported a shooting in the 4200 block of Brooklyn Avenue Northeast. Police arrived and found an 18-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the face. Officers treated the victim until the Seattle Fire Department medics arrived and took the man to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition. Witnesses said it appeared that the 18-year-old was in an argument with a man before being shot. The suspect ran away after the shooting and has not been identified. The University of Washington sent out alerts about the shooting and provided a picture of the suspect from behind. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and a distinctive, colorful backpack. He is believed to be about 6 feet tall. SPD Gun Violence Reduction Unit Detectives are working to find out what led up to the shooting. If you have information youre asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. The woman who was arrested after allegedly attempting to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.s childhood home appears to have posted about the imprisoned leader of a controversial conspiracy-fueled Black supremacist sect in the hours leading up to the incident. Laneisha Henderson was arrested on Thursday and charged with attempted arson in the second degree and interference with government property after witnesses observed her pouring gasoline on the historic site in Atlanta. On Facebook, the final post on a profile that appears to belong to Henderson was made roughly four hours before the incident and features a reference to the leader of the Nuwaubian Nation. Fam(ily) Affairs #FreeMalachiZYork, Henderson wrote in the post. Dwight Malachi York is currently serving a 135-year federal prison sentence following a 2004 conviction on charges that included over 100 counts of child molestation, racketeering, and transporting minors across state lines for sexual purposes. York, who variously claimed to be African royalty and a leader of a lost Native American tribe, originally rose to prominence in New York City preaching a mixture of Ancient Egyptian philosophy, New Age spirituality, Black supremacy, and Illuminati conspiracy theories. Amid mounting legal pressure, York moved his followers to Georgia where he established a massive compound called Tama-Re that featured two 40-foot pyramids and a sphinx statue. People Magazine, which produced a documentary investigation on Yorks cult reported last year that his conviction came after several of Yorks victims came forward with accounts of slavery, starvation and sexual abuse that dated back decades. Despite the dark allegations, various offshoots of Yorks Nuwaubian movement and groups calling for his freedom remain active to this day. The police report about the incident at Kings former home describes a harrowing incident where bystanders restrained Henderson after observing her dousing the building with gasoline. According to the report, Henderson was placed into custody and taken to a local hospital for a psychological evaluation. One of the witnesses told the New York Times that very distraught members of Hendersons family arrived at the scene shortly after police because they had followed a signal from her phone. The witness said Hendersons family described her as a veteran who was experiencing mental health issues. Henderson and members of her family did not respond to requests for comment. On Facebook, the profile that seems to belong to Henderson matches photos and videos of her released by police after the incident. It also features pictures of her serving in the U.S. Navy. Most of the content on the page is personal snapshots; however, the two most recent posts, which were made in the past week, include cryptic political content. On Wednesday evening, Henderson shared a pair of photos along with a picture of a Tarot card featuring an former President Trump and the word JUDGMENT. An image from Laneisha Hendersons Facebook page showing a portion of a magazine cover. (Photo: The Economist/Facebook) The image came from a 2017 cover of the The Economist magazine, which used Tarot cards to highlight major stories from that year. Online, conspiracists have latched onto the image to draw completely opposite conclusions. Some have cited it as evidence Trump was part of the New World Order while others have adopted the QAnon-adjacent idea that the picture proves the former president was attempting to take the Illuminati down. In the hours before the attack, Henderson made her post about York. It included a photo of her clad in an all black outfit that matches the one in video footage of the attempted arson. The ideology of York and his followers is all over the map. However, some of the groups calling for his release have made references to both Trump and King. During Trumps presidency, some of Yorks supporters noted his penchant for pardoning allies and expressed hope he might release the sect leader. Yorks movement has also attempted to cast him as a victim of the same government surveillance and countermeasures that dogged King during the Civil Rights movement. In an email to TPM, Anthony Grant of the Atlanta Police Departments Public Affairs Unit declined to comment on whether they were investigating links between Henderson and Yorks movement. I cannot confirm that information at this time as the investigation remains open and active, Grant wrote. The prime suspect in a quadruple homicide of a Romeoville family had a romantic relationship with one of the victims he is believed to have killed in September, Romeoville police said Thursday. Authorities said their investigation into the deaths of Alberto Rolon, 38, Zoraida Bartolomei, 32, and their young sons was not complete, but they confirmed that the suspect, Nathaniel Huey Jr., 31, had been in a relationship with Bartolomei. Both Bartolomeis husband and Hueys girlfriend, Ermalinda Palomo, were aware of the relationship, police said. The couple and their children, ages 7 and 9, were found shot to death in their home in the 500 block of Concord Avenue on Sept. 17. Huey and Palomo died days later in an explosive car crash in Oklahoma. Huey had been acting sketchy and reportedly told someone I didnt do anything two days before police found the pair with gunshot wounds in the wrecked car, records show. Romeoville police said their investigation indicated Palomo was aware of Hueys intent to commit the homicides, participated in the planning and drove Huey to and from the familys home in Romeoville. A Sept. 17 Romeoville police bulletin obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request named Huey as a suspect in the quadruple homicide, advised that he had stopped going to work and that he was aware police were pursuing him, describing him as acting irrational and erratic. The bulletin also described Huey as having had extensive firearm training and experience. Huey was the proprietor of a company called Black Bear Security, state records show. A Sept. 19 Streamwood police report states that about a month before Romeoville police found the family shot to death at home, Palomo had asked Huey to leave, prompting him to threaten to take everyone down. According to the report, another member of Hueys household called police around 11:30 p.m. Sept. 19 to report Palomo as a missing person. The unidentified caller said Palomo had left the house earlier that day and described her as fearful. She was very scared and kept telling (the caller) I love you, the report stated. The caller told Streamwood police that Huey was aggressive and said Palomo and Huey had been together since 2016. The caller also told police that Palomo had said she would turn herself in to Romeoville police and that she and Huey were planning to go to his mothers house. The police report states that shortly after midnight on Sept. 20, someone made contact with Palomo via text and told her to come home. Palomo responded OK. The phone was shut off moments later, the report said. Later that morning, police in Catoosa, Oklahoma, found Huey dead and Palomo critically injured with gunshot wounds in a crashed, burning vehicle at the conclusion of a chase. Palomo died shortly afterward in a local hospital. Palomos family attorney JohnPaul Ivec said in a September statement that Palomo had nothing to do with the killings in Romeoville and that her family was in shock and grieving. We know without a shadow of a doubt that at the time of the murders in Romeoville, Ermalinda was home sleeping, Ivec said. This has been confirmed with multiple family members. She communicated with a number of family members, telling them things like I love you and take care of my grandbabies, Ivec continued. She seemed upset. Ivec did not immediately return phone and email requests for comment. Palomos ex-husband, Anthony Tomei, described her as a happy person with a good sense of humor and an engaged parent who raised her five children to be respectful of others. She was a loving mother. She tried to be there for (her kids) as much as she could, he said. Romeoville police said in their statement that there was no evidence of additional suspects. CKubzansky@chicagotribune.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Poachers have killed a bighorn sheep, two black bear cubs, seven elk, two black-tailed buck deer and two wolves in separate incidents across Oregon over the past month, according to the Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division and the Center for Biological Diversity. Poaching continues to be a tragic assault on Oregon values and our natural heritage, said Danielle Moser, Wildlife Program manager with Oregon Wild. Each death is a blow to the resilience and integrity of our wild landscapes. On Nov. 5, a black-tailed buck deer was shot multiple times and killed on private property in Clackamas County. That same day, another black-tailed buck deer was shot and left for waste on a timber company property in Harlan, Oregon. Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police say a buck deer was unlawfully shot and killed on a private property in Clackamas County. (OSP) 2 Multnomah County Sheriffs deputies accused of misconduct in connection with inmate deaths Later in the month on Nov. 20, a cow elk and two spike bull elk were shot, killed and left to waste in Lincoln County. Two Rocky Mountain elk were then found killed on November 27 and left partially to waste near Lexington, Oregon in Morrow County. OHA is also offering a $1,000 reward in each of these cases. On Nov. 29 in Columbia County, another elk was found killed near Scappoose. The poachers took only the antlers. According to ODFW, this bull was well-known in the area. Authorities say the elk was left on Dutch Canyon Road near Scapoose sometime between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. after someone had taken its antlers with no effort to remove any meat. (Courtesy: OSP) Also on Nov. 27, OSP Fish and Wildlife Troopers located two bear cubs that were shot, killed and left to waste in Baker County. For information on this case, OHA is offering a $600 reward and the Oregon Wildlife Coalition is offering a $500 reward. Rescue crews urge drivers to avoid standing water: Turn around, find a different way Then on Nov. 30, OSP F&W Troopers discovered a bighorn sheep ram that had been shot and left to waste about 50 miles south of Baker City. The poachers had only taken the rams head and horns, leaving all the rest to waste. Oregon Hunters Association is offering a $2,000 reward and the Oregon Wildlife Coalition is offering a $500 reward. Meanwhile, the Oregon Wildlife Coalition is also offering rewards totaling $26,500 for information leading to arrests and convictions following the separate killings of two wolves in Oregon. One male was found in Jackson County on November 13 and one female was found November 22 in Jackson County. Poaching steals natural resources from all Oregonians, said Protect Oregons Wildlife Turn In Poachers campaign coordinator Yvonne Shaw. We can all help protect Oregons wildlife by being a good witness and turning in poachers. Tillamook rushes to build bridge in 10 days as weather could divide the Oregon Coast Anyone with information regarding any of these cases is encouraged to contact the Turn in Poachers (TIP) hotline at 1-800-452-7888, Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. MILAN Sweden plans to prioritize research on underwater technologies like mine countermeasures and submarine-related systems in 2024, with studies pending on the Navys capabilities in that domain. Swedish defense contractor Saab announced Dec. 5 it had signed a contract with the countrys defense acquisition agency to conduct concept development studies focused on new technologies for submarine-related capabilities. This contract should be viewed as one step of a long-term plan to secure underwater capabilities for Sweden, company spokesman Conal Walker told Defense News. Saab will study needs and possibilities for the future underwater domain, and this will include various concepts and technologies related to both current and future capabilities. Meanwhile, the studys results could find application in the companys ongoing work on Swedens new submarines. Saab signed a deal in 2015 with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to build two new Type A26 submarines for the countrys naval forces. The project has experienced several delays; the delivery date of the first submarine was initially scheduled for this year, but has reportedly been postponed to the 2027-2028 time frame. If Swedens pending NATO membership is approved, one of the key defense assets Stockholm can contribute to the alliance is its experience in navigating the Baltic Sea, a vulnerable area shared with Russia. The Swedish Navy currently operates five diesel-electric submarines. Once the new boats are completed, they will offer the capability to release unmanned underwater vehicles and special forces for improved subsurface operations. Meanwhile, Swedish defense officials are also interested in the acquisition of light, autonomous, underwater vehicles to meet the mine countermeasure needs of its armed forces. A notice to that effect was published Dec. 4 by the Tenders Electronic Daily, an European online catalog of public procurements. It noted the envisioned underwater drones will cost about $14 million and must be light enough for crews to handle while riding in rigid inflatable boats. Nations are increasingly turning to drones for the dangerous work of disabling sea mines. NATOs Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation, based in Italy, has been conducting tests to determine how feasible the use of high-resolution sonars mounted on sea drones is for the identification and classification of mines. After being closed for several years, becoming embroiled in a legal dispute and finally changing hands, the historic El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel downtown is getting a face-lift. The citys Historic and Design Review Commission gave the green light last week to El Tropicano Hotel LLCs plan to renovate the hotel at 110 Lexington Ave., including improving landscaping and hardscaping around the rooftop pool, building a riverside patio with a deck, installing new guardrails and upgrading the entrance. Existing porches will be extended, and a new staircase will be built to connect the River Walk path with Lexington to better link the 324-room hotel with the River Walk, according to documents filed with the commission. Renderings show a new bar, fire pit and mural on the roof around the pool. Its unclear when the work is expected to begin. A rendering shows renovations planned at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Courtesy of El Tropicano Hotel LLC The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Our renovation proposal for the historic hotel at 110 Lexington Avenue in San Antonio seeks to honor its rich history while modernizing its facilities to meet the expectations of todays travelers, the application says. By creating a more inviting porte cochere, enhancing the Riverwalk connection, and integrating sustainable design elements, we aim to elevate the guest experience and ensure the longevity of this iconic establishment. We are excited about the opportunity to bring new life to this cherished piece of San Antonios architectural heritage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad El Tropicano was the first hotel to open on the River Walk in 1962, and renowned guests such as then-President Lyndon Johnson and rock band The Who stayed there. A rendering shows renovations planned at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Courtesy of El Tropicano Hotel LLC Local hotel development and management company Phoenix Hospitality Group bought the hotel with partners in 2018 and announced plans to spend up to $40 million repositioning the property as an independent boutique-style hotel and adding a bar, restaurant and spa. Phoenix Hospitality owns the adjacent Hotel Indigo, which was also scheduled to undergo renovations. Ed McClure, then-CEO of Phoenix Hospitality, said at the time that the El Tropicano project was his companys biggest undertaking. The number of rooms was to be reduced from 324 to 280 or 290, and the hotel was to be affiliated with the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, a group of upscale inns, he said. The citys historic panel approved the changes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A rendering shows renovations planned at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Courtesy of El Tropicano Hotel LLC Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the hotel shut its doors. Phoenix Hospitality finished refurbishing Hotel Indigo, but El Tropicano remained closed. McClure died in 2020. This spring, El Tropicano was entangled in a lawsuit brought by an investor in the investment fund that owns the hotel property and other real estate, and it was at risk of foreclosure. Emilio Nicholas Jr., a former San Antonio broadcasting executive who lives in Austin, accused Alamo Equity LLC and CEO Logan Anjaneyulu in a May 17 lawsuit of diverting investment fund assets and borrowing against them to prop up the hotel. The property was posted for foreclosure this summer after an affiliate of downtown developer Weston Urban wanted it sold at auction because its owner apparently defaulted on a $6.3 million loan that helped finance the 2018 acquisition. But the auction did not happen. J. Mitchell Little, an attorney for Alamo Equity, declined to provide details. A rendering shows renovations planned at the El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel. Courtesy of El Tropicano Hotel LLC My client has a number of options available, including a potential pending sale of the property to an eager buyer, Little said at the time. We do not anticipate Weston Urban needing to move forward with this foreclosure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The parties agreed to arbitrate the dispute. The defendants said they would not liquidate, convey, encumber or pledge any assets that the investment fund is invested in, except as permitted and they would not advance any further money to or on behalf of the hotel. The El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel, which has been closed for several years, is slated to undergo renovations. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News The hotel changed hands this fall, according to the HDRC application. The Bexar Appraisal District and real estate records describe the owners as El Tropicano Hotel LLC, the company that bought the hotel in 2018, and Karim Hospitality Inc. A new rental ordinance thats aimed to primarily protect renters in Tacoma will go into effect Friday, however, the city says it cant enforce it. Landlord fairness code initiative: The new ordinance is called the 2023 Landlord Fairness Code Initiative, also known as Measure 1, which was passed by the City of Tacoma during the November 2023 general election. It applies to anyone who owns, operates, or rents residential rental property within the City of Tacoma. The new ordinance includes eight new requirements and rules for landlords and tenants in Tacoma, including the following: Two separate notices are required before increasing rent: 1st notice to increase rent must be issued between 210 and 180 days before the rent increase takes effect 2nd notice to increase rent must be issued between 120 and 90 days before rent increase takes effect Late fees: The fee for late rent cannot exceed $10 per month Move-in costs: The total fee for all move-in costs cannot exceed one months rent Pet damage deposit: The deposit cannot exceed 25% of first months rent, and it must be refundable if no pet damage is done to the unit Certain evictions are prohibited: Landlords may not carry out an eviction during the student/school year if kids or educators are in the household Landlords may not carry out an eviction during cold weather between November 1 and April 1 Landlords cannot evict a tenant based on their status as a member of the military, first responder, senior, family member, health care provider or educator Economic displacement relocation assistance: If the tenants rent is raised 5% or more and the tenant can no longer afford to occupy the unit, the landlord is required to pay relocation assistance in the following amounts: If rent increases 5% to 7% -- 2 times the monthly rent If rent increases 7.5% to 10% -- 2.5 times the monthly rent If rent increases more than 10% -- 3 times the monthly rent Landlords are required to comply with health/safety laws A landlord must have no violations under TMC 2.01.050 Minimum Buildings and Structures Code, or violations under RCW 59.18.060, which may make the unit uninhabitable Enforcement and penalties: Landlords who violate this chapter can be liable for penalties of not less than $500 and up to five times the monthly rent of the dwelling unit at issue, per violation A tenant can sue the landlord for violations A tenant or organization can sue for injunctive relief A landlord can seek a court order to be exempted from provisions, and allow eviction, if they can show they would experience an undue and significant hardship if the code were enforced A spokesperson for the City of Tacoma told KIRO 7 News that the new initiative does not contain verbiage that would allow the city to enforce it, however, tenants and landlords can take action within the legal system. She also said the new initiative will not replace the Rental Housing Code, which the City enforces, however, there are two areas of conflict between both regulations, including: Late fees the Landlord Fairness Code caps late fees at $10 versus a cap of $75 in the Rental Housing Code Rental increase notices the Landlord Fairness Code requires two notices to increase rent starting at 210 days versus the Rental Housing Codes one notice at 120 days The new initiative cannot be amended for another two years when people will vote again, the spokesperson added. LANDLORD: KIRO 7 News spoke with Jim Henderson, a landlord in Tacoma, about the new initiative. Im concerned, he shared. Im concerned that of what its going to do with to our already fragile housing market. We already know we have a supply issue, and I think this initiative doesnt do anything to increase housing availability or housing stability. Henderson said that he and many other landlords fear many tenants will take advantage of the new restrictions, even if they have money to pay for rent. I think it sends the wrong message to residents that they dont have to pay rent during the months of those bans. He added, I have real concern that in fear that were going to have a repeat of the moratorium where residents didnt pay rent. " He said the initiative is primarily focused on helping tenants not landlords. As the cost of living continues to rise, Henderson said many landlords will continue to struggle to keep up with the higher expenses, which could lead to property owners leaving the industry and fewer options for tenants. Costs have increased. Maintenance cost, insurance, property taxes. Those costs have gone up and rents are barely keeping up with what those costs are, he said. He said he believes this could further impact the current housing crisis. We will lose housing choices and communities for rental housing, he added. Were going to reduce the supply, in particular, of single-family homes in the market, therefore reducing choices. TENANT: Dawn Smith, a tenant in Tacoma, told KIRO 7 News that she believes the initiative is really good. Smith, who has been living in an apartment in Tacoma for three years, said the cost of living continues to affect many renters, including herself. The rents are just so high. Even though minimum wage is mostly $15 an hour, you cannot afford an apartment that cost you $1,200 a month on $15 an hour. I mean you cant. You cant live like that, she shared. She said the new initiative could also help limit the number of people experiencing homelessness in the city, especially during the colder months. People can die out here if they dont have a place to stay inside, she said. She understands landlords have the right to earn money, she added, however, not at the cost of someones livelihood. Once you lose your place of living, you typically wont be able to go to work. Its this horrible vicious cycle, she added. Without the Citys enforcement, tenants will have a much more difficult time to exercise their rights, Smith said. If you cant afford your rent, you probably cant afford to take them (landlord) to court, she explained. Boerne Independent School District hired Kristin Craft to be the district's next superintendent on a Dec.7 meeting of the district's board of trustees. Boerne Independent School District on Thursday hired the first female superintendent in the districts history. The districts board of trustees voted unanimously to name Kristin Craft the new leader of the Hill Country school district. The board selected Craft as the lone superintendent finalist on Nov. 15, but state law required the district wait 21 days before finalizing the hire. Craft will become superintendent on Jan. 2, the board said. She will replace the current superintendent, Thomas Price, who in June announced that he planned to retire. Price will serve as superintendent emeritus, the board said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am thrilled to make Boerne my new hometown and look forward to shaping the future for every student, teacher, leader and family in BISD, Kraft said in a written statement. Craft previously worked as an associate superintendent at Spring Branch Independent School District, a district of 35,000 students in the Houston metro area. Shes worked in education for more than 28 years. The board focused on finding the right leader who will continue to build on the successes of Boerne ISD, and Dr. Craft is that person, BISD board of trustees President Carlin Friar said in a written statement. Boerne ISD has nearly 11,000 students, an increase of about 3,000 since 2017, according to the district. The district has boomed as Boerne has grown in recent years. The citys population rose from 10,471 in 2010 to 20,707 in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Texas State University graduates will be jumping in the San Marcos River this weekend to celebrate commencement and thats just one of the many events happening in San Marcos on Saturday. Courtesy, Evelyn Hernandez, Jose Silva Drivers should expect traffic and congestion in San Marcos this weekend with Texas State University graduation ceremonies and several Christmas festivities are on the schedule, along with other events downtown. Texas State is holding commencement ceremonies at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday at the Strahan Arena. Charles Austin Drive will be closed from Jowers Access Road to Aquarena Springs Drive, and the San Marcos Police Department is asking drivers to avoid the area. Friday and Saturday also are the final days for this years Sights and Sounds of Christmas, the holiday festival featuring carnival rides, food vendors and performances. The festival runs from 5:30 to 11 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park on C.M. Allen Parkway, with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. and headliner concerts starting at 8:50 p.m. both nights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Check out these holiday events throughout the Hill Country The festivities also include the Jingle Bell Run, a 5K through the downtown area, which starts at 9 a.m. Saturday morning. The course begins and ends at Plaza Park. All of that would make for a busy weekend in the city, but theyre not the only events on the schedule. On Saturday, the Stronger Together Resource Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the San Marcos Public Library. Downtown, the square at the Hays County Historic Courthouse will host the monthly Art Squared Arts Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the weekly San Marcos Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just a few blocks away, the Price Center on West San Antonio Street will host the monthly 1893 Flea Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad All a thief needs to turn your EV charging cable into cash is a heavy-duty cable cutter and a local scrap metal yard connection. With the popularity of electric vehicles and hybrid plug-ins rising, so have cases of EV charging cable theft. This affects EV owners, who then need to replace the stolen charging cable for $200 to $500. It also poses a threat to the growth of EV adoption, leading to a decrease in the use of EVs. Thieves take advantage of unstaffed charging stations to steal EV chargers full of copper wire, which is highly valued because copper prices have soared. Copper thefts account for more than 1 billion in losses annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Thats why all 50 states have laws aiming to decrease metal theft. Is EV cable theft a crime in Texas? Stealing any amount of aluminum, bronze, copper or brass is a state jail felony, Texas Penal Code Chapter 31.03 states. According to The Hampton Law Firm in Tarrant County, more severe charges will ensue if the value of these metals is over $20,000. This is becoming a more common offense with instances of theft of copper from air conditioning units and vehicles, the law firm writes. Police are looking for these offenses and cracking down on them as an attempt to make an example of those committing these felony theft crimes. How to protect your EV charger from theft Charger locking devices, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, will only keep an EV cable safe from the occasional grab-n-go robbery. Here are some tips for avoiding future theft of your charger. The best strategy is to do all your charging overnight at home. Use a locking device that will secure your plug in its place when you close and lock your car doors. A padlock will make it difficult for anyone to remove the cable when you leave your vehicle. Aftermarket cable locking devices might work for your charging situation. A dashcam can help deter thieves, and a camera that will record with movement sensors works even better. Using a GPS tracker is another effective way to recover a stolen EV charging cable. Always secure it away from view in your trunk or frunk. Use a portable and lockable EV charging cable organizer that can tether inside your trunk/frunk. Review your insurance policy and ensure that it covers theft of charging equipment. SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KSWB) Brake lights, honking horns and drivers battling it out to the very end of merge lanes all things in which California motorists are familiar with. For those who live in the Golden State, gridlocked traffic is nothing new. This may be why three California freeways are among the most loathed highways in America, according to a recent survey. Vehicle dealer Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach surveyed 3,000 drivers across the U.S. in October 2023, and then ranked the top 100 most loathed roads to drive on based on those results. Places with the lowest cost of living in California: study As it turns out, the top three detested highways in the country, according to this survey, are in the Golden State. Heres a breakdown of those rankings: California Interstate 405: Ranked No. 3 most loathed Particularly in the Los Angeles area, the I-405 also referred to as the San Diego Freeway is known for being one of the most congested freeways in country. This is especially true during holiday travel days. As noted by the vehicle dealer, the I-405 carves its path through the heart of Los Angeles, earning notoriety as a symbol of gridlock nightmare. When drivers think L.A. commute traffic delays and dilemmas comes to mind. Heres where to find Californias oldest general store California Interstate 5: Ranked No. 2 most loathed Interstate 5 This freeway runs the length of the state of California as it stretches from San Diego all the way to Oregon. Some contributing factors to what makes this highway undesirable include endless construction and the dreaded rush hour. The vehicle dealer pointed to the L.A. stretch as the most painful for drivers, saying it epitomizes commuter frustration. This area was described as a standing misnomer, with traffic bottlenecking notoriously near juggernaut junctions like the East LA and 110 interchanges. New poll shows widening gap in Californias U.S. Senate race California U.S. Route 101: Ranked No. 1 most loathed 101 freeway The thought of traveling on Californias 101 freeway must make drivers cringe to be ranked in the top spot. Traffic on this highway is consistently congested, causing delays and challenges for those navigating it. This is especially true for densely populated areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles. The traffic pace can decelerate to speeds slower than an average persons walking pace, particularly noticeable during high-density travel times, the vehicle dealer noted. The full list of most loathed highways in America, based on these survey findings, can be viewed here. Buckle up and hang tight when taking to the freeways in California, you may be there awhile. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego. Adam Sandler bought a guitar Wednesday at Jammer's Custom Guitars at the Pearl's Holiday Night Market. Courtesy Robert Fulton Montgomery Comedian Adam Sandler was photographed exploring the Pearl on Wednesday night ahead of his appearance at Frost Bank Center on the "I Miss You Tour." Fans lined up outside Hotel Emma to catch a glimpse of the "Happy Gilmore" and "Grown Ups" star, who sported his characteristic outfit of a hoodie and sweat pants. The comedian also snapped a photo with San Antonio DJ "Lil Trucker Hat" on the outdoor patio of Larder, the hotel's coffee and speciality grocery shop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Later in the night, Sandler perused the Holiday Night Market and bought a blue Fender Stratocaster from Jammers Custom Guitars. Sandler stopped in San Antonio for the "I Miss You Tour," a stand-up comedy show for mature audiences only. He hinted ahead of time that there would be a special guest present, but attendees Thursday night were shocked to find David Spade, Judd Apatow, Kevin James, Jonathan Loughran and Rob Schneider in attendance, according to one audience member. One Facebook user said Sandler even stopped after the show to meet with fans outside Hotel Emma. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Three San Francisco Mission District Norteno gang members who murdered and attempted to murder four victims were sentenced to prison following their convictions on racketeering conspiracy charges, the Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Tripp announced Thursday. The three Norteno gang members were identified as: Fernando Nando Madrigal 25 Alvaro G-Boy Reina Cordero, 26 Oscar Cutty Guadron Diaz, 24 Man arrested in connection with death of SF tech worker The trio pleaded guilty in February 2023 to one count of racketeering conspiracy in connection to the murders and attempted murder of four victims, including a 15-year-old innocent bystander who was mistaken for a rival gang member. Norteno criminal street gangs have terrorized San Franciscos Mission District for years through a relentless campaign of shootings, robberies, gun trafficking, drug dealing, and extortion, Robbins said. Todays sentences send a clear message that gang members who inflict wanton violence and harm our community will be arrested, prosecuted federally, and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Madrigal was sentenced to 33 years in prison. According to federal prosecutors, Madrigal admitted he lured a victim to a parking lot near Candlestick Park on the pretense of purchasing marijuana on July 12, 2018. He planned to rob the victim. Madrigal admitted he shot and killed the victim, tossed the victims cell phone near the San Mateo Bridge, and dumped the victims body in the Oakland Hills. The victims body was found more than a year later. Madrigal additionally used an AR-style firearm to shoot and kill a 15-year-old boy whom he mistakenly believed was a member of a rival gang on July 8, 2019. Madrigal confessed he committed these two murders in part to earn respect from other Nortenos, according to the United States Attorney Northern District of California. Madrigal also admitted that he engaged in drug trafficking regularly, traveling from California to Iowa. At Madrigals arrest on August 14, 2020, he possessed two firearms, dozens of bullets, and nearly $7,000 in cash. Madrigal was also on probation for a prior carjacking conviction. 2 professors killed in UNLV campus shooting identified Cordero and Guadron Diaz were sentenced to 26 and 21 years in prison, respectively. In their plea agreements, Cordero and Guadron Diaz admitted to shooting and killing a rival Sureno gang member and shooting the gang members female companion on January 23, 2018. Corder fired approximately nine shots, hitting the man in the body and the woman in the face. The woman survived. In addition to the sentences, Judge William H. Orrick ordered all three defendants to spend five years on supervised release after their prison terms are completed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Scammers may be as busy as Santa Claus this holiday season, and the Better Business Bureau wants holiday shoppers to make sure their purchases end up under the right tree. Shopping scams are common year-round, but there's a "significant increase" during the holiday shopping season as con artists try to take advantage of stressed online shoppers who may be less vigilant than normal, according to Paula Fleming, chief marketing and sales officer for the Rhode Island Better Business Bureau. With more people shopping online, scammers see more opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in online transactions and payment methods, according to Fleming. And with so many deals and promotions targeting shoppers, it can be difficult for shoppers to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent offers, she says. With so many packages being shipped during the holiday season, con artists will sometimes impersonate delivery drivers to scam people, the Better Business Bureau says. Here are three scams that may be as common as Christmas music during the holiday shopping season, according to the BBB: The hot toy scam "If you are shopping for a child this holiday season, dont let scammers trick you into accidentally buying a fake (or non-existent) version of a popular toy," the BBB says. As the BBB notes, a few "must-have" toys surface every year, but they tend to sell out fast, go up in price and become difficult to find, the BBB notes. Finding them sold out in stores, panicked consumers may go online and find a website that "miraculously" has the hot toy in stock, BBB says. The problem is, the offers are often fake and the shopper ends up with a counterfeit toy or nothing at all. Here are some tips for avoiding the hot toy scam: Only buy from reputable stores and websites. Don't be fooled by extra-low prices. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research before buying. If a company seems legitimate but you arent familiar with it, be extra careful with your personal information. Before providing your name, address and credit card information, make sure the company has a working customer service number. Secret Santa A Secret Santa with family or co-workers can be fun, the BBB says, but gift exchanges with online strangers are pyramid schemes, which are illegal in the United States and Canada. Here's how it works, according to the BBB: "The scheme starts with a convincing invitation, either by email or social media, to sign up for a great, fun program. The scheme has several versions, but in "all of these versions, you give away your personal information, and youre left with buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals in hopes that the favor is reciprocated by receiving the promised number of gifts in return," the BBB says. "Unfortunately, it doesnt happen." Pyramid schemes are illegal in the United States and Canada, the BBB says. Here are some tips on avoiding the scam: Ignore it when a stranger promises gifts of cash by mail, email or social media. Report social media posts that invite you to join a pyramid scheme. Never give your personal information to strangers. Delivery scam "Online purchases and package deliveries skyrocket during the holiday season," the BBB says, and "scammers use this opportunity to trick busy shoppers into giving out their personal information." Here's how it works, according to the BBB: "You receive a text message from what appears to be a delivery driver looking for your home. It says something like this: 'Hi! My name is Tony. I work for FedEx, and I'm trying to find your house. Please call me.' If the message seems a little strange to you, trust your gut. It's a scam!" "If you call the number, the scammer will ask you to confirm your personal details, including your name, address and possibly even your credit card information. If you don't remember ordering anything that needs to be delivered, the caller may try to convince you the package is a gift from a friend or relative." Don't be fooled by the caller's "friendly and professional" manner, the BBB says. The BBB says consumers should also watch out for texts or emails that ask to reschedule a delivery or pay a delivery fee. The messages can look legitimate but, if you click, "you may download malware onto your computer that gives con artists access to personal information and passwords." "In either case, the package doesn't exist," the BBB says. "If you give up your personal information, it will be in the hands of con artists, and you'll be at risk of identity theft." Here are some tips for avoiding delivery scams: Keep track of your deliveries. It will be much harder for scammers to fool you if you know what packages you are expecting, from which companies, and when. Know delivery company policies. Delivery companies will never contact you with unsolicited calls or texts. Depending on how you signed up for notifications, messages usually are posted within a secure online portal. Be leery of unsolicited messages, especially if you never signed up for text alerts. If an unsolicited caller asks you for personal information, even if they claim to represent a company you trust, hang up and call the company using the official customer service number. Calling the company yourself is the best way to determine if the inquiry is legitimate or a scam. For more information on recognizing and avoiding scams, check out the Better Business Bureau's website. Consumers can also report scams to the Better Business Bureau's Scam Tracker. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 3 popular holiday scams and tips on how to avoid becoming a victim The News New Republican claims that TikTok causes antisemitism arent fully supported by the survey on which they have been based. Presidential candidate Nikki Haley, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and the GOP-led U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party have all referred this week to a graphic shared by a statistician and tech executive, Anthony Goldbloom, who commissioned the survey from Generation Lab, a research company that studies the views of young people. For every 30 minutes that someone watches TikTok every day they become 17% more antisemitic, more pro-Hamas, based on doing that, Haley said during Wednesdays Republican primary debate. Her claim appeared to be based on a widely-shared graphic that purports to show an association between using TikTok and holding anti-Israel/anti-Semitic views, compared to users of other social media platforms. (By Haleys literal math, if someone were 10% antisemitic before downloading the app, they would become 100% antisemitic after watching TikToks for 7 1/2 hours.) But Generation Lab told Semafor that it didnt conduct the analysis that went viral in the last week, create the graphic, or reach the widely shared conclusion about TikTok it only conducted the interviews and turned over the raw survey data to Goldbloom. And that data itself does not fully support the strong claims being made about it. The suggestion, as Goldbloom posted, that TikTok is a meaningful driver of a surge in antisemitism, combines anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiment, and assumes that TikTok is responsible for the difference in views, though the survey can only show a correlation. Goldbloom confirmed he did the analysis himself, by comparing how non-users of TikTok, Instagram, and the combined audience of X and Threads answered questions about Israel and Jewish people. (Goldblooms graphic only mentions Meta-owned Threads in a footnote, saying it was excluded from the label because its user base was lower.) Goldbloom told Semafor that he grouped all of the questions about Israel and Jewish people because I certainly didnt want to cherry pick; its easy to create a sensational headline picking the most sensational questions. But maybe it was a bit of a mistake to group them. He said that the data alone doesnt prove that TikTok is causing its users to become antisemitic, and that his statement that TikTok is driving hate is based on additional context, including the popularity of pro-Palestine hashtags on TikTok. Im definitely making a claim, he said, Theres some leap, but I dont think the leap is huge. In response to Haleys remarks at the debate, TikTok said Thursday that she references a limited survey (not a scientific study), then misstated the limited surveys results. As we said, theres no evidence to this claim. Know More Generation Lab began fielding the survey in November, asking 1,500 Americans aged 18-29 a range of questions about their social media usage and stances on various current events. Goldblooms analysis compares non-users of the platforms to users, and averages their responses to 12 survey questions about Jewish people and Israel. A user was defined as someone who spends at least 30 minutes a day on the platform. An analysis of the surveys complete raw data, obtained by Semafor, also finds that when looking solely at how platform users responded, X/Threads users were more likely than TikTok users to hold the antisemitic or anti-Israel view for each individual question about either Israel or Jewish people. For example, about 33% of X/Threads users agreed with the statement that Jewish people have too much power in the media, compared with 24% of TikTok users. And 31% of X/Threads users agreed with the statement that Jewish people talk about the Holocaust just to further their political agenda, compared with 23% of TikTok users. Room for Disagreement The fact that TikTok is run by Chinese-owned ByteDance has led to calls for it to be banned, in part over worries that China could benefit from anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments in the U.S. China has a role in making the whole world talk about Israel. The argument for banning TikTok in the U.S. doesnt rely on Chinese efforts to foment antisemitism in the U.S. but on its broader threats to national security, Jonah Goldberg argued in The Los Angeles Times. But the fact that a foreign power thinks it has an interest in amplifying Jew-hatred in America should inform how we think about the issue. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The atmospheric river that washed over the Pacific Northwest between Dec. 3 and Dec. 6 brought Tillamook County its highest flood levels in more than six years and caused at least $2.5 million in damages to local roads, officials said. The surge of rainwater swamped coastal highways, washed out county roads and trapped drivers in feet of floodwater. Tillamook Fire District Chief Jeff McBrayer told KOIN 6 News that firefighters performed at least a dozen water rescues around the City of Tillamook and as many as 30 countywide during the storm. In one instance, a driver was rescued twice after they returned to their flooded-out car several hours after their initial rescue. They tried to go back to retrieve the vehicle and, of course, the water was still rising, so that wasnt really a possibility, McBrayer said. A driver in Tillamook was rescued from the same flooded-out car twice on the same day after they attempted to save their car from rising floodwaters hours after their initial rescue. (Tillamook County Sheriffs Office) Photos of flooding seen around Tillamook County from the atmospheric river. (Photo provided by Laucks) Floodwaters caused road problems in Tillamook County, Dec. 5, 2023 (KOIN) PHOTOS: Heavy rains, flood damage across the Pacific Northwest At the height of the storm, flood levels in Tillamook County crested at 16.07 feet, National Weather Service Hydrologist Andy Bryant told KOIN 6 News. While seasonal king tides occurred as recently as Oct. 27, Bryant said that the ocean tides were especially average during the storm. With normal tides and little-to-no snowpack in the Coast Range, the flooding was from sheer rainfall. Thats the highest its been since Oct. of 2017, which was about a foot higher at over 17 feet, Bryant said. The flooding wasnt enough to rival Tillamooks worst flood seasons, like the November flood of 2006, which drowned the region in a record 22.8 feet of water. However, the rainiest region of the state suffered significant damages to its infrastructure throughout the week as the Wilson, Miami Trask and Kilchis Rivers all flooded their banks due to the storm. The High Water Mama mannequin has become a local landmark in Pacific City, where residents use the piece to gauge the height of the Nestucca River. Photos show that the Nestucca River swelled to nearly 6 feet during the storm. (Photos by Tillamook County resident Aimee OWill) pacific city mannequin Amtrak extends delay for Cascade service between Portland, Seattle due to landslide Tillamook County Public Works Director Chris Laity told KOIN 6 News that the flooding caused at least $2.5 million in damages to county roads, according to early estimates. The damages include a landslide that wiped out roughly 200 feet of asphalt on Sandlake Road, a segment of Miami Foley Road that was completely washed away by surging floodwater and potential damages to Big Trout Bridge, which is already scheduled for emergency repair. The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners signed a disaster declaration Wednesday morning to speed up the contracting process. The county also asked Gov. Kotek to declare a State of Emergency in response to the disaster, which would free up emergency funding. The scene of the slide. (Photo courtesy of Tillamook County resident Jon Laucks) Miami Foley Road was washed out by flood water on Dec. 5, 2023 caused by a powerful atmospheric river. (County of Tillamook) The washout on Miami Foley Road seen by Oregon resident Daniel Hopkins. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Hopkins) With Miami Foley Road currently impassable, Highway 101 is currently the only direct route between Tillamook and the rest of the North Coast. Because the stretch of Highway 101 is known to close multiple times per year due to flooding and slides, Laity said that the county is working to install a permanent bridge along the damaged stretch of Miami Foley Road in 10 to 15 days. Its important to everybody because if Miami Foley Road and Highway 101 were to shut down, there is no route north-to-south on the Oregon coast, Laity said. You wouldnt be able to get from Astoria to Tillamook without going to Portland. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Tillamook County is rushing to build a completely new bridge in 10 to 15 days after a washout on Miami Foley Road made Highway 101 the only direct route between Garibaldi and Mohler. The county is racing against time as the existing stretch of Highway 101 between Tillamook and Cannon Beach is regularly shut down each winter by landslides and coastal flooding, Tillamook County Public Works Director Chris Laity told KOIN 6 News. Presently, a closure along the vulnerable stretch of Highway 101 could add two hours to the commute between Garibaldi and Manzanita as drivers would have to take a detour to the Highway 6 and Highway 26 interchange. [The bridge] is important to everybody because if Miami Foley Road and Highway 101 were to shut down, there is no route north-to-south on the Oregon coast, Laity said. You wouldnt be able to get from Astoria to Tillamook without going to Portland. The washout on Miami Foley Road seen by Oregon resident Daniel Hopkins. (Photo courtesy of Daniel Hopkins) Miami Foley Road was washed out by flood water on Dec. 5, 2023 caused by a powerful atmospheric river. (County of Tillamook) Tillamooks highest flood levels since 2017 cause $2.5 million in road damages The Tillamook County Board of Commissioners signed a disaster declaration Wednesday morning to speed up the contracting process for the bridge, which Laity said will be built out of steel piles and concrete. The county also asked Gov. Kotek to declare a State of Emergency in response to disastrous flooding that caused the damage. The flooding, which caused at least $2.5 million in damage to county roads, officials say, was brought about by a powerful atmospheric river that passed over the region between Dec. 3 and Dec. 6. The county plans to have the bridge built and the road reopened by Dec 21. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Archie Bunker, the slur-spewing outer-borough dad on the CBS sitcom All in the Family, was probably the most famous character to be created by Norman Lear, the TV writer/producer who died this week at age 101. People remember Archie as a reactionary, but did you know he backed that liberal lion Ted Kennedy for president? OK, so strictly speaking that's actor Carroll O'Connor, not the character he played on the show. But the folks who shot that spot during the 1980 Democratic primaries did everything they could to suggest this was Archie Bunker speaking to voters. If you doubt that, look at the clapperboard at the start of the videoit says "Green Archie A," not "Green Carroll A." Here's what historian Rick Perlstein wrote about the Bunker pitch in his 2020 book Reaganland: Carroll O'Connor played Archie Bunker on All in the Family, a character intended by his creator, Norman Lear, to represent the quintessential ignorant, racist working-class clown. Ironically, however, white working-class men adopted Archie as a hero. In 1972, some sported "Archie for President" buttons. O'Connor's commercials for Ted Kennedy deliberately played to this misreading, in an attempt to reach out to white ethnics in the outer boroughs. Sporting an Archie-like canvas jacket, sounding far more Queens-like than he usually did off-camera, O'Connor fixed the viewer's gaze and said, "Friends, Herbert Hoover hid out in the White House, too, responding to desperate problems with patriotic pronouncements. And we got a helluva depression. But I'm afraid Jimmy's depression is gonna be woise than Herbert's.I trust Ted Kennedy. I believe in him. In every way, folks." Dyed-in-the-wool All in the Family fans might be puzzled by those Hoover references, given that Archie used to open every episode by singing the line "Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again." But then again, this was 1980, and by that time All in the Family had mutated into Archie Bunker's Place and the opening theme had become an instrumental. And those blue-collar Democrats that the ad was aimed at would've backed Franklin Roosevelt over Hoover anyway (or their parents did). O'Connor cut another Kennedy commercial ("Green Archie B") that was slightly more explicit about the fact that this was an actor speaking ("I've seen some oddities, offstage as well as on"). Yet another advertisement featured O'Connor/Bunker declaring that "Carter equals Reagan equals Hoover equals Depression." Contrast those with the TV ad that O'Connor cut for New York Mayor John Lindsay's presidential campaign in 1972: In that one, O'Connor wears a tie, identifies himself by name, doesn't put on a Queens accent, andmaybe most importantlybacks a candidate who never had a shot at the Archie Bunker vote. Oh, and about those "Archie for President" buttons: When the Democrats picked a vice-presidential nominee at their 1972 convention, one delegate did vote for Archie Bunker. Another one voted for Chairman Mao. I'm telling you folks, the Democratic coalition was wider back then. (For past installments of the Friday A/V Club, go here. For another edition involving a Norman Lear showspecifically Good Timesgo here. Ron Jones wrote an essay that Lear's company adapted into an after-school special called The Wave; to see Jones complain that Lear's team turned his anarchist warning into a reassuring liberal fable, go here.) The post That Time Archie Bunker Endorsed Ted Kennedy appeared first on Reason.com. As the winter holidays approach, so does the shortest day of the year. But once it passes, Pennsylvanians will finally begin seeing a little more sunlight each day. The winter solstice, slated for Thursday, Dec. 21, annually marks the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. On that day, the sun will rise at roughly 7:32 a.m. and set around 4:46 p.m. in State College, making the days length just nine hours and 14 minutes, according to online global clock Time and Date. Heres what you should know about the winter solstice and when Pennsylvania can expect longer days in the weeks and months ahead. What is the winter solstice? According to National Geographic, a solstice is an event in which a planets poles are the most inclined toward or away from the star it orbits. In our case, the Earth experiences a solstice when it is tilted toward or away from the sun as much as possible. The Northern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice when the sun passes directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator and runs through parts of Australia, Chile, southern Brazil and South Africa. The summer solstice occurs in the Northern Hemisphere around June 21 each year as soar declination reaches the Tropic of Cancer, producing the most hours of sunlight of any day each year. The Southern Hemisphere experiences solstices in the opposite order thanks to the planets tilted axis. The hemispheres longest day of the year comes in December, while its shortest arrives over the summer. Solstices should not be confused with equinoxes, which occur each spring and fall. During the vernal and autumnal equinoxes, the Earths axis is neither tilted toward nor away from the Sun, producing a roughly equal amount of daylight and darkness at practically all latitudes, according to the National Weather Service. Many cultures across the globe and throughout history have celebrated solstices and equinoxes. Some believe the winter solstice carries significance in its symbolism as a triumph over darkness and the rebirth of light. When will Pennsylvania see more daylight? After the winter solstice passes, Pennsylvanians can anticipate a slow increase in daylight until spring. Expect daylight to increase by about 30 or 40 seconds per day in late December and early January before larger jumps of more than two minutes begin each day in February. By the time Valentines Day arrives, State College can expect about 10 hours and 37 minutes of daylight, marking nearly an hour and a half of additional sunlight compared to the winter solstice. Once we reach the vernal equinox March 20 when the day and night are roughly equal in length the sun is expected to rise in State College at 7:13 a.m. and set around 7:20 p.m., according to Time and Date. Daylight saving time begins March 10 in the U.S., pushing clocks forward one hour until early November. The closest the area will get to a truly even split of day and night arrives March 17, when State College is expected to receive about 12 hours and two minutes of daylight. For Adrian Monk, his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and keen ability to read a room are both a blessing and a curse. But for "Monk" actor Tony Shalhoub, getting to revive one of his best-known roles as the homicide detective, was a gift. The television series, which originally appeared on USA Network, aired its final episode on Dec. 4, 2009. Now 14 years later, Shalhoub is buttoning his characters signature tan blazer for one last case. Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Peacock) In a new film, "Mr. Monks Last Case," which will be available for streaming on Dec. 8 exclusively on Peacock, Shalhoub reunites with his former castmates including Traylor Howard, Jason Gray Stanford and Ted Levine to solve another mystery this time involving Monks stepdaughter, Molly. (Peacock and TODAY share the same parent company, NBCUniversal.) We feel like we had to raise the stakes, not just for Monk, but for all of the other characters, and we feel like we really accomplished that, Shalhoub told TODAY.com in an exclusive interview. With any reboot or revival, there's always a chance that viewers will be disappointed. Shalhoub, 70, was admittedly nervous about how it would feel to revive the role now that hes older. It was a little challenging in the beginning, he said. How do you capture the physical life of the character? I was thinking wow, maybe even my voice has changed somewhat as Ive gotten older. But Ive gotta say, by the end of the first day, we were all back in the groove. Shalhoub thoughtfully approached Monks evolution as a widowed detective struggling with OCD, including his physical movements that became a defining feature of his character. Those were things that we developed over time, Shalhoub said. Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk (Steve Wilkie / Peacock) Anyone who has seen a few episodes of "Monk" knows that the curious character cant step into a room without adjusting a stack of papers until theyre straight, touching a lightbulb (even if he means burning his finger), or straightening someone elses necktie. What we would normally do in any given episode the actors, the directors, the set designer and props people we would sort of look for something in that particular setting that could preoccupy the character," he explained. "And then wed try to fold that into the actual scene that was written. So [Monk] was very rarely focused on just one thing. Those small, quiet movements spoke volumes about his characters anxiety and become as intrinsic to the role as his lines. Shalhoub has also received numerous accolades for his role, including three Primetime Emmy Awards for his portrayal of Adrian Monk in Monk. The movie revival is no different. He was recently nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television as Adrian Monk for the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, Melora Hardin as Trudy (Peacock) Looking back on the original series finale, Shalhoub notes that his character was in a good place though Monk, who has a firm glass-half-empty outlook on life, would probably disagree. He solved the murder of his wife that one case that was so elusive he could not figure out. He was on the mend and doing well and then the pandemic hit and he regressed terribly. In fact, I think we find him in this movie in worse shape than when we saw him in the pilot, said Shalhoub. Monk is notably afraid of germs, heights, and death along with other quirky phobias such as milk, crowds, tap water, and mushrooms. But after a global pandemic that made everyone more fearful of germs, is Adrian Monk finally vindicated? I dont think he would feel vindicated because he has too much insecurity and too much self-loathing, said Shalhoub. Shalboub said that the writers tactfully addressed the pandemic by using it as a launching pad for the reboot rather than a plot line. Of course, it would have been short-sighted to ignore it. How does a character, who was already concerned about breathing the same air as strangers, navigate a post-pandemic world? Not well. I think for him, its more like misery loves company," he said. "Now he has more people to feel bad for. Those people include Shalhoub himself, who admitted that playing the role of Monk affected how he behaves in the world. I never thought about mundane things like shaking someones hand or picking up a menu in a restaurant, for example. Ive been slightly infected by some of his problems, said Shalhoub. Although he didnt demand a wipe after we shook hands, did he reach for a bottle of hand sanitizer after our interview concluded? Only Shalhoub knows, but could I blame him if he did? No. After all, its a jungle out there. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Amtrak conductor Michael Moilanen checks the train before it pulls out of the station in San Antonio. Amtrak is proposing increased intercity rail service in Texas as part of a nationwide plan. Bob Owen, Staff-photographer / San Antonio Express-News Texas Central plans to use Japanese-style Shinkansen bullet trains, which have been used in Japan for a half-century, to connect Houston and Dallas. Texas Central Partners Texas Central plans to use Japanese-style Shinkansen bullet trains, which have been used in Japan for a half-century, to connect Houston and Dallas. Texas Central Partners / Texas Central Partners Texas Central released renderings of its proposed Dallas station on Jan. 29, 2018. The station is planned for a vacant tract south of downtown. Texas Central Partners Texas Central Partners announced Feb. 5, 2018, it had chosen Northwest Mall as its preferred high-speed rail station in the Houston area. Renderings of the station were unveiled during the announcement. Texas Central Partners / Texas Central Partners Federal officials have awarded up to $2.5 million to further develop passenger rail service in Texas including study of increased frequency on San Antonio routes and to further study of high-speed service along a new corridor between Houston and Dallas identical to private service thats been planned. The funding, up to $500,000 for Amtrak, is for the first stages of developing high-speed rail service between Houston and Dallas with a stop described as being in the Brazos Valley. The money would be strictly for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan, and does not commit any funding for what is likely to be a $25 billion to $35 billion project. What we are doing is creating a pipeline for potential passenger rail projects, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in announcing 69 projects as part of the Corridor ID Program by the Federal Railroad Administration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another 10 projects including planned high-speed rail projects in California and Nevada and conventional rail improvements for Washington, D.C., and Chicago will receive $8.2 billion for construction and engineering. PROGRESS VERSUS PASTURES: Bullet train sparks fight as old as Texas Texas, meanwhile, is years, if not decades, from construction, though it is progressing with some long-sought projects linking its major metros. In addition to the Amtrak award, federal officials announced four other development studies, each totaling up to $500,000: Making the Sunset Limited service by Amtrak from Los Angeles to New Orleans daily, up from three times a week, which would mean daily train service for San Antonio to Houston and New Orleans. Creating a new daily intercity route along the Sunset Limiteds path for service between San Antonio and Houston that would include stops in Seguin, Flatonia and Rosenberg, sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation. Potential for high-speed service to add a stop in Fort Worth and continue into Dallas, Brazos Valley and Houston, sponsored by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Returning conventional passenger rail service in the Texas Triangle by connecting Houston and Dallas, with stops between Dallas and Houston in Corsicana, Hearne, College Station and Navasota, also sponsored by TxDOT. Proponents of more frequent passenger rail service applauded the announcements, noting the opportunity to better connect smaller cities to the metro cores. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is a big step forward for Texas, and if we have the full cooperation and buy-in from our state Legislature, TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission, this would give Texans a daily travel choice we do not have at present, Texas Rail Advocates President Peter LeCody said. This would benefit a lot of smaller Texas cities with few transportation choices and help them promote their cities for tourism, business and economic development. That many of the projects overlap or potentially replicate one another is by design, federal officials said. The range of applications we selected were based on the options we wanted Texas to have, Federal Railroad Administrator Amit Bose said. Noting that all of the projects need more work, more planning, Buttigieg said the proposals indicate the strong potential for high-speed and conventional rail. The major metro areas in the state, which act as Texas economic engine, are all a long drive, but a short flight, making them ideal for rail, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Planned since 2013, the Houston-to-Dallas high-speed rail project would build a 240-mile sealed railroad corridor mostly along an electrical transmission line easement between the two cities. The line would be built for Japanese Shinkansen trains, capable of speeding riders between the metro areas in 90 minutes, with a stop near College Station in Grimes County. In Houston, plans called for the train line to follow Hempstead Road into the metro area before ending at a new train terminal on land at Loop 610 and U.S. 290 that once housed Northwest Mall. Texas Central remains active, but years behind the schedules company officials predicted as recently as 2020. In August, the company announced a development partnership with Amtrak, and in November, it provided an update to the Houston-Galveston Area Council, mostly reiterating the Amtrak announcement. The project, despite little progress, remains popular with many local elected officials in the metro areas. Our city is committed to advancing transportation initiatives that support economic growth and enhance quality of life for our residents, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in an August statement when Amtrak and Texas Central announced the partnership. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Those in rural areas, however, remain equally opposed. Belt and Road forum sees signing of agreements to promote cooperation in China-Laos Economic Corridor Xinhua) 09:33, December 08, 2023 VIENTIANE, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The second Belt and Road Laos-China Cooperation Forum was held here on Thursday, seeing the signing of a number of agreements promoting cooperation in the China-Laos Economic Corridor. At the forum, China Economic Information Service, a subsidiary of Xinhua News Agency, released a bilingual report titled New Opportunities of China-Laos Economic and Trade Cooperation in New Era. The report summarizes the achievements of China-Laos economic and trade cooperation, demonstrating the key cooperation projects between China and Laos and foreseeing the broad opportunities for future cooperation between the two countries. At the meeting, the Belt and Road Portal, the official website for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched a China-Laos Economic Corridor web page section officially and signed a memorandum of cooperation with Lao News Agency. The bilingual column Silk Road Express of the Chinese Times (Laos) was officially launched, which will offer graphic and video information on the progress of Belt and Road projects and China-ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) cooperation to local people in Lao and English. Chinese and Lao enterprises and organizations participating in the forum also signed cooperation agreements in various fields such as finance, communications, culture and tourism, etc. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) signed a cooperation agreement with Laos-China Cooperation Committee. China Mobile International Limited signed a consultation partner agreement with KLS Sole Laos Limited on cooperation in the areas of virtual operator business and cloud data center in Laos. Chinese and Lao tourism companies signed a memorandum of cooperation to promote China-Laos cultural exchanges. During the forum, other activities were also held including a promotion event for key tourism projects of the Laos Year 2024, and a seminar on China-Laos agricultural cooperation and targeted poverty alleviation. Participants also visited a photo exhibition on the achievements of the China-Laos community with a shared future. The forum was jointly organized by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, Xinhua News Agency and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce, under the theme of "China-Laos Community with Shared Future: New Era, New Opportunities, New Paradigm." (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Former SAPD Officer Andre Vargas pores over documents during an arbitration hearing. Vargas was fired for using excessive force during an arrest in November 2019. He's trying to get his job back through arbitration. Ronald Cortes/Express News Former SAPD Officer Andre Vargas listens to his lawyer his attorney Ben Sifuentes. Vargas was fired for using excessive force during an arrest in November 2019. He's trying to get his job back through arbitration. Ronald Cortes/Express News Former SAPD Officer Andre Vargas testifies during an arbitration hearing. Vargas was fired for using excessive force during an arrest in November 2019. He's trying to get his job back through arbitration. Ronald Cortes/Express News Former SAPD Officer Andre Vargas testifies during an arbitration hearing. Vargas was fired for using excessive force during an arrest in November 2019. He's trying to get his job back through arbitration. Ronald Cortes/Express News Former SAPD Officer Andre Vargas testifies during an arbitration hearing. Vargas was fired for using excessive force during an arrest in November 2019. He's trying to get his job back through arbitration. Ronald Cortes/Express News Andre Vargas, a fired San Antonio police officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest in 2019, testifies in his defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Ronald Cortes/Express News Andre Vargas, a fired San Antonio police officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest in 2019, testifies in his defense on Thursday, December 7, 2023. Ronald Cortes/Express News A former San Antonio police officer accused of using excessive force when he fired a stun gun at a suspect and later lifted the handcuffed man off the ground by his arm said he would do it again in the same situation. It was the first time Andre Vargas has spoken publicly about the incident. Vargas was fired in 2020 after Police Chief William McManus alleged he used excessive force in arresting the suspect, Matthew Garza, 30. "I would take those same steps again, if I could prevent me from using deadly force, prevent me from getting injured and prevent the suspect from being injured," Vargas testified during an arbitration hearing Thursday. "We both walked away unscathed." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The testimony came during a multiday hearing to determine whether Vargas should get his job back with back pay and benefits. An independent arbitrator began hearing testimony in his case in June; the proceeding resumed this week after being put on hold because of scheduling conflicts. On Nov. 26, 2019, Vargas was dispatched to Commercial Avenue and Grosvenor Boulevard on the South Side after a bystander called police and said a man, later identified as Garza, was arguing with a woman over custody of their child. Vargas, in testimony Thursday, said he was on high alert while on patrol that evening. Earlier, during roll call when supervisors take attendance and inform officers about incidents or changes in procedures Vargas' supervisor warned officers to be careful in handling family violence calls, which often spike around the holidays. Vargas said he was finishing a report about a previous call when a report came over the radio about a man and woman arguing. Vargas decided to finish his report later and head to the scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While Vargas was on his way, the 911 caller called back several times and at one point said the man was trying to take the woman's child, Vargas testified. It sounds like theyre having a tug-of-war match over a child, and that's a potential kidnapping," Vargas said. READ MORE: Witness says SAPD officer accused of excessive force used Taser exactly as intended Once on the scene, Vargas walked toward Garza, who was sitting in his Jeep. Garza began to speed off. Vargas returned to his patrol vehicle, turned on the overhead lights and began chasing Garza. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was very concerned where the woman and the child might be," Vargas said, explaining his decision to pursue Garza. "I believed they were in the back of that vehicle, which is why I needed to stop it. At one point, Garza began driving toward Vargas' vehicle. Vargas said it appeared that Garza might intentionally ram him. Garza came to a stop. I opened my door, and I drew my firearm to order him out of the vehicle," Vargas testified. The longer I leave him in that vehicle, the longer time he has to use that car as a weapon or to find a weapon in his car. I was scared to allow him to stay in there any longer. Seeing Mr. Garza in the car, given everything that had happened previously, left me fearful and nervous," Vargas added. READ MORE: FBI reviewing actions of four San Antonio officers fired for excessive use of force Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vargas said Garza got out of the vehicle and gestured that he wanted to fight. Vargas told Garza to get on the ground, but Garza ignored him and took a couple of steps in his direction, body camera footage shows. Vargas said he was afraid Garza might get ahold of his Taser, so he fired the weapon at the suspect. "Were taught that distance is our friend," Vargas said. "Looking at his size, I believe hes 6 feet. Im 5-foot-5. We have to take that into consideration. Were taught that in the academy, that the size of the suspect and the number of officers on scene should all be taken into consideration when using a weapon. After firing his Taser, Vargas wrestled Garza into handcuffs. Vargas searched the suspect for weapons and put this arm under Vargas' arm to help him to his feet a technique Vargas said he learned at the academy. "I wanted to make sure he wouldn't hurt himself" in getting up on his own, Vargas said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Garza continued acting in an aggressive manner, at one point charging toward Vargas and his partner, who arrived on the scene shortly after Vargas used his stun gun. At another point, Garza tried to kick Vargas, body camera footage shows. Vargas said he began using so-called "open-handed techniques" to stop Garza. After the arrest, Vargas placed Garza in the back of a patrol vehicle. At no point did Garza complain about being injured, Vargas said. He spent most of his time in the patrol vehicle asking about his ex and his child. Later, Garza asked to apologize to Vargas. I told him, next time we run into each other, lets just have a conversation," Vargas said. "It could have been simply handled using words. Then the two bumped fists, Vargas said. Two months later, in January 2020, Garza filed a complaint about the incident with Police Department's internal affairs unit, prompting an investigation that led to the firing of Vargas and his partner, officer Matthew Brewer. The investigation determined that Vargas use of the Taser far exceeded the reasonable force necessary to accomplish the arrest. The department also said Vargas violated policy in other ways, including by using profanities throughout the encounter with Garza. Vargas acknowledged that his language was inappropriate at times, but he said he had discussed it with his direct supervisor. Vargas, questioned by his attorney, said he did not believe he violated other department rules, including on use of force and treatment of prisoners. The arbitrator, Lori LaConta, is expected to make a decision within the next few months. During the confrontation with Garza, Brewer allegedly placed his left knee on Garzas head and neck. In disciplinary records, McManus said Brewers actions were unnecessary because Garza was no longer resisting. Brewer was criminally charged with unlawful restraint. A judge dismissed the case this year. Downtown San Antonio shines on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer The city of San Antonio could take away a competitive edge that minority- and women-owned businesses have in the battle for some city contracts. Currently, such companies start out with up to 20 points on the 100-point scale that officials use to grade their bids a leg up that businesses owned by white men don't receive. The aim is to help these companies overcome disadvantages stemming from historical discrimination as they vie for public work. Those additional points would go away under a proposal by the city's Economic Development Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposed amendment to the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) ordinance could affect about a quarter of the citys contracts. City Council will likely vote on that change and other amendments to the ordinance next month. Economic development officials say they are looking to eliminate those points because they say women- and minority-owned companies have emerged as strong competitors for municipal contracts. A recent study found that these companies have won 53% of the citys contracting dollars, exceeding the citys goal by nearly 30%. Officials say they also are looking to prevent potential lawsuits claiming that the city's race- and gender-based accommodations are discriminatory. Council members were briefed Wednesday on the potential amendments to the SBEDA ordinance, which was adopted in 1989. It was last amended in 2016. Several members balked at the potential elimination of gender- and race-based points. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It sounds like were taking our foot off the pedal, and the race is still going on, District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said. Were slowing down because were afraid somebody else is going to slow us down. I think were going in the wrong direction. About 75% of city contracts go to the lowest bidder. The rest are discretionary contracts for which competitors are evaluated on experience, price, qualifications and other factors on the 100-point scale. Minority- and women-owned businesses get extra points on discretionary contracts. When the city first conducted a disparity study in the 1990s, only 10% of the city's contracting dollars were paid to minority- and women-owned businesses. "SBEDA is kind of looked at like a dimmer switch," economic development administrator Michael Sindon told council. "And when we first started and there was immense disparities, we had to turn the lights all the way up. Now that weve exceeded the goal by almost 30%, understanding theres still some categories to work on, were kind of dialing it back in accordance with the law, understanding that we could easily go right back if this stuff doesnt work." Sindon said minority- and women-owned businesses still will be eligible to receive points for being small businesses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An analysis of bidders from 2017 through this year found that nearly all minority- and women-owned businesses that won city contracts would have done so even if they'd gotten points only for being a small business. Sindon also said the points are not the primary way the city tries to boost minority- and women-owned business participation. The city requires most companies it contracts with to subcontract work sometimes up to 40% to minority- and women-owned businesses. He noted that race- and gender-conscious programs are legal only if there is evidence of disparity and if the programs are tailored to the community they serve. Leaving the point system in place could open the SBEDA program to lawsuits if contractors feel it's unfair, given the gains of minority- and women-owned businesses in recent years. However, the 2023 disparity study, conducted by Colette Holt & Associates, found that San Antonio still is lagging in the number of contracts awarded to Black-, Asian- and Native American-owned businesses. The study also suggested that the city remove the minority- and women-owned business points in discretionary contracts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "I know this recommendation is guided by a goal to make the program as legally defensible as possible," District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez said. "But I would much rather us to do right and have a judge tell us that it's wrong. We're always being sued, we're always going to be getting sued. We cannot move and make decisions cowardly, and I think that's what we're doing." District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte pushed back, saying it would be financially irresponsible for the city to unnecessarily open itself to lawsuits. McKee-Rodriguez and Cabello Havrda said that instead of eliminating the point system, they'd rather expand it to include business owners with special needs or who are in the LGBTQA community. Whyte, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez welcomed the proposed change. "The data is going in the right direction," Nirenberg said. "At some point, by design and by legal requirement, we have to start taking the training wheels off." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Removing the points, Pelaez said, gives people "that runway to be able to soar on their own." "I think that's compassionate," he said. "And I believe in the power of our minority-owned and women-owned businesses." Other, less controversial amendments to the SBEDA ordinance include changes meant to streamline the program and a new requirement if a business wants to be considered for SBEDA benefits, it must be headquartered in San Antonio. City Council was set to vote on all ordinance amendments Tuesday, but after council members posed several questions to city staff Friday, the item was pushed to January. In San Antonio's latest dog mauling, three pit bulls escaped their fenced yard on the near East Side. At least two of the dogs attacked a passing pedestrian, nearly tearing off one of her ears and biting her neck, face, head and arms. Rawphotopro/Getty Images/iStockphoto Over tearful protests from the dogs owner, a Municipal Court judge ordered a pit bull put to death after hearing testimony about a dog attack that nearly severed a womans ear and left her with deep lacerations to the neck. The victim, Effie Washington, 59, also suffered bite wounds to her arms, face and the back of her head, according to records from Brooke Army Medical Center, where she was taken by ambulance after the attack. Three pit bulls belonging to Selena Govea, 28, escaped from their fenced yard in the 1300 block of Norfleet Street on the near East Side shortly before 2 p.m. on Nov. 26 as Washington walked by the residence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At least two of the dogs attacked Washington in the middle of the street, according to courtroom testimony. It was the latest in a string of dog maulings in San Antonio this year, including two that were fatal. Govea acknowledged that two of her dogs attacked Washington, and she surrendered them to San Antonio Animal Care Services to be euthanized. The purpose of the Municipal Court hearing Thursday was to determine the fate of the third, a 5-year-old female named Kali. Govea maintained that Kali did not take part in the mauling, and she asked the judge to spare the animals life. Her account, however, conflicted with ACS description of the incident, as well as a San Antonio Police Department report. After an emotional hearing that lasted nearly two hours, Municipal Court No. 4 Judge Lisa M. Gonzales concluded that Kali caused serious bodily injury to Washington and had to be destroyed along with the two other pit bulls. Govea sobbed and began to argue as she heard the judges ruling. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yall are wrong, Govea said as she wept. Why is she going to die when she didnt do anything wrong? Theres still no proof that it was Kali. Im not going to argue with you, the judge responded. You have the responsibility as a pet owner to keep your dog in its enclosure. If you had prevented your dog from getting out, this would not have happened to this person. Govea and her husband, Gilbert Apolinar, 38, said they plan to appeal the ruling. They were not represented by an attorney at the hearing. Thats my mama! Washington did not appear in court. Efforts to reach her for comment have been unsuccessful. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She previously identified Kali and one of Goveas other dogs, a female pit bull named Mamas, as the two that attacked her, according to testimony by an ACS dangerous dog investigator, Meryem Martinez, who interviewed Washington after the mauling. Washington had walked to her aunts house for coffee and breakfast on the day of the attack when she noticed one of Goveas dogs was loose, Martinez said. As Washington walked past the dogs house again while returning home, one of Goveas dogs ran up to her, Martinez said. Washington was holding a candy bar and threw it at the dog, which took the candy and went back to its yard. The same dog then returned, accompanied by another, Martinez said. One of the dogs bit Washington in the leg. The animals then took her to the ground, and one of them grabbed her by the neck, Martinez testified. Washington tried to get away and screamed for help, but the dogs kept attacking, Martinez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Govea testified that she ran outside and pulled the dogs off Washington, then applied pressure to the wounds on Washingtons neck. Medics had placed Washington in the back of an ambulance when a young man appeared and tried to climb into the vehicle, according to police body camera video shown in court. As officers pulled him away, the man yelled repeatedly, Thats my mama! Govea surrendered Mamas and Zena, two of her pit bulls, to animal control officials. ACS obtained a warrant to seize Kali. ACS also issued 10 citations to Govea for violations of city ordinances, including allowing the dogs to roam free of restraint, not having required rabies vaccinations, failing to microchip the animals and for the bite that injured Washington. Govea and her husband told police they had been having problems securing the gate to their yard and had been trying to correct the problem. They told police they were willing to take full responsibility for what their dogs did, according to the SAPD report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Came out of nowhere The judge viewed police photos and videos of the scene, which show Washingtons personal belongings strewn in the street and bloodstains on the pavement. Govea asked Martinez if Washington might have confused Kali with another dog when she identified the canines that attacked her. I wouldnt be able to answer that, Martinez replied. Govea later testified that she was inside her house when the attack began. She said she looked outside and saw Zena biting the victim on the neck and Mamas pulling on the wounded womans arm. Kali was standing next to Mamas. When I yelled 'Stop!' they stopped, Govea testified. I moved them away from (Washington). I was putting pressure on her neck. I sat down on the ground. I asked her what happened, Govea said. She told me that she didnt know, that she was just walking and that the dogs came out of nowhere. Govea confirmed that Kali had escaped the gated yard earlier that day. In response, Govea said she tried to tighten a wire tied around the gate to keep it closed. Govea rejected the possibility that Kali could have bitten Washington before Govea realized what was happening and rushed outside. I dont think that Kali could do something like that, Govea testified. Ive had her since she was a baby. Shes such a sweetheart. Shes good with kids. I dont feel like Kali would be capable of doing that. I just dont see how this is fair, Govea told the judge, crying. Its just hearsay. I just feel like the evidence doesnt show that Kali is the one who bit her. Theres no proof of that. Very black and white Assistant City Attorney Barrett McKinney argued that the state had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge said a preponderance of the evidence showed Kali caused serious bodily injury to Washington. The laws that cover these particular types of cases are very black and white, the judge told Govea. The Legislature has left no room, no gray areas, for judges to get creative in these particular cases. Govea later sobbed loudly in a hallway outside the courtroom and asked to see Kali one last time. She told the Express-News that McKinney had informed her that ACS would let her see Kali on Sunday. She described Washington as a neighbor and a friend. Shes been around for years. She comes and sells us stuff on the daily. That same day that the incident happened, she was at the house trying to sell us stuff. We gave her a cigarette. She was sitting on the porch two hours before the incident happened. Treated water is routed from the Steven Clouse Water Recycling Plant into the Medina River, which connects to the San Antonio River and flows through San Antonio. Sam Owens/Staff photographer The San Antonio River winds toward downtown San Antonio from the southeast as seen from the air on Feb. 10, 2022. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News If San Antonio Water System wants more control over the treated wastewater it puts in the San Antonio River, the utility needs to provide more protection for the rights of others who count on that water, according to a recommendation by two state judges. The administrative law judges said the city-owned utility needs more conditions in place to prevent serious negative consequences on the water rights of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and a chemical company. The recommendation which is a proposed decision, meaning it isnt yet final is the latest turn in SAWS decadelong battle to retain ownership of the treated water it puts into the river. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The debate matters to water users downstream from San Antonio because the treated water released from SAWS treatment facilities accounts for the majority of the San Antonio Rivers flow. During times of drought, the water released by SAWS makes up nearly all of the rivers flow, according to SAWS officials. SAWS has spent years trying to control the water it releases into the San Antonio River, which flows toward the coast, where it meets the Guadalupe River and enters San Antonio Bay. SAWS applied in December 2013 to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for a bed and banks permit, which would allow it to use the bed and banks of the river and its tributaries to transport water. Its an unusual use for this kind of permit, which is often used for moving water for irrigation. Without the permit, once the water is treated and put into the river, it becomes surface water and property of the state. SAWS officials want to retain control of the water, preventing it from being withdrawn from the river by others with water rights. But the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, which regulates water in the Guadalupe River Basin and provides water and wastewater services in 10 counties, has opposed SAWS permit application. So has Union Carbide Corp., a subsidiary of Dow Chemical, which also holds water rights in the Guadalupe River basin and uses that water at its facility in Seadrift, southeast of Victoria. The company has more than 1,200 employees at that location, manufacturing plastics and chemicals for consumer products, according to Dows website. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The opponents argue SAWS has been putting water into the river for decades, so the water was factored into their permits. They say they would be adversely affected if the utility is allowed to divert it now. Theyve argued the permit should be denied, or at least altered to protect their water rights. SAWS is seeking to control almost 261,000 acre-feet of treated wastewater. One acre-foot is enough water to cover 1 acre in 1 foot of water, or about 326,000 gallons. The utility wants to ensure 50,000 acre-feet make it to the estuaries and ecosystems at San Antonio Bay, where the Guadalupe River reaches the Gulf Coast, which it says will preserve river flows even in times of extreme drought. SAWS CEO Robert Puente said in 2021 that the permit would be a lasting legacy that demonstrates SAWS commitment to protecting and managing a precious natural resource in a way that benefits an entire region. Some of the water also could be reused through SAWS recycled water program, and some would be directed to CPS Energy. The city-owned power utility already has rights to 50,000 acre-feet of SAWS treated effluent, which it uses for cooling at its power plants. SAWS has argued that its customers are paying to treat that water, so the utility should be able to control it. In 2014, not long after SAWS first applied for the permit, Puente wrote in an Express-News commentary that San Antonio ratepayers own their reclaimed water, investing more than $60,000 per day to clean it, and they deserve the authority to retain ownership and control of it even after it is discharged into the river. The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has been fighting SAWS permit request for years, including filing a lawsuit in 2014. That suit was dismissed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad TCEQ issued a draft permit to SAWS, but in 2022 a state administrative law judge ruled the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and Union Carbide could contest the permit. A hearing was held in April by the State Office of Administrative Hearings, which handles cases involving disputes with Texas governmental agencies, including the TCEQ. Two judges with the State Office of Administrative Hearings issued a proposed decision and order last week, allowing the parties time to respond before the TCEQ makes a final ruling. In the proposed decision, the judges said that although SAWS has argued the opponents water rights arent based on the availability of the treated wastewater, the preponderant evidence indicated that when the water enters the river, it becomes available, unappropriated water and that the other entities water rights were granted based on the use of the return flows SAWS seeks to divert. READ MORE: SAWS rate increases will mostly impact big businesses Approving the permit and allowing SAWS to control the water would significantly affect operations, the river authority and Union Carbide told the judges. Tim Finley, a Dow Chemical expert, said the Seadrift facility would have to shut down without a reliable water supply, and that even a 1% impact on their water rights could mean several days a year that the Seadrift facility is without water. Shutting down the plant for one day would cost about $1 million, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kathy Alexander, a TCEQ senior policy and technical analyst, determined 158 water rights, including those held by the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority and Union Carbide, would be affected by the SAWS permit. The average effect across all rights would be below 1% and the highest would be 3.08%, which the agency said is below the 5% rule of thumb used to assess practical impact. But the judges said evidence indicates the opponents water rights would be negatively impacted by SAWS proposal, so special conditions to protect those rights are necessary. The parties have until Jan. 22 to file briefs in response, and then until Feb. 2 to reply to those responses, but the judges wrote that they wont oppose a request for an extension of those deadlines. Samia Broadaway, who is external counsel for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, said in a written statement Thursday that the river authority looks forward to engaging in the next steps before the commission. The state judges found, after hearing all evidence, that, although SAWS generally met applicable requirements, any permit issued to SAWS must protect GBRA and Union Carbides jointly held lower basin water rights through additional special conditions, Broadaway said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Jennifer Windscheffel, SAWS senior corporate counsel, said in a written statement that the proposal for decision provides a preliminary recommendation to the TCEQ commissioners as part of the contested case process. It is not the final step but moves closer toward granting SAWS a permit to protect our customers assets and provide protections for river flows and the coastal region, she said. We will continue working through the permitting process to completion. TCEQ commissioners may take additional action regarding the draft permit in 2024. Members of the San Antonio Police K-9 unit walk into Alamo Heights High School following a bomb threat in 2022. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Schools in San Antonio and elsewhere in Texas received threatening emails Friday from an unidentified source claiming to be a Russian terrorist organization, prompting campus searches and other precautions even as officials said law enforcement agencies had discounted its credibility. The 1 p.m. time of a bombing mentioned in the threats came and went without incident, and the FBI released a statement referring to the emails as a hoax. Area school systems sent messages to parents about the threats, which reportedly landed in the in-boxes of schools across the nation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reports of parents pulling their kids out of schools early were widespread enough to prompt City Council Member Manny Pelaez to post an appeal on X, formerly Twitter, urging them not to panic, to drive slowly if they felt compelled to get to a school, and emphasizing that law enforcement agencies didnt think the threat was real. Pelaez also said that a lot of schools have decided to close down early today, but Northside, North East and San Antonio independent school districts, the largest in Bexar County, said they had not closed any of their campuses. None of our schools are adjusting their schedules, NEISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said in an email. We sent out additional information around noon, saying that the police were able to determine that this was not (a) credible threat. Regardless, some parents are choosing to pick up their children. In the morning, NEISD officials had advised parents about a mass email that has been sent to many schools in our area, including other school districts claiming to be from a Russian terrorist group and threatening violence with explosive devices at schools across Texas at 1 p.m. on Friday. While police do not believe this to be a credible threat, we take every instance like this seriously and the North East Police Department (NEPD) and the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) are investigating, the district told parents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police will also work with the FBI to identify the individual who sent the email, and there will be serious consequences once the source is identified. In the meantime, as an added precaution, our officers will conduct campus searches, the statement added. Northside ISD said in its notice to parents that multiple school districts across the state received a generic threatening email this morning alleged to be from a Russian terrorist organization. Our Police Department is working with other local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, to investigate the origins and credibility of this email, the message continued, saying district police would increase campus monitoring out of an abundance of caution. San Antonio ISD told parents the email was circulating nationwide among school districts, including SAISD. The FBI has determined there is no credible threat, but the district was enhancing police presence at its campuses and maintaining its customary vigilance, it said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FBI spokeswoman Trista Moxley, in an email, urged people to stay alert and report suspicious activity to law enforcement as a matter of course. The FBI is aware of the numerous hoax incidents wherein a bomb threat at a school is made, she wrote. The FBI takes hoax threats very seriously because it puts innocent people at risk. While we have no information to indicate a specific and credible threat, we will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to gather, share, and act upon threat information as it comes to our attention. Law enforcement officials evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary School after a gunman entered a classroom and began shooting on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. A new documentary gives insight into why officers failed so miserably in their response to the massacre. Pete Luna /Uvalde Leader-News A new PBS documentary gives insight into the failed law enforcement response at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Its hard to come away from the documentary without determining that simple human fear was a bigger issue than either training or communication deficiencies. In this photo from surveillance video provided by the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District via the Austin American-Statesman, authorities stage in a hallway as they respond to the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, May 24, 2022. (Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Associated Press From the beginning, there was confusion. Law enforcement officers who responded to a 911 call from Robb Elementary School in Uvalde on the morning of May 24, 2022, thought they were being summoned to the scene of a car accident that possibly involved some road rage aggression. Confusion defined the tragically slow law enforcement response to a mass shooting that took the lives of 19 children and two teachers. It helps to explain the seemingly inexplicable fact that officers waited 77 minutes outside a classroom where children were bleeding to death. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This past week, we received a clearer understanding of that confusion with the release of the PBS "Frontline" documentary Inside the Uvalde Response, produced in collaboration with ProPublica and the Texas Tribune. We watched interviews that investigators conducted shortly after the mass shooting with officers who were on the scene. Officers arrived at Robb Elementary after a teacher witnessed a speeding truck crash into a ditch. While talking to dispatchers, she saw two witnesses approach the truck and take off running when the driver fired at them. Responding officers didnt understand, at least until it was way too late, that the driver arrived at the scene for the purpose of shooting Robb Elementary students. They mistakenly assumed the gunman was using a school classroom to hide from police after a road rage incident. When officers heard the tail end of what turned out to be 100 rounds of gunfire from the shooters AR-15-style rifle, they entered the building but didnt attempt to enter the classroom. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Children and teachers did what they were supposed to do. They hid and kept silent. It was so quiet after the shots were fired, you could literally hear yourself breathing, Uvalde Police Sgt. Donald Page told investigators. Because officers could hear no screaming or see any evidence of wounded children, they concluded the gunman was in the classroom by himself. They treated the gunman like a barricaded suspect, not an active shooter. The children and their teachers followed their training, said Lomi Kriel, a reporter for ProPublica and the Texas Tribune. But by following their training and staying quiet, that actually meant that officers thought they werent there and it took longer for them to help them. The documentary and the powerful ProPublica/Texas Tribune piece that accompanied it cite a lack of training by officers on the scene. Of the 116 local and state law-enforcement respondents, 76 of them either had no active-shooter training or had attended only one training session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its also been well-chronicled that communication between the various local and state officers was poor and no one had a clear understanding of who was in charge of the response. But its hard to come away from the documentary without determining that simple human fear was a bigger issue than either training or communication deficiencies. Its the only way to wrap your head around the fact that officers stood in a school hallway for more than an hour without attempting to determine whether injured victims were trapped with the gunman. Early on, officers approached the adjoining classrooms where the gunman was based. The gunman responded by firing through the door of one of the rooms, grazing two officers. At that point, officers retreated. They were conscious of the devastating, deadly firepower at the gunmans disposal. They knew that entering the classroom could mean death. So they rationalized their inaction by telling themselves that no ones life was in danger in those adjoining classrooms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Uvalde Police Department Det. Louis Landry Jr. said officers realized we werent equipped to make entry into that room without several casualties. Landry said he was haunted by the thought that if the gunman had held a pistol instead of a powerful rifle with a high-capacity magazine, it would have been maybe a different thought process. We expect law enforcement officials to risk their lives for our safety. We take it for granted. But they arent immune to fear, anymore than the rest of us are. Palestinians wounded at Ahli Arab hospital sit on the floor at al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City, central Gaza Strip, in October. Just what has Israel gained in its bombardment of Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas? Abed Khaled, STR / Associated Press Consider this: The most dangerous place to be a child in the world today is the Gaza Strip. Thats the assessment of Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, who is not a bleeding-heart radical but a former ambassador and veteran lawyer who worked for Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama. Already it appears that more than twice as many children have died in Gaza just since the war started Oct. 7 than in all the conflicts worldwide in 2022, according to United Nations figures. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Almost 1 out of every 150 Palestinian children in Gaza have been killed in just two months, noted Dr. Zaher Sahloul, president of MedGlobal, an aid group working there. That is the equivalent of half a million American children. Sahloul warned that many others may die from infections, waterborne diseases or dehydration, while others will suffer from lifelong physical disabilities. We can and should despise Hamas, a repressive, misogynist and homophobic force that uses Palestinian civilians as human shields. And we can understand how Israel, traumatized by savage killings and rapes by Hamas, is determined to strike back. But just because Hamas is indifferent to the lives of Palestinian children does not mean that Israel or the United States should be reckless as well. The Biden administration has continued to periodically defend Israel not only when it is attacked, which is right, but even when it causes enormous numbers of Palestinian civilian deaths. Contrary to Biden administration claims that Israel is getting the message to show restraint, the U.N. reports that this past week saw some of the heaviest shelling in Gaza so far and that if possible, an even more hellish scenario is about to unfold. Nowhere is safe in Gaza, said Martin Griffiths, the top U.N. official for humanitarian matters. Such blatant disregard for basic humanity must stop. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The U.N. commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, has suggested that war crimes have been committed by both Hamas and Israel, yet too many Americans decry some deaths but not others. We tell the world that we are supporting Ukraine because of our belief in the rules-based international order, and then we provide weaponry that ends up killing children on a huge scale in Gaza. Too many see events through a prism in which lives are invaluable on one side while deaths on the other are regrettable. Gaza health authorities say that 16,248 people have been killed in the enclave so far, about 70% of them women and children. Its impossible to verify the figures, but human rights monitors say the figures are credible and have proved reliable in the past. A senior Biden administration official told Congress that the reported figures may well be an undercount (presumably because of bodies unrecovered under the rubble). If those figures are right, that means that a woman or child has been killed on average about every seven minutes around the clock since the war began. Some have been babies in incubators. The savagery of the Oct. 7 attacks precipitated the bombardment, of course, and Hamas continues to hold hostages. Every bit of diplomatic pressure should be applied to Hamas to free those hostages and, in the meantime, to allow them visits by humanitarian workers. The penchant of some American progressives to tear down posters for hostages is nauseating, as is the wave of antisemitism that weve seen in both the United States and Europe. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is a distinction: Hamas deliberately killed and kidnapped children Oct. 7. Israel is not deliberately killing Palestinian children; it is simply bombing entire neighborhoods with far too little attention to civilian life. There is a moral difference there, but I wouldnt want to try to explain it to grieving parents in Gaza. While recognizing Israels right to defend itself, how is it advancing its security by flattening large areas with 2,000-pound bombs? The United States has repeatedly counseled Israel to use smaller bombs and more surgical strikes, in part to avoid turning tactical victories into strategic defeat. As best we can tell, these are the results of its operation so far: Israel appears to have modestly degraded Hamas military capacity. An Israeli military spokesperson estimated that several thousand Hamas fighters had been killed, which might amount to 10% or less of the Hamas force. Hamas has gained popularity and credibility in the West Bank (Hamas flags were everywhere when I visited recently). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Israeli hostages have been placed at risk and reportedly killed. The initial global outpouring of support for Israel has been replaced by a flood of sympathy for Palestinians. Hamas has succeeded in one of its aims: putting the Palestinian cause back on the global agenda. Revulsion at the Palestinian loss of life has jeopardized the stability of neighbors like Jordan and put off any hope for now of an accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The risks of an uprising in the West Bank have increased, along with those of a wider war with Lebanon. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So has this made Israel safer? Enough to justify killing a woman or child every seven minutes around the clock? Ive covered lots of conflicts, and one of the striking things about the bombardment of Gaza is how intense it has been. About half of buildings in northern Gaza show structural damage, according to analyses of satellite images. The pace of killing of civilians has been much greater than in most other recent conflicts; the only one that I know of that compares is perhaps the Rwanda genocide in 1994. Far more women and children appear to have been killed in Gaza than in the entire first year of the Iraq War, for example. It has condensed the suffering usually acquired over several years into six weeks, said Dr. Annie Sparrow, a pediatrician with long experience practicing in war zones and an associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine. For the babies born into this war, many pre-orphaned, it is as if they inherit a congenital affliction a destiny to suffer, to live a constrained life, due to events that they have no ability to affect. By pulverizing entire neighborhoods and killing huge numbers of civilians instead of using smaller bombs and taking a much more surgical approach, as American officials have urged, Israel has provoked growing demands for an extended cease-fire that would arguably amount to a Hamas victory. In short, I fear that inflicting mass casualties is a strategic error as well as a moral one; while parts of Gaza were flattened with the goal of destroying Hamas, that might be what rescues Hamas. We should be particularly pained that children are dying from American bombs and missiles. Im glad that Biden administration officials are finding their voice and speaking up to try to slow the killing, but I wish it hadnt taken so long. If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is wading into a quagmire, Biden is doing Israel no favors by biting his tongue in public. He should speak up more forcefully on behalf of the children in whose deaths I fear we are complicit. Venezuelan immigrants Jhonathan Daniel Nieves Camejo, 23, his wife Marluy del Carmen Blanco de Nieves, 33, and their 2-year-old son, Jonathan Daniel Nieves Blanco, wait to get processed at the Roosevelt Hotel immigrant intake center on Nov. 28 in midtown Manhattan. Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson/San Antonio Express-News staff Venezuelan immigrants Jhonathan Daniel Nieves Camejo, 23, his wife Marluy del Carmen Blanco de Nieves, 33, and their 2-year-old son, Jonathan Daniel Nieves Blanco, wait for processing in New York City. What the future holds is uncertain. Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson/San Antonio Express-News staff Venezuelan immigrants Jhonathan Daniel Nieves Camejo, 23, his wife Marluy del Carmen Blanco de Nieves, 33, and their 2-year-old son, Jonathan Daniel Nieves Blanco, faced a harrowing journey to reach New York City. One that took them through San Antonio. Nancy M. Preyor-Johnson/San Antonio Express-News staff NEW YORK Under ornate chandeliers in the once-palatial Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan, now known as the new Ellis Island, 23-year-old Jhonathan Daniel Nieves Camejo, his wife and 2-year-old son waited with other immigrants to be processed. They arrived the night before, first journeying from Venezuela to Texas, with no resources, no ultimate destination, no plan. Their plight paints a human portrait too often dismissed in America's polarized political immigration discourse. Like the tens of thousands of other immigrants looking for refuge in New York City, the asylum-seekers had come seeking shelter at the Roosevelt or at homeless shelters throughout the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The family abandoned their home and life in Venezuela to escape threats from a politician who said hed make the family disappear. Their journey from Venezuela by foot across the jungles in Colombia to Panama was harrowing. They had no food, and their son was sick. But they kept going. In Texas, they arrived at the overflowing migrant resource center in San Antonio that was so packed, immigrants slept outside. Compared to that, the aged rooms in the Roosevelt felt luxurious. The rooms provided respite from the bitter cold. Here, they're treated with dignity, receiving fresh food, medical care, clothing and access to social workers. The couple are making progress on their immigration applications. Thank God we are in this place, Nieves Camejo said. His wife, Marluy del Carmen Blanco de Nieves, 33, had worked as a political scientist in Venezuela, but now all she can do is fret over their frail, 2-year-old son, Jonathan Daniel Nieves Blanco, and her familys uncertain future. She and her husband shared the story of their perilous journey and wept. Time isnt on their side. A new city policy that began in October limits migrants' stay in the shelter to 60 days. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nieves Camejo is grateful to the social workers and God. He doesn't mention the overarching political strife permeating immigration policy. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is overwhelmed by the daunting need and lack of resources, gets the credit and the blame. This past week, Adams job approval rating among registered New York City voters spiraled to 28 percent, Politico reported, amid various scandals and recent funding cuts that deeply slashed police, library and school budgets to offset the cost of the migrant crisis and more affordable housing. In many ways, the Roosevelt is far from the Ellis Island in New York Harbor that, before closing in 1954, welcomed more than 12 million immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity dating back to 1892. The Roosevelt had been shuttered during the COVID pandemic but reopened as an immigrant shelter in May, becoming the citys first central intake for all incoming arrivals. Many of the immigrants are coming here via Texas. Nieves Camejo and his family flew to New York City from San Antonio, but many others are bused here, courtesy of the Texas government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Gov. Greg Abbott bragged in a Dec. 5 post on X that since April 2022, Texas had bused more than 73,400 migrants to sanctuary cities, including 26,500 to New York City. Abbott has never coordinated with cities or given notice of the arrival of immigrants. But he has shifted the immigration debate and sentiments. By July, the Roosevelt couldnt keep up with the surge of immigrants, some who had to sleep on sidewalks outside the hotel for several nights. Of the more than 145,000 immigrants who have made it to New York in the past year, 75,000 have walked through the Roosevelts revolving doors. On Nov. 28, there were 300 to 500 new immigrants per day, down from up to 1,000 a day. Not only has Abbott's funneling of immigrants away from our southern border put a strain on New York and other Democratic-led cities, it has dramatically magnified the immigration discussion ahead of the 2024 presidential election. But in the Roosevelt, Nieves Camejo and his wife didn't acknowledge the politics of their situation. Instead, they wept about what they left behind, the struggle endured and the struggle ahead. They're trying to survive. Their vision is remarkably clear. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We come here en masse to the U.S. where there is a rule of law and security. We come to work hard and offer our knowledge and our strength, to contribute our human capital to this wonderful country that is the United States of America, Nieves Camejo said. Homes in the Luckey Ranch subdivision are seen in a Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 aerial photo. ?Many homeowners in San Antonio and in Texas will see lower property tax bills this year. William Luther/Staff Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a discussion with San Antonio law enforcement members and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw at the Deputy Sheriffs Association of Bexar County on Thursday, April 21, 2022. Billy Calzada/Staff photographer State officials certified the November election results this week, moving to usher in billions of dollars in property tax relief and raises for retired teachers despite a series of long-shot lawsuits that have challenged the outcome. According to state law, constitutional amendment elections cannot be finalized until litigation is resolved. A half-dozen lawsuits filed after the Nov. 7 election threatened to delay the policies Texas voters overwhelmingly approved. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But on Monday, Gov. Greg Abbott issued a proclamation declaring the results official. The next day, the attorney generals office filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuits. The plaintiffs didnt properly serve the secretary of states office, the states filing said, and now that the election is finalized, their effort is moot. Judges in the cases have not yet ruled. The state in its filing Tuesday also threw cold water on the lawsuits allegations that the November elections used substandard voting systems. Vitally missing from Plaintiffs allegations is any assertion that those allegedly illegal votes materially affected the results of the election and that the result would have been different had those votes not been counted, said the filing in Travis County court. Plaintiffs have failed to plead a valid election contest, it added. One of the main plaintiffs could not immediately be reached on Wednesday. All the lawsuits were filed pro se, meaning the plaintiffs are representing themselves in court without an attorney. They include Jarrett Woodward of Bexar County, who has urged county commissioners in Bexar, Kerr, Uvalde and Medina counties to do away with electronic voting systems altogether and instead count ballots by hand, according to Votebeat, a nonpartisan reporting project on elections and voting that first reported on the lawsuits. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Republican lawmakers had been scrambling in the final days of the fourth special legislative session to shield their priority policies from legal delays. In the election, Texas voters overwhelmingly approved changes to the constitution that included billion-dollar funds to expand state parks and improve Texas water infrastructure. One of the most popular amendments was a cost of living increase for retired teachers receiving a pension. National Defense Day was first celebrated Sept. 12, 1924, to commemorate the World War One Battle of St. Mihiel. Between Sept. 12 and 15, 1918, Major General John J. Pershing led the European American Expeditionary Forces in a successful offensive in the Saint-Mihiel strategic area in northeastern France, controlled by the German army since 1914. American and French troops worked together to achieve a significant victory, which marked a critical turning point in World War I. A few years after World War I ended Nov. 11, 1918, the US War Department recognized the need for a reliable national broadcasting network to communicate with citizens immediately in an emergency. No nationwide radio broadcasting networks existed in the early 1920s; however, radio transmission was still regarded as the most effective means of instantly reaching the most people. Although there were some licensed stations, it was mainly unlicensed amateur radio stations transmitting low-powered broadcasts to crystal homemade battery-operated radio receivers. And so, nearly a century ago, a determined technological and engineering test would take place over a radio broadcasting medium. The US War Departments National Defense Test, a coast-to-coast broadcast showcasing radios potential for use in an emergency, would coincide with National Defense Day Sept. 12, 1924. The objective was to demonstrate instant communication to a national radio-listening audience. AT&T proposed a chain broadcasting radio network to transmit government radio broadcasts from Washington, DC, through the nations long-distance telephone voice network, which AT&T was still constructing, to specific radio stations for them to broadcast over the air. This method enabled the best means for efficiently distributing audio content from Washington, DC, to individual radio receiver sets. Telephone engineers played a crucial role in facilitating the efficient transmission of radio signals across the countrys growing wired telephony infrastructure. The National Defense Test would see 18 radio stations physically linked across the United States transmit audio from the US War Department through amplitude-modulated signals directly to American radio sets nationwide. On Sept. 4, 1922, WLAG radio station started broadcasting from the sixth floor of the Oak Grove Hotel in Minneapolis. Financial challenges forced the stations closure July 31, 1924; however, WLAG received special permission to turn its equipment and transmitter on again to broadcast the National Defense Day Program. On Sept. 12, 1924, a National Defense Test radio program was broadcast from the US War Department in Washington, DC, to promote National Defense Day. Audio communication from the US War Department in Washington, DC, was transmitted via long-distance phone line networks to radio stations, relaying the audio signal to individual radio sets nationwide. The program featured military-related content such as speeches, music performances, and simulated battle scenarios. The broadcast raised public awareness for national defense, promoted patriotism, and showcased the militarys use of this nations technological capabilities. Cooperation between engineers and technicians from AT&T, RCA, and independent telephone companies led to installing and testing equipment and telephone line facilities to ensure reliable transmission and reception of radio signals between radio stations relaying the broadcast from Washington, DC. On Sept. 12, 1924, eighteen radio stations participated in the National Defense Test by broadcasting live voice transmissions from the nations capital to individual crystal and battery-powered radio sets. The participating stations were: WCAP in Washington, DC. WEAF in New York, NY. WJAR in Providence, RI. WNAC in Boston, MA. WOO in Philadelphia, PA. WGY in Schenectady, NY. WGR in Buffalo, NY. KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA. WSB in Atlanta, GA. WLW in Cincinnati, OH. WGN in Chicago, IL. KSD in St. Louis, MO. WDAF in Kansas City, MO. WLAG in Minneapolis, MN. WOAW in Omaha, NE. WFAA in Dallas, TX. KLZ in Denver, CO. KGO in San Francisco, CA. Almost a hundred years ago, our nation successfully showcased its technological prowess. Minneapolis Washburn Crosby Company, a flour mill, acquired WLAGs radio license and, during Oct. 2, 1924, launched WCCO. Minnesotas first radio station with a news department, WAMD, began broadcasting June 30, 1925. NBC and CBS radio began broadcasting in 1926 and 1927, respectively. In 1928, the radio station WAMD became KSTP. Television broadcasting soon followed. On Feb. 21, 1940, Lowell Thomas hosted the first regularly scheduled television news broadcast through experimental NBC television station W2XBS in New York City. On Sept. 4, 1951, President Harry Truman made the first-ever coast-to-coast television broadcast. According to The New York Times, 94 of the countrys 107 stations aired it in 52 cities. On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 12, 1924, the radio broadcast of the National Defense Test was recorded by AT&Ts subsidiary, Western Electric, directly from the telephone lines. The 90-minute high-quality audio recording is preserved in the Internet Archives digital library at https://tinyurl.com/radiodefensetest. Over 80 bln USD mobilized at UN climate conference Xinhua) 09:35, December 08, 2023 DUBAI, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Over 83 billion U.S. dollars have been mobilized in the first five days at COP28, or the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said its presidency on Thursday. The pledged funds were included in declarations on food systems transformation and health, declarations on renewable energy and efficiency, as well as initiatives to decarbonize heavy emitting industries, according to a press release by the COP28 presidency. On the first day of the climate conference, the COP28 presidency facilitated a historic agreement to operationalize and capitalize funding for Loss and Damage, supporting those on the front lines of the climate crisis with 726 million dollars already pledged to date. Under the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, developed countries should provide assistance in finance, technology and capacity building to developing nations to adapt to climate change and mitigate its impacts. Developed countries had pledged to provide 100 billion U.S. dollars in climate finance every year by 2020, however, the promise has yet to be entirely fulfilled. The sum accumulated in the first few days of COP28 marked positive progress, yet many delegates here are still concerned about the delivery of the pledged funds. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday (December 5) that its ground operation in Gaza saw its "most intense day" yet, as it continued an offensive that has expanded to all of the strip. This meant that their next major target was to push into Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city. According to The Times of Israel, the IDF has been encircling the city and advised Palestinian civilians to temporarily evacuate Khan Younis to flush out Hamas militants. At some point, Israeli troops were engaged in house-to-house combat against Hamas fighters. IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi described the move as the "third phase" of its military operation, which targeted Hamas's strongholds in the south. Read Also: Israel Prepares Upcoming Attack, Builds Salt Water Pumps to Flood Hamas Tunnels Israel Told to Scale Back Offensive However, many in the international community have told Israel to scale back its offensive. The United Nations warned that the offensive extending into southern Gaza would create "an even more hellish scenario." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the people of Gaza do not have any safe place to go as many people from northern Gaza have already evacuated into the south. Meanwhile, in a rare rebuke, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that Washington officials believe that the Jewish State was not doing enough to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, adding that the roughly 100 trucks of aid and 70,000 liters of fuel were not enough to sustain whatever was left of Gaza's population. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the only way to end Israel's war against Hamas was to use "overwhelming force." Related Article: Viral Al Shifa Hospital Video Showing Israeli Flags Being Raised Debunked @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The conspiracy to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise, whose assassination in 2021 sparked unparalleled unrest in the Caribbean country, was admitted by a former confidential informant for the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on Tuesday, December 5. Joseph Vincent is one of 11 Miami defendants to enter a guilty plea. He is a Haitian-American citizen who resided in the US and who had attended meetings in both Haiti and South Florida before the killing. According to The Associated Press, among the counts against Vincent are conspiracies to provide material support and resources and to kill and kidnap a person outside the US. If found guilty, he may face a life term in jail. About 20 Colombians and a handful of others who are dual Haitian-American citizens were involved in the crime, according to the police. The individuals' original intention was to abduct the Haitian president, but they ultimately decided to have him assassinated. Authorities are claiming that the plotters intended to get contracts with Moise's successor. Plea Deal With Prosecutors A 20-minute hearing was held before federal Judge Jose E. Martinez, during which Vincent entered a guilty plea. He sat handcuffed and shackled next to his lawyer, Kenneth Swartz. "Guilty, your honor," Vincent said in response to the judge's question about his intention to plead. The prosecution and Vincent reportedly came to a plea deal, which is a common tactic for defendants seeking a reduced sentence. After agreeing to cooperate with the investigation, the government withdrew two charges of conspiring to conduct crimes against the US. The court scheduled the sentencing hearing on February 9, 2024. Retired Colombian army officer German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, Haitian-Chilean businessman Rodolphe Jaar, and former Haitian senator John Joel Joseph are among the defendants who have pleaded guilty. Rivera Garcia was sentenced to life in prison in October, and Jaar received a life sentence in June. Joseph was detained in Jamaica before being extradited to Miami last year, and his sentencing is scheduled for December 19. See Also: UN Report Warns of Spreading Haiti Gang Violence That Could Affect Access to Food Staples The 2021 Assasination Plot All of the mentioned names are involved in a plot that US prosecutors claim originated in Haiti and Florida, culminating in the assassination of Moise by mercenaries at his residence near Port-Au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, on July 7, 2021. The president was 53 years old at the time. Prosecutors claim that the killing was motivated by Christian Emmanuel Sanon, a priest and citizen of South Florida, who was linked to Haitian-American suspect James Solages and whose ambitions included running against Moise for president. They were both apprehended shortly after Moise was shot 12 times at his residence. Solages and Vincent were both taken into custody in the days after the incident. At first, the two men said the conspirators had employed them as translators, Reuters reported. The assailants were allegedly posing as DEA agents throughout the incident; however, the DEA subsequently clarified that neither Vincent nor Solages were representing the agency. See Also: Israel Says Forces Now Surround Khan Younis @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Yesterday, in Austin and San Antonio, at least six people were killed and several more injured by a gunman-leaving families devastated, and communities forever changed. And just hours ago, the University of Nevada at Las Vegas became the latest college campus to be terrorized by a horrific act of gun violence, and the community is still awaiting information on casualties. READ ALSO: Readout of the Vice President's Call with President Isaac Herzog of Israel Jill and I join citizens across our nation in praying for the families of our fallen, and for those who were injured during these latest acts of senseless violence. We are also grateful for the courageous work of law enforcement-who risked their own safety to bring an end to these deadly shooting sprees. Federal law enforcement officials are on the ground working with State and local law enforcement in both states and I have directed that all necessary support be provided to assist in the investigations and support these communities. This year alone, our nation has experienced more than 600 mass shootings, and approximately 40,000 deaths due to gun violence. This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal. For all the action we have taken since I've been President, the epidemic of gun violence we face demands that we do even more. But we cannot do more without Congress. Republican lawmakers must join with Democrats in Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, pass a national red flag law, enact universal background checks, require the safe storage of guns, and advance other commonsense measures that will help stem the tide of gun violence. And together, we must do more to prevent more families, and more communities like Austin, San Antonio, and Las Vegas, from being ripped apart by gun violence. READ MORE: Statement from President Joe Biden on Lift of Senator Tuberville's Blockade on Military Appointments @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. On December 6, 1998, the Russian Zarya space module was connected to the US module Unity, marking the beginning of a new cooperation between the two space superpowers since the fall of the Soviet Union. From these two core components, the International Space Station was born. On the occasion of the orbiting laboratory's 25th anniversary, NASA conducted a livestream event where Associate Administrator Bob Cabana and ISS Program Manager Joel Montalbano spoke to the seven members of Expedition 70 aboard the station on Wednesday (December 6). "I cannot believe it was 25 years ago today that we grappled Zarya and joined it with the Unity node," Cabana told the ISS crew. "Absolutely amazing." The station celebrates 25 years of operations today as the Exp 70 crew conducted aging, mental health, and cognition research while continuing ongoing cargo operations. https://t.co/HTuqCKHt8O International Space Station (@Space_Station) December 6, 2023 The official account of the station on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, also celebrated the occasion. "The station celebrates 25 years of operations today as the [Expedition] 70 crew conducted aging, mental health, and cognition research while continuing ongoing cargo operations," the caption wrote. Read Also: NASA's 2040 Moon Human Settlement Ambition Fascinates Scientists Future Plans for the ISS A few weeks ago, NASA announced its plans to consider keeping the ISS running beyond 2030, which was the planned extension of the space laboratory's retirement schedule. Space.com reported that private space companies such as SpaceX and Northrop Grumman have been supplying the station with fresh crew and supplies, respectively. Meanwhile, Axiom Space has been running independent private missions to the station for commercial purposes, using paying customers to pay for their seats. Axiom has also been planning to attach modules to the ISS before separating from it to become its independent station. NASA Space Operations Associate Administrator Ken Bowersox explained that retiring the ISS at the end of the decade was not mandatory and that deorbiting the station would still depend on the progress private space companies were making on upcoming commercial space labs. "The timeline is flexible," he added. However, Bowersox clarified that NASA would still transition to the new orbital stations upon their completion and eventual operation to replace the ISS. Related Article: NASA's US Greenhouse Gas Center Has Arrived! Here's Why This Initiative Is a Big Deal in Tackling Global Warming @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. APPOMATTOX A clerk at an Appomattox County vape shop pleaded no contest Thursday in Appomattox Circuit Court to one count each of distribution of marijuana to a minor and possession with intent to distribute marijuana between half an ounce and five pounds. Ebrahim Ali-Mohammed Al-Gamli, 46, was arrested on those two felony counts April 12, the Appomattox County Sheriffs Office has said. According to a release from the sheriffs office the week of the arrest, investigators executed a search warrant at Triangle Tobacco and Vape, at 189 Old Courthouse Road in Appomattox, as part of an investigation into illegal product sales from the business. Investigators collected numerous examples of suspected illegal products being sold at the business, the release said. Al-Gamli in court Thursday needed assistance from an interpreter during routine questioning from Judge Andy Nelson as part of entering the no contest pleas. Nelson informed Al-Gamli the maximum punishment on both charges combined is 90 years in prison. Nelson found the no contest pleas were entered voluntarily and intelligently on the defendants part but agreed not to issue a ruling Thursday, stipulating the evidence and continuing the matter to a sentencing hearing set for 9:30 a.m. March 28. Al-Gamli is released on bond while awaiting that hearing. Al-Gamli told the judge he was helping a colleague in the shop and did not directly sell to a minor. Appomattox County Commonwealths Attorney Les Fleet said on or about Aug. 23, 2022, a juvenile confidential informant, 17 at the time, took part in a controlled drug buy at the shop under the surveillance of the Central Virginia Drug Task Force. The minor went into the shop and interacted with the defendant at the counter, asking for flour, which is code for marijuana, Fleet said. Al-Gamli pulled glass jars from under the counter for the minor to choose from and the informant asked for two grams of green plant-like material, according to Fleet. The minor was not asked to provide identification or proof of age during the transaction, Fleet said. A search warrant was obtained and officers with the task force went back to the store Aug. 30, 2022, to seize three glass jars with material that tested positive for marijuana, Fleet said. Joseph Sanzone, Al-Gamlis attorney, said his client saw another clerk dealing with the minor and assumed it was OK to interact with him. Sanzone said Al-Gamli was not informed in the proper way to sell certain items and had no understanding of the legal implications. Nelson ordered a pre-sentence report for the March 28 hearing and said additional evidence will be heard at that time. TOKYO, Dec 09 ( NHK ) - Japan's Empress Masako turned 60 years old on Saturday. In a statement released by the Imperial Household Agency, the Empress said she would like to express her renewed and sincere gratitude to the people for their heartwarming feelings towards her. The Empress expressed hope that she will be able to take a step forward with a fresh mindset and continue to make efforts for years to come. She also expressed gratitude to those who have worked hard to save people's lives from the coronavirus pandemic. The Empress said their efforts have paid off, and the situation is gradually calming down. She said she is relieved to see cities and towns bouncing back, and a number of people gradually returning to their normal lives. But she also said she is concerned about many others who are still facing difficulties. The Empress looked back on her June visit to Iwate Prefecture, one of the regions ravaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It was the first time that Emperor Naruhito and the Empress had visited the disaster-hit area since he ascended the throne in 2019. The Empress said she was moved to see people there making tireless efforts in the face of many hardships. She said she sincerely hopes that the affected areas will fully recover. In June, the Imperial couple visited Indonesia for their first overseas goodwill trip since the Emperor's enthronement. The Empress said she was worried at first because she had not traveled abroad for a long time. But she said many people welcomed her warmly, and the trip was filled with memorable experiences. The Imperial couple marked 30 years of marriage this year. Looking back, the Empress said she is thankful from the bottom of her heart that the Emperor has always supported her under the warm guidance of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko. The Empress also said she is grateful to a number of other people for their care and assistance. She also mentioned her daughter Princess Aiko, who is in her fourth year of university. The Empress said the Princess is still like a child to her, but she feels her daughter is helping her family every now and then. The Empress is scheduled to receive congratulatory greetings along with the Emperor from other members of the Imperial family at the Imperial Palace on Saturday morning. When optometrist Robyn Epley announced that she was ready to return to Vision Care Clinic, the eyecare provider welcomed her not only with open arms but a new office as well. Its like my birthday and Christmas for the next 10 years all at the same time, Epley said at a ribbon cutting ceremony for her office at the corner of Second Avenue and South 29th Street, just south of West Broadway in Council Bluffs. Epley had briefly worked for Vision Care Clinic when she and her husband Cole first moved to Council Bluffs in 2013. But when her main practice hired her on full time, she wasnt able to fill in at Vision Care anymore. When Epley decided to leave that practice in 2022, she was unable to work in Council Bluffs for one year due to a noncompete clause, so she filled in at other Vision Care Clinic locations until she coudl return. And then, October 1st, my noncompete clause was up, so then it was time to come back, Epley told The Nonpareil. Its been a whirlwind to say the least, Vision Care Clinic Chief Operating Officer Jay Mendlik said at the ribbon cutting. In anticipation of her return, the renovation of the property at 200 S. 29th St. began on June 1, with a goal of having the space ready for Epley by Oct. 2, Mendlik said. Its been a pleasure to get her to this point, Mendlik said. Now its time for me to back out and let her do her thing. The location might be familiar to a number of Council Bluffs residents who, like Mayor Matt Walsh, who used to get his teeth cleaned there. This is my former dental clinic, so I feel right at home, Walsh said. Epley also happens to be Walshs eye doctor. For a year Ive been saying, When (will you be able to work in Council Bluffs)? When? Walsh said. Were glad to have you back in business. I will be calling for an appointment. The building might also look familiar to film nerds -- it was used as the set for an abortion clinic in Omaha native Alexander Paynes 1996 directorial debut, Citizen Ruth. Epley is thrilled to be back with Vision Care Clinic and to have a brand new office. It feels like its full circle, Epley said. For me to start working with Vision Care Clinic when I first moved to town, and now coming back. Its just a wondering group of people, wonderful doctors, staff. Its a great group to be a part of. Im very thankful that they welcomed me back. Epley is originally from South Dakota. She received her bachelors degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and graduated summa cum laude from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. She and her husband, a native of Walnut, decided after school to return to the Midwest and made Council Bluffs their home. Council Bluffs is very special to me, Epley said. When we had a job opportunity after school to come back to Iowa, we both knew we wanted to live in the Midwest and Council Bluffs has just become our hometown. And we're very proud of Council Bluffs, and we're very happy to be here. I'm happy to be back in town. Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan announced Thursday afternoon that the African country was no longer under state of emergency after the northern region of Mahe was earlier in the day the scene of an explosion in a storage area for explosives and damages caused by heavy rains and flooding. Ramkalawan declared a state of emergency in the archipelago earlier in the day. The move came after an explosion at the CCCL (Construction Chemicals and Commodities Limited) explosives store that has caused massive damage to the Providence area and the surrounding areas and major destruction caused by flooding due to heavy rains. As of now, the country is no longer in a state of emergency, meaning shops can now open and normal circulation of the public can resume, except at the Providence Industrial Estate, said Rakalawan in the afternoon. The African leader also indicated that with regards to the explosion incident, 202 people from the affected area have been removed from their homes, and that several local businesses, hotels, and individuals offered them temporary shelter, the State-run news agency added. The various incidents reportedly caused injuries to 178 people who were treated in health centers. One individual, a police officer, is still in the intensive care unit, while seven were admitted to the Seychelles Hospital. About the explosion, the leader also announced that investigations are underway to determine the causes. Ramkalawan also announced the opening of a relief fund called the 7th December Disaster Fund, in which people in Seychelles or abroad can make monetary donations in Seychelles rupees, US dollars, British pounds and euros. Chad and Hungary signed Thursday December 7 multiple agreements in many areas including military and health in view of bolstering bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The deals were signed by Chads top diplomat Saleh Annadif and his Hungarian counterpart Peter Szijjarto, local media Alwihda info reports. They cover areas such as military, education, health, agriculture, energy, new technologies and humanitarian aid. Both diplomats, Alwihd Info notes, argued at a joint press conference that pave the way for fruitful collaboration between Chad and Hungary, offering new opportunities for economic growth, social development and scientific progress. They also reportedly highlighted the advantages and objectives of these agreements, underlining their importance in strengthening this new and reinforced Cooperation while respecting the interests of each country. Hungary is set to deploy at the end of December as many as 400 soldiers at the invitation of the African country. The troops will be tasked to protect the interests of the European country and assist international forces in the region in the fight against terrorism. The troops will arrive as late as December 31. The Hungarian legislature rubber-stamped the decision on November 06. Russian spies are allegedly targeting U.K. politicians and other officials, as well as journalists. This was revealed by Leo Docherty, a U.K. politician serving as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of the State of Europe. He issued a statement in the House of Commons, claiming that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB). Docherty said that the cyber interference campaign is specifically being conducted by the so-called Star Blizzard. The top British MP explained that this group is "almost certainly" a subordinate of an FSB cyber unit. Here are other alarming details Leo Docherty shared about these Russian spies. Russian Spies Allegedly Using Cyber Interference to Target UK According to The Independent UK's latest report, the Star Blizzard group reportedly used its cyber interference campaign to selectively leak and amplify information since 2015. "I can confirm today that the Russian federal security services, the FSB, is behind a sustained effort to interfere in our democratic processes," confidently said Docherty via The Guardian. "They have targeted members of this house and the [House of Lords]. They have been targeting civil servants, journalists, and NGOs," he added. The British official further stated that Russian spies behind the cyber interference also target high-profile entities and individuals. Leo Docherty warned that these cybercriminals are doing this with a "clear intent" using details they acquired to interfere in private conversations. This is not the first time that members of the parliament complained about being targeted by spies and other cyber attackers. A similar instance happened in 2019 when Labor's Ben Bradshaw claimed that he had been a target of Russian cyber interference. Aside from this, the Russian government was also accused of launching a cyberattack campaign against the U.K. parliament; breaching dozens of email accounts owned by members of the parliament and peers. But, the latest accusation made by Leo Docherty against the Russian Federal Security Service is considered to be the strongest confirmation that the Kremlin is trying to compromise democratic and other political processes in the United Kingdom. Read Also: UK's Post-Brexit Chemical Regulations To Be Loosened; New REACH Scheme Raises Concerns UK To Impose Sanctions Against Star Blizzard's Members British MPs were informed regarding planned sanctions against the Russian spy group's two members, which were identified by the Foreign Office. These are Andrey Stanislavovich Korinets (Alexey Doguzhiev) and FSB intelligence officer Ruslan Aleksandrovich Peretyatko. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron said that the attempts of Russian spies to interfere in U.K. politics are truly unacceptable. The official added that they threaten the British democratic processes. Related Article: UK Politician Michael Gove Swarmed by Pro-Palestinian Protestors in London Train Station: 'Shame on You' @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Paris-based cable network Canal+ removed Thursday December 7 the Guinean private media Djoma TV and its radio from its channel packages under instruction of the countrys State-run media regulator HAC which deems the media outlet a threat to security. Boubacar Yacine Diallo, Head of the regulator sent an order to cable Wednesday December 6 for the suspension sine die of the media. For reasons of national security, I would be grateful if you would withdraw Djoma TV and Djoma Radio from the Canal+ bouquet without further notice upon receipt of this letter, he wrote in the correspondence to the French cable network. In a reaction, Kalil Oulare, Director of Djoma group, slammed the move and announced legal actions against Canal+, both in Guinea and France. He also accused Canal+ of accepting to be used by authorities to muzzle media critical of a junta led by Mamady Doumbouya in power since September 2021. The move came amid ongoing suspension of social media pages of some media including Djoma since November 24. The countrys main media union SPPG issued a statement on Monday to condemn the suspension that it considers threat of extinction of private media. It also announced a set of actions including a sit-in in front of HAC and organized a peaceful demonstration and boycott activities of the transition bodies. One of the leading manufacturers of premium domestic appliances in the world will be opening a facility in Opelika, the city officials announced during Tuesdays Opelikas City Council meeting. Miele has entered into a project agreement with the city to build a location that will serve as the U.S. manufacturing hub for the company. Miele will build a new 800,000-square-foot plant in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park that will serve as the companys major U.S. production center as its U.S. business grows. The project could create approximately 837 jobs with an investment of $657.7 million. We are excited to announce the arrival of Miele to our vibrant community. We are committed to fostering innovation, creating high-quality jobs and contributing to the economic growth of our community, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said. Together, we look forward to a future filled with shared success and lasting positive impact. Miele is a manufacturer of cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and more. Miele has launched a long-term growth project in Opelika, according the City of Opelika. Phase I will include the company occupying an existing facility in Opelika and creating over 150 jobs by 2026. For Phase II, Miele has plans to build the large facility, which will create an additional workforce, by 2030. Founded in 1899, Miele employs a workforce of 22,300 around the world through its eight locations in Germany, and the company also has one location in each of the following countries: Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Romania and Poland. The company also has two plants that belong to Steelco, its Italian medical technology subsidiary. Miele is one the worlds most iconic brands, and were thrilled to have this great company select Alabama as the home for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, Gov. Kay Ivey said. Miele is a wonderful addition to our states business community, and I look forward to the day when its new Opelika facility is turning out first-class Made in USA appliances coming from Alabama. At Tuesdays meeting, there was a public hearing attached to the resolution, but there were no participants. When President and Ward 4 Councilman Eddie Smith asked his fellow councilmembers if there was a motion for approval, all three present members made the motion simultaneously. Ward 5 Councilman Todd Rauch was not present at the meeting. The City of Opelika news release said that Miele had been evaluating several locations in the U.S. for the facility. According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, Opelika was chosen over locations in Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and Mississippi. Overall, Opelika offers the best conditions for a successful start for our new plant, including the long-term perspective for further expansion stages, said Uwe Brunkhorst, Senior Vice President Business Unit Cooking for Miele. We would like to express our gratitude to the city of Opelika and the State of Alabama for their outstanding support during this selection process and we look forward to further cooperation. Other City Council business Golden State Foods Corporation has announced that it will be expanding its existing facility at 4801 Northpark Drive in Opelikas Northeast Industrial Park. The project is expected to cost $2.6 million. The council approved the granting of tax abatements and exemptions for Golden State from state and local noneducational property taxes, which will be extended for a period of 10 years. The City of Opelika has entered into an agreement with Avenu Insights & Analytics for the collection of sales and use taxes, lodging taxes and rental taxes. The agreement will be for the remittance, processing, discovery and recovery services, of those taxes, according to the councils agenda packet. According to the packet, through the agreement, Avenu will receive $2.76 per account per transaction for providing remittance processing services and revenue analysis services. For audit services, the company will receive an amount based on an hourly rate of $80. The City of Opelikas Director of Economic Development Lori Huguley is retiring on Jan. 31, 2024 and the council has appointed John Sweatman, the current Project Manager of Economic Development for Opelika, to take over Huguleys position upon her retirement. The council accepted a grant from the Daniel Foundation of Alabama that will partially fund the Opelika Public Librarys spring 2024 exhibition Aim High: Soaring with the Tuskegee Airmen. The exhibition is set to cost $45,000 and the Daniel Foundation has awarded the City of Opelika a $10,000 grant to fund the event. The council approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Opelika Police Department and Gulf Coast GunBusters. which will allow GunBusters to destroy surrendered and seized firearms that the OPD possesses. No money will be exchanged or reimbursed during this agreement. The appropriation contract for the 2024 fiscal year with the Arts Association of East Alabama remains on the table, but Smith said they hope they can get it off the table at the next meeting. Lisa Thrift, the administrator for the Community Development Block Grant program, spoke to the council during its work session to provide an update on the CDBGs program year 2022 which was October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. CDBGs are federal funds provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). According to the City of Opelikas website, the goal of CDBG is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities...for low-to moderateincome persons. For the program year 2022, Opelikas CDBG received a grant award of $258,169. Thrift said through those funds the program assisted 2,093 people, and 87% of those assisted were in the extremely low category for income. The vast majority of these were extremely low income and needed the assistance, Thrift said. With the 2000 that we were able to assist, I think we did a very good job of helping the community and the people within our community. Thrift also highlighted that 9.7% of those assisted were Hispanic, which Thrift said was the highest number of Hispanic people assisted for the program. I think its because weve built a relationship with Esperanza[House] and weve been able to spread the word more so of whats available, Thrift said. Esperanza House has been huge in helping us with that I mean I'm still Reply Thread Link always tracks that rick ross was a cop Reply Thread Link Wait whaaat? Reply Parent Thread Link No one black gets away with a 10 for doing what he did unless you're cia Reply Parent Thread Link If the documentary is made out of pettiness rather than genuine empathy for the victims its gross. Donating proceeds to the victims is a saving grace Reply Thread Link Hopefully his involvement in production is just his money I mean I guess doing a doc because you hate someone is fine. Fifty haa been saying/implying diddy was a creep for years Reply Thread Link There's been SO MANY rumors surrounding him so I think a good chunk of the hip-hop circles know about it. Reply Parent Thread Link My kinda rich person petty tbh lol Reply Thread Link Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in Hello! Your entry got to top-25 of the most popular entries in LiveJournal!Learn more about LiveJournal Ratings in FAQ Reply Thread Link I remember reading on Twitter that 50 Cent has been saying what he thinks about Diddy for a while now apparently. Reply Thread Link This is some playa haters ball type of shit Reply Thread Link It's so rare to see a cis man publicly call out another cis man for sexual crimes against women, especially WOC, that I am absolutely here for him doing this. men hate when other men call them out for this. Reply Thread Link Agreed, and as long as 50 Cent doesn't have any accusations of his own (like Brad Pitt trying to produce stories about abuse and assault, big yikes) I would love to see more men holding each other accountable. I just hope he is working with some good people (especially women behind the camera) because I don't think he has any experience producing things that aren't centered around him to my knowledge? Reply Parent Thread Link this isn't so much "calling him out" as it is "pettily jumping on the public awareness actually brave victims created" so I can't give it to him, especially as I still wonder whether he's going to get permission from them before airing out specific instances and names. Reply Parent Thread Link proceeds from this documentary will go to victims of sexual assault and rape. Maybe I'm just really skeptical, but I'm always a bit suspicious when things are worded like this. Like is the money going to a specific organization? Are you giving money to specific victims? And how much of the proceeds? All of it? 10%? Reply Thread Link also, how do you assign these proceeds? They can easily declare that they made no profit from the documentary. If they were being genuine, they would ring-fence money in the budget for this from the start. Reply Parent Thread Link Edited at 2023-12-08 09:21 am (UTC) He doesn't really care, it's a joke to him. He posted this after diddy posted his "I am innocent statement" Reply Thread Link Still an asshole, I guess. Reply Parent Thread Link What worries me if he is doing this just to piss off Diddy, is the treatment and respect of the victims. How much of theirs stories, identities will be exposed, etc this should be done by someone that would put the victims well being as the priority Reply Thread Link It's so difficult to believe 50 himself is respectful towards women given his discography & videography but I hope I'm in the wrong cause I don't know anything about his personal life. Reply Thread Link Hasnt he verbally attacked other men, by going after their girlfriends with misogynistic language? I doubt hes nice to women irl. Hes doing this because he hates Diddy. Reply Parent Thread Link He's not. He went on this rant about how he's sorry to Meg after Lanez was locked up and admitted he was pro Lanez because it seemed obvious without actually looking at any of the facts. A man willing to take Lanez' side simply because in an open and loud way? Nah. He just hates Diddy Reply Parent Thread Link Didnt he make groupie porn? So no he doesnt respect women at all. He just hates Diddy. Which, I mean seems to be the case for almost everyone who knows him. But as long as the victims get money, they consent to being involved in the documentary and its done correctly and respectfully, and Diddy is destroyed in the process, they can have their beef Idc. Its not likely that will be the case though. Reply Parent Thread Link No, i highly doubt you're wrong. My first thought is THIS is what abusers do alll the time because they think it diverts suspicion. It does not. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm skeptical because 50 is a misogynist and I don't trust he'll handle this well. On the other hand, I wonder if Diddy did or try to do something creepy to him or someone he knows, and now that lawsuits are coming out, he's finally able to speak up. Shit, if Diddy was a creep to Usher, you know he was a creep/predator to not only women but men as well. So I'm torn. Reply Thread Link OPEC+ disappointed the oil bulls last week by announcing voluntary cuts from several producers and failing to agree on a group-wide supply reduction, at least for the first quarter of 2024, when demand is typically at its lowest. The alliance and its most prominent members, Saudi Arabia and Russia, rushed to calm the market where oil prices were already sliding following the underwhelming meeting last week that OPEC+ could intervene again and extend or deepen the cuts should supply and demand balances warrant it. The OPEC+ cuts were already baked in the price of oil, and a week after the alliance's meeting, prices hit a six-month low on Wednesday amid swelling U.S. inventories, concerns about the Chinese economy, and fears of weakening global oil demand growth. OPEC+ has to contend with all those bearish signals and with a market currently focused on demand instead of on supply. What's Next from OPEC+ Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, told Bloomberg on Monday that the OPEC+ production cuts could extend beyond March 2024 if the market requires it. The Saudi energy minister also criticized commentators for failing to understand the output deal and suggested that this would change once "people see the reality of the deal." Related: Saudis Ask U.S. for Restraint As Houthis Direct Missiles At Israel "I honestly believe that the 2.2 million will overcome the usual inventory build that usually happens in the first quarter," Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg, referring to the overall OPEC+ cuts for the first quarter of 2024, which include Saudi Arabia rolling over its voluntary cut of 1 million barrels per day (bpd). Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman's remarks were echoed by Russia's top oilman, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who said on Tuesday that the OPEC+ group is ready to take additional measures and deepen the oil production cuts to avoid volatility and speculation on the market. Since "stability" is the preferred OPEC+ word for supporting oil prices, the alliance could attempt to intervene again if prices slide further and demand disappoints. But as last week's meeting showed, disagreements within OPEC+ run deep, and a unanimous decision could be even more difficult to reach next year. OPEC+ Key to Oil Prices At any rate, the oil market management from OPEC+ would be key to where prices will go next year, Warren Patterson, Head of Commodities strategy at ING, wrote in a note earlier this week. "The outlook for the oil market largely depends on OPEC+ policy," Patterson said. The cuts announced last week would be enough to erase the previously expected surplus on the market for the first quarter of 2024, according to the bank. "However, our balance still shows a small surplus in 2Q24, which means that the market is largely balanced over 1H24. This could and will likely change depending on how OPEC+ members go about unwinding these voluntary cuts," Patterson said. ING sees Brent Crude trading in the low $80s early next year, while it forecasts Brent to average $91 per barrel over the second quarter of 2024 when the market will return to deficit. [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif] But OPEC+ Faces Many Variables in Controlling Prices A week after the OPEC+ meeting and the latest announcements of production cuts, oil prices have lost around 10% as the market was expecting a larger supply reduction and had already priced in some sort of cuts. Concerns about the Chinese economy, soaring U.S. crude oil production, and rising U.S. commercial inventories and crude exports have all weighed on prices. WTI slipped on Wednesday below the $70 a barrel threshold for the first time since July, and Brent slipped to below $75 per barrelfor the lowest settlement since June. OPEC+ now faces the same old dilemma how to counter surging U.S. production and prevent it from unraveling the efforts of the alliance to prop up prices. Non-OPEC+ supply is growing at a faster pace than previously forecast and is being led by record U.S. crude oil production, which continued to soar despite a flat or falling rig count compared to this time last year. Record-high U.S. oil production is a "huge problem" for OPEC+, Paul Sankey at Sankey Research told CNBC after last week's OPEC+ meeting. ADVERTISEMENT U.S. crude oil production hit a new monthly record of 13.236 million bpd in September, according to the latest data from the EIA released last week. Demand is also seen currently as a bearish factor for oil prices, especially demand early next year. Concerns about the world's two largest economies dominate market sentiment. Just this week, credit rating agency Moody's changed the outlook to negative from stable on China's government credit ratings, expecting higher financial support needed to prop up the economy to weigh on government finances. "The outlook change also reflects the increased risks related to structurally and persistently lower medium-term economic growth and the ongoing downsizing of the property sector," Moody's said, explaining the negative outlook, which is a warning for a credit rating downgrade. The degree to which the U.S. and its allies will be willing to toughen up the enforcement of the sanctions on the oil exports of Russia and Iran next year will also affect oil prices. OPEC+ will have to factor in many variables in its market-managing policies next year, including a fresh threat to its market share from soaring U.S. and non-OPEC+ production. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Until 2015, U.S. crude oil producers were prohibited from exporting oil without a special license. In 2015, this changed. Since then, the U.S. has become a top-five exporter. This has been positive for supply security and consumers by keeping a lid on prices. It has not, however, been positive for OPEC, especially recently, as the cartel struggles to reverse the latest price decline. What's more, U.S. exports continue to grow, expected to have hit yet another record last week. And WTI just fell below $70 per barrel on Thursday, meaning U.S. oil will remain attractive for importers in the observable future. And now there's talk about an actual oil glut. Cargo-tracking data from Kpler and Vortexa has suggested U.S. crude oil exports hit a record of nearly 6 million barrels daily last week. The two put the export rate at 5.7 million bpd. Per a Bloomberg report, Macquarie data goes even higher, seeing U.S. oil exports at 5.9 million bpd. Neither of these figures was confirmed by the Energy Information Administration in its latest weekly report, which put crude oil exports from the U.S. at 4.3 million bpd for the week to December 1, down from 4.75 million bpd a week earlier. The four-week average export rate, according to the EIA, stood at 4.69 million bpd. Related: Saudis Ask U.S. for Restraint As Houthis Direct Missiles At Israel Despite the substantial discrepancy between export estimates, the fact remains that the U.S. is now a major exporter. And reports of rising exports have added fuel to emerging worries about a potential oversupply, even as OPEC prepares to remove even more oil from the market. Bloomberg noted in its report that the increase in exports has resulted from record-breaking production, which surprised many industry observers amid drillers' new focus on capital discipline and returning cash to shareholders. Somehow, however, they managed to ramp up production despite these. The outlet also noted that there is now talk of oversupply well into 2024. That might come as a surprise to commodity analysts who seem to expect higher oil prices next year. Goldman Sachs, for instance, said in late November it expected Brent crude to range between $70 and $100, noting that "the price of oil in 2024 will depend heavily on OPEC" and non-OPEC producers outside the U.S. It's strange that Goldman has missed the new shale boom and the record exports. ING has also focused on OPEC in its commodities outlook for 2024, highlighting the cartel's central role in oil price formation next year. In fact, ING forecast a modest deficit on oil markets in the first half of 2024. Indeed, Bloomberg points out that the estimated surge of U.S. oil shipments abroad in the last week of November could be seasonal. Producers are looking to get rid of as many barrels as they can as the end of the year and tax season approaches. The effect on prices remains the same, however, whatever the motivation behind the higher shipmentsif the cargo trackers are right and not the EIA. In addition to the bearish news from cargo tracking service providers, Saudi Arabia reduced its oil prices for Asian buyers for January. While it did not reduce them as much as expected, the market read the reduction as a sign of despaireven as Bloomberg reported that disappointed buyers were looking for cheaper alternatives. Everything seems to point downwards for oil right now as traders focus on demand rather than supply, reducing the effect of OPEC+ cuts and Middle East escalation on the benchmarks. That's good for oil buyers who may decide to order even more cheap U.S. crudewhile it's still cheap. With the events in the Middle East being what they are and now reports of Venezuela preparing to take a significant bite out of Guyana, the next price surge may be around the corner. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, Africas biggest, is expected to receive on Friday its first of several cargoes of crude oil that would enable it to begin initial runs, the Dangote group said in a statement seen by Reuters. The refinery, which has been commissioned but has yet to begin producing any fuel, will receive 1 million barrels of Agbami crude from Shells trading unit. The cargo is one of 6 million barrels of crude which will enable the start-up of the refinery, according to the Dangote group of Africas richest man, Aliko Dangote. The refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), will meet 100% of Nigerias demand for all refined petroleum products and will also have a surplus of each of these products for export. The refinery is designed to process Nigerian crude with the ability to also process other crudes. The project, which has cost around $20 billion, up from initial cost estimates of between $12 billion and $14 billion, has seen years of delays. Full-scale production at the refinery, including production of gasoline for Europe, is not expected to begin until the second half of 2024, analysts said last month. After years of delays and massive cost overruns, Nigeria finally saw the giant oil refinery commissioned in May. The Dangote Refinery was inaugurated by Nigerias former President Muhammadu Buhari before he left office at the end of May. The government hopes the new refinery will alleviate a chronic fuel shortage that has turned Africas biggest oil producer into a fuel importer. Nigeria, OPECs top crude oil producer in Africa, has had to rely on fuel imports due to a lack of enough capacity at its refineries, some of which had to undergo refurbishment in recent years. The Dangote refinery expects to export diesel to customers in Europe, as well as gasoline to Latin American and African markets. ADVERTISEMENT However, production of Euro V gasoline, the fuel complying with Europes emissions standards, is not expected to be produced until late next year, according to analysts at Facts Global Energy. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The European Union has drafted a legislative proposal to authorize member states to ban Russian and Belarusian companies from booking capacity on gas pipelines in the bloc in a bid to reduce further the EUs intake of Russian gas. According to a Financial Times report, the proposal will also include access to EU LNG terminals. The proposal comes amid calls to ban Russian LNG imports even as these hit a record this year. Another aspect of the raft legislation is letting European companies that have existing contracts with Russian or Belarusian gas companies get out of their contractual obligations without having to pay the respective penalties, according to one unnamed Brussels source who spoke to the FT. Per the document, seen by the FT, EU members will be allowed to partially or, where justified, completely limit access to infrastructure to gas operators from Russia and Belarus where necessary to protect their essential security interests. So far this year, Russian pipeline gas supplies to the European Union have trended significantly lower than last year. Per Russias VTB Bank, the average daily for this year could end up being just 21 billion cu m, which is down by some 66% from last year. It would also be a sixfold drop from 2021, the bank also said, as quoted by Reuters. Per Eurostat data cited by the FT, Russian gas imports in the third quarter of this year accounted for 12% of the total, which although substantially lower than the more than 40% share Russian gas had before the war in the Ukraine is still a not insignificant amount. The European Parliament is set to vote on the new gas legislation today, with formal approval by member states to follow. The EU has stipulated that it should end all imports of Russian oil, gas, and coal by 2027. ADVERTISEMENT By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As the price of Russias flagship crude fell below the $60 per barrel price cap and international benchmarks slumped, India expects to increase its purchases of Russian oil, an anonymous senior government official in India told Reuters on Friday. The price of Russias flagship crude, Urals, has dropped below the $60 per barrel price cap for the first time in months amid plunging international benchmarks. The price of Urals crude loaded from Russias Baltic Sea port of Primorsk fell to $56.15 a barrel, while the price of Urals at the Novorossiysk port in the Black Sea slumped to $56.55, Bloomberg reported on Thursday citing data from Argus Media. The data is used to inform G-7 policy on the price cap. Urals crude had been trading above the price cap since July, and reports have emerged that the West is considering toughening up the sanction enforcement on evaders of the price cap on Russian oil, almost none of which has recently traded below the ceiling of $60 per barrel. The recent rout in the oil market has driven Urals below the price cap, for now. Last month, the U.S. sanctioned several maritime companies and three vessels for transporting Russian oil above the G7-set price cap. One of the tankers, NS Century, was reportedly headed to India when it was sanctioned. At the end of last month, reports emerged that India was still considering whether to allow the now-sanctioned tanker carrying Russian oil to approach and dock at one of its portsa sign that the U.S. clampdown on Russian crude trade could limit Indias ability to buy and import cheaper oil. The Indian official refused to comment for Reuters on the likely destination of NS Century, but said that India doesnt expect the sanctions to impact Indian purchases because of a sufficient number of available tankers on the market. ADVERTISEMENT By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The United States is on track to ship more diesel to Europe this month, with Europes diesel imports from Asia and the Middle East falling so far this month. While Europes desire to wean itself completely off Russian fuel supplies, Europes appetite for imported diesel and gasoil hasnt diminished. In fact, it is estimated that it will increase this month to 290,000 bpd, preliminary estimates from Kpler and compiled by Bloomberg show. This is the highest level of diesel and gasoil imports since July of 2018. U.S. Gulf Coast exports of diesel spiked as soon as refinery maintenance season was complete. But Panama Canal bottlenecks created a chokepoint for US exports of diesel to Latin Americaopening the door for exports to Europe, who has been on the lookout for additional supplies. Increased supply due to USGC refineries exit from the autumn maintenance season is being offset by resilient domestic demand and high export demand to Europe and Latin America, Kplers report said. Asia and the Middle East, another supplier of diesel and gasoil to Europe, has seen a downswing as they perform refinery maintenance. Europes maintenance season is also about to end. Weaker demand in Europe and the comeback of refineries at home should boost supplies in Europe, Kpler said in its report, but it expects them to remain tighter than normal in December. Europes imports of diesel from India were on track to reach 305,000 barrels per day, Kpler data showedthe highest point since January 2017. Europe has found itself the subject of criticism with its purchases of diesel from India, with India purchasing cheap crude oil from Russia. Last year at this time, Russia was Europes top supplier of diesel. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Shell sees $6 billion worth of oil and gas investment opportunities in Nigeria, the countrys presidency said following a meeting of senior executives of the supermajor with Nigerian officials. Zoe Yujnovich, Shells Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, and the top executives of Shells Nigerian unit, Shell Nigeria PLC, held talks on Thursday with Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja. According to presidential spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, Shell has identified a $5 billion investment opportunity in Nigerias offshore oil exploration and production, and has said it would invest another $1 billion within 10 years to ramp up natural gas production in Nigeria for domestic supplies and exports. The presidential spokesperson cited Shells Yujnovich as saying that the oil and gas supermajor has an imminent $5 billion investment opportunity in the Bonga North oil project offshore Nigeria, Reuters reports. I am really keen to make that investment as soon as possible. We want to continue and build a pipeline of new investments in Nigeria, Yujnovich was quoted as saying. A spokesperson for Shell confirmed to Reuters that company executives held talks with the Nigerian president but declined to provide details because the discussions were private. Nigeria has struggled in recent years to boost its oil and gas production, and has consistently failed to produce to its quota under the OPEC+ agreement. The combination of pipeline vandalism and oil theft with a lack of investment in capacity has made Nigeria the biggest laggard in crude oil production in the OPEC+ alliance. Shell has had its fair share of troubles in Nigeria, including several lawsuits from local communities in recent years over oil spills, for which the supermajor denies responsibility and says that oil theft and criminality are major sources of pollution. Theft is the cause of the majority of spills in the latest claims from communities that were allowed to proceed by the High Court in London last month, according to Shell. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: During the first in-person meeting between the two nations in four years, Chinese President Xi Jinping advised senior European Union officials against seeing each other as enemies or getting into disputes over their differing political systems. While the topics of discussion ranged from trade imbalances to Ukraine, Xi made it clear that China is eager to work with the EU on a variety of avenues, including economics, commerce, and science and technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). According to Reuters, Chinese official media outlet CCTV reports that during the meeting at Beijing's Diaoyutai official Guesthouse, he also asked the EU to "eliminate all kinds of interference" from the bilateral relationship. Choose Peace, Not War On Monday, December 4, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi warned EU diplomats working in Beijing that Europe should choose peace and stability over a new Cold War. Earlier this week, a European official informed media in Brussels that the meeting would not culminate in any outstanding deliverables and that a joint statement would not be issued. Italy has notified China that it is withdrawing from the Belt and Road Initiative, which is spearheaded by Xi, based on Italian government sources who spoke with Reuters on Wednesday, December 6. This decision is seen as another setback for EU-China ties. Despite many visits by EU commissioners to Beijing after China reduced its border restrictions this year, the fundamental issues in the relationship have not been resolved. See Also: Highest-Ranking US General Says Everyone Should Worry About War With China Appeal to Beijing Meanwhile, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will also be met during the one-day visit by Josep Borrell, the head of EU foreign policy, Charles Michel, and Ursula von der Leyen, presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, respectively. Before next year's European Parliament elections begin, which will cause changes in the bloc's leadership, this will be their last opportunity to meet face-to-face with key Chinese officials. The EU is hoping that Beijing can use its influence over Russia to end the conflict with Ukraine. Xi will mainly be urged to prevent Chinese private enterprises from supplying European-made dual-use equipment to Russia for their military operations. Additionally, EU officials are worried about the imbalanced economic connections, claiming that the trade gap between China and the EU, which is close to 400 billion ($431.7 billion), is a result of Chinese restrictions on EU companies. The European Union's de-risking strategy to lessen its dependence on Chinese imports, especially of vital raw resources, and an anti-subsidy probe into Chinese electric cars were both met with resistance from China. To restore China's image in the West after relations worsened during the outbreak of COVID-19 and to encourage post-pandemic tourism, China also granted visa-free admission to nationals of the EU's five biggest economies. Those in charge of the EU's climate change and biodiversity initiatives have suggested that the two regions work together more closely. See Also: Italy Ends G7 Involvement in China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' by Withdrawing From Infrastructure Program @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An 18-year-old Omaha woman was arrested after police said she stole a pickup truck in the Elkhorn area, called Douglas County 911 to say she was going to shoot up houses and run over pedestrians in North Omaha, actually attempted to run into a police vehicle in North Omaha and then later was caught trespassing at Benson High School. The womans odyssey began early Wednesday, according to police reports. The woman reportedly spent the night at the house of a 19-year-old man northwest of the 204th Street and West Maple Road intersection. The man fell asleep around 2 a.m. He told police the woman was still with him at that time. Around 7 a.m., the mans father woke him up asking where the mans Chevrolet Avalanche was. The man saw his Avalanche missing from where he parked it on the street. The man also noticed his phone was missing. The mans mother said she saw the woman leaving the house around 6:45 a.m. Two police officers went to the house after the woman allegedly made threats in two calls to Douglas County 911. In the calls, the police report said, the woman reportedly told dispatchers she was going to North Omaha to shoot up houses and run over pedestrians. She also allegedly told dispatchers Avalanches license plate number. At 7:45 a.m., two other police officers went to the womans location near North 27th Street and Miller Park Drive in response to the threats. The woman allegedly told dispatchers that she saw an officer and that she was going to run into their car. Police found the woman in the Avalanche that was parked near an elementary school on the northwest corner of the Ida Street and Minne Lusa Boulevard intersection. As an officer approached the vehicle, the woman allegedly put the Avalanche in reverse and started to back up toward the officers car. The woman allegedly ran over two street signs and continued toward the police car at a high rate of speed. The officer took evasive actions with his car to avoid being struck. The police then pursued the woman in her vehicle. The pursuit was canceled because of the womans alleged reckless nature of her actions and driving. The woman allegedly disregarded traffic laws, signs and sped in excess of 75 mph. At 10 a.m., the woman was spotted at Benson High School with a boy approximately 15 years old. An assistant principal told police the woman was a former student at the school. School officials said the woman and boy were trespassing. Police tracked the woman around the school, saying video showed she and the boy first entered the school shortly after 9:30 a.m. As she was reportedly exiting the school, police told the woman to stop and identify herself. The woman allegedly ignored the officers commands and continued to walk away. Police eventually detained the woman. Police said the boy attempted to intervene as the woman was being detained but he was stopped by school security. Police said the boy actively resisted arrest, and they used force to execute the arrest. The woman is being held at Douglas County Jail on suspicion of stealing a vehicle, attempting to assault an officer using a vehicle, obstructing a police officer, leaving the scene of an accident and operating a vehicle to avoid arrest. Edward Poindexter died Thursday in a Nebraska prison after spending more than 52 years behind bars on a controversial murder conviction for the 1970 killing of an Omaha police officer. He died very peacefully, said Ericka Payne, a niece of Poindexter from Omaha. He proclaimed his innocence until the end. She and her mother, Adrian (Renee) Payne, who is Poindexters sister, saw him in his last hours Thursday at the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Reception and Treatment Center. He also is survived by a brother, David Poindexter, of Atlanta. Ericka Payne had said in December 2022 that Poindexter had advanced kidney disease and had been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. The cause of Poindexters death was undetermined, but he was being treated for a medical condition, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services said in a press release. A grand jury will investigate Poindexters death, as required by state law whenever someone dies in custody. Poindexter was 79. He had been in prison since April 17, 1971, after he and the late David Rice, who became known as Mondo we Langa, were convicted of killing Officer Larry Minard with a booby-trapped bomb. The two men were sentenced to life in prison. Rice, who died in prison in 2016, and Poindexter maintained their innocence throughout their lives, but neither of them won their release despite multiple legal appeals and public campaigns. Most recently, family, friends and supporters had asked Govs. Jim Pillen and Pete Ricketts to convene the Nebraska Board of Pardons to commute Poindexters sentence and release him for humanitarian reasons. That effort, like other similar requests from supporters, was unsuccessful. Through the years, national activists such as Angela Davis had joined local leaders such as former State Sen. Ernie Chambers in movements advocating for Poindexters and Rices exoneration and release. Its important to note that many of us in my community, most of us, believed that David Rice and Ed Poindexter were not guilty in the first place, said Omaha activist Preston Love Jr., who was involved in the most recent efforts. But the question of guilt or innocence aside, there were lots of opportunities where, technically and with compassion and humanity, he could have been released, Love said. We could not even get him on a list to make a case. He said friends and relatives of Poindexter were given lots of bureaucratic reasons, but it was really for political reasons that he was not released. Minard was a father of five. His family always believed that Poindexter and Rice had killed him and actively opposed Poindexters release from prison. Even so, one of his daughters, Charlotte Highland, said Friday that she had mixed emotions. Im relieved that my family is finally over this and were done with it, Highland said. And at the same time, I am saddened for his family, for the loss of their family member. Its been a long time, nearly 54 years, she said. She was five when her father died. Most of her siblings who were old enough to remember their father have died. I forgave them years ago, she said of Poindexter and Rice. Ericka Payne is equally certain of her uncles innocence. Legal efforts to vindicate Poindexter and Rice focused on the prosecutions chief witnesss credibility and suggestions that Rice and Poindexter were targeted and framed by an FBI counterintelligence program aimed at dissident political groups such as the Black Panthers, the Communist Party and the American Indian Movement. Poindexter and Rice were active in the National Coalition to Combat Fascism, a splinter group of the Omaha Black Panther Party. In a 1974 decision, U.S. District Judge Warren K. Urbom of Lincoln ruled that the police search of Rices house was illegal because it was prompted only by his reputation as a Black Panther leader. He ordered that Rice and Poindexter be given a new trial. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark decision that narrowed the use of the exclusionary rule, overturned the Urbom ruling. The high court said state court rulings that the search was permissible should stand. The Nebraska Board of Parole voted in 1994 to recommend that Poindexter be made eligible for eventual release from prison by having his sentence commuted to a specific number of years by the Nebraska Board of Pardons. But the Pardons Board would not do so. A 15-year-old, Duane Peak, testified at the 1971 trial that he was acting at the direction of Rice and Poindexter when he loaded a suitcase with dynamite, planted it in a vacant North Omaha house and called police to report that a woman there was screaming. In 2007, a voice expert who analyzed a tape of the phone call said it was highly probable that the deep voice on the call was not Peak, who was granted immunity for his testimony. Courts rejected Poindexters request to overturn his conviction based on his claims that prosecutors withheld a recording of the phone call and other evidence. He has died in prison, and we will all have to live with that in our own individual skins, Love said. Poindexter served much of his sentence in a Minnesota prison, where he was transferred through an interstate compact agreement. He completed course work for a masters degree, did volunteer work for youths and battered women, and started printing and filmmaking businesses. He was a model prisoner for 52 years, Love said. He educated himself, wrote a book, taught some classes and was an inspiration to other prisoners. Ericka Payne and her mother, who is immobile, had visited Poindexter in November. They were later surprised to learn from a journalist who had since visited Poindexter that one of his legs had been amputated. By Thursday, when they saw him, he was mostly unresponsive, Ericka Payne said. He opened his eyes once and I asked him, Uncle Butch, can you see me?, and he kind of groaned, she said. I lifted my mother up so he could see her and I asked him, Can you do it one more time, and he opened his eyes and saw her. She held her mother up so she could kiss her brother. And I kissed him all over his face and I told him, its time to go to sleep, Uncle Butch, Ericka Payne said. And if you decide to go home to glory, you go ahead and go, and tell your mother and your sister hi for me. WASHINGTON Facing heavy criticism, the University of Pennsylvania's president walked back some of her remarks given earlier this week at a congressional hearing on campus antisemitism, saying she should have gone further to condemn hate against Jewish students. Penn President Liz Magill was grilled during a five-hour hearing Tuesday, along with Harvard President Claudine Gay and MIT President Sally Kornbluth, on how their institutions responded to instances of antisemitism on campuses. Their carefully worded responses faced swift backlash from Republican and some Democratic lawmakers as well as the White House. Much of the blowback centered on a heated line of questioning from Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., who repeatedly asked whether "calling for the genocide of Jews" would violate each university's code of conduct. Magill said that whether hate speech crosses the line into violating Penn's policies depends on context. "If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment," she said. Gay responded to the question in a similar manner, saying that when "speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies." Kornbluth responded that she had not heard calling for the genocide of Jews on MIT's campus, and speech "targeted at individuals, not making public statements" would be considered harassment. Magill expanded on her answer Wednesday, saying a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment or intimidation. "I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate," Magill said in a video statement released by the university. "It's evil, plain and simple." Magill called for a review of Penn's policies, which she said have long been guided by the U.S. Constitution but need to be "clarified and evaluated" as hate spreads across campus and around the world "in a way not seen in years." In a statement posted Wednesday by Harvard on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Gay condemned calls for violence against Jewish students. "Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account," Gay wrote Wednesday. White House spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement Wednesday criticizing Gay, Magill and Kornbluth's responses for not going far enough to condemn antisemitism on campuses. "It's unbelievable that this needs to be said: calls for genocide are monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country," he said. "Any statements that advocate for the systematic murder of Jews are dangerous and revolting and we should all stand firmly against them, on the side of human dignity and the most basic values that unite us as Americans." The Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee said Thursday that it will take "additional action" to hold Harvard, MIT and Penn accountable. The panel said it will review the schools' policies and disciplinary records and examine "their seemingly deplorable record." Free speech experts say the college presidents' answers, while uncomfortable, did follow current interpretations of the First Amendment. Any call for genocide would deserve condemnation but "is not speech that could be banned or punished by the state," according to the nonprofit PEN America. "The First Amendment's protections for speech extend even to deeply hateful speech, unless it constitutes a true threat, incitement to imminent violence, or harassment, which is legally defined as requiring severity and pervasiveness," said Suzanne Nossel, the group's CEO. Even prior to the hearing Tuesday before the House Committee on Education, Stefanik called for Gay's resignation in response to events that occurred on campus since militant group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel. On Wednesday, she told Fox News that all three presidents need to be removed from their leadership positions, calling their answers "pathetic." "They don't deserve the dignity of resigning," she said. "They need to be fired." Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, told reporters Wednesday that Magill's response was "an unacceptable statement." "I've said many times, leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity. And Liz Magill failed to meet that simple test," he said. "I think whether you're talking about genocide against Jews, genocide against people of color, genocide against LGBTQ folks, it's all in the wrong. And it needs to be called out. And it shouldn't be hard. And there should be no nuance to that. She needed to give a one-word answer. " Shapiro also said it was time for the university's board to make a "serious decision" about Magill's leadership at the school. Antisemitic incidents are on the rise in most states Antisemitic incidents are on the rise in most states US total Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming US total HARRISBURG, Pa. Just how hard did some Republican members of Congress work to keep President Donald Trump in office after his 2020 election loss? A court case is providing a few tantalizing clues. Snippets and short summaries of texts and emails sent by Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, a top Trump ally, have emerged publicly for the first time as part of a court filing that was unsealed perhaps inadvertently by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., as part of a legal battle with federal prosecutors. The messages reveal more about what investigators want to know, what actions Perry took in the weeks after the election and where Perry may fit in the web of Trump loyalists who were central to his bid to remain in power. It was Perry's efforts to elevate Jeffrey Clark to Trump's acting attorney general and likely reverse the Department of Justice's stance that it had found no evidence of widespread voting fraud that would change the election that have made him a figure of interest to federal prosecutors. Perry, in the past, has said he merely obliged Trumps request that he be introduced to Clark. But the messages suggest that Perry was a key ally for Clark, providing encouragement as he sought to win Trump's favor. At one point Perry told a nervous Clark that you are the man and seemingly helped him prep for an important meeting and secure a higher security clearance. The court filing with Perry's messages was unsealed last week then resealed in a move the court has yet to explain. Copies of the filing were downloaded and posted online by news organizations and others. Perry's cellphone was seized by federal authorities last year as part of the investigation into attempts to subvert the results of the 2020 election and block the transfer of power to Democrat Joe Biden. Details of the case have remained largely secret. But the filing offered new details about the legal reasoning and arguments in the case that some observers found revealing. I would say we learned a great deal from that, said Grayson Clary, a staff attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which has pressed for transparency in the case. What more information, exactly, will emerge from the seizure of Perrys cellphone remains to be seen. Judges continue to weigh which of Perrys hundreds of texts and emails are constitutionally protected by Perrys status as a member of Congress, and which of them are fair game for the FBI because they fell outside his duties as a member of the legislative branch. Congressional inquiries have shown that Perrys efforts to promote Clark came as Trump pressured members of the Department of Justice to challenge the 2020 election. At the time, Perry was also pressing Justice Department officials to investigate a variety of election fraud claims in Pennsylvania claims that officials and the courts dismissed as baseless. At the time, Clark was the assistant attorney general of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and served as the acting head of the Civil Division. Weeks before, Attorney General William Barr had refuted Trumps campaign of baseless lies about election fraud, telling The Associated Press that the Justice Department had uncovered nothing that could change the outcome of the 2020 election. But, by Christmas, Barr had resigned and Trump was searching for a like-minded successor to use the Department of Justice to help stall the certification of the election. To that end, Clark had drafted a letter that he suggested sending to Georgia saying the Department of Justice had identified signicant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states, including the state of Georgia, according to the August indictment in that state accusing Trump, Clark and 17 others of trying illegally to keep him in power. Top department officials refused to sign it or send the letter, prosecutors said, and the showdown over Clark's plan brought the Justice Department to the brink of crisis. In a contentious meeting on Jan. 3, 2021, in the Oval Office, Trump toyed with elevating Clark to acting attorney general, but backed down after he was told that it would result in mass resignations at the Justice Department and his own White House counsels office. Clark is now described in the federal indictment of Trump as one of six unnamed and unindicted co-conspirators in an effort to illegally subvert the 2020 election. Perry has not been charged with a crime and has said investigators told his attorneys that he is not the target of the investigation. Meanwhile, Perry was one of four House Republicans who were referred to the House Ethics committee after they refused to cooperate with subpoenas from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Amid it all, Perry's influence in Congress has since grown. He is now the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, a hardline faction of conservatives that exerts outsize influence on the GOP majority. Several members of the group were instrumental in the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy this fall, and its members remain closely aligned with Trump. Perry is also the only sitting member of Congress whose cellphone was seized by the FBI in the 2020 election investigation. Election deniers focus recruitment in 'out of the way places' Election deniers focus recruitment in 'out of the way places' Election deniers are taking to grassroots efforts and leveraging 'road shows' to influence voters and force election result recounts Heading into the 2024 election cycle, officials are bracing for heightened accusations of fraudand the threats that often accompany them LINCOLN Speaker of the Legislature John Arch is looking at ways to reform the public hearing process after backlash about lawmakers cutting off testimony earlier this year. At a meeting of Nebraskas Legislative Council Thursday, Arch proposed a system to provide consistency at public hearings with high attendance, which would trade off time allotted to supporters and opponents of a measure to prevent one side from waiting hours to get their turn to speak. The Legislature saw some heat during the 2023 session in the wake of several contentious public hearings held by multiple committees. Hundreds of Nebraskans filled the Capitol halls on those days for hearings that went late into the night, but not all attendees had the opportunity to testify, sparking some public outcry. We do have a lack of consistency in the committee process, Arch said. In previous sessions, it was left up to committee chairs to decide how public testimony is structured during these hearings. In both the Health and Human Services and Education Committees, which had some of the highest-attended hearings last session, the chairs chose to limit the testimony to a maximum of three hours for each the proponents, opponents and neutral parties for each measure. This resulted in some public hearings ending before all attendees got to testify. During one of those hearings, tensions overflowed when testimony was cut off, with the remaining testifiers yelling at lawmakers, and Capitol security intervening to lead attendants out of the room. Several lawmakers criticized the committee chairs for these decisions, saying their actions were a move to silence the publics voice on some of the hot-topic bills proposed that session. State Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln said she heard from several residents who were very disheartened after they waited hours and were never given time to share their thoughts on an issue they cared about. In response to the criticism, Arch introduced a resolution this summer to examine ways to improve the Legislatures process. He surveyed 13 groups that regularly advocate at public hearings, including the Nebraska Catholic Conference, I Be Black Girl, Nebraska Appleseed and Nebraskans for Founders Values. From that survey, Arch learned that the top concerns were a lack of access to public hearings and the Legislature as a whole, including inconsistent rules at hearings and lawmakers not responding to multiple messages from constituents, which Arch said was particularly worrisome. Arch also reviewed 11 other states committee processes. While there was variance across the board, all but one other state offers options for remote options through online options like Zoom. The Nebraska Legislature does not offer that option, and Arch said the Legislatures current technology is not equipped to offer that any time soon. In an effort to ensure all testifiers are given an opportunity to speak, Arch proposed a system that he called annotated hearing procedures. He strongly encouraged committee chairs to follow this process when faced with a large public hearing, but noted that would not be a requirement. Under this system, committees would allow one hour for proponents and then switch to one hour for opponents, with time in between allotted for neutral parties. Each testifier would be allowed up to three minutes to testify, but committee chairs could extend that limit to five minutes. That limit also would apply to invited testifiers, who previously were not always subject to the same time restraints. In the hearing room, seating would be divided equally between supporters and opponents in an effort to reduce the downtime needed to clear out the room. Capitol staff would be in charge of ushering new testifiers in as the hearing progresses. Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area questioned whether the Legislature should consider setting an ending time for hearings, both to discourage people from offering repetitive testimony and to ensure hearings dont run too late. No one is listening after 8 oclock anyway, she said. Arch cautioned that setting an ending time could cut off hearings before all testifiers have the opportunity to speak, which is what his proposal aims to avoid. He noted that only a handful of bills each session garner large enough crowds to warrant this system, although Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington pointed out that some hearings with multiple bills scheduled often run long. We should be very interested in allowing input. We want educated votes, Arch said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of December 2023 LINCOLN Nebraskas largest state employees union may take legal action against Gov. Jim Pillens order requiring state employees to return to working in their offices. Leaders of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees, which represents more than 8,000 state employees, said Thursday that the union would take the issue of remote work to the Commission on Industrial Relations or the courts, if necessary. But they first renewed their formal demand to bargain over the issue, armed with new arguments and the results of a survey of their members. Among survey respondents, 1,390 employees said they were looking at leaving state government because of the governors order. NAPE Executive Director Justin Hubly said the union sent a new demand letter to the states chief negotiator, Dan Birdsall, on Wednesday. The letter asks state officials to reconsider their decision not to negotiate over the return-to-office order. We know that when we work together, we can always work out a solution, he said. Weve been negotiating contracts for 35 years, and its always worked out. The dispute concerns a Nov. 13 executive order from the governor requiring state employees to work in their offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pillen said he issued the order after a survey of state agencies found many employees working from home. The surveys showed that at least 20% of 12,494 full-time equivalent employees are working full-time remotely or working hybrid schedules, in which they spend some days in the office and some days at home. The governor said at the time that he doesnt believe in working from home, calling it a commonsense expectation that people are most productive when they are working together in the office, where they can communicate face to face and build workplace culture and engagement. Hubly agreed that workplace culture is important but said the state needs to strike a balance or risk losing critical numbers of employees. The number of survey respondents who are looking to leave included large numbers of those working in child welfare, developmental disabilities, unemployment and other key areas. More than 1,400 survey respondents said they work remotely all or part of each week. That total includes 186 employees who did so before the pandemic spurred an explosion in working from home. It also includes a number of employees who were hired to work remotely. Melissa Haynes, president of NAPE and a social services worker from Fremont, said that, in a time of labor shortages, employees have choices in where they work. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work in 2023, she said. We must do everything in our power to retain employees. NAPEs original demand to bargain letter said the terms and conditions of employment are mandatory subjects of bargaining under the State Employees Collective Bargaining Act and the Industrial Relations Act, as well as the current labor contract. State officials disputed that contention. In a statement last week, Birdsall said the state has discretion over the determination as to work locations and schedules and that agencies have been directed to make preparations to carry out the governors executive order. Birdsall did not immediately respond to a request for comment about NAPEs latest letter. The new letter said the matter involves more than work locations and schedules. Other issues include the definition of remore work and remote location, criteria for making exceptions to the order, procedures for measuring productivity of remote employees and parking availability and assignments. Pillens order provides for some exceptions to be authorized by agency heads. Those exceptions include employees whose assigned work hours fall outside the 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule and situations in which office space is unavailable without additional cost. Exceptions also can be made to sustain critical operations in a business area with a workforce shortfall, subject to the governors approval. In addition, exceptions can be made for employees who move away from their original office location and no reasonable in-office arrangement is possible, as long as the employee remains in Nebraska. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of November 2023 BLOOMINGTON The Bloomington Police Department has reported 14 public complaints to date in 2023. But some community leaders and advocates believe there could be more complaints that go unreported by the public, either because residents don't know how the filing process works or they feel intimidated by it. Members of the Public Safety and Community Relations Board, a citizen advisory committee to the chief of police and city manager of Bloomington, are hoping to increase community awareness of the complaint process and overall transparency. During a PSCRB meeting on Thursday, Linda Foster, president of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP, said her organization continues to receive complaints from people who don't feel that they are being treated equally. "We're talking about a segment of our community that is feeling as though that, 'If not me today, will it be me tomorrow or will it be somebody I know?'" Foster said. "And we know around this country that some people don't make it through a traffic stop." However, Foster also said she has received a lot of calls from individuals who reported interactions with law enforcement that were much more positive than in the past. Traffic stop disparities The board's special quarterly meeting on Thursday also was a forum for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois to voice concerns about disparities in traffic stop data for Bloomington. Ed Yohnka, director of communications and public policy for the ACLU of Illinois, shared data from the Illinois Department of Transportation that shows a substantial increase in traffic stops in Bloomington over the past decade and a large disparity between Black and white motorists who are stopped. BPD, which submits traffic data to the state annually under the Illinois Traffic Statistical Study Act, reported about 2,600 traffic stops in 2012. But in 2022, more than 10,000 stops were reported. According to the data, Black drivers were four times more likely to be stopped while driving in Bloomington than white drivers in 2022. In 2020, Black drivers were six times more likely to be stopped. "There could be lots of reasons for this data and nobody is ascribing nefarious motives to anybody for the reason that this data exists," Yohnka said. "But the fact is that the disparity needs to be examined." Bloomington Police Chief Jamal Simington said no state has come up with a perfect way to measure traffic stops. However, police do have body cameras and in-car cameras so supervisors can take an officer's activity and behavior into account. Police complaint process According to city ordinance, a complaint can be filed either directly with the police department, with the PSCRB or with the city's legal department. If a complainant is not satisfied with the results of the investigation, they can request a review by the PSCRB within 30 days of the notice of the department's findings. The board would be given access to any documents provided voluntarily by the complainant or otherwise subject to the Freedom of Information Act. The police chief also is authorized to discuss the case in a confidential setting with the PSCRB or its chair. However, nothing shall entitle the PSCRB to compel any testimony or conduct a formal reinvestigation. The board can only review whether proper protocols were followed in the investigation. It can then recommend policy changes to the police chief or the city manager. PSCRB member Arthur Taylor commended BPD for a reduction in reported complaints over the years and for its strong community presence. However, he also said he sees the board as a necessary entity to increase the transparency and accountability of the police force. "We always want to have people who feel comfortable enough to come to the police when they have issues that need to be addressed," Taylor said. Simington said the department consists of public servants, and his expectation is to exceed expectations. "Iron sharpens iron (and) we're here to be better," Simington said. "It's no us versus them; it's all of us in this together (and) it takes the community." Monthly meetings of the PSCRB are at 3:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Miller Park Pavilion unless otherwise posted. The PSCRB currently has one adult vacancy and two youth vacancies for individuals between the ages of 16 and 21. HOW TO FILE A CITIZEN COMPLAINT 1. Request to speak with a Bloomington Police Department on-duty shift supervisor. 2. If the matter is not resolved, the supervisor can assist in completing a citizen complaint form in which a complainant can list the facts of the incident and the manner in which they occurred. 3. A sworn affidavit must be notarized before a complaint can be investigated. The police department can assist with notarization at no cost. 4. Complainants not wishing to speak to a supervisor can obtain a form online or from one of several community organizations, including the NAACP and the Public Safety Community Relations Board. 5. After the complaint is filed, the Office of Professional Standards will contact the complainant about the status of the investigation. The office also can be contacted at 309-434-2350. 6. If a complainant is not satisfied with the conclusion of the investigation, they can request that the PSCRB review the case within 30 days of the date of receipt of the department's findings. Photos: Emergency crews train on air disaster readiness at Bloomington airport 061222-blm-loc-1training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-2training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-3training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-4training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-5training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-6training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-7training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-8training.jpg BLOOMINGTON The Illinois Farm Bureau will support a temporary moratorium on the development of pipelines carrying carbon dioxide to be buried underground, as well as additional safety measures for such projects. The resolutions, passed during an annual meeting of the farm bureau's roughly 330 delegates, define the bureau's stance on future projects. "This provides direction to our organization on what direction we will take on projects moving forward," said Bill Bodine, IFB director of business and regulatory affairs. The move comes weeks after Nebraska-based Navigator CO2 canceled plans for a 1,300-mile, multi-state pipeline that would have run through Central Illinois. Last month, Wolf Carbon Solutions U.S. temporarily withdraw an application to build part of a 260-mile pipeline in Illinois. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, condensing it and storing it underground as a green energy initiative. The first resolution passed by delegates at the annual meeting, held Dec. 2-5 in Chicago, states that the farm bureau would support a moratorium on CO2 pipelines until regulations governing them are updated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which operates under the U.S. Department of Transportation. The second resolution includes a number of provisions IFB members felt would enhance safety regulations. This included the addition of a distinctive odor to stored carbon dioxide so that people could be alerted to a potential leak, the use of enhanced leak detection, a requirement to notify emergency services in the area of a leak and the donation of equipment to first responders. Although not aimed at pipelines, similar measures had been included in local zoning regulations for carbon sequestration wells recommended by McLean County's Zoning Board of Appeals last month. If approved by the McLean County Board, the regulations would require applicants of sequestration well projects to work with the local fire department and emergency management agency of the proposed site to develop and fund an emergency response plan. Representatives of Illinois Peoples Action, a downstate faith and community organization, have argued that the county's regulations for carbon sequestration wells should go even further and require a financial assurance plan demonstrating an applicant's commitment to pay for any accidents at a project site. Members also called for the prohibition of carbon sequestration below or near U.S. drinking water aquifers, such as the Mahomet Aquifer, or designated water sheds that recharge these sources. However, McLean County Assistant State's Attorney Trevor Sierra said during a zoning hearing for a well drilling application by One Earth Sequestration LLC that the Illinois courts have not addressed whether a county's zoning authority allows for the regulation of a drilling site in order to protect an aquifer. "The General Assembly hasn't conferred to the county any authorities to regulate for the protection of groundwater resources so I don't see how, with the existing law, the county could attach a stipulation that the CO2 well couldn't be located above an aquifer," Sierra said. Pam Richart, coordinator of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, said with pending proposals such as One Earth Energy's 7-mile pipeline in Ford and McLean counties, it's clear that Illinois remains a target for the transportation of excess carbon dioxide. "The fact that members of the Illinois Farm Bureau called for a moratorium on CO2 pipeline projects until PHMSA completes its rule-making process reflects widespread concerns that these pipelines are not currently well-regulated and safe," Richard said. Additional resolutions state that the bureau would support legislation prohibiting the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. The bureau also would support pipeline developers who demonstrate progress at securing willing agreements for pipeline easements and storage rights prior to a project gaining approval from the Illinois Commerce Commission. The states producing the most carbon dioxide emissions States Producing the Most Carbon Dioxide Emissions Globally the US ranks 2nd in total and per capita carbon emissions US CO2 emissions continue to decrease despite population and GDP growth 15. New Mexico 14. Alabama 13. Arkansas 12. Texas 11. Oklahoma 10. Iowa 9. Kentucky 8. Nebraska 7. Indiana 6. Montana 5. Louisiana 4. Alaska 3. West Virginia 2. North Dakota 1. Wyoming How Time Flies is a daily feature looking back at Pantagraph archives to revisit what was happening in our community and region. 100 years ago Dec. 8, 1923: With Christmas holidays a scant two weeks away, the usual flood of cards, letters, and packages are beginning to engulf those faithful couriers of Uncle Sam. Postmaster E.E. Jones says "The postal service in Washington has made a plea for the abolishment of the extremely small letters and cards this year." 75 years ago Dec. 8, 1948: Production at the Meadows division of Thor corporation will end Friday for the balance of 1948, announced Walter Oberst, general manager of the Bloomington plant. Cutbacks in production schedules brought about the closing a week earlier than anticipated, he explained. 50 years ago Dec. 8, 1973: Urging by Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority resulted in Ozark Air Lines' restoration of two round trip flights from St. Louis to Chicago with stops in Bloomington during the Christmas holidays. Ozark had indicated it would restore both flights if it could obtain sufficient fuel. 25 years ago Dec. 8, 1998: Illinois farmers face a significant challenge with commodity prices at 30-year lows, but they will find ways to cope and survive, according to Illinois Farm Bureau President Ron Warfield. Speaking at the 84th annual meeting of the group in Chicago, Warfield said a short-term farm income solution would be the group's No. 1 priority for the year. US officials are set to face another showdown at the United Nations Security Council later this week as the United Arab Emirates, the sole Arab nation in the current rotation of the 15-strong organ, is expected to propose a renewed resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. The UAE said it would file the resolution after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres took the rare action of invoking Article 99 of the UN Charter, which notified the security council that the crisis in the Palestinian strip represented a threat to world peace. It was the first time Guterres invoked the article since heading the UN in 2017. Several UN agencies have also given their support for Guterres's call for a renewed ceasefire. In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen retorted that Guterres allegedly supported Hamas and that his tenure as UN boss was a "danger to world peace." "Anyone who supports world peace must support the liberation of Gaza from Hamas," he added. Read Also: Israel Says Forces Now Surround Khan Younis Washington: Calls for Ceasefire Allows Hamas to Dig In The Guardian reported that deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said that the Biden administration did not support the Gaza issue being brought to the security council at this point of the war. "We remain focused on the difficult and sensitive diplomacy geared to getting more hostages released, more aid flowing into Gaza and better protection of civilians," he told Reuters. It was also revealed that the renewed call for a permanent ceasefire would be vetoed by the US in the event it would be proposed. While the diplomatic price the US would have to pay by vetoing it would be high, Washington believed that a ceasefire would only leave Hamas entrenched in Gaza. US diplomats insisted that they instead supported pauses in the fighting to facilitate the release of Israeli hostages, like the seven-day truce brokered by Qatar last week. Wood's stance would also risk putting him at odds with the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who issued a statement supporting Guterres's call. Borrell said that the UN must "act immediately to prevent a full collapse of the humanitarian situation." US diplomats in the UN have already used its veto once in the duration of the Israel-Hamas war after a resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, citing that the proposed draft did not explicitly criticize Hamas. Related Article: Top UN Official Warns of Delay for Gaza Aid Due to 'Apocalyptic' Conditions as War Rages @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare has expressed his gratitude to the heads of the various security agencies in the country for the support he has received from them since he assumed office. Speaking at a meeting of the national election security task force at Police Headquarters in Accra, the IGP said he greatly appreciates the extent of collaboration between the security agencies in the discharge of their duties. I deeply appreciate the extent of collaboration between us. Any time of the day I have called on any of you, you have proven to have my back, and I have your back also. And I know that if we continue to work together like this Ghana will continue to be the winner, the IGP said. On the 2024 elections, the IGP said the security agencies will ensure that the polls is peaceful and incident-free. We want to assure my sister (EC Chairperson) that we will continue to work with my colleagues here to ensure that just as elections in the country, since I took over have been peaceful, the 2024 polls will be the same. The chairperson of the electoral commission Mrs. Jean Mensa who was at the stakeholder meeting expressed her gratitude to the security agencies for their support during the elections. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Charles Owusu has thrown his full support for the passing of the anti-LGBTQ+ bill before Parliament. The bill, which is spearheaded by the Ningo-Prampram lawmaker, Sam George, and a host of other Parliamentarians has suffered some setbacks as it appears some members of the House are opposed to it. The bill, when passed into law, will ensure that the homosexual community and any person who proffers allegiance to the cause of LGBTQ+ will be prosecuted and fined or jailed or both. This is aimed at criminalizing homosexual practices in the country but there is a political divide on the bill, hence hampering its passage into law and subsequent implementation. This notwithstanding, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has assured that the bill on the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values, otherwise referred to as anti-LGBTQ+ bill, will be passed before the Christmas break. I know that nobody in this House is opposed to the bill and I know the bill will see the light of day before we rise because the people of Ghana are expecting us to pass the bill before we go on recess. Failure to do so will have serious consequences on members as they want to advance in their political careers, he said. Charles Owusu, reacting to the arguments on the bill, stated emphatically on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo" that "it is very clear that everybody frowns on this LGBTQ+ issue and wants the bill to be passed. I am certain the bill will surely be passed". He called on the lawmakers to support this bill to serve its purposes. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Britain has signed a new treaty with Rwanda which it said would overcome a court decision blocking its plan to deport asylum seekers to the East African country, a ruling that dealt a huge blow to the government's immigration policy. The Rwanda scheme aims to stop illegal migration and is being watched closely by other countries considering similar policies. But in November, the United Kingdom's Supreme Court ruled that the plan would violate international human rights laws enshrined in domestic legislation. Under the new treaty, signed by British Home Secretary (interior minister) James Cleverly and which replaces a non-binding memorandum of understanding, Britain said Rwanda would not expel asylum seekers to a country where their life or freedom would be threatened - one of the court's major concerns. There will also be a monitoring committee to enable individuals to lodge confidential complaints directly to them, and a new appeal body made up of judges from around the world. Cleverly said he expected migrants to be heading to Rwanda in the coming months because the treaty addressed all the issues raised by the Supreme Court. "I really hope that we can now move quickly," Cleverly told reporters in Rwanda's capital Kigali. Under the plan agreed last year, Britain intends to send thousands of asylum seekers who arrived on its shores without permission to Rwanda to deter migrants making the dangerous journey across the Channel from Europe in small boats. In return, Rwanda has received an initial payment of 140 million pounds ($180 million) with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals. However, many lawyers and charities said it was unlikely that deportation flights could start before an election expected next year. The opposition Labour Party, which has a double-digit lead in the polls, plans to ditch the Rwanda policy if it wins. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, now in power for just over a year, is under intense pressure from both his own lawmakers and many voters to cut net migration, which hit a record 745,000 last year, with the vast majority coming through legal routes. Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Ghana will soon have a govt with Minority in Parliament Speaker Bagbin explains proposal to change Standing Orders The Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has said that he foresees a situation whereby Ghana will have one political party forming the government and another having Majority MPs in Parliament. He said when this happens, in the near future, the government's members of Parliament will form the Minority in Parliament. To that end, he said, if the Standing Orders of Parliament regarding the approval of budgets are not amended, it will make it difficult for such a government to get its budget approved. Speaker Bagbin said this when he announced a proposal to change the Standing Orders in relation to the approval of budget statements on Thursday, December 7, 2023. He told the lawmakers that the revised Standing Orders will be shared among members next week. The Speaker explained that given the partisan manner in which lawmakers handle budget statements, a future government that will have a Minority in Parliament will struggle to get its policy document approved by the House. Mr Bagbin indicated that he foresees Ghana having a government with a minority in Parliament in the near future. We have gone through the provisions of the Constitution and the Standing Orders of the House and there is a need for us to take a second look at the at Standing Orders of the House. Definitely, there are more provisions to look at in the Constitution than what we have been referred to. I have taken some time to go through these provisions particularly when this matter was reiterated last week by some members of this House after we could not take the vote on the budget. The Standing Orders Committee has taken a deep look into the matter and we'll be proposing for the consideration of this house during the consideration and the adoption of the resolution to revise these standing orders. So we have made some proposals therein for your consideration as to how to handle this matter. We have either to pass an Act or in some situations a resolution. Some provisions talk about approval particularly when you are dealing with the capital expenditure of the judiciary, and again when you are dealing with supplementary budgets that definitely talk about approval. At what stage do you give the approval is the other consideration you look at? We all know that it is the Approbations Bill, whether it is supplementary or not is what we usually approve or pass into the law which is also provided for in the Constitution. We will look at it together, realign them and then see how best to handle such a situation because I foresee, in the near future, this country having a Minority government and if you have a Minority government and the Standing Orders don't provide for all these scenarios the Minority government will always have a problem in getting its budget approved particularly as members are extremely partisan. I know how brilliant members are. Last week Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta advocated an amendment to the Standing Orders of Parliament relative to the approval of budget statements. He wanted a departure from the current status quo where the Speaker's ruling in voice votes that ayes have it is challenged, leading to headcounts to determine the approval or otherwise of the budget. In his view, the Standing Orders should be changed to allow for the budget to be approved during the initial stages and then when it comes to the estimates and the appropriations stage, the challenges can be mounted and argued out. Speaking in an interview with TV3's Martin Asiedu Darteh on Thursday, November 30, Mr Ofori-Atta said As we sit today I believe the yes have it and I am looking forward to the budget that is essentially looks at macro stability and growth with the various reliefs for the people of Ghana. I don't see how anybody will be against it. I think maybe on a standing orders level it is in my mind to remove the need for the approval of budgets at this early stage because nobody can really be against the principles and then when they get into the estimates and appropriation, at that point in time various challenges could be mounted which will be argued out. But I think it is too early maybe parliament should look at its standing orders to change them. His comment came after the Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin directed the business committee to reschedule the headcount for the approval of the 2024 budget to today Thursday, December 7. The House has since approved the budget after 138 lawmakers said yes against 136 Nos in the headcount. Parliament could not approve the budget on Wednesday, November 29 after the Majority side of the House boycotted proceedings, making it the second time they are walking out on their own budget after they first did so on the 2022 budget statement which introduced the e-levy. They disagreed with the way Mr Bagbin was conducting the business. They accused the Speaker of delaying proceedings in order for the Minority to have their full numbers in the House. Sam George is not here, Zanetor is not here, Mahama Ayariga, is not here so five of their members are not here. All the speaker is doing is to delay time for their members to come, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu told journalists after they walked out. The Speaker had to suspend sitting. Ningo-Prampram Lawmaker Samuel Nartey George, however, rubbished the claim that he was not in Parliament. The Minority Leader Dr Cassiel Ato Forson accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of lacking the numbers to approve the 2024 budget statement. Addressing the press, Dr Ato Forson said The NPP does not have the numbers to approve their own budget, sensing defeat they decided to walk out. The NDC MPs were ready to vote against the budget. Our position is that we can allow the budget to go through in its current form, because the ordinary Ghanaian will suffer. John Kumah is not here, Kennedy Agyapong is not here and sensing defeat they walked out, we will not stop, we will do what we have to do. The Budget has not been approved. Source: 3news Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In latest development, legal proceedings have commenced against Shalimar Abbiusi, a 30-year-old Belgian national and spokesperson for the new political group, The New Force. She faces charges related to falsifying documents in order to obtain a resident permit in Ghana. Abbiusi, who can be seen in a video on social media promoting The New Force, is accused of violating section 52 (1) (i) of the Immigration Act 2000 (Act 573), which involves Obtaining for Yourself a Student Permit by False Declaration. The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) claims that Abbiusi falsely declared herself a student of Ghana Christian University College in the Greater Accra Region in an attempt to evade legal requirements. It is alleged that she knowingly made a false declaration, which enabled her to acquire a student permit with the number 0088754. Legal proceedings were initiated by the GIS on December 6, 2023, and the case is currently being heard in the District Court of Kaneshie, Accra. According to reports, Abbiusi was arrested after being summoned by the Head of the National Enforcement Section at the Immigration Headquarters to address concerns regarding her immigration status in Ghana. The GIS became aware of Abbiusis activities through social media, where she announced the formation of The New Force and identified herself as one of its spokespersons. Investigations revealed that Abbiusi first entered Ghana in 2017 and had been a regular visitor until 2018 when she claimed to become a resident due to her enrollment at Ghana Christian University College. However, investigations conducted by the college confirmed that she had never been a student, and documents provided in support of her residence permit application were found to be forged. Ongoing investigations aim to uncover the full extent of the issues surrounding the emergence of The New Force political group. Abbiusi has been charged and is currently facing court proceedings. The prosecution has requested for her remand into Immigration custody to facilitate further investigations into the matter. Meanwhile, The New Force released an unsigned press statement on December 7, expressing concerns over Abbiusis arrest and detention. In the statement, the political movement alleged that she was arrested on December 4 and has been held in custody by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) without formal charges. They further claimed that she was denied access to legal representation, subjected to an unlawful search of her premises, and held beyond the legal 48-hour limit. The New Force argued that Abbiusis arrest is politically motivated and constitutes an abuse of power. They criticized the government for vandalizing their billboards and called for a different kind of politics in Ghana. The group assured the public that the international community is closely monitoring the situation and expects a swift and fair resolution. As the court proceedings continue, the public awaits further updates regarding this high-profile case. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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: Johnsongrass captured near a construction site using Google Street View. The yellow box was designated by artificial intelligence; the red box was drawn by human hand. Credit: Mohsen Mesgaran / UC Davis To manage johnsongrass, a noxious weed that crowds out cotton and sickens horses, farmers have tried herbicides, burning and hand-pulling. Now, researchers at University of California, Davis, have developed a more high-tech weapon against the invasive weed: artificial intelligence and machine learning. Using photos from Google's Street View database, UC Davis researchers have tracked down more than 2,000 cases of johnsongrass in the Western United States for a fraction of the cost and time that it would take to do drive-by or other in-person surveys. They call their tool Google Weed View. The advancement could help land managers easily and quickly survey for other problem plants. "Once the model is trained, you can just go and run it on millions of images from Google Street View," said Mohsen Mesgaran, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis. "We have huge flexibility, and its capability can be scaled up very quickly." The technique can easily be extended to other plant species. All that is needed is to label the new item in Street View photos and train the algorithm to identify that object in the images. By providing location information, Google Weed View also offers an opportunity to examine how climate affects the growth and spread of weeds and invasive plants at very large scales. "I think it can be both useful for management and for people with interests in more basic questions in ecology," Mesgaran said. A colleague's query Mesgaran began looking at using Google's photo database of roadways, streets and highways after Kassim Al-Khatib, a professor of Cooperative Extension in the same department, asked if he could survey Western states for johnsongrass. Al-Khatib studies where johnsongrass grows, ways to manage it and how this perennial has evolved to be so prevalent and resilient. He's also working with scientists at the University of Georgia to decode the genome of johnsongrass, which is one of the top 10 most invasive weeds worldwide. Johnsongrass can crowd out native plants, harbor pathogens and affect agriculture. It grows up to 7 feet tall with flowers that are green, violet, dark red or purplish brown depending on maturity, according to a UC Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program briefing page. "Johnsongrass is a major weed not just in California but worldwide," Al-Khatib said. "It's very difficult to control. It's a problem on vineyards. It's a problem for cultivated crops. It's a problem on orchards." Google Weed View allows for rapid, convenient scanning. It is continuously updated via everyday users with compatible cameras and images collected by Google. "Instead of a day of in-person driving, we can use AI to determine if johnsongrass is in a county or not," Al-Khatib said. Setting the parameters To find the weeds, Mesgaran went to Google Street View, which hosts billions of panoramic photos. It didn't take long to find johnsongrass. "The pictures are really good quality," he said. "You can see plants and flowers." Street View's photos offer a 360-degree view, so in his request Mesgaran set parameters, based on street direction (bearing), to only see the side view. He also specified latitude and longitude, and other factors. To train the deep, or machine learning model, he chose Texas, where johnsongrass is prevalent. A student sorted through over 20,000 images from that request to find pictures with johnsongrass and drew rectangular shapes around the weeds. They located 1,000 images. The labeled photos were fed into a computer to train a deep learning algorithm capable of identifying johnsongrass in Google's images. The model was run again to capture potentially more images containing johnsongrass. These additional images were then labeled and used to further refine the model. With each iteration, the algorithm learned and became more accurate. "This deep learning model was trained by these images," Mesgaran said. "Once we had a semi-working model, we ran it against about 300,000 images." For Al-Khatib's request, researchers focused on 84,000 miles of main roads in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington states. The team discovered 2,000 locations with johnsongrass. Google Weed View cost less than $2,000 to purchase the images and teach the model. A traditional car survey to cover the same area would cost an estimated $40,000 in gas, hotel, food and other costs. "In a matter of months, we came up with 2,000 records and I can do it for the whole U.S.," Mesgaran said. Next up? The entire United States. 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: Bird's eye view of the Sanctuary for Zeus with built remains outlined (white text denotes lower sanctuary components). Recording points are shown in red. Credit: Pamela Jordan Until recently, archaeologists have mostly relied on what they can see at the sites of ancient ruins to unlock the secrets of the past. But lately, new methods have started to allow researchers to use other senses to explore these sites in different ways. One such method is "psychoacoustics," which studies how sounds are perceived by humans. In a study published in the journal Open Archaeology, Pamela Jordan from the University of Amsterdam used this technique to gain greater insight into how an ancient Greek sanctuary may have been used by ancient visitors. Recording how sounds interact among different structures can provide an idea of what they were designed for, and what activities could have taken place in the terrain surrounding them. "If you use sound as the basic frame [] you inherently start from a place of connection and a place of interrelation between portions of the site," said Jordan. In the study, Jordan and her team used psychoacoustics at the ancient sanctuary of Zeus on Mount Lykaion in Greece, roughly 160 kilometers from Athens. Over four recording sessions between 2015 and 2022, they played pre-recorded sounds, ranging from white noise to speeches, at different points at the site. These sounds were recorded at another location at the site using two microphones positioned close together, to mimic human ears (known as binaural recording). Digital tools then helped evaluate the sound frequency and clarity "heard" at different points. In total, over 1600 recordings were made in 2022 alone, allowing the research team to analyze dozens of sound relationships at different points of the sanctuary. Excavated building with semi-circular interior stone wall, speaker placed at focal point of curve. Credit: Pamela Jordan For example, Jordan noted that other archaeologists suggested that sounds from the site's hippodrome could easily be heard from a hillside to the west. Acting on this recommendation, their recordings showed that the hippodrome's surface indeed reflected sound to both the audience at the hippodrome and to those who might have gathered at the hillside. This means the hillside might have acted as an important spectating site. Interestingly, switching the speakers and microphone positions showed that sound from the hillside could also be clearly heard in the hippodrome. This would have been important if the site was indeed used by spectators, explained Jordan. "Spectating at that time in a ritual context was very active; it was an exchange with the athletes and the people who were actually conducting the ritual," she said. "So they needed the crowd input as part of this reciprocal relationship." They also measured sound at smaller scales. One ruin of a semi-circular building showed that it likely reinforced an individual's movements in the area, creating a unique 'heightened sonic environment' in the sanctuary. "Semicircular shapes in Hellenistic architecture are rare, but they do occur," said Jordan. "They are often found in a sanctuary as a place for votive offerings, so it could have been dedicated to a specific donor or a specific deitythat's a possibility." Field assistants setting up a speaker and meteorological testing devices at the southern entrance of a tunnel leading to the hippodrome. Credit: Pamela Jordan However, Jordan advised against drawing too many conclusions from such early results. There is still not enough evidence that the sonic effects they found were intentional. Even if they were, our modern interpretation of those sounds may be different to those of the ancient Greeks living there. "When you have a tool and a set of data to back up an experience of yours as objective, it's very easy to think that was the experience that an ancient group of people also had," said Jordan. "It doesn't take into account so many other factors that we have only barely scratched the surface of in terms of cultural association." For example, she noted, we do not know if those hearing thunder at the sanctuary may have experienced either awe or fear. Jordan is hopeful the method will become more popular in the years to come, and would like to expand her psychoacoustic studies to other sites in the future. She is optimistic that the method has the potential to expand how archaeologists interpret ancient sites. "It opens up accessibility to these spaces for people who don't necessarily depend on sight," she said. "As a result, it opens all of us up to the possibility of not depending on sight to interpret historic value." More information: Pamela Jordan, Employing Psychoacoustics in Sensory Archaeology: Developments at the Ancient Sanctuary of Zeus on Mount Lykaion, Open Archaeology (2023). DOI: 10.1515/opar-2022-0329 Provided by De Gruyter This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dr Emily Dollman, Head of Music Education and Pedagogy at the University of Adelaides Elder Conservatorium of Music, with a student. Credit: University of Adelaide A new publication by a University of Adelaide researcher highlights the benefits of music education for child development and well-being, particularly in a post-COVID-19 landscape of disrupted social connections and networks. Dr. Emily Dollman, Head of Music Education and Pedagogy at the University of Adelaide's Elder Conservatorium of Music, has published a new research chapter that outlines her investigations, in New Research and Possibilities in Wellbeing Education. "My research explores the ways music education provides a valuable means to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 upon school communities, by strengthening their social cohesion and community," she said. "Sustained, high quality music education can also improve the cognitive function of children and increase their well-being." Students across Australia experienced significant disruption to their learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, which also disrupted their social networks and usual means of face-to-face connection. "This has unfortunately led to a documented rise in anxiety and depression and a reduction in attention span," said Dr. Dollman. "In a post COVID landscape, my focus has turned to finding solutions that can renew and strengthen children's sense of community within their school and peer networks. Music ensembles, both instrumental and choral, are proven to strengthen social cohesion and community. "Music also has proven potential to alleviate anxiety and depression and provide emotional release and comfort." Dr. Dollman's research investigated the value of music for child development and well-being, with a particular focus on the value of participatory music learning, music education's impact in low socio-economic demographics and the neuro-musical field. "The rapid development of the neuro-musical field of research over the past twenty years has enabled understanding of the significant benefits of music towards physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional child development," she said. "Additionally, neuro-musical research highlights that music education is positive for brain development in childhood, in particular for auditory processing, literacy, executive function, and working memory." Dr. Dollman explained that learning a musical instrument involves the whole brain, including motor networks, auditory processing, linguistic networks, working memory and visual cortices. Studies show that participation in school instrumental music is directly related to higher exam scores. "There is also a growing body of research on the well-being and cohesion outcomes of music education programs delivered in low socio-economic communities, though these findings have relevance for school communities of all demographics," said Dr. Dollman. In the post-COVID-19 landscape, music's ability to build social cohesion, allow for emotional release, and provide proven cognitive development will be pivotal in assisting students to rebuild connections and counteract developmental delay due to interrupted learning. More information: Emily Dollman, The Value of Music Education for Child Development and Wellbeing in the Post COVID-19 Landscape, New Research and Possibilities in Wellbeing Education (2023). DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-5609-8_7 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 California has committed to substantially reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2045. The pledge is key to Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims of climate leadership, which featured prominently in his recent visits to China and the United Nations. But the California Air Resources Board recently released a preliminary greenhouse gas inventory suggesting the state's emissions increased slightly last year compared with the previous year. This is of course bad news, since addressing climate change requires deep and swift emissions reductions. What I'm even more concerned about, however, is that the state's greenhouse gas inventory undercounts emissions in the first place. Although the issue seldom gets attention, California's inventory excludes emissions from a variety of sources, including wildfires and industrial sectors such as shipping, aviation and biofuels. Imagine a smoker who promises to quit but continues to make broad exceptions for smoking at work and social events. Regardless of what the smoker tells the doctor, their lungs will reflect the truth. California's greenhouse gas inventory is likewise not just going in the wrong direction but also ignoring a lot of harmful sources of emissions. Indeed, the state even measures and lists some of these emissions in its reports. But they're not counted toward its overall greenhouse gas footprint, which it uses to attest to its efforts to combat climate change. These omitted emissions have serious consequences: Relying on CARB's estimates alone, the state's reported greenhouse gas footprint would be about 20% greater if it included its omitted emissions. And that doesn't include the emissions the agency doesn't even list in its inventory, such as those from wildfires, which are largely human-caused, measurable and manageable. The omissions also have repercussions for California communities. Many of the industries whose greenhouse gas emissions are excluded from the official inventoryincluding shipping, aviation, refineries and biofuelsproduce additional pollutants that affect nearby communities. People living near these facilities are harmed by that pollution regardless of whether officials choose to count those facilities' emissions. Particularly in communities with historical and continuing environmental injustices, these omissions compound the problem. The city of Stockton, for example, agreed to produce a greenhouse gas inventory as part of a settlement of a lawsuit alleging that its general plan did not adequately consider environmental impacts. Yet its greenhouse gas inventory excludes emissions from the very industries that contribute to local air pollution and environmental injustices. In fact, the emissions excluded by the city are four times greater than those it reported. These emissions omissions are not unique to California. Indeed, national governments exclude international shipping and aviation emissions from reports to the United Nations required by the Paris agreement, relying partly on outdated and politicized methodologies. While the Paris agreement allows for such omissions, it doesn't prevent countries from improving their accounting methods. What's more, subnational governments such as California's are not parties to the agreement and therefore not bound to its methodologies. In fact, unlike its national counterparts, California once counted transportation emissions from biofuels such as ethanol but reclassified them in 2016. Nor is this issue confined to governments: Corporate emitters are also part of the problem. One study found that technology companies' greenhouse gas declarations undercounted their emissions, sometimes by orders of magnitude. And corporate "net zero" pledges often arbitrarily count emissions in ways that don't amount to actual reductions. What's the solution? Only a full account of greenhouse gas emissions can allow us to appropriately attribute responsibility to each emitter and determine its progress in reducing its contributions to climate change. We need greenhouse gas accounting systems that are rigorous, complete and interoperable. This is a daunting task but not a hopeless one. Senate Bill 253, which Newsom recently signed into law, requires large corporations operating in California to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and include emissions throughout their supply chains. That's critical: Disclosing emissions across supply chains will help hold emitters responsible for their complete greenhouse gas footprints. While SB 253 is a very good first step, the Air Resources Board should apply the same standard to the state's greenhouse gas inventory. Measuring California's complete footprint requires including upstream and downstream refinery emissions as well as those from aviation, shipping, biofuels and wildfires. Getting greenhouse gas accounting right is ultimately crucial to dealing with climate change. Until governments and corporations completely and accurately account for their contributions to the problem, their promised solutions will fall short. 2023 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Women from a temporary camp where access to clean water is a huge challenge in drought-hit Modeka, Garissa Kenya, fetch unclean drinking water from a makeshift trough. Severe weather endangers water and food supply. Credit: WHO / Billy Miaron By now, there is no doubt that the climate crisis is also a significant health crisis affecting people across the globe. This might be obvious to some, but to others the impacts haven't hit home yet. With the increase of extreme weather events, waterborne and vector-borne diseases, malnutrition, heat stress, mental illness, and the growing burden of care for people suffering from diseases triggered by climate episodes and disasters, the health implications of climate change are becoming more apparent around the world, worsening population health indicators. The recent Lancet Countdown Report shows escalating health impacts of climate change. Adults aged over 65 and infants under one experience double the heat wave exposure compared to the period 1986 to 2005. Severe weather endangers water and food supply, leading to malnutrition. In 2021, for instance, 127 million people in 122 countries faced increased food insecurity, compared to 19812010. Climate shift expands pathogens, risking billions of people's health with infectious diseases. In addition, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 56% of public health events since 2001 have been linked to climate change. Africa accounted for 94% of the world's malaria cases in 2019 and it underscores the urgent need for health-centric climate policies, especially as Africa's population is set to nearly double by 2050. Affecting lives Talk to anyone in the streets of major capitals of Africa and they are acutely aware of how climate change is impacting their day-to-day lives. Your taxi driver in Nairobi is likely to mention the current threat of El Nino and elsewhere you'll hear plenty of examples of how people's daily lives have been directly impacted by climate change. Malawi has recently experienced its worst cholera outbreak in two decades, caused by flooding in the southern region before spreading to the rest of the county. More than 40,000 people were diagnosed with cholera, and at least 1,300 deaths recorded. The people most affected were those living in poor rural communities, relying mainly on subsistence agriculture and lacking access to health facilities to protect themselves. While the "right to health" is enshrined in the Paris Agreement as a fundamental requirement for climate action, and despite the glaring health challenges, only five percent of climate funds go to adaptation and only one percent of the adaptation funds are dedicated to health. Collective approach The recently concluded Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi called for a collective approach to tackle climate change, with commitments equating to nearly US$26 billion. However, none of this was allocated to support climate and health mitigation and adaptation interventions. That summit was a significant milestone in the quest to prioritize health at the forthcoming 2023 UN climate change conference COP28. Although health was not addressed in the Nairobi Declaration, adopted at the Nairobi summit, various stakeholders gathered under the auspices of Amref Health Africa to ensure Africa takes the lead as the only continent with a unified position to climate and health ahead of COP28. This a huge win and no small feat. The position calls for a collaborative, global approach to tackling climate change and creating solutions. It is not a North or South issue, but a collective challenge that requires a unified response. Convening alongside the Africa Climate Summit started a critical conversation about the importance of health in climate action and now it is up to global leaders to take note and implement the continent's ambitions. The inaugural summit was the first step in taking control of the continent's destiny, with a focus on solutions and calls to action by Africans, for Africans. It's no longer about what the world can do to help Africa, but what Africa can do for the world. Call to action Political momentum is building, and this year, for the very first time, world leaders gathering at COP28 will engage in an official program focused on climate and health. We welcome the initiative of the COP28 Presidency in organizing Health Day at COP28 for the first time (3 December) and call for dedicated health days in subsequent COPs. This has the potential to be a watershed moment for global health and a positive indication of the growing political recognition of the climate crisis as a health crisis. The COP28 Presidency, in collaboration with the WHO and other partners, has developed the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health prior to the conference. This is a voluntary call to action that lies outside the formal United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. It captures countries' shared views and aspirations towards safeguarding and investing in the health of populations worldwide. While a number of countries have endorsed it, we urge countries, especially African nations, to support the Declaration, which is in concordance with Africa's unified stance on climate and health. These are great steps and the time has come for global leaders to recognize the impact of climate change on health and take action to make a real difference in people's health. The climate negotiations must prioritize adaptation and mitigation efforts, as well as prevention of loss and damage, while maximizing health benefits and minimizing inadvertent risks to human health. It is crucial that we support the African Group of Negotiators to effectively carry out their duties. Africa is a key voice in global climate negotiations, which needs to be equipped with evidence to drive global and national policy reforms. It is also imperative to put countries most affected by climate change at the center of decision-making processes and prioritize solutions that build the necessary resilience to climate change. This calls for prioritization of health in global climate adaptation and mitigation financing. We cannot afford to wait any longer. It is essential that everyone takes an active role in combating climate change and takes responsibility for their individual actions. We demand that policymakers review and implement existing policies to aggressively implement a worldwide equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in alignment with the Paris Agreement, recognizing the inherent public health benefits. Furthermore, we must urgently strengthen and adapt health systems, including robust early warning systems to address climate-related health risks, including timely alerts for extreme heat, vector-borne diseases, and other health threats linked to climatic changes, and ensure no community is left behind, no matter how remote. Provided by SciDev.Net Late in October, 63-year-old Joyce Grayson from Connecticut visited a halfway home for sex offenders to provide medicine to a patient who had a history of violence. But her life tragically ended that day. Grayson's patient is the primary suspect in her murder, according to the police, who discovered her dead in the basement. Following Grayson's passing, her colleagues have reiterated their long-standing demands for more safeguards for home healthcare workers, including having escorts on patient visits and requiring them to provide more personal information. All medical professionals are seeing an upsurge in violence at the moment, and these calls are coming at the worst possible time. Tracy Wodatch, a visiting nurse and chief executive of the Connecticut Association of Healthcare at Home, recalled a day when she felt threatened and had an officer accompany her. However, she clarified that this is no longer a possibility due to financial and personnel constraints. Calls for Improved Security The body of Grayson, a nurse for more than 36 years, was discovered at the Willimantic halfway home on October 28. After seeing patient Michael Reese, a convicted rapist, she never came back. The killing has not yet resulted in any charges being filed. "It's all nurses are thinking about right now, even the hospital nurses because they've had so many close calls," said Martha Marx, a visiting nurse and Connecticut State Senator who is advocating for reforms in federal and state regulations, as reported by The Associated Press. Marx recounted an incident when she was taken to a facility without knowing it housed sex offenders until she spoke with clients there. She stated that the agency would often give the task to an employee who would not cause a stir if a nurse requested a chaperone. Nearly 11 months before Grayson's death, visiting nurse Douglas Brant was shot while making a house visit in Spokane, Washington. The murder also prompted demands for safety measures, such as the establishment of federal guidelines to combat occupational violence. See Also: Mental Health Problems Among Healthcare Professionals Is Becoming More Prevalent, CDC Warns Non-Fatal Violence Organizations representing nurses argue that non-fatal forms of violence against healthcare workers do exist, too. The most recent data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the incidence of non-fatal violence against medical professionals rose by almost 60% between 2011 and 2018. The agency reports that for a long time, medical workers had the highest rate of non-fatal injuries caused by workplace violence compared to professionals in other sectors. The biggest US registered nurse organization, National Nurses United, conducted a study in late 2022 showing that 41% of hospital nurses had seen an increase in workplace violence occurrences compared to 30% in September 2021. US Representative Joe Courtney, who covers the area where Grayson was slain, warned that home health aides should never be let inside someone's house or apartment alone. "You have to have systems and tools to reduce the risk." Since 2019, Courtney has pushed federal legislation to require healthcare and social service firms to create and execute workplace violence prevention strategies. See Also: Los Angeles: Serial Killer Wins $700,000 in Lawsuit From Santa Monica Before Killing 4 People, Including Homeless Men @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain A University of Michigan-led study based on a review of genetic and health information from more than 276,000 people finds strong support for a decades-old evolutionary theory that sought to explain aging and senescence. In 1957, evolutionary biologist George Williams proposed that genetic mutations that contribute to aging could be favored by natural selection if they are advantageous early in life in promoting earlier reproduction or the production of more offspring. Williams was an assistant professor at Michigan State University at the time. Williams' idea, now known as the antagonistic pleiotropy theory of aging, remains the prevailing evolutionary explanation of senescence, the process of becoming old or aging. While the theory is supported by individual case studies, it has lacked unambiguous genome-wide evidence. In the study published in Science Advances, U-M evolutionary biologist Jianzhi Zhang and a Chinese colleague tested the Williams hypothesis using genetic, reproductive and death-registry information from 276,406 participants in the United Kingdom's Biobank database. They found reproduction and lifespan to be genetically strongly negatively correlated, meaning that genetic mutations that promote reproduction tend to shorten lifespan. In addition, individuals carrying mutations that predispose them to relatively high reproductive rates have lower probabilities of living to age 76 than those carrying mutations that predispose them to relatively low reproductive rates, according to the study. However, the authors caution that reproduction and lifespan are affected by both genes and the environment. And compared with environmental factorsincluding the impacts of contraception and abortion on reproduction and medical advances on lifespanthe genetic factors discussed in the study play a relatively minor role, according to the authors. "These results provide strong support for the Williams hypothesis that aging arises as a byproduct of natural selection for earlier and more reproduction. Natural selection cares little about how long we live after the completion of reproduction, because our fitness is largely set by the end of reproduction," said Zhang, the Marshall W. Nirenberg Collegiate Professor in the U-M Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Fitness is a concept biologists use to describe the degree to which an organism's characteristics increase its number of offspring. "Interestingly, we found that when you control for the genetically predicted amount and timing of reproduction, having two kids corresponds to the longest lifespan," Zhang said. "Having fewer or more kids both lower the lifespan." That result supports the findings of several previous studies. Zhang's co-author on the Science Advances paper is Erping Long of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College. Long was a visiting student at U-M when the study began. In genetics, the concept of pleiotropy posits that a single mutation can influence multiple traits. The idea that the same mutation can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on the situation, is known as antagonistic pleiotropy and was proposed by Williams to underlie the origin of aging in a paper titled "Pleiotropy, natural selection, and the evolution of senescence." To a biologist, senescence refers specifically to a gradual decline of bodily functions that manifests as a decline in reproductive performance and an increase in the death rate with age. The U.K.'s Biobank database enabled Zhang and Long to assess the genetic relationship between reproduction and lifespan at the genomic scale. The researchers examined the frequency of 583 reproduction-associated genetic variants in the database and found that several of the variants associated with higher reproduction have become more common in recent decades, despite their simultaneous associations with shorter lifespan. The increased frequency of the variants is presumably a result of natural selection for higher reproduction. "The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis predicts that most mutations that increase reproduction but reduce lifespan have larger fitness advantages than disadvantages so are selectively favored," Zhang said. Even so, human life expectancy, birth rate and reproductive behavior have all changed drastically in the last few decades. Specifically, more than half of humans live in areas of the world where birth rates have declined, along with increased incidences of contraception, abortion and reproductive disorder, according to the new study. Global human life expectancy at birth, on the other hand, has steadily increased from 46.5 years in 1950 to 72.8 years in 2019. "These trends are primarily driven by substantial environmental shifts, including changes in lifestyles and technologies, and are opposite to the changes caused by natural selection of the genetic variants identified in this study," Zhang said. "This contrast indicates that, compared with environmental factors, genetic factors play a minor role in the human phenotypic changes studied here." More information: Erping Long et al, Evidence for the role of selection for reproductively advantageous alleles in human aging, Science Advances (2023). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh4990. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adh4990 Journal information: Science Advances This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Inge van der Knaap She narrowly defied bureaucracy and spent days angling for cod. In the North Sea, marine biologist Inge van der Knaap discovered that noise significantly disturbs fish behavior. "There is now a lot of attention for underwater noise." Every day, seismic surveys take place at sea somewhere in the world. After a loud bang, the echo from the seabed reveals whether there is oil or gas, or whether rocks are in the way of installing wind turbines. Such research requires a marine mammal observer to accompany it, to check that no seals or other mammals are nearby that would be disturbed by it. If so, the survey must wait. Offshore companies contributed to pay Whether the fish present are also bothered by underwater noise does not yet play enough of a role in seismic research, Van der Knaap believes. "There is now a lot of attention for underwater noise. It is part of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive to protect the marine environment and biodiversity." Offshore companies are obliged to conduct research into this, and they therefore contributed to Van der Knaap's research. Lots of new information The key questiondoes noise threaten fish populationsis very difficult to answer. Van der Knaap got very close. During the disturbance, the fish are less active than usual, their day-and-night rhythm is disturbed, and shortly after the noise they seem to leave the area faster than they would otherwise. "We cannot yet prove that the fish eat less and are less active under these conditions, although that seems plausible. But we do have a lot of new information." For that new information, Van der Knaap had to overcome many obstacles. "You can't track fish with GPS, that doesn't work under water. Our system had a range of about a kilometer. If the fish would swim away immediately, we would have no data." But she could only start catching those fish if she was allowed to sail between wind turbines prior to a seismic survey. Credit: Leiden University The perfect spot: A wind farm "Wind farms in the North Sea turn a sandy bottom into a rich environment where there are plenty of crabs and other food for cod between boulder piles." It is the perfect place for Van der Knaap's research. "It was very difficult to get permission, because of all the legislation. A few times I was on the verge of calling it off." Eventually, she was allowed to accompany the ship the MV Geo Caribbean into the Belgian North Sea, where it would simulate a seismic survey especially for the project. Van der Knaap fished for days until she had 40 codusing a net would damage their scales too much. "The hook in their lip injures them less. We anesthetized them, placed a transmitter and threw them back. After a few days recovery time, our experiment began." The transmitters reflected both the position and activity of the fish. "That was very relevant, because a fish can be in one place but still move a lot to forage." Little activity during the noise The fish were little active during the noise, which lasted for three-and-a-half days, non-stop. As soon as it was over, almost all cod left the measuring area. All that became apparent when Van der Knaap had pulled the transmitter system out of the water and was able to read all the data. "That was the very best moment of my research: when it turned out that all our fish had stayed nearby during the experiment and I could see exactly what they had been doing." Van der Knaap received her Ph.D. on her research in January 2023 and has published related findings in the Environmental Pollution journal. She is now continuing to work on fish ecology at Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences. There, she studies what obstacles such as locks and pumping stations mean for fish. "Fish have been around longer than trees. We almost only see them on our plates, we can't empathize with them very well. I want to make sure we know how they are doing under the conditions we as humans create. That motivates me." More information: Inge van der Knaap et al, Effects of pile driving sound on local movement of free-ranging Atlantic cod in the Belgian North Sea, Environmental Pollution (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.118913 Journal information: Environmental Pollution This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A flanged Bornean orangutan. Credit: Suwi / Tuanan Orangutan Project In primates, the biggest, bossiest males usually get to father the most offspring; and for a long time it was thought that this rule applied to orangutans too. Male orangutans openly compete; and it's the older males with hefty cheek pads, known as "flanges," who usually get their way when they want to mate. But for wild orangutans, nobody knew for sure which males actually won the ultimate prize of fathering offspring. Now, the largest paternity study on a natural population has finally provided some answers. The study on Bornean orangutans reveals that simply beating males in competitions, per se, did not lead to siring success. Rather, success was determined by where males chose to spend their time. The work by an international team led by scientists now at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior (MPI-AB) has produced the clearest picture yet on how orangutans become fathers in the wild, and the space they need to do so. "Male orangutans are so problematic to study in the wild that the window into their reproductive lives has stayed closed," says MPI-AB scientist Maria van Noordwijk, the first author on the paper published in Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. "Now, with 15 years of combined data on behavior and DNA, we finally have a small opening." Finding the 'lost boys of orangutan science' Since 2003, the team has been continuously collecting data on Bornean orangutans in the Tuanan area in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Tuanan Orangutan Research Project has amassed some of the most detailed data anywhere on a wild orangutan population, but even here, adult males have languished out of the scientific spotlight. "They are the lost boys of orangutan science," says van Noordwijk. "Adult males range over areas far larger than any study site so that no human observer can gain data on them continuously." This practical issue has meant that a basic questionwhich males father offspring where and whenhas remained unanswered. Much more is known about the reproductive careers of females, who stay in the neighborhoods in which they were born. Females mate with multiple males, sometimes in a single day. After birth, offspring stay with their mother for up to nine years. "For every orangutan born you always know who the mother is," says van Noordwijk. "But figuring out who the father is requires DNA." The team collected fecal samples from as many individuals in Tuanan as possiblemothers, offspring, and adult males. For adult males, the scientists collected samples from both morphs: the younger adult males who had not yet developed cheek flanges, and males who were flanged. After extracting genetic information from the samples, they could successfully identify fathers of 21 offspring. The next step was to find out more about what these fathers were like at the time of matingwhether they were flanged, and how they behaved. To do that, the researchers drew on over 100,000 hours of observations at Tuanan. This data allowed them to calculate when eight of these babies were conceived, and to cross check that with observations of which males were around in the area at the time. "We could turn back the clock to the period when a successful mating occurred and see which male got the winning lottery ticket, and why," says van Noordwijk. An unflanged male Bornean orangutan. Credit: Anna Marzec / Tuanan Project Their results showed that males with flanges succeeded in siring most offspring: over 90% of babies had fathers who were flanged at the time of conception, implying that older males, over 30 years old, were disproportionally successful. "Flanged males can consistently displace unflanged males, so we were not surprised by this result," van Noordwijk says. But while virtually all fathers were flanged, not all flanged males became fathers. So what was it about the successful males? The team drilled down into the data, looking for patterns among flanged males that could explain the skew. Surprisingly, they did not find any evidence that successful fathers had outcompeted other males by emitting the most 'long calls,' which can be heard far away. "In other words, having the confidence to advertise your presence might be enough to intimidate other males, but it doesn't lead to securing offspring," explains van Noordwijk. Instead, the answer was found in an unlikely place: movement behavior. Co-author Laura LaBarge, a spatial analysis expert, looked at movement patterns of four fathers with enough data. "The data were chaotic," says LaBarge, a postdoctoral researcher at MPI-AB. "Males move in and out of the site so much that we have only partial tracks of where they were." Still, LaBarge detected a signal in the data. Fathers all spent more time near the females with whom they sired offspring than they did with other females. "Nobody expected this," says Carel van Schaik, senior author and scientist at MPI-AB. "This shows that dominance works for flanged males, but only up to a point. After that, it seems like concentrating on one neighborhood, rather than roaming too widely, is the best strategy to fatherhood." The authors acknowledge that the question of why this strategy works is still open. "It could be that local males have more information about when females are ready to breed," says van Schaik. "But we should not ignore the role of the females. By keeping local males as likely fathers of their offspring, mothers are protecting their young from potential aggression by males who are definitely unrelated." Room to reproduce LaBarge's movement analyses also provided tantalizing clues on the enduring mystery of where, and how far, male orangutans roam. "Many appear to be nomadic, but they do tend to return to the study area, probably to assess their chances with females," she says. To find out more, LaBarge and van Noordwijk are currently analyzing acoustic data from male calls as indicators of their movement. By doing so, they hope to widen the frame of understanding of male orangutan behavior. "I hope this strengthens our commitment to preserving large areas of remaining habitat to give orangutans a decent chance to maintain their natural patterns of ranging and reproduction," says van Noordwijk. Many details are still missing, and van Noordwijk says that collaboration is urgently needed to fill in the blank pages of orangutan fatherhood before it's too late. "I hope this inspires other orangutan field sites to assess paternities and male movement to see how consistent this pattern is. With forest fires, climate change, and deforestation, we can't afford to wait any longer." More information: Maria A. van Noordwijk et al, Reproductive success of Bornean orangutan males: scattered in time but clustered in space, Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s00265-023-03407-6 Journal information: Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A photograph of a farmer showing his affected plot due to drought in Karnataka, India, 2012. Credit: Pushkarv/Wikipedia Almost 1 in every 4 people on Earth are now stricken by drought, and it's just the start of things to come, according to the latest UN report released as the COP28 climate summit gets underway in Dubai. The Global Drought Snapshot by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), published on Friday, December 1, warns of an "unprecedented emergency on a planetary scale" and says the human and economic costs of drought are likely higher than that of any other hazard. "Unlike other disasters that attract media attention, droughts happen silently, often going unnoticed and failing to provoke an immediate public and political response," said UNCCD executive secretary Ibrahim Thiaw in a statement. This perpetuates a cycle of neglect, Thiaw added, leaving affected populations to bear the burden in isolation. The report, released on the second day of COP28, calls for "transformational change" and points to wide-ranging solutions, from adopting water-efficient technologies to "off-setting" carbon emissions with land restorationwhere land is put back into its natural state. At present, 1.8 billion people are "drought-stricken" globallyrepresenting nearly one out of every four of the global population of 8 billionaccording to the UNCCD analysis, which sampled international disaster datasets from 101 countries. Of those, almost five percent are exposed to severe or extreme drought. Global warming, with global temperatures currently 1.1C above pre-industrial levels, has led to more frequent hazardous weather events including droughts. UNCCD drought expert Daniel Tsegai, lead author of the report, told SciDev.Net: "Droughts are hitting harder and more oftenup 29% since 2000. "Drought continues to tighten its frightening grip on both land and life. "It is a human tragedy that's only growing." Droughts hit the poorest the hardest, according to the report, which says that 85% of people affected by drought live in low- or middle-income countries. Compared to men, women and children are over 14 times more likely to die as a result of climate-fueled disasters such as drought, it adds. "Low- and middle-income countries are obviously less equipped with resources and have low levels of capacities, technology, and financial resources to cope with drought," Tsegai told SciDev.Net. "In Africa over the past 50 years, drought-related losses exceeded US$70 billion, putting over 20 million people at risk of food insecurity across the continent. "As we see more food shortages, hardship and displacement, it's time to acknowledge that droughts have evolved from an environmental issue into an economic crisis." Record droughts The Horn of Africa faced its worst drought in 40 years between 2020 and 2023, with Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia particularly hard hit. Five conservative seasons of rainfall failures contributed to reduced agricultural productivity and high food prices, leaving around 23 million people facing severe hunger, according to the World Food Program. Elsewhere, glaciers in mountainous regions of Asia have lost significant mass over the past 40 yearswith exceptionally warm, dry conditions exacerbating this phenomenon in 2022, according to the analysis. In Latin America, a fifth year of drought left 1.2 million people needing food aid in 2022, it says. In Argentina, production of soybeansthe country's primary agricultural exportis expected to be 44% lower than average this yearits lowest since 1988/89. Meanwhile, up to 20% of the population in China is predicted to face more frequent extreme drought in the 21st century. Obed Ogega, climate scientist and program manager at the African Academy of Sciences in Nairobi, Kenya, says the report is a true reflection of the impact of drought, especially in the Horn of Africa. "Communities in the Horn of Africa region rely on rain-fed agriculture and pastoralism and any extreme weather, either drought or floods, is likely to wreak economic havoc," said Obed, who did not participate in the research. He said most countries in the global South were already struggling with multiple challenges including disease burden, conflicts and lack of technology and resources, leaving them disproportionately impacted by extreme weather. "A country like Somalia, for instance, has been grappling with civil war for decades and has therefore little capacity and resources to respond to severe drought," he told SciDev.Net. 'Building resilience' Tsegai warns that the world must act now to prevent future droughts from destroying development gains. "Thinking ahead and acting in advance of drought has far lower costs than reacting and responding to the impacts," he told SciDev.Net. "We should emphasize the huge and unfortunately under-recognized potential of land restoration as an important strategy to address drought." The report suggests that up to 25% of CO 2 emissions could be offset through nature-based solutions, including land restoration. The researchers also predicted that there would be almost 100% reduction in the conversion of global forests and natural land for agriculture if half of animal products such as pork, chicken, beef and milk consumed today were replaced with sustainable alternatives. They also project that there would be a 20% to 50% reduction in water waste if conventional sprinkler systems were replaced by micro-irrigation, which delivers water directly to plant roots. "The global drought snapshot report speaks volumes about the agency of this crisis and building global resilience to it," Thiaw said. "With the frequency and severity of drought events increasing, as reservoir levels dwindle and crop yields decline, as we continue to lose biological diversity and famines spread, transformational change is needed." Provided by SciDev.Net This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Research by USP Academic Dr. Tosh Warwick has shed new light on transnational town-twinning history and the challenges posed by Brexit, the pandemic and austerity. The study, published in a special town twinning edition of the Cambridge University Press' journal Urban History, is the first academic analysis of the changes, challenges, continuities and continued relevance of town twinning in Middlesbrough, one of Britain's leading pro-Brexit areas, focusing on the challenges and opportunities arising from twinning partnerships with Oberhausen, Germany and Dunkirk in France as well as connections in Poland and Zimbabwe. The research includes interviews and reflections from key stakeholders in town twinning including former mayors and council directors, and also draws upon material from the collections of Middlesbrough Libraries and Teesside Archives, including diary extracts and a report from a trip to Middlesbrough arranged by the Oberhausen Education Department in 1953 which includes visits to Boro's Ayresome Park and the Tees Transporter Bridge. As well as reflecting on the history of town twinningincluding links that failed to materialize and exploring reasons for the success and decline of international partnershipsthe research also reveals data obtained from a Freedom of Information request to Middlesbrough Council that highlights a significant decline in activity since the changes brought by shifts in local and national politics and the pandemic. In fact, no money was spent by Middlesbrough Council on twinning, and no events or exchanges have been recorded between the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions in the UK in mid-March 2020 to the end of the financial year 2021/2022. However, in recent months, exchanges with Deputy Mayor Philippa Storey welcoming a German visit to Middlesbrough in July 2023 and describing the relationship as having "really stood the test of time." The article also highlights some of the perceived challenges around Brexit and town twinning, with efforts redoubled following the Brexit result to reaffirm the commitment to international friendship and learning through ensuring the survival of Middlesbrough's connections with Europe. Dr. Tosh Warwick, Research Associate at the University of Sheffield, said, "The research provides some new insights into the origins and development of Middlesbrough's relationship with our European friends and the broader cultural and economic benefits this brings for the area." "Following the Brexit vote, which posed a perceived threat to twinning relationships, the interviews and responses from key stakeholders highlight their determination to ensure that we continue to learn and engage with our partners on the continent despite the challenges posed by Brexit, the pandemic and the implications of local government austerity." More information: Tosh Warwick, 'A firm foundation for future understanding, respect and friendship': the ideals and reality of post-war town twinning, 19452020, Urban History (2023). DOI: 10.1017/S0963926823000196 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: Conceptual model proposed for the deep groundwater circulation system within the Gela Fm. aquifer. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-01077-w A multi-institutional team of geoscientists has discovered a deep, ancient underground pool of fresh water underneath part of the Sicilian mountains. In their study, reported in the journal Communications Earth & Environment, the group used publicly available data gathered from oil discovery efforts to study the groundwater in and around the Gela formation beneath the mountains on the island of Sicily. As the number of people living on islands grows, scientists continue to look for resources to support them. One such island is Sicily, which lies off the coast of Italy in the Mediterranean Sea. Officials there are worried about the water supply for a growing population. So the researchers undertook a study of underground freshwater supplies that have not yet been tapped. The researchers analyzed maps and data from prior surveys looking for oil deposits. They discovered what they believe to be a previously unknown aquifer thousands of feet below the Hyblaean Mountains. They made 3D models of the aquifer to validate their findings and found evidence suggesting that not only is it an aquifer, but it holds approximately 17.5 cubic kilometers of water. The team then set out to explain how so much fresh water could have come to reside, locked in, beneath a mountain range. They suggest it was trapped there during the Messinian salinity crisis millions of years agothe 700,000-year period saw a blockage at the Strait of Gibraltar that allowed many parts of the Mediterranean Sea to dry up, exposing the seafloor to rainwater. The research team suggests that this rainwater trickled down into the crust. Such rainwater, the researchers note, could have accumulated underground as it was soaked up by carbonate rock acting as a sponge. When sea levels returned to normal, the underground fresh water was locked in due to seawater pressure. The researchers also found what they believe to be a likely conduit for the ancient rainwaterthe Malta Escarpment, which extends around eastern parts of Sicily. More information: Lorenzo Lipparini et al, Extensive freshened groundwater resources emplaced during the Messinian sea-level drawdown in southern Sicily, Italy, Communications Earth & Environment (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-023-01077-w Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 2023 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This land depression is part of the experimental watershed used in the research in Northumberland County. Cropland and forests are shown intermixed in the landscape, with a steep slope that ends in an ephemeral stream planted with perennial grasses. All elements in the landscape including the stream are simulated with the Cycles-L model, developed by Penn State researchers. Credit: Penn State, Creative Commons In watersheds degraded by runoff of nutrients from farmland, land managers struggle to pinpoint the best locations to install riparian buffer strips along streams or other pollution-reduction practices, but a new technology devised by Penn State scientists promises to make the search for those sites easier and less expensive. A cross-disciplinary team of researchers in the College of Agricultural Sciences has developed a computer model that can simulate the underground and overland movement of waterand, consequently, that of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus or pollutantsin entire watersheds with far greater spatial resolution than previous hydrologic models. In a new study, the researchers tested their model, called Cycles-L, at an 1,800-acre (nearly 3 square miles) experimental watershed within the Mahantango Creek drainage in central Pennsylvania. They published their findings in Water Resources Research. The potential of Cycles-Lwith the "L" standing for landscapesis remarkable, according to team leader Armen Kemanian, professor of production systems and modeling. Capable of simulating water flows and feedback loops among land, streams and groundwater, the new model accounts for the influence of topography, soil characteristics and land-management practices. It can accurately simulate horizontal and vertical transport of pollutants with water, he explained. "Cycles-L enables users to change variables such as land use and crops and 'see' how the transport of nutrients is affected, showing where interventions such as riparian buffers and cover crops or other practices should be installed," he said. "Unlike models that simulate processes in one field without considering what the neighboring fields are doing, Cycles-L can represent every field in a watershed, a true virtual representation of a watershed suitable for in-silico [conducted by computer modeling] experiments that are not viable in the field." It's a huge leap forward, according to Kemanian, whose research group has focused on climate-friendly agriculture over the last decade. "Now, we can simulate how water moves underground and over land, from a forest to a field, from a field to a forest, from a field to another field, to a buffer strip and into a stream, or from the stream back to groundwater," he said. "Everything is connected, and therefore, the feedbacks among components become emergent properties. Essentially, with this 3D model, we are representing reality with a lot more fidelity." An inert tracer was added in three parts of the watershed at the beginning of the simulation, two in the upper part and one in the lower part of the watershed. The plot shows precipitation events through the simulation time. The tracer is first dispersed in groundwater until it reaches the stream and is slowly exported out of the watershed. The color intensity represents the concentration of the tracer in groundwater. Credit: Yuning Shi Hopefully, the technology will be used by land managers and environmental regulators to increase productivity and anticipate and incentivize mitigations in water pollution stemming from agriculture, noted Yuning Shi, associate research professor in the Department of Plant Science. Shi spearheaded the Cycles-L code development, combining an earlier, less capable version of the Cycles model with the Penn State Integrated Hydrologic Model, previously developed by Penn State scientists. The team calibrated the model using stream discharge data, crop-yield data and nitrogen-water-quality data collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service team from the Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research unit. "Cycles-L can become a central component in tools for climate-change-scenario analysis, precision agriculture, precision conservation and artificial intelligence-based decision-support systems," he said. "Because it couples biogeochemical and hydrologic processes, the new model offers a unique opportunity for research that is relevant to simulate the effect of interventions in agricultural landscapes realistically." In their journal article, the researchers reported that the Cycles-L model applied to a watershed of the Susquehanna River basin confirmed its potential. In that watershed, Cycles-L simulated surface water and ground water flow, mineral nitrogen discharge and grain yield more accurately than a one-dimensional model with no landscape connectivity. Interestingly, the researchers said, Cycles-L indicated that denitrificationthe loss of nitrogen in the form of nitrate as nitrous oxide from soil and groundwater into the airis almost twice as high in the experimental sub-watershed when simulated with Cycles-L than when simulated with a one-dimensional model. The model could also identify the areas of high emission, enabling spatial targeting of mitigation practices. The enhanced computer simulation could greatly aid in finding which locations are most suitable for installing buffer strips or other practices to reduce nitrogen losses, said Felipe Montes, associate research professor in the Department of Plant Science and co-author of the paper. "Now we can explore and test potential locations with computer modeling before running costly experiments in the field," Motes said. "Furthermore, Cycles-L's spatial resolution allows modeling independent fields at the farm level, demonstrating to farmers the effect of management practices downstream in the watershed. This is important when watershed management plans are developed, because farmers can 'see," virtually, the effect of their efforts to improve water qualityincreasing their commitment to the management plan." The model's ability to represent the influence of topography, soil heterogeneity and crop management on nitrogen flows over both time and space expands the scope of agroecosystem analysis to landscape levels, the researchers said. They said they foresee tools such as Cycles-L evolving into indispensable components of the analytical toolkit for both academic and non-academic communities. More information: Yuning Shi et al, CyclesL: A Coupled, 3D, Land Surface, Hydrologic, and Agroecosystem Landscape Model, Water Resources Research (2023). DOI: 10.1029/2022WR033453 Journal information: Water Resources Research By Politico Staff Writer Following widespread reports of rising tension in towns and villages in the Western Area Rural District ahead of the Village Head Elections, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of Waterloo Police Division, and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ibrahim Mohamed Sama has called on Candidates to uphold peace before, during and after the election. The Village Head elections are slated for Saturday 28th October, 2023. The LUC in partnership with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and the Office of National Security (ONS), summoned over 200 candidates to the Police Division on the 25th of October, 2023. LUC Sama discouraged candidates from engaging in acts of violence or sponsoring violence. He instead encouraged them to channel their concerns to the appropriate authorities, saying the Police would create an enabling environment for peaceful elections. On election day, we will work in line with the instructions of the ECSL concerning the conduct of the election," he said. The District Security Coordinator of ONS, Patrick Lamin advised the various candidates to conduct themselves according to the established electoral laws. He told them not to mix Village Head elections with national politics. We encourage you to be peaceful and to respect the will of the people," he said. On her part, the Assistant District Elections Manager for Western Area Rural, ECSL Desiatu Thomas stated that "elections are not a do or die affair." She promised that the Commission would conduct credible, free, fair, and transparent elections. One of the candidates for Tombo Village Head, Isatu Bankole Morgan, noted that she and colleague female candidates have been receiving insults, threats, harassment, and provocation from supporters of other candidates. She then called for calm in the forthcoming elections. Copyright 2023 Politico (27/10/23) Betelgeuse, the star colloquially known as the "shoulder" of the constellation Orion, is set to almost disappear from view for a brief period on December 12. Scientists predicted that an asteroid named 319 Leona would pass by and block the star's view from Earth for up to five seconds, similar to when the Moon eclipses the Sun. The phenomenon would be a chance for astronomers to gather crucial information about Betelgeuse that could help scientists understand the birth of planetary systems. "This is very exceptional," Paris Observatory astronomer Miguel Montarges told Business Insider. "Basically, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." What Makes 319 Leona's Passage Special? Asteroids and planets pass in front of stars all the time, but they usually are so large from Earth that they completely block out the star's light. However, for 319 Leona's case, the asteroid was just the right size, at the right place, and at the right time, as it would be at the perfect size to leave a "ring of fire" eclipse that could be seen from Earth. This also meant that the near-eclipse would allow scientists to see some of Betelgeuse's dimmer features to appear to Earth-bound observatories. "It'll tell us what is the physics behind red supergiants and how they are launching their stellar wind," Montarges added, noting that the material from the star could eventually produce a new solar system. Read Also: Mars Hiding Behind Sun for 2 Weeks - But Why? Limited Visibility The phenomenon would have a very limited trajectory and a very narrow flight path, about 60 kilometers wide that should pass through southern Europe to Turkey, Greece, southern Italy, southern Spain, and Portugal, before crossing the Atlantic and crossing the very tip of southern Florida. The International Occultation Timing Association (IOTA) provided a resource on its website regarding the event. The Virtual Telescope Project would also be livestreaming the event online from 20:00 Eastern Time (01:00 UTC) on December 11. Related Article: 'Devil Comet' Dancing Its Way to Nearest Point With Sun @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Housing affordability was deemed a major problem by nearly three in four New Yorkers according to a statewide survey released recently and conducted by the Marist Poll and sponsored by the Rural Housing Coalition of New York. The survey of 1,780 adults showed that 73% of New York residents report that the affordability of housing is a major issue in their communities. This concern is widespread across the state, with 67% of rural residents, 69% of suburban residents and 81% of urban residents, expressing concern. The poll shows that New Yorkers, no matter where they live, view housing affordability as a major problem, and think state policymakers have not adequately addressed the issue, said Michael J. Borges, Rural Housing Coalition executive director, in a statement. 71% of those who responded think the state government is not providing enough resources to address the lack of affordable housing. Across the state, 71% of rural residents, 77% of urban residents and 66% of suburban residents believe the state is not doing enough to address the housing crisis, according to the survey. However, New Yorkers are divided on how exactly the state government should address the housing affordability issue with 39% prioritizing rental assistance, 33% prioritizing owner-occupied housing development, and 24% favoring new rental housing development as a top priority. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to housing for a state like New York. Thats why the Rural Housing Coalition is calling for the creation of a statewide Housing Task Force. We need to bring stakeholders to the table to develop solutions to the housing crisis that will meet the needs of all New Yorkers, Borges said. The Coalition is also calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to increase funding for housing programs in the 2024 Executive Budget, especially in underserved rural communities. This survey shows that New Yorkers think the state needs to do more to address the housing crisis. We hope that this year, the Executive Budget will increase not cut funding for housing programs and support a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of all New Yorkers, the Coalition said in a press release. Organizations like the not-for-profit Adirondack Community Housing Trust (ACHT) were created to keep a selection of Adirondack Park homes affordable for families who are being priced out of the local housing market. For qualified home buyers, ACHT will finance a portion of the mortgage to purchase an affordable house in exchange for title to the land, the ACHT website states. According to the ACHT, resale limitations on the property require that future sales of these homes be controlled by ACHT so that they will be passed on to other income-qualified families at affordable prices. An initiative by former New York State Sen. Betty Little enabled $1 million to be used by an Adirondack Community Housing Trust to reduce the cost of home purchases for families making up to 120% of the area median income, a number set by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Little had been at the forefront of the community housing fight while she was serving as a senator in Albany, according to a state website on housing from that time. Back in 2011, Little supported legislation that would encourage affordable housing projects in the Adirondack Park. The legislation allowed up to four dwelling units to be located on one parcel within a moderate intensity use or low intensity use zone. This legislation provides communities greater flexibility to deal with the very pressing issue of affordable housing, Little said at the time. By allowing for some clustering of modest homes on one parcel, it limits sprawl and will keep the price of new homes at a level more people can afford. From a press release: The Capital District Transportation Authority will hold a public meeting on Monday, Dec. 11, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen St., to talk with the community about the upcoming merger of Greater Glens Falls Transit into CDTA. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, CDTA and GGFT will become one transit system. The Warren County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in May to join CDTA. In September, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation into law that allows Warren County to enter CDTAs transportation network. Warren County is the sixth county to join the Authority. The merger into CDTA will give customers in Warren County increased accessibility to transportation throughout the Capital Region. To learn more: www.cdta.org. EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP The attorney for a charter school business administrator indicted in March for his role in awarding contracts to the schools founder is asking a judge to dismiss the indictment, alleging misconduct by state Deputy Attorney General John Nicodemo. It is irrefutable that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) intentionally misled the Grand Jury as to both the applicable law and the facts, resulting in a manifest injustice against Michael Falkowski, attorney William Hughes Jr. wrote in a Dec. 6 filing in Atlantic County Criminal Court. Hughes declined to comment Thursday. Any allegation of misconduct on the part of an employee of the Department of Law and Public Safety is thoroughly reviewed, a spokesperson for the Attorney Generals Office said Thursday night in a texted response to questions. Falkowski is the co-owner of School Business Office LLC, which served as a remote business administrator for Principle Academy Charter School in Egg Harbor Township. He also acted as secretary of the charter school board for a time. In March, the founder and former board president of Principle Academy, Peter Caporilli, of Absecon, and Falkowski, 48, of Point Pleasant, were indicted for allegedly structuring $115,000 in contracts to go to Caporillis outdoor furniture-making company, Modern Boat Works. The company, also operating as Tidewater Workshop, was also named as a defendant. Prosecutors said Caporilli and Falkowski broke up the project into smaller contracts, valued at $40,000 and $75,000, to evade public bidding requirements and prevent competing contractors from bidding on the first phase of the job. Modern Boat Works of Pleasantville never fulfilled the terms of the deal, according to Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. Five second-degree counts were filed against all three defendants conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking, official misconduct, false representation for a government contract and misapplication of entrusted property. Each carries a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a $150,000 fine. Additional charges were made against Caporilli. State law does not bar board members companies from doing business with charter schools, according to the Hughes filing, but requires those board members to recuse themselves from votes on the contracts. It also requires that the payment for services be no higher than would be made to any other provider. In this case, Caporilli did recuse himself, Hughes wrote, but the grand jury was not told why, nor about the clause allowing such contracts. Nicodemo also presented false testimony, Hughes alleged, and hid from the grand jury other evidence in Falkowskis favor. Prior to any bid being awarded, Hughes wrote, Falkowski personally contacted Thomas Martin of the State of New Jersey Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance to confirm ... that the bid process followed by Principle Academy Charter School was in compliance with applicable law. But Nicodemo kept that information from the grand jury, according to Hughes. New Jersey DOE denies Principle Academy Charter School expansion application EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP Principle Academy Charter School cannot expand to include seventh- and Its not the first time Nicodemo has faced charges of mishandling a case. A state appellate court in May 2022 ruled that Nicodemo withheld crucial evidence in a 2019 trial of a Lakewood rabbi convicted of money laundering. Nicodemo joined the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office in 2013 as a prosecutor in the Division of Criminal Justice/Financial and Computer Crimes Bureau. As a financial fraud prosecutor, he has been a member of the attorney generals Superstorm Sandy Fraud Task Force since its inception, according to the state. Police from Atlantic City and Egg Harbor Township are among seven local agencies that used public funds to attend an unregulated training program held in Atlantic City that promoted unconstitutional law enforcement tactics and bias, according to a state oversight report. The Office of the State Comptroller said Wednesday that an investigation into the 2021 Street Cop Training Conference found that about 240 New Jersey officers attended the event using taxpayer funds. The event attracted about 990 officers from across the country, the report said. New Jersey entities collectively spent more than $75,000 on attendance. The Brigantine, Hamilton Township, Pleasantville, Millville and Vineland police departments also had officers attend the event, the report said. Seventy-seven New Jersey municipal agencies, as well as the State Police and State Park Police, also attended. Kevin D. Walsh, New Jerseys acting comptroller, called the multiday conference a pep rally for bad policing that taxpayers paid for. The comptroller said the funding was used for direct payment or reimbursement for expenditures such as lodging and paid time off. The event included seminars where speakers glorified violence through militarism and more than 100 discriminatory remarks, including vulgar comments about women and minorities, the report said. Instructors talked about their genitalia, according to the report. One trainer spoke of going on vacation surrounded by girls that are not as wealthy and they need to do things to make money. Another advised women in attendance to flirt with their partners because if they dont, God knows there are some whores who will. In another video, a trainer onstage discussed pulling over a 75-year-old Black man and showed a photograph of an ape. A speaker who was not a law enforcement official advocated for leveraging pain as a weapon during police work and celebrated savagery and drinking out of the skulls of our enemies, according to the report. In still another video, a trainer talked about stopping drivers without cause and asking questions simply to develop a baseline. He went on to say: Then when you ask somebody a question and he answers it just weird youll be so much better at picking up on it. That flouts clearly established law, the comptrollers office said, because officers cannot stop someone on a hunch. They also cannot stop motorists when the sole reason is just to ask questions, it said. Street Cop Training, which is based in East Windsor, Mercer County, was founded by Dennis Benigno, a retired New Jersey police officer who began his law enforcement career in 2001, according to the companys website. Street Cop, which said it is the largest and most praised police training organization in the U.S., defended itself in light of the report, saying its attendees praise it as one of the best trainings they have received. Before the investigation, the company said it was striving to impose stronger standards on language used during its training events. Street Cop has saved the lives of uncounted police officers and citizens and has prevented untold numbers of illegal drug distribution and human trafficking, Benigno said in a statement. It is evident, however, that some in New Jersey do not want what Street Cop has to offer. As law enforcement professionals, we are saddened when any state in desperate need of training resources for its professionals actively declines that assistance. Galloway Township family suing school bus company over teen's 2022 death The parents of a Galloway Township teenager who died after a medical emergency on his way to school last year are suing the bus company that transported him. The 2021 event, held in early October at Harrahs Resort Atlantic City, was the companys inaugural conference. It included an array of speakers, including former Fox News host Tomi Lahren. At one point in a presentation, Benigno adopted a warrior/enemy mentality, telling the audience why some police are treating this job like it wont take your (explicit) life in a second. He also encouraged police to treat every motor vehicle stop as if you are going to die and you might just live. The company can teach what it wants, Walsh said Wednesday. Its a free-for-all. That has to change. Egg Harbor Township police Chief Frederick Spano said he received the report Wednesday. After reviewing it, he said the department wont send its officers to events put on by the company, adding he plans to open an internal investigation into the departments attendance. I am appalled that we sent personnel to this training, although Im sure if we had known about the information contained in this report prior to, we would not have sent anyone, Spano said. Brigantine Mayor Vince Sera said Wednesday he was moving to prevent the citys police from attending future events by the company. This is the first Im seeing this report, and Im deeply disturbed by the unconstitutional and discriminatory practices that were promoted at this training event, Sera said. Im certain that if the city had any prior knowledge of the deficiencies in the police training that was provided, the chief would not have sent any officer to attend. Street Cop has received at least $320,000 from a mix of state agencies for other police trainings conducted between 2019 and 2022, according to records obtained by the comptroller. Further investigation showed this number to be drastically underreported, according to the report. Police continue probe into crash involving Oakcrest student Hamilton Township police are still investigating after an Oakcrest High School student was hit by a car while exiting an after-school bus Monday. Benigno has sued to stop the state watchdogs investigation into the company. Walsh on Wednesday declined to comment on where the litigation stands, saying only that several legal attempts to block his probe have gone in the comptrollers favor. The report comes while New Jersey has sought to establish stronger police accountability. The Attorney Generals Office has, within the past few years, updated its guidelines regarding use-of-force practices and procedures. The office said Wednesday it is reviewing the comptrollers report. The conference in question, which took place before my tenure began, included instruction and comments that are deeply troubling, potentially unconstitutional, and certainly unacceptable, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. The reports findings are disturbing and not consistent with the states commitment to fair, just, and safe policing. I have formally referred the report to the Division on Civil Rights to take any and all appropriate steps. The Associated Press contributed to this report. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account. In a significant development, the bail application of senior scientist Dr Pradeep Kurulkar has been rejected by Additional Sessions Judge V R Kachare on Thursday. Dr Kurulkar is facing charges of allegedly sharing sensitive information regarding various security-related projects in the country with a spy associated with the Pakistani intelligence system. The bail plea was filed by Dr Kurulkar's defence attorney, Adv. Rishikesh Ganu, who argued that since the police had already seized the mobile phones and technology crucial to the case, there was minimal risk of evidence tampering. However, the prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Advocate Vijay Fargade, opposed the bail on the grounds that Dr Kurulkar had reportedly deleted some data from his mobile phone. Moreover, one seized mobile phone was sent to Gujarat for forensic examination, and the final report on the investigation is still pending. The charges against Dr Kurulkar include sharing classified information with Zara Dasgupta, identified as a spy from the Pakistani intelligence agency. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has presented WhatsApp chats as evidence, revealing Kurulkar's willingness to disclose highly confidential information related to DRDO-developed projects, including Agni 6, Missile Launcher, MBDA, Brahmos, Rustum, Surface to Air Missile (SAM), and Indian Nikunj Parashar. During the hearing, the court took note of the arguments from both sides and observed that prima facie evidence indicated the seriousness of the alleged crime. The court acknowledged that some data from Dr. Kurulkar's mobile phone is yet to be captured. Citing the Supreme Court's judgement, the court stated that it would not be appropriate to grant bail when there is eye-witness evidence against the accused. Consequently, Dr. Kurulkar's bail application was rejected. In response to the court's decision, the defence lawyer expressed intentions to obtain a copy of the bail order and the reasons behind it. Subsequently, they plan to file a bail application in the High Court. The case has raised concerns about the potential compromise of national security, and further investigations are underway to delve into the extent of the information shared and its potential impact on the country's defence projects. A bipartisan coalition of Iowa and Illinois members of Congress penned a letter urging the U.S. Department of Labor to address challenges they say federal employees face in seeking medical care for work-related injuries. The Rock Island Arsenal is the second largest employer in the Quad-Cities, behind only John Deere. About 6,300 people work for the arsenal, according to the Quad Cities Chamber. According to the letter, the closest orthopedic provider that will accept federal workers' compensation cases is 60 miles away at the University of Iowa. The letter, dated Dec. 5, was signed by Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa; Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; and Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill. The Office of Workers' Compensation Program provider search lists just one orthopedic provider in the Quad-Cities, but in September 2021, the office quit seeing Department of Labor patients because of problems with the website, bills going unpaid, and difficulties receiving authorizations, the letter said. "There are many orthopedic providers in the Quad Cities who have the resources and skills to treat patients," the letter states. "However, some providers have stated the OWCP process is too cumbersome and they lose money by participating. When providers withdraw from OWCP participation, workers in the Quad Cities suffer." According to the letter, on Sept. 12, a civilian federal employee of the Rock Island Arsenal was inured in a car accident while driving to a doctor's appointment in Chicago for a work-related injury. "If this worker had been able to see a doctor in the Quad Cities, there would be no need for him to drive 150 miles away to see a doctor. People are risking their lives and livelihoods when medical care should be accessible in their own communities," the letter states. The letter included 11 questions for the Department of Labor acting secretary about the Office of Workers' Compensation Program. Iowa American Water has bought the city of Donahue's water and wastewater systems for $1.75 million, the company announced this week. The purchase will add 140 water and 118 wastewater customers to the company's Quad-Cities service area, according to the company. The Iowa Utilities Board approved the acquisition in July. Iowa American Water has already operated the Donahue water system for about three years. "The sale of the water and wastewater systems to Iowa American Water provides Donahue residents with industry experts focused on upgrading the water and wastewater systems as needed," Donahue Mayor Ken Schoenhaler said in a news release from Iowa American Water. "Donahue will benefit from capital investments which will allow the community an opportunity for economic development and growth." The utility company said it plans to continue investing in the city's water and wastewater systems "to address infrastructure issues as well as upgrade safety and security systems." Iowa American Water is excited to expand our services and directly serve our new customers in Donahue, said Randy Moore, president of Iowa American Water. Since 2020, we have had the privilege of partnering with Donahue to operate and maintain the citys water treatment plant to provide clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to the community. We appreciate the Citys trust and confidence in our team of water and wastewater professionals. The Quad-Cities is among 12 rail corridors in Illinois that received thousands of dollars in federal funding for planning. United States Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced Thursday, Dec. 7, that the rail corridors were each awarded $500,000. The funds are for expansions and renovations through the new Corridor Identification and Development Program, which was created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Durbin said rail corridors are vital lifelines that connect residents with "unparalleled convenience." "This funding will put us on a path toward a better-connected Illinois, fostering economic growth, enhancing accessibility, and ensuring a brighter, more interconnected future for all Illinoisans," Durbin said. Corridors that will receive funding are: Chicago to Quad Cities Service Extension Program Peoria to Chicago Passenger Rail Service Chicago to Carbondale Corridor Chicago to St. Louis Corridor Hannibal Extension of Existing Chicago-Quincy Corridor North Coast Hiawatha Chicago to Grand Rapids Corridor Wolverine Corridor Daily Cardinal Service Milwaukee to Chicago Hiawatha Service Expansion Indianapolis - Chicago Corridor Chicago to Port Huron Corridor The goal of the CID program is to develop comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development program and create a pipeline of passenger projects ready for implementation. "Connecting Illinoisans by rail allows families to commute to work, visit loved ones and explore our great state with more ease and reliability," Duckworth said. The fight for passenger rail in Q-C The Illinois Quad-Cities has been waiting more than a decade for passenger rail from the Quad-Cities to Chicago. About $177 million in federal funding was awarded to the project in 2010, but it was delayed during Illinois' budget crisis when then-Gov. Bruce Rauner froze new projects. In 2019, it was revived when the state allocated $225 million in addition to the federal funds. A higher classification of rail is required to permit the transportation of people, rather than livestock and freight, which currently is permitted. In February 2022, Illinois Democratic Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, wrote to IDOT and Iowa Interstate Railroad, warning that federal funding could be lost if an agreement wasn't reached. Local elected officials earlier this year held a news conference, putting pressure on negotiating parties. Overall, about $400 million in state and federal funding is committed to the downtown project, but it is contingent upon cooperation with Iowa Interstate Railroad, or IAIS. The rail company keeps "moving the goal post" in negotiations with the state, the mayor said, adding, "It always comes down to money." Close Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring "The Q" Quad-Cities future multi-modal passenger rail station and hotel. Moline city leaders and area dignitaries tour the "The Q", Quad-Cities future multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Element Hotel. Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) Touring the future Quad-Cities multi-modal passenger rail station and Westin Hotel under construction. (Gary Krambeck / gkrambeck@qconline.com) A Scott County sex offender has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for having indecent contact with two children by trying to lure them into his room at the Relax Inn in Davenport. Gregory Mark Hintze, 67, pleaded guilty to two counts of child endangerment-registered sex offender and one count of lascivious acts with a child-solicitation during a hearing Oct. 3 in Scott County District Court. Each of the charges is a Class D felony under Iowa law that carry a prison sentence of five years. During a hearing Dec. 1, Scott County District Court Judge Meghan Corbin sentenced Hintze to five years in prison on each count of child endangerment to be run consecutively, or back-to-back, and a term of five years in prison on the lascivious acts charge to run concurrently to the other sentence, or at the same time. Using Iowas Special Sentence statute, Corbin committed Hintze to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections for a period of 10 years on each count, meaning that he will be on parole for 10 years on each count and can be sent back to prison if he violates the conditions of parole. A first parole violation under the statute calls for a prison sentence of two years, while a second calls for a prison sentence of five years. The case against Hintze began in May. According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Detective Richard Niesen, at 3 p.m. on May 30, Hintze had contact with two children under the age of 13 at the Relax Inn. Hintze asked the children several times to come to his room. He told the children that he would give them food if they came into his room. Hintze then asked the children if they would have sex with him, which they refused. He then asked them for hugs which they agreed to. However, when the older of the children gave him a hug, Hintze put his hand down the victims shirt. When Hintze asked the children for kisses they refused and left. A little while later, one of the children went back to ask Hintze for more food. Hintze agreed to give the child more food and, according to the affidavit, told the victim, Its too bad for you. Id like to get you. While getting food from his room, Hintze asked to touch the child, which the child refused. As of Friday, Hintze was being held in the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records. In 1990 and 1991, Hintze, who then was of Long Grove, Iowa, was convicted in three separate cases of second-degree sexual abuse. Hintze was found guilty in three trials of sexually abusing a 7-year-old girl, a 10-year-old girl and an 11-year-old girl. Hintze was sentenced to three consecutive prison terms of 25 years each. According to Iowa Department of Corrections electronic records, he was released from prison on July 19, 2013. In 2017, Hintze was charged with two counts of first-degree harassment and one count of extortion. He had demanded money from a woman he had photographed and told her he would spread the photos around if she didnt pay him money. Hintze pleaded guilty extortion, a Class D felony, and was sentence to five years in the Iowa Department of Corrections. The harassment charges were dropped. Hintze was released from prison on Nov. 21, 2022. Microsoft President Brad Smith and China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met on Wednesday, December 6, to talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and trade ties between the United States and China, according to a notice from the Chinese government via a CNBC report. As China seeks to revitalize its economy, the meeting highlights its efforts to demonstrate that it is still welcoming to American firms despite ongoing tensions with the US. Expected AI Collaboration Smith and Wang's encounter is significant because it follows a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, which many have seen as an attempt by the two countries to work together in potentially beneficial areas. Also, it was a message that they wanted to make things easier for international companies to do business. A statement from the country's commerce ministry said that Wang, during the meeting, expressed China's commitment to improving services for foreign companies. According to the readout, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce is hoping that Microsoft would have a "constructive role" in the ongoing AI cooperation between the two nations. This year, Microsoft allegedly invested multimillion dollars in OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, further solidifying Microsoft's position as a frontrunner in the AI space. Chinese technology behemoths like Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba have also started releasing competing goods and AI models. Continuing to promote economic and commercial cooperation between the US and China, Smith said that Microsoft is eager to take part in the digital revolution of the Chinese economy, as reported by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. See Also: China Launches World's Fastest Internet Efforts Amid Tech War The US and China have been at odds over technology in recent years. US export restrictions have lately hit Nvidia processors, which are used to train AI models, as part of Washington's effort to limit Beijing's access to critical technology like semiconductors. An official White House statement indicates that Biden and Xi discussed the importance of addressing the hazards associated with advanced AI systems and improving AI safety via US-China government negotiations during their meeting. A meeting between Smith and Wang seems to have been a reflection of that. As tensions between Washington and Beijing have grown, meetings between the Chinese government and American IT companies have been less common in recent years. China also blocks services from companies like Google parent Alphabet and Facebook owner Meta, meaning that very few American tech firms operate in China. China is the third-largest market for Apple, and CEO Tim Cook traveled there this year. Also, Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently visited China, the site of one of the electric carmaker's largest plants. This has occurred at about the same time as Beijing's efforts to attract international enterprises and the easing of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. See Also: China Offers Help to US in Dealing With Its Massive Fentanyl Crisis @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. South Dakota's Division of Criminal Investigation is conducting new searches and interviewing new witnesses in the disappearance of a Woonsocket woman 10 years ago. Rachel Cyriacks, 30, was last seen in the Huron area on Nov. 13, 2013. Previous releases from the South Dakota Attorney General's Office said Cyriacks was driving her husband, Brad, around in her silver Chevrolet pickup, which was found severely damaged near Huron in early 2014. Law enforcement stated they believed Brad was the last person to see Cyriacks. He has never been charged in relation to her disappearance. In the past several weeks, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and other law enforcement agencies have received new tips and information from the public about Rachel," South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said in a statement Friday. "DCI agents are interviewing additional witnesses for the first time who may have information about Rachels disappearance, as well as doing follow-up interviews with potential witnesses who had been interviewed in the past." Items recovered during a search last week near Huron are being analyzed, Jackley said, and law enforcement officers are conducting additional searches. Anyone with information about Cyriacks' whereabouts are asked to call the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation at 605-773-3331 or local law enforcement. Information will remain confidential. "It is time to bring Rachel home, Jackley said. As a creative writing professor emeritus at the University of Montana in Missoula, Debra Magpie Earling has helped plenty of stories along. For three decades, she held space for students working toward their writing dreams, even at the expense of her own. Earlings first novel, Perma Red, was published in 2002, but went out of print after publisher BlueHen Books went under. It would take 20 years for the novel to be re-released by Milkweed Editions in 2022, shortly after Earling left her job at the university. In May of this year, her long-anticipated second novel, The Lost Journals of Sacajewea, made its debut. When I was at the university, I didnt realize how hard I was working, Earling said in a recent interview with Montana Free Press. I knew I was exhausted. And I knew that whenever I took on student stories, I let go of my own stories to get into somebody elses head. It takes up the same creative space to try to figure out how to help somebody. Earling, who is Bitterroot Salish, began teaching at UM in 1991 and held positions in both the Native American Studies and Creative Writing departments. In 2016, she became the first Native American director of the creative writing program in its then-96-year history. In 2021, she decided to move on. I dont think I retired. But I feel like I just one day said, I quit. Im not going to do this anymore, Earling said. Teaching for me was brutal It became a job. And I was afraid. Can you support yourself? Will it matter? What can you do with your life? Leaving the university was an awakening, Earling said. When I quit school, I had this time, and it felt like this enormous pressure just lifted from me. I was able to write again and see more clear-eyed than I ever had. And I didnt have anybody elses stories haunting me or pressing me, and it was so wonderful. I thought, Wow. Writing is easy. And I wrote gleefully. In just seven months, she completed The Lost Journals of Sacajewea, a searing and hauntingly poetic work of fiction about one of the most famous and misrepresented Native women in history. It had been on my mind that I was never able to complete it, Earling said. I had all these bits and pieces of it. Earling started the project as a response to artwork at the Missoula Art Museum during the 2003-2006 bicentennial of the famed Corps of Discovery expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Sacajewea accompanied the explorers, helping guide them to the headwaters of the Missouri River. The Lost Journals of Sacajewea is written from the point of view of the Lemhi Shoshone woman known as Sacajewea though the name, historically, has been spelled several different ways, MTFP is using the spelling presented in Earlings novel as voiced in journals that Earling imagines she might have kept. There is sparse and conflicting documentation of the life of Sacajewea, who has been cast by historical accounts as a willing participant in the travels of Lewis and Clark. There are no photographs of Sacajewea, no drawings, and only brief mentions of her in the logbooks kept by Lewis and Clark during their travels between May 1804 and September 1806. Her name and its spelling are contested, and her tribal identity is claimed by several Indigenous nations. Even her age at the time of her capture by an enemy tribe, the date and place of her death and her role in the expedition are uncertain. Earling rewrites the narrative of Sacajewea, positing her not as a willing participant in the Corps of Discovery, but as a young girl who was kidnapped at age 9 and sold into slavery. An enslaved young girl traveling with a military expedition spoils the long held notion that the expedition was wholesome, Earling writes in the novels introduction. And yet, two hundred years after the Lewis and Clark Expedition the historical Sacajewea codifies an account that does not sully the discovery narrative. She does not speak. She does not fight back in visible ways. She participates. Or does she? As a Lemhi Shoshone, it is likely Sacajewea lived with her tribe in the upper Salmon River basin in present-day Idaho, according to the National Park Service. Historical accounts note that she was abducted at an unknown but young age by the Hidatsa during a deadly raid on her village in 1800. She was taken to Mandan and Hidatsa villages near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota, and sold to Toussaint Charbonneau, a French-Canadian fur trader living at the villages. He took her for a wife and they had a son shortly after. Historical accounts note that Charbonneau was hired as a guide for the expedition primarily because Sacajewea had knowledge of the territory. She would recognize the land where three rivers became one to form whats now called the Missouri River, near present-day Three Forks, and could ease relationships with Indigenous tribes and guide Lewis and Clark into a landscape unfamiliar to them. Sacajewea and Charbonneau left with Lewis and Clark just months after she gave birth to a son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, whom she carried with them during the entire expedition. Sacajeweas fictive journals describe the brutality she endured and her mental rebellions. There is little flinching in the writing, which depicts the blood and bile and grit of human survival in the face of violence, colonialism and rape. There can be great beauty in some of those really violent stories of people showing their internal power and the ways in which they have dignity in this world, Earling said. The ways in which all of these things can befall them, but they still somehow have been able to maintain their culture and heritage. From the breath and the blood Stories have always been a central part of Earlings life. She is descended from the last recognized chiefs of the Flathead Indians, including her great-grandfather, Paul Charlo, and his paternal grandfather, Chief Charlo, who was head of the Bitterroot Salish until his death in 1910. Earlings family was forcibly removed from their homelands in the Bitterroot Valley and forced to move onto the Flathead Indian Reservation, where her grandmother died at the age of 29, leaving behind four daughters who were brought up with stories of their ancestors. My mother was raised by her great-grandmother, who knew the stories from the breath and blood of her grandmother, Earling said. The oral stories, they were so alive. Earling describes her mother as a terrific storyteller. She would make you feel that you were there, Earling said. She remembered how someone dressed, whether they liked to wear a lot of bracelets, whether they had white teeth or had poor teeth she remembered all these things about people, even the way they smelled. Growing up around storytelling influenced Earling. My mother was very generous with all her stories, she said. It made you come alive to the world in unique ways. I think fiction does that. Fiction makes you feel something, where nonfiction makes you think. So when Sacajeweas story kept pulling at Earling, she decided to take it on through fiction. With fiction, you can get into somebodys bones, she said. You can try to experience the life that they lived, and you can bring your reader into that world. To enter the timeframe of the Lewis and Clark expedition, Earling read their logbooks, looking for references and clues as to Sacajeweas frame of mind during the expedition. I forced myself to sit with the journals and try to see what they were actually saying, Earling said. As a woman, if Im sitting next to them, and theyre saying these things, and theyre cataloging and all of this, and theyre killing these animals and theyre sending them back to the Great White Father, one thing after the next. Theyre renaming and touching and claiming. And I thought about what that would have been like to be a really young girl with a baby, and all of a sudden, the top went pop I realized that her journey wasnt paralleling their journey and their conquest, but her journey was just a matter of survival. Many readers have told Earling the book is a challenge to get through, she said. Its hard to get people to read this book, and I knew that I was asking a lot of people, Earling said. Its really curious about how people want to control a particular narrative and not just allow it to be what it is. Since leaving teaching behind, Earling said, shes found herself filled with stories. All these ideas are rushing in, she said. Theres a road ahead of significant stories and stories that will also fill me with joy. And hopefully the readers as well. Im hoping that the next novel after The Lost Journals will not be that reckoning with history, but something even more challenging but not challenging to the reader. After decades in academia, Earling has finally arrived at a place where her own writing is her primary focus. It just felt like one day youre looking at a wall where theres no light, and the next day youre looking out this window. Youre opening up a door, youre stepping through into another world. Youre hearing these sounds, and the earth is speaking to you and it has a song it wants to sing to you. And thats how writing feels to me. Steve Kiggins, a veteran news editor of nearly three decades, was introduced Wednesday as executive editor of The Missoulian and director of Lee Enterprises statewide network of Montana newsrooms. As part of an expanded leadership role with the Missoulians parent company, Kiggins also was promoted to director of local news on a seven-person news leadership team, a position that additionally has oversight of news operations in eight other states. Im thrilled for the opportunity to partner with our editors, reporters and photographers across Montana to grow journalism in a place that is among our top priorities as a company, Kiggins said. Were going to invest in the reporting that wont happen if we dont do it, celebrate local successes, educate, inform, investigate and stand up for the truth. Kiggins will oversee the editors of Lees newsrooms in Billings, Helena, Butte and Hamilton-Ravalli. He will also work with local newsroom leaders in Twin Falls, Idaho; Napa, California; Elko, Nevada; Albany/Corvallis, Oregon; Longview, Washington; Bismarck, North Dakota; Rapid City, South Dakota; and Casper, Wyoming. Longtime Missoulian journalist Rob Chaney will remain at the Missoulian newsroom and transition from his current role as managing editor to a new position overseeing statewide public service journalism projects. As both a reporter and team leader, Chaney will lead coverage of enterprise stories and investigations affecting Montana and the Rocky Mountain region. The Missoulian and its fellow Lee Montana newspapers have excelled at covering their local communities and readerships, Chaney said. But weve also learned in this huge state that issues in one place have ripples far beyond city limits. Thats why weve set up a state government bureau to ride herd on Montana politics and administration, and added dedicated reporters for Indian Country, natural resources and the states higher education complex. In this new position, I will be reporting stories that affect all Montanans and reveal Montanas links to the wider world. Kiggins will relocate to Missoula from Twin Falls, where he has served as editor of the Times-News since rejoining Lee Enterprises in November 2022. Since June, Kiggins also has supported the Casper Star-Tribune in Wyoming, another Lee newsroom, during its search for an editor. He has won national, regional and state reporting awards over nearly three decades in journalism. Prior to his recent time with Lee Enterprises, Kiggins served as national news editor for USA Today and was executive editor at The Spectrum & Daily News in St. George, Utah. He worked for Lee Enterprises earlier in his career, both in Casper and Corvallis, Oregon. Were excited to have Steves strong and dedicated hand guiding these incredibly important Montana newsrooms, Lee Senior News Director Marc Chase said in introducing Kiggins to the Missoulian newsroom Wednesday. Steve is a fierce proponent of watchdog journalism with a foundational understanding of Montana and its communities. As Times-News editor, Kiggins led a newsroom reorganization to realign reporting positions with local priorities across an eight-county region, revived a local editorial board, oversaw the publication of Spanish-language stories for the first time in the news organizations 100-plus-year history and helped rebuild community connections. Chaney joined the Missoulian as a staff reporter in 1997 covering local government and growth. He has also covered business, law enforcement, arts, health care, the University of Montana and public education, before becoming the science and outdoors beat reporter. In 2020, he received a Nieman Foundation fellowship to spend a year studying science journalism and the news industry at Harvard University. In addition to his time at the Missoulian, Chaney has reported for the Hungry Horse News, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Reuters, MIT Technology Review and other publications. He is the author of an award-winning book, The Grizzly in the Driveway, and is currently working on a second book about the environmental history of Glacier National Park with the University of Washington Press. Local news is vital, Kiggins said. The talent and reporting firepower in our five newsrooms is unrivaled in Montana and puts us in a unique position to reach all corners of this big and beautiful state. Geneva, 8 December 2023: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, is appalled by the large number of journalists killed in two months of war in Gaza, a Palestinian city on the eastern coast of Mediterranean Sea. Since the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 and subsequent counter attacks by Israeli forces, at least 65 media workers (58 Palestinian journalists, 4 Israeli scribes and 3 media persons in Lebanon) have died as a result of the hostilities. "Since the creation of the PEC nearly 20 years ago, never before have so many journalists died in a conflict in such a short time", said Blaise Lempen, president of the Geneva-based organisation, adding, "We salute the courage of the Palestinian journalists who remain on the ground in Gaza to continue reporting despite the high risks involved." Many of them have been killed in their homes with their families, stated Lempen. At least 110 journalists have been killed across the globe since the beginning of the year, said the PEC, adding that the south and southeast Asian region has lost relatively low 12 journalists to assailants till the first week of December. Pakistan and India lost three scribes each, while Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Philippines have lost two media persons each during the period. PECs Asian regional representative Nava Thakuria informs that Pakistan lost Imtiaz Baig, Ghulam Asghar Khand and Jan Mohammed Mahar to assailants till date this year, where as India witnessed the killing of Shashikant Warishe, Abdur Rauf Alamgir and Vimal Kumar Yadav. Ashiqul Islam and Golam Rabbani Nadim lost their lives in Bangladesh, where Husein Naderi and Akmal Nazari were killed in Afghanistan, and Cresenciano Bunduquin and Juan Jumalon in the Philippines. The Gaza war victims include 58 journalists from Palestine too (https://pressemblem.ch/casualties.shtml). Electric vehicles are gaining popularity in Virginia, but sales are unlikely to meet the looming state mandate, based on the current trajectory. EVs accounted for 9% of all new vehicles sold in the state in the first eight months of 2023, according to a new report from the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association. Thats a big increase from the 6% share of the market EVs held in 2022 and the 3% they held in 2021. They have a long way to go. According to a state mandate, all new vehicles sold in Virginia must be fully electric by 2035, a policy set by California that is often derided by Republicans here. We would need to have some significant movement on a more exponential trajectory to hit that number, said Liza Borches, CEO of Carter Myers Automotive, which operates five dealerships in greater Richmond. Barriers to increasing the number of EVs include range anxiety, the high cost and the difficulty of charging at home. But Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, the new chair of the Transportation Subcommittee, said she is committed to meeting the California mandate. Tesla remains the countrys most popular maker of electric vehicles, but its market share is dropping. Elon Musks company held about 60% of the market for new EVs in 2022. By the third quarter of 2023, that number dropped to 50%. Ford, which sells electric versions of the F-150 and Mustang, and Hyundai, maker of the Ioniq, lead the rest of the pack with less than 10% of the market each. Jordan Fooks, general manager at the Sheehy Ford Auto Stores Richmond location, said the F-150 is a popular option for environmentally conscious motorists. Plus, it has features a gas-powered vehicle does not, such as a high-powered battery that can charge household appliances during an outage. Electric vehicles are slightly more popular in Virginia than the national average EVs made up 8% of sales nationwide this year. That number will increase as inventory grows, Borches said. Consumers are three times more likely to consider an electric car after they have ridden in one. But there is plenty holding back consumers, too. In addition to worries about the number of charging stations along the road, electric vehicles remain expensive. The average new car in Virginia sold for $44,000 last year, and EVs were slightly more than the average, Borches said. Plus, charging a car can be difficult for people who live in apartment buildings or who do not have a driveway. Home chargers require professional installation and may not appeal to people who rent their homes. Home chargers are not required, but they are faster than plugging the car into an outlet. The federal Clean Air Act gave states two options for electric vehicle requirements the standards set by the California Air Resources Board or the federal mandate. Virginia chose to follow California, which will ban the sale of new gas-powered, light-duty cars in 2035. The federal standard is less onerous, requiring two-thirds of new cars and a quarter of trucks to be fully electric by 2032. Republicans in Virginia have frequently called for the state to unhitch itself from California. A bill to roll back Virginias standards passed in the House of Delegates this year but was defeated in the Senate on party lines. During a campaign rally in Henrico County two days before the legislative elections, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Virginia should not be beholden to Californias standards. Theres nobody who knows better about what car you want to buy than you, Youngkin said. And we are not going to let California determine what car we buy. He added: If you want to buy an electric vehicle, buy one, thats your decision just dont drive too far. But most importantly, thats your decision, not Californias and not the governments. To encourage purchasing, the federal government has offered rebates of up to $7,500 for buying an EV. But many consumers found the rebates confusing. The vehicle and its battery pack have to be produced in the U.S., the car has to cost less than $55,000, and the buyers income must be below a certain threshold. In Virginia, the General Assembly approved an additional rebate of up to $4,500, but legislators ultimately opted not to fund it and left it out of the updated budget that Youngkin signed in the summer. Boysko, the Virginia senator, said in an interview that she remains committed to reaching the California standards, noting the need for lowering carbon emissions. She said she is open to tax credits for buyers and incentivizing businesses to install charging stations across the state to ease range anxiety. Just because its something new, that doesnt mean it has to be scary, she said. It can actually be an opportunity for economic investment. The top luxury car brands of 2023 2023's luxury car lineup Aston Martin Audi Bentley BMW Cadillac Genesis Jaguar Land Rover Lexus Lincoln Mercedes-Benz Porsche Honorable mentions Hanover County authorities on Friday announced they had arrested two suspects in the shooting of a horse. Officers responded on Oct. 18 to the 11200 block of Cauthorne Road in Glen Allen, police said. At the scene, they found a 19-year-old American Paint horse named Jake that had been shot between the jaw and eye. Jake was taken to the Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Charlottesville, where he underwent multiple surgeries to repair and reconstruct his sinus cavity and dental structures, police said. The horse is still receiving treatment at the clinic. A representative at the clinic declined to comment on his condition, citing medical privacy. Police: Man wounded after he and officer exchange fire in Richmond Richmond police on Thursday announced they were investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night in the Southside neighborhood. Hanover investigators and Chesterfield County police on Tuesday arrested Jacob Brady, 20, of Richmond, and Robert Kelley Jr., 18, of North Chesterfield, in two separate operations, police said. Brady and Kelley both have been charged with animal cruelty, maiming of livestock, destruction of property and maliciously shooting into an occupied building among other charges, court records show. They are being held at the Pamunkey Regional Jail. Police said the investigation into the suspects also led investigators to solve multiple mailbox shootings on Greenwood Road in Hanover. Brady and Kelley are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 2, according to court records. Looking back: Horse racing in The Times-Dispatch photo archives Horse racing Varina Races First Landing Master Boing Symphonic Markham Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham has resigned from the citys Democratic Party committee after he came under fire by the party for appearing on the campaign materials of a Republican state House of Delegates candidate. A mailer sent to voters last month showed Parham standing next to Del. Kim Taylor, R-Dinwiddie, and a quote endorsing Taylors campaign against Democrat Kimberly Pope Adams. Petersburg Democratic Committee Chair Janell Sinclair told the Richmond Times-Dispatch that Parhams appearance on that mailer is a violation of committee bylaws. You cannot formally endorse, support or work with a campaign against any candidate that appears on the ballot against a nominated Democrat, Sinclair said. The Democratic Party of Virginia has similar language barring members from helping Republicans who run directly against Democrats. Parhams endorsement said Taylor was instrumental in securing funds for various projects around the city, like the removal of the derelict and long-vacant Ramada Inn and the improvement of aging water infrastructure. The quote also praised her as someone willing to work across the aisle. The mailer in the narrow race went out to voters homes in early November. Taylor and Pope Adams are still separated by just 78 votes, and Pope Adams has filed for a recount. Petersburg is an overwhelmingly Democratic city, where no major Democrat has received less than 84% of the vote over the past decade, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Parhams resignation from the local committee was officially accepted on Nov. 27, Sinclair said. The mayors relationship with Taylor drew criticism from local Democrats in 2021 when he was photographed at an official campaign event for her in Old Towne Petersburg during the run-up to her victory in the 63rd House District over then-Del. Lashrecse Aird, D-Petersburg. Parham publicly sparred with Aird during the first year of the pandemic, when Aird urged then-Gov. Ralph Northam to require the city to return water service to people with delinquent accounts. The mayor said his resignation is ultimately freeing for him politically. You just get tired of having to explain yourself every time theres a picture with someone, he said. Just because Im taking a picture next to a giraffe, does that make me a giraffe? Parham has been the citys point person in working with Gov. Glenn Younkin on his Partnership for Petersburg initiative, focusing on state connections and resources to help the city. Some of its goals include attracting a new grocery store something that has been difficult for the city to capture and support for schools, public safety, transportation and community groups. Petersburg had financial troubles in 2016 when the city discovered it had an $8 million deficit and the citys operations were briefly taken over by Washington-based Robert Bobb Group. The city has since stabilized, but it continues facing problems associated with poverty, such as poor health outcomes, low household incomes, blighted housing and poor school performances compared to the state average. I just cant solve the problems of Petersburg being tied to one party, Parham said. This city has suffered for so long and I am grateful for all the help I can get whether its from Democrats, whether its from Republicans, I am receptive to everybody. Sinclair reiterated that bipartisan support is an important piece of any local politicians toolkit. I wouldnt say the mayor should not work with the governor to ensure that Petersburg doesnt fall through the cracks, so that we can get some type of funding or facetime to get the things we need brought to light, Sinclair said. However, our rules are our rules. You cannot publicly endorse a candidate that is opposing a Democratic nominee. Sinclair said Parhams resignation will affect his ability to run under the Democratic banner until about December 2027. While City Council members in Petersburg run without a party, there has been speculation that Parham may run for state office. Sinclair said the committees bylaws bar Parham from rejoining the party for two years after his resignation. The party committee then requires that a membership is maintained for one fiscal year before signing off on any candidate paperwork, she said. Parham has served as the citys mayor since the council voted him into the position in 2017. He was elected as a council member in 2014. Parham says he has no plans to leave Petersburg after winning another four-year term in 2022. I am totally laser-focused on Petersburg for this entire term. I have no plans of doing anything else right now even though some people would like me to, but right now Ive got so much momentum going on in Petersburg, Parham said. Were finally able to make some strides now and get some things done here. Close In June 1986, Historic Richmond Foundation leader John G. Zehmer Jr. (center left) reviewed roof plans with architect Kenneth MacIlroy at Monumental Church on East Broad Street in Richmond. The historic church, built as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theatre fire, was getting a new copper roof as a step toward preserving the building. 05-06-1965: New sign proclaims formerly Episcopal Monumental Church as Ecumenical Inter-Denominational Church in 1812. 06-20-1962: Workmen measure Monumental Church with mammoth 'yardstick' Richmond's old Monumental Episcopal Church is hving its measurements taken. The measurements are needed to draw up plans for the proposed restoration of the 150-year-old church. 06-09-1963: The Rev. A. Ronald Merrix examines bricks found beneath stucco exterior. Fine brickwork was discovered during restoration of 150-year-old church. 04-25-1964: Monumental Church, on site of 1811 fire, is observing its sesquicentennial. 04-17-1960: Monumental Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond is preparing for its 150th anniversary. From the Archives: Monumental Church Monumental Church on East Broad Street was built in 1814 as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theater fire. This fire killed 72 people including Virginias governor. That night, nearly 600 people had filled the theater for a post-Christmas day performance which was a local highlight of the holiday season. However, disaster struck when a chandelier was raised into the rafters before it was completely extinguished and in mere minutes, the building was consumed by flames. The building was designed by Robert Mills, Americas first native-born architect and the only architectural pupil of Thomas Jefferson, according to the Historic Richmond Foundation which owns the building today. Mills won a competition to construct the memorial in 1812. The 70-foot octagonal auditorium was accentuated with Roman, Greek and Egyptian motifs and funerary imagery. The Richmond church is considered the most elaborate example of the four domed churches that Mills designed during his career. Nationally, it is considered one of the earliest and best examples of Greek Revival. Monumental Church was deeded to the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. In 1971 it was designated a National Historic Landmark and Historic Richmond received the building in 1983 and continues to maintain it today. In June 1986, Historic Richmond Foundation leader John G. Zehmer Jr. (center left) reviewed roof plans with architect Kenneth MacIlroy at Monumental Church on East Broad Street in Richmond. The historic church, built as a memorial to those killed in the 1811 Richmond Theatre fire, was getting a new copper roof as a step toward preserving the building. 05-06-1965: New sign proclaims formerly Episcopal Monumental Church as Ecumenical Inter-Denominational Church in 1812. 06-20-1962: Workmen measure Monumental Church with mammoth 'yardstick' Richmond's old Monumental Episcopal Church is hving its measurements taken. The measurements are needed to draw up plans for the proposed restoration of the 150-year-old church. 06-09-1963: The Rev. A. Ronald Merrix examines bricks found beneath stucco exterior. Fine brickwork was discovered during restoration of 150-year-old church. 04-25-1964: Monumental Church, on site of 1811 fire, is observing its sesquicentennial. 04-17-1960: Monumental Episcopal Church in downtown Richmond is preparing for its 150th anniversary. Four years ago, a modest, low-profile member of the House of Delegates quietly launched a new idea about how local communities can finance local priorities. So far, its only been allowed for a handful of places but the 2024 General Assembly will consider letting every locality in the state do what Del. James Edmunds, R-Halifax, pushed through a skeptical General Assembly in 2019: giving the people of his home county the power to impose an extra tax on themselves to fix or replace an aging high school with cracks in the walls and a host of other problems. State Sen. Jeremy McPike, D-Prince William, has filed a bill that would let every county and city hold a referendum to let voters decide if they want a 1 percentage point surcharge on sales taxes to finance school construction and renovations. Were billions of dollars behind, he said. This just gives localities another tool in the tool box. That was, in fact, Edmunds original idea, but he had to whittle it down for just Halifax County in order to overcome legislators objections to it as a tax increase and a shift in power away from a legislature that exerts an unusual amount of control over local government. Boost to Halifax Its absolutely been a success, said Scott Simpson, county administrator in Halifax, where a new high school is under construction and set to open in the fall of 2025. We couldnt have done it otherwise, he said. The county is using what started in fiscal year 2021 as a 10-month collection of $3.2 million, that by last year rose to $3.7 million, as the cash flow to pay for a $105 million bond, to build the school. Covering the annual payments on that debt, amounting to $5.9 million, would have required a 10-cent jump in the countys 50 cents per $100 of assessed value on real estate, Simpson reckons. A 20% jump in the property tax rate, at a time when real estate prices are rising, is a tough sell politically. But after a series of forums and town halls around the county of 33,000, where median household income is 43% below the state average, voters decided 70% to 30% that paying an extra penny on things they bought basically boosting the tax on a $10 purchase from 53 cents to 63 cents was fairer and more affordable. They debated over whether any tax increase was justified, over whether money should go for renovating the high school or building a new one some felt a new one wasnt needed and whether the wording of the referendum allowed, or ruled out, funds for other important school needs. We did some left pocket, right pocket talk, Simpson said. If you take some money from the left pocket to pay for this instead of the right pocket, that means theres more in the right pocket for other schools. With a Walmart in South Boston, and the nearest alternative an hours drive away, along with other stores, hotels and restaurants drawing people from outside the county to spend money, the surcharge would broaden the financial base for doing the badly needed work on the school, voters at the forums agreed. And now, theres a new high school under construction. Weve seen how this has been an absolute game changer in communities like Halifax County, which broke ground this year on its new high school, mainly due to the financing authority approved by their voters through referendum, said Dean A. Lynch, executive director of the Virginia Association of Counties. This is a big deal, and priority legislation, he said. No child in Virginia should have to go to a school with a leaky roof, an insufficient HVAC system, or one that was built prior to World War I. School construction needs The Commission on School Construction and Modernization has estimated that the work needed to replace or modernize Virginia school buildings that are 50 years old or older exceeds $25 billion. In 2022, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that according to the commission, more than 40% of Richmonds school buildings had not had a major renovation in at least 50 years. In the current two-year state budget, the legislature has appropriated $1.25 billion to help with this statewide problem Halifax, for instance, received a $20 million grant, because its $105 million bond and millions of dollars more it scraped up from its general fund fell short of the winning contractors eventual bid of $129 million. Local sales tax isnt enough for the need, said Del. Vivian Watts, D-Fairfax, who will chair the Houses tax-writing Finance Committee in the 2024 session. But this will help. On the other hand, she worries that legislators and governors will think letting local governments levy surcharges means the state can walk away from its obligations to fund education. I dont know if we want to go down the balkanization weve already started to see in transportation, Watts said. She was referring to General Assembly legislation that allows regional bodies in metro Richmond, Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia to levy sales and fuel tax surcharges for road and transit priorities that have slipped down the states own priority lists. Still, letting all localities consider the surcharge approach, if voters approve, could be signaling an important shift in the way the General Assembly thinks about local government powers, she said. She thinks it is past time for a serious look at how Virginia handles financing public services, like education, that the General Assembly says need to be available statewide but that local governments and school boards deliver. It wasnt until her legislation in 2020 that the legislature decided to let all counties charge meals taxes, hotel taxes and cigarette taxes beforehand, only some counties, on a case-by-case basis, were allowed to levy these, although cities had long been able to do so. Since Halifax voted on its surcharge, the General Assembly granted permission authorizing Charlotte, Gloucester, Henry, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Patrick and Pittsylvania counties and the city of Danville to impose such a tax. A blessing for Charlotte County For Charlotte County, this revenue has been a blessing, said County Administrator Dan Witt. The citizens voted, 52% for and 48% against in November 2020, for this self-imposed sales tax, and it is providing funding that would have been otherwise unavailable, he said. Unlike Halifax, Charlotte is using the money to pay for work on a pay-go basis this years revenue, running at about $65,000 a month, is slated for, among other things, $280,000 of improvements to the high schools science classrooms, $60,000 for high school fire alarms, and $70,800 for repairs to the roof over rear classrooms. Some $255,000 goes for new toilets and septic system work at an elementary school. In Henry County, where voters overwhelmingly approved the surcharge in 2020, the levy has already generated a cumulative total of $12 million for work on schools, one of which dates to 1927. To generate an equivalent amount of revenue, the county would have to raise the real estate tax by approximately 17 cents, or 30%, said County Administrator Dale Wagoner. Such an increase would be devastating to most of our residents and businesses. John McGlennon, a government professor at the College of William & Mary who has also served as a James City County supervisor since 1997, said: I think that there is interest in giving localities more power in some areas. He added: At the same time, it remains true that in other areas, the General Assembly often wants to impose more control or limitations on local authority. With a Democratic majority in the House after last months elections, McPikes bill looks as if it will go further than a similar proposal this year from then-state Sen. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, who now represents Virginias 4th District in Congress. McClellans bill made it through the Senate, with the Democratic majority joined by five Republicans, but died on a party-line vote in a House Finance subcommittee when Republicans led the House. I dont think its a purely partisan issue, as a lot of the pressure for sales tax authority has come from rural communities struggling to pay for school renovation and construction, McGlennon said. But, he added: I dont see the House GOP looking to help out. They are more likely to take the approach that if the Dems want to raise taxes, thats an issue to use against them in two years, when all 100 seats in the House are again up for election in 2025. Theres bipartisan support for this idea, McPike said. I think therell be six of eight bills for specific localities to do this, this session. The big question is what tack Gov. Glenn Youngkin would take if the bill reaches his desk, said Joe Flores, fiscal policy director of the Virginia Municipal League. I think he could see it as a tax hike, he said. And in the background is the question of whether the state is willing to ease its grip on what voters empower their local governments to do, as well as how to think about local priorities that may not seem as urgent from a statewide perspective. But in the end, he said: It could be a matter (of) if its good for these few, why not for all? Close The deal includes more than $900 million in tax cuts, almost all of it through one-time payments of $200 to individual taxpayers and $400 to couples filing jointly. It does not include cuts in the corporate and individual tax rates that Gov. Glenn Youngkin had proposed, but it would raise the standard deduction for taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions by half of what the governor had sought and would eliminate the age limit on a new exemption for military retirement income. Youngkin said this week that he can live with a budget agreement that prioritizes one-time rebates over ongoing tax cuts, but expects to seek additional cuts in the two-year budget that he will propose in December. Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach (left) is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. House of Delegates Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, a University of Virginia alumnus, demanded UVa President Jim Ryan repudiate a statement by UVa's Students for Justice in Palestine, which, among other things, described the Hamas attacks as an unprecedented feat for the 21st century." $1 billion in tax cuts: 4 things to know about the state budget deal General Assembly budget leaders have reached an agreement that ends a six-month standoff on revisions to Virginia's two-year budget. The deal includes more than $900 million in tax cuts, almost all of it through one-time payments of $200 to individual taxpayers and $400 to couples filing jointly. It does not include cuts in the corporate and individual tax rates that Gov. Glenn Youngkin had proposed, but it would raise the standard deduction for taxpayers who don't itemize their deductions by half of what the governor had sought and would eliminate the age limit on a new exemption for military retirement income. Youngkin said this week that he can live with a budget agreement that prioritizes one-time rebates over ongoing tax cuts, but expects to seek additional cuts in the two-year budget that he will propose in December. Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach (left) is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. House of Delegates Speaker Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, a University of Virginia alumnus, demanded UVa President Jim Ryan repudiate a statement by UVa's Students for Justice in Palestine, which, among other things, described the Hamas attacks as an unprecedented feat for the 21st century." He had $8.2 billion to spend on major upgrades to the nations passenger rail network, and a bigger list of deserving projects than that money would fund. But U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said reports of Richmonders commuting by rail to Washington, D.C., along with glimpses of that Northern Virginia rush hour parking lot called Interstate 95, meant work on the tracks running through Virginia and then connecting on to Raleigh, North Carolina, stand out. Virginia is getting $729 million through the Federal State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail to speed rail travel from Richmond north, while North Carolina will get $1.1 billion for work on tracks running south from metro Richmond to Raleigh. What we were seeing was just this really strong economic growth there, Buttigieg said in a phone interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He was also seeing plenty of traffic jams in Northern Virginia this money isnt only benefiting rail passengers; itll take cars off the road and drivers will benefit, too, he said. And reports that people commute into Washington from points in Virginia that werent traditionally considered D.C. suburbs including those who board at Richmonds Staples Mill Road station made him think that new tracks at chokepoints in Prince William, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, and around the LEnfant Plaza station in Washington itself, along with some new sidings, would separate freight and passenger traffic, ending some of the delays that slow movement. Completing the Long Bridge between Washington and Arlington is another key part of the plan. Buttigieg said the project should allow for more frequent service, as well as a faster connection. Federal rail funding includes several $500,000 increments to aid planning for a number of projects that affect Virginia and North Carolina. Richmond is where Amtrak trains from Boston turn east to Newport News. Buttigieg said the U.S. Department of Transportations Corridor Identification and Development (Corridor ID) Program is slating $500,000 to begin work on a proposed passenger rail line connecting Hampton Roads with Charlottesville and Southwest Virginias New River Valley, a complement to the new Washington-to-Roanoke service. There will be another $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation to assist a proposed project that would extend Amtraks Roanoke service to Bristol, with stations that will include a stop in Bedford. Another $500,000 for Amtrak is for a project that aims to increase frequency from three times a week to once a day on the Washington-to-Chicago Cardinal Service, which stops at Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton and Clifton Forge. Yet another $500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation would tackle slowdowns on Amtraks Carolinian service between Washington and Charlotte, North Carolina, which also stops at Richmond and Petersburg. Work here would include rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Petersburg and Raleigh that could cut an hour off travel times. U.S. grants $1.7 billion toward rail service in Va., N.C. The U.S. Department of Transportation is granting more than $1.7 billion to speed and expand passenger rail service between Washington, Richmond and Raleigh, N.C., senators and members of Congress from Virginia and North Carolina say. Other major projects U.S. DOT is funding include a new high-speed corridor between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as well as high-speed rail service in Californias Central Valley. The money will also fund more frequent service on the Pennsylvania Keystone Corridor between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Theres even money for a project in Alaska, Buttigieg said. The program will also fund improvements to rail service in Maine and Montana. The Corridor ID funding that aims at a cross-state connection between Hampton Roads and the New River Valley, extended service to Bristol and that would bring more frequent service to Staunton, Culpeper and Clifton Forge is part of what Buttigieg said is a comprehensive plan that makes it easier to expand passenger rail lines in 44 states. These include new high-speed rail services between Dallas and Houston as well as between Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, Canada. In addition, the funding aims at several times-a-day service from Chicago to Indianapolis, to Milwaukee, to Minneapolis-St. Paul and to Detroit, with a new connection to Windsor, Ontario, and Canadas high-speed network. New service from Atlanta to Savannah and to Nashville, as well as new services to Duluth, Minnesota; along the Colorado Front Range; from Phoenix to Tucson, Arizona; between Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and New Orleans; and to Reading and Scranton, Pennsylvania, are also part of the plan. In addition, the plan aims to restore service between Chicago and Seattle through communities in North Dakota and Montana that are currently not served by passenger rail. President Joe Biden went to Las Vegas on Friday to tout the funding, saying hes putting high-speed rail on the fast track. Biden, who as a U.S. senator commuted from his Delaware to Washington via Amtrak, said his rail funding could help to connect Las Vegas to Los Angeles via high-speed trains before L.A. hosts the summer Olympics in 2028, slashing travel times, helping the environment and creating jobs. From the Archives: Broad Street Station Del.-elect Michael Jones, D-Richmond, says the story of the Newport News 6-year-old who shot a teacher with his mothers gun this year lent new urgency to what he kept hearing from Richmond police and his South Richmond constituents. He has decided its time to try again to make trigger locks on handguns more available. Reviving an idea largely forgotten for more than two decades, Jones has introduced a bill, House Bill 12, that would make it a misdemeanor, subject to up to 12 months in jail, for any firearm dealer, manufacturer or importer to sell or transfer a handgun to individuals without also providing a locking device. The bill would also say the handgun would have to have a warning label that handguns should be locked and kept away from children, as well as a separate written warning in the packaging saying the same thing. The warnings would need to say gun owners could be subject to a criminal charge or a civil lawsuit if they do not keep guns locked and away from children. This isnt about taking anyones gun or keeping them from being sold, Jones said. Its just about making them safer. The 6-year-old who shot his first-grade teacher in Newport News in January has not been charged, but his mother, Deja Taylor, was sentenced to 21 months in prison on federal charges of possessing a gun while using marijuana and making false statements about drug use when buying a gun. The charges did not involve whether she stored the gun safely out of her sons reach. I kept hearing about this issue at the doors, and there was that case in Newport News, Jones said. And on the City Council, I heard (Richmond Police) Chief (Rick) Edwards making the same point about locks. Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun rights group, wrote in an email, None of this is necessary as federal law already requires a locking device be supplied by dealers for handgun purchases. He was referring to the federal law that provides a six-month suspension of a dealers license and a fine up of to $2,500 but no jail time. Is the state going to provide the stickers and warning papers to dealers, so they dont have to bear the additional cost for those items? Should the taxpayer have to bear this unnecessary expense? This bill would also add an additional cost for a locking device to those doing a private sale under the current Universal Background Check requirement, he added. Many of the successful Democratic candidates in the new House of Delegates majority campaigned on the issue of preventing gun violence. In the past, Democratic legislators bills proposing bans on guns that can fire semi-automatically, or that would fine people for leaving guns in unlocked cars and trucks, or that they be secured with a lock while stored, have routinely died when they came before the gatekeepers of the Republican-controlled House Public Safety Committee. GOP efforts to roll back the red flag law failed last year before the Democratic majority state Senate. Red flag laws allow courts to order guns be taken from people posing an immediate threat to others or to themselves, which was passed in 2020 when Democrats held majorities in the House and the Senate. Retiring Del. Kathleen Murphy, D-Fairfax, tried a similar handgun lock bill last year, but it died on a party-line vote in a House Public Safety subcommittee. This year, a number of bills aimed at gun violence prevention were defeated in the divided legislature. Only a bill from Del. Alfonso Lopez, D-Arlington, got through a measure that gives tax credits to encourage the purchase of gun safety devices like lockboxes. The last time a gun lock bill began moving through the General Assembly was in 1999, when then-Sen. Joseph Gartlan, D-Fairfax, tried. His bill died in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, with six Republicans and five Democrats voting to kill it. Only one of those legislators, state Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, who has since voted for gun control measures, is still in the General Assembly. In 2017, state Sen. Janet Howell, D-Fairfax, introduced a similar bill but asked that it be stricken. From the Archives: Richmond shops and shoppers of the past 1st Lancang-Mekong forum on traditional medicine held in Cambodia Xinhua) 09:38, December 08, 2023 PHNOM PENH, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The first Lancang-Mekong forum on traditional medicine was held here in the capital of Cambodia on Thursday, focusing on traditional medicine cooperation and development among Lancang-Mekong countries. Under the theme "Traditional medicine creates a healthy Lancang-Mekong future", the forum, held in an online-offline hybrid format, was attended by more than 100 medical practitioners from Lancang-Mekong countries. Wang Xiaopin, secretary of the Party Committee of the Guang'anmen Hospital under the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, said the Lancang-Mekong region has rich and diverse traditional medicine resources and a long history of traditional medicine experience. "This forum aims to promote exchanges and cooperation among countries in the Lancang-Mekong region in the field of medicine and health, and jointly promote the prosperity and development of traditional medicine," she said in a speech delivered to the forum via a video link from Beijing. Wang said traditional medicine plays an irreplaceable and important role in improving people's well-being, saying that since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been an important part of exchanges and cooperation among countries along the ancient Silk Road. "The efficacy and role of TCM in preventing and treating common diseases, chronic diseases, and major diseases are increasingly recognized and accepted by the international community," she said. According to Wang, TCM has spread to 196 countries and regions, and it had made important contributions to the battle against COVID-19, with significant curative effects. Tan Sokun, director of the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital, said the forum enabled the participants to gain insights into the TCM, which is efficacious in treating a number of diseases. "A lot of benefits are expected from this forum. Firstly, it creates close contact among participating institutions and secondly, we can gain insights into treatment using TCM," he told Xinhua. The forum discussed appropriate TCM technology and a traditional medicine standard operating procedure (SOP), he said, adding that it was vital to promote the development of traditional medicine in the Lancang-Mekong countries. Sokun thanked China for having dispatched its TCM teams to provide free medical checkups and treatment to patients in Cambodia since March 2022. He added that in a bid to develop the TCM in Cambodia, the China-Cambodia Traditional Chinese Medicine Center was established in Phnom Penh in October this year. Koeurng Raksmiy, a medical doctor at the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital, said the forum was crucial for medical practitioners to better understand diagnosis and treatment techniques using TCM. "China has played a very important role in helping train medical staff to understand more about the TCM," he told Xinhua. "All the Lancang-Mekong countries have got a lot of benefits from the Chinese medical aid teams." Raksmiy said the Chinese TCM teams in Cambodia have offered disease diagnosis and treatment to thousands of patients, including Cambodians, Chinese, and other foreigners. Fang Zhigang, vice president of the Thai Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, said the forum helped Thailand to learn TCM better, contributing further to improving the health services for the Thailand people. "The medical elements from China, for us in Thailand, can stimulate creativity, further advancing Thailand, improving people's health, and increasing the recognition and understanding of TCM," he told Xinhua. The one-day forum was jointly organized by the China medical aid team of traditional Chinese medicine for Cambodia, the China-Cambodia Traditional Chinese Medicine Center, the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, the Guang'anmen Hospital under the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) The cause for canonization for Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, primarily responsible for the construction of the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, has completed an important milestone on the path to sainthood in the Catholic Church. According to EWTN, Gaudi's cause for canonization has been transferred from a civil association to an ecclesial association, and has entered what it described as its "final process." This meant that Gaudi, categorized by the Vatican as a "Servant of God," might soon be promoted to the status of "venerable," the second of four major steps in the process of sainthood in the Catholic Church. In order for Gaudi to be beatified, the Holy See must confirm one miracle attributed to him, and another one in order to be made a full saint. By practice, medical miracles are the cases being recognized by the Vatican. Building Towards Sainthood In a December 4 statement, the Archdiocese of Barcelona said it has submitted what was known as the "positio super vita, virtutibus, et fama sanctitatis" (position on the life, virtues, and reputation of holiness) to Rome. The document is crucially a fundamental argument in favor of Gaudi's promotion to sainthood, and submitting it to the Vatican's office for the causes of saints meant that the architect's cause was now in its "final process towards beatification." If the Vatican approves Gaudi's case, it would present the positio to the pope, who would then authorize the its publication, allowing Gaudi to be called a "venerable." While the Vatican's saint-making process takes decades or even centuries, Pope Francis expressed a desire to move Gaudi's cause forward after meeting with the Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudi in 2015. During that meeting, Francis called Gaudi a "great mystic" for envisioning a unique way of building churches. The group was formed in 1992 by primarily lay Catholics to investigate Gaudi's life, which culminated in the Vatican officially opening the cause for his canonization in 2003. The Archbishop of Barcelona, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, further signaled his archdiocese's support for Gaudi's canonization cause by transferring the case to a canonical association that would handle the cause from now on. The canonical association consists of Omella as well as several priests and lay faithful. Read Also: Shakira Tax Fraud Trial: Colombian Pop Star Reaches Deal with Spanish Prosecutors to Avoid Jail Time Sagrada Familia as Gaudi's Relic Gaudi never lived to see the completion of the Sagrada Familia as he was killed after he was struck by a tram. His magnum opus is the Sagrada Familia, a basilica that has been under construction for over 100 years and counting. Unlike other churches in Europe and across the world, the Sagrada Familia sported a unique architecture which mimicked the natural world. The church is an active basilica and was dedicated by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, 128 years after the first construction began. During the dedication, Benedict said that by uniting nature, sacred Scripture, and the liturgy, Gaudi "brilliantly helped to build our human consciousness, anchored in the world yet open to God, enlightened and sanctified by Christ." It was said that building the Sagrada Familia deepened his Catholic faith, developing practices such as fasting, asceticism, and devotion to God. He was supposed to go to daily confession and prayers on the day he was hit by a tram and died. Aside from the Sagrada Familia, he was also responsible for the design of several buildings in Barcelona, as well as other structures across Spain. Related Article: Pope Francis Advances Sainthood Cause of Fatima Mystic Sister Lucia @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Richmond-based Atlantic Union Bank has to refund at least $5 million to thousands of customers it illegally enrolled in a checking account program that charged fees, the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said. In addition to the refund, the bureau ordered the bank to pay a $1.2 million penalty to the agencys victims relief fund. The violations in selling Atlantic Unions Opt-In Overdraft Privilege service occurred from 2017 to 2020. Atlantic Union Bank harvested millions of dollars in overdraft fees through a host of illegal practices, said bureau director Rohit Chopra. Americans are fed up with junk fee scams and the CFPB will continue its work to ensure families are treated fairly, Chopra added. The issue involved Atlantic Unions overdraft service, basically insurance that the bank would not bounce checks before customers can top up their accounts. A bureau review found that Atlantic Union misled consumers who enrolled in this overdraft service by phone and failed to provide proper disclosures. Federal law and regulations require banks to describe in writing before getting a consumer to opt-in to overdraft coverage for ATM withdrawals and one-time debit card transactions. Atlantic Union charged fees without proper consent, the bureau found. Branch employees made customers give oral consent to the overdraft service before providing the written disclosures about terms and fees, the bureau said. In addition, Atlantic Union misled customers about the terms and costs of overdraft coverage, the bureau said. When customers enrolled in overdraft coverage by phone, bank employees did not clearly explain which transactions were covered by the service, the bureau said. They also reportedly made other misleading statements about the terms and conditions of the service. In some calls, the bureau said, bank employees never mentioned key information about the cost of the service and the fact that consumers could incur a hefty overdraft fee for each transaction covered by the service. Atlantic Union said that in agreeing to the penalty, it was not admitting it did anything wrong. We respectfully disagree with the CFPBs conclusions about these historical practices and take very seriously our obligation to comply with applicable law, said Atlantic Union CEO John Asbury. We are, and have always been, committed to treating our customers fairly and providing them with the information they need to help them make financial decisions that work for their lives, he added. PHOTOS: JMU's Atlantic Union Bank Center PASSENGER RAIL The U.S. Department of Transportation is granting more than $1.7 billion to speed and expand passenger rail service between Washington, Richmond and Raleigh, North Carolina, say senators and members of Congress from Virginia and North Carolina. A day after granting the first contracts to build a new bridge across the Potomac River for passenger rail, Virginia announced it had received a $729 million grant from the federal government to help pay for the $2.3 billion project. Building a new rail bridge across the Potomac is the centerpiece of the state's $3.7 billion plan for transforming Virginia's passenger rail system, expanding service between Richmond and Washington to almost hourly by the end of the decade. "This investment will help transform the rail system in Virginia, improving the flow of people and goods not only within the commonwealth, but up and down the entire East Coast," said Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who joined with Sen. Mark Warner and Sen. Tim Kaine, both Virginia Democrats and former governors, and members of the state's congressional delegation to announce the grant in Arlington County on Thursday morning. In North Carolina, more than $1 billion will go to improvements along the CSX Transportation "S-Line" as a part of the Southeast Corridor that will better connect North Carolina with Virginia, Washington and the Northeast Corridor, said U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. The improvements will set the stage for eventual high-speed rail service between Richmond and Raleigh. The rail deal signed by thenGov. Ralph Northam, Amtrak, CSX Corp. and the Virginia Railway Express in 2021 gives Virginia control of 350 miles of railroad right of way and 225 miles of track that is part of the CSX freight rail system. The state purchased the right of way and track from CSX for $525 million under the agreements. That includes 30 miles of abandoned track between Richmond and Petersburg, and 75 miles of the abandoned S-Line track between Petersburg and Ridgeway, North Carolina. The federal grant announced by Tillis will not be used for work on the portion of the old line in Virginia, according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. "There is a lot going on," said former Sen. John Watkins, R-Powhatan, a member of the board of directors at the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. The board voted Wednesday to grant contracts to design and build rail improvements for the new rail bridge on the north side of the Potomac, as well as a massive railway bypass at Franconia-Springfield in Fairfax County to allow passenger trains to cross to the new bridge on the west side of the existing Long Bridge. The 119-year-old, twotrack bridge, owned by CSX, is currently the sole crossing of the Potomac for both freight and passenger trains. The new bridge will allow the separation of simultaneous passenger and freight rail traffic, greatly expanding the capacity for additional passenger and commuter trains to serve Richmond and other parts of Virginia. The state expects to issue a request for proposals in February for contractors to design and build the new bridge itself, as well an eagerly awaited parallel bridge for cyclists and other pedestrians. The federal grant announced Thursday will help pay for the Long Bridge project, including additional track serving the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in Washington. The station is the busiest connection for the Virginia Rail Express, or VRE, which will be able to expand commuter rail service in Northern Virginia as far south as Spotsylvania County. The federal money will also help pay for construction of a third track in Spotsylvania, Stafford and Prince William counties to improve the flow of passenger and freight traffic between Richmond and Washington. The money comes from a passenger rail grant program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Joe Biden proposed and Congress approved in 2021. Virginia's two senators and seven Democrats then in Congress supported the $1 trillion funding package, but the state's Republican members did not. The package included $66 billion for rail. "This is another example of how the bipartisan infrastructure law is improving transportation networks, reducing congestion and supporting economic growth in communities across Virginia and the country," Warner and Kaine said in a joint statement. Tom Perez, senior adviser to Biden and director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, said the grants reflect Biden's vision of a "world class rail system" that improves people's lives, boosts the economy and reduces vehicle pollution linked to climate change. "Virginia is a big winner in these investments around that vision because the president recognizes there are major chokepoints in Virginia," Perez said in an interview on Thursday. Warner and Kaine were joined next to Long Bridge in Arlington by Youngkin and four members of Virginia's congressional delegation Reps. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th; Abigail Spanberger, D-7th; Don Beyer, D-8th; and Gerry Connolly, D-11th to announce the federal grant. In his statement on Wednesday, Tillis said, "This $1 billion grant for North Carolina to make progress on the Raleigh to Richmond Rail Line is a big win for economic development in the region." "I'm proud this investment was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that I helped negotiate, write, and pass into law," he said. Tillis said the rail project is meant to develop "a resilient and reliable passenger rail route that will also contribute to freight and supply chain resiliency in the Southeast." Perez, at the White House, said, "Once it's done, that route will save passengers around 90 minutes per trip" between Richmond and Raleigh. Virginia and North Carolina have been working for years toward restoring rail service between the now-dormant Raleigh-to-Petersburg rail sector that "once hosted dozens of daily freight and passenger trains and was a lifeline for its surrounding communities," according to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. It says the sector "is a critical missing link to completing the buildout of the SEC" or Southeast Corridor "and meeting federal and State goals of improving safety, providing economic opportunities, and equitable, environmentally sound transportation options." In the summer of 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $58 million grant to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and the North Carolina Department of Transportation for preliminary planning and engineering design for the S-Line's path of about 162 miles from Raleigh to Richmond. All of the improvements hinge on construction of a new rail bridge next to Long Bridge, expected to be completed in 2030. "This project's impact on the commonwealth cannot be overstated," Youngkin said Thursday. "It will ease congestion, make our supply chain more resilient, improve freight movement in and out of our worldclass port, and boost local economies." Another 46 archaeological pieces returned to Mexico from U.S. Mexico City, Mexico More than 40 archaeological pieces have been formally returned to Mexico from the Houston Consulate. On Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) announced the delivery of 46 archaeological pieces. The pieces were returned to the Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The 46 pieces, recovered by the Mexican Consulate in Houston, Texas, are part of the nations cultural heritage in accordance with the Federal Law on Archaeological, Artistic and Historical Monuments. The opinions made by INAH specialists establish that the goods belong to different cultures of the western region of Mexico from the preclassic (500 BC-100 AD) and classic (100-600 AD) periods, the SRE said in a statement. Among the pieces are various anthropomorphic figures as well as two Comala-style dog vessels, from Western Mexico and made during the classic Mesoamerican period (100-600 AD). This achievement is the result of the efforts promoted by the Government of Mexico for the restitution of cultural heritage, through strategies and awareness campaigns which have resulted in voluntary deliveries by individuals and institutions. Preclassic pieces are part of the latest 46 returned to Mexico. Photo: SRE December 6, 2023. According to the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores (SRE), during the current administration, more than 13,500 archaeological and historical assets have been returned to Mexico. Pair of graffiti sprayers taken into custody from wall of Playa del Carmen hospital Playa del Carmen, Q.R. Solidaridad police officers have taken a pair of graffiti sprayers into custody. The pair were arrested by municipal police along 35th Avenue while in the process of decorating the side of a hospital. Although both men ran when they saw police approach, they were secured. During a surveillance operation, Municipal Police arrested two subjects who were spray painting the wall of the hospital located on 35th Avenue and 6th Street in the Centro neighborhood, the Seguridad Publica y Transito Solidaridad (SSP) reported. They were surprised by the arrival of police and tried to flee, adopting an aggressive attitude, however, they were secured and placed at the disposal of judge. This is an offense against property in general of the Civic and Itinerant Justice Regulations for the municipality of Solidaridad. Art. 49, section V, the SSP explained adding that the carrying out of murals, graffiti, scratches, paintings or other similar things in the Municipality without the authorization of the authority, the owner of the real estate or personal property, is an offense. FERRUM The community of Frogtown Hollow came alive on Ferrum Colleges Sale Theatre stage for the first performance of Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas on Tuesday. A mixture of puppets and actors dressed as woodland creatures belted out tunes for an eager audience. It has been a labor of love preparing for the show for the past few weeks. The Ferrum College Theatre Arts Department announced Oct. 25 they would be performing the holiday classic, originally a childrens book that was turned into a television special directed by Jim Henson in 1977. Rebecca Crocker, assistant professor of theatre arts and the shows lead puppet designer, breathed a sigh of relief after the first show concluded Wednesday. She said herself and other cast and crew members had worked nonstop to have everything in place for their first performance. I think the students put every bit of their all into it, Crocker said holding back tears. Weve been working every spare moment we had. Ferrum College was granted the rights to the musical from Timothy McDonald who was a co-writer of the original script. After some lengthy discussions throughout the summer, he agreed that Ferrum College would be the perfect place for the performance with the communitys rural setting which is similar to the story of the musical. It was not only students and faculty of the theatre department that have worked to create the show, Crocker said others joined in as well. Students and faculty from other departments and members of the community joined the production. Some were fans of the original television special, others wanted to show their support for the college. The musical is adapted from the television special and the illustrated book Emmet Otters Jug-Band Christmas by Russell Hoban and Lillian Hoban. It was inspired by the story The Gift of the Magi which is another Christmas classic. The story follows Emmet Otter and his widowed mother Ma who live in Frogtown Hollow and want to get Christmas presents for each other even though they have little financially. They hear of a talent show and decide to participate with the hopes of winning the cash prize to purchase a gift for the other. The story has long been a favorite of Emily Blankenship-Tucker who plays Ma in the production. She is the colleges director of Appalachian Music as well as the productions director and music director. Blankenship-Tucker said the musical has been a staple of Christmas season in her home from an early age. It started when she was sent a VHS tape of the television special from an aunt that created a lifelong love of the characters. It felt really great, Blankenship-Tucker said of Wednesdays performance finally creating her longtime Christmas favorite on the Sale Theatre stage. Blankenship-Tucker will be continuing her role as Ma for several more performances over the coming days. Several more performances are scheduled including the last show on Dec. 17. I hope that folks will come out and see it, Blankenship-Tucker said. Anyone interested in learning more about the performance or purchasing tickets can visit www.ferrum.edu/play-tickets. The 84-year-old woman whose vehicle crashed into a Botetourt County day care, injuring two infants and a teacher, in October alleges that her pants leg got stuck on the accelerator pedal, according to a court document. Bertha Marie Elliott, of Troutville, has been charged with reckless driving in connection with the crash, which occurred Oct. 10 at the Childrens Nest Learning Center on Laymantown Road. Virginia State Police reported that Elliotts vehicle, a 2014 Toyota SUV, struck the front of the building and was injured in the collision. She, plus the injured teacher and infants, were transported to the hospital. In a Nov. 15 interview, Elliott told police that she had had a surgery during which her spinal cord was injured causing her to have numbness in her left leg, according to a search warrant affidavit certified last month. Elliott told police that she was having numbness in her leg at the time of and prior to the crash, the affidavit reads. When her pants leg got stuck, she was unable to stop the car during the 3/10-mile stretch from her home to the daycare. When asked how long ago her surgery was, Elliott held up four fingers, the affidavit continues. When police asked if she meant four years or four months, she provided positive answers to both, according to the affadavit. Police have requested medical records from Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where Elliott said her surgery was conducted. It is common for doctors to notate impairments in medical records, the affidavit reads. Investigators were still waiting to get those records as of Nov. 11, according to the executed search warrant document. Elliotts next hearing in Botetourt General District Court is set for Jan. 17, according to Virginias online court case information system. A Roanoke grand jury indicted two men this week in connection with two recent fatal shooting cases. One of the men is already in custody. Alex Rios, 52, of Salem, has been charged in connection with the July 3 deaths of 43-year-olds Brandi Campbell and Robert Moorman. Roanoke police reported in July that officers responded at about 5 p.m. to an apartment in the 900 block of Brandon Avenue Southwest. Inside, officers found Campbell and Moorman, who were pronounced dead on scene. Search warrants certified in Circuit Court last month detail the city police departments investigation of the homicide and the steps that led to Rios arrest. First, police obtained and executed a search warrant for location records from Google and identified a user that was on the Brandon Avenue scene during the incident. Investigators identified a target account at a specific Google email address. Officers seized electronic data associated with that address and identified Rios as the account holder. Further investigation confirmed that Rios device was on scene during the time of the homicide, an affidavit reads. Then, police searched Rios call detail records, which contained location data. An affidavit explains that the path of one of the homicide victims phones after the incident matched the path of travel of Rios Google location data after the murder until the phone was turned off. Police also found that nearby camera footage captured a black Honda sedan in the Brandon Avenue area during the time of the homicide. A person operating a black Honda sedan had eluded Salem and Roanoke County police in that vehicle in recent months, an affidavit reads. Police traced the vehicles license plate to its registered owner, identified in search warrant affidavits as Jacqueline Morris. Salem police contacted her, and she told them that she rents a room in her residence to Alex Rios, an affidavit reads. Officers found that Rios was on probation and had provided his probation officer with a dwelling address that matched Morris. According to Virginias online court case information system, he was arrested on probation violation charges out of Salem on Nov. 21. After his arrest, Rios was interviewed by investigators. According to a police news release Thursday, Rios and one of the victims were known to one another. He admitted to taking items from the residence on Brandon Avenue and provided details of the crime scene that have not been released to the public, an affidavit reads. Police also located a receipt for a U-Haul storage unit, which was registered to Rios, in the 2900 block of Hershberger Road Northwest. A Nov. 22 search of the unit yielded a knife, a receipt, firearms and ammunition, according to an executed search warrant document. Rios is currently being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail without bond, according to the facilitys inmate lookup system. On Dec. 5, according to court records, he was served with five charges related to the July 3 double-homicide: two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Rios has a criminal record in the Roanoke Valley that dates from May 2019 and includes speeding, eluding, assault, brandishing, destruction of property, petit larceny, firearm possession, drug possession, failure to appear and probation violation charges, according to court records. The December meeting of the Roanoke grand jury also indicted Shaquan Lamar Vernon, 24, of Roanoke on seven charges connected to the death of 22-year-old Talib VanJohnson. Roanoke police previously reported that officers responded at about 2:10 a.m. on Oct. 26 to the 800 block of Hunt Avenue Northwest. There, they located one man outside the apartment complex and one man inside an apartment with injuries that were not life-threatening. A third man with critical injuries, VanJohnson, was also found inside the apartment. He was pronounced dead on scene. The regional medical examiners office confirmed in a Nov. 3 email that gunshot wounds to the head, torso and extremities caused his death. A series of search warrant affidavits certified in Roanoke Circuit Court in October and November reveal that several people had arrived at the Hunt Avenue address the night of the shooting to conduct a narcotics transaction. When police arrived at the Hunt Avenue scene, they found Vernon, who was injured, next to an unrelated apartment door adjacent to the apartment building where the shooting occurred, an affidavit reads. Vernon told officers that there was a firearm over in the bushes next to that building, the affidavit continues. Police located a 9 mm firearm, which had what looked like blood on it. Police later interviewed Vernon at the hospital. He told officers that he and a friend went to the Hunt Avenue apartment to buy some marijuana, according to a warrant, and he said that he did not have a gun on him during the incident and had not fired one. But investigators located surveillance video footage that captured Vernon exiting the apartment. He then appears on the ground and muzzle flashes come from what appears to be a handgun in his hands, an affidavit reads. According to one affidavit, police determined that VanJohnson and another male attempted to rob the home owner and gunfire was exchanged. The homeowner advised that he exchanged several text messages with [VanJohnson] regarding the sale of marijuana prior to the incident, the affidavit reads. The homeowner is identified in Roanoke indictments as Elijah Ross. In connection with Ross injuries, Vernon faces one count of aggravated malicious wounding, plus one count of attempted robbery by use of a firearm. In connection with another man, identified in indictments as Tavon Mundy, Vernon faces one count of malicious wounding. He also faces three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and one count of maliciously shooting at an occupied building. Police seized DNA from Vernons person on Nov. 10, according to an executed search warrant document. A bench warrant for Vernons arrest has been issued, but he was listed as a fugitive in Virginias online court case information system Thursday. Vernon, whose middle name also appears as Lamor in court documents, has a brief criminal history in Roanoke. According to court records, he faced an assault and battery charge in juvenile and domestic relations court in 2021 and a destruction of property charge in general district court this past fall. The officer-involved shooting that killed a homicide suspect at a northwest Roanoke apartment complex Sunday was justified, Roanoke Commonwealths Attorney Don Caldwell said Friday. The Sunday shooting involved three officers, who Chief Scott Booth identified Wednesday as Officer L. Camper, Officer D. Gilliam and Detective R. Sloan. Caldwell said in a press release Sunday that McFall had been identified as a suspect in the homicide of his father, Douglas Wayne McFall, whose body was found Sunday morning at a residence in the 1600 block of Lawrence Avenue Southeast. The prosecutor said police identified the younger McFall as a suspect after speaking with Lawrence Avenue neighbors, and efforts to locate and talk to McFall began immediately. Officers saw someone matching his description walking along Melrose Avenue at about 3:45 p.m., Caldwell said. Camper, Gilliam and Sloan attempted to approach him, but he walked onto the Melrose Towers apartment complex property. Officer Camper then approached him within a distance of 15 feet or less, and told him that she needed to speak with him, Caldwell said. Then, without warning, Caldwell continued, McFall produced a Tanfoglio .40-caliber semi-automatic pistol, which had been purchased by his father on Aug. 11, and fired multiple rounds at Camper. Camper was struck three to four times and was immediately physically compromised by her wounds, Caldwell said. After shooting Camper, McFall shot directly at Gilliam, who Booth said had served as an officer for just over a year. Gilliam moved up the sidewalk and in the direction of the entryway of Melrose Towers, Caldwell continued. Then both Gilliam and Sloan returned fire, striking McFall multiple times, Caldwell said. He died from his wounds at the scene. Caldwell said the entire encounter was captured on video by Campers and Gilliams body-cameras, which the prosecutor said he reviewed. Sloan was not wearing a camera because he was wearing civilian clothes due to the nature of his assignment that day. The prosecutor said the shooting of Camper was committed within three seconds, and the entire encounter lasted about 10. It occurred so quickly that Officer Camper did not have an opportunity to draw her weapon or take cover before she was struck, Caldwell said. The prosecutor concluded that the actions of Gilliam and Sloan were justified under the law. There is absolutely no question that Mr. McFall was trying to kill or maim the officers involved. There is also absolutely no question that Mr. McFall posed an immediate threat to others given his unprovoked and irrational behavior, Caldwell said. As bad as the situation was, had Mr. McFall not been stopped, it could have been much worse. Caldwell said that while the Virginia State Police investigation of the officer-involved shooting is not complete, that agencys conclusions werent necessary to make a decision regarding Gilliam and Sloans actions. The prosecutor also noted that the death of McFalls father remains under the investigation of the Roanoke Police Department. At this time there is insufficient evidence to determine with a reasonable degree of certainty who committed the homicide and if more than one person was involved, Fridays press release concluded. Booth said Wednesday that Camper had been released from LewisGale Medical Center and was recovering at home. Gilliam and Sloan were placed on paid administrative leave, pending the conclusion of the state police investigation. An infusion of $2 million in federal funding will study improvements to passenger rail in Virginia and beyond, encompassing routes that would include the New River Valley, the states U.S. senators announced Friday. The potential extension of Amtrak service to new cities, increasing frequency, and creating faster routes, will be part of the study, according to news release from Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportations Corridor Identification and Development Program, which supports comprehensive intercity passenger rail planning and development in order to create a pipeline of intercity passenger rail projects ready for implementation. For years, weve been championing the expansion of rail to every corner of the Commonwealth because its a slam dunk for local economies, cuts traffic, and protects the environment, said the senators in the release. Were thrilled the bipartisan infrastructure law is taking a big step towards expanding service across the entire Commonwealth so communities along the I-95 corridor and beyond can be connected by more convenient, consistent passenger rail. The funding is broken down as follows, according to the release: $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would extend Amtrak service to Bristol. The proposed corridor would also include new frequencies, improved travel times, improvements to reliability, and new stations, including an infill stop in Bedford. $500,000 for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation for a proposed project that would connect Newport News with Richmond, Charlottesville and the New River Valley. The proposed corridor would provide new service on existing alignment, complementing existing state-supported Northeast Regional services connecting Washington, D.C., with Newport News and Roanoke. $500,000 for the North Carolina Department of Transportation for a proposed project that would address infrastructure capacity constraints along the existing Carolinian service between Charlotte and Washington, D.C., by improving services in Petersburg, Richmond, Fredericksburg and Alexandria, and several stops in North Carolina. Improvements include rehabilitating a partially abandoned alignment between Raleigh and Petersburg that is more direct than the existing routing, potentially shaving more than an hour off the travel time between the two states. $500,000 for Amtrak for a proposed project that would increase existing Amtrak Cardinal Service frequency from three days per week to daily. The Amtrak Cardinal Serve currently connects Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge to cities including New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and more. With the announcement of funding, each project now enters an initial step of the Corridor ID Program to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan, according to the release. Warner and Kaine have long been advocates for a route extending rail service from Roanoke through the New River Valley to Bristol, they said in the release. BLACKSBURG The common vampire bat kills hundreds of cows in South America every year. As climate change creates unstable conditions in their normal habitat, researchers at Virginia Tech suggest that vampire bats could appear in the U.S. within the decade, bringing with them rabies that could wreak havoc on livestock populations. In a joint study between Virginia Tech and three Colombian universities, a team of researchers led by Luis Escobar, a professor at the Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment, several students worked to determine what factors might be causing changes in migration patterns for vampire bats. The study focused on Colombia, a tropical, diverse nation that boasts one of the largest populations of bats in the world. What the study found is that climate instability is causing vampire bats, with a range currently confined to South and Central America, to move into new regions. Based on the analysis we did for this paper, we didnt find a significant change in the total area that they encompass, but what we have found is that area has moved north, Paige Van De Vuurst, the chief author on a paper published on the study and a Virginia Tech Ph.D candidate, said. While the bats have been migrating north for the last 100 years, in the last 50 years, theyve been moving more rapidly. Vampire bats have been reported in Mexico as near as 12 miles from the U.S. border. Theres not a ton of consistent surveillance at the border for vampire bats, especially in the more arid areas, De Vuurst said. So the Chihuahua desert had a couple of reports, but they werent able to geolocate exactly where they saw the bat, they just knew it was somewhere in the national park. Escobar also noted that, while vampire bats have been observed near the border, there may be small numbers in other places that have yet to be detected. That happens when populations are small, and populations are small when they are in the dispersal process, when they are not established, Escobar said. For the research, students were allowed access to Chaparral, a region in Tolima, Colombia. The area had previously been closed to research for decades as Colombian Guerilla groups clashed with the military. After a ceasefire was signed in 2016, the region was finally opened to scientific study. The researchers hired guides, many of whom, according to Escobar, were themselves former guerilla fighters. Since the ceasefire, new species have already been discovered in Colombia. However, Escobar explained that part of the reason the area is so diverse is because the habitat was protected by the ongoing warfare. Since the ceasefire, small farmers and large agricultural producers have begun to move in. We are doing our best to discover whats there before weve lost it, or we see any changes, Escobar said. These type of research projects exist as an intersection of many different disciplines. The study of animal migration patterns is connected to climate change, but is also connected to virology, according to the researchers. De Vuurst specified that, as bat populations migrate, they will be competing for roosting positions with native bat species in the U.S. Species which have already seen massive population declines due to a fungal infection called White Nose Syndrome, which has killed millions of hibernating bat species in the U.S. and Canada. Other problems will follow as well. The U.S. cattle industry is far more robust than Latin Americas, and one part of the vampire bat study, according to Escobar, is determining what the conditions will be in the U.S. when the bats arrive, to try to prepare for damages in what he says will be fertile soil for the vampire bats. Not only cattle, but also deer and wild boar will be prey species that facilitate the establishment of vampire bat populations when they arrive, Escobar said. Climate change is a key factor in disease spread. According to De Vuurst, a separate review was conducted where all virology papers published between 2015 and 2020 were surveyed based on their mention of climate change as a factor. The study found that 60% of all papers mentioned climate change as a factor in changes to the disease system. Escobar said that research, like this study and like others he plans to undertake in the future, will be essential in tracking how pathogens spread to new areas, and may help to avoid scenarios like the COVID-19 pandemic from happening in the future. At a school in the city of Bryansk in Russia, a girl who was 14 years old shot and killed a fellow student, caused injuries to five other students, and then took her own life, according to the authorities. On Thursday, December 7, officials said that they were trying to determine the student's motivation for the attack and how she obtained the pump-action shotgun that she used to shoot her classmates. 'Terrible Tragedy' In a statement from Russia's Investigative Committee, preliminary investigation data indicates that "a 14-year-old girl brought a pump-action shotgun to school, from which she fired shots at her classmates," as reported by Al Jazeera. The committee said that two individuals were murdered in the event, including the shooter. Also, five children were wounded. They have all been transported to a medical institution. Officials have not yet identified the assailant, but they have confirmed that the victim was a female student at the secondary school Gymnasium Number Five in a suburb of Bryansk. The pupil was able to procure and carry a firearm to school, and according to Alexander Bogomaz, governor of the region, the circumstances under which this occurred are being investigated by law authorities. Along with the investigation into the shooting's motivation, the attacker's father was reportedly also being interrogated, as reported by Russian media. Bogomaz called the occurrence a "terrible tragedy," according to Al Jazeera. The area is one of several in the south that have seen cross-border assaults due to the conflict with Ukraine. On rare occasions, shelling and drone strikes have struck Bryansk City. Due to the country's stringent regulations on civilian gun ownership, mass shootings at Russian schools and universities are rare and recent. Some types of firearms, however, may be purchased by individuals for hunting, self-defense, or recreational purposes, subject to certain conditions and testing. See Also: Mexico: 5 University Students Found Dead, Bodies Stuffed Inside Vehicle on Dirt Road School Shootings in Russia In 2022, a school in Izhevsk City, which is located 960km (600 miles) east of Moscow, was targeted by a shooter who was 34 years old. On that devastating day, at least 17 people--including 11 children--were slain. Following the tragic school shooting in Kazan in 2021 that claimed the lives of seven students and two educators, President Vladimir Putin enacted stricter gun control measures. In the aftermath of the massacre in Kazan, Russia increased the minimum age to purchase weapons from 18 to 21. In 2018, in the town of Kerch in seized Crimea, an 18-year-old college student committed Russia's bloodiest school shooting. He murdered 20 people, including himself, and injured 67 more. See Also: Texas Arrests Suspect in Day-Long Shooting That Killed at Least 6 People @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. FLORENCE, S.C. -- A Lake City businessman was arrested Wednesday and charged with three counts of unlawful sale of tobacco products to a minor. Florence County Sheriff's deputies arrested Tejas D. Patel, 26, of 376 West Main Street, after he is alleged to have sold vape devices that contained nicotine and/or THC to three underage confidential informants at the MJM Food Store on West Turbeville Highway in Lake City, according to a release from the agency. The investigation followed citizen complaints, according to the release. Under South Carolina law, unlawful sale of tobacco products to a minor is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of between $200-$300. As of Thursday morning Patel remained in custody pending a bond hearing before a Florence County magistrate. DARLINGTON, S.C. After years of delay, a portrait of former Municipal Judge Daniel B. Causey III was dedicated and put on display in Darlington City Municipal Courtroom during Tuesdays meeting of the Darlington City Council. This was supposed to happen a long time ago, but because of COVID-19 and other delays it was postponed, Mayor Curtis Boyd told Causeys family, friends, co-workers and others in attendance. This is a most deserving honor that we can finally celebrate. Causey of died in January of 2020. He served at the citys municipal judge for more than 30 years. Dan loved this city and its people, said his wife, Nancy Causey, after the portrait was unveiled. A lot of people will remember Dan as being very stern and serious. He was that way because he said he didnt want them coming back to his courtroom again. Also recognized during the meeting was current and longtime council member Howard Nettles. The mayor presented Nettles a framed proclamation in recognition of his 30 years of service and many contributions to the city and its residents. Council approved three items of business during the meeting. It approved the first reading of an ordinance changing the zoning designation for 905 Chestnut Street from limited industrial to general appropriate for the parcel. Planning and Economic Development Director Merry Morgan Smith said the designation was appropriate for the parcel of land. Council members also passed the first reading ordinance that would allow for the annexation of 118 Nez Perce into the city. Again, Smith said the move would be appropriate. Finally, council members approved the city council calendar for 2024. During the citizens comments portion of the meeting, Albert Johnson voiced his displeasure over sewer line problems on his property. He said he had spent more than $1,000 to try and correct the problem. He said the city admitted it was their problem but has never corrected it. Boyd said he and City Manager John Payne would sit down with him and address the problem. Gloria Hines said the city was not picking up debris as it should at her salon. She said she pays for the service and it should not be a problem. Boyd said the city would address the issue. The next meeting of the Darlington City Council will be Tuesday Jan. 2, 6 p.m. SIOUX CITY -- As a way to say thank to supporters, the Siouxland Humane Society is holding its annual Christmas Open House and Bake Sale from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1015 Tri-View Ave. "Fudge, pies, cakes, cookies, oh my, there is a little something for everyone," said volunteer manager Kelly Erie. 'If you are someone who doesn't like doing holiday cooking, you don't want to pass up this opportunity to pick yourself up a sweet treat." "By doing so, you are helping a four-legged sweetie," she added. Specifically, the Humane Society is asking for donated supplies to help fill their kennel. Things like paper towels, cat or dog food, cat litter, pet treats and toys will be accepted. Erie said anyone who brings in an item will have their name placed in a raffle for a special prize. Established in 1889, the Siouxland Humane Society (SHS) is Siouxland's only open admission full service shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year. the SHS finds forever homes for 100 percent of its adoptable pets. For more information, contact siouxlandhumanesociety.org or call 712-252-2614. WASHINGTON Former President Donald Trump appealed a ruling that found he is not immune from criminal prosecution as he runs out of opportunities to delay or derail an upcoming trial on charges that he plotted to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Lawyers for the 2024 Republican presidential primary front-runner filed a notice of appeal Thursday indicating that they will challenge U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan's decision rejecting Trump's bid to dismiss the case headed to trial in Washington, D.C., in March. The one-page filing, the first step in a process that could potentially reach the Supreme Court in the months ahead, was accompanied by a request from the Trump team to freeze deadlines in the case while the appeals court considers the matter. "The filing of President Trump's notice of appeal has deprived this Court of jurisdiction over this case in its entirety pending resolution of the appeal," Trump's lawyers wrote. "Therefore, a stay of all further proceedings is mandatory and automatic." In a separate statement, Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said one of Trump's "most sacred obligations and responsibilities as President was to ensure that the election process was conducted in a way that complied with the law, including investigating and challenging election fraud and irregularities." He added that Trump "has absolute immunity from prosecution, and litigation, for carrying out his sworn and solemn duties as President." Meanwhile in New York, Trump returned to his civil fraud trial Thursday to spotlight his defense, renewing his complaints that the case is baseless and heaping praise on testimony that backed him up. With testimony winding down after more than two months, Trump showed up to watch New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov. The academic disputed the crux of New York State Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit: that Trump's financial statements were filled with fraudulently inflated asset values for such signature assets as his Trump Tower penthouse and his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. My main finding is that there is no evidence whatsoever of any accounting fraud, said Bartov, whom Trump's lawyers hired to give expert perspective. Trumps financial statements, he said, were not materially misstated. He suggested that anything problematic like a huge year-to-year leap in the estimated value of the Trump Tower triplex was simply an error. The appeal in the election case was expected given that Trump's lawyers earlier signaled their plans to pursue all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary, what they say is a legally untested question of a former president's immunity from prosecution. It's part of a broader strategy by Trump and his lawyers to try to postpone the criminal cases against him until after next year's presidential election, averting trials that could unfold in the heat of the presidential campaign. The argument that Trump is immune from prosecution for actions taken within his role as president has for months been seen as perhaps the most weighty and legally consequential objection to the case made by the Trump lawyers ahead of trial. No former president has been prosecuted before, a lack of historical precedent Trump's team seized on in trying to get the indictment tossed out. Now that Chutkan rejected the immunity argument, Trump's best hope at delaying the trial appears to be convincing the D.C. appeals court or ultimately the Supreme Court to pause the case while the higher courts consider his prosecutorial immunity claim. However, the rejection last week by a three-judge panel of the appeals court of Trump's sweeping claims of immunity in civil cases accusing him of inciting the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, suggest he likely faces an uphill battle. While it's possible the Supreme Court may feel compelled to step in to address an unprecedented legal question, there's also no guarantee the justices will take the case up at this stage. Though it typically takes months for appeals to wind their way through higher courts, the appeals court and the Supreme Court could quickly resolve the question of immunity if the judges want to, said Jessica Roth, a Cardozo School of Law professor who has been following the case. "It's a very clean, narrow legal issue, and the issue has been fully briefed by the parties and very well laid out in the opinion so it's not like considerable time is needed," she said. "It's a purely legal question that the courts could expedite and decide quickly." Trump's lawyers have asserted that he cannot face criminal charges because the actions spelled out in the indictment fell within his duties as president. But Chutkan said that nothing in the Constitution nor American history justifies cloaking former presidents with immunity from prosecution for actions they took while in office. "Defendant's four-year service as Commander in Chief did not bestow on him the divine right of kings to evade the criminal accountability that governs his fellow citizens," Chutkan, an appointee of President Barack Obama, wrote in her ruling this month. The Nebraska Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case about an exploding e-cigarette battery bought at a Lincoln truck stop that injured an over-the-road truck driver in Pennsylvania. But the issue at play wasn't whether the lithium ion rechargeable batteries exploded in John Griffith II's pants pocket, causing him serious burns. The question was whether Lancaster County was the proper place for him to file the lawsuit against LG Chem Ltd., LG Chem America Inc., Shoemaker's Shell Travel Center and E-Titan LLC. Or if Griffith should have filed it elsewhere, like Pennsylvania where he was injured, or Delaware, where the corporation responsible for distribution of the batteries made in South Korea to U.S. stores is based. Or in Atlanta, Georgia, it's principal place of business. Last year, a Lincoln judge dismissed the case over jurisdiction issues, prompting Griffith's appeal. On Wednesday, his attorney, Christopher Welsh, told Supreme Court justices Griffith had been passing through Nebraska on Nov. 6, 2015, when he stopped at Shoemaker's in Lincoln and bought two lithium ion batteries (manufactured by LG Chem) on an e-cigarette kiosk inside the convenience store. On March 12, 2016, he had the batteries in his pocket at his home, they made contact with each other, and there was an explosion that caused severe burns to Griffith's body, Welsh said. He said the defendants want the court to believe the case should've been filed in Pennsylvania, because that's where Griffith was injured. But, the attorney argued, it could've happened anywhere: in the truck stop or while he was driving down the road. "It just so happens it happened in Pennsylvania," Welsh said. He said if they'd sued there, the two Nebraska defendants (Shoemaker's and E-Titan) would've filed motions to dismiss, saying they don't do any business in Pennsylvania. Welsh said but for the batteries being put on E-Titan's kiosk at the Nebraska convenience store, this wouldn't have happened. "This whole thing started in Nebraska," he said. The other side said it had more to do with the time limit to file the case. In Nebraska they had four years. In Pennsylvania they had two, which had passed by the time they filed the case in 2019. In 2020, a Lancaster County District Judge dismissed Shoemaker's and E-Titan because neither had any role in the design or manufacture of the batteries. And in a decision last year, the judge dismissed LG Chem America Inc. and LG Chem Ltd., over jurisdiction issues and lack of service. On Wednesday, attorney Mark Fahleson, who represents LG Chem America, which rented warehouse space in Lincoln, said jurisdiction simply doesn't exist in this case. "LG Chem America doesn't manufacture anything," he said. "What it does is it's engaged in sales and distribution of petrochemical products, such as rubber." Fahleson said it has no employees in Nebraska, and has never sold or distributed the lithium ion cells in Nebraska. It's never done any business with Shoemaker's or E-Titan, he said. While he admitted the company has sold these products in Texas and Illinois, Fahleson said it hasn't in the state of Nebraska. "There's no evidence in the record, not a single scintilla of evidence to demonstrate any sales by LG Chem America or LG Chem, frankly, in the state of Nebraska," he said. To which Chief Justice Mike Heavican asked: "So your argument is the record doesn't show where the battery came from?" "That is correct," Fahleson said. Justice Stefanie Stacy got to the point, asking if the business had been structured to avoid personal jurisdiction in any state. Fahleson said he had no information regarding the structuring. Justice Lindsey Miller-Lerman asked if any courts have found jurisdiction in the number of similar cases around the country in which LG Chem America is being sued. Fahleson said the vast majority found no jurisdiction, aside from a Texas case earlier this year. The court took the case under advisement. Top Journal Star photos for December 2023 A federal lawsuit filed last week by the Santee Sioux Nation alleges that the Indian Health Service has unlawfully seized millions of dollars in funding meant to support the tribes health care, social welfare and agricultural programs. The seizures, facilitated by treasury offsets of federal funding, have pushed the tribes essential programs towards insolvency, according to a motion for a temporary restraining order filed in federal court Friday. The tribe is based in Nebraska, with its tribal seat in Niobrara in the northeast part of the state. Tribal Chairman Alonzo Denney said in a press release that the seizures have created a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions in a community that was already hard-hit by poverty, unemployment and health issues. So far, IHS has seized over $17 million of our federal funds to collect on a $3 million mistake of [the Indian Health Services] own making, Denney said. It is beyond shameful that the federal agency charged with providing health care to Native Americans is now illegally seizing funds needed to provide health care and other essential services to our people. Some of that $17 million has been reimbursed to the tribe but attorneys for the tribe claim that the Indian Health Service (IHS) has, since June, seized more than $750,000 in critical funding for social and agricultural programming like nutrition assistance, emergency medical services and child welfare services. It has also left the tribe unable to pay dozens of tribal employees, according to the lawsuit. Filed on Friday, the lawsuit initially sought a temporary restraining order barring IHS from seeking any further offsets, as well as requesting a return of seized funds. On Wednesday, the tribe and the defendants reached an agreement in which the IHS, in exchange for the tribe withdrawing the request for a restraining order, agreed not to seek any further offsets until the case is fully resolved. The IHS also agreed to refund all money seized from the tribe since November 2022, equating to at least $750,000. The dispute that led to the seizures began more than 15 years ago, when tribal representatives noted the lack of a health clinic as a significant issue on the reservation. At the time, the nearest facility operated by the IHS was more than 50 miles from the Santee Sioux reservation. In 2008, the tribe and the IHS entered into a joint agreement to build and operate a health care facility now known as the Santee Health Center which was completed in 2011 and continues to operate today. The agreement specified that the tribe would obtain funds for the acquisition and construction of the facility. In exchange, the IHS would provide the necessary equipment, staff and supplies for the facilitys operation, and lease the facility to the tribe at no cost. Under the guidance of the IHS, according to the lawsuit, the tribe placed bonds for sale with investors to fund the projects construction. Accountants and investment advisers working for the tribe were repeatedly assured that they could factor depreciation, or the decreasing value of the facility over time, in calculating the amount owed to the tribe by the IHS for contract support costs. In 2012 and 2014, the tribe filed two claims against the IHS alleging that the agency had failed to pay more than $10 million in contract support costs, defined as direct program expenses and additional administrative expenses assumed in connection with the operation of the facility. Central to these claims were depreciation payments: The tribe, because of advice allegedly given by the IHS, had been charging the IHS for depreciation costs. The IHS said it was not liable for these costs. After four years of negotiations, the IHS and the tribe entered into a settlement agreement in 2016. Each party agreed not to make any further claims related to contract support costs from 2006 to 2014. The agreement further specified that the tribe would have to negotiate a separate agreement with the IHS to repay any contract support costs that were overpaid because the tribe had used depreciation in its calculations. According to the lawsuit, the tribe agreed to a reduction in funding from 2015 to 2018 so the IHS could recoup more than $2.3 million in overpayments. After making this payment, the tribe was under the impression the dispute had been remedied, according to Ben Fenner, who has worked as an attorney for the tribe since the beginning of settlement negotiations. But less than a month after entering the settlement agreement, according to the lawsuit, the IHS sent a letter to the tribe this time claiming that because of an administrative oversight, they had overpaid the tribe more than $3.2 million in 2015. Without consulting with the tribe, according to the lawsuit, the IHS decreased the tribes 2017 and 2018 funding by $3.2 million to recoup this alleged overpayment. According to Fenner, neither he nor any other attorneys or tribal representatives received the 2016 letter demanding $3.2 million. Nor did they receive an additional letter in 2017 claiming they now owed $3.7 million, despite the funding decrease for 2017 and 2018, according to the lawsuit. In fact, according to the lawsuit, no one in the tribe was aware of either demand until last year, when the tribe received a letter demanding immediate repayment of $5.7 million including nearly $2 million in interest within 15 days. Had I received either of these letters, I would have taken immediate action to protect my client from these multimillion dollar demands for payment, Fenner said in a sworn declaration attached to the lawsuit. The first time I was made aware of this claim against the Santee Sioux Nation was on or about Oct. 3, 2022. As attorneys for the tribe emailed IHS representatives to try to sort out the issue, the IHS initiated treasury offsets of payments made to the tribe to run the health care facility. According to the lawsuit, the IHS unlawfully seized more than $11.6 million in health care funding for the tribe the majority of which was reimbursed, according to the lawsuit, because payments under certain tribal contracts are exempt from treasury offsets under federal law. These seizures took place on two separate occasions the first in November 2022 and the second in October 2023. It took four months for the money seized in 2022 to be reimbursed to the tribe, causing severe and irreparable injury to the tribe and those who relied on the health care center. It took two weeks for the second seizure in October to be reimbursed. Since June of this year, according to the lawsuit, at least $750,000 in federal funds for social and agricultural programming on the reservation has been seized and not returned. This includes funding for day care programs, child welfare services, community health services, emergency medical services and various nutrition assistance programs, among others. The tribe is unable to operate the federally-funded social service programs and hundreds of tribal members, including impoverished families with children, have suffered, the lawsuit reads. In addition, the offset funds are needed to pay the wages of dozens of tribal employees the nation is unable to pay its agricultural employees, feed its livestock, maintain its equipment, and, if such offsets continue, the nation risks defaulting on loans used to purchase land utilized for crops and livestock. Under Wednesdays agreement, the $750,000 seized since June will be reimbursed to the tribe. Photos: Nebraska men's basketball vs. Creighton, Dec. 3 Every year, Pantone reveals what color to assign a year based on the events of the previous year. Due to several global conflicts - from China and Taiwan, to North and South Korea, to Russia and Ukraine, to Armenia and Azerbaijan, to Israel and Hamas - and other endless sources of stress in mind, body,and spirit, Pantone has decided to select Peach Fuzz (Pantone code 13-1023) as color of the year for 2024. According to the Pantone Color Institute, Peach Fuzz is a gentle and nurturing peach shade that serves as a reminder for everyone to slow down and take care of each other. The romantic color's name, which is a combination of pink and orange, reflected the tactile sensuality associated with velvety peaches, soft marabou feathers, and smooth vintage satins and silks. Read Also: 'God's Architect': Canonization Cause of Sagrada Familia Architect Antoni Gaudi Advances Why Peach Fuzz? Pantone Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said that Peach Fuzz was a fitting color for the moment the world was living in, as well as a reflection of the basic human needs and desires many are experiencing in the midst of challenging times. "As we enter 2024, some of the things that have become especially apparent to us is the concept of lifestyle taking on new meaning," she told Time. "We've been living in this time of turmoil in many aspects of our lives, and as a result of that, our need for nurturing, empathy, and compassion continues to grow stronger as we imagine a more peaceful future." Eiseman emphasized that the color emphasized the importance of health and wellness for mind, body, and soul, as well as the affirmation of moments of introspection and the need for connection. Meanwhile, Pantone Vice President Laurie Pressman said that the color selection this year was especially significant for the Pantone Color of the Year program, as it celebrated its 25th anniversary. For Pressman, the curation of a color that was synonymous with human connection was symbolic of not only this year but also of the overall goal of the program itself. "With this year's Pantone Color of the Year 2024, we see an increased focus on community and people across the world reframing how they want to live and evaluating what is important - that being the comfort of being close to those we love," she said in a statement. "The color is one whose warm and welcoming embrace conveys a message of compassion and whose cozy sensibility brings people together and enriches the soul." Related Article: Oxford Names 'Rizz' 2023 Word of the Year @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The New York Times responded to a letter from Iowa Attorney General Brenna Birds questioning whether freelance journalists who worked with the organization had ties to Hamas. In a letter on Wednesday, the Times' director of communications Charlie Stadtlander called the claims inflammatory allegations based on false assumptions and debunked social media posts. On Monday, Bird and 13 other attorneys general sent a letter to the Times, Associated Press, Reuters and CNN arguing the news organizations may have provided material support to terrorists by paying for photographs from journalists that had been alleged to have ties to Hamas. The attorneys general cited a report from HonestReporting, a pro-Israel media watchdog, which questioned whether freelance photojournalists for the organizations had advance knowledge of the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. You should ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to prevent your organizations from contracting with members of terror organizations, Bird wrote in the letter. The Times has denied it had any knowledge of the Oct. 7 attack. Stadtlander reiterated in the letter that "the only connection The New York Times has to Hamas is that we report on the organization fearlessly and at times at great risk." He pointed to later statements from HonestReporting, which said it did not have evidence that any journalist was embedded with Hamas and was satisfied with the explanations from the media outlets. "I realize that the purveyors of disinformation online have widely and recklessly spread the lie of embedded journalists,'" Stadtlander wrote. "But it does real harm when public officials embrace such falsehoods and give them credibility." Iowa secretary of state to conduct Iowa Youth Straw Poll Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced Thursday the annual Iowa Youth Straw Poll will be held on Jan. 9, 2024. The Iowa Youth Straw Poll invites Iowa school students to learn about the civic process by participating in a mock election or caucus. This year, straw poll participants will cast their vote for candidates for U.S. president. "Programs like the Iowa Youth Straw Poll not only give these students an opportunity to make their voices heard, but they get a firsthand understanding of how elections work, so they are better prepared to vote in elections once they are eligible," Pate said in a press release. The straw poll is part of the Election 101 curriculum provided by Pate's office for schools to use. Dozens of Iowa schools have already signed up to participate in the straw poll, according to Pate's office. Pate's office will livestream the results of the straw poll on Jan. 9. Without a doubt, the nation owes a debt to Liz Cheney, whose new memoir, Oath and Honor, rocketed to the top of the bestseller lists this week. The book recounts the aftermath of the 2020 election, as Cheneya politician of the type that used to be described as a rock-ribbed conservativefound herself increasingly at odds with the party that has dominated her life. Daughter of the man who, as George W. Bushs vice president, is widely considered the architect of the Iraq war, representative from the deep-red state of Wyoming, she was shocked to see GOP leaders she had once respected kowtowing to Donald Trumps claims that the election had been stolen. The things we do for the Orange Jesus, she overheard Republican Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee sigh as he signed a document objecting to the electoral count on Jan. 6, 2021, not long before a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol. As the rioters attempted to break down the doors to the House chamber, members were told they needed to prepare to hide under their chairs. We need to get the ladies off the aisle, announced Trump loyalist ringleader Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, who reached a hand out to Cheney, offering, Let me help you up. Cheney understandably went ballistic (this was not the first time shed been treated with clueless condescension by her GOP colleagues) and swatted his hand. Get away from me, Cheney reports she retorted. You fing did this. Slate receives a commission when you purchase items using the links on this page. Thank you for your support. Cheneys adamant position on Trumps loss and her role as co-chair on the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack killed her own reelection bid in Wyoming, a genuine sacrifice many of her fellow GOP officials lacked the guts to make. She helped secure the testimony of dozens of witnesses, overwhelmingly Republicans, to Trumps multiple schemes to overthrow the election. Her stern, composed demeanor during the televised hearings, where she deftly managed to embody implacable authority without triggering the usual misogynist reaction, earned her surprised fans on the left. She plausibly claims some credit for the failure of Trump-endorsed, election-denying candidates in the 2022 midterms. Advertisement As Rachel Maddow said in a recent interview with Cheney, she may disagree with the former congresswoman on just about every policy issue, but she still admires Cheneys relentless nailing of the hypocrisy, dishonesty, and spinelessness of her GOP colleagues when it comes to Trump. In Oath and Honor, Cheney condemns former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy as craven and lacking in the courage and the honor to abide by his oath to the Constitution. Mike Johnson, the current speaker of the house, she reports, tricked Republican members into signing onto an amicus brief supportive of Trumps false claims of election fraud by lying to them about the documents contents. Of New York Republican Elise Stefanik, Cheney writes, Many of us who had known Elise since before she abandoned all principle were curious about how she had lost her sense of right and wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bracing as it is to see a Republican politician unafraid to call Trump and his cronies as she sees them, Oath and Honor is not without its evasions. What makes Trump memoirs so fascinating (and Ive read a lot) is the many varieties of self-deception they exhibit. What do people tell themselves before hitching their wagon to a narcissistic grifter with absolutely no morals? Some, like Cassidy Hutchinson, were simply too naive and dazzled by the glamour of national politics to realize what they were getting into. Others, like former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, could not resist Cabinet positions that represented the apotheosis of their careers. One-time national security adviser John Bolton made the mistake of thinking he was the smartest guy in any room and therefore could bend Trump to his own ends. Advertisement Related From Slate I Read (Almost) Every Memoir by a Former Trump Official Read More But as Oath and Honor tells it, Cheney seems to have suddenly woken up in December 2020 to find American democracy under attack. Liz Cheney is no fool. She knew Trump cared nothing for the American principles she says she cherishes, that he had no idea how to govern, and that he cant even conceive of a motivation beyond self-interest. Nevertheless, as a representative, she voted with Trump 93 percent of the time during his presidency. Her outrage that Trump refused to honor the peaceful transfer of power and tried to overthrow the election is well taken, but what did she expect? If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas. Advertisement Oath and Honor often invokes the Founding Fathers, brave Americans who died fighting for our freedoms, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan. These are the touchstones of Cheneys patriotism, and it is heartening that in this rather gaseous rhetoric she found the gumption to stand up for the Constitution and her oath to protect it. But she cant seem to bring herself to ask how the party she loves has degenerated to the degree that this is the man chosen to lead it. Advertisement Advertisement Cheneys brand of Republicanism is pro-business and favors small government euphemisms for eliminating taxes on the rich and allowing large corporations to do whatever they want to the environment and their workers, while the government limits its activities to handing out fat military contracts and securing corporate economic interests overseas. These policies arent very popular, and after decades of free-market economics, wealth has become concentrated in so few hands that the people who actually stand to benefit from Cheney-style conservatism could barely fill a convention center, let alone constitute a significant voting bloc. To win over enough voters to keep themselves in office, the GOP has had to drum up culture-war division and redirect working-class resentment from the rich to the educated. Just how much Republican leadership actually believes in the social conservatism it uses to attract voters is forever up for debate. Cheney herself is ostensibly pro-life, yet Oath and Honor displays an attitude toward women and their competence and potential that can only be called feminist. Would Cheney insist that one of her own daughters bring to term an unwanted pregnancy that endangered her life or threatened her career? Cheneys sister, Mary, is married to a woman. In 2013, while running for the Senate, Liz said she opposed same-sex marriage, causing a rift in her family. She later admitted on 60 Minutes that she was wrong, but did she ever really mean that opposition in the first place, or was she just pandering to the same base she condemns McCarthy, Johnson, and Jordan for appeasing? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The base haunts Oath and Honor. Its the boogeyman under the bed that Cheney can barely bring herself to mention, let alone scrutinize. The problem, she insists, is that Trump, in his seemingly omnipotent malevolence, has misled American patriots and lashed them into a paranoid frenzy. That he did so using a well-developed propaganda apparatus long employed by Republican politicians to stoke culture-war hatred and fear goes unacknowledged. Advertisement Never in Oath and Honor does Liz Cheney admit that Trumps following is a Frankensteins monster that her Republican Party built to win elections, a monster that then turned against it. Kudos to her for realizing how dangerous it has become and doing the best she can to fight it; she has made and is making a genuine contribution to beating back Trumpism, and we cant afford to smack her away and say, You fing did this! But this understanding has come awfully late. If only she and the rest of her party had woken up sooner. Apparently, becoming the first House speaker to be voted out of the job was a bit rich for Kevin McCarthys bloodhe wont even be sticking around for the rest of his term. But hes not the only member of Congress getting the hell out of Dodge. Republicans have finally managed to make members of Congress hate the institution as much as the average American does, Alexander Sammon writes. He takes a look at whats behind the near-record rate of defections from the House of Representatives. Plus, speaking of departed congressmen: Scott Nover welcomes George Santos to the creator economy. Last nights most telling moment Ah yes, another GOP debate. Maybe you made the wise decision to not actually watch it. In which case, you might be wondering: Did I miss anything? Ben Mathis-Lilley pulls out the most revealing moment from last nights chaosand it centers around Chris Christie being the voice of reason. (Not a great sign for the ol GOP!) Plus: Shirin Ali recaps how Vivek Ramaswamy strained to cram as many virulent, far-right conspiracy theories as he could into the last debate. Older, but not wiser Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fans had high hopes that Gerry Turner would be a different kind of Bachelor thanks to his agebut in the end, they were disappointed. Scott Nover explains why we really should have seen it coming. Raising a racket Speaking of Gerry Turner, lets take a moment to consider his favorite pastime: pickleball. Its been exploding in popularity in the U.S., but theres more to its growth than meets the eye. This week, What Next takes a closer look at whats really driving pickleballs rise. Plus, ICYMI: Luke Winkie considers what David Foster Wallace would have thought of pickleball. A big, weird Oscar contender Dana Stevens wasnt a big fan of The Lobster and The Favouritebut this time, the director behind those movies won her over. She explains why Poor Things, a feminist recasting of the Frankenstein myth, is a kinky delight to watch. Today, Slate is ALWAYS EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS much like the group of disgraced intelligence agents at the heart of Slow Horses. Fran Hoepfner explains why the show just keeps getting better. Thanks so much for reading! Well see you tomorrow. If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more. Affiliate marketing programs offer opportunities for you to monetize your blog, website, or social media handle while exploring various passive income ideas. By joining affiliate marketing programs, you can earn income through commissions for driving traffic to a companys website and receiving a commission on any purchases made. With it, you can actually make money with little effort by simply inserting tracked affiliate links into the text of your blog or website. To get started, all you need is a captive audience and an affiliate program that allows you to earn commissions on new leads or purchases produced when readers click on the links. Over the years, affiliate marketing has been popular among part-timers, bloggers, podcasters, and influencers as an additional source of revenue. As a marketing affiliate, you can earn quick money by recommending products and services to your followers. Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business ChatGPT Prompts for Business Advertise Your Business Here This business model also allows you to generate revenue without the need for a large upfront investment. With strategic content creation and effective promotion, affiliate marketing can become a lucrative source of passive income in 2023. In this article, we will cover the best affiliate programs that will help you earn solid commissions. Want to know more about content production, check out our article on blogging business ideas. What is an Affiliate Program? Affiliate marketing is a marketing strategy in which an affiliate marketer promotes a merchants product or service in exchange for a fee. The affiliate marketing programs will pay affiliate marketers a commission for each transaction or action brought about by their promotion of a businesss goods or services. After registering for the program, the affiliate marketer receives a unique affiliate link or special monitoring code to use in their advertising. The affiliate will receive a commission when a customer uses the affiliate link to make a transaction or finish an activity. Each traction made through that link generates the affiliate a commission, encouraging them to market the product to their audience. Small Business Deals In recent years, affiliate programs have become a popular way to earn income online. Depending on the program, the affiliate income fee may be based on a percentage of the transaction or a set sum for each sale or activity. By using cookies and other monitoring technologies, the business keeps track of all transactions brought about through the affiliates promotions. The affiliate marketing model works on a performance-based payment method. It means the affiliate only earns when their promotional efforts result in a transaction. The details of these transactions vary depending on the affiliate program. For instance, some programs might pay for: Pay Per Sale (PPS) : The merchant pays the affiliate a percentage of the sale price after the consumer purchases the product as a result of the affiliates marketing strategies. : The merchant pays the affiliate a percentage of the sale price after the consumer purchases the product as a result of the affiliates marketing strategies. Pay Per Lead (PPL) : The affiliate is paid for each lead they generate. This could be a form submission, sign-up, or other pre-determined action. : The affiliate is paid for each lead they generate. This could be a form submission, sign-up, or other pre-determined action. Pay Per Click (PPC): The affiliate is paid for all clicks that they generate, regardless of whether these clicks lead to a sale. Here are some key points to remember about affiliate programs: Affiliate marketing programs use a combination of cookies and tracking links to identify when a customer has been referred by an affiliate. The commission that an affiliate marketer earns can vary widely. It can be a flat rate or a percentage of the sale. Some affiliate programs offer tiered commission rates based on performance. Affiliate programs can be a profitable way to generate income for bloggers, influencers, and individuals who can market to a large audience. Most affiliate programs have rules and guidelines that affiliates must follow. Its important to understand these rules to stay compliant and maintain good standing in the program. Its important for affiliates to promote products and services that align with their brand or personal values. This can lead to higher conversions and maintain trust with their audience. By leveraging the power of social media, blogs, and other online platforms, affiliate marketing has grown into a substantial industry, providing many with a significant source of online income. How do Affiliate Programs Work? Simply put, Affiliate programs are marketing arrangements between a business or seller and its affiliate marketers. The affiliates promote the companys goods or services by referring and directing prospective buyers to the companys website to make purchases. In return, affiliates earn a commission when one of their followers they refer makes purchases. When it comes to affiliate markets there are two types: affiliate programs and affiliate marketing networks. Affiliate networks or affiliate platforms are third-party advertising markets that connect merchants with affiliate marketers. Affiliate marketing programs are programs run by individual companies that allow marketers to advertise their goods or services in return for a commission. The company gives the affiliate a one-of-a-kind link or code to use in promoting the product or service. The marketer receives a commission when someone hits on the link and makes a transaction. On the other hand, affiliate marketing networks link businesses with marketers. It helps businesses to establish an affiliate program and then provides affiliates with a collection of programs from which to choose. The affiliate network will track views and purchases and then gives a commission to the affiliates. Heres a breakdown of how these programs normally operate: The affiliate marketer joins an affiliate program offered by a merchant. The affiliate program provides the affiliate marketer with a unique affiliate link. This link tracks the traffic and sales the affiliate marketer sends to the merchants website. The affiliate marketer then includes this link in their promotional content, such as blog posts, social media posts, or email newsletters. When a potential customer clicks on the link and makes a purchase or completes an action (like signing up for a service), the affiliate marketer earns a commission. How to Make Money as an Affiliate? There are plenty of ways to make money as an affiliate some of them include: Website or blog promotion: You can promote products and services through your blog or website. Here you can develop content on a particular product or service by doing reviews, comparisons with other products, and even making recommendations. And then you can include affiliate links to the merchants website in your content You can promote products and services through your blog or website. Here you can develop content on a particular product or service by doing reviews, comparisons with other products, and even making recommendations. And then you can include affiliate links to the merchants website in your content Social media promotion: If you have a large following on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you can promote goods or services to your audience and make a fee on any purchases made through your unique link. If you have a large following on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, you can promote goods or services to your audience and make a fee on any purchases made through your unique link. Email marketing: If you are an expert in a specific area, you can also build an email list of subscribers who are interested in a specific niche and promote products or services as an affiliate. You can include affiliate links in your emails and earn a commission on any resulting sales. If you are an expert in a specific area, you can also build an email list of subscribers who are interested in a specific niche and promote products or services as an affiliate. You can include affiliate links in your emails and earn a commission on any resulting sales. Offer paid advertising: Y ou can offer banner ads to companies that want to advertise to your audiences. ou can offer banner ads to companies that want to advertise to your audiences. YouTube videos: If you are adept at creating videos you can create videos on product reviews and demonstrations and post them on YouTube. You can include affiliate links in the video description and earn a commission on any resulting sales. Check out our article on how to make money with affiliate marketing for more insights. Our Methodology: The Best Affiliate Marketing Programs In determining the best affiliate marketing programs, we considered several factors that align with the interests and needs of small business owners looking to monetize their online presence. These factors are listed below and rated on a scale of one to ten based on their importance to small business users, with ten being reserved for the most important factors. Relevance to Your Niche (Importance Scale: 10/10) Programs should align with your business niche and audience interests. Programs that may appeal to small businesses in various niches are more relevant to a larger audience. Commission Rates (Importance Scale: 9/10) Competitive commission rates. Clear understanding of how and when commissions are paid. Cookie Duration (Importance Scale: 8/10) Longer cookie durations are preferable, as they offer a longer window to earn commission from a referred customer. Program Reputation (Importance Scale: 9/10) Established programs with a good track record. Positive reviews from other affiliates. Quality of Products or Services (Importance Scale: 10/10) High-quality, reputable products or services that you are comfortable recommending. Support and Resources (Importance Scale: 7/10) Availability of promotional materials and support from the program. Ease of Use (Importance Scale: 6/10) User-friendly interface for tracking sales, commissions, and performance metrics. Payment Methods and Thresholds (Importance Scale: 8/10) Convenient payment methods. Reasonable payment thresholds. Exclusivity Requirements (Importance Scale: 5/10) Understanding any exclusivity clauses that might limit your participation in other programs. Flexibility and Control (Importance Scale: 6/10) Flexibility in how you promote products. Control over the types of products you promote. By assessing these key factors, we curated a list of affiliate marketing programs that are well-suited to help small businesses and entrepreneurs effectively monetize their efforts. Types of Affiliate Marketing Programs There are several ways where you can earn money as an affiliate marketer by using links, images, banners, or through content. Here are some common ways to make money as an affiliate marketer: Pay-per-click: In this arrangement, you place ads on your website, and you get paid every time someone clicks on the ad. Essentially, you earn a commission for every click-through to the advertisers website. Pay-Per-lead: With this method, you get paid when a visitor to your website, blog or social media clicks on an affiliate link and fills out a form, such as an email opt-in form. Pay-per-sale: Here you promote a product or service and earn a commission for every sale you generate through your affiliate link. You can earn a percentage of the sale price or a fixed commission amount depending on the terms of the affiliate program. Cost per action (CPA): In this type of affiliate marketing, affiliates receive a commission when a user performs a particular action, such as filling out a form, making a transaction, or subscribing to a service. Sponsored content: Some companies may use your services as a content creator and sponsor your content or pay you to promote their products in your content. This can include product reviews, testimonials, sponsored posts, or social media posts. When signing on as an affiliate marketer it is important to carefully choose products and services that align with your brand and audience. This is because promoting products that you genuinely believe in can lead to more success and revenue in the long run. You can earn a percentage of the customers purchase each time they make a purchase. In some cases, affiliate programs do offer recurring commissions for as long as the referred customer remains a customer. Best Affiliate Marketing Programs to Join in 2023 Affiliate marketing has become an increasingly popular way for individuals and businesses to earn money online. If youre looking to get started in the world of affiliate marketing or expand your existing portfolio of programs to join in 2023, its important to choose the right affiliate marketing programs. The best affiliate programs offer a range of features and tools designed to help both merchants and affiliates succeed. In this article, well take a look at some of the highest-paying affiliate programs to join in 2023. Best Affiliate Marketing Programs for eCommerce Businesses eCommerce businesses are increasingly turning to affiliate marketing as a way to drive traffic, increase sales, and maximize revenue. However, with so many affiliate programs available, it can be difficult to know which ones are best suited for eCommerce businesses. Below are some of the highest-paying affiliate programs for eCommerce businesses 1. Shopify Commission Rate: Affiliates earn $150 for each merchant referral. Cookie Lifetime: Cookies last for 30 days. Shopify is one of the biggest e-commerce platforms that lets affiliates generate regular passive revenues. The brand has a good reputation and includes vendors that are relevant to many niches. The Shopify affiliate program allows you to partner with Shopify and earn money by referring customers to Shopify. The program is free to join, and after signing up, youll get a unique affiliate link to use in your blog posts or social media handles. To be eligible affiliates must own and run an active website, have an established audience, produce content such as videos, blog entries, seminars, or online courses, and have used Shopify or another e-commerce platform. For every merchant recommendation, you are qualified to receive a fixed commission of $150. There is no cap on how many vendors you can recommend. Payment options offered by the Shopify Affiliate Program include PayPal or a straight deposit to your bank account. For more on Shopify check out our article what is Shopify. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: Minimum balance of $10 2. Clickbank Commission Rate: Average commission range between $150 and $180 per sale. Cookie Lifetime: 60 days ClickBank is among the oldest and most well-known affiliate programs paying out over $5 billion in commissions since 1999. It offers a high commission rate for sales generated while managing over 300,000 daily transactions and 40,000 marketplace products. ClickBank affiliate marketing program sells a few physical products but specializes in selling digital products it offers some 6 million digital products in over 20 categories that appeal to a wide range of niches, reaching 200 million people globally. Perfect for all kinds of marketers including. bloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers, and other influencers, it offers little hassles to become an affiliate, youll need to start an account, fill in your personal and payment info, and then finalize your account to get started. Once you have an account, you can begin making money by creating affiliate links. Payment Options: Check, direct deposit, wire transfer Payment Threshold: $10 3. Semrush Commission Rate: Affiliates can make $200 per new subscription transaction, $10 per new trial, and $0.01 per new sign-up. Cookie Lifetime: Cookies last for 120 days Semrush is a leading online visibility management SaaS platform that enables businesses to achieve measurable results. Semrush Affiliate Program is a well-known affiliate program that lets people and companies earn commissions by promoting Semrushs over 40 tools that include SEO, PPC, content marketing, and social media marketing tools. The program provides associates with a variety of marketing tools, such as banners, links, and widgets, to help them promote Semrush on their websites or social media platforms. Affiliates make a recurring commission of up to 40% on each transaction recommended to Semrush, making the compensation structure competitive. In addition, the program offers a variety of payment methods, including PayPal and bank transfer, along with reasonable payment thresholds, making it simple for affiliates to receive their earnings. With it, affiliates can earn $200 for every new subscription sale, $10 for every new trial, and $0.01 for the new sign-up Payment Options: PayPal, electronic transfers Payment Threshold: Affiliates can request a payout once their account hits $50. 4. AWeber Commission Rate: Affiliates earn up to 50% commission on each sale referred to Aweber. Cookie Lifetime: AWeber tracking cookies last 365 days With the AWeber partner program lets affiliates companies can make fees by promoting Awebers email marketing software. The program provides associates with a variety of marketing tools and support, such as banners, links, and widgets, to help them refer AWeber on their websites or social media platforms. Through the program affiliates make a recurring fee of up to 50% for each transaction recommended to AWeber, making the commission structure competitive. In addition, the program offers payment methods, including PayPal, and bank transfers. One of the most important benefits of the AWeber Affiliate program is its support as the program provides a dedicated affiliate manager and instruction to help affiliates thrive. Payment Options: PayPal and bank transfer Payment Threshold: Affiliates can request a payout once their account hits $30. 5. HubSpot Commission Rate:15% monthly commission Cookie Lifetime:90 days HubSpots Affiliate Program is a well-known marketing program that allows people and companies to earn commissions by recommending HubSpots products and tools. Signing up and participating as an affiliate is completely free. The program starts with a 15% commission with affiliates on average can earn between $50 to $3,000 per month. In addition, there are no minimum sales required to earn a commission. With this program, there is no shortage of products to sell, including the companys CRM, Marketing Hub, Sales Hub, and Service Hub. This means that affiliates can appeal to a wide range of customers with varying requirements and hobbies, increasing their chances of making purchases and earning commissions. HubSpot also has a good reputation for offering quality products and services, allowing affiliates to make recommendations that people can trust. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: Minimum payout is set at $10 6. Constant Contact Commission Rate: Affiliates earn $5 for each referral that joins up for a tryout and $105 for each referral that pays for a new account. Cookie Lifetime: Constant Contacts tracking cookies last 30 days. Constant Contact is an email marketing platform for companies that enables them to create and distribute newsletters, campaigns, and other marketing materials. Constant Contact has an affiliate scheme that pays affiliates who recommend new clients to the business. Affiliates make a portion of sales through commissions from the customers purchases. Here promotions can be made through a variety of marketing tools such as ads, links, and pre-written emails. Constant Contact also provides affiliates with reporting tools that enable them to measure their profits and determine which marketing efforts are effective. Payment Options: PayPal and direct deposits Payment Threshold: No minimum payout Best Website Tool Affiliate Programs Below, well take a look at some website tools with the best affiliate programs, based on factors like commission rates, product selection, and user-friendliness. 7. Fiverr Commission Rate: Fiverr offers varying commissions ($15-$150) based on the area from which your buyer orders. Affiliates receive a one-time $10 CPA for a first-time purchase and 10% revenue share for one year. Cookie Lifetime: Cookies last for 30 days from the first click. Fiverrs affiliate program lets affiliates make commissions by advertising services on Fiverr via a shareable link. They can promote any of Fiverrs services, including Fiverr, Fiverr Enterprise, Fiverr Pro, and Fiverr Lear. Affiliates can advertise Fiverr on a variety of platforms, including blogs and websites, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, emails, podcasts, and more. When it comes to supporting Fiverr Partners, receive personalized sharing links, an intuitive dashboard to launch, manage and monitor campaigns as well as a variety of marketing tools to help them boost their sales. With Fiverr there are three ways to make commissions: cost-per-action marketing, a combination of CPA and revenue share, and revenue share commission. Payment Options: PayPal, Payoneer, or bank account deposit. Payment Threshold: Affiliates can request a payout once their account hits $100. If they havent hit $100, their earnings will remain in their account. 8. Squarespace Commission Rate: $100 to $200 per new subscription Cookie Lifetime: 45 days Squarespace is a website builder with an associate program that pays a commission to affiliates for each client they recommend. It offers payouts for every website or commerce subscription drive to Squarespace. Affiliates in the program have access to marketing materials as well as specialized affiliate support staff. It provides affiliates with custom links and banners that they can post on their websites. Then when a visitor youve referred to us makes a purchase, well keep track and give you a commission on the sale. The Squarespace affiliate program provides its members with an opportunity to earn $100 to $200 per new subscription that users purchase after following a referral link1. Squarespace works with the affiliate marketing platform Impact to manage its affiliate marketing program. To partake youll have to sign up and manage your affiliate account through Impact. Payment Options: PayPal, direct deposit Payment Threshold: Approved transactions are compensated 30 days after the conclusion of invoices. 9. WiX Commission Rate: Wix pays a flat commission of $100 for every customer who purchases a Wix Premium package Cookie Lifetime: 30 days WiX is a popular website-building tool that provides affiliates with several marketing and SEO tools to help them reach their marketing goals. Affiliates can make up to $100 per transaction as an affiliate by promoting WiX products and services on their website or social media platforms. One of the advantages of the WiX associate program is its user-friendly interface, which allows affiliates to quickly join up and begin advertising WiX products. Here affiliates can use a variety of advertising tools such as banners, text links, and widgets for promotions. The WiX associate programs commission system is also quite appealing, with greater payouts for affiliates who recommend more purchases. The program also provides a cookie length of 30 days. Payment Options: Wire transfer Payment Threshold: Affiliates must earn a minimum of $300 per month to get paid. 10. Hostinger Commission Rate: up to 60% for each successful referral Cookie Lifetime: 30 days Hostingers affiliate marketing program offers opportunities for anyone seeking to monetize their website or blog. Its affiliate scheme one of the best commission rates in the business, offering up to 60% for each successful referral. Some advantages of their program include high conversion and commission rates, ease of joining and maintenance, and personal associate administrators. Their affiliate program is also simple to use, with simple analytics and monitoring tools that provide comprehensive information about your success. In addition, it offers a variety of advertising materials, such as banners, links, and landing pages, to assist you in promoting their goods Payment Options: PayPal, bank transfer Payment Threshold: PayPal for transfers higher than $100; Bank transfer for payments higher than $500. 11. WordPress Elementor Commission Rate: Up to 50% commission on every new sale Cookie Lifetime: 30 days WordPress Elementor affiliate marketing program is a well-known program that enables people and companies to make commissions by promoting the WordPress Elementor page-building plugin. Affiliates can make 50% commissions on each transaction made through banners, videos, and text links. Once you are approved, you will receive a unique affiliate link that you can use to promote Elementors products on your website or blog. Elementor uses cookies to track your referrals, so you can earn commissions for any purchases made within 30 days of clicking your affiliate link. Affiliates can also monitor their purchases and earnings in real-time using the Elementor dashboard. This affiliate marketing program comes easy for anyone to get started and become successful. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: Payment will be made when affiliates earn $200. Best Web Hosting Affiliate Marketing Programs Whether youre a seasoned affiliate marketer or just getting started, the following web hosting programs offer great opportunities to earn passive income and build a steady revenue stream. 12. WP Engine Commission Rate: The program offers a minimum of $200 on every sale Cookie Lifetime: Affiliate cookies last 30 days For WP Engine hosting referrals, cookies last 180 days. For StudioPress themes, the cookie last 60 days. WP Engine is a website builder tool that allows users to create websites without coding. It also offers an affiliate program for promoting WP Engine plans and StudioPress themes. Both products can be tracked using the same affiliate link, making earning commissions from your promotions even simpler. Promotional tools such as banners, text links, and sample emails are available to affiliates, and affiliates can keep tabs on their referrals and earnings with real-time reporting and tracking tools. Through it, affiliates make a minimum of $200 or the first months payment. If affiliates do not already have an account with ShareASale, they will need to create one. Once approved, they will receive an email with their tracking link and other useful information to get you started. ShareASale makes payments on the 20th of each month, so your commission is calculated for the first 20th date after the minimum cancellation time for each product. Payment Options: PayPal, prepaid debit cards, gift cards, checks, or direct deposit electronic Payment Threshold: $50 13. Bluehost Commission Rate: $65 commission for every qualified hosting purchase. Cookie Lifetime: 90 days Bluehost the web hosting platform is famous among bloggers for its high-quality and low-cost offerings. After signing in affiliate marketers will get a special tracking number in a matter of minutes and once they find the banners and ads that go best with their website, they can browse through Bluehosts extensive collection. Affiliates will receive $65 for each successful recommendation commissions may increase depending on the number of referrals made. In addition, they can use their tracking links to evaluate campaigns, segment their referred traffic, and keep track of the effectiveness of various activities to raise their profits. Bluehost pays commissions through PayPal or electronic bank transfers 45 days after the end of the month of eligible purchase. Cookies that are dropped from affiliates unique link remain on customer browsers for 90 days. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: $100 14. HostGator Commission Rate: Affiliates earn anywhere from $50 to $125 for each customer that signs Cookie Lifetime: 60 days The HostGator affiliate program allows anyone with a website or social media account to generate income by recommending HostGator to their viewers. Affiliates can post a link for followers to click, leading them to the HostGator sign-up page. Joining the HostGator affiliate program is free and allows anyone with a website or social media account to generate income by recommending HostGator to their viewers. Affiliates can promote HostGators shared hosting services, Virtual Private Servers (VPS), HostGators managed WordPress hosting, and other services to their online followers and earn commissions from affiliate sales. Affiliates can earn anywhere from $50 to $125 for each customer that signs up each month. HostGator tracks referrals through both affiliate links and custom coupon codes. Payment Options: PayPal. Bank transfer Payment Threshold: Minimum $100 Best Travel Affiliate Programs Affiliate marketing can be a great way for travel bloggers to earn passive income online, offering fixed or recurring commissions for each successful sale. Below is a list of some of the best affiliate programs for travel: 15. Booking Commission Rate: Commissions range between 15% to 20%. Cookie Lifetime: Booking does not track cookies it uses Affiliate ID (AID) to track reservations made through you. Booking.com can be a great choice for those seeking to get into the travel affiliate marketing industry because it is one of the largest online travel booking sites with a solid reputation. It offers free sign-up to its affiliate partner program and lets you make commissions by promoting flights, accommodations, and other services. By sharing links, banners, and widgets on your site you can receive a commission when someone hits on the link and makes a reservation. You get commissions ranging from 15%-20% for each booking you get. Commission can be quite substantial if your followers book high-end accommodations. Payment Options: Payments are made through Paypal and direct bank transfers. Payment Threshold: When affiliates reach $ 100 worth of confirmed commission they can withdraw their commissions. 16. Tripadvisor Commission Rate: Minimum 50% commission Cookie Lifetime: 14 days The Tripadvisor affiliate program offers rewards in the form of commissions to affiliates who provide travelers with reviews. Affiliates will create content on their websites that promote TripAdvisor in exchange for a fee on the websites earnings. The program offers up to 50% commissions on recommended reservations made on their website. The program includes a number of useful affiliate resources, such as the ability to deep-link to over 500,000 city and hotel sites, utilize reward programs, and gain access to a helpful team of partner managers who provide creative assets and support. Even if youre just starting out, you can register for the Affiliate Program. When reviewing applications, TripAdvisor considers the general appearance and feel of the site to determine whether it is a good match. Payment Options: PayPal, check, direct deposit Payment Threshold: $100 17. InterContinental Hotel Group Commission Rate: Base commissions start at 3% Cookie Lifetime: 14 days InterContinental Hotel Group collaborates with affiliates to promote 11 of its major brands, over 5,100 hotels, in almost 100 countries. Through PartnerConnect, its affiliate marketing program allows you to place customized links to IHG brands and hotels on your website, blog, or social media. Commissions are paid as a percentage of the room cost when visitors complete their hotel stay. Affiliates by sharing customized links on your website, visitors can book hotels through that link. If an IHG hotel is reserved through a visitor linking directly to our website from yours, IHG will pay you a percentage of the total room revenue when the visitor completes their hotel stay. The program also offers regular promos and deals to boost affiliate profits as well. Payment Options: Checks, bank Transfer Payment Threshold: Checks will be issued for a minimum of $100. If you signed up for direct deposit, the minimum payment is $50. 18. Boatbookings CCommission Rate: 20% Cookie Lifetime: 30 days Boatbookings offers a great way for anyone looking to monetize their travel-related website or blog. The company specializes in luxury yacht chartering, boat rental, and sailing and motor yacht vacations. They offer an affiliate program where affiliates can earn a base rate of 20% commission on sales referred to Boatbookings. In addition, when an affiliate recommends multiple customers, bonus fees can apply. Additionally, when customers return to Boatbookings for a second purchase, affiliates receive an additional 10% commission on that sale. The program also stands out due to its 30-day cookie lifetime and low payment threshold. Payment Options: Bank transfers Payment Threshold: None, affiliates are paid on successful completion of charters Best Big Box Store Affiliate Programs Below are some big box stores that have affiliate marketing programs to consider. 19. The eBay Partner Network Commission Rate: 1%-4% Cookie Lifetime: 24 hours Through its affiliate partner network eBay offers bloggers, vloggers, podcasters, influencers, or website owners opportunities to tap into new sources of revenue through affiliate marketing. This affiliate program is open to anyone who has an eBay account, if you do not already have an account, you will need to sign up for one to participate. The program is free to register, without any membership requirements or affiliate costs required. Affiliates can start earning by simply adding links to their website, social media, or blog, they get paid in commissions. When it comes to commission, eBay only gives a commission on the profit made on a transaction while fees differ based on the sort of goods sold. Payment Options: Direct deposit or PayPal Payment Threshold: $ 10 20. Amazon Associates Affiliate Program Commission Rate: 1% to 10% Cookie Lifetime: 24 hours The Amazon Associates program can be a fantastic way to earn money by recommending, reviewing products, and earning some passive income. This program is open to bloggers, publishers, and content creators with a qualifying website or mobile app. By promoting Amazon products that are included in the programs with your audience and using customized linking tools, you can sign up to be an Amazon affiliate and begin earning money from qualifying purchases. One of the biggest affiliate networks is Amazon Associates, which has millions of projects and thousands of developers. There are millions of products you can pitch, with new ones being added every day. Commissions range from 1% to 10% based on the product category, these give you a decent selection of goods to evaluate. The most valuable items to promote are clothes and luxury beauty products, both of which can earn you good commissions. The Amazon affiliate marketing program has a high conversion rate because it is one of the oldest partner programs and has a strong brand reputation and authority. Its also easy to use for both affiliates and shoppers, making it more likely that youll close lots of sales. Want to become an affiliate for Amazon? Check out our article on how to become an Amazon affiliate. Payment Options: Direct deposit, Amazon.com Gift Certificate, or check Payment Threshold: $100 21. Walmart Commission Rate: 1%-8% Cookie Lifetime: 24 hours Home Depot one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world offers a free-to-join affiliate marketing program. The program offers a variety of tools and resources to help affiliates succeed, including product feeds, banners, text links, and more. Affiliates can earn up to 8% commission on sales generated through their links, which is a generous rate compared to other programs in the home improvement niche. Additionally, Home Depot provides regular promotions and discounts to increase sales, and their customer service offers advice on helping to increase customer loyalty and improve the chances of repeat sales. Payment Options: Checks and direct bank deposit Payment Threshold: $100 for checks and $50 for direct deposits 22. Target Commission Rate: Up to 8% Cookie Lifetime: 7 days Targets partners program allows participating affiliates to earn commission on sales referred to Target.com. By using specially tracked links provided via Impact Radius website owners, bloggers or influencers can earn commissions through recommending products on sale at Target. To join the affiliate program is free provided that your website or blog is appropriate for family viewing. Commission rates for the Target affiliate program vary based on the products you advertise and how many items you sell they can earn up to 8% in commissions. In addition, cookies last for up to seven days and the average payout for every 100 clicks is between $12-$13. Payment Options: Payments are made through PayPal and wire transfers through the impact radius platform Payment Threshold: No minimum payout Best Educational Affiliate Program Options Some educational best affiliate programs to consider. 23. Teachable Commission Rate: 30% Cookie Lifetime: 90 days Teachable has an affiliate program that allows users to promote the platform including its monthly and annual plans. Affiliate marketers can use a number of channels to promote Teachable and share their affiliate links, including their blog, social media page, email list, YouTube channel, and more. When a user follows your affiliate link and purchases a monthly or annual subscription to the teachable platform, youll earn a commission for the referral. According to Teachable affiliate partners earn an average of $450 per month, with many earning $1,000 or more. When someone purchases a Teachable subscription, you can earn a 30% commission with a 90-day cookie. In addition, you will continue to receive the commission as long as your referrals remain on the platform. The core product offered by Teachable is a digital platform where users can access different tools designed to help them create and promote online courses. The teachable platform also includes useful tools for managing marketing and sales. Payment Options: Monthly payouts are made through PayPal Payment Threshold: Due to Teachables 30-day refund policy, funds will be held for at least 30 days before they are released to affiliates 24. Skillshare Commission Rate: Affiliates earn 40% in commissions for each new customer that starts a paid membership Cookie Lifetime: Affiliate cookies last 30 days Skillshare is an eLearning platform that has been around for several years and has a popular affiliate program that reaches out to influencers to promote thousands of classes in illustration, design, photography, and more. With Skillshare affiliates get a unique tracking code that they can use to promote the over 31000 courses available on their websites, social media, or blog. Anyone with at least one proven platform and a following that is aligned with Skillshares brand can join Skillshares affiliate program for free. In addition, affiliates must have an Impact account as well as a free Skillshare account. Through Impact, each affiliate establishes a unique account that records their referrals in real-time. Affiliates make 40% of revenue for each new client who begins a paid membership with Skillshare. Referrals have 30 days from using your link to join up for a Skillshare subscription in order to qualify for earning commissions. Affiliates will be paid 30 days after the month in which they are contracted ends. Payments are done using the chosen payment method set in Impact. Payment Options: PayPal or cash deposit to your bank account Payment Threshold: There is a payment threshold of $10. 25. Coursera Commission Rate: Offers commissions between 15% 45% on any eligible purchases. Cookie Lifetime: Cookies last for 30 days Courseras affiliate marketing program lets affiliate marketers earn commissions by promoting online classes and other educational resources. It has over 4,000 courses on the platforms diverse range of courses to choose from allowing you to advertise whichever course you want. Joining the program is simple, what is required is that your blog or website must have at least 1,000 distinct users a month. The commissions are attractive and range from 15% to 45% commission on each transaction. If you perform well, the program also rewards you with incentives. You will also receive professionally-designed Coursera banners, text links to add to your site, and a monthly affiliate newsletter with tailored content suggestions. Plus, any traffic or sales you send to Coursera can be readily monitored using the interface, which keeps you up to date on your sales success. Payment Options: PayPal or direct deposit Payment Threshold: Affiliates can withdraw funds once they have received a minimal payout of $50. 26. Udemy Commission Rate: Commissions are set at 10% for each qualified sale and may increase based on performance. Cookie Lifetime: Cookies last for seven days Udemy is another popular online learning platform that has courses with thousands of courses. If you are passionate about learning and skill development why not promote Udemy to help people raise their skill levels? You can kick-start your campaign either with their course-specific links, or site-wide links while at the same time monitoring progress and earning good commissions. You will also have access to special discounts, promotional materials, and unique content to help you easily convert prospects to sales. To participate in the program your website traffic will need to have at least 500 unique monthly visitors in the last three months. If you are a social media influencer you must have at least 500 followers. Payment Options: Paypal, direct deposit, or check Payment Threshold: $50 27. Kaplan Commission Rate: 20% Cookie Lifetime: 30 days The Kaplan Affiliate Program offers a great tool that allows people and businesses to make money by marketing Kaplans classes and goods. This program allows affiliates the opportunity to make commissions by referring students and workers to Kaplans programs, which include exam preparation, professional training, and higher education. Kaplan Affiliate Program is completely free to enroll in and has a simple application process once approved, affiliates will have access to marketing resources, tools, and assistance to help them get started. Its referral program allows affiliates to earn additional commissions by referring new affiliates to the program. This means that you can earn a commission not only on your referrals but also on the referrals of your referrals. This program is well-suited for those who have a niche audience interested in education, testing, and professional development. Payment Options: Payment is done through Wise Payment Threshold: $50 Other Amazing Affiliate Marketing Programs to Join in 2023 Other affiliate marketing programs are worth considering. 28. LeadPages Commission Rate: 30% Cookie Lifetime: 90 days The Leadpages Affiliate Partner Program is free to join and offers a suite of lead generation tools. With this affiliate program, you get 30% monthly commissions for the lifetime of the customer. It also provides a 50% recurring commission on all sales generated, for as long as the referrals remain customers. With it, affiliates earn commission on all sales made within 30 days of the initial referral, which means you can earn commission on multiple products and services offered by Leadpages. This also expands to renewals and upgrades of their Leadpages plan. Leadpages comes with free hosting on a Leadpages domain, more than 200 mobile responsive landing page templates, text-to-Opt-in comes/ SMS campaigns and much more. Payment Options: PayPal or Stripe Payment Threshold: $50 29. ConvertKit Commission Rate: 30% Cookie Lifetime: 90 days ConvertKit is a popular email marketing software that is popular among bloggers, online creators, and digital creatives. Through its affiliate marketing program, it allows individuals and businesses to earn commissions for promoting ConvertKit to their audience. The program is completely free to join and offers marketers a variety of marketing tools such as banners, text links, and email templates. Affiliates can earn up to 30% recurring commission on each transaction they recommend, which means you can make money every time a client you refer renews their membership. Because of the recurring commission plan, you can make passive income as long as your recommended clients stay subscribers. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: No minimum threshold limit 30. ClickFunnels Commission Rate: 30% Cookie Lifetime: 45 days ClickFunnels has been a popular sales funnel builder that helps businesses in increasing their online sales. In addition, ClickFunnels provides an affiliate marketing program through which affiliates can make commissions by promoting ClickFunnels to their target audience. The ClickFunnels partner program is completely free to join and offers marketers a variety of marketing tools such as banners, text links, and email themes. Affiliates can make up to 40% commission on each transaction referred by them, which is a substantial commission rate when compared to other partner programs. Payment Options: PayPal Payment Threshold: $50 31. Nord VPN Commission Rate: 30%-40% Cookie Lifetime: 30 days NordVPN is a popular Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that offers its users online privacy and protection. NordVPN also provides an affiliate marketing program through which people make commissions by recommending NordVPN to their target audience. It is free to join and offers marketers a variety of promotional tools such as banners, text links, and email themes. Affiliates can make up to 40% commission on each transaction referred by them, which is a substantial commission rate when compared to other partner programs. Payment Options: Paypal, Wire transfer Payment Threshold: $50 32. BigCommerce Commission Rate: up to 200% Cookie Lifetime: 90 days BigCommerce is a leading e-commerce platform that has built a robust affiliate marketing program that offers a range of benefits to both affiliates and merchants. The program provides affiliates with commissions as well as a range of promotional materials to help generate traffic and purchases. The program also includes specialized BigCommerce team assistance and access to a comprehensive reporting dashboard with real-time insights into campaign success. Affiliates can opt to either promote individual products or entire categories to optimize their campaigns and maximize their earnings. According to the company, affiliates can earn a 200% commission on the recommended customers first monthly payment. They can also earn a further $1,500 if clients join up for BigCommerces Enterprise package. Payment Options: Bank Transfer Payment Threshold: 33. Etsy Commission Rate: commissions vary depending on the product Cookie Lifetime: 30 days Etsy is an online marketplace where people can purchase and trade their one-of-a-kind handcrafted and vintage goods. A wide variety of items are sold on the platform that includes jewelry, apparel, house decor, and furniture. The Etsy affiliate marketing program enables website owners and bloggers to make commissions by selling and promoting Etsy goods on their websites. Because Etsy has a wide variety of goods, affiliate marketers can quickly discover products that match the subject and audience of their website. This makes it simpler for them to produce pertinent and engaging content that will appeal to their target audience. Etsys affiliate marketing program also provides a reasonable commission rate, which is a portion of the transaction price earned by affiliates for advertising Etsy goods. The compensation rate is presently set at 4%, which is lower than some other associate marketing programs, but its still a good rate that can build up, particularly if your website receives a lot of traffic. Payment Options: Check, money transfer, bank deposit Payment Threshold: $20 34. GetResponse Commission Rate: 33% Cookie Lifetime: 120 days GetResponse the company that provides marketing automation, landing pages, opt-in forms, webinars, customer relationship management, and more also offers an affiliate marketing program. GetResponse offers two affiliate programs: an affiliate bounty program offering $100 for every sale referred and an affiliate recurring program that pays 33% for every sale referred every month. The programs also offer free resources and promotional materials including banners, videos, and sales copy. This free-to-join program also offers support like real-time reporting, which allows affiliates to track their performance and monitor their earnings. Payment Options: PayPal, check Payment Threshold: $50 Affiliate Program Commission Rate Cookie Lifetime Payment Options Payment Threshold Shopify $150 per merchant referral 30 days PayPal $10 Clickbank $150-$180 per sale 60 days Check, Direct Deposit, Wire Transfer $10 Semrush $200 per new subscription, $10 per trial, $0.01 per sign-up 120 days PayPal, Electronic Transfer $50 AWeber Up to 50% per sale 365 days PayPal, Bank Transfer $30 HubSpot 15% monthly commission 90 days PayPal $10 Constant Contact $5 for trial, $105 for new account 30 days PayPal, Direct Deposit No minimum Fiverr $15-$150 + one-time $10 CPA for first-time purchase and 10% revenue share for one year 30 days PayPal, Payoneer, Bank Deposit $100 Squarespace $100-$200 per new subscription 45 days PayPal, Direct Deposit After 30 days of invoice conclusion Wix $100 per Premium package purchase 30 days Wire Transfer $300 Hostinger Up to 60% per referral 30 days PayPal, Bank Transfer PayPal - $100; Bank transfer - $500 WordPress Elementor Up to 50% per sale 30 days PayPal $200 WP Engine Minimum $200 per sale 30-180 days (varies) PayPal, Prepaid Debit Cards, Gift Cards, Checks, Direct Deposit $50 Bluehost $65 per hosting purchase 90 days PayPal $100 HostGator $50 to $125 per customer 60 days PayPal, Bank Transfer $100 Booking 15%-20% N/A - uses Affiliate ID PayPal, Direct Bank Transfer $100 TripAdvisor Minimum 50% 14 days PayPal, Check, Direct Deposit $100 InterContinental Hotel Group Base at 3% 14 days Checks, Bank Transfer Checks - $100; Direct Deposit - $50 Boatbookings 20% 30 days Bank Transfers Paid on completion of charters eBay Partner Network 1%-4% 24 hours Direct Deposit or PayPal $10 Amazon Associates 1%-10% 24 hours Direct Deposit, Amazon.com Gift Certificate, Check $100 Walmart 1%-8% 24 hours Checks, Direct Bank Deposit Checks - $100; Direct Deposits - $50 Target Up to 8% 7 days PayPal, Wire Transfers No minimum Teachable 30% 90 days PayPal Funds held for 30 days due to refund policy Skillshare 40% per new paid membership 30 days PayPal, Bank Deposit $10 Coursera 15%-45% per purchase 30 days PayPal, Direct Deposit $50 Udemy 10% per qualified sale 7 days PayPal, Direct Deposit, Check $50 Kaplan 20% 30 days Wise $50 LeadPages 30% 90 days PayPal, Stripe $50 ConvertKit 30% 90 days PayPal No minimum ClickFunnels 30% 45 days PayPal $50 Nord VPN 30%-40% 30 days PayPal, Wire Transfer $50 BigCommerce Up to 200% 90 days Bank Transfer N/A Etsy Varies 30 days Check, Money Transfer, Bank Deposit $20 GetResponse 33% 120 days PayPal, Check $50 Why Not Join Affiliate Networks? If you are an affiliate marketer joining an affiliate network can be beneficial. This is because affiliate marketing networks provide you with access to a broader range of retailers and goods to promote, as well as a variety of tools and resources to help improve your campaigns and maximize their earnings. Additionally, affiliates can tap into the knowledge of other effective affiliates and benefit from their experiences by joining an affiliate network. Below are some affiliate networks to consider joining: CJ Affiliate Network: Commission Junction is a well-known affiliate network that offers a high commission rate for sales generated and generous bonuses for referring new customers. It partners with over 3,800 brands and touts paying over $1.8 billion in affiliate commissions annually. It offers wide-ranging tools to help businesses increase performance and conversions, such as deep link generator and automation, mobile-friendly conversions, comprehensive reporting, an intuitive dashboard, and a monthly fee. CJ Affiliate specializes in big brand names, as well as smaller product and service suppliers, and offers direct display advertising offering flat fees and commissions. CJ is best suited to affiliate marketers with three to six months of experience and its payment options include cheques and direct deposits. ShareASale: ShareASale is an affiliate network featuring over 2,500 different merchants to choose from. It offers a variety of commission rates based on the particular product. As an affiliate, you can choose the specific businesses you want to promote and how you want to promote them. It is free to sign up and has thousands of merchant partners. It is popular among marketers and merchants due to its user-friendly interface, fast free sign-up, and support for affiliates running multiple websites. The ShareASale website allows affiliates to join in and view their stats and earnings in real-time. It also provides great affiliate partner support, including affiliate marketing classes, training webinars, merchant recommendations, and marketing tools to help you grow your revenue. ShareASale promises prompt delivery of earned commissions. Additionally, Share a Sale gives users the option to deep connect. As an affiliate, this means that you can direct visitors away from the home page and onto the merchants registration page. Deep linking makes it more likely that you will receive commissions for recommendations you make. Impact Radius: Impact Radius is a popular affiliate network that provides a variety of features and tools to assist retailers and affiliates in reaching their objectives. The platform has an easy-to-use user interface (UI) that allows you to manage campaigns, monitor performance, and improve outcomes. Impact Radius sophisticated monitoring and reporting skills are one of its most appealing features. Users can monitor success across multiple platforms, such as mobile, social, and email, and it offers real-time reporting and metrics to help optimize campaigns and maximize ROI. This affiliate network not only gets you access to a marketplace where you find top brands but also helps you contact your preferred brands affiliate manager directly. Awin: Awin is one of the most recognized affiliate marketing networks, providing a variety of features and tools to assist merchants and affiliates in succeeding in the highly competitive world of affiliate marketing. Awins vast network of partners, which includes some of the worlds top companies and publishers, is one of its main advantages. This simplifies the process of connecting businesses with high-quality associates who can help generate tailored traffic and sales. Whether youre just starting out in the world of affiliate marketing or looking to take your campaigns to the next level, Awin is worth considering. Partnerize: Partnerize is a prominent affiliate network that provides merchants and affiliates with a variety of tools and features to help them thrive in the highly competitive world of affiliate marketing. Partnerize is able to produce impressive outcomes for its customers by focusing on data-driven insights and advanced tracking tools. One of Partnerizes main advantages is its advanced monitoring and reporting features. The platform provides real-time monitoring across multiple platforms, including mobile, social, and email, as well as potent reporting and analytics tools to aid in campaign optimization and ROI maximization. FlexOffers: FlexOffers is a well-known affiliate network that links marketers with publishers in order to boost income. It has a user-friendly interface that is simple to use for both marketers and affiliates. It also provides a variety of tools and resources to assist content creators in optimizing their affiliate efforts and increasing their profits. One of the most appealing aspects of FlexOffers is its extensive network of advertisers, which includes well-known companies from a variety of sectors. This means that publishers can promote a wide variety of goods and services to their target community. How to Find the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Business There are several ways to find the best affiliate programs for your business. One method is to conduct a Google search for affiliate programs in your industry. Another option is to look into affiliate networks, which contain profiles of affiliate programs. Finding the best affiliate program for you can seem difficult, but there are several steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly: Step 1: Research affiliate networks: Affiliate networks, such as Commission Junction, ShareASale, and ClickBank, are great places to start your search for affiliate programs. These networks offer a wide range of products and services in various niches, and they can provide you with useful tools and resources to manage your affiliate campaigns. Step 2: Look for products and services that align with your niche: Its essential to choose affiliate programs that align with your niche and target audience. By promoting products and services that are relevant to your audience, youll be more likely to generate conversions and earn commissions. Step 3: Consider commission rates: Commission rates vary between affiliate programs, so its important to consider the commission rate when choosing which programs to promote. Look for programs with higher commission rates, but also consider the value and relevance of the product or service. Step 4: Check for affiliate program restrictions: Some affiliate programs have restrictions on where and how you can promote their products. Be sure to read the program terms and conditions carefully to ensure that the program is a good fit for your marketing strategy. Step 5: Research the reputation of the affiliate program: Before promoting any affiliate program, its important to research the reputation of the program and the company behind it. Look for reviews and feedback from other affiliates, and check the programs track record of paying commissions on time. To get to know more about affiliate marketing you can also enroll in an affiliate marketing course. Final Words These are some of the best and highest-earning affiliate programs. Now its up to you to choose the programs you believe youll be comfortable with and earn enough money from customers. As we all know, the affiliate marketing business is booming, and it doesnt appear that this pattern will be stopping anytime soon. So, why not try your hand at being an affiliate marketer? Which affiliate program is the best for beginners? The best affiliate program for beginners is determined by a number of variables, such as the individuals interests and the products or services they wish to market. However, some associate programs are more user-friendly for beginners than others. Because of its user-friendly interface, a broad variety of goods to advertise, and comparatively cheap commission rates, Amazon Associates is considered a great affiliate program for beginners. eBay Partner Network, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate are some of the best affiliate programs for beginners. What is the highest-paid affiliate program? There are many affiliate programs that offer high commission rates and it can be difficult to determine which one is the highest paying. Some affiliate programs that are often mentioned as being among the highest paying include Semrush, GetResponse, Fiverr, Bluehost, and Shopify. What is the best-selling affiliate product? There are many products that sell well through affiliate marketing and the best-selling product will vary depending on factors such as the target audience and marketing strategy. Tours, insurance products, online classes, virtual reality products, drones, and health supplements are some popular goods that are frequently cited as top sellers through affiliate marketing. What are the top 10 affiliate programs? There are many great affiliate programs available and the top 10 will vary depending on your specialization and interest. Some popular affiliate programs that are often mentioned in top 10 lists include: 1. Amazon Associates 2. CJ Affiliate 3. ShareASale 4. ClickBank 5. GetResponse 6. Bluehost 7. Shopify 8. eBay Partner Network 9. BigCommerce 10. NordVPN What is the best affiliate company? There are many great affiliate companies available and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some popular affiliate companies include Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Bluehost. Which is the best affiliate network? There are many great affiliate networks available and the best one for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Some popular affiliate networks include CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, ClickBank, and Amazon Associates. Each affiliate marketing network has its own unique features and benefits. For example, CJ Affiliate is known for its wide range of products and services to promote while Amazon Associates is popular for its vast selection of products. Its important to research and compare the different affiliate networks to find the one that best fits your needs. Consider factors such as the types of products or services available to promote, commission rates, payment methods, and support when choosing an affiliate network. Can you be a millionaire with affiliate marketing? While it is possible to earn a significant amount of money through affiliate marketing, becoming a millionaire solely through affiliate marketing is rare and requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and skill. Successful affiliate marketers have built large audiences and have developed effective strategies for promoting products and engaging with their audiences. Its important to note that success in affiliate marketing takes time and effort. It requires consistently creating valuable content, building an engaged audience, and promoting products effectively. While its possible to earn a significant amount of money through affiliate marketing, its not a get-rich-quick scheme. For more read our article affiliate marketing myths. Is it worth becoming an affiliate? Becoming an affiliate can be a great way to earn extra income by promoting products or services that you believe in. However, whether or not its worth it for you depends on several factors such as the amount of time and effort youre willing to put into it, the products or services youre promoting, and your ability to effectively reach and engage with your audience. How do I become an affiliate with no money? Becoming an affiliate with no money is possible because most affiliate programs are free to join. Here are some steps you can follow to become an affiliate with no money: Research and choose an affiliate program that aligns with your specialization, interests, and audience. Sign up for the program and get your unique tracking link. Promote the products or services using your tracking link on your website, social media accounts, or other platforms where you have an audience. Earn commissions when someone clicks on your link and makes a purchase or completes an action.Its important to note that while joining an affiliate program is usually free, there may be costs associated with promoting the products or services such as website hosting fees or advertising costs. Qualify for discounts, special offers and more with a Business Prime account from Amazon. You can create a FREE account to get started today. A selection of short feel-good stories from Slovakia. Surgeons in Banska Bystrica performed the very first robot-assisted thyroid surgery in central Europe. (Source: Facebook/F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent. Slovak surgeons score central European first in robot-assisted thyroid surgery The team of surgeons was led by Gabriele Materazzi. (Source: Facebook/F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica) A team of surgeons from the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospital in Banska Bystrica, central Slovakia, can claim a unique milestone. In late November, they performed the very first robot-assisted thyroid surgery in central Europe. The procedure brings several benefits. The patient is left with no ugly scar on their neck, and the risk of vocal nerve injury is reduced, meaning people are less likely to wheeze after the procedure. The surgery was led by Gabriele Materazzi, a professor from the University of Pisa in Italy, with whom the surgeons from Banska Bystrica previously cooperated in 2005, when thyroid operations using the minimally invasive MIVAT method were introduced. The introduction of a robot-assisted approach in thyroid operations is an advance in minimally invasive surgery to an even higher quality level and we would like to introduce this as standard practice in the near future, said Lubomir Marko, head of the F. D. Roosevelt University Hospitals surgical clinic, in a Facebook post. Ground squirrels feature on souvenir banknote Tourists can now buy a souvenir banknote featuring ground squirrels. (Source: eurosouvenir.sk) Thousands of tourist are lured to the Biele Vody meadow in the Muranska Planina National Park each year, to see the European ground squirrels (or svists) that live there. These popular animals have now been immortalised on a zero-euro souvenir note, thanks to an initiative by the nearby town of Muran. The banknote with ground squirrels is a nice souvenir from our region, Roman Goldschmidt, the mayor of Muran, told the MY Novohrad regional newspaper. The souvenir banknote, which costs 3 to buy but has no face value, can be bought at the municipal authority building in Muran, and also near the meadow during the tourist season. Festive bin lorry cruises the streets of Bratislava OLO employees embrace the Christmas spirit. (Source: Courtesy of OLO) The city of Bratislava has extended its fleet of public vehicles decorated with Christmas lights. In addition to the traditional Christmas tram, the municipal waste management company Odvoz a Likvidacia Odpadu (OLO) dispatched a specially decorated Christmas bin lorry on December 6. It will gradually visit all the city's boroughs. People will be able to see it between 16:00 and 20:00. We sent our Christmas truck onto the streets for the first time last year, said Zuzana Balkova, external communication manager at OLO. It was enjoyed by both children and adults. They were making videos and pictures, and then tagging us on social networks. This is why we decided to continue this tradition also this year. The time schedule of the Christmas bin lorry can be found at the OLO website. Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator to read: Political caricature of the week In English: Love blossoms in every wood. (Source: Rosie Naive Art) With this picture, an artist who goes by the name Rosie Naive Art on social networks responded to Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a nominee of the Slovak National Party), who criticised a painting by Slovak artist Andrej Dubravsky that depicted two men kissing. Dubravsky's painting was on display in the Slovak Public Radio building in Bratislava in October and November. You can send me your tips on good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: radka.minarechova@spectator.sk. Thank you! Opposition calls a new protest for next week, a new target for the disinformation community, and tips for events. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good afternoon. Here is the Friday, December 8 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. Poll: Will the coalition last a full term? From left: Peter Pellegrini (Hlas), Robert Fico (Smer) and Andrej Danko (SNS) at the signing of the coalition agreement in October. (Source: TASR) Almost two thirds of Slovaks expect the current governing coalition, comprising Smer, Hlas and the Slovak National Party (SNS), to last four years. On the other hand, almost 30 percent of respondents do not expect the coalition to last a full term, a poll has found. The results stem from a new survey by the AKO polling agency for private channel TV Joj. About five percent did not express an opinion. When it comes to regions, residents of Trencin, Trnava, Banska Bystrica, Bratislava and Zilina Regions, as well as men, people aged 34-49, and voters of Smer, SNS, Hlas, the far-right Republika party and Aliancia, are more likely to think the coalition will last a full term. On the other hand, women, younger people aged 18-33, and voters of Progresivne Slovensko, KDH, SaS, and the Slovensko movement have the opposite opinion. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE POLITICS: The president is not ruling out using her veto in relation to the government's plan to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office. The president is not ruling out using her veto in relation to the government's plan to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office. WEEKEND: There are still some events happening that are not related to Christmas! Click here to learn more. There are still some events happening that are not related to Christmas! Click here to learn more. HEALTH: Slovakia's thriving disinformation community has a new target: a proposed WHO pandemic treaty. Coalition MPs are piling on. If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator monthly will be sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR FRIDAY Ground squirrels immortalised on 'banknote' European ground squirrels revisiting the meadow after hibernation. (Source: Radovan Vojencak) Thousands of tourists are lured to the Biele Vody meadow in the Muranska Planina National Park each year, to see the European ground squirrels (or svists) that live there. These popular animals have now been immortalised on a zero-euro souvenir note, thanks to an initiative by the nearby town of Muran. Read a selection of good-news stories from around Slovakia. EVENT FOR THE WEEKEND AND COMING DAYS The winter edition of a popular market Urban Market. (Source: TASR) Urban Market is a unique cultural and social event that combines a lively design market of contemporary artistic and creative creations with a presentation of locally produced professional fashion, design and art plus a varied accompanying programme. This is not the only market taking place in the Slovak capital in the coming days. For more tips on events, have a look at our weekly Top 10 events for foreigners. IN OTHER NEWS On social media, opposition parties Progresivne Slovensko, SaS and KDH announced another protest in Bratislava, to be held in Namestie Slobody (Freedom Square) on Tuesday, December 12 at 18:00 . This time, events in other towns are being planned as well, and civic organisations will be invited to participate. . This time, events in other towns are being planned as well, and civic organisations will be invited to participate. Compared to 1990, Slovakia has been able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44 percent , according to a report presented by the Slovak delegation to the UN's COP28 conference on climate change. This was due to legislation, and changes in the structure of industry and in consumer behaviour. Predictions show that Slovakia will be able to reduce its emissions by 55 percent by 2030. However, it must adopt additional measures. (TASR) , according to a report presented by the Slovak delegation to the UN's COP28 conference on climate change. This was due to legislation, and changes in the structure of industry and in consumer behaviour. Predictions show that Slovakia will be able to reduce its emissions by 55 percent by 2030. However, it must adopt additional measures. (TASR) Companies that are members of a multinational group will soon have to pay tax in Slovakia on a share of their global income. The Finance Ministry expects the move to raise income amounting to 48.5 million annually. The bill was approveed on Friday by parliament and will enter into force as of December 31, 2023. (TASR) The Finance Ministry expects the move to raise income amounting to 48.5 million annually. The bill was approveed on Friday by parliament and will enter into force as of December 31, 2023. (TASR) The Interior Ministry has built 1,088 new, remotely controlled 4th-generation electronic sirens in 720 towns and villages in Slovakia. The goal was to expand and modernise the network of civil protection sirens to warn the population in case of emergency events. Coverage has been increased to 85 percent of the population from the previous 58 percent. (TASR) The goal was to expand and modernise the network of civil protection sirens to warn the population in case of emergency events. Coverage has been increased to 85 percent of the population from the previous 58 percent. (TASR) Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer) approved a 750,000 financial contribution for the purchase of two mine-clearing Bozena 4+ vehicles intended for Ukraine. (TASR) The High Tatras, as seen from the village of Mengusovce. Over the last few days several centimetres of new snow have fallen in the region. (Source: TASR) WEATHER FOR THE WEEKEND Skies will be overcast throughout the weekend. Saturday will be foggy, with occasional light snowfall in the western part of the country. Expect daytime temperatures of between -3C and 2C. Sunday will see more snowfall in many places, with daytime temperatures rising slightly to -2C to 3C. A level 1 wind warning has been issued for the western-most districts of Slovakia on Saturday and Sunday, and a level 1 ground ice warning, also for western areas, applies on Sunday. (SHMU) Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator). Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipsic has once again offered to step down. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share On Friday, President Zuzana Caputova announced that she would not rule out using her veto power or the option of turning to the Constitutional Court in the event that the Fico government moves to abolish the Special Prosecutor's Office. The planned abolition was announced on Wednesday, December 6, and approved by the government. If it goes ahead, the office would cease to exist in mid January 2024. The government plans to implement all the necessary legal amendments before Christmas, by using a fast-tracked legislative procedure in parliament. The plan was criticised not just by the president, but also by opposition parties, the European Commission, and experts. The office oversees the prosecution of serious crimes, including high-level corruption. As soon as it began to prosecute people with links to previous Smer-led governments, Smer which returned to government in October after a three-and-a-half year hiatus began to portray the institution as biassed, and senior party members launched a campaign of vilification against elite investigators and prosecutors. According to Caputova, the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office will significantly weaken the rule of law in Slovakia. The government's arguments for using the fast-tracked procedure, which sharply curtails any opportunity for parliamentary scrutiny, and its avoidance of any meaningful consultation with legal experts are, in the opinion of the president, who is herself a lawyer, deliberate. On Friday, Special Prosecutor Daniel Lipsic once again offered to step down from his position at the head of the office if that would mean the government backtracked from its decision to abolish it. He first did so even before the government announced its decision. In a post on social media, he also thanked people for their support. On Thursday evening, several thousand people gathered in the Namestie Slobody (Freedom Square) in central Bratislava to protest against the abolition of the Special Prosecutor's Office and the government's actions. Foremost among them is Prime Minister Robert Fico, who calls it a 'fabrication by pharma companies'. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share The World Health Organisation is preparing a new treaty that should help in the event of another pandemic similar to Covid-19. The organisation faced criticism after 2020 for being slow to respond to the development of the disease, and in proposing public health measures. The treaty should be approved next May. However in Slovakia, the treaty has already become a hot topic among promoters of disinformation who claim, variously, that it will endanger Slovakia's sovereignty or that it will allow Microsoft founder and philanthropist Bill Gates to take over the world, the Dennik N daily reports. Moreover, governing coalition MPs are starting to echo the alternative media, assuring voters that they will not support any such WHO treaty. Related article Related article Slovaks among most likely to believe conspiracy theories Read more On social media, Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (Slovak National Party nominee) said that "the government will not agree to any WHO treaty that would transfer national sovereignty when it comes to dealing with any pandemic to a transnational body, as is stated in the working documents [for the treaty], according to which the WHO is supposed to have the right to deny the sovereignty of states and human rights". In a video, Erik Kalinak, senior adviser to Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), talked about the move as "another effort by globalists to weaken the power of nation-states". According to health analyst Martin Smatana, a lack of authority and the absence of clear rules and guidelines meant that thousands of people died needlessly of Covid-19. Members of the WHO are therefore developing an updated version of the guidelines. The most contentious part is related to the shortening of deadlines by which member states should inform the WHO about their reservations concerning, or their rejection of, updates to the guidelines. Smatana says that the deadlines were shortened so that the WHO could react by targeting anti-pandemic measures more quickly. In no way do the shortened deadlines change the powers of the WHO. Prime Minister Fico now says that his government will not strengthen the competencies of the WHO in any way, calling the move "nonsense that must have been created by insatiable pharmaceutical companies". Slovakia is not the only country having to deal with disinformation in regards to the treaty: similarly wild claims have been heard in France and Estonia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/republican-reckoning-gop-must-win-over-undecided-moderates-to-clinch-2024-victory-1115464809.html Republican 'Reckoning': GOP Must Win Over Undecided Moderates to Clinch 2024 Victory Republican 'Reckoning': GOP Must Win Over Undecided Moderates to Clinch 2024 Victory The non-Trump candidates competing for voter attention at the Republican debate Wednesday largely failed to make their key points most likely to resonate with voters, as they focused on poorly-researched attacks on each other. 2023-12-07T22:16+0000 2023-12-07T22:16+0000 2023-12-07T22:13+0000 analysis nikki haley chris christie donald trump gop fault lines republican primary 2024 us presidential election vivek ramaswamy ron desantis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/1d/1115289295_0:216:3072:1944_1920x0_80_0_0_ce0d6dfce247f6aab844f88c3c1c6a12.jpg Republicans held their fourth presidential primary debate on Wednesday evening, in which candidates vying for the GOPs nomination as their presidential candidate in November 2024 argued it out over a variety of issues.The debate was hosted by News Nation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and featured four of the five GOP candidates: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, New York-based tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN Ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.The candidate who wins the nomination in the July 2024 Republican National Convention will face off against the Democrats candidate, which at the moment seems likely to be US President Joe Biden, plus any Independent candidates, in the 2024 election.Political commentator Robin Biro told Radio Sputniks Fault Lines on Thursday that nobody stood out in the debate, in large part because they failed to adequately prepare for the event.My takeaway was that Donald Trump - Voldemort, if you will - didnt even need to be in the room because Vivek Ramaswamy was his puppeteer. It seems like Donald Trump was pulling the strings and Vivek was saying everything that you would expect to hear from Donald Trump. So it was a lot like having a surrogate, hitting on anyone that former President Trump would have an issue with.I think that did really hurt when he asked Nikki Haley to name [three Ukrainian] provinces and it was just dead air, he said, referring to a challenge on foreign policy that Ramaswamy made to the other candidates.He said that during debate prep, candidates are taught to have a few succinct lines that maybe seem like cheap shots, but theyre true and they sting, and you want to just have a few very memorable moments. If you can strike out three very memorable moments in a debate then youve pretty much won that debate.Nikki Haley didnt really get her moments in; Chris Christie got his moments in hardcore. My favorite Chris Christie moment was, the very first time out of the gate, he came up swinging and said its been 17 minutes in this debate and you all are talking like one of you is going to be the president? Nobodys mentioned Trump and thats the bad guy in the room and thats the problem, and he just said that he would be a dictator on day one and no ones mentioned it, and when all of you raised your hands saying that you would support him if he was convicted of federal crimes, thats weak. We needed that, it needed to be said.Biro said that accusations of corruption against Haley by Ramaswamy could land with voters because Republicans hate that. They hate to hear about money in politics. Money and power corrupt and Nikki Haley has both of those."But will these charges land? With some of the far-right, they hate the big people of influence - the Kochs, they just supported Nikki Haley, I mean, thats going to endear her to some of the machine, the Bush-Cheney machine from back in the day, theyll love that. But the Donald Trump-type voters, theyre going to recoil at that.It would be really easy to win right-wing votes, hard-right votes, but just saying a few things - going after the LGBTQ community, talking about deportations and stuff like that - but whats hard to do is to strike the balance that you need to capture the 10% of undecided voters. And I think that any one of the people on that stage, with the exception of Vivek, I think have a better opportunity of doing that than Donald Trump. So Republicans kind of have to do a reckoning and see, if we want to actually win this, were going to have to get some of the moderate votes. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/trump-alternative-debate-full-of-candidates-better-at-taking-on-biden-than-gop-frontrunner-1115437153.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/ramaswamy-in-republican-presidential-debate-says-ukraine-conflict-pointless-1115442956.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier who won republican debate, republican primary results, who can beat donald trump This year, Hanukkah begins at sunset on Thursday (December 7), and in Germany, Olaf Scholz made history as the very first German Chancellor to light the first flame of a Jewish menorah in the country's modern history. According to German broadcaster DW, Scholz attended the lighting ceremony in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, which became more significant than ever due to the war between Israel and Hamas. "This is particularly important at this time," the chancellor told the crowd, adding that the fact that the event was happening in the heart of the German capital sent a clear message that Jewish citizens in Germany have a "fundamental fire to be visible." Due to the Israel-Hamas war, Scholz said that it was "sad and frightening" that members of Germany's Jewish communities were, once again, living in fear. He called Hanukkah "a symbol of hope and confidence and a symbol of the inseparable affiliation of the Jewish faith and Jewish fellow citizens to this, our country." Other prominent politicians and individuals were also in attendance, which was well-attended. Read Also: Germany: Extensive Search of Properties Linked to Hamas Backers Conducted by Police Shedding Light on Antisemitism Scholz also added that there has been a 320% increase in antisemitism since Hamas attacked southern Israel. "Hamas's terrorist attack on Israel was also directed against humanity itself," he said. "We do not accept it when Jewish fellow citizens have to be afraid to live their religion, their culture, and their everyday lives openly when they exercise their fundamental right to be visible - a right that all people in our society have, without distinction." In response, the host of the Berlin event, Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal thanked the German Parliament and Scholz as beacons of democracy. According to the Associated Press, antisemitism in Germany has been on the rise since October 7, and German Jews have used this holiday to call for the protection of German Jews. The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, or the Jewish festival of lights., commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC after a small group of Jewish fighters liberated it from Hellenic occupiers. Hanukkah this year would last until December 15. Related Article: London Jewish Community to Push Through With Public Celebration of Hanukkah @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/russia-iran-relations-developing-very-well---putin-1115466477.html Russia-Iran Relations Developing Very Well - Putin Russia-Iran Relations Developing Very Well - Putin Relations between Russia and Iran are developing very well, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated. 2023-12-07T23:25+0000 2023-12-07T23:25+0000 2023-12-07T23:30+0000 russia vladimir putin ebrahim raisi iran eurasian economic union russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/07/1115466568_0:0:2907:1635_1920x0_80_0_0_81377ae381a8a759d82308692141c98b.jpg Our relations are developing very well, Putin said at a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday. He asked to convey his best wishes to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The Russian president emphasized that there are plans to sign an agreement on a free trade zone between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at the end of the year, which would create additional opportunities to expand cooperation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/closer-iran-russia-ties-better-for-both-amid-transition-to-new-world-order-1115451220.html russia iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russia-iran relations, russia-iran talks, putin-raisi talks, putin-raisi meeting, putin-raisi relations, russia-iran cooperation https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/bidens-bid-to-bully-russia-into-peace-talks-on-ukraines-terms-reeks-of-desperation-1115483611.html Biden's Bid to Bully Russia Into Peace Talks 'on Ukraine's Terms' Reeks of Desperation Biden's Bid to Bully Russia Into Peace Talks 'on Ukraine's Terms' Reeks of Desperation A senior US official has threatened to turn 2025 into a nightmare for Russia unless Moscow comes to the negotiating table on terms amenable to Kiev. Asked to comment, a well-respected political and military affairs expert told Sputnik that the rhetoric coming from the White House reeks of desperation and may signal preparations to dump Kiev. 2023-12-08T17:50+0000 2023-12-08T17:50+0000 2023-12-08T19:33+0000 analysis alexander mikhailov volodymyr zelensky joe biden ukraine russia kiev nato white house kremlin /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0f/1114975089_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_31ef5e771ff402893e860469122f53de.jpg The White House has shifted to a strategy of trying to threaten Russia into talks with Ukraine, warning that if it doesnt come to the table on terms amenable to Kiev, the combined might of NATOs industrial complex will make Moscow pay dearly.After 2024, we are ramping up our production, our defense industrial base [and] are working with the Ukrainians on ramping up their defense industrial base. The European allies of the United States are doing the same thing, and we will be in a much stronger footing a year and a half from now than we are today, Finer warned.The official stressed that if Moscow doesnt come down to this negotiating position, it will have to suffer on the battlefield as Kiev approaches parity.Moscow dismissed Finers remarks on negotiations acceptable to Ukraine in two words, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling them absolutely unrealistic.Finers comments echoed remarks made by other Biden administration officials in recent days, as well as a string of US and European media reports in recent weeks about efforts by Washington and its allies to maneuver Russia into negotiations.An Administration on Its Way OutStatements coming out of current administration should be taken with a grain of salt, says Alexander Mikhailov, the head of the Bureau of Military-Political Analysis, a Russian think tank, given that its time in office appears to be running out.Thats why they can make assumptions and forecasts about Washingtons actions at the end of 2024, especially as concerns supporting Ukraine, the commentator explained.Two TrajectoriesThe real indicator of the Wests intentions for its Ukrainian proxy war against Russia will depend on the outcome of presidential elections in Ukraine, Mikhailov said.The pundit believes pronouncements on the election issue could emerge before the Christmas holidays, with the West's decision on whether to stick with Zelensky or ditch him in favour of a rival determining the fate of the Ukraine crisis.Since the 2014 Euromaidan coup and the start of the conflict in the Donbass, Western powers and Ukrainian officials have rejected peace on at least three occasions the Minsk I accords iof 2014, Minsk II the following year and the tentative peace deal Moscow and Kiev reached last year in Istanbul which President Putin later said was thrown into the dustbin of history by Zelenskys sponsors.There are plenty of potential opponents of Zelensky waiting in the wings to replace him, Mikhailov noted, from Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko to Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, presidential administration head Andrii Yermak and others, all of them beginning to travel to Europe and Washington to present themselves to their Western handlers.Therefore, a great deal will depend on the coming days, on the decisions taken by the collective West regarding who Ukraines president will be after March 2024, Mikhailov reiterated.Classic Washington Strategy and the Asia PivotThe analyst emphasized that the Ukrainian crisis is similar to conflicts fomented by the West as far back as the Second World War, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. The US typically provokes a crisis using political tools and then ships in billions of dollars worth of American-made arms, allowing weapon-makers to cash in while destabilizing regions to weaken Washington's adversaries.Not only has US has totally run out of weapons for Kiev, but it is looking to increase arms production ahead of the coming war for the Asia-Pacific, the commentator stressed. Its possible, in principle, to find new resources for Ukraine. But the fact is that now supporting Ukraine publicly does not bring political benefits, and on the contrary, drives the Biden administration and the Democratic Party as a whole into negative ratings, Mikhailov said, with ordinary Americans exhausted by Zelensky and his never-ending calls for more money and weapons.Ahead of the coming election season in the US, an extremely important question that will be asked is why the Biden administration squandered so many billions of dollars to support Ukraine without achieving anything neither military nor geopolitical goals in the confrontation with Russia. On the contrary, Russia has only further strengthened its standing diplomatically, and proven the superiority of its weapons to boot.Returning to Finers threats to force Russia into negotiations or face the full power of NATOs military-industrial complex, Mikhailov emphasized that at the rate Ukrainian men of fighting age are leaving the country to avoid the draft, no amount of arms, whether supplied from abroad or made domestically, will be enough to ensure Kievs superiority.As for talk in Washington and Brussels about increasing Ukraines domestic arms sector, these mantras are absolutely meaningless, Mikhailov said.That, Mikhailov believes, is ultimately why the US is investing in military production capabilities among the countries of NATOs eastern flank rather than in Ukraine, with the future goal being to destabilize the situation along Russias western borders and create new threats to Moscow via Poland, the Baltic states or Romania. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231205/peace-talks-with-russia-uk--us-seeking-quick-face-saving-exit-from-ukraine-debacle--cia-vet-1115412473.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/scott-ritter-zelensky-sees-the-writing-on-the-wall-1115482906.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230131/minsk-agreements-were-a-ruse-that-gave-kiev-time-to-rearm-ukraines-ex-president-admits-1106856464.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/us-ukraine-officials-in-meetings-agree-counteroffensive-against-russia-failed---reports-1115464250.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-running-out-of-pro-soldiers-as-draft-eligible-men-flee-1115474633.html ukraine russia kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Ilya Tsukanov Ilya Tsukanov News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ilya Tsukanov ukraine, russia, proxy war, crisis, conflict, united states, europe, talks, pressure, bullying, negotiations, military-industrial complex, biden administration https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/final-countdown-to-former-speaker-mccarthys-exit-from-congress-1115468406.html Final Countdown to Former Speaker McCarthys Exit from Congress Final Countdown to Former Speaker McCarthys Exit from Congress As conservative House Republicans move forward with an attempt to impeach President Biden, analyst Armen Kurdian cautions them against overplaying their hand: Hunter Bidens not the one being impeached. 2023-12-08T01:10+0000 2023-12-08T01:10+0000 2023-12-08T01:35+0000 kevin mccarthy us hunter biden joe biden us president 2024 us presidential election republicans impeachment hunter biden charges democrats /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/01/1113832002_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6e5fd685370a59e3a94e0c47d5c6bf7e.jpg Retired Navy captain and former political candidate Armen Kurdian appeared on Sputniks Final Countdown program Thursday to weigh in on recent developments in US politics, including House Republicans efforts to impeach President Biden and ex-Speaker McCarthys retirement.I think Republicans need to be as dispassionate as possible during this inquiry, said Kurdian.Kurdian recalled Republicans impeachment of former US President Bill Clinton in the 90s on perjury charges, which was widely perceived to have backfired on the party. Democrats would go on to gain seats in the House of Representatives in the 1998 midterm election, a rare occurrence for the party of a sitting US president.The former Navy captain speculated that, while Republicans had succeeded in politically damaging President Biden, providing the evidence required to impeach him will be more difficult.While Kurdian claimed that former Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wasnt necessarily a big fan of the impeachment inquiry, he doesnt think the latest push from conservatives in the party contributed to his decision to leave Congress before the end of the year.Hes probably just fed up, said the analyst, noting the generalized chaos in the legislative body that saw conservative Republican Matt Gaetz lead an unprecedented effort to remove McCarthy from his speakership position in October. Kurdian speculated that McCarthy may work outside of government to defeat conservative Republicans who have been a thorn in the side of establishment party leaders.However, Kurdian was pessimistic about Democrats chances to retake the House of Representatives during the next election cycle, claiming they are becoming an out of touch, elitist party.He noted that nine Democrats have announced their retirement from Congress, while only two Republicans have stated similar intentions, suggesting that Democratic Party legislators are likewise pessimistic about the partys chances in 2024.For more in-depth commentary on current affairs, check out our Sputnik Radio show The Final Countdown. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230912/us-house-speaker-mccarthy-orders-formal-impeachment-inquiry-into-biden-1113315465.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230829/us-national-archives-has-5400-bidens-emails-to-hunter-signed-by-fake-name-1112967976.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/countdown-to-shutdown-new-speaker-haunted-by-mccarthys-ghost-in-us-spending-bill-battle-1114942774.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us house of representatives, house speakership, us rep. kevin mccarthy, house speaker, impeachment inquiry, impeachment, biden impeachment, united states house of representatives, us congress, house of representatives, joe biden, hunter biden, corrupted biden, biden family, corrupted family, biden case https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/germanys-budget-deadlock-propels-finance-minister-to-shadow-chancellor-status-1115473614.html Germany's Budget Deadlock Propels Finance Minister to Shadow Chancellor Status Germany's Budget Deadlock Propels Finance Minister to Shadow Chancellor Status As the year-end deadline on budget agreement looms, the head of the German finance ministry is projected to assume the role of the shadow chancellor. This raises concerns about Chancellor Scholz's incompetence amid his country's economic problems and public dissatisfaction. 2023-12-08T10:37+0000 2023-12-08T10:37+0000 2023-12-08T10:37+0000 economy europe olaf scholz christian lindner germany ukraine bavaria /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105625/18/1056251874_0:0:4741:2666_1920x0_80_0_0_50c5c74ea5968eb1e97f47d33dc2599e.jpg According to a media report on December 7, Germany's failure to finalize its 2024 budget has unexpectedly thrust Finance Minister Christian Lindner into a potentially powerful role within German politics.The deadlock over the budget has resulted in Lindner's ministry gaining significant control over public funds. This has effectively made him the de facto power behind the throne, overshadowing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.This development is a result of the ongoing discussions between Chancellor Scholz, Economics Minister Robert Habeck, and Lindner, which have not yet been resolved. As the year-end deadline looms, a temporary budget management system has been enacted. Under it, Lindner now holds significant authority in determining funding for ministry projects, including vital initiatives such as the basic allowance for children. However, it is important to note that state obligations, such as salaries, pensions, and benefits, remain unaffected.Observers are now speculating about Lindner's potential to exploit this situation, although it is unlikely that he will fully leverage such power. Such a move is expected to be counteracted by Scholz, who would likely use his authority as Chancellor to maintain stability within the coalition government.Nonetheless, this situation has raised questions about Scholz's competence to lead. His inability to secure a timely budget agreement is seen as indicative of more significant issues. A news outlet highlighted Germany's predicament of choosing between financial aid to Ukraine and supporting its economy amid a freeze in government spending.Adding to the Chancellor's challenges, a recent poll published by Focus on November 22 revealed that nearly 66 percent of Germans think Scholz is incapable of handling the countrys economic crisis, with 46 percent calling for new elections. Prime Minister of Bavaria, Markus Soeder, has also expressed concerns over the government's efficacy under Scholz, hinting at the need for a change in leadership. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231128/scholzs-recovery-plan-made-bundestag-burst-with-laughter-dubbing-him-plumber-of-power-1115256083.html germany ukraine bavaria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg germany budget deadlock, finance minister christian lindner, chancellor olaf scholz, german budget crisis, german politics, temporary budget management, funding decisions, state obligations, germany's coalition government, economic crisis, financial aid to ukraine, government spending, focus poll, markus soeder. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/hanging-on-by-our-fingertips-head-of-unrwa-predicts-killing-of-my-staff-amid-idf-assault-1115487928.html Hanging On by Our Fingertips: Head of UNRWA Predicts Killing of My Staff Amid IDF Assault Hanging On by Our Fingertips: Head of UNRWA Predicts Killing of My Staff Amid IDF Assault After two months of air assault and ground invasion, the Israeli military has turned its attention from northern Gaza to the south, where it previously directed 1 million Palestinians to seek refuge amid its war against Hamas. 2023-12-08T21:47+0000 2023-12-08T21:47+0000 2023-12-08T21:45+0000 world gaza strip united nations relief and works agency for palestine refugees in the near east (unrwa) palestinians israel philippe lazzarini attack /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115488675_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_3158087ade247a130f528c93ce8c514a.jpg The head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the Gaza Strip penned a letter to UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis on Friday in which he predicted the eventual deaths of his staff amid the Israeli assault on the territory. He called it "the darkest hour in the agency's 75-year history."Lazzarini noted that on the same day as the Hamas-led attack on several Israeli border towns that killed some 1,200 people, October 7, several thousand civilians in Gaza moved pre-emptively to UNRWA premises, fearing unprecedented conflict and seeking safety under the UN flag. By Friday, December 8, he said this number had swollen to 1.2 million - roughly half the population of the entire Gaza Strip.UNRWA is, as of today, still operational in the Gaza Strip, though just barely, he said. Our staff are still operating health centers, managing shelters, and supporting traumatized people, some arriving carrying their dead children. We are still distributing food, even though the courtyards and corridors of our premises are too crowded to walk through. Our staff take their children to work so they know they are safe or can die together. More than 130 UNRWA staff are confirmed killed in bombardments, most with their families; the number might rise by the time you read this. At least 70% of UNRWA staff are displaced, and lack food, water, and adequate shelter. We are hanging on by our fingertips. If UNRWA collapses, humanitarian assistance in Gaza will also collapse.The premise of UNRWAs mandate - to provide services to Palestinian Refugees until there is a political solution - is at great risk: without safe shelter and aid, civilians in Gaza risk death or will be forced to Egypt and beyond. Forced displacement out of Gaza may end prospects for the political solution that is intrinsic to UNRWAs mandate, with grave risks for regional peace and security. A forced displacement beyond Palestinian land, reminiscent of the 1948 nakba, must be prevented.He finished by pleading for a ceasefire, noting that calling for an end to the decimation of Gaza and its people is not a denial of the atrocities of 7 October.Mass protests around the globe have demanded a ceasefire in Gaza, including in the US, where an estimated 500,000 people gathered in Washington, DC, last month in the nation's largest-ever protest for Palestinians. However, so far, the Biden administration has stood staunchly by its ally, Israel, although in recent days the White House has made comments about the humanitarian situation in Gaza as well.Israel has said it will not halt its military operation in Gaza until Hamas is destroyed - a goal many analysts say is impossible. Rhetoric from several figures in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government suggests many in Israel don't see Palestinian civilians as separate from Hamas, and polls of Israeli society show majority support for the amount of force the IDF is using in Gaza.The UN mission has some 5,000 employees in Gaza, most of them Palestinians, to whom they have worked to provide humanitarian aid since 1949, a year after roughly 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from the territory of the newly-declared Israeli state amid a war between Israeli forces and the surrounding Arab states.Denied the right to return to their homes by Israel, they settled in refugee camps in the surrounding territories, including Gaza, which was governed by Egypt at the time. The original UN mandate for the creation of Israel also called for the creation of a Palestinian state that included the West Bank, Gaza, and nearby territories since annexed by Israel - a promise that has never been fulfilled, despite its reaffirmation by Israel in agreements signed with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) at Oslo, Norway, in 1994. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/pr-stunt-idfs-evacuation-map-for-gaza-civilians-prompts-widespread-confusion-1115436857.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/report-us-officials-believe-israeli-ground-ops-may-end-in-january-1115437949.html gaza strip israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier humanitarian crisis in gaza, united nations in gaza, palestinian deaths gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/hunters-criminal-case-funding-rows-in-congress-may-force-biden-toward-ukraine-peace-deal-1115486028.html Hunter's Criminal Case, Funding Rows in Congress May Force Biden Toward Ukraine Peace Deal Hunter's Criminal Case, Funding Rows in Congress May Force Biden Toward Ukraine Peace Deal The new indictment against Hunter Biden and struggles with Congress to get more funding for Kiev before the holiday break could pressure President Joe Biden into supporting efforts to end the Ukraine conflict peacefully, experts told Sputnik. 2023-12-08T19:45+0000 2023-12-08T19:45+0000 2023-12-08T19:45+0000 analysis hunter biden charges joe biden us white house ukraine democrats republicans us arms for ukraine ukrainian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/14/1114341389_0:0:3004:1691_1920x0_80_0_0_abd1e6e75e47287867b0061bf98dd541.jpg On Thursday, US federal prosecutors indicted Hunter Biden on nine criminal charges for allegedly engaging in a scheme to avoid paying at least $1.4 million in taxes. The indictment also documented millions in payments Hunter Biden received during this period - including for work linked to foreign individuals and entities based in Ukraine, China, and Romania. Meanwhile, chances to pass funding for Ukraine before Congress breaks next week look grim unless the White House caves to Republican demands for more resources to secure the US southern border. Earlier this week the Senate voted against advancing $100 billion in supplemental aid intended to be allocated for efforts in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. In addition, Ortel said, Biden administration threats to "throw Americans into the meat grinder against Russia" unless Congress swiftly approves even more massive spending for Ukraine should stiffen voter opposition. Meanwhile, Ortel added, NATO "holds a losing hand" while Russia gains leverage daily despite sanctions and one-sided media coverage. Momentum is shifting quickly and Biden is running out of options when it comes to support for Ukraine, Ortel explained. Throwing Good Money After Bad Former US diplomat James Carden believes the conflict in Ukraine has finally reached a point that has forced a non-trivial amount of opposition to more aid for Kiev. Retired Lt. Colonel and former Vice President of the Eurasia Foundation, Earl Rasmussen, sees support for Ukraine waning both within Congress and among the American public. Continued funding will do little for Ukraine except for enriching elites and will only serve to prolong the conflict, he added. Instead of wasting money on Ukraine, Rasmussen said, the US should fund efforts to secure the border, fix crumbling infrastructure, and enhance schooling. Rasmussen, however, still thinks a deal is likely, although the funding may be lowered dramatically. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-federal-prosecutors-file-new-charges-against-hunter-biden---reports-1115468303.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230922/us-intel-insiders-admit-ukraine-counteroffensive-is-lost--seymour-hersh--1113579742.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230927/bbc-admits-ukrainian-counteroffensive-failed-1113739632.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231117/ukraine-will-have-to-suck-it-up-after-us-passes-budget-bill-devoid-of-aid-1115028790.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hunter biden, impeachment inquiry, impeachment, biden impeachment, united states house of representatives, us congress, house of representatives, joe biden, hunter biden, corrupted biden, biden family, corrupted family, biden case, key words: ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/irs-probe-into-biden-connection-to-son-hunters-case-was-blocked-1115483078.html IRS Probe Into Biden Connection to Son Hunter's Case Was Blocked IRS Probe Into Biden Connection to Son Hunter's Case Was Blocked The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wanted to investigate links to President Joe Biden during the course of its probe into his son, Hunter Biden, but was not allowed to pursue the connection, the US House Oversight Committee said on Friday. 2023-12-08T16:41+0000 2023-12-08T16:41+0000 2023-12-08T16:41+0000 americas us hunter biden joe biden us internal revenue service us house oversight committee internal revenue service (irs) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/1d/1112968422_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_aec73a4efcc4802bc7cb52873abe52fb.jpg The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wanted to investigate links to President Joe Biden during the course of its probe into his son but was not allowed to pursue the connection, the US House Oversight Committee said on Friday.The panel released a transcript from a US House Ways and Means Committee hearing with IRS whistleblowers. US House lawmakers have been investigating alleged criminal activity involving the Biden family, including foreign influence peddling and bribery. The indictment, published on Thursday, alleges that Hunter Biden spent millions of dollars on an "extravagant lifestyle" rather than paying his taxes. The indictment also details Bidens business dealings with foreign contacts. Joe Biden denies having discussed foreign business affairs with his son, having referred to the accusations as "a bunch of lies" earlier this week. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-federal-prosecutors-file-new-charges-against-hunter-biden---reports-1115468303.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International investigation against biden, is biden guilty of bribery, does biden have business with china, irs ivestigation against biden, procesution against biden, biden tax evasion, hunter biden dealing with china, are they going to prosecute biden https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/it-is-broken-us-politics-use-border-policies-as-bait-in-spending-bill-battle---analysis-1115468989.html It is Broken: US Politics Use Border Policies as Bait in Spending Bill Battle - Analysis It is Broken: US Politics Use Border Policies as Bait in Spending Bill Battle - Analysis Jason Dzubow, an immigration attorney and writer for The Asylumist, sat down with Sputniks Political Misfits on Thursday to discuss immigration policy. 2023-12-08T02:54+0000 2023-12-08T02:54+0000 2023-12-08T02:54+0000 analysis us politics us defense spending spending bill immigration policy us-mexico border illegal migration illegal immigrants us mexico /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/05/05/1095299284_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7f708d82e503d4195ec8c06c00db8db4.jpg Jason Dzubow, an immigration attorney and writer for The Asylumist, sat down with Sputniks Political Misfits on Thursday to discuss immigration policy as it relates to a $111 billion spending package that has become a partisan battle. So theres large numbers of people arriving. I mean this has always been the caseit was the case under Trump, its sort of marginal differences from one administration to the next, he explains, adding that the flow of immigrants is also dependent on other factors such as peoples abilities to reach the US as well as the economies of both the US and other countries, as opposed to what is being done to "stop people" from entering the US.Thus far, efforts to keep immigrants out of the US have included building a wall which Dzubow said has been pretty ineffective.As they say, show me a 12-foot wall, Ill show you a 13-foot ladder, Dzubow remarked.What would be a more effective approach to immigration, says Dzubow, is to change the law about who qualifies for asylum.When someone arrives at the border they can say, Im afraid to go back to my country Im seeking asylum, theres an initial evaluation of eligibility for asylum called a Credible Fear Interview, its a relatively low standard, so trying to make that standard more difficult would make it more difficult for people to pass that initial step," he explains. "And if they failed that initial step they would return to Mexico [sic] or wherever they came fromwhatever is their country of citizenship.It is broken, Dzubow continued, adding that the system at the border has been broken for as long as he has been working as an immigration attorney which he says at this point has been 20 years. A legitimate, proposed solution to the broken system, he says, remains to be seen.We want to do the right thingprotect people from harm, said Dzubow. But on the other hand, the more we protect people the more people are going to try to come here to get protection.Its a very difficult balance, theres no easy solution.Dzubow went on to explain that border policy is a good talking point from perspective of the Republican party, as polling suggests that Americans are concerned about immigration and blame President Joe Biden for the failures at the US-Mexico border. In addition, he adds, Democrats seem to be detached from what Americans support. And regarding the battle over the billion-dollar spending package, Dzubow believes the GOP has the leverage they need to secure the border policies they desire. Whether or not the two parties will reach a decision before their deadline, he adds, remains unclear. US lawmakers are only scheduled to be in session until the end of next week before they break, leaving little time for what would be a $111 billion resolve.On Wednesday before the vote on the spending package, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell explained that Republicans would block the supplemental spending package because it does not seriously address America's national security priorities arguing that fixing a badly broken asylum and parole system isnt hijacking the supplemental, its strengthening it.House Speaker Mike Johnson shared those same sentiments in a two-page letter on Tuesday, writing that Ukraine funding is dependent upon enactment of transformative change to our nations border security laws.In his letter Johnson also voiced frustrations with the White House after they failed to provide the American people with answers to our repeated questions concerning: the Administrations strategy to prevail in Ukraine; clearly defined and obtainable objectives; transparency and accountability for U.S. taxpayer dollars invested there; and what specific resources are required to achieve victory and a sustainable peace.On Monday, US Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young told US lawmakers that as of mid-November the Pentagon had already spent 96% of the $62.3 billion it had received on Ukraine. She warned leaders that resources allocated for Ukraine are running out. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/ukraines-defeat-would-be-fault-of-the-us-says-yellen---report-1115443234.html mexico Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg immigration, immigration policy, sputnik political misfits, us-mexico border, us immigration, us supplemental spending package, us gop, us democrats, us funding for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/japans-kishida-resigns-as-kochikai-faction-leader-over-ruling-partys-money-scandal-1115473333.html Japan's Kishida Resigns as Kochikai Faction Leader Over Ruling Party's Money Scandal Japan's Kishida Resigns as Kochikai Faction Leader Over Ruling Party's Money Scandal Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he had decided to step down as leader of the Kochikai faction of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) over a scandal involving years of concealing income and expenditure from ticket sales for fundraiser events. 2023-12-08T06:26+0000 2023-12-08T06:26+0000 2023-12-08T06:26+0000 asia fumio kishida japan scandal tokyo /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/11/1111929436_0:0:2962:1666_1920x0_80_0_0_74987af3e6abde65849ea5925ddb8319.jpg "I want to take the initiative and work hard to restore trust in the party's politics. So this is why I have made the decision to leave the faction during my term as Prime Minister and LDP President," Kishida was quoted as saying by Japanese broadcaster on Thursday. Meanwhile, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan has called for the resignation of Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura over the money scandal, according to a broadcast by the Japanese parliament. Prior to the move, five LDP factions were criticized for allegedly underreporting income in political fund reports, and Kishida urged party members not to hold fundraising events for some time. The special division of the Tokyo prosecutor's office is currently investigating the concealment of funds received by five factions of the ruling party from fundraising events. Tickets for these rallies are often purchased by Japanese businesses. By law, if the amount raised in a single evening exceeds 200,000 yen ($1,300), the names of the donors and the amounts must be recorded in the account book. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231011/over-50-of-japanese-negatively-view-prime-minister-kishidas-2-years-in-office---reports-1114086997.html japan tokyo Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International japan's kishida resigns, japanese prime minister fumio kishida, leader over ruling party's money scandal https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/new-ukrainian-brigades-lack-needed-vehicles-have-obsolete-equipment---report-1115471756.html New Ukrainian Brigades Lack Needed Vehicles, Have Obsolete Equipment - Report New Ukrainian Brigades Lack Needed Vehicles, Have Obsolete Equipment - Report Photos of the five new mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces show almost no combat equipment, and they may receive obsolete Soviet vehicles, Forbes military columnist David Axe said in an article. 2023-12-08T06:59+0000 2023-12-08T06:59+0000 2023-12-08T12:24+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine sergei shoigu ukraine ukrainian armed forces infantry fighting vehicle (ifv) /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115471598_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_fe01fae11aea63e88943e847fe22382b.jpg A Forbes article recently revealed that photographs featuring the five fresh mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were noticeably lacking combat equipment. Moreover, these brigades might be supplied with outdated Soviet vehicles.Forbes explained that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently in the process of forming five new mechanized brigades: the 150th, the 151st, the 152nd, the 153rd and the 154th.According to the article, the absence of infantry fighting vehicles turns the mechanized brigades into ordinary light infantry.The news piece suggests that the new units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not receive Western combat vehicles, due to Kiev's fears over the swift depletion of new equipment during combat. Instead, the brigades are expected to receive antiquated BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, known for their poor crew protection.If a BMP-series vehicle is hit, "the entire crew dies," a Ukrainian soldier said, as quoted by the article.Furthermore, the report warns of the likelihood that the new brigades might be equipped with outdated MT-LB armored fighting vehicles or, worse yet, trucks as substitutes for standard infantry fighting vehicles."In reality, they may end up riding in thinly-armored vehicleswith an obvious effect on their combat power," Forbes writes.For the past six months, Ukrainian troops have been trying to advance in the southern Donetsk, Artemovsk, and Zaporozhye regions. Despite being equipped with foreign weaponry and trained by NATO, the Ukrainian army has lost, according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, more than 125,000 soldiers during the half-year-long failed counteroffensive. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/us-ukraine-officials-in-meetings-agree-counteroffensive-against-russia-failed---reports-1115464250.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian armed forces, no combat equipment, new mechanized brigades (Photo : Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) A senator's son was charged with manslaughter for a fatal crash that killed a sheriff's deputy amid a police pursuit. North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer's son has been charged with manslaughter and fleeing an officer following a fatal crash that resulted in the death of a sheriff deputy. The suspect, identified as Ian Cramer, was involved in a police chase on Wednesday, as confirmed by both the senator and the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The lawmaker said his 42-year-old son suffers from mental health issues and had wanted to visit his deceased brother Ike while he was with his mother Kris. Senator's Son Charged With Manslaughter Cramer said that Ian had serious mental disorders that manifested in severe paranoia and hallucinations. He added that his wife was with their son when the latter insisted on going to his brother, who died in 2018. The senator continued to say that his wife took their son to the Sanford Health emergency room in Bismarck. When she got out of their vehicle, Ian allegedly jumped into the driver's seat and fled, as per UPI. Cramer added that his daughter assisted authorities in locating his son after the fatal car crash. He noted that she was able to track down her brother through Kris' cellphone and lead officers to him in Mercer County, ND. The ND Highway Patrol said in a news release that troopers pursued the vehicle that Ian was driving until it veered and crashed into a law enforcement vehicle. In a Wednesday statement, officials said that a Mercer County deputy was standing outside and behind the patrol vehicle when it was struck. The Highway Patrol added that Ian was "taken to Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen and later brought to Mercer County Jail in Stanton. Authorities noted that charges against the suspect are still pending. The deceased sheriff's deputy was not identified but was noted to have deployed a tire deflation device to end the police pursuit. Cramer later noted that he would be flying to be with his family as they grieve for the tragic loss of life, according to The Hill. Read Also: Texas Authorities Arrest Suspect in Day-Long Shooting That Killed At Least 6 People, Including Shooter's Parents Reckless Driving Resulting in Fatal Crash Ian is set to appear in court on Friday on multiple felony counts including manslaughter, fleeing a police officer, and reckless endangerment. Court records showed no attorney for the defendant and Cramer declined an interview after the charges were filed against his son. The senator's son was charged in a separate incident in 2013 with misdemeanor simple assault for supposedly injuring his brother's head, a case that he pleaded guilty to. His record also includes a 2010 citation for driving under the influence in Arizona and several traffic citations during this year and the last. It includes one as recent as the day before the fatal crash. Later on, the deceased sheriff's deputy was identified as Paul Martin who was an 18-year veteran of the sheriff's office. He was said to have been married and was the father of three children. Mercer County Sheriff Terry Ternes posted on the sheriff's office's Facebook page and said that Martin, "is our beloved brother in law enforcement, a husband, father, and grandpa." It added that the wound inflicted by the recent tragedy was raw, said the Associated Press. Related Article: Los Angeles: Serial Killer Wins $700,000 in Lawsuit From Santa Monica Before Killing 4 People, Including Homeless Men @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/orban-on-prospects-of-ukraines-accession-to-eu-no-unity-among-member-states-on-this-matter-1115471446.html No Unity Among Members On This Matter: Orban Cautions On Ukraine's EU Entry Bid No Unity Among Members On This Matter: Orban Cautions On Ukraine's EU Entry Bid Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that he discussed with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez the topic of Ukraine's admission to the European Union. 2023-12-08T04:48+0000 2023-12-08T04:48+0000 2023-12-08T08:58+0000 world viktor orban pedro sanchez ukraine european union (eu) kiev hungary eu membership /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/06/1113987388_0:0:3078:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_b2ee7ff55c0c7c5036cef4cd3d66a1a4.jpg "I had a frank phone conversation today with Prime Minister @sanchezcastejon. My message was clear: we should refrain from discussing the issue of Ukraines EU accession during the December #EUCO, as there is no unity among member states on this matter," Orban wrote on X. Orban was holding talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Thursday. One of the topics for discussion was the start of talks on Ukraine's accession to the EU, scheduled for mid-December. Earlier, Orban said Budapest suggests that the issue of starting talks on Ukraines membership in the EU not be put on the agenda of the summit in December at all, since it is clear in advance that there will be no consent among the member countries. He also said Ukraines membership could be discussed in 5-10 years, if a strategic partnership deal is signed with Kiev. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto told RIA Novosti in October that Hungary will not give its consent to the start of talks on Ukraines admission to the European Union until Kiev abolishes laws that discriminate against Transcarpathian Hungarians. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231129/ukrainian-eu-membership-tale-of-high-hopes-and-hard-realities-1115282643.html ukraine kiev hungary Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hungarian prime minister viktor orban, ukraine's accession to eu, spanish prime minister pedro sanchez https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/putin-era-rolls-on-in-spite-of-west-endlessly-underestimating-russian-leader-1115488066.html Putin Era Rolls On in Spite of West Endlessly Underestimating Russian Leader Putin Era Rolls On in Spite of West Endlessly Underestimating Russian Leader Many in the West thought military conflict between Russia and Ukraine would spell doom for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But instead the operation has only strengthened the longtime presidents political resilience. 2023-12-08T21:22+0000 2023-12-08T21:22+0000 2023-12-08T21:20+0000 analysis vladimir putin russia ukraine nato european union (eu) olaf scholz reelection /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/1d/1113802084_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_e9c1059c17c87b099d93ac9962c7922a.jpg Many in the West thought military conflict between Russia and Ukraine would spell doom for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. But instead the operation has only strengthened the longtime presidents political resilience.Thats according to Paolo Raffone, the director of CIPI Foundation in Brussels, who spoke to Sputnik in light of Putins recent announcement that hed seek reelection in 2024.Even at a later stage, the withdrawal of Russian forces from Bakhmut has been completely misinterpreted as a sign of weakness while, instead, it was a wise decision, although painful, dictated by the restructuring of logistics along an over extended frontline.The strategic analyst suggested Putin and his military advisers have played the long game. Meanwhile, Western leaders public promotion of Kievs chances for victory has given rise to an overconfidence in the regimes capabilities, imperiling the entire project.The over communication of the capabilities of the Ukrainian army to launch last summers counteroffensive has resulted in overestimating the real possibilities while underestimating the carefully prepared Russian defensive lines, said Raffone. In addition, the stream of declarations by the NATO secretary general shows the manipulative intent instead of representing the effectiveness of the situation.Raffone claimed that, behind the scenes, a secret realist diplomacy has prevailed regarding the situation even as a chauvinistic Western press is unable to convey the reality of events on the ground. The disconnect with reality extends to Western political leaders whove been unable to reflect Russias advantageous position in their storytelling and policies.He believes the United States is seeking a credible face-saving exit strategy from the Ukrainian confrontation amidst the political realities of upcoming elections in Russia, the United States, and the European Union.Until those elections are held, Raffone said no political leader can deviate from the chosen anti-Putin stance, meaning Western audiences may expect public vilification and hysterical mainstream media speculation to continue.Serious strategic analysis indicates that any global governance settlement cannot be enforced without the equal involvement of Russia, China and the US, Raffone said.The EU is, regrettably, irrelevant in such an exercise, he added, as leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholzs slavish devotion to US policy has generated economic decline across the continent."Attempts to work on a G-2 model are not sustainable we are not in the Cold War era anymore but they will perpetuate global instability and the potential for further military clashes." https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/putins-election-campaign-starts-de-facto---kremlin-1115478644.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/us-ukraine-officials-in-meetings-agree-counteroffensive-against-russia-failed---reports-1115464250.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International vladimir putin announces reelection effort, russian elections in 2024, russia's special military operation, putin's political efforts https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/saudi-crown-prince-shelved-london-visit-prior-to-hosting-putin---reports-1115476795.html Saudi Crown Prince Shelved London Visit, Prior to Hosting Putin - Reports Saudi Crown Prince Shelved London Visit, Prior to Hosting Putin - Reports Riyadh froze plans for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to the UK, given the scheduling proximity to President Putin's official trip to Saudi Arabia, the Financial Times reported on Friday, citing London officials. 2023-12-08T13:31+0000 2023-12-08T13:31+0000 2023-12-08T13:31+0000 world vladimir putin mohammed bin salman iain duncan smith united kingdom (uk) london saudi arabia riyadh tory /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/06/1115435001_0:0:2992:1683_1920x0_80_0_0_4745781c5083b17c609ebda8f3722e2e.jpg According to the publication, British and Saudi officials spent months negotiating the visit, with London settling on December 3 as a feasible date. However, last week, the preliminary plan was pushed further down the road due to Vladimir Putins state visit.Conservative MPs then said that the rescheduling bin Salmans trip, nearly concurrent with Putins visit to Riyadh, called into question the strength of the British-Saudi ties.In turn, Saudi officials stated that scheduling issues had long complicated the Saudi royals plans to visit the UK this year and dismissed any connection between the delay and his hosting Putin in Riyadh.In a conversation with the newspaper, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader (UKs Conservative Party), called the situation a "snub".In response to this assessment, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, Saudi Arabias ambassador to London, commented that anyone familiar with the UK-Saudi relationship will know that the suggestion of a snub is nonsense.The UK should urgently review the resources and strategy behind its foreign and defense policy to prevent the slide of states towards our strategic competitors, he maintained.The so-called shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized that this issue currently under discussion is a sign that Britains influence is tumbling on the global stage under Rishi Sunaks premiership.On November 6, President Vladimir Putin embarked on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Following the high-profile meeting between the Russian head of state and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the two made a joint statement where the parties agreed to boost bilateral cooperation.The Russian leader thanked the Saudi Prince for the invitation and suggested an official follow-up visit, hosted in Moscow. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/putins-mideast-tour-why-arab-nations-defy-west-to-boost-ties-with-russia-1115432245.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/putins-mideast-meetings-signal-russias-confidence-and-shift-in-world-opinion---experts-1115457030.html united kingdom (uk) london saudi arabia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International putin in the middle east, putin visited saudi arabia, saudi-russian relations, russia, vladimir putin, uk foreign office, what did putin negotiate in the middle east, british-saudi relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/saudi-foreign-minister-rules-out-arab-military-intervention-in-palestine-israel-conflict-1115486841.html Saudi Foreign Minister Rules Out Arab Military Intervention in Palestine-Israel Conflict Saudi Foreign Minister Rules Out Arab Military Intervention in Palestine-Israel Conflict Arab nations will not consider military intervention in the Gaza conflict as a means to persuade Israel to end its military operation, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday. 2023-12-08T20:47+0000 2023-12-08T20:47+0000 2023-12-08T20:47+0000 palestine palestine-israel conflict israel saudi arabia jordan hamas killings of civilians humanitarian disaster humanitarian catastrophe humanitarian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115486964_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_48934747f7e497ea38141112faba777d.jpg "Violence is not the answer, and we are not going to get drawn into this cycle of threat and counter-threatened violence and counter violence," Farhan said when asked if Arab countries would consider threatening Israel with military intervention in Gaza. The minister, who was speaking at a discussion hosted by the Wilson Center, led an Arab delegation that met in Washington on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the Gaza conflict. Farhan was joined by his counterparts from Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt. Farhan emphasized the need for a cessation of hostilities and immediate access for humanitarian aid. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi during the panel discussion said Israel has suffered a strategic defeat in the Gaza war. The West's position in the Gaza conflict, including of the United States, have been inadequate, Safadi stressed, adding that Arab countries disagree over the issue of not calling for a ceasefire. The Biden administration has repeatedly said it does not support a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict but backs humanitarian pauses. The United States has provided Israel with security assistance as it conducts military operations in Gaza to weed out Hamas following the October 7 attacks. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-only-administration-with-leverage-to-stop-israeli-assault-end-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-1115484109.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231103/wont-be-limited-to-this-hezbollahs-nasrallah-says-fighting-with-israel-will-expand-1114697704.html palestine israel saudi arabia jordan gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International saudi foreign minister, jordan's foreign minister, saudi arabia, jordan, gaza conflict, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, military advisors, us involvement, us army, us military, us-israel military cooperation, american advisors https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/spacex-gears-up-for-175-billion-valuation-milestone-in-latest-share-sale-talks-1115455931.html SpaceX Gears Up for $175 Billion Valuation Milestone in Latest Share Sale Talks SpaceX Gears Up for $175 Billion Valuation Milestone in Latest Share Sale Talks A potential increase in valuation may propel Elon Musk's SpaceX into the hundred-billion-dollar company club, with a prospective share sale worth $500 to $750 million, although details are still in the works and may change. 2023-12-08T09:34+0000 2023-12-08T09:34+0000 2023-12-08T09:34+0000 americas business newsfeed elon musk earth nike starlink china mobile spacex /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/0b/1114085233_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_f248447cdea24c193bec2ad403dd1d00.jpg SpaceX is discussing selling internal shares, potentially valuing the company at over $175 billion, according to an insider report. The valuation would elevate SpaceX to the status of the most valuable startup in the US.Discussions about a potential share sale are ongoing, with projections suggesting a value between $500 million and $750 million. Share pricing is speculated to be around $95 each, per sources who pleaded anonymity. However, these figures may adjust depending on the interest levels of both the sellers and prospective buyers.The expected valuation marks a substantial leap from the $150 billion SpaceX reached earlier in the year, catapulting the company into a league with major corporations like T-Mobile USA ($179 billion), Nike ($177 billion), and China Mobile ($176 billion) regarding market capitalization. The comparison highlights SpaceX's remarkable growth and emerging prominence in the global corporate landscape.SpaceX has established itself as a frontrunner in the commercial space launch sector with its Falcon rockets. The company provides launch services for a diverse clientele, including private companies, as well as NASA and various other government entities.Additionally, SpaceX is making strides in internet services through its Starlink venture, which relies on a network of satellites in low-Earth orbit.Financial forecasts for SpaceX are optimistic, with expected revenues nearing $9 billion this year, primarily from its rocket launches and Starlink operations.The revenues are projected to increase to about $15 billion by 2024. Furthermore, SpaceX is exploring a public offering for Starlink, potentially set for late 2024, aiming to capitalize on the increasing demand for space-based communication solutions. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230420/spacex-launches-starship-for-first-orbital-flight-1109681207.html americas earth Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Chimauchem Nwosu https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/01/1113046371_0:99:1536:1635_100x100_80_0_0_9c5c627283eca931c39fe4852bbb301c.jpg elon musk, spacex insider shares, spacex valuation, tender offer, $95 per share, spacex market capitalization, t-mobile usa inc., nike inc., china mobile, space exploration technologies corp., commercial space launch services, falcon rockets, national aeronautics and space administration, starlink service, starlink satellites, low-earth orbit, spacex revenues, rocket launch business, spacex initial public offering, communications via space. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/uk-pays-rwanda-126mln-amid-new-asylum-deal-1115478964.html UK Pays Rwanda $126Mln Amid New Asylum Deal UK Pays Rwanda $126Mln Amid New Asylum Deal Rwanda has received an extra 100 million pounds ($126 million) from the United Kingdom from the 2023-24 budget, UK Home Office Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft said, without acknowledging however that the money was linked to an updated scheme to send undocumented migrants to the African nation. 2023-12-08T13:09+0000 2023-12-08T13:09+0000 2023-12-08T13:09+0000 world united kingdom (uk) rwanda european union (eu) migrant migrant crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/05/1110932966_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1eb0e05612ec404f25eac2b210c9b047.jpg On Tuesday, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly traveled to Rwanda to sign a new treaty on cooperation against irregular migration with Rwanda, after the older draft was scrapped by the UK Supreme Court as "unlawful." He insisted the African nation had not requested and was not given any additional funds for the deal. The official further stated that London had paid Kigali 140 million pounds in 2022; however, no migrants were transported to Rwanda that year. Another 50 million pounds will be wired in the 2024-25 financial year "as part of the ETIF as agreed with the Government of Rwanda when the Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed," the letter read. The UK government treated immigration as one of its priorities since leaving the European Union in 2020. In April 2022, London and Kigali signed an agreement under which some of the undocumented migrants who arrived in the UK by sea were supposed to be sent to Rwanda for the processing of their cases and potentially resettlement. The first flight under the scheme was canceled due to interference of the European Court of Human Rights in 2022. In November of this year, the UK Supreme Court declared the government's initial scheme unlawful, saying it could not guarantee the safety of asylum seekers after their deportation to Rwanda. The government responded by signing the new deal with Rwanda, which addressed the court's concern about the African country's safety for asylum seekers. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231205/uk-signs-new-migration-deal-with-rwanda-home-secretary-1115412606.html united kingdom (uk) rwanda Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International uk home office permanent secretary matthew rycroft, uk pays rwanda https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-aid-topic-unlikely-to-impact-outcome-in-swing-states-in-us-election---reports-1115488318.html Ukraine Aid Topic Unlikely to Impact Outcome in Swing States in US Election Ukraine Aid Topic Unlikely to Impact Outcome in Swing States in US Election The topic of US aid for Ukraine is not expected to make a difference in swing states in the 2024 elections, even in those that economically benefit from it, former Republican National Committee Chair and ex-US Ambassador to the OSCE Jim Gilmore told Sputnik. 2023-12-08T21:46+0000 2023-12-08T21:46+0000 2023-12-08T23:33+0000 americas ukraine us arms for ukraine ukraine crisis us 2024 us presidential election white house joe biden republicans donald trump /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115488946_0:241:3072:1969_1920x0_80_0_0_ca7ee583d54bfc79862d1db85b02b0ac.jpg Politico reported that the Biden administration circulated information among US lawmakers showing that swing states like Arizona and Pennsylvania received $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, in investments to build munitions and tactical vehicles for Ukraine. Texas and Arkansas received $1.4 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, while Florida received $1 billion. The implication that Ukraine aid is being given to certain states for political purposes would have to be proven, but this is a situation where the defense companies are simply located in these certain states, Gilmore added. Gilmore said he is "certain" that Congress, especially Republicans, will eventually approve more funding for Ukraine to keep them going next year. Republicans have been hesitant to approve more funding to Ukraine, which has already reached more than $100 billion since February 2022. The White House is asking Congress to approve a $106 billion supplemental package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine. Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that the House of Representatives is not expected to approve more Ukraine aid this year, even as the White House warns that funding will run out by the end of the year. Former US President Donald Trump, who is running on the Republican ticket, has repeatedly said if elected he would be able to resolve the war in Ukraine in one day. Trump also insists that the conflict in Ukraine would have never happened if he was still the US president. Western countries stepped up their military and financial assistance to Ukraine and rolled out several sanctions packages against Russia after Moscow launched its military operation in Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow has condemned foreign military supplies to Kiev as leading to prolongation of the crisis. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-house-unlikely-to-approve-new-ukraine-aid-before-end-of-year---reports-1115487163.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/austin-threatens-to-send-us-soldiers-to-fight-russia-without-more-ukraine-aid---carlson-1115465073.html americas ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International aid allocations for ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine, us for ukraine, us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding for ukraine, us funding to ukraine, presidential candidate, presidential election, us elections, us presidential elections, 2024 us elections, 2024 us presidential elections, us president, run for presidency, us presidency https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-loses-over-1560-soldiers-in-donetsk-direction-in-past-week--mod-1115478835.html Ukraine Loses Over 1,560 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Week- MoD Ukraine Loses Over 1,560 Soldiers in Donetsk Direction in Past Week- MoD Ukraine has lost more than 1,560 soldiers in the Donetsk direction over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday. 2023-12-08T13:02+0000 2023-12-08T13:02+0000 2023-12-08T13:02+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine donetsk russian defense ministry russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/0b/1111061458_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_55abda10b18806e1643519f9ba8dd3a4.jpg Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled 19 attacks by Ukrainian troops in the Kupyansk direction and 18 attacks in the Donetsk direction. Kiev has also lost nearly 1,500 soldiers in the Krasny Liman direction, nearly 900 soldiers in the South Donetsk direction, up to 350 soldiers in the Kherson direction and up to 260 soldiers in the Zaporozhye direction. The Russian forces have also captured 12 Ukrainian soldiers over the past week, the statement read. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-running-out-of-pro-soldiers-as-draft-eligible-men-flee-1115474633.html ukraine donetsk russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International donetsk direction, russian defense ministry, ukraine loses https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/ukraine-running-out-of-pro-soldiers-as-draft-eligible-men-flee-1115474633.html Ukraine Running Out of Pro Soldiers as Draft-Eligible Men Flee Ukraine Running Out of Pro Soldiers as Draft-Eligible Men Flee Ukraine is fast running out of professional military personnel, The Washington Post has acknowledged. Growing numbers of fighting age men are dying, deserting active-duty service, or are dodging the draft. 2023-12-08T12:46+0000 2023-12-08T12:46+0000 2023-12-08T12:46+0000 world ukraine military draft proxy war volodymyr zelensky sergei shoigu nato russia /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115474458_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_ab5c54c890881aaf0cd5ec80a00ef301.jpg Ukraine is fast running out of professional military personnel, The Washington Post has reported. Growing numbers of fighting-age men are either dying in the "meat grinder" of Kievs botched counteroffensive, deserting active-duty service, or are dodging the draft. No one wants to die a pointless death on a suicide mission, it was stated.Too many civilians seem content to leave the fighting to professional soldiers, the outlet cited members of Ukraines Armed Forces as complaining. Amid waning support among NATO allies for providing aid to Ukraine, it is not only losses of military hardware and ammunition shortages that are a problem for President Volodymyr Zelensky.On the ground, Kiev is using everything from additional patrols to reels of barbed wire to keep draft-eligible men from fleeing Ukraine. The sheer desperation for rounding up more fighters has resulted in men being practically snatched off the streets.Even if youre missing a leg, theyll say you can still fly drones, one man was quoted as saying. He added that as ordinary Ukrainians were dying, members of parliament and other top brass were driving around in luxury cars.'Lack of Training & Endemic Corruption'Interviews with draft-age Ukrainians revealed what is an open secret: that both the Kiev government and its military are mired in endemic corruption and incompetence, the report said. Besides lack of training, Ukrainian soldiers admitted that the entire system was riddled with loopholes allowing people to buy their way out.Those trying to dodge military service rely on a vast array of options. These range from college deferments, white papers claiming medical disabilities, bogus marriages, and other fake documents to riskier schemes, such as border crossings. Those opting for the latter have been forced to dress up as women or members of the clergy, and, on occasion, have been desperate enough to squeeze themselves into tiny secret compartments in vehicles, per the report, citing Ukraines State Border Guard Service. Many try to bribe border guards to get through checkpoints as stowaways. Professional traffickers who can prepare phony documents are reportedly in great demand. Social media sites abound with offers of professional "guide services" across the border, with fees starting at $1,200.As of now, Im not surprised at anything," one border official was cited as confessing.At this point, the report cited Western analysis based on Eurostat data that claimed 650,000 conscription-age men had fled Ukraine. The routes frequented by conscription-dodgers are the said to be the Moldova, Romania, or Poland borders.Avoiding conscription is a criminal offense in Ukraine, which could be punished with prison time from three to five years. In late August, President Volodymyr Zelensky ordered a full review of all mobilization exemptions granted by Military Medical Commissions (MMCs) starting from February 24, 2022. Zelensky also fired heads of regional recruitment commissions amid corruption allegations.Total mobilization in Ukraine, supplies of Western weapons, and the introduction of reserves have not only failed to change the situation on the battlefield, but also increased the number of losses among Ukrainian troops, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said earlier in December. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have lost more than 125,000 people and 16,000 units of weapons over the six-month counteroffensive, Shoigu said."Our military acts competently and decisively, occupies a more advantageous position, and expands control zones in all directions," he added.At the same time, the Russian Defense Ministry and regional authorities of Russia's new territories informed the press that Ukrainian troops have been increasingly surrendering to the Russian forces in the conflict zone. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231128/blast-from-the-past-ukraine-turns-to-pre-wwi-machine-guns-as-ammo-runs-low--1115247642.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231120/draft-dodgers-say-ukraine-unable-to-take-on-russia-slam-counteroffensive-as-senseless-killing-1115063928.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/us-ukraine-officials-in-meetings-agree-counteroffensive-against-russia-failed---reports-1115464250.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko ukraine's failed counteroffensive, draft dodgers in ukraine, ukraine's corrupt draft-dodging scheme, ukrainian men deserting active-duty service, ukrainians dodging the draft. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/uks-cameron-irks-internet-with-claim-funding-ukraine-creates-more-us-jobs-1115471921.html UK's Cameron Savaged Over Claim Ukraine Funding 'Creates More US Jobs' UK's Cameron Savaged Over Claim Ukraine Funding 'Creates More US Jobs' Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has argued that sending funds to Ukraine stimulates the US economy, creating more jobs. 2023-12-08T07:09+0000 2023-12-08T07:09+0000 2023-12-08T08:44+0000 world united kingdom (uk) david cameron volodymyr zelensky ukraine republicans congress nato /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/10/1114996176_0:144:2740:1685_1920x0_80_0_0_7263117dd3b2bb58f2e19a19bbbf8022.jpg Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has drummed up some tone-deaf new arguments in favor of committing more money to the bottomless void of Ukraine aid.Funneling billions to support the Kiev regime stimulates the US economy, creating more jobs, contended Cameron, who recently resurfaced as the UKs new foreign secretary. As Ukraines failed counteroffensive racks up massive manpower losses, Cameron told reporters at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, DC, that funds being sent to Ukraine "are being used very effectively."Cameron hailed the Wests commitment to fight to the last Ukrainian as an investment in the American defense-industrial base. According to him, the West needs to stop thinking of how we are running down our existing stocks in Ukraine.At this point, the British politician was not off the mark, as a recent analysis of US military assistance to Ukraine revealed that a substantial share of the funds Congress allocated for bolstering NATO's proxy war against Russia was stimulating domestic industrial activity. Out of the $68 billion in lethal and related assistance provided, almost 90% is inadvertently boosting the US economy, being primarily funneled into creating new weapons and replenishing Americas military inventory depleted by deliveries to Kiev, as per the latest findings by a research team from the American Enterprise Institute.The UK minister argued that, "as long as you don't cross the red line of NATO soldiers fighting Russian soldiers, we should be doing everything we can to support Ukraine.It should be noted that David Cameron's remarks about funding a failing Ukraine to boost US jobs did not go unnoticed by netizens. Users on social media slammed the remark as "stupid."Some contended that it appeared as though Joe Biden was "sending talking points" to foreign politicians.Others slammed the "warmongers'" intent on dangerously fueling the Ukraine conflagration further.The man holding the UK Foreign Office portfolio is part of a clique of UK politicians who have been pushing back on Republicans who are increasingly skeptical of further aiding Ukraine. Earlier, Lizz Truss, the former UK PM who spent a mere 50 days in office before being forced to resign, converged on Washington with a posse of Tory colleagues to try to convince the GOPs MAGA wing to reverse its stance on Ukraine funding. David Cameron, just two days after being appointed, rushed to Kiev to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.However, all this frenzied lobbying fell on deaf ears as the US Senate failed to advance a supplemental funding bill valued at more than $100 billion on December 6. Congressional Republicans continue to insist on the inclusion of border security measures in the legislation."Legislation that doesn't include policy changes to secure our borders will not pass the Senate," insisted Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby confirmed to reporters that the US is unable to promise Ukraine that any additional funding is going to be provided to them amid Congress' failure to approve President Joe Biden's supplemental bill.President Biden previously requested $106 billion in supplemental funding for aid to Ukraine and Israel, among other issues. However, the initiative has largely proven a hurdle as lawmakers have refused to throw their backing behind the legislation. Furthermore, as funds previously designated for Kiev are nearing depletion, there is ever-growing "Ukraine fatigue" among US lawmakers and the American public over continued aid packages.Moscow has repeatedly stated that Western military aid does not bode well for Ukraine and only prolongs the conflict. In addition, vehicles carrying supplied weapons are a legitimate target for the Russian military. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231130/how-does-ukraine-military-aid-find-its-way-to-us-arms-makers-1115300334.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231130/liz-truss-led-caravan-of-losers-in-washington-to-lobby-house-gop-on-ukraine-aid-1115310665.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231130/how-does-ukraine-military-aid-find-its-way-to-us-arms-makers-1115300334.html united kingdom (uk) ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko former uk prime minister david cameron, aid to ukraine, nato proxy war against russia in ukraine, ukraine's failed counteroffensive Atlanta police arrested a woman after she allegedly doused the home of Martin Luther King Jr. with gasoline in what officials called a failed arson. Law enforcement authorities said that they were alerted and called to King's birth home on Auburn Ave. near the King Center shortly after 5:45 p.m. Officers who arrived at the scene discovered two off-duty officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) who were visiting the center. Attempted Arson on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Home The two officers had detained a suspect until their Atlanta counterpart could arrive. Authorities said that two tourists from Utah who were in the area saw the suspect pouring gasoline on the home and quickly moved to interrupt her. In a statement, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that that particular action of the civilians saved an important part of American history. Video footage taken by a witness showed a woman dressed in all black pouring the liquid on the windows and in the bushes of the late King's home, as per WSBTV. Law enforcement officials said that they have made the arrest of a 26-year-old female and have charged her with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property. Atlanta Fire Department Chief Jerry DeBerry said that if the witnesses did not stop the woman, the home would have been burned in mere moments. He added that it may have only been a matter of moments for the house to be engulfed in flames if the suspect was allowed to continue with her plans. Officials also noted that they were working with several district attorneys' officers as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the case. Read Also: Los Angeles: Serial Killer Wins $700,000 in Lawsuit From Santa Monica Before Killing 4 People, Including Homeless Men The Late Civil Rights Activist The fire department's HAZMAT team will be responsible for cleaning up the gasoline spill that the suspect poured around and on the house. Officials have not yet revealed the identity of the 26-year-old woman as police are speaking to her family to determine her mental health condition, according to Fox5 Atlanta. The home is located a few blocks from the King Center, the King National Historical Park, and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. It has been undergoing renovations for the past couple of weeks. King's home was built in 1895 and has a framed two-story Queen-Anne-style structure. It is known for playing a pivotal role in commemorating the early life of the civil rights icon and his siblings. While there have been many renovations done on the home over the years, the latest project was meant to address major structural and system improvements. These include electrical, HVAC, and fire suppression as well as structural various enhancements. The incident comes as the annual celebration of King is expected to be held on Jan. 11, 2024. The theme for next year's event is "Passing the torch and continuing the journey" and comes with the guiding quote "The task is not done. The journey is not complete. We can and we must do more," said KC Employees. Related Article: Kevin Cramer's Son Charged With Manslaughter for Fatal Crash That Killed Sheriff Deputy @ 2024 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-house-unlikely-to-approve-new-ukraine-aid-before-end-of-year---reports-1115487163.html US House Unlikely to Approve New Ukraine Aid Before End of Year US House Unlikely to Approve New Ukraine Aid Before End of Year The US House of Representatives is unlikely to approve new funding for Ukraine before the end of the year, a congressional source told Sputnik on Friday. 2023-12-08T20:26+0000 2023-12-08T20:26+0000 2023-12-08T23:49+0000 ukraine crisis us ukraine republicans white house us arms for ukraine us-supplied arms financial aid military aid us military aid /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/08/1115487429_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c34925f37c2a846c5cc2a6ee6f1fc419.jpg This week, the White House warned lawmakers that funding for Ukraine will run out by the end of the year. Republicans have been hesitant to approve more funding to Ukraine, which has already reached more than $100 billion since February 2022. US President Joe Biden is asking Congress to approve a $106 billion supplemental package that includes $61 billion for Ukraine. On Wednesday, the Senate blocked legislation to advance Biden's $110 billion supplemental bill over concerns it does not include "credible" measures to address the crisis on the US southern border.Earlier in the day, a new Pew Research poll revealed that nearly half of Republicans in the United States say they believe the US government is sending too much aid to Ukraine.Forty-eight percent (48%) of Republican and Republican-leaning respondents believe that the US is providing too much support to Ukraine, the poll report said.Slightly under one-third of people in the US overall, 31%, believe that the US is giving Ukraine too much aid, the poll report said.However, just 16% of Democrats and independents who lean Democrat believe that the United States is providing too much support to Ukraine, the poll report said. Nearly one-quarter of Democrats, 24%, think the US is not sending Ukraine enough aid, the poll report said.Republican and Republican-leaning independents in the US increasingly believe that the Biden administration is sending too much support to Ukraine, with the figure up from 40% in January to nearly half now, the poll report said.Consequently, the partisan gap on Ukraine aid has widened, the poll report said.Republicans were only four percentage points more likely than Democrats to believe that the United States was providing too much support to Ukraine in the initial weeks of the conflict, but are now 32 points more likely to believe so, the poll report said.The majority of Republicans, 63%, somewhat or strongly disapprove of the Biden administrations response to the conflict in Ukraine, the poll report said. A plurality of respondents overall, 41%, said they disapprove of Bidens handling of the conflict, while 39% approve and 20% are unsure, the poll report added.The poll surveyed 5,203 US adults from November 27 to December 3 and maintains an overall margin of error of plus-or-minus 1.8 percentage points with a 95% confidence level. The margin of error for Republican and Democrat-only figures is plus-or-minus 2.5 percentage points. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231114/us-senator-says-will-take-100-years-to-determine-whether-aid-for-ukraine-worthwhile-1114957367.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/which-of-ukraines-erstwhile-allies-have-fled-sinking-ship-of-support-1115424965.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/blinken-unveils-175mln-in-ukraine-military-aid-warns-it-may-be-last-unless-congress-acts-1115435668.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us weapons for ukraine, us aid to ukraine, us funding of ukraine, ukraine aid, money for ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-only-administration-with-leverage-to-stop-israeli-assault-end-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-1115484109.html US 'Only Administration With Leverage' to Stop Israeli Assault, End 'Humanitarian Crisis' in Gaza US 'Only Administration With Leverage' to Stop Israeli Assault, End 'Humanitarian Crisis' in Gaza An international human rights lawyer said the United States is the only country with the necessary pull on the Israeli government to be able to force an end to the war in Gaza, which has generated a massive humanitarian crisis. 2023-12-08T18:48+0000 2023-12-08T18:48+0000 2023-12-08T18:48+0000 analysis israel gaza strip palestinians humanitarian crisis israeli-palestinian conflict /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0a/13/1114328422_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_5e20a8f4305645adbb2822194d8eacd2.jpg As the Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip enters a new phase, turning its attention toward the southern cities of Khan Yunis and Rafah, more than 1 million refugees who fled from the north have been left in an increasingly precarious position.The war has aroused fury among populations around the globe, including in the United States, where a mass protest movement has generated large demonstrations in dozens of cities every day demanding a permanent ceasefire. However, the Biden administration has remained staunchly in support of the Israeli operation, even as the White House begins to moderate its tone and express more concern for the civilian population in Gaza.In the territory of 2.3 million people, an estimated 80% of Gazas population has been displaced from their homes amid the Israeli operation, which has devastated the area. As of Monday, analysis of data collected by satellite photography had revealed more than 60% of the buildings in northern Gaza had been destroyed or severely damaged by the Israeli bombing campaign and ground invasion. The most recent reports from Gazas Health Ministry on Friday said that 17,177 people, including 7,112 children, had been killed and 46,000 wounded since October 7.The Israeli operation was launched in response to a massive cross-border raid by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups based in Gaza, which attacked several Israeli border towns and killed an estimated 1,200 people. However, Israeli media has revealed that many of those deaths were likely caused by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) firing on civilians. In the aftermath, Netanyahu announced a complete siege of Gaza and an operation to destroy Hamas for good.International human rights attorney Moien Odeh told Radio Sputniks The Backstory on Thursday that it was likely impossible for the IDF to achieve its stated goal of destroying Hamas, saying that the military operation would only generate enmity among more generations of Palestinians, who will join Hamas or organizations like it, and continue to fight Israel.Two Audiences for IsraelHe said that Israels position that the war in Gaza will not stop until it has achieved its military goals is intended as a message to two different audiences.One is internally for their own people, for the Israeli people, to tell them that we will [take] revenge [for] what happened on October 7 and then the Palestinians will pay a very heavy price for that. This is from one side. The other side will be, of course, to the whole world that we will not stop until we will achieve our own military goal - which is until now, we keep changing every couple of weeks, and it's clear that it's unachievable, but until now, they are continuing the war despite all the thousands of dead Palestinians and the tens of thousands of injured, the hundreds of thousands displaced. But unfortunately, the end of this war doesnt look close, for now at least.I think many Palestinians have already lost hope and believe in international law. But I think it'll be a devastating result on the whole system, and prove again and again that the International Criminal Court is a hostage, unfortunately, for the Israeli narrative and and that the double standards is happening all the time and that the ICC is just a political tool to punish some countries, mainly the the the African countries, for some crimes without any real results in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Odeh said that the international community is largely incapable of stopping the Israeli operation even if they wanted to, noting that the United States is the only administration that has any leverage on the Israeli government.'No Safe Area' in GazaOdeh noted that the IDF has launched a new phase of its military operation in Gaza, which has brought the same strength against the south of the territory, where it had told more than 1 million Gazans to flee to, as it did previously against the north of the territory, from which it had previously evicted them due to the military operation.I think it's worse now, because at least at the beginning, they used to claim that if you tell the civilians that you can leave the north and go to the south and you'll be safe. Now, they are saying that you can't go either back to the north, you cant stay in the south. But what should people do? [There is] no safe area, despite that they keep talking about safe areas in the south. But from the other side, they keep saying that Hamas is using the safe areas to launch rockets against Israel, so they attack in these areas.Odeh said that it appeared the IDF had drawn up its present war plans years ago and was waiting for an opportunity to implement them - which they found in the October 7 attacks.I think even before this war and for years, Gaza was a big problem for Israel. They already had ideas and plans about how to deal with Gaza. And it looks like after the attacks on October 7, they found it a good opportunity to to start moving people and displacing people inside Gaza, hoping that many people will really move to Egypt or to Sinai and they will clean as much [of the population] as possible from the Gaza Strip.All of what's happening, all the bombing, It's not really helping them to achieve the military goal that they had at the beginning. And it's proof again that all the displacement, all of these attacks are just for one reason: it is just to collectively punish the people and to push the people to be against Hamas itself, which is - I don't think this is an option for many people now, to stand against Hamas and to show up to tell Hamas that you did this to us. People will only see Israel as the only reason behind their suffering and they will continue this conflict with Israel for more and more generations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/live-updates-israeli-army-struck-nearly-250-sites-in-gaza-strip-overnight---idf-1115418226.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231205/environmentalists-gazas-water-farmland-will-be-unusable-if-idf-floods-tunnels-with-seawater-1115413868.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231206/scott-ritter-israel-headed-for-strategic-defeat-in-gaza-1115409414.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Fantine Gardinier Fantine Gardinier News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Fantine Gardinier who can stop the war in gaza, israeli war in gaza, israel-hamas war, when will gaza war end, why won't us stop war in gaza https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-vetoes-unsc-resolution-demanding-immediate-humanitarian-ceasefire-in-gaza-1115487783.html US Vetoes UNSC Resolution Demanding Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza US Vetoes UNSC Resolution Demanding Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire in Gaza The United States vetoed on Friday a UAE-drafted UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. 2023-12-08T21:06+0000 2023-12-08T21:06+0000 2023-12-08T21:06+0000 world palestine-israel conflict uae un security council (unsc) us israel palestine humanitarian disaster humanitarian catastrophe humanitarian crisis /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/0b/1114888174_0:161:3070:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_9e1be6fa2bd7129caf38da9f2474e5d6.jpg Thirteen members voted in favor and one abstained. The draft resolution demands "an immediate humanitarian ceasefire" and "immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, as well as ensuring humanitarian access." On Thursday, deputy US ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood said that the United States believes that another UN Security Council resolution on Gaza will not be helpful right now. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/us-only-administration-with-leverage-to-stop-israeli-assault-end-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-1115484109.html uae israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths, genocide https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/vivek-blasts-haley-over-warmongering-and-foreign-policy-1115467113.html Vivek Blasts Haley over Warmongering and Foreign Policy Vivek Blasts Haley over Warmongering and Foreign Policy On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed several topics from around the globe, including the recent GOP debate that saw the candidates trade insults over a number of issues. 2023-12-08T04:17+0000 2023-12-08T04:17+0000 2023-12-08T09:58+0000 the backstory gaza strip israel palestine gop vivek ramaswamy nikki haley republicans radio /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/07/1115466956_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_54c6c2cec19e47063c0ffe98491a57f1.png Vivek Blasts Haley over Warmongering and Foreign Policy On this episode of The Backstory, host Rachel Blevins discussed several topics from around the globe, including the recent GOP debate that saw the candidates trade insults over a number of issues. Angie Wong - Journalist and Co-Host of The Final CountdownEd Martin - Lawyer and President of the Phyllis Schlafley EaglesKyle Anzalone - Opinion Editor of AntiWar.comMoein Odeh - International Human Rights AttorneyThe Backstory began on Thursday with a discussion on Rep. Kevin McCarthy's (R - California) decision to retire from the House of Representatives. Journalist Angie Wong joined the show to discuss the potential ramifications of McCarthy's retirement and the recent expulsion of Rep. George Santos (R - New York) from the House.Later in the hour, The Backstory spoke to attorney Ed Martin about the GOP debate results as the palpable tension between the candidates was on full display for the audience.To kick off the second hour, journalist Kyle Anzalone joined the show to discuss Russian President Vladimir Putin's trip to the Middle East, along with the US public's growing demands for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.The show would conclude with a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, amid Israel's expanded military operation that is now targeting both the southern and northern corridors of the Palestinian enclave. The Backstory was joined by human rights attorney Moein Odeh, who highlighted the devastation caused by the Israeli military in Gaza.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM gaza strip israel palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Rachel Blevins Rachel Blevins News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Rachel Blevins gaza strip, israel, palestine, gop, vivek ramaswamy, nikki haley, republicans, , radio, kevin mccarthy, george santos, vladimir putin, middle east https://sputnikglobe.com/20231208/what-to-expect-from-putins-annual-qa-session-1115455088.html What to Expect From Putin's Annual Q&A Session What to Expect From Putin's Annual Q&A Session What to expect from Russian President Vladimir Putins Annual Q&A Session and tear end press conference. 2023-12-08T05:00+0000 2023-12-08T05:00+0000 2023-12-13T11:00+0000 russia russia vladimir putin dmitry peskov kremlin nord stream putin's 2023 year-end press conference /html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/0d/1111857692_0:0:3073:1730_1920x0_80_0_0_4c56f2bcd465e5b6a2d0c0154292a68e.jpg Russian President Vladimir Putins annual press conference, just as his special television program called "Direct Line With Vladimir Putin," are always events to look forward to. They are noted for scope of geopolitical and domestic issues addressed, lengthy duration, and headline-grabbing spontaneity from Russia's leader. Set to take place on December 14, this time, as once before, both events have been brought together into one format.The tradition of holding live Q&A sessions to field questions from the public was introduced by Putin during his first term as the Russian president in 2001. The combined format was first tested in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Putin had to cancel the live event back then, taking questions from Russians during his end of the year press conference. The last time there was a direct line with Putin was on June 30, 2021. In 2022, there was neither a direct line with Vladimir Putin, nor a big press conference at the end of the year.How Are Qs Sent?Questions from citizens for Putins "direct line" began to be accepted on December 1. All the ways that one can send a question to Putin are listed on the event's website. These include using a toll-free number, via a free SMS, an Android phone app, through Russian social networks like VKontakte, and Odnoklassniki, and other options. Telephone operators and volunteers are busy receiving calls in the programs call-center.After the questions have been sent in, a joint editorial group selects those dealing with the most pressing issues. It will then be up to Russias leader to pick which ones he will answer. Apparently, no direct live inclusions of random people, as during past Q&A sessions, are planned. All questions will have been sorted through before the live broadcast.Who Will Cover Press Conference/Q&A?Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified earlier that federal and regional mass media, as well as representatives of the foreign press who are accredited in Moscow would be seated in a studio specially set up for the purpose. The question and answer session will likely be broadcast live by Channel One, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, NTV, and Russian radio stations, as on previous occasions.How Long Will Event Last?Its hardly surprising that Dmitry Peskov couldnt say exactly how long Putins Press Conference and Q&A session might last. When asked by journalists, he pointed out that past experience had shown this very long and meaningful event of a special nature" could not be limited to a pre-set interval. In 2020, the combined-format event lasted 4 hours and 29 minutes, during which period the Russian president managed to answer 68 questions from both journalists and Russian citizens. Vladimir Putin's final press conference in 2008 is a record-holder, as it became the longest in his eight years as head of state at the time. It lasted well over 4 hours and 40 minutes, with Russias Commander-in-Chief answering more than 100 questions. Furthermore, a record number of journalists - 1,364 people - were accredited for that press conference.What to ExpectRussias upper house of parliament voted on December 7 to set the date for the countrys next presidential election for March 17, 2024. Accordingly, there had been speculations that Vladimir Putin would make a statement about his intention to run again for a third consecutive term. However, the Russian leader made the announcement earlier, during an awards ceremony for soldiers participating in the special military operation in Ukraine.Most Popular TopicsMost often questions sent in are related to the social sphere: pensions, benefits, healthcare, education, problems of large families, provision of subsidized housing, utility bills... There are also many questions about regional gasification, and the problems linked with it.Russians are also asking about payments to military personnel participating in Russias ongoing special operation in Ukraine, and the partial mobilization of military reservists announced by Presidential decree in September 2022, but not formally rescinded.Regarding politics, Russians want to know how Vladimir Putin sees a multipolar world taking shape in the future, or when the Western-sabotaged Nord Stream gas pipelines will be restored.The direct line and a press conference are expected to have a mobilizing effect on regional administrations. Typically, a great many socio-economic and managerial problems are raised. On this occasion, questions can be expected from Russias new regions, such as the Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics (DPR and LPR), Kherson and Zaporozhye regions. Regional administrations, as a rule, are prompted to spring to action after the Q&A session in an effort to resolve problems. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231109/putins-press-conference-to-be-combined-with-direct-line-qa-session-this-year---kremlin-1114843108.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20210630/western-provocations-ties-with-us--vaccination-highlights-from-putins-annual-qa-session-1083275233.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20111216/170306069.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2023 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko russian president vladimir putin, what to expect from putins annual q&a session, putin's bid press conference, putin's year end press conference GTY Stable's homebred Gaitway Guy withstood a sustained first-over attack to score his second preliminary win in the Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund (DSBF) series for three-year-old male pacers at Bally's Dover, drawing away to a handy 1:54.1 victory in his $20,000 second-round division on Thursday, Dec. 7. Corey Callahan floated Gaitway Guy into third as fellow first-round winner Marshal Dillon (Tony Morgan) pushed clear of Night Terror (Allan Davis) through a :27.2 first quarter. Not long after Marshal Dillon pulled the half back to :57.2, Gaitway Guy angled first-over and ground forward to engage the pacesetter nearing the far turn. The two hit three-quarters in tandem in 1:25.3, and Gaitway Guy struck the front on the far turn before edging clear of his six rivals off the corner for home. The Delmarvalous-Brussels Hanover easily put away Marshal Dillon at the eighth pole and sprinted three lengths clear of runner-up Big Truss (Hugh O'Neil), who followed the winner's live cover. Showdown Lynx (Art Stafford Jr.) rallied belatedly to just miss second. Jeff Smith trains 12-time winner Gaitway Guy, who paid $2.20 to win as the overwhelming favourite and has earned $249,400 through his career. In the other split, Meg A Bags and driver Montrell Teague took full advantage of the open stretch and converted a pocket trip into a 12-1 upset. Meg A Bags sealed off the pocket behind 4-5 pacesetter Bad Boy Too (Simon Allard) through a :27.1 first quarter and kept close attendance to the pace as Nottes Mist (Allan Davis) mounted a first-over push from third into Bad Boy Too to three-quarters in 1:25.2. With Bad Boy Too and Nottes Mist embroiled in battle turning for home, Teague dove to the open stretch with Meg A Bags, and the Roddys Bags Again-Megginspin gelding surged forward to win by 1-1/4 lengths in a lifetime best 1:54.2. Bad Boy Too held second over Nottes Mist. Jason Skinner trains Meg A Bags ($27), a four-time winner with $50,459 in career earnings, for Ryan Davila. The eight qualifiers for next Thursday's (Dec. 14) $110,000 DSBF series final are: Gaitway Guy, Marshal Dillon, Meg A Bags, Bad Boy Too, Delightinhisglory, Big Truss, Night Terror and Nottes Mist. Mack Rallies Late To Upset In Thursday Open Mack and driver Montrell Teague found room along the pylons late and surged to victory in the $27,500 Blue Hen Open Handicap Pace on Thursday night. There was a three-horse scramble between Heinikin Bythebay (Victor Kirby), Sprocket (Pat Berry) and Captain Cowboy (Corey Callahan) for the early lead approaching the quarter. Heinikin Bythebay won the early battle and sped past the quarter in :26.2. Sprocket pulled the pocket and was joined by the 9-5 betting favourite Penzance Hanover )Art Stafford Jr.) past the quarter. The two pacers battled to the half in :54.2. Penzance Hanover cleared for the lead and took control of the race leading the field down the backstretch. Virgo (Andy McCarthy) moved first over and Stag Party (Simon Allard) joined second over, both in attack mode. Mack was screaming for room from last but sat patiently along the pylons for clearance. Penzance Hanover was on a mission and maintained the lead passing the three-quarters in 1:22.1. At the top the stretch, Penzance Hanover started to bear out allowing Captain Cowboy to find room. Mack was also able to find room late along the pylons and was raging with pace. Mack won by a nose in 1:51.1 and paid $21 for the win. Captain Cowboy finished a nose back for second while Penzance Hanover was third. Mack (Mach Three-Backstreet Sweetie) is trained by Joe Columbo and owned by George and Tina Dennis Racing of Wyoming, Delaware. Montrell Teague scored four driving wins while Simon Allard recorded a driving triple on the card. Racing continues at Ballys Dover Monday through Thursday. Post time is 4:30 p.m. (With files from Delaware Standardbred Breeders' Fund and Dover Downs) Jay Brown is stepping down as CEO of Crown Castle. The company's primary business is building, leasing and selling cell phone towers. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer A traditional cell phone tower, owned by Crown Castle, is shown near the Texas Medical Center. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle Bowing to pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management, Houston cell tower operator Crown Castle said Thursday that CEO Jay Brown would be stepping down next month. Crown Castle, founded in Houston in 1994, owns, operates and leases more than 40,000 cell towers and some 85,000 route miles of fiber cable across every major U.S. market, it said in a statement announcing the transition. Elliott, headquartered in Florida, has taken issue with Crown Castle's fiber strategy for several years. ELLIOT INFO: What to know about the activist investment firm shaking up corporate leadership in Houston Advertisement Article continues below this ad After disclosing its $2 billion stake in the company last month it launched a formal campaign calling for a new CEO and changes to the board, citing the "failure" of its current approach. The activity came after Elliott sent a letter to the company's board in 2020, which it said it had a $1 billion stake in Crown castle, arguing that the fiber strategy was "detracting from shareholder returns." Crown Castle did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Elliott Managing Partner Jesse Cohn and Jason Genrich, a senior portfolio manager, described the impending leadership transition as a "step in the right direction" and indicated that Elliott will press for more. "Consistent with our previous statements, we believe that additional significant changes are needed to ensure that Crown Castle is best positioned to fulfill its potential for shareholders," they said. "Necessary next steps," they continued, would include "a comprehensive review of the Fiber business." Advertisement Article continues below this ad That could include a sale of Crown Castle's fiber unit, Elliott has said. Its letter to the board last month urged consideration of whether Crown Castle "is the best owner of its fiber businesses." Brown's retirement will be effective Jan. 16, the company said. He joined Crown Castle in 1999, according to its most recent proxy statement, and was named chief financial officer and treasurer in 2008. He was named to the board board in May 2016 and tapped as president and CEO in June 2016. WASHINGTON Hunter Biden was indicted on nine tax charges in California on Thursday as a special counsel investigation into the business dealings of the president's son intensifies against the backdrop of the looming 2024 election. The new charges three felonies and six misdemeanors come in addition to federal firearms charges in Delaware alleging Hunter Biden broke a law against drug users having guns in 2018. Hunter Biden spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills, special counsel David Weiss said in a statement. The charges are focused on at least $1.4 million in taxes he owed during between 2016 and 2019, a period where he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. If convicted, Hunter Biden could face up to 17 years in prison. The special counsel probe remains open, Weiss said. He had been previously expected to plead guilty to misdemeanor tax charges as part of a plea deal with prosecutors who said he failed to pay taxes on $4 million in personal income in 2017 and 2018. Defense attorneys have signaled they plan to fight any new charges. The agreement imploded in July after a judge raised questions about it. It had also been pilloried as a sweetheart deal by Republicans investigating nearly every aspect of Hunter Biden's business dealings as well as the Justice Department's handling of the case. Congressional Republicans have also pursued an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden, claiming he was engaged in an influence-peddling scheme with his son. The House is expected to vote next week on formally authorizing the inquiry. While questions have arisen about the ethics surrounding the Biden familys international business, no evidence has emerged so far to prove that Joe Biden, in his current or previous office, abused his role or accepted bribes. The criminal investigation led by Delaware U.S. Attorney David Weiss has been open since 2018, and was expected to wind down with the plea deal that Hunter Biden had planned to strike with prosecutors over the summer. He would have pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor tax evasion charges and would have entered a separate agreement on the gun charge. He would have served two years of probation rather than get jail time. The agreement also contained immunity provisions, and defense attorneys have argued that they remain in force since that part of the agreement was signed by a prosecutor before the deal was scrapped. Prosecutors disagree, pointing out the documents werent signed by a judge and are invalid. After the deal fell apart, prosecutors filed three federal gun charges alleging that Hunter Biden had lied about his drug use to buy a gun that he kept for 11 days in 2018. Federal law bans gun possession by habitual drug users, though the measure is seldom seen as a stand-alone charge and has been called into question by a federal appeals court. Hunter Bidens longstanding struggle with substance abuse had worsened during that period after the death of his brother Beau Biden in 2015, prosecutors wrote in a draft plea agreement filed in court in Delaware. He still made substantial income in 2017 and 2018, including $2.6 million in business and consulting fees from a company he formed with the CEOs of a Chinese business conglomerate and the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, but did not pay his taxes, prosecutors said in that filing. He did eventually file his taxes in 2020 and the back taxes were paid by a third party the following year, prosecutors said. This is a developing story and will be updated. Read more: Photos: Hunter Biden through the years WENTWORTH A 48-year-old Eden man faces 40 years in prison after he was found guilty by a Rockingham County District Court jury on Thursday of sex crimes against children and attempting to hire a hit man to kill a witness. The jury found Scottie Eanes, who was arrested in November 2022, guilty of first-degree sex offense against a child, two counts of indecent liberties with a child, and solicitation to commit murder. One of Eanes' accusers claimed he had assaulted her during her childhood more than 20 years ago, according to information from the Rockingham County District Attorney's office. Superior Court Judge David Hall sentenced Eanes to three consecutive prison terms with a minimum of 478 months, which equals 39 years and 10 months, in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Eanes will be required to serve at least the full sentence before he is eligible for release, according to state law. If ever released, he will remain on the public sex-offender registry for the duration of his life. Testimony at the emotional trial revealed that on Nov. 11, 2022, Eden Police Detective David Stepps got a tip that more than a decade earlier, Eanes had allegedly molested a young child in his home. The victim subsequently met with Stepps, and warrants were issued against Eanes. Attempt to hire hitman On Dec. 6, 2022, Eanes' cellmate at the Rockingham County Detention Facility asked to meet with Stepps, according to court testimony. The cellmate told Stepps that Eanes, believing the cellmate would soon return to society, had offered him $10,000 to find and murder one of Eanes' accusers. The cellmate told Stepps that Eanes had shared the accuser's name and other details to help him locate her, prosecutors outlined. Ultimately Detective Ryan Burns of the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office took over the investigation of the cellmate's allegations and found evidence to corroborate his story and bring charges against Eanes. I am truly amazed by the tremendous bravery of the victim in this case. I am filled with gratitude that she was literally willing to risk her life by coming forward and revealing the unspeakably disgusting things that Scottie Eanes did to her,'' Rockingham County District Attorney Jason Ramey said after the conviction. "I also am in awe of another victim of Scottie Eanes' who came forward and demonstrated incredible courage by testifying about an equally despicable crime that Scottie Eanes had committed against her over 20 years ago. Together, these two survivors have ensured that Scottie Eanes will probably spend the rest of his life behind bars and will never be able to harm another child. I commend the jury for being the voice of the community and holding Scottie Eanes accountable for his monstrous crimes. The passage of the controversial Republican-drawn congressional map for North Carolina has led Democratic Rep. Kathy Manning to decide not to run for re-election in the Sixth District. Manning said her decision is based on the map that political analysts project would shift North Carolina from a 7-7 U.S. House split to likely a 10-4 Republican majority with the Sixth being one of the three districts shifting. The filing period for the March 5 primary election runs Dec. 4 through Dec. 15. The map, barring a successful legal challenge, goes into effect for the 2024 primary and general elections and stays in place through 2030. The planned Sixth has a 57% to 43% Republican advantage, according to an analysis by Michael Bitzer, a political science professor at Catawba College with an expertise on congressional races. "As a Greensboro resident of 40 years, I am disgusted by the callous disregard of Republican leaders for the citizens of my district," Manning said. I would love nothing more than to continue representing our community in Congress. Unfortunately, the egregiously gerrymandered maps do not make this race competitive, and I cannot in good conscience ask people to invest their time, resources and efforts in a campaign that is rigged against us. Manning, however, didn't close the door on a re-election bid, saying she would run if lawsuits challenging the constitutional of the congressional map are successful. The redrawn Sixth makes it "highly unlikely that a Democratic candidate could be competitive,' said John Dinan, a political science professor at Wake Forest University. "So, it is not surprising that Manning isn't going to run for reelection." Dinan called Manning's decision "a replay of sorts of what happened in 2019 when Mark Walker was the Sixth District incumbent and faced a newly drawn map that made it highly unlikely that a Republican candidate could be competitive in 2020." "So, he opted against running for reelection that year. "Of course, now Walker is the beneficiary of the new maps for 2024, he is running once again,' Dinan said. "This all attests to the importance of redistricting for determining who wins elections." Manning joins Rep. Jeff Jackson of the 14th District as the second Democratic U.S. House member to cite the redrawn congressional map for not running for re-election.' Jackson is running for the Democratic nomination for attorney general, while Republican Rep. Dan Bishop also chose to bypass pursuing re-election in the Eighth District to run for the Republican nomination for attorney general. On Tuesday, Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of the 10th District announced plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2024 session. Winston-Salem and western Forsyth are in the 10th, along with solidly Republican counties Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln and Yadkin. McHenrys decision to not run for re-election is startling in that he announced plans to run for his 11th term on Oct. 31, shortly after the controversial Republican-drawn U.S. House map cleared the legislature. Outspoken opposition Since the map drawn by Republican legislators with minimal public and Democrat input was first disclosed in mid-October, Manning has been outspoken in her opposition. "Rather than draw Congressional districts that are compact, include communities of interest, and promote the democratic value of allowing voters to decide who they want to represent them the previously stated goals of the redistricting committee Republican leaders have put their partisan self-interest above the people theyre elected to serve," Manning said. "Its the shameful act of leaders who know they can't win under fair districts." Manning's news release describes that one lawsuit outlines how the approved congressional districts disenfranchise minority voters by "packing and cracking" voters into districts to prevent them from electing representatives that represent their values. Manning benefited from a court-drawn congressional redistricting map in her successful 2022 campaign. That map was voided earlier this year by the Republican majority on the N.C. Supreme Court. The Sixth District currently includes all of Guilford County and mostly urban parts of Forsyth County. The approved map includes in the Sixth District Kernersville, Walkertown and the southern Forsyth border with Davidson and Davie counties. The Sixth portion of Guilford forms a loop shaped like a backward C around the countys suburban communities and High Point. Also included is all of Davidson, Davie and Rowan and about 20% of Cabarrus County. Manning also cited how the approved map is "blatantly rigged against Democrats by splitting the city of Greensboro into three pieces, and combining each piece with far-flung rural counties." For example, the majority of Greensboro is now in the Fifth District with Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx that stretches to the border with Tennessee. "The maps separate the heart of Greensboro from High Point and Winston-Salem, destroying a Triad District, a community of interest that deserves representation,' Manning said. Republican challengers As of Thursday, the only declared Republican candidate for the Sixth District to have filed is Bo Hines, according to the N.C. State Board of Elections website. Hines, listed as running out of Mocksville, joins former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, retired Army Lt. Col. Christian Castelli and High Point mayor Jay Morgan in seeking the Republican nomination. Castelli is making his second run for Congress in the Sixth. Castelli won the 2022 GOP nomination in a five-candidate field with 36.2% of the vote. He lost in 2022 by a 53.9% to 45% margin to Manning, which was within the margin projected by several political analysts. Walker served in the Sixth District from 2015 to 2021. After he chose not to run for re-election in 2022 after a court-drawn congressional map flipped the Sixth District to feature urban Forsyth and Guilford counties, he finished a distant third in the 2022 Republican primary for U.S. senator to now-U.S. Sen. Ted Budd. Walker initially declared his candidacy for the 2024 Republican governors primary race, but dropped out to run for the redrawn Sixth as he was found to be a distant second or third in most early polls to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. RIDGEFIELD A life scout with Boy Scout Troop 14 in Salmon Creek has used Ridgefield area waterways all his life, and Ridgefields Christian Stiever now wants to help rid abandoned boats in Lake River and Bachelor Island for his Eagle Scout project. Starting in April 2024, Stiever will head out with other volunteers to document the abandoned boats they come across. Before then, he is seeking additional supply donations, as well as volunteers, to make his mission successful. Stiever decided on his Eagle Scout project while practicing on the Lake River for a paddle boat trip in Utah with his fellow Troop 14 members, when he noticed a lot of abandoned boats along the shore, he said. I actually did a little bit more digging, and I found that Washington does actually have a problem with this and they have different agencies to help deter that, Stiever said. How to help In addition to volunteers, Stiever is seeking donations, such as GPSs, food and drinks, as well as sun block. To donate or volunteer, email John.Stiever@troop-14.org. Stiever, an eighth grader at View Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield, has already approached the Ridgefield Lions Club for additional volunteers and has been working with the Port of Ridgefield, as well. Christian, he came and made a very detailed presentation on his proposed scout project, and we were really impressed with the work he put into it, Port of Ridgefield CEO Randy Mueller said. He seemed very personally motivated. His family spends a lot of time on the river, and I think they saw the junk, and he felt like he had to do something about it. So, of course we heard his presentation and we want to be supportive, and I think its a great idea. I told him, Yeah, we would be happy to work with you. Mueller said the port district has struggled to keep the Ridgefield waterfront and around the Lake River clear of derelict boats the last couple of years since the pandemic. With rising water levels this time of year, the boats and rafts tend to cause more harm as they pollute the Lake River. Right now, we are entering a period where the river levels are rising. The levels were low during the summer, and so a lot of these things had beached, and with the water rising, now they are floating again and on the move, Mueller said. Initially, Stiever wanted to clean up the boats himself, but Mueller said the scouts were less comfortable with that idea because of the liability of handling the boats and other floating junk. After revising his plan, Stiever will now be searching for the abandoned boats and other river-junk by taking pictures and documenting any VIN number and any registration. Ill compile that data and give it to the port authority, and then the [Port of Ridgefield] said they will work on actually removing it, Stiever said. Mueller said the port will use state funds available through the Department of Natural Resources to remove the derelict boats Stiever identifies. Once he maps things out, well be able to make a solid push and get this junk removed, which has really been there since COVID, Mueller said. Wed like to return the Lake River to a kind of cleaner, more junk-free state than it currently is. Mueller said if boating records identify the last known legal owner of a derelict boat, the port will contact them to see if they are willing to come remove it. We are very impressed and appreciative of Christians efforts in the scouting program, Mueller said. Weve worked with Eagle Scouts in the past, and we are really excited about this one. We think this is a great way to clean up Lake River and improve the water quality and make things less of an eye sore. 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 Autonomous and electric vehicles can be a positive force for people and the planet, but widespread gains require government incentives and investment to ensure access for users across the economic spectrum. That's a key finding of research by Elisabeth Gerber, a professor at University of Michigan's Ford School of Public Policy. She focuses on sustainable development and transportation policy, as well as local fiscal capacity and political accountability. Gerber shares insights on her work, which includes teaching a massive open online course on mobility and co-authoring research on the deployment of EV charging stations across the country. Much is made of the technological advances, which are important, but your teaching and research also focuses on how decision-makers are building out local EV infrastructure. What are some of the key takeaways for you? One of the general insights from my research is that new technologies offer the possibility of improving peoples' lives and achieving better social outcomes (like efficiency, equity and sustainability), but those benefits are not guaranteed. People make decisions about how to implement technologies, and those decisions determine who receives the benefits and who pays the various costs of new technology. In the area of new mobilityincluding the deployment of autonomous and electric vehiclesmany critical decisions are being made by governments at the federal, state and local levels, including decisions about where to build out the infrastructure needed to support these new vehicles. Will people who live in lower income areas have access to charging infrastructure, thereby allowing them to benefit from EV technology, or will only higher income people who can charge at home or their workplace have access? Much of my current research focuses on the role of local governments in particular, as they are on the front lines making these decisions, but vary tremendously in terms of their resources and technical capacity. So we see some local governments actively adopting innovative new policies to ensure equity and access to charging infrastructure, while many other governments are delegating these decisions to the private sector or are taking no actions. You co-authored a study about equity and mobility that looks at where EV charging stations are placed. What were some of your findings, and the implications of these efforts? Earlier this year, we conducted a survey of just under 500 local government officials across the U.S. to learn what they are doing to support the deployment of EV charging infrastructure in their communities, and what factorspublic pressure, federal and state government incentives, regulationsare shaping their efforts. Among our findings: Only about a third of communities in our (representative) sample have any public charging stations. Very few local governments are directly investing in EV charging infrastructure. Rather, their primary roles are efforts to shape private sector actors' decisions through permitting, inspection, land use planning and, in rare cases, zoning ordinances. Local government decision-makers respond to positive pressures from their residentswhere lots of people are purchasing EVs, decision-makers follow by installing chargers and other infrastructure. In other words, supply follows demand. Top-down incentives from the federal and state governments are not enough to spur local governments into action.That's not to say they play no roleover 40% of the local government officials in our sample indicated that they expect to apply for these funds in the future, so the impact of these incentives very well may increase over time. But right now, the consumer demand has to be there first. Perhaps it has long been true but with the rapid rise and proliferation of automation (including ChatGPT and its variants), there appears to be a large disconnect between the engineering and the ethics. Are we at a point where the social science aspect is finally getting its due consideration alongside the "gee-whiz" technology in the public discourse and policymaking? I hope so! There are a lot of very thorny ethical issues associated with autonomous vehicles. A big one is privacy. AVs require a ton of dataabout their own location, the locations of other drivers, the route to their destination, and the many, many obstacles they encounter along the wayall of which need to be constantly updated. Who owns this data, who has the rights to use it, and how can it be used? What if I don't want others to know my location? Can I withhold that information, and if I do, what does that mean for the integrity of the data that can be used by others? A second issue is safety. Under the right conditions, AVs can be a lot safer than human-driven vehicles. They don't get distracted or drive while intoxicated, and they can be programmed to follow the speed limit, stop at red lights, use their turn signals, etc. But they are not 100% safe, and there are situations in which the humans that program AVs will need to make judgment calls about the lesser of two evilsfor example, should a vehicle be programmed to swerve off the road to avoid an accident, even if it means possibly injuring or killing the driver? These are not technology questions; they are social science questions. How do you make the case to those who want to see less, not more government involvement? Leaving decisions about whether and how to build out the infrastructure to support electric and autonomous vehicles to the private sector is almost certainly going to lead to gaps in access. Private companies have an incentive to invest in places where they can make the most moneynot necessarily where there is the greatest social need. But to meet our country's environmental and sustainability goals, we're going to need to ensure that EVsand the charging infrastructure to power themare accessible to a much broader range of people than they currently are. This will require governments to install (or contract with third-party providers to install) charging infrastructure in places where the private sector has opted out, such as near multi-unit housing and apartments so folks who live there will have convenient places to charge. And it may also require bringing down the price of the vehicles through consumer subsidies so that many more people can afford to buy EVs. The Biden administration and a number of states have already put in place programs to encourage investment in EV infrastructure, especially in disadvantaged communities, and to make EVs more affordable. But there remains much more to be done. Saturnino Carpios life changed forever after being injured during his service in Vietnam. Now, 56 years later, he was finally awarded a Purple Heart in honor of that service. Carpio, a 76-year-old Bryan native, celebrated with fellow veterans Thursday and said hes glad the military finally recognized him. Its a combination of feelings. Im very excited, very happy, grateful and lucky to be here to get it, he said. I feel that [the Purple Heart] is something that, unfortunately, we deserve because we got hurt. And thank God, in my case, it was not worse. Carpios service began in a boot camp in Louisiana before leaving for San Antonio to be trained as a medical corpsman. After graduating boot camp, Carpio went to Washington D.C. where he received his summons for Vietnam. Things were moving right along. And then, all of a sudden, we received orders to go to Vietnam, he said. They flew me out to California and from there we boarded the plane to Vietnam. Carpio served in the Armys 25th Infantry during his deployment to South Vietnam as a member of C Company, also known as the Wolfhounds. The tour, lasting one year, was split in half with six months spent in the hospital and six months spent in the jungle, Carpio said. The guys said, Man, you dont want to be in the hospital first and then, for the last six months, go out to the field, he said. I guess what they were trying to tell me is, if youre gonna get wounded or killed, you want to get it right away. You dont want to go eight, nine months and then get hurt. On Oct. 21, 1967, around 1:30 p.m., Carpio and most of his platoon were injured by a landmine. From the explosion, Carpio said he received injuries to his chest, groin, right foot, left eye and both legs. This other guy and I were hurt the worst out of eight guys, he said. As soon as we got back to camp, they prepped us to operate on us. Woke up late the next day and we were there for maybe a week at the most. Carpios recovery took him to Cam Ron Bay before heading back to the United States to finish his service in the same place he started: Fort Polk, Louisiana. Due to the wars unpopularity at the time, many veterans encountered a hostile welcome back, Carpio said. The Vietnam soldiers were not received well when they came back. It was a different time. I didnt witness anything because of the way I came back home [to the military base], he said. We didnt have to come to the airport with people throwing stuff at you and calling you baby killers. The original documents that showed Carpio was treated for injuries during the Vietnam War were written after he had left to go home, he said. The order was written up Nov. 28 of 67. On Nov. 16 of 67, I was on my way back home, so they wouldnt have found me anyway, he said. I ended up finally going to Waco, got all my information and sent it off to Arlington, Virginia. Around three years after getting the correct documents sent off in 2020, Carpio finally received the Purple Heart. I was gonna get a license plate with a Purple Heart on it and the tax office told me I couldnt because that Purple Heart was not on my list, he said. [Now], Im gonna take this to them and go, here you go. Carpio receiving his Purple Heart is inspiring other Vietnam veterans to do the same. Joe Rangel, a Vietnam veteran, said hes tried to receive his Purple Heart for years but gave up due to not having medical records. When I tried, it was about 20 years ago and I had some friends that helped me, a couple of soldiers, he said. When I came back from Vietnam, back in 69, my medical records were lost. I just felt like it was never gonna happen, which I was OK with, too. But it would have been nice if I could receive it. Rangel said he was wounded during his last five months in Vietnam but was sent back to the field, meaning if he had been sent to a hospital, there would have been more records. All the medevac did was patch me up and then theyre sending me back to the field the same day. I think that was the reason that never was reported, he said. I was there for a whole year. I made it back with a lot of prayers. The Purple Heart is awarded to military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The injuries have to have been the direct or indirect result of enemy action and had it treated by medical officers at the time of the injury, according to the Wounded Warriors Regiment. The Purple Heart is a part of being a patriot, Rangel said, and although he had come to terms he may never receive one, he feels determined to try again. It represents freedom to me. I was in a different country, fighting to help somebody else, he said. Im gonna try one more time. See whats going to happen. One of the three victims killed in Wednesdays shooting at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas earned a degree from Texas A&M University. Cha-Jan Jerry Chang, 64, was killed due to a gunshot wound to the head, according to CBS News. In May 1987, Chang graduated from Texas A&M with a masters degree in business administration, according to his resume and the Aggie Network. Chang had worked at UNLV since 2001 as an assistant professor in the college of business and became a full-time professor in 2014. Assistant professor Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, was also a victim of the shooting and died from several gunshot wounds, according to the medical examiner. A third victim also has been identified but at the time of publication, police have not released their name as they wait to make contact with the victims first of kin. In a statement from UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield, he said that the university community is heartbroken over those who were lost. My heart breaks for the families, friends and loved ones of Dr. Navarro and Dr. Chang, and for all of the victims of this senseless act of violence that has physically and emotionally affected so many, Whitfield said in a statement. On Friday, the Association for Information Systems, which Chang was a part of, released a statement expressing sorrow and profound sadness over his tragic death. On behalf of the Association for Information Systems, we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Professor Chang, stated AIS President Nancy Pouloudi. His intellectual contributions and leadership have had a significant impact on ICIS and our AIS community. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the shooter as 64-year-old Anthony Polito during a press conference Thursday afternoon. Police said that Polito was a business professor who had targeted professors at the university after he was denied a teaching position. Polito was killed by police after they arrived on the scene. Updates on memorial services for the victims can be found on the UNLV website. Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait in Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor For nearly a century, flora has grown over the site of what once was Camp Logan. The military training camp was shut down in 1919, two years after a protest march by Black soldiers collided violently with a white mob, resulting in 17 deaths. A court-martial brought about more than 100 mutiny convictions for the soldiers and another 19 deaths, these by execution. Memorial Park was developed over the site in 1924. Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker stands on the outskirts of the park, where that moment in history has been condensed to an aluminum state historical marker. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I feel like there should be something more, something bigger to denote what happened here, she says. That little old marker, Ive been here and seen it before. And today, I still drove right past it. Walkers interest throughout her career as a dramatist has been about digging up what lies beneath. Shes been a provocative, entertaining and innovative presence in Houstons theater scene for decades, and her plays have been produced far outside her home here. "She's a quiet person who surprises you with the riches of her mind," says Dr. Sandra Mayo, co-author of "Stages of Struggle and Celebration: A Production History of Black Theatre in Texas." "A group of us can sit around and observe the same thing, but the writer says, 'There's a kernel of a story here to be shared.' And she tells stories in ways you don't expect. The philosophical depth she has. The diversity of the genres she uses. The bold subject choices. The meticulous research. The authentic voices and characters. She has enriched American theater and ennobled African-American theater." Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker stands next to the historical marker for Camp Logan on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait in Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker stands next to the historical marker for Camp Logan on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Soldiers on trial in the fall of 1917 sit under guard at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. Two other trials were held in a different building, a gymnasium, in 1918. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Army Courtesy Camp Logan, circa 1917, now the site of Memorial Park xx / Memorial Park Conservancy Three Black soldiers pose against a fence at Camp Logan. Courtesy of Fred Vermillion Camp Logan Collection, Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Pub / Courtesy of Fred Vermillion Camp Logan Collection, Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Walker is an award-winning playwright born and raised in Houston where she has authored many important plays. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Walker is an award-winning playwright born and raised in Houston where she has authored many important plays. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait in Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker poses for a portrait in Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker stands next to the historical marker for Camp Logan on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Walker is enjoying something of a moment recently. In 2022, she received a lifetime achievement award from the Texas Institute of Letters. Earlier this year, Texas A&M Press and the Wittliff Collections published Sassy Mamas and Other Plays, a heavy anthology that includes five of her best-known plays. Among them is Camp Logan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Walkers Camp Logan premiered at Kuumba House in Houston in 1987, five years before the state sunk the historical marker in the ground and 36 years before the U.S. Army overturned the convictions of 110 soldiers in the 3rd Battalion, U.S. 24th Infantry Regiment. Following the Army's announcement, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis on Dec. 5 announced the Commissioners Court plans to issue a formal apology to the families of the Black soldiers who were killed, beaten and unjustly convicted. Walker was invited to be on hand for the announcement. Its a great example of how literature can serve as a way to recover banished history, says Steve Davis, curator of the Southwest Writers Collection at the Wittliff Collection in San Marcos, which is home to Walkers papers. The Camp Logan story wasnt part of much historical literature. It was this forgotten story. Clearly, her play had a role in sparking an awareness of what happened. Walker says recent developments in the Camp Logan story make her feel like Im caught in this time warp. When I wrote it in the 1980s, I wasnt thinking thered be this moment like were having right now. I just wanted to get the story out. I had heard this story, and I thought it was interesting. I wanted everybody to know it. Im surprised and grateful that the play is here for this moment. Thats one of the reasons I do what I do. I just want to share stories. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 'Everybody has a story' More than 40 years ago, Walker found herself about 30 pages into her attempt at the great American novel. Something didnt feel right. I stopped and realized I just wanted to get to the dialog, she says. I didnt want to deal with exposition and narrative. I just wanted to put two people in a room and have them talk their way out of it. Walker thinks her interest in theater was a natural byproduct of being an attentive listener. Growing up in Third Ward, she noted the language used by her parents, who were both from the country. She also paid attention to the narratives. Everybody has a story, but they dont always know it, she says. They think theyre just talking, and they dont even hear the story theyre telling. And I find myself thinking, You are the story. After graduating from Texas Southern University, Walker joined the Black Arts Center in Fifth Ward as an actor. But the stories kept getting in the way. Her Sister, Sister was produced in 1978. That play revived as Once in a Wifetime in the early 90s in Los Angeles with actor Charles Dutton is a comic drama about a contractor whose interest in polygamy prompts his wife to reciprocate, creating two love triangles; a love square, if you will. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Reunion in Bartersville, produced in 1983, had its origin in Walker's childhood affinity for Sherlock Holmes stories paired with a small-town murder mystery her father shared with her. Walker served as a sponge for information: She sought stories, she sought slang, she sought history. I love to listen to people talk. Its just all poetry, she says. Her parents education ended in 9th grade. She found radiance in mispronunciations and malapropisms. People painted pictures with what they were saying and how they said it, she says. Walker particularly loved chasing a story idea to a research center. Her first exposure to the Camp Logan story was through family members, some of whom were living in Houston when it happened. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She followed those stories into the library at Texas Southern, where she dove into The Red Book from 1915, a text that described Black life in Houston two years before the Camp Logan event. She found Camp Logan accounts at the Julia Ideson Library downtown that she describes as having no filter at all when it came to discussing the soldiers. She created composite figures based on historical accounts and some of the many men in her life who served: a grandfather who was in World War I, a father and uncle in World War II and cousins in Vietnam. Camp Logan has had legs: From that initial staging in Houston in 1987, it has also been produced in California, New York, Washington and throughout Texas, including a 1992 performance at the Ensemble Theatre in Houston, which has been a longtime collaborator with Walker. Playwright Celeste Bedford Walker stands next to the historical marker for Camp Logan on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Houston. Last year, Walker was awarded the Texas Institute of Letters Lon Tinkle Award for Lifetime Achievement. Annie Mulligan/Contributor People tell me it seems so modern, she says. I guess a lot of the same things going on now were going on then. The Wittliff Collections presented a dramatic reading of Camp Logan by Texas State University students in 2018. Davis says the theater held 300 people and at least 400 showed up. You had students in the theater department who were all familiar with Eugene ONeill and A Long Days Journey Into Night, Davis says. You know, the great American play. They were interested because police brutality was omnipresent in every Black persons life. So many theater students had no idea this material existed. You could see them visibly moved by the story and the characters. The language. The ways the people relate to each other. They felt the story. Mayo says the play has prompted visceral reactions from multiple generations of viewers. "They get the message that there are things worth fighting and dying for," she says. "Maybe it's dignity. It's something that transcends grace. There's a message in there for all times, for people of all ages. There's a line, and when it's crossed, you say, 'OK, no more.' That's what she does with this play. It's universal." Digging up the past Camp Logan" harmonizes with Greenwood: An American Dream Destroyed, which Walker wrote in 2015. Greenwood tells the story of the Black Wall Street massacre a century ago in Tulsa. Walker describes the two plays as quintessential racial confrontation stories. As the centennial of the Greenwood massacre approached, other writers began telling its story, too, as on the 2018 TV series Watchmen. Walker repeatedly found herself preserving history that school textbooks excise. Theater offered her a space to tell stories that film and TV too often avoided. Theater offered a different kind of representation for the people I saw in my life, she says. Black people, the variety of different experiences and characters and motivations. Im old enough to remember turning on the TV and, for the first time, seeing a Black person in a commercial. It was such a big deal we called everybody to come into the room. Come see this! Davis says Walkers archive at the Wittliff tracks a path Walker cut for herself. He says Walker made her earliest fliers; little errors were corrected with Liquid Paper. Fliers gave way to playbills and posters with corporate sponsors. If Hollywood wasnt interested in her stories, she found stages and audiences that were. Distant Voices, a commission by the Ensemble Theatre in 1997, is textbook Walker in that it digs up forgotten stories about the Black experience in Houston. It also manages to be radical in its conception: a collage of voices of people buried in College Park Cemetery, which is the final resting place for Jack Yates, founder of Antioch and Bethel Baptist Churches, as well as the creator of Emancipation Park. Once I started researching the people there, the stories ran off with me, she says. I like to call that play an exercise in forensic writing. Her work hasnt all been historical. The title play in Sassy Mamas is a romantic comedy about three Black women involved with younger men, which Mayo says "showcases true Black women while also reversing the paradigm of older men and younger women." More than a dozen productions have been done since it premiered at the Billie Holiday Theatre in New York in 2007. In the past three years alone, the play has been produced in New York, Tulsa and Cleveland. Theater offered Walker the opportunity to reach a greater audience. "A lot of the community people won't pick up a book of poetry or a novel or short stories," Mayo says. "A lot of playwrights have discovered African-American playwrights in particular that more people go to the theater. She's been able to reach more people through the medium." Looking ahead Given the breadth of her work more than 40 plays written and produced Walker projects understatement in conversation. Walkers Texas Institute of Letters recognition was, Davis says, long overdue. As somebody who thinks about Texas writers a lot, as somebody who swims in that world, the TIL was pretty white for most of its existence, he says. Shes opened up that world for what was a separate world of Black theater so we can include more great Black playwrights like Eugene Lee and Ted Shine. Theyre a crucial part of the TIL canon. Walkers run of renown continued into 2023 when she was one of 171 people selected for a Guggenheim Fellowship, which is awarded to established people in the arts to provide blocks of time in which they can work with as much creative freedom as possible. She doesnt want to say too much about the project, but she does hint that the research so far has its beginnings at home, listening to stories told by her parents. She has been spending time in Grapeland, her mothers hometown, and Hallettsville, where her father was born. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County is holding a dedication Saturday to celebrate celebrate the completion of its second new home built this year and 23rd overall. Each build helps a local resident achieve the dream of home ownership. Founded in 1994, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County has been working toward its vision of a world where everyone has access to affordable housing. The organization sees owning a home as a critical foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty. The homes are not given away, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County selects from applicants who demonstrate a need for safe, affordable housing. The homeowners must also pay a mortgage which Habitat for Humanity ensures does not exceed 30% of the homeowners gross monthly income. Work started in May on the new home on Pleasant Hill Road in Rocky Mount that will be dedicated Saturday to local resident Lyrie Gilbert. She applied last year and was selected from multiple candidates. The whole process has been really great, Gilbert said. Applicants, like Gilbert, are required to take homeowner education courses as the new home is being built. The future homeowners are also required to put sweat equity into the home by helping with the build process. Gilbert admitted she was fairly lost her first few times coming out to help with the build. She would come out when she had spare time between work and her classes at Virginia Western Community College, where she is studying to be a physical therapist assistant and is set to graduate next year. After a few weeks, Gilbert said she was involved with multiple aspects of the construction. It helped to give her a deeper understanding of the home and how it was made. They taught me a lot, Gilbert said. Sheila Overstreet, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, said the land was donated for the most recent home build. Local donors help in providing goods and materials for the home build, but much of their funding comes from the homeowners when paying their mortgage. Habitat for Humanity is the lender with mortgage payments going directly to the organization. Typically Habitat has used the mortgage payments to fund its next home build, though Overstreet said the organization may be moving to a USDA loan moving forward. The change would allow Habitat for Humanity to free up more funds to build more homes during the year. Overstreet said they would like to grow to a point that they are able to build as many as three homes for residents in need each year. There is a growing need in Franklin County, she said, mentioning more than a dozen people have already signed up for their next application process. This Saturday, Overstreet will be there to finally hand over the keys to Gilbert, welcoming her into her new home. She praised the work Gilbert did to get to this point and the work she did during construction. She was here every Saturday, Overstreet said. She did a great job. Gilbert has said she will not be wasting any time moving in on Saturday. She plans to start right after the ceremony ends. She and her daughter Imara currently live with her mother just a few miles away. Ive been waiting to move in for so long, Gilbert said. On Saturday, Gilbert will be able to have a home thanks to her own hard work as well as helping hand from Habitat of Humanity of Franklin County. The North Korean threat actor known as Kimsuky has been observed targeting research institutes in South Korea as part of a spear-phishing campaign with the ultimate goal of distributing backdoors on compromised systems. "The threat actor ultimately uses a backdoor to steal information and execute commands," the AhnLab Security Emergency Response Center (ASEC) said in an analysis posted last week. The attack chains commence with an import declaration lure that's actually a malicious JSE file containing an obfuscated PowerShell script, a Base64-encoded payload, and a decoy PDF document. The next stage entails opening the PDF file as a diversionary tactic, while the PowerShell script is executed in the background to launch the backdoor. The malware, for its part, is configured to collect network information and other relevant data (i.e., host name, user name, and operating system version) and transmit the encoded details to a remote server. It's also capable of running commands, executing additional payloads, and terminating itself, turning it into a backdoor for remote access to the infected host. Kimsuky, active since at least 2012, started off targeting South Korean government entities, think tanks, and individuals identified as experts in various fields, before expanding its victimology footprint to encompass Europe, Russia, and the U.S. Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Kimsuky for gathering intelligence to support North Korea's strategic objectives, including geopolitical events, foreign policy, and diplomatic efforts. "Kimsuky has focused its intelligence collection activities on foreign policy and national security issues related to the Korean peninsula, nuclear policy, and sanctions," cybersecurity firm ThreatMon noted in a recent report. The state-sponsored group has also been observed leveraging booby-trapped URLs that, when clicked, download a bogus ZIP archive masquerading as an update for the Chrome browser to deploy a malicious VBScript from Google Drive that employs the cloud storage as a conduit for data exfiltration and command-and-control (C2). Lazarus Group Goes Phishing on Telegram The development comes as blockchain security company SlowMist implicated the notorious North Korea-backed outfit called the Lazarus Group in a widespread phishing campaign on Telegram targeting the cryptocurrency sector. "More recently, these hackers have escalated their tactics by posing as reputable investment institutions to execute phishing scams against various cryptocurrency project teams," the Singapore-based firm said. After establishing rapport, the targets are deceived into downloading a malicious script under the guise of sharing an online meeting link that facilitates crypto theft. It also follows a report from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) that accused the Lazarus sub-cluster codenamed Andariel of stealing technical information about anti-aircraft weapon systems from domestic defense companies and laundering ransomware proceeds back to North Korea. It is estimated that more than 250 files amounting to 1.2 terabytes have been stolen in the attacks. To cover up the tracks, the adversary is said to have used servers from a local company that "rents servers to subscribers with unclear identities" as an entry point. In addition, the group extorted 470 million won ($356,000) worth of bitcoin from three South Korean firms in ransomware attacks and laundered them through virtual asset exchanges such as Bithumb and Binance. It's worth noting that Andariel has been linked to the deployment of Maui ransomware in the past. Italian dishes served at Tavola, a restaurant from Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection. Brian Kennedy Italian dishes served at Tavola, a restaurant from Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection. Brian Kennedy Italian dishes served at Tavola, a restaurant from Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection. Brian Kennedy Italian dishes served at Tavola, a restaurant from Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection. Brian Kennedy Italian dishes served at Tavola, a restaurant from Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection. Brian Kennedy La Table restaurant on Post Oak Blvd. (For the Chronicle/Gary Fountain, June 2, 2016) Gary Fountain/Gary Fountain/For the Chronicle Prolific Houston restaurateur Ben Berg joked that his third restaurant opening in 2023 was his last one at least for that year. Tavola, a project from Berg Hospitality Group and the Bastion Collection that opened in December, is an intimate Italian restaurant aiming to become the next see-and-be-seen social hangout on Post Oak Boulevard. The Armani wall coverings and a curtain designed by famed handbag designer Whiting & Davis is in step with the ex-New Yorkers other wallet-busting restaurants, including Turners and the Annie Cafe & Bar. Houston is one of the largest (U.S.) cities now, Berg said. Theres plenty of room for more restaurants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Open for lunch and dinner, Tavola takes over the former La Table space, a French-leaning restaurant at 1800 Post Oak that was known for its elegant dining room and refined service. Tavola, which means table in Italian, builds on the restaurants past names, as la table is French for the table and the previous concept was called Table on Post Oak. HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants Last year, Berg Hospitality opened Benny Chows and Annabelle Brasserie, but Tavola is the groups first restaurant partnership with the Bastion Collection, which operates Le Jardinier and a handful of other fine-dining restaurants around the world, such as Michelin-rated LAtelier de Joel Robuchon. Bastions culinary expertise will help set Tavolas food apart, said Berg, who added that the group took the lead for building the kitchen team. The executive chef is Luca Di Benedetto, an Italian chef whos worked in restaurants across Italy but who is now based full time in Houston. "My culinary vision for the menu is to present authentic Italian cuisine through my perspective, Di Benedetto said in a prepared statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The menu at Tavola doesnt rewrite the Italian restaurant playbook of using fresh ingredients and keeping dishes simple, but there are some twists here and there. For appetizers, oysters can be served carbonara style. Theres house-made focaccia and expected starters like hamachi crudo, carpaccio and tuna tartare to round out this part of the menu. Cacio e pepe, a pasta dish of cheese and black pepper thats become a staple at Italian restaurants today, is served in little pockets of agnolotti with roasted artichokes. Theres a lasganetta bolognese with seven layers of spinach pasta holding together a rich ragu made with beef brisket, pancetta and pork butt. On the dessert menu, Berg said hes impressed by the Sicilian cannoli for two. Its a $24 ending to a meal where the cannoli is deconstructed the pastry is broken up like chips and can be dipped in the fillings made with pistachio, orange and chocolate ricotta cream. MORE FROM BAO ONG: Struggling Heights-area food hall evicts all its remaining food vendors ahead of the holidays Advertisement Article continues below this ad Running Italian restaurants is something Berg is familiar with since debuting B.B. Italia in 2019 in west Houston. The restaurant closed a few years later and reopened in Sugar Land. Trattoria Sofia in the Heights opened during the fall of 2021. Berg Hospitality and the Bastion Collection tapped Gail McCleese to oversee the interior design of the 118-seat space. Between the dining room, patio and bar, the restaurant is awash in tones of apricot, mauve and rose gold. Touches of blond wood blend in with the rippled marble wainscotting, and there's also a gold ceiling above a so-called party booth, which seats six customers. Just upstairs from Tavola, Berg and the Bastion Collection plan to open another concept with its own kitchen that may open this spring, he said. Berg Hospitality also has plans to open Turners Cut, a steakhouse concept in Autry Park, steps from Bergs new brasserie Annabelle. Houstonians are always hungry for more restaurants, Berg said. Were doing our best to keep up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad CHICAGO Chicago utility Peoples Gas is requesting a multimillion-dollar bump to its already record-high rate increase approved by regulators last month. In November, the Illinois Commerce Commission forced a yearlong pause on the company's controversial pipeline replacement program while it investigates whether the program adequately prioritizes replacing high-risk natural gas pipes throughout Chicago, where the utility serves about 875,000 customers. The company alleged in a filing with the ICC last week that a misunderstanding in last months ruling will prevent the company from conducting emergency repairs and other critical work. Consumer and environmental advocates have pushed back strongly against the request, saying it is an attempt to overturn the ICCs decision without going through the proper appeals process. The company is now seeking expedited clarification on what work it is allowed to continue doing and what work must be stopped. Peoples Gas claims that in pausing around $265 million of work spread over several years, the ICC stopped the company from conducting critical infrastructure work that is beyond the scope of the program that is under investigation. Peoples Gas is now seeking an additional $9.1 million in annual revenue on top of the $303 million increase that regulators approved in November. Last months ICC decision, which came in the form of a final order, cut Peoples Gas initial rate increase request by 25%. That, along with the decision to investigate the companys pipe replacement strategy, drew praise from consumer and environmental advocates. But the decision to pause some infrastructure spending while the state investigates the companys practices was met with strong pushback from both the company and the unions that represent its workers. They cite both the possible economic and safety impact of the decision. In a statement, Peoples Gas said that several hundred jobs will likely be lost because of the ICCs actions. Ed Maher, a spokesperson for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, said the decision could affect up to 1,000 workers, including 200 members of his union. It leaves an entire workforce without a way to feed their families for 12 months, he said. Maher also said the ICC overstepped any kind of precedent and the paused work could create safety risks. The commissioners are playing politics with peoples jobs, peoples heat and peoples safety, Maher said. AFL-CIO President Tim Drea wrote a letter to the ICC commissioners on Monday in which he called their decision to pause the pipeline replacement program troubling. Consumer advocates, meanwhile, have pushed back against some of these claims. Sarah Moskowitz, the head of the Citizens Utilities Board, called Peoples Gas request irresponsible. It is outrageous for Peoples Gas, which has been rolling in six straight years of record profits and just received a record rate hike, to claim that it suddenly doesnt have the resources to conduct repairs to its system and pay its workers, she said in a statement. CUB filed a formal response to Peoples Gas request on Wednesday, along with several other entities that were involved in the case leading up to last months decision. This includes groups like AARP Illinois and the Illinois Attorney General. In a response filing to Peoples Gas motion, the staff of the ICC criticized the utility on procedural issues as well as on its claims that it cant perform critical repairs without the additional rate hike. Not only is the companys interpretation of the final order incorrect, the company also fails to acknowledge that it is, in fact, obligated pursuant to statute to ensure both public safety and reliability, ICC staff wrote Wednesday. Another filing, submitted on behalf of several other advocacy groups, criticized Peoples Gas for withholding the evidence the company is now citing when it went through the formal rate case proceeding. The groups, which include the Environmental Law and Policy Center and Illinois PIRG, further argue that last months order does not prevent the utility from conducting safety-related work and that the companys motion is an unprecedented attempt to coerce the ICC into modifying its decision. Abe Scarr, head of Illinois PIRG and a longtime critic of Peoples Gas pipeline replacement program, echoed other advocates critiques and called ICCs recent decisions a rude awakening for the utilities. Last month, the ICC issued decisions in four gas rate cases, cutting each utilitys requests by 25 to 50%. There has clearly been a major shift in how the Illinois Commerce Commission operates, Scarr said. You can tell in all of the rate cases. In addition to potentially responding to Peoples Gas latest motion, the ICC is expected to issue a decision in two ongoing electric rate cases next week. Those cases have the potential to increase bills for Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison customers by hundreds of dollars per year over the next four years. Photos: Pritzker Military Archives Center Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Six guns were stolen from vehicles early Wednesday morning, according to incident reports. Someone stole four guns from vehicles parked at Carolina Avenue homes. Someone shattered a window to gain entry in all but one of the thefts. Two guns were also stolen from vehicles parked on Culler Street. It appears the thefts may have occurred in the early morning hours. The Carolina Avenue thefts included: A .40-caliber Smith & Wesson was stolen from a 2019 GMC Sierra. The gun is valued at $400. A Smith & Wesson six-shot pistol, phone and tools were stolen from a 2008 Toyota Tundra. The value of the stolen items is $1,000. A .380-caliber Glock, a tan suede leather book bag, ear pods and work documents were taken from a 2015 Ford Explorer. The total value of the stolen items is $540. A leather Louis Vuitton wallet, $40 in cash, bank cards and a 9 mm Sig Sauer handgun were taken from a 2021 Ford 250. The value of the stolen items is $1,240. A Dodge Ram pickup and a 2007 Toyota Camry were also broken into, but nothing was missing. Another car had two pairs of sneakers stolen from it. The car was left unlocked, according to an incident report. The owner told officers that he usually takes valuable items out of his car and that he leaves it unlocked because he doesnt want his windows to be shattered by a thief. Then on Culler Street, two vehicles were broken into: A .45-caliber Glock pistol and $60 cash were stolen from a 2010 Ford F-250. Someone shattered a window to gain entry. A Taurus G2C handgun was stolen from a Chrysler 300. There were no signs of forced entry. In other reports, someone reported on Wednesday that his two 9 mm semi-automatic handguns and $1,700 in cash were stolen from a Whitman Street home where he lived between June and July of 2020. He told officers that he didnt report the thefts until this week because he was waiting for the firearms to be returned by whoever took them. The value of the stolen guns and money is $2,100. Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office Someone broke into a vape shop business, located at 12217 Old Number Six Highway in Eutawville, according to an incident report. The business was left secured on Tuesday. The business owner told deputies that when she arrived on Wednesday, she noticed the doorknob was missing and the left window was shattered. She used a screwdriver on the door to enter. She noticed 40 vaping pipes and 20 THC Gummy Delta 9 servings had been stolen. The Eutawville Police Department will be investigating the incident. The value of the stolen items is $1,200. The business owner said shes checking other inventory to see if anything else was stolen. Students from Orangeburg Christian Academy got the exciting experience of talking directly with a crewmember of the International Space Station through a program designed to inspire their interest in science, technology, engineering and math. OCA science teacher Ashley Howell applied for the school to participate in the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, or ARISS. The program arranges special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and ISS crewmembers. The school was among one of only eight or nine schools nationwide and the only one in South Carolina selected to participate. Students got the chance to speak on Tuesday morning with Jasmin Moghbeli, who launched to the ISS as commander of NASAs SpaceX Crew-7 mission on Aug. 26. She was asked about everything from drinking and showering in space to how medical emergencies are handled in that environment. We have people working to make sure we have clean air to breathe and clean water to drink and all the things we need to stay alive in the vacuum of space, Moghbeli said. The crewmembers have a variety of drink options from water and lemonade to tea, coffee and different breakfast drinks like chocolate breakfast drinks. Moghbeli said the crew is also equipped to handle medical emergencies, with all trained in basic life support. Some are trained as crew medical officers and sometimes we have a doctor on board. Actually right now, my crewmember Satoshi Furukawa is a medical doctor. ... We actually have a platform that we can use if we need to give CPR or anything like that. Thankfully we havent had to do that, she said. We do shower, but it doesnt look like it would back on Earth. Theres no running water to stream over you. Instead, we take water and what I do is make a line down my arm with a straw. The water will just kind of sit there on your body wherever you place it, and then I rub it in with a towel and soap and get cleaned off that way. So it definitely feels different than back home, Moghbeli said. Students Caleb Hardin, 14; Jade Gilmore, 16 and Raelyn Kirby, 13, said they enjoyed Tuesdays experience. It was very exciting and very interesting, especially that we get to talk to astronauts. It was just an experience that we probably wont get to do again, Hardin said. I thought it was very exciting also. Not many people get to say they talked to an astronaut. So I think it was a really nice experience, Gilmore said. She asked Moghbeli if she ever got homesick. Moghbeli said she does. I definitely miss my family and friends back home. Ive got two little girls and my husband, who I also miss, and theres some other things about home that I miss like the comfort of my bed sometimes, some special homemade foods and stuff like that and showers with running water, the astronaut said. Lee Ott, vice president of Edisto Amateur Radio Society, or EARS, was just one of many EARS members at the school on Tuesday, along with Phil Shreves, the state ambassador for AMSAT, or the Radio Amateur Satellite Corporation. They all were among the officials who were responsible for setting up the equipment to assist the school with its radio communication system. Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, uses the radio frequency spectrum for a multitude of purposes, including the non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation and emergency communications. Howell said Tuesdays event took a lot of planning and practice, so I want to thank everybodys whos contributed to that. Kirby said she thought it was pretty cool how they managed to come up with all that technology. Second-grader Sawyer Cruthirds, 8, asked what it felt like to be in space. Moghbeli said, It feels incredible. First, Im floating around in about the coolest thing. Ive been up here for a little over three months now, and it makes me feel like a super hero. I havent gotten over it yet, and I dont think I ever will. Also, being able to look back at our beautiful home, planet Earth, from this view is incredible. So it feels great. Lawson Spence, a fifth-grader from Wesfield Academy, who was visiting OCA to participate in Tuesdays event, asked what the astronaut does in her spare time. I thought they would probably just take a nap and float around, Spence said, but Moghbeli said, I personally like to go to the cupola and take a lot of pictures. We also like spending time together and just hanging out with our crewmates, then also sometimes talking to our families back home, she said. Spences grandmother, Judy, said she also enjoyed the experience on Tuesday, as well. They had a lot of good questions. I think I was as excited, if not more excited, than Lawson was, she said, smiling. South Carolina State University will not cut several academic programs just yet. The universitys trustees voted Thursday to hold off on plans to end the programs. The boards Academic Affairs Committee recommended the university cut its bachelors degrees in art education, history, social studies, special education and professional land surveying at the committee meeting on Wednesday. The committee also recommended cutting the dramatic arts bachelors degree and replacing it with an 18-hour concentration in the Professional English program. However, the full board decided Thursday to postpone cutting the programs, saying trustees need more information on the impacts the cuts would have on the university. Academic Affairs Committee Vice Chair Doris Helms said she had voted to cut the programs reluctantly, because she wasnt sure what would happen to faculty in the programs and what effect the cuts would have on the universitys overall academic strategy. Yes, we do need program elimination, Helms said. We're a small school. We don't have enough students to have as many programs as we have. I have no question about that. As a matter of fact, I think that these programs probably do need to be eliminated, but I really feel uncomfortable without understanding what's going to happen once they are. Helms said some of her concerns might be answered by President Alexander Conyerss strategic plan for the university. You don't have a strategic plan yet, Helms said. We haven't seen it. I have no idea where the university is going in terms of what we're going to really be emphasizing, what we're not going to be. And I really felt that I needed to see the context of what would happen, for instance, to the African American studies program, if you eliminate history, where are the faculty going to go? What are we really thinking about in the context of the whole? Helms also said she felt there had not been enough communication between university administration and faculty on the programs. Academic committee member Rodney Jenkins said he felt the entire committee was reluctant to vote and proposed the cuts be tabled for a future meeting. The board voted to postpone cutting the programs indefinitely, with board Chairman Douglas Gantt and Vice Chairman Macie Smith voting against the postponement. Conyers said he planned on having the plan ready at the boards next meeting in February, however a 10-year strategic plan cannot account for fluctuations in program popularity within that period, he said. Conyers said he would likely bring the proposal to the board again at the February meeting. The university singled out the programs to be cut because they did not meet standards for the numbers of students enrolled in or completing the programs in reviews conducted by the state Commission on Higher Education, university spokesperson Sam Watson said. The commission is granted authority by the state General Assembly to regulate public higher education programs. At least 12.5 students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program, with eight having completed the degree, within five years to meet the commissions standards for productivity, according to commission policy documents. Many of the programs identified by the academic commission average between 5 and 10 students enrolled, with land surveying averaging 0.8 students. Conyers said some of the programs that would be cut have had one graduate in five years. Programs that do not meet the commissions standards are placed on probation for no more than three two-year review cycles, which covers six years. If numbers have not improved, the commission will give the institution a timeline to phase out the programs. The commission can grant exceptions to programs that dont meet these standards if the programs are considered essential to the basic mission of the institution or deemed so unique in their subject matter and value to the higher education community in South Carolina as to make them essential, according to commission policy. The university expects minimal impacts on faculty positions, Watson said. Faculty will be shifted to core curricula or concentrations rather than degrees, he said. Any adjustments in personnel would take place over a two-year to three-year process. "We still have to teach history," he said. "But as much history? Maybe not." Offering the programs is a disservice to students who apply for those programs not knowing they will have few classmates and professors to choose from, Conyers said. You get a kid here who signs up for the art education class, because they don't know anyone that kid doesn't know that no one has graduated from that program in five years, Conyers said. That student doesn't know that there's only one or two professors, and when he or she fails that course, there's no other option but to go back to that same professor that failed them the last time. That student doesn't know that there's no other students in his or her cohort that he or she can study with. This also hurts students in the more popular programs who are short of resources such as professors and class space, he said. You've got programs that need personnel, Watson said. We've got engineering classes that are packed. So we've got to be able to direct resources to those programs that are in high demand. Holding off on cutting the programs prolongs the teach-out period, where students in a program are allowed to complete their degree while no new students are admitted, Conyers said. Alexander Thierry, president of the universitys faculty senate, said there are benefits to keeping the programs on campus. Some of the programs would be more popular if the university provided resources for better recruiting, which currently falls on the shoulders of program faculty, Thierry said. I think that many of those programs just would like the resources that they've requested over long amounts of time to help with making their programs stronger, he said. Though cutting the programs had been discussed before, faculty were not aware the Board of Trustees would be voting on the cuts until the Academic Affairs committee meeting on Wednesday, catching many off guard, Thierry said. Faculty in the affected programs have filed plans to improve recruitment and apply for exceptions to the higher education commissions productivity policies and would like time to see these through, he said. Thierry said he was glad the board wanted more information before making a decision. He said faculty members were also unclear on exactly what would happen to those working in programs that could be cut. Thierry, as an associate art professor under the studio art and art education program, could see his program eliminated. Thierry cited special education as a program that could bring value to the university and help solve South Carolinas teacher shortage. If South Carolina State University is looking for programs to champion to help with those needs, then some of these programs on this list are in the critical needs area, he said. According to higher education commission reports, 35 of S.C. States 55 degree programs did not meet productivity standards between 2016 and 2020. Of those 35 degrees, six have been terminated, three are on probation and 19 have been granted exemptions. St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to experience an upsurge in homicides and gun related crimes, this as the country recorded the killing of two men and four other shooting incidents between Saturday 2nd and Tuesday 5th December. Up to press time, Belmont resident Demron Delplesche, 31, also known as Cheetah, was this countrys latest murder victim. He was gunned down on Sunday 3rd, December, in his community. His death marked homicide number 52 for 2023, 10 more than the previous record of 42 set last year. Reports are that the Belmont man was walking along the Belmont public road when he was attacked by an armed assailant and shot several times, with three of the bullets hitting him in the face. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a medical doctor. His mother, Gloria Delpesche, on arriving at the scene, was reduced to tears. She referred to her son as a good boy, who took care of her. He was the first son for his mother. The Belmont mans death followed that of Edinboro resident Alando Guy, aka Orlando Guy, a 36-year-old labourer and part time worker with the Port Authority. Guy is one of two men who were shot during an attack in Edinboro on the morning of Saturday, December 2. Reports are that Guy was making his way to his home at about 7:20 a.m. when he was ambushed by a masked man who shot him several times. When the gunman was fleeing the scene, he encountered another Edinboro resident, Deejay Howard, 29-year-old labourer, and shot him also. Both men were transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) for medical treatment but Guy succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead a few hours later. Howard is said to be in stable condition and still warded at the MCMH. Sources told THE VINCENTIAN that Guy was involved in an altercation with another man on Friday at Little Tokyo. The conflict escalated at Rose Place resulting in Guy and the other man trading punches. Guy avoided his home on Friday but was gunned down on his way home on Saturday morning. The source also stated that someone had tried, on a previous occasion, to kill Guy and a relative after firing at them while coming from a fishing expedition. The deceased was the father of three children, a son and twin daughters. A man was detained and later released without charge following the shootings. Shootings Also on Saturday, Joveka Gaymes, 27, the brother of Leon Gaymes who was murdered in Layou last month, was shot in an area of Layou known as Cashvill, sometime around 10.45.pm. Gaymes sustained gunshot injuries to the left leg and back. It was at least his third brush with death. In May of 2018 he was shot in his face and reports are that two months ago he was shot at but escaped injury. Leon Gaymes was one of four men who have been gunned down in Layou in a matter of 6 weeks. And law enforcement officers here were kept busy into this week as they responded to a shooting incident that occurred in Green Hill on Tuesday, December 05, 2023. A police report indicated that Junior Woods, a self-employed resident of Green Hill, and his girlfriend were targeted by an unknown assailant while on their way home in motor vehicle P4556, a blue Starlet. Woods sustained gunshot wounds to both legs during the attack and was up to Wednesday, being treated at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH). Woods is known to have had at least one brush with the law in 2017, when he was in a vehicle in which police discovered an unlicensed firearm. Police also reported that on the same day, Michael Metal Lescott, a 20-year-old unemployed individual from Old Montrose, presented himself at the MCMH with a gunshot wound to his leg. Lescotts shooting came one day after he appeared at the Kingstown Magistrate Court on a charge of wounding. Earlier this year, he was charged for cocaine possession and also received a suspended sentence for wounding his 16-year-old brother. Investigations into the matters involving Woods and Lescott are ongoing. Meanwhile, with most of the 52 homicides here unsolved, citizens are questioning the effectiveness of the police force and the security apparatus of the country. Dexter Chance was returned to St. Vincent for a folk hero type funeral in his native Chateaubelair. The Grenadian law enforcement authority is reporting a significant breakthrough in multiple cases of murder on the island, including that of Vincentian national Dexter Chance. Chance, originally from Chateaubelair, a community in the North-western district of mainland St. Vincent, was fatally shot while inside a vehicle in Woburn, St. Georges, on Monday, September 11th. He was 51 at the time of his death. Last week Wednesday, Esau Pier, the chief of the criminal investigation department, announced that the Grenadian police had apprehended three individuals in relation to separate shooting incidents and two cases of murder. The homicides, Pier said, encompassed the killings of both a citizen from Grenada and Vincentian national Dexter Chance. He confirmed, "In connection with the Woburn (Chance) shooting, one person has been arrested and charged, and the investigations continue. Though Pier did not provide the identity of the person arrested, indications are that he is a Trinidad and Tobago national. Chance, who faced charges in connection with a $4 million cocaine seizure in Grenada in August 2019, was acquitted in July 2022. So far for the year, Grenada has recorded 18 homicides. Six of those involved the use of firearms. The Caribbean Agricultural and Developmental Institute (CARDI) celebrated its 49th year of existence on December 5 with an exhibition to showcase some of the work that it has been engaged in over the years. Having been established in Georgetown, Guyana in 1974, CARDI has been active in agricultural research, has provided technical assistance to Agricultural Ministries, and has published numerous research paper and handbooks. "CARDI is one of our premier institutions that does research work within the Caribbean, Donawa Jackson, this countrys CARDI Representative said. "We are tasked with the mandate to ensure that we enhance our agricultural productivity and competitiveness within the region, he continued. Looking back, Jackson highlighted some of the contributions that CARDI has made to innovation and technology including the introduction of four different white yam cultivars, its extensive work on dasheen resulting in the introduction of 25 cultivars for evaluation of which two have emerged as successful. And throughout, CARDI has partnered with many stakeholders, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the exhibition, Jackson said, was a manifestation of that partnership which has provided the necessary technical and other logistical support. Today, the entity is focused on a wide range of crops including sweet potato, coconuts, vegetables and various other root crops. Going forward, there is more work to be done in assisting farmers who have been complaining about pests and diseases which affect their crop, especially sweet potato, Jackson noted. Former Minister of Agriculture Montgomery Daniel commended the organization for its contribution to the local agricultural sector. According to Daniel, CARDI has delivered tremendous success to St Vincent and the Grenadines over the years. But while there have been some success stories, there are some challenges ahead, Daniel said. These include but are not restricted to: the wars around the world which affect food production; presence of foreign pests (e.g. Giant African Snail) which damage crops, and diseases (e.g. Red and Black Sigatoka) and the Citrus Burning Disease which has taken its toll on the nations limes, oranges and other citrus. "And so CARDI as a research organization must work consistently with this sector so as to bring greater relief to the problems faced by our farmers, Daniel contended. Loukhya Premraj (centre front row), winner of the KCCU Mastermind Quiz, shares a photo-op moment with the other finalists and KCCU personnel. Loukhya Premraj is a student of the Fair Hall Government School, and she has contributed to the schools development, with an injection of funds to the institution. The money comes with the first prize package Loukhya won in the 2023 KCCU Annual Primary School Mastermind Quiz, the finals of which was held last week Thursday, November 30, at the Methodist Church Hall. She also took home a laptop, her own cup and goodies compliments the Kingstown Cooperative Credit Union. She also won a trophy for her school. Loukhya racked up 4,650 points. She beat five other finalists drilled through multiple choice, closed end, buzzer rounds and Math trivia. Questions ranged from Science, Civics, Spelling, General Knowledge, and Credit Union matters. On her way to victory, the young lady shared the Math segment with five other students, shared the buzzer round with the student from the New Grounds Primary, and took the Close ended category by herself. Loukhya has been living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the past five years. Her mother, Shiplap Kerkira, is an Associate Professor at the Trinity University School of Medicine, based at Ratho Mill on mainland St. Vincent. The mother and father witnessed the reception and beamed with satisfaction with their daughters performance. The mother thanked the Fair Hall Primary School for helping Premraj with the adjustment to life in the Vincentian pattern. K-Ailla Jackson, a student of the New Grounds Primary School, placed second with a haul of 4,350 points. Her school is $1,000 better off, and she collected a laptop, in addition to trophies and plaque. Yuvraj Campbell, a South Rivers Methodist School student placed third. He received $500, a smart phone, trophies and plaque. Campbell shared the Multiple Choice segment with Bequia Seventh Day Adventist student, Kamani Ash. Ash placed fourth with 4,150 points. He also was among the Math trivia winners. Bernadine May, representing the Owia Government School, took fifth position with 3,150 points. She was also in the Math trivia winners list. The other finalist was Marcus Samuel from the Spring Village Methodist School. Rewards also went to teachers guides for their contribution to the event. Thirty-seven schools took part in this years quiz. Twelve progressed to the semifinal. Preliminary stages went from November 7 to 17 from which twelve semifinalists emerged. Those addressing the ceremony which followed the final rounds, included: Nicole Byron, KCCU Education Committee Chairperson who thanked the teachers for their role in sharpening the students; and Education Officer Mavis Findlay-Joseph who welcomed the partnership involving the KCCU and the Ministry of Education, in a shred commitment to promote and produce well-rounded citizens. The gathering was treated to an interlude of music, including Yuletide numbers, by African born violinist, Samuel Toka. (WKA) Susan Solomon was also accused of stealing a bucket of tri tri on a previous occasion. Susan Solomon, a Barrouallie woman who recently created national attention when she stole a Salvation Army Christmas Appeal Kettle containing monies to assist the poor and needy, was reprimanded and discharged when she appeared in Court this week. Appearing at the Kingstown Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Solomon pleaded guilty to stealing a red kettle, valued at US$92, which at the time contained EC$150 in cash, the property of the Salvation Army. She also admitted to damaging the kettle. Both offenses were committed at Hillsboro Street, Kingstown on November 23, and Solomon was reprimanded and discharged on both charges. She was unrepresented. Before the charges were read to Solomon on Tuesday, Prosecutor Corlene Samuel asked the Court to send the defendant to the Mental Health Centre for a mental evaluation, as the police at the Barrouallie Police Station had some concerns regarding the womans mental state. But Solomon told the Court that while she did have a mental health problem when she took her medication she was okay, but when she did not, her behavioural pattern changed. Observing Solomans demeanor in the dock, Senior Magistrate Colin John said, "She sounds okay to me. John then asked Solomon some general questions to determine whether she was of sound mind, and based on the womans answers, he decided to read the charge to her. In presenting the facts, court clerk Constable 196 Lynnosia Constantine told the Court that around 9 a.m. on November 23, the complainant, who is a member of the Kingstown Methodist Church, was in front of Coreas City Store, Hillsboro Street, manning a Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Appeal. At about 1:30pm, she went inside the City Store to use the bathroom and when she returned, discovered the kettle with the money missing. She made checks but failed to locate the kettle. A report was made to the police, the matter was investigated, and someone attached to the Salvation Army recovered and handed over the damaged kettle to the police. Solomon was later taken into custody and volunteered a statement in writing, admitting to the offense. The money was not recovered. She told the Court she was walking across the area, saw nobody at the Kettle station, and "I cut the string and took off the kettle. The woman said that when she spotted the police she threw the kettle back onto the stores compound. "I didnt trouble anything in the kettle, she insisted. Prosecutor Samuel told the Court that the damaged kettle appeared to have been "stabbed and cut with a knife. After handing down the penalty, the Senior Magistrate advised the woman, "You have to take control of your life, you have to take your treatment, you have to work on your mental problem. Solomon, who was on station bail, was arrested on a bench warrant, and taken to Court on Tuesday, after failing to show up on her first Court date to answer the previous charges. Marble Falls is a scenic town located in the Texas Hill Country. Billy Calzada Whether it is breakfast with Santa or standing in awe at a German-inspired Christmas pyramid or Weihnachtspyramide, two Texas towns create a magical place for the holidays, according to the latest New York Travel Guides. Marble Falls and Fredericksburg ranked among the 110 coziest winter towns in America for those seeking a special getaway. Out of 575 towns, reviewers at the New York Travel Guides examined them across three categories including cozy activities and atmosphere, popularity during the winter with the general public and photographers and cozy weather. Marble Falls landed on the list at 40 with Fredericksburg at 96. Leavenworth, Wash.; Breckenridge, Colo.; Stowe, Vt.; Vail, Colo., and Aspen, Colo., rounded out the top five. Dubbed a small town with big celebrations, residents consider Marble Falls to be the destination for Christmas activities. Over the course of 44 days beginning on Nov. 18 through Dec. 31, one can experience the downtown Christmas tree lighting, the Christmas light-up parade or take a spin at the ice-skating rink among other events. With two million lights and more than 350 lighted sculptures along Lake Marble Falls in Lakeside Park, the Walkway of Lights returns for the 32nd year. Funded entirely by donations, its free to the public every night. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fredericksburg during the Christmas season includes everything from a 30-foot Christmas tree to the Christmas Night of Lights featuring an audio presentation of the towns German heritage. Named one of The Best Small Towns for Christmas in the South by Southern Living magazine, the Texas Hill Country town offers a live drive-through Nativity scene or pictures with Santa for the kids. President of the NSPD- Andrea Ashers, is happy with the work of the Societys members. As part of the world celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, last Sunday, December 3, 2023, the National Society for People with DisAbilities SVG (NSPD) hosted an Exhibition from December 1 to 8. Staged at the organisations base at the old Anglican School building, Higginson Street, in Kingstown, the exhibition featured work by members of the NSPD, much in keeping focus with the international theme: "United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities. Items on display were clothing, condiments, woodcraft, beaded necklaces and earrings, as well as crocheted pieces, among others. President of the NSPD - Andrea Ashers, who expressed joy at the handy work of her members, noted that they are endeavouring to sustain themselves amidst the economic challenges. "As you can see, our members are putting their talents to use, despite their disabilities It is our hope that the general public will support our ventures and in turn support our members, Ashers said. The NSPD President underlined that the items that were on display at the Exhibition can be sourced at the Society quarters on Higginson Street or making contact at telephone number: 784-456-8888. Handing over party (Left to Righ)t: Chairman - SCSN Board of Directors - Janelle Allen; SCSN Principal - Naseem Smith; Chairman - PMAD Advisory Council - Gregory Bardouille; President, Rotary Club of St. Vincent - Mikasha Ramsaran; Representative - PMAD SVG - Dawnette Constance; Past President, Rotary Club of St. Vincent - Joe Sheridan. (Credit: Rotary Club of St. Vincent) Three entities were named recipients under the 2023 round of the compliments Republic Bank ECs Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) programme, launched in 2022. One of those was the Rotary Club of St. Vincent which was provided with funding to procure a new school bus to serve the Kingstown School for Children with Special Needs and the Helping Hands Centre. According to a release from the Rotary Club, this bus will replace the original bus which was also procured through the efforts of the Rotary Club in 2011. As the original bus did, the new one will transport children "who attend the School for Children with Special Needs and the Helping Hands, between their homes and school, from across mainland St. Vincent, on a daily basis, the Club said. The bus was officially handed over to the School authorities on Monday 4th December. While Bill Pullman was filming Murdaugh Murders: The Movie, events in Alex Murdaughs life were unfolding. Charged with killing his wife and son, Murdaugh was the subject of countless national news stories, captivating audiences with his behavior in the courtroom. Pullman, meanwhile, was trying to make sense of the situations that led to the trial and the actions that resulted. I had never done that before, the Independence Day star says. It wasnt a manipulation of writersit was you layering your story on top of another series. A Netflix documentary also called Murdaugh Murders was released before Pullmans film was completed. It tracked the family and how it allegedly used its wealth and power to sway law enforcement and cover up crimes that implicated family members. When Alexs wife and son were murdered, the plot thickened. March 2, he was convicted of murder and sent to South Carolina prison for two life sentences. My first instinct was I didnt want to do it if they were expecting me to be a mimic," the 69-year-old Pullman says. "I had done that in Too Big to Fail, (as Jamie Dimon, the CEO of JPMorgan Chase) but I didnt want to get into that with this this. Curiosity just led me. There was a tension between needing to learn lines and keep moving with shooting and digging into the developing story. Murdaugh Murders Charged with killing his wife and son, Alex Murdaugh (Bill Pullman) became a nightly news subject during the summer. A movie, "Murdaugh Murder Pullman says he was caught between "vertical" and "horizontal" goals: The film and the news were moving at different speeds. As much as he didn't want to peek into the day's events, I did end up watching more than I thought. Murdaughs behavior in the courtroom gave the actor ample time to hear his voice and study his accent. He just loved to say dog, Pullman says. What you have to understand about these dogs. The great thing about Southern people is there are lots of different versions of the accent. He could talk very slow or very fast. He could start low and then go high. It was so performative. The father/son relationship, detailed in the first night of Murdaugh Murders, was combative and deceptive. That offered plenty of opportunity for speculation but it didnt open the door for Pullman to draw on his own life. Murdaugh Bill Pullman, right, plays a father who's upset with his son's actions in "Murdaugh Murders: The Movie." Son Lewis (whos a star of Lessons in Chemistry) wasn't interested in going into dads business. Julia Ormand says some actors come out of exhibitionism, some come out of extreme shyness and they both can be good actors. I didnt think of our Lewis as overly exhibitionistic. In fact, he had a lot of performance anxiety early on that he worked through. But he worked through that and, by senior year, said he was going to be in a play. Now, Pullman says, a wash of relief and wonderment comes over me when I watch him. He has astounding chemistry with Brie Larson (in Lessons) and its like watching some animals at the zoo. Youre just so curious about the behavior. Throughout his career, Pullman says, younger actors have asked for advice. I never asked anybody to give me advice," the New York native says. "If they did, I was scornful of it. When youre learning, you get so much by osmosis. And thats true with Lewis. We would only be granular with it because I, for one, dont have that big advice. "Murdaugh Murders: The Movie" airs on the Lifetime network. Murdaugh murders Bill Pullman stars in "Murdaugh Murders: The Movie." 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. The Ministry of Works and Transport is being asked by citizens why it issued no warning to d Hong Kong: Records broken at ICT awards Hong Kong teams bagged a record-breaking total of seven Winner and 13 Merit Awards at the Asia Pacific Information & Communications Technology Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2023, ranking top among 16 participating economies. An awards presentation ceremony was held today, organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) and the Hong Kong Computer Society (HKCS). This year's APICTA Awards, hosted by Hong Kong for the third time, brought together over 600 leading figures from the information and communications technology (ICT) industry from across the Asia Pacific region. Over the course of four days of award judging and networking activities, the event promoted collaboration in the regions ICT sector and gave participants the chance to become familiar with Hong Kongs innovation and technology (I&T) development. Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong congratulated all the winning teams and applauded their outstanding achievements. He stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government values the contributions of talent with diverse backgrounds and expertise, and will continue to strive to attract and retaining talent with a view to nurturing an even more vibrant and thriving I&T ecosystem. The OGCIO and HKCS also hosted Hong Kong Night at Cyberport yesterday. The event enabled Hong Kong teams to present their insights, innovative ideas and technology solutions to representatives from other participating economies. Also yesterday, three networking sessions were arranged to facilitate exchanges among primary, secondary and tertiary students of the member economies and to forge new connections between startups and investors in different places. Brunei Darussalam has been chosen as the host of the 23rd APICTA Awards next year. Click here to view the awards. This story has been published on: 2023-12-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. China urges Japan to stop hyping up "China threat": spokesperson Xinhua) 10:22, December 08, 2023 BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China urges Japan to stop hyping up the "China threat" rhetoric and refrain from seeking pretexts for military expansion, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, urging the Japanese side to earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions. Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made the remarks at a press briefing when asked to comment on a recent report released by a think tank of the Japanese Defense Ministry, which claimed that China has enhanced its armaments and that future confrontation between China, Russia and the United States will intensify. The report also claimed the Japanese side needs to strengthen its defense capabilities in order to prevent China from changing the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. Noting that China is committed to the path of peaceful development and that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference, Wang said the think tank report makes reckless comments on China's internal affairs, military modernization and China's relations with other countries, and the relevant remarks are irresponsible and untenable. Wang stressed that due to historical reasons, Japan's military and security activities have been closely watched by its Asian neighbors and the international community. Japan's increasing defense spending and pursuit of developing offensive weapons in recent years have raised significant concerns among its neighbors and the international community, he added. "We urge Japan to earnestly respect the security concerns of neighboring countries, deeply reflect on its history of aggression, stop hyping up the 'China threat' narrative to find pretexts for military expansion, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the wider international community through concrete actions," Wang said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) A family plays dreidel together, a traditional Hanukkah game, during the first night of Hanukkah on Sunday, December 18, 2022 in Houston, Texas. Meridith Kohut/Contributor Hanukkah is often referred to as the Jewish festival of lights. Although this years celebration comes as many Houston-area synagogues have been on high alert for antisemitic attacks, religious leaders say hardship serves to punctuate the holidays message of hope during dark times. Hanukkah began Thursday, and Jewish communities across Houston will observe the eight-day event with prayer and by lighting a candle each day on a nine-branch menorah in homes, offices and synagogues. When we light the Hanukkah menorahs, we put it in the window to advertise the miracle of the holiday, said Senior Rabbi Brian Strauss of Congregation Beth Yeshurun in Houston, a synagogue with more than 1,900 families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That outward expression of faith and light, Strauss said, is always at the heart of the Hanukkah tradition, but it can often take on deeper significance during times of strife. Hanukkah is also about the perseverance of the Jewish people and a reminder that weve faced this before and weve overcome it before, Strauss said. I think it comes at an appropriate time this year because it gives us hope, a light. Hanukkah celebrations will occur amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began Oct. 7 when the militant Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to the Associated Press. That prompted a retaliation from Israel, and the war has since killed more than 17,700 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, the AP reported. Rabbi Eitan Krul leads Clear Lakes Congregation Shaar Hashalom and said that while there has been a heightened anxiety among many in the Jewish community over the last two months, the positive reinforcement his synagogue has experienced from the Bay Area community has provided a sense of security and feeling of acceptance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mostly it has been a big hug, he said. Im not afraid to wear my yarmulke or speak Hebrew. Krul said he planned to participate in an upcoming interfaith prayer event with civic members as well as Christian and Muslim leaders of faith. I believe God is for all of us and religions are the same in fundamentals, so we can all find things in common," he said. At the Chabad of Bay Area, a synagogue and community outreach and educational center in League City, director Yitzchok Schmukler said he has found a similar support system among his neighbors. Everybody is paying a lot of attention to what is happening in Israel, and its ripple effects of antisemitism in some other areas, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hanukkah celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple after Greek rule, which tried to force Jews to renounce their faith and adopt Greek traditions. One of the teachings of Hanukkah, Schmukler said, is the miracle of the oil in the olive after the retaking of the temple, when there was only enough oil to light the menorah for one day. Instead it lasted for eight days. The idea is that you take an olive, and you crush it, and although it looks like youre destroying the olive youre actually bringing out its inner essence, Schmukler said. This teaches us that the Jewish people are like that, too: When you squeeze or crush us you get the spark of Jewishness, which is all about bringing light, unity and goodness in the world. To Schmukler, that teaching speaks to the triumph of hope in the darkest times, and an opportunity for reaffirmation. For a lot of American Jews who have assimilated into American culture, it can create a push for them to look deeper into themselves and their roots and learn what it means to be Jewish, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fact that Hanukkah takes place during the darkest time of the year as the days become shorter and the nights longer is meaningful and intentional, Strauss said. The light in the window, he said, can be an expression of solidarity and hope to other communities that fend off bigotry, intolerance or oppression. I believe one of the reasons we put it in the window is not only to remind us Jews, but to remind our non-Jewish neighbors that they, too, can overcome and survive, he said. This is something we all need. Rabbi Krul, who is Israeli, said his message to his congregation during Hanukkah will be the same as it would be without the ongoing war. Theres no room for bigotry, theres no room for any hatred, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Krul said he will remind his congregation that Hanukkah shares a core tradition with celebrations in other faiths such as Christianity and Islam. We all celebrate with lights, he said. When we drive around our neighborhoods and see houses with Christmas lights, or the Hanukkah menorahs and other lights, we can find a bond and it starts with light. 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. It was one of the best tributes (eulogies) I saw or heard, and perhaps the best speech Presi A new funding source may help Pima County to narrowly avoid unsheltered street releases of asylum seekers in Tucson a situation local officials have been able to stave off so far, despite an unprecedented volume of migrant arrivals in the southern border's Tucson sector. The state has confirmed that funds allocated to certain health-related services can also be used to support migrant-aid services provided to migrants whom the Border Patrol has released as legal asylum seekers, county officials said Thursday. County Administrator Jan Lesher advised the Board of Supervisors, in a memo sent late Thursday, that state health officials have approved funding from the state's "Immigrant Care and Testing program" to be used for medical screenings and care of asylum seekers. That will "mitigate the emergent public health threat" posed by unsheltered street releases, she wrote. The new state funding will total at least $1 million, but the county is talking with the state about further funding options, said Mark Evans, Pima County spokesman. "The additional funding will still not be enough to guarantee no unsheltered street releases if LPAS (legally processed asylum seeker) releases continue at the historic rates we are experiencing currently, which is often exceeding 1,100 a day," Lesher wrote. County Health Director Dr. Terry Cullen is seeking a declaration of a public health emergency in anticipation of unsheltered street releases, the memo said. Lesher said she's asked all county departments overseeing migrant-related contracts to look for ways to cut costs. One cost-cutting option under consideration is a switch from three hot meals a day for asylum seekers to military-style MREs, "meals ready-to-eat," at the Casa Alitas shelter, Evans said. "That would be much, much cheaper, but still provide a full day's worth of nutritional value and calories," he said. "That way wed stretch out the (FEMA Shelter and Services Program) funds as far as we possibly can." Record releases On Thursday alone, the Border Patrol released an estimated 2,000 asylum seekers to Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties, surpassing the previous daily record just set on Wednesday of 1,800, Evans said. Before Wednesday, the record was 1,700 releases in a day. In the Lukeville area alone, migrant-aid workers reported more than 1,000 asylum seekers on Thursday surrendering to border agents and awaiting transport to processing stations. In recent months humanitarian organizations like Casa Alitas have aided record numbers of legal asylum seekers, usually for one or two nights before the travelers join family in other parts of the U.S. By the end of 2023, Tucsons sheltering system will have aided 350,000 asylum seekers. As the Border Patrols capacity is strained, it will release migrants without the usual level of advance coordination with non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, that care for them. That puts additional pressure on the almost maxed out shelter system in Southern Arizona. If Casa Alitas reaches its capacity and if theres no more funding for hotel rooms, the asylum seekers released by the Border Patrol will be left on the streets, in a situation known as "unsheltered street releases." Some migrants have the financial resources to secure their own transportation to family already in the U.S., without the aid of non-governmental organizations like Casa Alitas. But others, especially those who don't speak English or Spanish, could be left in dangerous situations. Funding transition Funding through FEMAs Emergency Food and Shelter Program was supposed to last through the end of this year, but its already on track to be exhausted this week, Evans said. That would force the county to borrow from the county's next phase of federal funding $12 million in funding from FEMA's Shelter and Services Program, set to begin in January earlier than expected. The SSP funds were supposed to last the county through next May. But the countys burn rate monthly spending on migrant-aid services has been approaching $4 million, about double what it was in the first half of 2023, Evans said. The SSP funding also comes with greater restrictions that will result in a 30% reduction in reimbursements for migrant-aid services here. That equates to caring for a maximum of 750 asylum seekers per day, as opposed to the more than 1,000 per day covered under the previous funding system. If the county has to dip into SSP funds before January, that would mean Pima County could run out of federal support for its migrant-aid operations as early as February 2024. "At the current rate were going, we keep pulling back how far out we can go (on current funding levels)," Evans said. "First it was May, then April, then March. Now were trying to make sure we can get to at least February." County officials are intensifying their lobbying of U.S. Congress, seeking more funding to support border communities' humanitarian efforts for migrants, Lesher said. But Lesher said the county must prepare for the worst. "Since the Congress has yet to indicate whether it will continue to reimburse border communities for the cost of (asylum seeker) releases through 2024 and beyond, Pima County must prepare for the day when federal funding and all other sources of funding expire," Lesher said in the memo. "Therefore, I will be convening an ad hoc committee of key county staff and representatives from regional governments and nongovernmental organizations, to craft an innovative plan for the inevitable. The goal of the committee will be to come up with a plan to minimize the negative effects of unsheltered releases in our border communities at the lowest possible cost to local government budgets." Its the most wonderful time of the year. The weather is finally bearable, you get to break out all your cute sweaters and everything smells like pine trees or gingerbread. As fun as the holiday season is, before you know it, itll be Dec. 24 and youll be scrambling to find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Wouldnt it be nice to actually enjoy the holidays and eat all the cookies you want without all the shopping stress? Thankfully, this year Im here to help! Since the city is full of delicious food and local bakers, give your loved ones a little taste of Tucson with these foodie-inspired gifts. I mean, who wouldnt enjoy a tasty gift?! Coffee and cocktails Everyone loves a fun drink. As a coffee lover myself, I always love receiving cute mugs or tumblers it makes my coffee taste better. For the coffee lover in your life, Desert Dreams XO makes cute glass tumblers decorated with cacti, smiley faces and cheeky sayings. They also have drink sleeves and car coasters that would make perfect stocking stuffers. To go with the cute glasses, local coffee shop Presta Coffee Roasters sells their own coffee in all kinds of flavors, bringing their shop into the comfort of your home. For the tea drinker in your life, check out Tucson Tea Company. For those who need a gift for someone who enjoys inventive cocktails, Creative Kind has you covered. The shop has different sour mixes, such as prickly pear and spiced honey, that can be used to add a little kick to at-home margaritas. They even carry cactus-themed wine glasses and Tucson-themed shot glasses. (They also carry various food items like popcorn and spices, as well as cute kitchen decor.) El Be Goods also has camp craft cocktails, which are mason jars filled with different ingredients, making unique cocktails a much simpler task. Peppermint bark martini, affogato and sangria are just a few flavors they offer. Treats and food Tucson has many special bakers and vendors who create all kinds of treats that even the pickiest of eaters enjoy. For those who have a sweet tooth, Ube Bae Desserts sells homemade cookies in all kinds of yummy ube flavors. This month, they are offering take-and-bake cookie dough, so your friends can have all the fun of making Christmas cookies without having to deal with all the prepping and cleanup. Ube Bae also has Thai spice gingerbread cookies and pandan crinkles that would make the perfect sweet treats for loved ones. AZ Baking Company also offers their mesquite chocolate chip cookie mix for the bakers in your life. Their popular cookie mix is made with mesquite flour, which has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Give your friends a taste of Southern Arizona with candy that has a spicy kick. Dirty T Tamarindo and Tanna's Botannas both make gummy candy covered in Tajin and chamoy, giving people the best of both worlds: sweet and spicy. They both also offer the viral pickle kits and rim dip for those who want to make micheladas at home. To gift a little taste of the desert, Cheri's Desert Harvest is home to jellies and candy all make with prickly pear. You can never go wrong with chocolate! Monsoon Chocolate makes the prettiest chocolate you will ever see. With so many flavors and options to choose from, your loved ones will be in chocolate heaven. Holiday bon bons, peppermint bark and malt balls are just a few mouthwatering treats that Monsoon Chocolate offers. Kitchen decor Cute kitchen decor and utensils are the perfect gift for the Gordon Ramsay in your life. La Vida Taprut makes beautiful cutting boards, plus different handmade wooden utensils and charcuterie boards (plus some of their items are on sale right now!). At Juju and Moxie, you can gift the cutest Arizona-themed kitchen towels. These towels have every design you can think of: cacti, wildlife and Dirty T prints. Give your friends a little taste of Tucson with a cookbook inspired by the citys food scene. Taste of Tucson by Jackie Alpers includes all kinds of Sonoran-style recipes such as pozole, chicken mole and adobo pulled pork. Quirky foodie gifts Want to step outside of the box and gift your foodie friends something other than food? At Hola Chingona, they have so many food-inspired items itll be hard to choose which one to get. Find concha purses and slippers, paleta soaps, Mazapan pillows and bolo ties that look like chicken nuggets. Not only does Chez Peachy make the cutest bento cakes, now she makes cake decor! Mini heart-shaped Hello Kitty jewelry boxes, heart-shaped Sanrio mirrors and cake cowgirl hats are now available at Chez Peachys holiday pop-ups. Each item actually looks like a cake that Chez Peachy would make! Plus you can pick up a bento cake for yourself while you holiday shop. Dining experiences As a City of Gastronomy, Tucson has some amazing restaurants with picturesque views. Treat your loved ones with gift cards to their favorite place to eat (plus you can tag along, so its a win-win situation!). Reillys, Mojo Cuban Kitchen, The Coronet and Tohono Chuls Garden Bistro are just a few places that have gift cards available. With just days left until voters decide who Houstons next mayor will be, the runoff candidates spent their last debate clashing over how they would handle public safety and crime should they win the job. That's because a majority of voters say crime is their top concern ahead of the election; a University of Houston poll found almost half of voters listed crime as their top concern. The finding comes even as public safety officials in Houston, such as Police Chief Troy Finner, and experts across the country have cited data showing crime has declined in 2023, compared to 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Residents perception of crime has not always matched up with what researchers have unearthed while trying to understand the causes and solutions to crime, according to a psychologist who had studied the phenomenon. People are not very good with statistics, theyre a lot better at anecdotes, said Adam Fetterman, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Houston. So, you can put up all sorts of statistics showing Houston is safer than Minneapolis, for example. But slightly less so than Seattle. But thats not going to impact how most people view crime. They think about what they see. But what is the data showing Houstonians about the state of public safety ahead of the election? Finner repeatedly has touted declines in most crime categories from 2022 to 2023, and the statistics largely bear that out. But is crime worse now than it has been in the past 5 years? Zooming out shows little change in overall crime trends in Houston, for ill or for good. Between 2019 and 2023, the average number of daily crimes has gone down only slightly, dipping from about 622 crimes to 618. The data behind these averages was provided by the Houston Police Department and detailed offenses against persons, property and society. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With this data, however, it's important to note a single event could mean multiple offenses. For example, when 43-year-old Maurice Ceaser rammed 27 vehicles in an Eldridge / West Oaks apartment complex last December, he racked up 27 individual aggravated assault offenses and seven additional simple assault offenses. That single car-ramming incident is represented 34 times in the data. This distinction between incidents and offenses often can lead to confusion when looking at crime data and trying to understand crime trends. Jeff Asher, who runs a New Orleans-based analytics company that examines crime trends, recently said people have a hard time perceiving trends in crime because they generally have a squishy definition of what crime means. In addition to confusion surrounding incident counts versus offense counts, Asher says people often think of specific types of crimes when assessing whether crime is up or down. To some, crime might mean major crimes defined as Part I crimes by the FBI such as murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and auto theft. To others, crime might evoke thoughts of DWIs, vagrancy, or vandalism defined as Part II crimes by the FBI. Given these myriad connotations with the word, one person may believe crime is up while another considers it down, Asher wrote in one post. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The FBI also groups offenses into one of three buckets: crimes against persons, crimes against property and crimes against society. Person-level crimes are those committed against individuals. Included in that bucket are crimes including murder, rape, and assault. Each person harmed in these sorts of crimes counts as a single offense. If one event resulted in the murder of two people, the data would register two crimes. Property-level crimes are those committed against property, usually of property owned by another. Robbery, bribery and burglary all fall into this bucket. Generally, each act of robbery or theft counts as a single offense except motor vehicle theft, in which each vehicle stolen counts as an offense. If 35 necklaces were stolen from a jewelry store, that would be a single offense. If five cars were stolen from a lot, that would count as five offenses. Society-level crimes represent crimes that go against established rules and laws but that do not have a well-defined victim or property gain. Gambling, prostitution and drug violations fall into this bucket. Each act is a single offense. Heres what data from the Houston Police Department shows us through October: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Property crimes dropped a bit during the height of the pandemic but then rose back up in 2022. So far in 2023, average daily property-related crimes are unchanged from last year. Crimes against persons increased during the height of the pandemic but dropped in 2022. So far in 2023, average daily crimes against people are unchanged from last year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crimes against society have wavered over the past five years. In 2023, average daily reports of this type of crime remained essentially the same as they were in 2019. But looking at crimes grouped by these broad categories tells only part of the story. For example, crimes against people may be relatively unchanged from last year, but murders one of the most visible and egregious crimes against persons have declined each of the last two years. Which offense types have had an increase since 2019? Looking at year-over-year changes in specific crimes, such as murder, can be a useful way to understand short-term trends, but a look at longer-term trends also aids in our understanding of whether it feels like crime is up or down. Check out what the data say about which crimes have had an overall increase in terms of median year-over-year change since 2019. You can also use this chart to look only at whether each crime has increased since last year. Even though the city had a 10% decline in murders in 2022 when compared with 2021 and an even stronger decline of 22% in 2023 compared to 2022, the significant increase in murder during the earlier parts of the pandemic still put it in the increase table when we consider median change since 2019. Heres what the data say about the crimes that have had an overall decrease when we look at the median year-over-year change since 2019. Fetterman said the best way to inform residents about what crime realistically looks like is to present data, talk about how their anecdotal experiences might not match up to reality and tell them what biases to be aware of moving forward. A special task force wants to expand state laws that fund school resource officers to also let districts spend grant dollars on safety hardware, including artificial intelligence to spot would-be shooters. There is a demand by some districts for sworn police officers in their buildings, Mike Kurtenbach, director of school safety for the Arizona Department of Education, said Thursday. But he said there are not enough officers available to fill that need. The School Safety Task Force is proposing ways to deal with that, including trying to encourage retired police officers to take the jobs. But Kurtenbach said more is needed. There is a desire to expand the funding to include other needs, particularly around physical safety at school, he said. Those can include design features, such as doors that automatically lock in situations with an active shooter; and ballistic film that can be placed over existing glass that prevents it from shattering when shot, to slow down someone trying to shoot their way into a building or classroom. Metal detectors could also be included, along with other technology. There are artificial intelligence systems out there that can detect systems before the human eye can, Kurtenbach explained, saying this would provide another tool to enhance safety. Cameras are great, said Kurtenbach, a former Phoenix police officer. But theyre only as good as somebody monitoring the cameras. If you have an algorithm, if you have technology that can sense a threat, that can identify that threat beforehand, thats a tool that everyone would agree had tremendous value because in a critical situation, seconds matter. There is $84 million in a grant fund for school safety, with Arizona lawmakers directing that the priority go to putting more officers in more schools. But the issue isnt just money. There is nothing in state law that allows the Arizona Department of Education to use its school safety grants to pay for such equipment. So how much more money would be needed to deal with equipment requests, Kurtenbach responded, Thats going to be a big number. Theres no doubt about that. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne would not say how much more he intends to seek from lawmakers. All this stems from a shortage of sworn law law enforcement officers to go around to all the schools that want one. At this point there are 138 schools that have grant funds but simply cant find someone to hire. The problem, said Kurtenbach, is police departments dont have the full-time officers to spare. You have chiefs, you have sheriffs that are having to make very hard decisions, he said. Every chief, every sheriff recognizes that their first duty is to respond to calls for service when somebody picks up a phone. Its not a funding issue. Its finding the people to fill these positions. The Department of Education already is working with private agencies that arrange for off-work assignments for police officers, such as on road-construction sites, to get some of them to be willing to work in schools on their days off. But Kurtenbach said that is a short-term solution. What might work better is finding retired officers who, with some additional training, could be designated as school safety officers. But he said there are legal hurdles to be overcome. One of them is that there are rules of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System as well as the Internal Revenue Service that could financially penalize those who go back to work, by trimming their pensions. Kurtenbach said there may be ways around that, including amending state laws that govern police pensions. But the issue of more police officers in schools goes beyond money. There have been complaints in some communities across the nation of what has been called a school to prison pipeline, with schools depending heavily on police to enforce discipline, a process that can result in arrests. Theres a lot of talk about if you have an officer in school thats going to further this proverbial school to prison pipeline, Kurtenbach said. He disputes the premise, citing a report that says juvenile arrests overall are at a 40-year low. Officers are not inclined to slap cuffs on people and put them in jail, he said, especially with police staffing as low as it is. Theyre problem solvers, Kurtenbach said. Theyre trying to find ways to create solutions to problems that exist. He did acknowledge theres a big difference between a police officer who has been strictly in a law-enforcement role for years and someone who would be working full time in a school and might be considered more of a counselor. Training is key, he said. This isnt just an issue for retired officers who might end up in schools. The task force is recommending additional training for everyone who ends up as a school resource officer on issues ranging from federal laws governing student privacy, to civil rights, to adolescent mental health issues. PHOENIX The Arizona Supreme Court will decide with only six justices whether virtually all abortions are illegal in Arizona. That leads to the possibility of a 3-3 tie on the issue. A tie vote, if it ends up that way, would mean the decision of the Court of Appeals prevails. That would leave in place a 2022 law that allows doctors to terminate pregnancies through 15 weeks versus the near outright ban that dates to the states territorial days. The unusual situation follows the decision by Justice William Montgomery to recuse himself from the case. Montgomery said a week ago he made that decision after reviewing what is required of a judge in the Arizona Code of Judicial Conduct, which spells outs situations in which a judges impartiality might be questioned. He did not disclose specifics, but Planned Parenthood Arizona had asked him to recuse himself based on statements he made while Maricopa County attorney, including that abortion is genocide. The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday, Dec. 12, on the abortion issue. It is not unusual for a justice to step aside. Often these are cases where the justice has a connection with the case, such as a justice being a former prosecutor whose office worked on getting a conviction, or one who came from a law firm that was handling a civil case while he or she was still employed there. It also occurs when a justice knows the parties involved. The normal procedure, according to court spokesman Alberto Rodriguez, is for the chief justice in this case, Robert Brutinel to invite a retired justice to sit in. Alternately, Brutinel could ask the Garye Vasquez, the chief justice from Division 2 of the Court of Appeals which heard the abortion case, to select someone from that court at random to fill the slot. But Rodriguez said Brutinel has decided not to do that in this case and has provided no reason. Jake Warner of the Alliance Defending Freedom, which is trying to overturn the Court of Appeals decision and have the territorial-era law reinstated, said he respects the high courts decision to hear the case with just six justices. We remain hopeful that the court will uphold Arizonas law affirming that life is a human right, he said. There was no immediate response from Planned Parenthood Arizona, which wants the justices to uphold the appellate court ruling allowing abortions to be performed in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy and which would benefit from a tie vote among the six justices hearing the case. There is no simple way to handicap how the remaining six justices might vote. A majority were appointed by Republican Doug Ducey, an ardent foe of abortion, when he was governor. I am proud that Arizona has been ranked the most pro-life state in the country, Ducey said in a 2022 post on Twitter, now X, the day the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and its conclusion that women had a constitutional right to abortion. But Ducey, in an interview last year before the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, said he believed the 15-week law he signed in 2022 would take precedence over the territorial-era law even if the Roe v. Wade was overturned. The law of the land today in Arizona is the 15-weeks law. And that will remain law, regardless of what the U.S. Supreme Court did, Ducey said then. Ducey did not dispute that the territorial-era law remains on the books and never was repealed. But he said that didnt matter. I think that the law you signed in 2022 supersedes 1973, he said. The U.S. Supreme Courts subsequent overturning of Roe left the decision on regulating abortions to each state. Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson, acting on a petition by Republican then-Attorney General Mark Brnovich, ruled in September 2022 that the end of Roe meant Arizonas territorial-era ban on most abortions is once again in effect. That law makes it a crime to perform abortions except to save the life of the mother. Doctors could face up to five years in state prison. But Planned Parenthood Arizona, along with Democratic Pima County Attorney Laura Conover, pointed to the 2022 state law allowing the procedure through the 15th week of pregnancy. That law was approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature in anticipation that the U.S. high court would simply uphold a nearly identical law in Mississippi and not scrap Roe v. Wade entirely. A three-judge panel of the Arizona Court of Appeals, in an opinion late last year authored by Vasquez, acknowledged that lawmakers never repealed the territorial-era law. But they said that law and the new one can be harmonized so they do not conflict. That brings the case to the Arizona Supreme Court to sort out. Montgomery initially refused calls that he recuse himself, saying nothing he said before being appointed to the high court by Ducey in 2019 reflects on his ability to judge the case fairly. But he reversed course less than two weeks later. The political and legal landscape also has changed in the past year. Brnovich left office at the end of last year when his term was up. He was replaced by Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes who has said she believes that, regardless of the decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, women can lawfully terminate a pregnancy because there is a provision of the Arizona Constitution guaranteeing a right to privacy. Mayes refused to defend the territorial-era law, siding with Planned Parenthood and Conover. That leaves defending that law up to Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, whom the court appointed to represent the interests of unborn children. He is medical director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center, which does not provide abortions. Hazelrigg is represented by the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defending Freedom, which opposes abortion. The reality of what can happen with a tie vote played out earlier this year in Iowa. 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 Related Content DOCUMENT: Read the community letter to the Tulsa school board For the second time in three days, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education has received a letter urging members to name Ebony Johnson the districts permanent superintendent. Dated Thursday, the second letter is signed by about 400 community members, including City Councilors Vanessa Hall-Harper and Lori Decter Wright, state Rep. Monroe Nichols, Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Traci Manuel, more than 20 faith leaders and former interim Superintendent LaVerne Ford Wimberly. During her tenure as interim superintendent, we have closely observed her performance as faith leaders, legislators, concerned members of the community and families of Tulsa Public Schools students, the letter reads in part. Dr. Johnson has demonstrated the competence, commitment and most importantly, faith in our students and families to turn our schools around. Through this observation, we have concluded that Dr. Johnsons leadership is necessary and transformative for our school system. We urge you to act appropriately and swiftly by naming Dr. Johnson the permanent superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools with a three-year contract. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum wrote the TPS board Tuesday, also asking them to remove the interim tag. Previously TPS Chief Learning Officer, Johnson started in the position on Sept. 16 with the departure of former Superintendent Deborah Gist. The letters come on the heels of additional requirements for improvement being placed on the district by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and the Oklahoma State Board of Education. On Nov. 30, the board unanimously adopted an order requiring the district to meet additional goals by the end of the 2022-23 school year in order to avoid a state takeover or loss of accreditation. TPS officials said after the meeting that they were not given any advance notice of the additional requirements. Thursdays letter acknowledged the additional demands facing the district from Walters and the state board and calls on the board to hire Johnson on a permanent basis in order to allow TPS to implement changes as needed. While conducting a national search for a district the size of Tulsa Public Schools would be conventional in regular times, we can all agree these are not conventional times, the letter reads in part. TPS board of education President Stacey Woolley declined to comment on the letter Thursday afternoon. The board is next scheduled to meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. Johnsons employment status is not on the meetings draft agenda, but the agendas final version will not be released until Friday afternoon. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. TPS interim Superintendent Ebony Johnson speaks about the school district. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Related Content DOCUMENT: Read State Superintendent Ryan Walters letter State Superintendent Ryan Walters is now trying to insert himself into the hiring of a superintendent at Tulsa Public Schools. Amid local school board discussions about whether to make Ebony Johnsons interim role as superintendent a permanent one, Walters wrote the board and Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum on Thursday evening, insisting that a national search be conducted and suggesting he believes Johnson is not bold enough or making aggressive enough decisions. According to an agenda posted Friday evening, TPS board is slated to vote on Johnsons employment status Monday at 6:30 p.m. Walters message was menacing but stopped short of explicit threats. I have been crystal clear on my position to select a new Superintendent for Tulsa there should be an aggressive national search, and local leaders as well as other stakeholders must be involved in the selection process because the way that Tulsa succeeds is with the entire state of Oklahoma working together, Walters wrote. The State Board of Education will not sit around idly while continuing to let TPS continue down the trajectory they were on under the previous leadership. Stop playing around the edges with programs that do not work and schools that continue to fail. There needs to be drastic change to turn the district around, and the next Superintendent needs to be aggressive in pursuing those changes All eyes are on Tulsa and every option at the disposal of the (State) Board and my office will be used if the culture of failure continues to be promoted in Tulsa. Johnson was made interim superintendent a little less than three months ago upon Superintendent Deborah Gists departure under duress. But Walters didnt acknowledge TPS has an interim superintendent or even Johnson at all in his new message to Tulsa leaders. The next superintendent is going to inherit a district that has had deep foundational issues for years and needs to possess the strength to make hard decisions and sweeping changes, he wrote. In late July, Walters had launched a public campaign for the state to consider taking over Tulsa Public Schools through the annual review process of state accreditation through which every public school district is authorized to operate and receive taxpayer funding. He railed against local leaders, faulting them for insufficient improvement in student achievement indicators and an embezzlement case involving the districts former human resources director, Devin Fletcher, who has since pled guilty to criminal charges in federal court. Earlier this week, Tulsas mayor wrote the local school board a letter himself, imploring the school board to forgo a national search and make Johnsons role a permanent one posthaste. Bynum said Johnson needs to be fully empowered to make urgent improvements at TPS and to be able to attract the best candidates because of significant turnover in senior leadership since Gist left. Local control of Tulsa Public Schools hangs in the balance, and maintaining that self determination requires that improvements be made on an expedited time frame. Achieving those improvements quickly requires parents, teachers, and administrators to know who is leading the charge and maintaining interim status weakens Dr. Johnsons ability to lead a successful effort, stated Bynums letter. He called Johnson a superb candidate and noted her career-long service to the public school students of Tulsa. In a short period of time as interim superintendent, she has dramatically enhanced collaboration with the State of Oklahoma. She has high expectations for Tulsa Public Schools, and she is not defensive about past performance, Bynum wrote. She is laser focused on delivering better outcomes for Tulsa students and their families. Tulsa School Board President Stacey Woolley reacted to Walters letter by accusing him of trying to have it both ways. Either Superintendent Walters believes the problems we face are urgent, or he doesnt. I cant speak for him, but I can say this: Urgent problems demand urgent solutions. And it is impossible for a temporary leader to create permanent change, Woolley said in a written statement sent in response to the Tulsa Worlds request for comment. Myself and other members of the Tulsa Public School Board were chosen by the parents of the 34,000 children in our district, and the broader citizenry, to make the bold choices necessary to improve our schools. This includes the bold choices we made a year prior to Mr. Walters taking office choices that have already resulted in record progress. And, it includes the selection of the next Superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools. Hiring and supervising the superintendent is one of three primary functions of local school board members under Oklahoma law, along with setting policy and approving annual budgets. Aside from his ongoing war of words, Walters would be powerless to remove local leadership of Tulsa Public Schools without at least three of Gov. Kevin Stitts appointees to the State Board of Education joining him in a vote for state takeover. Just a few months ago, Stitt himself said that was uncalled for, saying TPS challenges are local control issues for the local school board to address, as are the employment of the local school superintendent. After Gist agreed to step down as superintendent, the State Board of Educations ultimately greenlighted the districts state accreditation renewal for 2023-24, with stipulations that TPS plan to train teachers in scientifically-backed methods of literacy instruction, plan to get all of its schools that are designated as failing on state school report cards off the F schools list, and publish newly implemented internal controls to try to prevent embezzlement. Since then, Johnson has been required to make monthly presentations before the State Board of Education. She has shared updates on student academic indicators, new practices and policies governing district finances and new reporting and sharing of that information with local school board members. Johnson has reported responding to an onslaught of behind-the-scenes state demands for data and records. And she has repeatedly welcomed in state education department deputies to give their input and recommendations to her and other top administrators, as well as school site leaders, even referring to those state officials as TPS partners, when speaking about them to the state board. In last weeks monthly report, she even revealed that TPS is in the earliest stages of considering school closures and a wider consolidation effort at the states urging. But then in the next moment, TPS leaders were blindsided when Walters and his team blasted them as not being ambitious enough in goal-setting. The Oklahoma State Board of Education ultimately adopted a new order requiring TPS to meet several additional goals set by Walters by the end of the 2023-24 academic year in order to avoid a state takeover or loss of accreditation. Andrea Eger Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Andrea Eger 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 The Office of the Oklahoma Attorney General offered new details this week of its legal bid to halt the nations would-be first religious charter school in its tracks. On Oct. 9, a divided Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved a contract with Catholic leaders in Oklahoma to create St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which if opened, would be a taxpayer-funded charter school intended to provide greater access to Catholic school education across the state. In his lawsuit filed Oct. 20, Attorney General Gentner Drummond asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to enforce existing state law that defines charter schools as public schools and specifically prohibits them from affiliation with a nonpublic sectarian school or religious institution. The AGs office filed its formal response this week to the legal arguments of the defendant, the virtual charter school board and its five members in their official capacity, as well as St. Isidore, which is an intervenor in the case. For the foregoing reasons, this Court should grant Petitioners requested relief to correct the boards unlawful action to prevent a religious institution from becoming an organ of the State, stated the attorney generals filing. Drummond has requested that the states highest court assume original jurisdiction and issue a writ of mandamus and a declaratory judgment regarding the Boards unlawful action in approving the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School proposal. The attorney generals office noted that both the virtual charter school board and St. Isidore agree with the AG that the Supreme Court should take up the case. The rest of the AGs latest court filing makes clear thats about the only point of agreement on this matter. For starters, the attorney general insists that state law clearly defines charter schools as public schools, but claims SVCSB and St. Isidore try to hide the ball by repeatedly characterizing St. Isidore and its board as private entities. It is absurd for the SVCSB and St. Isidore to claim that St. Isidore is not a state actor when St. Isidores decisions and operations can be overruled and taken over by State, and St. Isidore is subject to, among other things, the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act, the Oklahoma Open Records Act, and the same academic standards and expectations as existing public schools, reads the AGs argument. Next, arguments that the state should be allowed to disburse funds to a religious entity that provides substantial service in return do not apply, the AGs office says, because under state law St. Isidore would be a public charter school not a religious entity. Lastly, the states top legal officer says claims that denying St. Isidore state sanctioning and taxpayer funding would violate religious freedom law in Oklahoma and that such law overrules the prohibition on sectarian schools are easily refuted. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Oklahomas top wildlife official resigned this week and departed with severance pay of $169,341 from the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservations Lifetime License Trust Fund. The immediate departure of Director J.D. Strong surprised many, but officials and staff pointed to public statements indicating an amicable departure. Wade Free, former assistant director of operations, was appointed interim director. Commissioners cited state Statute Title 74 in approving the severance pay, usually offered only to employees dismissed or forced out as part of a reduction in force. One section of the statute does note agencies may pay severance to employees not covered by the Civil Service and Human Capital Modernization Act. Officials referred further questions to the Oklahoma Attorney Generals Office, but a call was not immediately returned. The department reported the directors position annual salary is $162,266. Citing an inability to comment on personnel matters, officials did not address the reasons behind the departure or why a severance was paid. Strong declined to comment beyond his issued statement. The Lifetime License Trust Fund consists of revenue from lifetime licenses sold since 1969. The principal cannot be spent, but interest investment income is used for department operations. A first hint of Strongs departure appeared on Mondays regular commission meeting agenda with a vote to enter an executive season to discuss the employment, hiring, appointment, promotion, demotion, disciplining or resignation of the director. The group re-emerged without the director, set a special Wednesday meeting, and adjourned. The commission again retired into executive session Wednesday to discuss the appointment of the interim director and approve Strongs resignation. Commissioners approved the severance pay in an open meeting, and a department press release made the resignation public Wednesday evening. Commission chairwoman Leigh Gaddis indicated that only official business directed by statute required executive sessions. She added that commission members wish Strong well in his future endeavors. Gaddis said that, traditionally, a commission sub-committee searches for a new commissioner, whom a vote of the entire body will appoint. She said a committee and replacement timeline still needs to be set. In his statement, Strong mentions new and exciting opportunities in the works. After much prayer and after more than 31 years of state service, I have decided to step down as Director of the ODWC, effective immediately, Strong said. Strong, an Oklahoma State University graduate and a career civil servant, started as an environmental scientist with the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in 1993. He was appointed special assistant to the secretary of environment in 1996 and took the lead role as secretary in 2003 under then-Gov. Brad Henry. He was appointed director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in 2010 and served until his appointment with the Wildlife Department in 2016. Under his tenure, the department modernized physically and digitally. The $15 million rebuild of the department headquarters was completed in 2019, the same year the department launched its GoOutdoorsOklahoma licensing and information app. Other highlights include creating the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation, a private nonprofit fundraising organization, creating the Oklahoma Land Access Program to work with landowners to increase hunting and fishing opportunities on private lands, expanding the departments close-to-home fishing programs for communities, and cooperating with the Tourism Department to create the Oklahoma Fishing Trail. Legislatively, the director saw more significant challenges to the department than his predecessors. Most recently, the department retained oversight of Chronic Wasting Disease in wildlife in the last session in a hard-fought battle against relinquishing its oversight to the Department of Agriculture. Strong was frustrated for three years trying to pass various proposals to modernize hunting and fishing license rules to allow the department to adjust rates and streamline licensing. With no license fee increases in two decades, at least one commission member has publicly described the licensing change failures as leaving the department in an unsustainable funding situation. This decision is bittersweet. I have loved every minute of working alongside the wonderful people that comprise the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, watching them passionately and skillfully nurture a better environment for our fish and wildlife and for the Oklahomans who get to enjoy them. Our state is unquestionably better because of ODWCs dedicated team of professionals, and I thank them for the privilege of working alongside them for these past seven years, Strong said in his statement. The Commission has every confidence in our amazing team at the ODWC that we will continue the important work on behalf of the great citizens of Oklahoma in our successful stewardship of responsible management of our wildlife and fish resources and public lands/waters within our state as we move into this next chapter, Gaddis said. Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today A U.S. Senate committee Thursday approved two judicial nominations with little fanfare to fill vacancies on the federal bench in Tulsa. The favorable votes of Sara Hill and John D. Russell by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee now go to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. Prior to voting, Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin thanked Oklahoma Sens. James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin for their bipartisan commitment to fill the vacancies in the short-handed court. Durbin described both nominees as long-time litigators and noted Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond had penned a letter to the committee in support of the nominations. The committee voted 14-7 to approve Hills nomination with three Republicans voting with the Democrat majority. The committee then voted 18-3 to approve Russells nomination with seven GOP members joining the Democrat majority. Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, was the only committee member to speak at any length about the nominations, focusing on Hill, a former Cherokee Nation attorney general who would be Oklahomas first female Native American tribal member to become a federal district judge, if confirmed. Cornyn said he had heard some concerns about Hills nomination, an apparent reference to opposition voiced by Gov. Kevin Stitt and the chairman of the state GOP. I do have concerns about whether she can treat the United States fairly in controversies with the tribes in Oklahoma, Cornyn said. I know there is a long history in the nation and in Oklahoma with regard to the status of the tribes and the way they have been treated. Noting support from Lankford and Mullin, Cornyn said he would vote for the two nominees mainly out of deference to the judgment of our colleagues from Oklahoma. Cornyn was joined by fellow GOP Sens. Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham in voting with the 11 other Democrat committee members who voted for Hill. The vote was even more lopsided for Russell, a shareholder with the firm GableGotwals since 2015, who also served as an assistant federal prosecutor in Tulsa federal court from 1995 to 2002. University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias, who tracks judicial nominations, said the positive committee vote for the two nominees is a good sign for the court. It shows you can go to a red state and nominate and confirm two strong people, Tobias said. Tobias said Missouri currently has three vacancies in its federal eastern district court and no nominees because of opposition from Sen. Josh Hawley. Tobias said the two nominations could go to full Senate vote before the end of the year. If not approved this year, Tobias said he would expect a vote by the end of February at the latest. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex, a subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electronics in Ho Chi Minh City, has received a value-added tax (VAT) refund of over VND550 billion (US$22.6 million). Nguyen Tien Dung, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the amount was the refund for the period from May 1, 2021 backward, when the company had yet to convert into an export processing enterprise and already declared taxes at the department. The refund followed a request by Vietnam's Ministry of Finance and the General Department of Taxation. Dung said the company did not make tax declarations at the Ho Chi Minh City Tax Department after May 1, 2021. The taxman will ask for the General Department of Taxations instructions on tax refunds for Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex from May 1, 2021 onward. The company itself is actively working with the Ministry of Finance, the General Department of Taxation, and the General Department of Vietnam Customs on resolving the issue, the tax official added. At a conference between Ho Chi Minh City leaders and South Korean enterprises in the city in mid-August, Youn Chel Woon, CEO of Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex, said the company exported 90 percent of its products and became an export processing company on May 1, 2021. However, it did not receive $24 million in VAT refunds for the period before the conversion and $20 million for the 18 months after that conversion. The total VAT refunds that the company was supposed to receive totaled $44 million. The tardy VAT refunding has drawn public attention following many enterprises complaints. The General Department of Taxation on Wednesday held a teleconference on the VAT refund with the participation of leaders of the taxmen in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and southern Binh Duong and Dong Nai Provinces. During the event, Mai Son, deputy head of the General Department of Taxation, required relevant agencies to remove obstacles to the tax refund and take advantage of technology to automatically receive and classify tax refund applications, as well as devise post-tax-refund inspection plans. Son asked directors of tax departments in provinces and cities to expedite VAT refunds and report tax refund applications encountering bottlenecks to the general department before Friday next week. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz has shared his appreciation for the drastic steps Vietnam has taken to implement its commitment to net-zero emissions. However, according to Prytz, Vietnam needs a clear legal framework as well as significant public investment in order to continue this work. On the sidelines of the ongoing 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to discuss the Southeast Asian countrys efforts to reach net-zero emissions. The meeting took place not long after the two countries established a green strategic partnership on November 1. To discuss the partnership, Tuoi Tre News spoke with Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Pyrtz regarding measures Vietnam can take to accelerate its green transition and attract related investment. At COP28, Prime Minister Chinh announced the Resource Mobilization Plan for the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), making Vietnam the first developing country in the JETP to make such an announcement. Can you comment on PM Chinhs pronouncement and share the specifics of what Denmark and European countries have planned in respect of this initiative? I want to commend Vietnam for launching a Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP) just one year after its political agreement with the JETP. This is an important first step in the implementation of the JETP as it includes an assessment of prioritized investments. It also recognizes the need to create an enabling environment that can attract the vast amount of private investment that is needed for its green transition, including a proper regulatory framework. This is very much the focus of the Danish-Vietnamese Energy Partnership Program. Moreover, the Danish Embassy serves as a bridge to potential Danish investors in Vietnams green transition. How do you evaluate Vietnam's process of implementing commitments in the Paris Agreement and COP26? With 50 percent of its electricity coming from renewable sources and 20 GW of solar and wind power installed in just a few years, Vietnam is a [green energy] leader in Southeast Asia. This has not gone unnoticed and has attracted new FDI projects looking for renewable energy to power their facilities. Moreover, Vietnam has adapted some very important targets in the last couple of years, one of these being its commitment at COP26 net-zero emissions by 2050 and, subsequently, becoming party to the JETP with the International Partnership Group that consists of the G7 countries, the European Union, Denmark, and Norway. In that regard, I would like to congratulate the government of Vietnam on the launch of its RMP at COP28. Vietnam has also approved Power Development Plan 8, which clearly prioritizes renewable energy as the source of energy to power Vietnams future growth. In other words, a series of bold commitments have been made. The challenge now is to convert the commitments into implementation plans and legal frameworks. This is a challenging process, but there is no other way. Developing countries like Vietnam need a lot of resources to implement climate commitments and withstand consequences that are largely not caused by them. The role of developed countries is therefore very important. Did Denmark make any commitments during COP28 regarding financial support for developing countries which need to adapt to climate change? What support will Vietnam receive from Denmark in particular and developed countries in general? Denmark might be a relatively rich country, but in many ways, we are siding with developing nations. In connection with COP26, Denmark committed US$1 billion of financing to climate adaptation and green transition, which is equivalent to one percent of the $100 billion pledge made by developed countries much beyond our natural share. Subsequently, at COP28, our prime minister announced a total of $50 million in support to the most climate-vulnerable countries half of it going to the new loss and damage fund. Together with international partner countries, Denmark has launched two initiatives aimed at de-risking private investments in green solutions in developing countries. Government funding cannot alone carry the investments required globally, but we believe that such government funding can play a key role in mobilizing more private capital by carrying more of the risk. Regarding Vietnam, we will continue our longstanding and close cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the Danish-Vietnamese Energy Partnership Program, which started in 2013. We focus on long-term planning of the energy system, efficient integration of wind and solar energy into the national electricity system, and improving energy efficiency in the industrial sector. Our two prime ministers launched our bilateral green strategic partnership on the first of November this year. This new framework will enable us to further strengthen our already close and fruitful cooperation on energy transition and other important areas of the green transition and climate change issues. Finally, Denmark is also partnering with Vietnam through the mentioned JETP and we hope this will help with accelerating the decarbonization of the economy while also addressing social consequences. Danish businesses are particularly interested in the field of offshore wind power in Vietnam. However, recently group, Orsted, has withdrawn. In your opinion, is it because of problems on the Vietnamese side? What does Vietnam need to do to attract more private investors in offshore wind power, like Denmark? To my knowledge, Orsted regards Vietnam as an important sourcing market. Just this year, very large contracts were signed with PetroVietnam Technical Services Corp (PTSC) to build offshore wind farm foundations and offshore substations. PTSC is now the first Vietnamese business to receive a mass order for offshore wind power components. However, it is true that Orsted recently announced that they wont be pursuing any offshore wind development projects in Vietnam, but I believe that is mainly a business decision. In other words, rather than deselecting Vietnam, it is more a matter of pursuing business opportunities in other markets that for now simply appear more immediate and mature. Nevertheless, it does underline the need for Vietnam to develop an attractive regulatory framework for the offshore wind sector. If that is not provided soon, Vietnam could risk investors pursuing other market opportunities. I, therefore, believe that Vietnam has a strong incentive to keep pushing forward on developing an offshore wind energy sector. With a proper regulatory framework in place, I have no doubt that Vietnam could become a regional hub for offshore wind energy generation and play a crucial role in the regional supply chain for these kinds of projects. It would bring along massive private sector investments in both local production and re- and upskilling of labor. One of the topics of concern at COP28 is ending the exploitation of new oil fields. In your opinion, will this agreement be reached when the world economy is still heavily dependent on fossil fuels? From Denmark's experience, how can the dependence on fossil fuels be reduced while still ensuring economic development and limiting negative socio-economic impacts? The reality is that we are not on track when it comes to the Paris Agreement. We need to move much faster. Therefore, Denmark believes that it is crucial that the ultimate goal is to, over time, phase out fossil fuels. Simultaneously, we need to scale up renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Danish energy transition started in the 1970s with the oil crisis, when we realized that we were too dependent on fossil fuels. Visionary political decisions have led us to invest massively in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, through public-private partnerships and in broad consultations with civil society. We have, since then, grown our economy steadily while reducing our total energy consumption by more than 10 percent and emissions by over 40 percent -- so decoupling is possible. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam has seen several firms make great strides in artificial intelligence (AI) research such as FPT, Viettel AI, VNPT AI, and VinAI, with the last firm named one of the worlds top 20 AI research enterprises. The list featuring the Vietnamese AI research-based company was made by Thundermark Capital, a U.S. venture capital firm that invests in deep tech, in 2022. The recognition demonstrated Vietnams and its companies efforts in accelerating AI application. AI is one of the various fields where Vietnam has much potential for robust growth, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong affirmed at the AI Day 2023, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday and wrapped up on Wednesday. Accordingly, the Southeast Asian nation boasts unlimited potentialities for Generative AI, which will act as one of the tools helping beef up intellectual labor productivity in the future. Amid the wave of strong AI growth, Vietnam has been taking big steps to foster AI research and application, and strengthen its AI workforce. In 2021, the Vietnamese government issued a national strategy for AI application, research, and development until 2030. After two years of following the strategy, the country has obtained some significant achievements. In 2022, Vietnam came 55th in the world for the AI Readiness Index, up seven places against 2021, according to a report made by Oxford Insights. The AI Day 2023, themed AI - Rebuild Reality, brought together over 30 scientists, professors, and AI experts from many nations, as well as 100 representatives from companies and 1,500 local and international guests keen on technology, processing, and production. Among the worlds leading experts were Prof. Martial Hebert, an accomplished researcher in robotics and computer vision, and Prof. Simon Lucey, a pioneer in applying mathematical models that underlie computer vision research. The event was also attended by Prof. Anton van den Hengel, a big name in machine learning, and Associate Prof. Dr. Angela Yao from the National University of Singapore. AI Day is an annual event co-held by VinAI, under Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup, and the New Turing Institute. According to McKinseys 2023 report, Generative AI is forecast to not only boom in the technology aspect, but also basically change the ways of research, creation, and work in the future. Moreover, Generative AI might contribute thousands of billions of U.S. dollars to the global economy each year. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Students of Carnegie Vanguard High School graduate on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Houston. The magnet campus has never had a student graduate through a committee override. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer About one-third of Houston ISD campuses graduated more than 10% of high school seniors through a special committee during the 2021-22 school year, a rate that HISD leaders called an abuse and said they plan to crack down on. Sixteen of 49 listed HISD campuses graduated more than 10% of students through Individual Graduation Committees, a campus-level group that can award diplomas to students who fail up to two of five end-of-course exams required for graduation. The five exams, part of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, test students after English I, English II, Algebra I, biology and U.S. history. Under the Texas Education Code, the Texas Education Agency commissioner can authorize a special investigation if more than 10% of students at a campus graduate through an IGC in a school year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overall, 8.5% of HISD seniors or 960 students graduated through committee overrides in 2022, which is the first time the districts overall IGC rate dropped below 10% since the 2017-18 school year. We, the district, over a number of years, have abused that (IGC) exception, which was supposed to be for exceptional cases, and we make it part of the graduation requirement, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said during a board meeting last month. The 2022 number is a slight decrease from the previous year, when 21 campuses had IGC graduation rates eligible for state investigation, according to the most recent Graduation and Dropout Analysis. Data from the 2022-23 school year will not be available until summer 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The TEA said it has not issued a notice of special investigation over IGCs to any district this year. However, the agency said it has initiated a compliance review of HISD, which involves proactively verifying data submissions with the district. The TEA declined to comment further about the details and scope of the review. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, said he agreed that based on the data, some HISD schools have likely been abusing the IGC process to bolster their graduation rates by passing students who were otherwise not ready to leave high school. He said it was an obvious loophole for kids that might otherwise be classified as dropouts. If youre the principal of whatever high school in HISD, and you see that these kids are struggling, the easy thing that doesnt count against your graduation rate is to put them in the IGC, Sanborn said. You know youll get a graduate but you also know that these kids will not be ready to enter into the workplace like any other high school graduate in Houston. HISD HOTSPOTS: $15-a-month hotspots to replace free Verizon partnership Advertisement Article continues below this ad How do the committees work? Texas lawmakers created IGCs in 2015 to help thousands of students who were being held back from graduating high school due to their failure to pass their end-of-course exams, making it more difficult for them to attend college, join the military, or get a job, according to the bill analysis. Students in 11th or 12th grade are eligible for review by an IGC if they failed up to two STAAR exams. However, special education students may not have to go through the IGC process if a separate committee known as the Admission, Review, and Dismissal Committee determines they are not required to pass their exams. The IGC must include the principal, the teachers of the courses of the failed EOC assessment, the department chair, and the students parent or guardian, according to the TEA. It recommends additional requirements for the students to graduate and the completion of a project or portfolio of work demonstrating proficiency in the failed subject area. The committee must determine whether a student is qualified to graduate based on several factors, including a teachers recommendation, grades and exam scores, attendance rates, performance on any additional committee requirements, and other academic information, according to the TEA. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Students can graduate and earn a degree through a unanimous IGC decision if they complete the IGCs requirements and other credit requirements to graduate. HISD spokesperson Jose Irizarry said districts are required to provide accelerated instruction and re-testing opportunities to all students who did not pass their end-of-course exams. However, he said there was limited evidence that HISD had been providing high-quality remediation plans for students, and many students were not retaking their exams if they failed. Irizarry said the district had previously provided limited centralized guidance for the committees, which meant all campuses differed in their IGC requirements to approve a students graduation, such as projects with varying levels of rigor and differing timelines. We identified instances where the IGC process was starting for students as early as their junior year, when at that time they should still be focused on remediation, Irizarry said. Additionally, we identified cases of students completing the IGC requirements within one day, indicating low rigor of projects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How is HISD addressing the high rates? Several HISD schools have been eligible for state investigation since 2016 due to the percentage of their students who graduate through the committees, including Sharpstown, Madison and Furr high schools, while multiple high-performing campuses, including DeBakey and Carnegie high schools, have never had a student graduate through an IGC, according to the district report Liberty High School, which caters to newly arrived immigrant students seeking a high school diploma, had the highest rates, with 50% of its students or 25 people graduating through an IGC during the 2021-22 school year. In the previous four years, at least 30% of the campus students graduated through the IGC review process. These are schools that used to see super high dropout rates anyway, and a lot of international kids, Sanborn said. It would seem exactly right that if youre trying to bolster the graduation rates at Sharpstown, Wisdom (and) Liberty, youre going to use this, because this is a group of kids that are perfectly positioned to fall through this loophole. HISD also has a disproportionate percentage of Hispanic students graduate through IGCs compared with other demographics, while white students are underrepresented among IGC graduates. About 73% of IGC graduates are Hispanic and 3% are white, while about 60% of non-IGC graduates are Hispanic and 12% are white, according to state data. Irizarry said HISD administration has launched a review of its IGC data and developed plans to decrease the number of campuses with IGC graduation rates above the 10% threshold. In November, HISD held a training with all high school principals to stress that all students failing an end of course exam need to receive remediation to retest before entering the IGC process, Irizarry said. Campuses also were required to stop the IGC process for all juniors and first-year seniors so they could focus on remediation for those students, he said Irizarry said HISDs central office staff is also standardizing the IGC review rubric and a set of projects to increase the rigor of the committees process. The staff has also deployed a team of support staff to help the 16 campuses with the highest percent of graduation rates through IGCs. The district plans to implement a more robust data tracking system to ensure students who fail are receiving remediation and retesting, and that campuses are meeting IGC requirements from the state, Irizarry said. BOGOTA -- Colombia and Brazil destroyed 19 illegal gold mining dredges in the Amazon rainforest which were producing about $1.5 million of the precious metal a month and polluting rivers with mercury, Colombia's armed forces said on Wednesday. Monthly production at the illegal mining operation was 23 kilograms (50.71 lb), Colombian authorities said. The U.S.-backed bilateral operation targeted the infrastructure of the transnational criminal group Familia del Norte, whose illicit gold mining dumped 114,000 grams of mercury and polluted 68 million liters (18 million gallons) of water every month, according to authorities. The operation "became a source of financing for weapons and explosives and the acquisition of chemical inputs by the criminal structure known as the Familia del Norte," Colombia's armed forces said in a press release. Brazil and Colombia are two of the world's most biodiverse nations, with swathes of their landmass covered by the Amazon rainforest, which scientists say is vital to slowing down climate change because of the huge amounts of greenhouse gases it absorbs. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his Colombian counterpart Gustavo Petro have used their platforms at international events to urge protection of the Amazon, efforts to curb deforestation and debt-for-nature swaps. In Colombia, 12 three-storey vessels with engine rooms, sediment storage and accommodation were destroyed on the Pure and Purete rivers. Brazilian authorities destroyed seven of these same vessels on their territory. "We are witnessing a historic bi-national operation against the illegal extraction of mineral deposits, aimed at protecting the lungs of the world," said William Rene Salamanca, director of Colombia's National Police in a statement. ($1 = 3,985.7400 Colombian pesos) Dredgers used for illegal gold extraction are seen during a joint operation between Colombian and Brazilian authorities in the Amazon jungles, Colombia December 2, 2023. Photo: Reuters A Colombian Air Force helicopter flies over an illegal mining site for gold extraction during a joint operation between Colombian and Brazilian authorities in the Amazon jungles, Colombia December 3, 2023. Photo: Reuters A dredge used for illegal gold extraction is seen during a joint operation between Colombian and Brazilian authorities in the Amazon jungles, Colombia December 2, 2023. Photo: Reuters SANTIAGO -- A robot that uses powerful magnets to perform less invasive and more efficient surgeries completed its first international procedure, a gallbladder removal, at a public hospital in Chile this week, according to the company that developed the technology. The MARS surgical platform at the Luis Tisne hospital in Santiago allows surgeons to "attach a small magnet to organs, like the liver, and use robotic arms with high powered magnets on the patients belly to manipulate organs out of the way," according to Levita Magnetics, the California-based start-up that created robot. The system also "gives the surgeon control of the camera, which allows for better visualization, it is much more stable. And in surgery, seeing is everything," said Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro, doctor and founder of Levita Magnetics, the California-based start-up that developed the MARS platform. "It is better for the patient, with fewer incisions and less pain, faster recovery," Rodriguez-Navarro told Reuters after the surgery. Surgeons use magnetic surgical robot arms, new technology instruments that work with magnetic fields, during an operation at a public hospital, in Santiago, Chile, December 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters "For the surgeon, it's better since it allows him to be more efficient and, for the system, it allows more surgeries to be done per day." The platform was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in September and conducted its first commercial surgery at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio in October. A surgeon uses a magnetic surgical robot arm, new technology instrument that works with magnetic fields, during an operation at a public hospital, in Santiago, Chile, December 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters A view of a magnetic surgical robot arm, new technology instrument that works with magnetic fields, during an operation at a public hospital, in Santiago, Chile, December 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet will visit Vietnam on Monday and Tuesday next week at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. This will be the Cambodian leaders first visit to neighboring Vietnam since he took office in August. Manet previously visited Vietnam in August last year when he was Deputy Commander-in-Chief and Commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. PM Chinh will chair a welcome ceremony for his Cambodian counterpart. They will hold talks and witness the signing of cooperation agreements. The two leaders were set to visit the Foreign Trade University in Hanoi and talk to students there. They will also attend the Vietnam-Cambodia trade and investment promotion forum. During his working trip, the Cambodian premier will meet with Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Ties between Vietnam and Cambodia have developed stably and positively since they were established in 1967. High-level diplomatic exchanges between the two countries have intensified, with the latest visit made by President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary to Vietnam earlier this month. PM Chinh and PM Manet met for the first time when they attended the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Indonesia in September this year. During the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation held in China in October, State President Thuong had a meeting with PM Manet. He transferred PM Chinhs invitation for a visit to Vietnam to Manet and got the latters agreement. During these meetings, the two sides agreed to boost high-level exchanges to deepen the two countries relations. There is ample room for Vietnam and Cambodia to enhance their cooperation in economy and infrastructure, expert said. The two countries bilateral trade reached a record of more than US$11 billion last year. In the January-July period this year, the figure was $5.3 billion, with Vietnam earning $3 billion from exports to the neighboring country. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has said that he highly valued the cooperation between the country members of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation (MLC) and put forth four priority areas for the mechanism in the future. Minister Son proposed the four priorities while speaking at the eighth MLC Foreign Ministers Meeting, which opened in Beijing, China, on Thursday. The event got together representatives of the six country members of MLC, including China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The meeting focused on reviewing past cooperation results and discussing new plans for the MLC. In his speech, Son affirmed that Vietnam treasures and continues actively contributing to the close cooperation between the MLC nations. In that spirit, Minister Son proposed the four cooperation areas that should be prioritized by all the country members in the foreseeable future. He firstly mentioned fundamental industrial development with a gradual transition from processing and assembly to research, design, and production, based on innovation, creativity, and application and transfer of advanced technologies. Secondly, he called on the MLC countries to boost digital transformation through policy dialogues on digital economy and cybersecurity, to cooperate in developing digital human resources, smart cities, and digitalization of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and to encourage digital infrastructure construction in manufacturing industries. Thirdly, environmental protection and green growth transition should be stepped up through cooperation in developing a bio-circular-green economy, clean and renewable energy, and smart agriculture. In such a transition, it is necessary to accelerate the completion and implementation of the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Action Plan for the period 2023-27, expand the scope of sharing meteorological, hydrological, and dam operation data, and strengthen coordination between MLC and the Mekong River Commission. Lastly, the minister advised promoting trade cooperation, building smart supply chains, supporting MSMEs connection with multinational enterprises, and reforming the investment environment in each country. Sons proposals received positive response and support from many other delegates of the meeting. In reviewing the MLCs past operations, the meeting applauded the effective cooperation in various fields, including water resource use and management, cross-border economy, agricultural development, poverty reduction, connectivity between the MLC members, flood forecasting, and natural disaster prevention. The MLC Special Fund has supported country members in developing over 700 projects relating to trade, agriculture, tourism, health, women empowerment, hunger eradication and poverty alleviation, water resource planning and management, and others. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that the MLC, which was set up in 2015, is a mechanism that comes from the people and for the people, while proposing that the organization support the development strategies of country members. All ministers agreed to consider the possibility of establishing the people-centered Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridor as well as developing the Mekong-Lancang Economic Belt, in order to boost application of advanced technologies to economic development, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, promote green growth, and support clean energy transition. The delegates pledged to foster education and tourism cooperation and expand people-to-people exchanges. The meeting expressed their support for Vietnam to host the second MLC Ministerial Meeting on Water Resources in 2024. The Mekong River has a total length of about 4,880km, stemming from China and flowing through all six country members of MLC. The rivers section going through Chinese territory is called Lancang. The Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia, the seventh longest in Asia, and the 12th longest in the world. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Children and locals in Vietnam's Central Highlands will find solace in steaming bowls of pho in the cold weather and participate in a variety of pho-based activities through a meaningful program to mark the Day of Pho (December 12) this weekend. Pho, one of Vietnams most well-known dishes, consists of fresh rice noodles with broth and beef or chicken. The Pho for Mountainous Children 2023 initiative an event meant to delight children in Vietnams Central Highlands region with a slew of pho-centric activities, will take place in Da Lat City, a popular tourist site in Lam Dong Province, on Saturday and Sunday. The Day of Pho is an annual event initiated in 2017 by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. It went international for the first time via the Vietnam Pho Festival 2023 in Tokyo, Japan on October 7 and 8. Through the initiative, locals in Lam Dong will be able to participate in a pho-cooking class, rice noodle-making activities, a game show, and a zero-dong market, while immersing themselves in art performances. The event will also feature a ceremony to award scholarships to outstanding students from low-income families. At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to savor hot bowls of pho cooked by renowned chefs and winners of the Hoa Hoi Vang (Golden Star Anise) award. The 'Hoa Hoi Vang' award is granted each year during the Day of Pho edition to honor pho chefs from across Vietnam. Winner of the Hoa Hoi Vang award Nguyen Tu Tin, co-founder of the PhoS brand, told Tuoi Tre that three other winners will attend Pho for Mountainous Children 2023 as well. Tin added that to prepare for the event, 30 kilograms of beef bone, 40 kilograms of local grass-fed beef, fresh rice noodles, and ginseng are being transported to Da Lat City from nearby Kon Tum Province, where he will be participating in another food-based function in the days prior to Pho for Mountainous Children 2023. Privileged students in Thieng Lieng Island Hamlet, Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City are presented with scholarships at an event on the Day of Pho. Photo: Duyen Phan / Tuoi Tre Cao Van Luan, the owner of a pho eatery in Australia, and his culinary apprentice will provide the program with 1,000 bowls of pho using beef imported from that country. I am eagerly awaiting the event so that I can bring 1,000 bowls of pho to children and locals in Da Lat, Luan shared, adding that he hopes to spread Vietnamese pho culture through his international cooking style. Da Lat has a diverse culinary culture because the city is home to people from various regions [across Vietnam]," Luan said. "Pho boast a rich diversity of regional styles. "Each pho brand features a different taste. My international cooking style brings an exotic flavor to eaters. I cook the broth for pho with fruits such as apple, coconut, and pineapple to whet eaters appetite." For the past six years, Tuoi Tre has rolled out numerous community-driven initiatives to honor the annual Day of Pho. These programs have brought the signature noodle dishto children and poor households in Binh Phuoc, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa Provinces, as well as Ho Chi Minh City. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Army Veteran Ronald Payne packs his belongings as he's evicted from his permanent supportive housing on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Houstons homelessness strategy revolves around housing. People are moved out of homelessness into apartments, where caseworkers are meant to help them stay housed and connect with resources such as employment training or medical clinics. When the Houston Chronicle looked into evictions of people who had gained permanent supportive housing, it found that the issue is not tracked in the Houston region. Some data, however, does provide context about what happens after people in the Houston region get their housing: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tracking retention The Coalition for the Homeless in Houston and Harris County does not track evictions. Instead, its measure for the success of its permanent supportive housing is what percentage of its permanent supportive housing clients are retained every year. Caseworkers dont stop working with a client when theyre evicted or lose their voucher, explained Ana Rausch, vice president of program operation at the coalition. So, this statistic is not a proxy for evictions, which can be traumatic and make it harder to rent in the future. The coalition counts clients as retained as long as they are still working with caseworkers. According to coalition data, roughly 96% of people in permanent housing programs, or 5,700 out of 6,000 people, remain in the program the following year. Reasons roughly 300 people, or about 1 out of 20, leave the programs a year could include losing touch with their caseworker after they are evicted or move, said the coalition. While the coalition did not comment on specific cases, people such as Stephen Lockhart and Ronnie Payne Jr. who lost their vouchers, then their apartments, upending their lives and health could be counted as retained because they continued to work with their caseworkers to get new vouchers and apartments. The same goes for a tenant who was evicted after five months of disagreement between his landlord and the Houston Housing Authority. Soon after his eviction, he was issued a new voucher and has since been housed, according to the housing authority. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What the eviction filings reveal Court records could provide more insight into the issue of evictions. When someone has an eviction filed against them in court, companies that help landlords screen tenants collect the data, which can make it hard to rent in the future, even if the tenant wins the case or settles with a landlord. However, the Houston Housing Authority, citing privacy, does not share the specific units used for permanent supportive housing, making an independent analysis of how many people in the program get evicted each year impossible. A look at one building that specializes in permanent supportive housing, Travis Street Plaza, which serves formerly homeless veterans, shows that, since 2019, evictions have been filed at the rate of 1 for every 22 units per year. Some were evicted for being as little as $150 behind on rent. However, while Travis Street Plaza works to end veteran homelessness, not every tenant at Travis Street Plaza is necessarily in permanent supportive housing. Some may no longer need vouchers because of their financial success. The housing authorities stop subsidizing rent when people earn so much that their full rent is less than 30 percent of their income. According to the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston and Harris County, the apartment complex will also allow veterans to rent there at market rates. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Understanding how many return to homelessness The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires regions receiving homelessness funding to report how many people return to homelessness within two years of leaving a program. About 1 in 5 people return to homelessness within two years, according to coalition data. This number includes not only people leaving permanent supportive housing but also people leaving shelters and whats known as rapid rehousing, which provides rent support for one to two years. Shelters and rapid rehousing have a much higher incidence of people leaving the program only to become homeless within two years. One-third of those clients 1,800 out of 5,100 are recorded as staying housed when they leave their programs, according to the coalitions most recent statistics available on the dashboard. Correction (Dec. 11, 4:42 p.m.): This story has been updated to reflect that one-third of people leaving shelters and rapid rehousing are recorded as staying housed when they leave their programs, according to the most recent statistics available on the Coalition for the Homeless dashboard. Bangkok, Thailand 30 November 2023 Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailands leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Gamuda Land, Malaysias leading property developer, to manage ASAI Gamuda Cove Dusits first hotel in Malaysia and the first hotel development by Gamuda Land. Gamuda Land has more than two decades of experience in developing townships, high-rise developments, country clubs and commercial real estate. The Malaysian real estate developers international foothold is further strengthened by its projects in Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Vietnam. In this country, some of its high profile, award-winning projects include Gamuda City, Celadon City, Artisan Park, Elysian and Eaton Park. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2026, the hotel is situated next to the sprawling Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands within the thoughtfully planned Gamuda Cove. Spanning 1,530 acres, Gamuda Cove will also include vibrant residential and commercial areas to complement a range of eco-friendly tourism attractions, such as the already operational SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park, all designed with sustainability and a low carbon footprint in mind. Kuala Lumpur airport is only 20 minutes away by car, and the city centre can be reached in just 40 minutes. This strategic location caters to both domestic and international travellers, enhancing the overall accessibility and appeal of the destination. Operating under Dusits distinctive locally focused lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, which promises to uniquely link curious travellers with authentic local experiences in the worlds most vibrant neighbourhoods, the 280-key ASAI Gamuda Cove hotel enjoys the distinction of being the first hotel signed under Dusits expanded ASAI Tropical model, specifically tailored for properties located in areas of outstanding natural beauty. Like Dusits operational inner-city ASAI Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand, and Kyoto, Japan, ASAI Tropical hotels will feature thoughtfully compact rooms delivering a distinctive blend of thoughtful essentials, such as plush beds and invigorating showers, complemented by an inviting communal space and locally inspired dining experience. What sets the model apart is the provision of a broader range of facilities. In this case, an infinity pool, more dining venues, expanded event spaces, and a wider variety of room categories, including spacious, family-friendly options. Strategically situated in the southern region of the Gamuda Cove development, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be designed to forge a sense of community by integrating local identity into its design language. Surrounded by green landscapes, the hotel will blend seamlessly with the adjacent wetlands and a sprawling 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, accessible directly from the hotel. Further highlighting Gamuda Coves green credentials, an e-tram network the first of its kind in Malaysia will seamlessly link guests to hotspots within the development, such as Discovery Park, SplashMania Waterpark, and a pedestrian-only commercial hub, helping to limit the use of motorised vehicles and reduce carbon footprint. Regular community-based activities and events will give guests a unique taste of local culture and experiences while highlighting the importance of responsible tourism. ASAI Gamuda Cove is set to cater to both domestic and international tourists who will visit Gamuda Coves host of eco-tourism activities, such as SplashMania Waterpark, Discovery Park, and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands attracting a targeted 1 million visitors annually. To be entrusted with the management of the first hotel within the dynamic Gamuda Cove development truly is an honour, and we are delighted to partner with Gamuda Land to help bring their vision for their first-ever hotel project to life, said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. With its stunning location and sustainable credentials, Gamuda Cove perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the ASAI brand, and we look forward to delivering a unique and unforgettable hotel experience that immerses guests in the diverse cultural tapestry of Malaysia and the natural beauty of the wetlands, all while contributing enduring value to our esteemed partners and the community we serve." Mr Eusoffe Chua, Chief Commercial Officer, Gamuda Land, added: Gamuda Cove is a mindfully planned township development offering exciting eco-friendly tourism activities including adventure and water parks. The masterplan comprises residential and commercial elements, including schools, universities, medical centres, vibrant retail spaces and offices with convenient access to Putrajaya, Cyberjaya, and Kuala Lumpur. "In our collaboration with Dusit, we are thrilled to align with a strategic partner that shares our unwavering commitment to creating interconnected spaces where everyone can seamlessly integrate their living, working and recreational experiences. "The ASAI brand, with its focus on delivering unforgettable local experiences, precisely caters to the evolving needs of today's local and international travellers. We eagerly anticipate a synergistic and enduring partnership as we invite guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of Gamuda Cove. Dusits property portfolio currently spans 19 countries and comprises of 56 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts and approximately 240 luxury villas under Elite Havens. More than 60 Dusit Hotels and Resorts are in the pipeline worldwide. About Dusit International Established in 1948, Dusit International or Dusit Thani Public Company Limited (DUSIT) is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: hotels and resorts, hospitality education, food, property development, and hospitality-related services. The groups portfolio of hotels, resorts and luxury villas includes more than 300 properties operating under a total of eight brands (Devarana Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 19 countries worldwide. The group also operates culinary schools and hospitality colleges in Thailand, plus catering companies for the education sector in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Dusit Internationals diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion and diversification. For more information, please visit dusit-international.com. About Gamuda Land Gamuda Land is the property arm of Gamuda Berhad the regional nation builder with a spectrum of experience and expertise in engineering, construction and infrastructure concessions based in Malaysia. Gamuda Land has over two decades of experience in developing townships, high-rise developments, country clubs and commercial real estates. Some of its high profile, award-winning projects in Malaysia include Horizon Hills, Kota Kemuning, Bandar Botanic, Jade Hills and Valencia among others; more notably, its international foothold is further strengthened by its overseas projects in Australia, Singapore, Vietnam and the United Kingdom respectively, some of which have also won numerous awards. About Gamuda Cove Gamuda Cove is envisioned to be a Nature Sanctuary, Smart City which has been recognised as Malaysia first 5-Diamond Low Carbon City for its masterplan design. Situated in Southern Klang Valley, and adjacent to the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, the 1,530-acre masterplan has been mindfully planned with sustainability at heart. It comprises more than 200 acres of parks and greenery within residential and commercial developments. At the core of the township, its 60-acre Heart of Cove will be the pulse of excitement and a centre for commerce, retail and leisure activities. Its 23-acre Discovery Park offers thrilling attractions such as Southeast Asias first Aerobar ride, Goosebumps Rope Course and many others including food and leisure spots like The Hive and Beach Pool Club. Gamuda Cove is easily connected via a direct interchange from ELITE Expressway interlink with a future Cyberjaya toll-free direct link and in close proximity to KLIA. For more information, please contact: Sureerat Sudpairak | Corporate Director of Public Relations | Dusit International Tel: +66 (0) 2200 9999 ext. 3321 | Mobile +66 (0) 89 006 8697 | Email: sureerat.sp@dusit.com Rachel Lee | Gamuda Land Mobile +6016 282 8751 | Email: leepohyin@gamudaland.com.my Ryan Mok | Gamuda Land Mobile +6019 657 2177 | Email: ryan.mok@gamudaland.com.my HA NOI AEON 1% Club Foundation bestowed 60 scholarships upon Vietnamese university students during a ceremony held on Thursday. Yoshiki Mori, the chairman of the AEON 1% Club Foundation, announced that the AEON 1% Club Foundation Scholarship is an allowance-based scholarship intended for university students from different Asian countries, as well as Asian students studying in Japan. The project, known as "Support the Dreams of Asian Students," was initiated in 2006 with the aim of nurturing recipients who will contribute significantly in their respective fields, fostering connections between their home countries and Japan. Apart from providing year-round financial support, the project offers opportunities for diverse educational programmes and volunteer activities for scholarship students in Japan, while also assisting students in their pursuit of becoming global talents. In Viet Nam, the AEON 1% Club Foundation Scholarship has been granted to a total of 1,240 university students, including those from universities in Ha Noi since 2012 and those in HCM City since 2011. This year in Ha Noi, students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Viet Nam National University, the Foreign Trade University and the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture were honoured to receive the scholarships. At the Scholarship Certificate Granting Ceremony, students awarded scholarships gave speeches on their personal dreams and goals. The scholarship not only helps us to reduce the financial burden but also acts as a motivation for us to further develop our future, said Hoang Khanh Vy, a student at Foreign Trade University. 2023 is the year celebrating the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam - Japan diplomatic relationship. The scholarship serves as both the most tangible example of the two countries' long-standing friendship and collaboration as well as a reflection of the AEON Group's strong corporate social responsibility in Viet Nam, Vy said. Established in 1989 in Japan, the AEON 1% Club Foundation focuses on projects revolving around three main themes: "Sound Development of the Next Generation, Promotion of Friendship with Foreign Countries, and Sustainable Development of Regional Communities." Since its inception, the AEON 1% Club Foundation Scholarship has provided support to approximately 8,305 students hailing from 38 universities and colleges across Japan, China, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. VNS HA NOI The 29th Vietnam International Medical and Pharmaceutical Exhibition (Medi-pharm Expo 2023) opened its doors in the capital city on Thursday. The three-day event is attended by 150 domestic and foreign exhibitors from 20 countries and territories, including India, Poland, Bangladesh, Taiwan, Germany, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Japan, Pakistan, France, Singapore, Switzerland, China, Italy, and Viet Nam. According to the event organisers, these exhibitors are showcasing a diverse range of products in over 180 booths, across five main industry groups: pharmaceuticals, functional foods, processing, and packaging machinery; medical machinery and equipment, healthcare, analysis, experiments, clean rooms; services, hospital furniture, software, and medical tourism; dental and ophthalmic equipment; cosmetics, aesthetics, and beauty equipment. The expo would offer organisations and businesses opportunities to enhance the exchange of experiences, promote their products, seize investment opportunities, and transfer technologies to improve efficiency in production and business, organisers said. According to a report by Vietnam Report, the healthcare market and pharmaceutical industry in Viet Nam are expected to witness positive growth. The report highlighted that over 42 per cent of businesses in the industry believe in the development of the pharmaceutical sector in 2023. Furthermore, it is projected that by 2025, the total spending on the health sector will reach an estimated US$23.3 billion. Market research firm Fitch Solutions also emphasised that health spending in Viet Nam is anticipated to reach $23 billion in 2023. This growth is attributed to the increasing concern for health, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the digital health industry's development has contributed significantly to the expansion of the market size. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam is ready in terms of infrastructure and necessary conditions to receive investment projects from US semiconductor enterprises, said Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in co-ordination with the the USs Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) organised a roundtable discussion on infrastructure readiness for the semiconductor industry in Viet Nam in Ha Noi on Thursday. Speaking at the discussion, Minister Dung said that in order to implement the content of cooperation in developing the semiconductor industry in the Viet Nam - US joint statement, Viet Nam has prepared conditions to be ready to receive and cooperate with US businesses and investors in the semiconductor industry supply chain. The country has perfected the one-stop mechanism, developed a project to develop human resources for the semiconductor industry to reach 30,000 people by 2030, and established NIC Hoa Lac to host investment projects in the semiconductor industry with the highest incentives. Today's discussion focuses on discussing infrastructure readiness for the semiconductor industry in Viet Nam. I believe that SIA and its member businesses will receive a lot of information to soon have plans to co-operate and invest in Viet Nam," emphasised Dung. John Neuffer, head of SIA, shared about the US - Viet Nam cooperation activities to promote the semiconductor industry. Neuffer pointed out that SIA's member businesses, many of which are present at the event, have significant investments in Viet Nam, including Intel, Marvell, Synopsys, Qualcomm, Ampere, and Infineon. Many businesses are doubling their investments These investments are a testament to Viet Nams pivotal and growing role in the global semiconductor supply chain. We see incredible opportunities for Viet Nam to grow its footprint in global semiconductor supply chains," said Neuffer. Viet Nam has had quite specific and consistent orientations, goals and actions to build important initial foundations for the semiconductor industry and is currently considered a country with a dynamic innovative ecosystem thanks to the rapid development of the digital economy and the strong growth of the high-tech sector. Viet Nam is increasingly asserting itself as the new economic growth centre of Asia with a solid position in the global supply chain, continuously receiving investment from multinational corporations. Marvell Viet Nam representative said that during the past 10 years, the company has had a very clear commitment to develop human resources in the next three to five years through cooperation with universities and research institutes along with the support of the Vietnamese Government. Protecting creative intelligence was extremely important for companies to invest in Viet Nam, he said. The company expected to be able to cooperate with member companies and ministries here to develop Viet Nam's semiconductor industry, he added. Vuong Quoc Tuan, Standing Vice Chairman of Bac Ninh province's People's Committee, shared that the province saw this was an opportunity to grasp and prepare for receiving capital from abroad. In the field of semiconductors, in terms of infrastructure, Bac Ninh industrial park is the area with the largest industrial infrastructure in the North to become a centre for innovative research and transfer. It has a policy of supporting 50 per cent of tuition fees for students in the high-tech field. Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc said that Viet Nam had strengths in training mathematics and chemistry, leading in Southeast Asia, thus creating a good foundation for industries such as semiconductors and information technology. Currently, about 200,000 Vietnamese students are studying abroad. So, if Viet Nam develops high-tech industries, Viet Nam has about 40 universities providing training in fields related to semiconductors. If demand for the semiconductor chip industry increases, students will become more interested in this field and Viet Nam can fully meet the human resources needs from additional training to completely new training, said Phuc. "We really want US businesses to cooperate closely with universities, build training programmes, support students for internships, and support universities to build laboratories," he said. Nguyen Anh Thi, Head of HCM City Industrial Park Management Board, said that for the semiconductor chip industry, the city had a relatively seamless ecosystem, possessing highly qualified human resources and a culture of innovation. HCM City recognised the importance of human resources from the beginning of last year. It has a semiconductor training centre with Synosys to promote human resource training in Viet Nam and HCM City in particular. At the seminar, SIA member businesses, and Vietnamese localities and businesses discussed ways of cooperation on infrastructure conditions to meet the requirements of semiconductor industry businesses. The MPI, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnamese localities and businesses have also provided SIA and its member businesses with basic information about the business investment environment and electricity, water, transportation infrastructure conditions and preferential policies in industrial parks, economic zones, and high-tech zones. VNS HCM CITY Generative artificial intelligence (AI) will drive a transformative shift for businesses and consumers, resulting in a smoother shopping and payment experience for consumers, experts said. At a recent seminar on Viet Nam's payment landscape by Visa Vietnam, experts highlighted that banks and financial institutions can gain a competitive edge by utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to acquire more customers, enhance customer engagement, and optimise operational efficiency. Viet Nam's payment landscape is set to undergo significant transformation through the use of generative artificial intelligence, they said. The AI revolution is here, and the payments sector is at the forefront of this transformation, said Manideep Gupta, VP, Visa Consulting & Analytics, Asia Pacific. AI facilitates quicker credit assessment for consumers and businesses, which is critical in enabling simpler and more reliable underwriting and collections. The technology can also expedite fraud detection and protection, improve dispute management processes, and automate financial advisory services. This leads to a better user experience and allows the provision of intelligent financial services, such as hyper-personalised recommendations and offers. Generative AI is currently revolutionising numerous industries, including financial services, healthcare, and education. By improving services and productivity, it is transforming business growth strategies. This technology is also set to power many consumer experiences, such as embedded finance. Embedded finance, which involves integrating payment options into non-financial platforms, is becoming an everyday part of Vietnamese consumers' lives. Whether booking a ride-share service or ordering takeaway food from an app, consumers are benefiting from more seamless customer journeys. Businesses can leverage embedded finance technology to develop integrated solution offerings, simplifying the payment process for merchants. Meanwhile, Viet Nam is in an excellent position to utilise AI to enhance the payment experience for both consumers and businesses, due to its status as the fastest-growing digital economy in Southeast Asia for the second year running. The country's digital economy is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate of 20 per cent. At the seminar, Visa showed its advantages being at the forefront of using AI for fraud and payments risk protection for over 30 years. It was the first network to deploy AI-based technology for risk and fraud management, pioneering the use of AI models in payment security. The company has recently launched its new AI Advisory Practice, built to focus on empowering its clients with actionable insights and recommendations to harness the potential of artificial intelligence, including generative AI. At Visa, we recognise the tremendous potential of AI and embedded finance, said Dung Dang, Visa Country Manager for Viet Nam and Laos. We are working with our partners to facilitate increasingly frictionless and secure digital payments in Viet Nam. As a trusted brand working with players in the payment ecosystem, Visa is well-positioned to shape this space and innovate for the future. VNS \ HA NOI Russian oil and gas company Zarubezhneft JSC's cooperation and business projects in the fields of oil and gas, energy in Viet Nam have made positive contributions to the special friendship and cooperative ties between Viet Nam and Russia, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has said. Receiving the companys General Director Sergey Kudryashov in Ha Noi on Thursday, Ha affirmed that Viet Nam has always attached importance to its traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia. He hoped that in the coming time, with experience and technological advantages, Zarubezhneft will join hands with Vietnamese partners and businesses to deploy new oil and gas, and energy projects to boost economic cooperation between the two countries. The Deputy PM said he will direct ministries, agencies, and localities to remove difficulties and obstacles to facilitate projects between the Russian company and its Vietnamese partners. For his part, Kudryashov informed the Deputy PM about impressive results of cooperation projects between Zarubezhneft and the the State-owned Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam). Currently, Zarubezhneft is urgently completing procedures and plans to carry out new oil and gas, and energy projects in Viet Nam, he said. The General Director expressed his desire to participate in important energy and electricity projects in Viet Nam. On the same day, Deputy PM Ha also received former Environment Minister of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Chi-beom. At the reception, Ha applauded the Korean guest for his contributions and initiatives to boost Viet Nam-RoK cooperative relations. Ha said Viet Nam has incentives to attract investors into the fields of environmental protection, renewable energy, green transition, and digital transformation. Lee said that Korean businesses have plans to invest in environmentally-friendly smart industrial zones and clusters in Viet Nam to serve high-tech manufacturing industries, form a complete ecosystem, and participate in the global value chain. VNS A NANG Cebu Pacific Air new Manila-a Nang connection saw 177 passengers on the inaugural flight land at a Nang International Airport on Thursday, December 7. The Philippines national flag carrier will begin operating the new route three times a week each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with an Airbus A320NEO aircraft. a Nang is the third city in Viet Nam that Cebu Pacific Air now flies direct to, after Ha Noi and HCM City. In celebration of the new route, the citys tourism department presented all passengers with vouchers for Sky 36 Bar and an ao dai (traditional long dress) show. Vice Chairman of a Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong said the introduction of the route resulted from endless efforts since the successful Route Asia in 2022 forum, an event dedicated to accelerating the aviation industry's recovery across the Asia-Pacific region, organised by a Nang. The Philippines is a new and potential market to a Nang tourism industry, aiming at diversifying international tourists in the coming years, he said. Cuong said the central city would create the best conditions to boost tourism, trade and investment between the Philippines and a Nang. The new Manila-a Nang route will be a magnet visitors from central Viet Nam and travellers from the Philippines to world heritage sites including Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Hue Monuments Complex, Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam and beach vacations in a Nang. Last month, key tourism hubs in a Nang, Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue hosted tourism promotion programmes in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. According to the latest report from a Nang tourism department, more than 7.4 million tourists, of which 2 million were international visitors, booked rooms in the city in 2023. Revenue from travel, hotel and restaurant service earned VN28 trillion (US$1.12 billion), 67 per cent increase to last year, the report unveiled. According to a Nang International Terminal Company (AHT), a Nang Airport currently hosts 16 international routes including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong, Cambodia, Korea and Japan with an average of 50 flights per day. a Nang International Airport is designed to handle 28 million passengers and 200,000 tonnes of cargo by 2030. VNS HCM CITY Around 300 major foreign corporations who have invested in Viet Nam and Vietnamese businesses attended the "Beyond Global Business Promotion & Connection" programme held to facilitate links and promote trade between international companies and local ones. The event held in HCM City on December 7 was organised by the Vietnam International Trade and Investment Development Club along with the German Business Association, Polish Investment and Trade Agency, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Malaysia Business Chamber Vietnam, and Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam. Speaking at the event, Tran Phu Lu, director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City, said the event offered opportunities for domestic and foreign enterprises to interact and find trade and investment partners from many countries such as Poland, Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. He said as a special urban area, major economic centre and focal point for international exchange and integration, HCM City is aiming to become a modern city, a leader in international trade, a digital economy and society and the economic, financial, commercial, cultural, educational, and technological hub of the country with a prominent status also in Southeast Asia. Piotr Harasimowicz, chief representative officer of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in the city, said Viet Nam is not only situated in a dynamic region but also has good logistics to enable trade. It maintains political stability, has integrated into the global economy by signing a series of free trade agreements and was as one of the most successful countries in controlling COVID-19. This is a good opportunity for Viet Nam to attract investment and boost its economy, creating momentum for long-term and sustainable development. Beyond Global Business Promotion and Connection 2023 introduces a unique format that facilitates connections between international chambers of commerce and Vietnamese business across diverse industries. This programme promises to be an exciting and enriching networking event, bringing together leading businesses from various sectors. Kelly Luong, president of the Vietnam International Trade and Investment Development Club, said: 2023 marks the first year for the annual series of connection programmes. Our vision is to connect chambers of commerce from various countries operating in Viet Nam with Vietnamese businesses. Our goal is to create conditions for promoting diverse and multidimensional trade between participating countries." The gala night was followed by the presentation of the 2023 "Beyond Global Outstanding Award " to 18 businesses nominated by the various participating chambers of commerce. VNS BANGKOK Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong inh Hue met Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) Sanan Angubolkuk and executives of several leading businesses of Thailand in Bangkok on Friday as part of his ongoing official visit to the Southeast Asian country. NA Chairman Hue hailed the TCCs effective coordination with Vietnamese agencies in preparing for a Viet Nam-Thailand forum in Bangkok to discuss policies and laws to promote bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as the chambers contributions to trade and investment collaboration outcomes between the two countries. He thanked the Thai side for supporting the establishment of a Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (VietCham Thailand), and asked the TCC to coordinate with the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and relevant agencies in Viet Nam to further boost trade and investment ties between the two countries. For his part, Angubolkuk said that the TCC is working closely with the VCCI to facilitate partnerships between Vietnamese and Thai business communities, contributing to increasing two-way trade. NA Chairman Hue stressed that the goal of US$25 billion in two-way trade is only for the near future, and the two sides should strive for a higher figure in a balanced and sustainable manner, matching the potential of each country and the sound political and diplomatic relations between the two countries. At a meeting with leading Thai firms that are investing in Viet Nam, including Central Group, SIAM Cement Group (SCG), Kasikorn Bank, Charoen Pokphand (CP) and WHA, NA Chairman Hue thanked the Thai companies for choosing Viet Nam to invest, and lauded their effective operations in Viet Nam. He said he hopes the firms will continue to expand their production and business in Viet Nam following the cooperation trend of the two countries. The Vietnamese top legislator took note of the opinions of the Thai businesses, saying that the NA and Government of Viet Nam are reviewing and completing the legal system to provide the best possible conditions for domestic and foreign investors, including those from Thailand. Viet Nam always considers the success of foreign investors as its own, he stated. Representatives from the Thai firms thanked Vietnamese agencies, including the NA for providing optimal conditions for them to operate in Viet Nam. They pledged to continue to expand their business and production in Viet Nam and make more contributions to the development of local communities. VNS Icicles hang on a watch for ice on bridge road sign along Cutten Rd. near Bourgeois Rd. Monday, February 15, 2021 in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Not all cold fronts are created equal. We have weak cold fronts that drop temperatures by only a few degrees and shift the wind direction temporarily. We have exceptionally strong cold fronts, such as the one that gripped the state during the historic February 2021 freeze. The majority of cold fronts fall between these two extremes. The three types of cold fronts According to the National Weather Service, a cold front is a zone separating two air masses, of which the cooler, denser mass is advancing and replacing the warmer. However, we can break it down even more. The origin of the colder air mass often decides how strong the front will be when it arrives in Texas. Based on where that air mass is coming from, three distinct types of cold fronts can develop. INTERACTIVE MAP: Is the weather getting more extreme in Houston? How temperatures this year compare to historical averages Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pacific cold fronts: This is the most common type of cold front to move into Texas. These develop off of low atmospheric pressure that originates over the Pacific Ocean. These low pressure systems often move through the West Coast on their way to influencing Texas weather. Because of the way oceans absorb heat, temperatures over the waters are not as cold as they would be over land. With the air not as cold to begin with, the air is also not as cold when it arrives in Texas several days later. Pacific fronts can still bring some chilly air, even down to the 30s, but they rarely bring freezing temperatures to the state. Pacific cold fronts develop off of low atmospheric pressure systems that form in the Pacific Ocean. As the center of the low moves closer to Texas, it drags a cold front through the state. Pivotal Canadian cold fronts: These are the second-most common cold front in Texas. Instead of the air originating from the Pacific Ocean, these fronts originate over land, specifically in Canada. The air over land is much drier than over water, which allows temperatures to be much colder. Because the air can start colder, it stays colder when these fronts arrive in the Lone Star State. Canadian cold fronts can have a wide range of strengths, but the strong ones often result in sub-freezing temperatures across all of Texas, including in southern cities such as Houston and San Antonio. They are most common from December through March. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Arctic cold fronts: The most rare of the three types of cold fronts, arctic fronts originate from the far northern latitudes, north of the Arctic Circle. The air in these regions can sometimes start out colder than 50 degrees below zero. Of course, these fronts dont stay that cold once they reach Texas, but they are often responsible for wintry weather and the coldest temperatures of the year. Arctic fronts can bring temperatures down to the teens and single digits across Texas. The February 2021 freeze is an example of an exceptionally strong arctic cold front. Temperatures bottomed out at 13 degrees in Houston 9 degrees in San Antonio 2 degrees below zero in Dallas. Here is a snapshot of the temperatures on Feb. 15, 2021. An arctic cold front had moved through Texas, sending temperatures into the single digits and teens. NOAA/National Weather Service Low pressure systems matter Other factors can determine how strong a cold front is when it arrives in Texas. These include the strength and the position of low atmospheric pressure systems. Cold fronts are a result of low pressure systems, as they help to direct dense cold air toward rising warmer air. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HCM CITY Artists from the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre are working on a new version about history and soldiers to celebrate Viet Nam Peoples Army Day on December 22. They will stage Khach San Hao Hoa (Brave Heart), a cai luong (reformed opera) production featuring Vietnamese soldiers and their sacrifice for the countrys independent in the anti-American war. The opera was famous in the 1980s, featuring cai luong stars such as Thanh Tuan, My Chau and Diep Lang. It highlights female communist secret agents working in Sai Gon (now HCM City) in the 1960s who displayed incredible levels of patriotism, loyalty, bravery and intelligence. The themes of patriotism and honesty are also featured. In the new version, Peoples Artist and theatre director Tran Ngoc Giau uses realistic stories mixed with fantasy to feature female agents secret activities and the risks they faced of being discovered by their enemies. Giau has more than 35 years in theatre. Veteran artists Thu Van and Vo Minh Lam are invited to perform with their younger colleagues Nguyen Van Khoi, Diem Thanh and Ha Nhu. Khach San Hao Hoa features historical events. Our artists have worked to breathe life into the play, said the plays director, Giau, in an interview with local media after the plays premier in HCM City in December. Through the show, Giaus actors offered the new version of Khach San Hao Hoa with traditional tunes that were sung in cai luong - an unique form of Vietnamese theatre that began in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta province of Tien Giang in the 1920s. Khach San Hao Hoa highlights the contribution of Southern soldiers and people to the cause of national liberation and reunification, said actor Khoi, winner of the Chuong Vang Vong Co (Golden Bell) 2017, an annual national cai luong contest by Ho Chi Minh Television. Our new version is targeted to young audiences, but we will still offer a pure cai luong style. The play Khach San Hao Hoa is scheduled to be staged at weekends, starting on December 16, at Tran Huu Trang Theatre in District 1. VNS HA NOI The exhibition Vu Tru Hung 1 (Universe Receives 1) presents the most recent paintings by artist ao Anh Khanh at Lunet Art Gallery in Ha Noi. Most of the thirty-five large paintings are surreal art made in 2023, a few were completed three years ago. The paintings feature bright and fresh colours, and the two largest, Hoa Troi (Sky Flower) and Thung Lung Tinh Yeu (Valley of Love), are 120cm by 240cm. Khanh painted Sky Flower in the pandemic period depicting young half naked women playing music and dancing around a big blue flower. "This painting is meaningful to me," said Khanh. "When I drew it I felt lonely and very sad. This painting is romantic and fresh, helping me be more confident. "Life is full of ups and downs; Sky Flower will be a flame keeping my passion burning and I don't intend to sell it." Sky Flower is one of the paintings made in the pandemic period where Khanh was alone in his Gam Troi Valley. He has invested in the valley for 10 years. He sets up art spaces and sculptures here, but always respects nature. He has the opinion that art and nature should be in harmony. Vu Tru Hung 1 is the first part from a series of exhibitions by Khanh in the next years. The series will comprise four parts which have been created at Gam Troi in Luong Son, the northern province of Hoa Binh. The series of exhibitions all have the theme of universe, but the artist will have different stories and ways of expression in each exhibition. In Vu Tru Hung 1 exhibition, Khanh explores the miraculous beauty of the universe symbolised by little floral elements such as grass, flower or leaf. This beauty has the nature of law and existence to create and maintain the universe, according to the artist. Khanh's paintings always include the image of people because they are the centre of the universe, said Khanh. Khan is internationally recognised for breaking away from traditional, stylistic and political constraints. His mind knows no limits, escaping to the outer reaches of the universe in search of tranquillity, and finding explosions of renewed personal energy on the way. Born in 1959 in Ha Noi, Khanh graduated from Ha Noi Police Academy and Ha Noi University of Industrial Fine Arts. He is one of the most popular contemporary artists in Viet Nam with his works of sculpture, painting and performing art constantly pushing the boundaries for artistic creativity. His annual art show, ao Xuan (Spring Arrival), held following the Lunar New Year since 2003, has become one of the most anticipated art events for both Vietnamese and international art lovers. Vu Tru Hung 1 runs until December 12 at 63-65 Hoang Dieu Street. VNS HAI PHONG Hai Phong has recently carried out a programme combining tourism and education with a view to popularise the city's culture and history to the wider community. The programme, jointly organised by the Department of Tourism and Department of Education and Training, introduced cultural, historical and experiential tourism products associated with environmental protection and career guidance for students in the city. The organisers set up four tours which spread through 19 destinations, landmarks, heritages and vocational centres around the city. All these places met requirements of good facilities, safety, and suitability for the general education programme. At the same time, the tours would help students-of-all-ages and tourists exploit cultural, historical and natural environmental values. Among the places were Hai Phong Museum, Navy Museum, Dau Island Tourism Resort, Gia Minh drug rehabilitation centre, and colleges and universities. According to Tran Huu Hung of the Department of Tourism, the programme received positive feedback from students. Nguyen Huong Thuy Ly of Tran Nguyen Han High School was impressed with what she saw during a day travelling Cat Ba National Park and Trung Trang Cave in Cat Hai District. The 17-year-old student said she and her friends learned about many different trees in the park, part of the World Biosphere Reserve. "We were given experience and basic skills when staying and walking in the forest, by forest rangers. Later, we were allowed to take part in the process of making specimens of rare flora and fauna species," said Ly. The students also enjoyed the feeling of living in the Trung Trang Cave where traces of ancient Vietnamese people nearly 7,000 years ago were still visible. She said these experiences combined with school lessons give her and friends much more vivid knowledge than just learning from textbooks alone. Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, an eighth grader of Cap Tien-Bach ang Secondary School, and her classmates were taken to Scholar Nguyen Binh Khiem Relic Site and Hai Phong Tourism College. Trang was really interested in the career guidance activities at the college. She said she discovered her passion in travelling through the experience. Not only students but also teachers appreciated the educational tourism programme. The tour guides actively and strongly supported them in all activities, organising tours and team building activities for their students of all ages. "We have welcomed many groups of students to our centre. Here, they experience and learn about historical sites of the district," said Luu Thi Thu Huyen, director of o Son Historical Site Management and Tourism Service Centre. "This is a very meaningful programme that receives the attention of students and their parents. They become an important promotion channel to promote our tourism products to domestic and foreign friends." Luong Anh Van, chairman of the Board of Directors of Vintravel International Tourism Joint Stock Company, said the programme also made it easier for travel agencies to choose destinations that ensure service quality and are suitable for expanding school tourism. He said this tourism product could be organised all year round, adding a new choice for tourists visiting Hai Phong which mainly focused on marine tourism products. It also motivated travel agencies to proactively improve the quality of tour organisation services, increase competitiveness, and gradually professionalise school tourism products. Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Vu Huy Thuong believed that if this new tourism programme was well organised it would receive more support from schools and lure high attention and response of parents because of a large number of students in the city. He said the product had huge potential to develop in the future and the Department of Tourism would continue to collect opinions from agencies and units to improve its quality. At the same time, the department would review, research and add more places and attractions to the programme to bring student-tourists truly quality, safe and useful products. VNS BEIJING Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son led a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 8th Mekong - Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened in Beijing, China, on December 7. Addressing the event, Son affirmed that Viet Nam treasures and continues actively contributing to cooperation among the six MLC countries. With the goal of building a better future for their people, he put forth four priority areas of cooperation in the coming time, including advancing foundational industries by gradually transforming from processing and assembly to research, design, and manufacturing; and fostering innovation, technology application and transfer. The second suggestion was accelerating digital transformation through policy dialogues on digital economy and cybersecurity. This entails collaboration in developing digital workforce, smart cities, digitising micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and encouraging the establishment of digital infrastructure and application of new-generation technologies to the manufacturing industry. He also called for greater efforts to promote environmental protection and green growth by strengthening cooperation in developing a green circular bio-economy, clean and renewable energy, smart agriculture; and expediting the completion and implementation of the MLC Water Resources Cooperation Action Plan for 2023-2027. The scope of data sharing on meteorology, hydrology, and dam operation should be expanded while closer coordination between the MLC and the Mekong River Commission should be enhanced, Son said. In his view, promoting trade cooperation, establishing intelligent supply chains, facilitating connections between MSMEs and multinational corporations, and reforming the investment environment are also key components of this collaborative effort. The Vietnamese minister's speech was welcomed and highly evaluated by the participating member countries. Ministers hailed the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund for assisting member countries in carrying out over 700 small and medium-sized projects across various sectors such as trade, agriculture, tourism, water resource management, environment, health, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment. Building upon the past achievements, they agreed to step up the MLC cooperation with a priority given to innovation, assisting the modernisation of countries and creating new momentum for sub-regional cooperation. They concurred to explore the possibility of establishing the Mekong-Lancang Innovation Corridor with people being put at the centre, and developing the Mekong-Lancang Economic Belt. This initiative aims to enhance the application of advanced technologies in economic development, boost infrastructure connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, support the transition to clean energy and promote green growth. They reaffirmed their commitment to prioritising water management in the Mekong-Lancang region, expediting the completion of the Action Plan for MLC Water Resources Cooperation for the 2023-2027 period. They expressed their support for Viet Nam's hosting of the second MLC Ministerial Meeting on Water Resources in 2024. The meeting also vowed to increase people-to-people exchanges as well as education and tourism collaboration. Founded in 2016, the MLC consists of six member countries, namely Thailand, China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Ha Noi on December 7 for President of the US Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) John Neuffer and leaders of major US semiconductor companies such as Intel, Qualcom, Ampere and ARM, who are on a working visit to Viet Nam. PM Chinh told them that in the recently-established comprehensive strategic partnership, Viet Nam and the US have agreed to make science-technology and innovation a new important pillar in their relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to mobilise resources and brainpower and prioritise certain focal areas for Viet Nam, particularly the semiconductor industry in which Viet Nam has considerable potential and advantages. He believed that cooperation in the semiconductor industry will open up numerous opportunities for businesses of both nations to tap their respective advantages and bring economic benefits to them, helping to realise the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership. Viet Nam is building a human resources development strategy and project with suitable incentives to attract leading foreign semiconductor manufacturers, designers and developers to the country, the government leader stressed. Currently, Viet Nam has around 6,000 engineers working in the semiconductor industry for both domestic and foreign enterprises, he said, adding the country aims to train 50,000 highly-skilled engineers between now and 2030, with a particular focus on those specialising in semiconductor chip design. The country sends nearly 30,000 students to the US each year, leading Southeast Asian countries and ranking in the top five countries with the highest number of international students in the US. About 2.2 million overseas Vietnamese are also living in the US, he said. He proposed SIA push forward the US's early recognition of Vietnam's market economy status and eliminate unnecessary controls in technology transfer. He urged for enhanced cooperation in technology transfer, research, production, workforce training, building of laboratories, and support for Vietnamese firms to join the USs global semiconductor supply chain. The PM also called for collaboration in building and fine-tuning mechanisms and policies to sustainably develop the semiconductor industry. Neuffer, for his part, spoke highly of Viet Nam's significant and impressive progress in the semiconductor industry, making it a crucial destination and a key player in the semiconductor supply chain. Viet Nam is the most attractive destination for US investors in the semiconductor industry and could play the role as a strategic partner in the supply of workforce, he said. Informing the host about the results of his working sessions with relevant Vietnamese agencies, he said US enterprises are eagerly waiting for Viet Nam's national semiconductor strategy. He believed that Viet Nam will play an even more crucial role in the global supply chain, quickly seizing emerging opportunities in this field, especially in chip design, which does not require as much investment as manufacturing. The US businesses are ready to strengthen relations, boost investment and cooperate with Viet Nam in the semiconductor industry, especially in training talents and high-quality workforce, contributing to promoting mutually beneficial relations between the two countries, he added. Founded in 1977, SIA gathers a network of member companies accounting for up to 99% of the semiconductor industry's revenue in the US, with two-thirds from foreign enterprises. It has played a proactive role in prompting the US to foster cooperative efforts in developing Viet Nam's semiconductor ecosystem. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday morning hosted a welcome ceremony for his Belarusian counterpart Roman Golovchenko who is paying an official visit to Viet Nam from December 6-9. This is the first time PM Golovchenko has visited Viet Nam since he took office in 2020. It takes place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 31st founding anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1992-2023) and the 66th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's first visit to Minsk (1957-2023). At the welcome ceremony, the two leaders inspected the guard of honour, and visited a photo exhibition featuring the land and people of Viet Nam and Belarus, and their good relations, jointly held by the Government Office and the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). After that, the two PMs held talks. While in Viet Nam, PM Golovchenko is also scheduled to meet high-ranking leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State to exchange views on ways to enhance the bilateral relationship in the time ahead, making it more intensive, extensive, practical and effective, along with other issues of shared concern. He will also visit some Vietnamese localities, including the working sessions with Ha Noi City and Hung Yen Province yesterday. Viet Nam and Belarus set up diplomatic ties in January 1992. Belarus opened its embassy in Viet Nam in 1998, and Viet Nam's embassy was set up in Belarus five years later. The two countries have maintained regular delegation exchanges and meetings at all levels. They have also effectively implemented existing cooperation mechanisms and areas, and closely cooperated and supported each other at the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and other international forums and organisations. Two-way trade reached nearly US$114 million last year. Currently, Belarus is running three investment projects in Viet Nam worth $32.2 million. Meanwhile, Viet Nam has an investment project in Belarus with total capital of $810,000. The bilateral socio-economic, cultural, security, and defence cooperation has been constantly consolidated and strengthened, contributing to the stable and sustainable development of each nation. VNS NEW YORK Viet Nam is committed to collaborating with the international community to quickly and effectively address increasingly complex threats posed by transnational organised crime. That was the message from Minister Counsellor and deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Viet Nam to the UN Nguyen Hoang Nguyen addressing a UN Security Council open debate on Transnational organised crime, growing challenges and new threats in New York on December 7 (US time). The Vietnamese diplomat said the crime poses multidimensional threats to security, exploiting modern technologies to infiltrate sovereign States, incite conflicts and sabotage progress. By providing weapons and logistical support to armed groups, the scourge also prolongs and exacerbates cross-regional conflicts. Such a challenge requires international cooperation that addresses the underlying causes of conflict and poverty, he noted. To that end, border control and cyberspace must be assured, and efficient information channels must be established to facilitate experience- and data-sharing. Viet Nam has strengthened legislation to counter drug trafficking, money-laundering and other illicit activities, which are providing a more effective response to counter transnational organised crime, he said. In addition to the development and enforcement of domestic laws, Viet Nam places a strong emphasis on enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation at both regional and international levels. At the debate, many opinions assessed that the threats from organised crime are increasingly serious to regional and international peace and security, with sophisticated and complex methods and tactics. Addressing this challenge requires strong political commitments and coordinated actions from the international community, they said. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Belarusian counterpart Roman Golovchenko hailed positive developments in economic, trade and investment cooperation during official talks in Ha Noi on Friday. In the first Viet Nam visit by a Belarusian government leader in 12 years, PM Golovchenko said that Belarus appreciates the long-term ties between the two countries and sees Viet Nam as one of its priority partners in Southeast Asia. The two countries have been working to implement the free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Belarus is a member, and agreed that they need to further explore the bilateral relations potential. The US$15 million investment project for MAZ Auto Manufacturing and Assembly Plant of Belarus in Hung Yen Province has been progressing, while the two countries are looking into establishing joint ventures in industries that fit their respective strengths and needs. Viet Nam and Belarus also agreed to strive for higher turnover and facilitate the access of each countrys goods to the others market, especially agricultural and aquatic products, dairy products, fertilisers and tractors. During the talks, the two PMs emphasised on the importance of continued delegation exchanges at all levels and channels, as well as the effective implementation of existing cooperation mechanisms. The two countries will also maintain the close coordination and support for each other at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations. PM Chinh said that Viet Nam is willing to be a point of connection for Belarus to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN, and asked that Belarus support Viet Nams and ASEANs stance on the East Sea (internationally called the South China Sea) issues. The two leaders also agreed to expand cooperation to areas of high potential such as information technology, digital transformation, education and training, scientific research, culture, tourism and people exchanges. They gave high regard to the cooperation agreement between Ha Noi and Minsk signed during the visit, as well as the education cooperation agreement signed in June this year which helped increase exchanges between students, lecturers and experts. The government leaders also hoped that the bilateral visa exemption for ordinary passport holders signed during this visit, and the 2023-25 cultural cooperation programme signed in May this year will help boost collaboration in cultural, tourism and people exchanges between the two countries. PM Chinh sent his gratitude to the Belarusian leaders and government for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in living, working and studying in Belarus, and hoped that this support will be continued in the future. Following the talks, the PM Chinh and PM Golovchenko witnessed the signing ceremony for agreements regarding transferring sentenced persons; visa exemption for ordinary passport holders; cooperation and information exchange in nuclear safety and protection against radiation; and the official dissemination of Vietnamese national standards in Belarus. As part of PM Golovchenkos visit to Viet Nam, a Belarusian-Vietnamese business forum was held on Thursday in HCM City, attracting more than 100 firms from both countries. VNS BANGKOK Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Prof. Dr. Vuong inh Hue on Friday visited and delivered a keynote speech at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok as part of his official visit to Thailand. It is one of the prestigious and oldest universities in Thailand, with a rich tradition spanning more than 100 years, serving as a nurturing ground for generations of talents of Thailand and many countries worldwide. In his speech, NA Chairman Hue said that Viet Nam is fully aware that its future is intertwined with peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. For lasting and sustainable peace, all countries, including Viet Nam and Thailand, and ASEAN member states, have a responsibility to contribute to promoting dialogue and cooperation, respecting the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including the peaceful settlement of disputes and refraining from the use or threat to use force. This is a vital issue nowadays and is our responsibility to future generations, the top legislator said. Speaking highly of Thailand's role and contributions to ASEANs formation and development, the NA Chairman said that in the new context, building a strong, united and resilient ASEAN with a central role in the regional structure and good relations with external partners is a priority direction for the Viet Nam-Thailand strategic partnership. To further deepen the contents of the bilateral strategic partnership, he suggested strengthening political trust and national defence-security cooperation, fostering greater solidarity and innovation under the guiding principles of "reliability, responsibility, sincerity, cooperation for mutual benefit and shared progress." He also proposed strengthening intensive and extensive economic integration and effectively implementing the "Three Connectivity Partnership" strategy, towards soon achieving a two-way trade of US$25 billion in a more balanced manner. Another suggestion was stepping up cooperation in tourism, culture, education and people-to-people exchanges while upholding multilateralism and international solidarity, enhancing close coordination at multilateral cooperation frameworks. To realise these directions, Chairman Hue said the Vietnamese NA wishes to strengthen comprehensive and effective cooperation with the Thai Parliament, contributing to deepening the Viet Nam-Thailand relationship, making it more profound, practical and effective. The Vietnamese NA will continue with close coordination within multilateral cooperation frameworks to cultivate friendship and solidarity with the people of the ASEAN countries and the world, he said. Following his speech, the top Vietnamese legislator talked with experts, scholars and students about the prospects of Viet Nam-Thailand relations, including the upgrade of the bilateral ties, the roles of Viet Nam and Thailand in ASEAN and sub-regional cooperation. VNS HA NOI Welcome Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Vuong inh Hue on his official visit to Thailand yesterday, Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin highlighted the important partnership with Viet Nam and hoped that the visit will further develop their relations. The Thai PM also agreed to upgrade Viet Nam-Thailand ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. During NA Chairman Hues visit, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation was signed between the Vietnamese NA and the Thai House of Representatives, aiming to strengthen collaboration between the two legislative bodies and countries. The two leaders said that the Viet Nam-Thailand relations are progressing rapidly and effectively in all key areas. Within ASEAN, Thailand remains the largest trade partner of Viet Nam with two-way turnover reaching a record high of nearly US$22 billion in 2022. Thailand is also the second-largest investor in Viet Nam at almost $14 billion of investment. The two countries are looking to amp up delegation exchanges at all levels while also effectively implementing signed agreements, including the action plan for enhanced strategic partnership in the 2022-27 period. Bilateral trade turnover is also expected to reach $25 billion in a balanced manner with less trade barriers. NA Chairman Hue said that Viet Nam always facilitates trade and business of Thai companies in Viet Nam, especially in sectors that can benefit both countries. PM Thavisin also agreed with the NA Chairman Hue on strengthening cooperation in implementing the Three Connections strategy (connecting supply chains; connecting economic sectors, businesses, and localities; and connecting green and sustainable growth strategies) based on mutual benefits and win-win partnership. Other focuses include maintaining the existing supply chains and forming new strategic ones, creating products with high added values, connecting traffic and infrastructure, increasing flight frequency, opening new flight routes to tourist destinations, tourism collaboration, people-to-people exchanges; as well as working together for green economy, clean energy and just energy transition in the push for sustainable development. Discussing regional and global issues of mutual concerns, the two leaders agreed to continue their strong cooperation in regional and international forums, including the United Nations, ASEAN and the Mekong Sub-region. They also shared the same viewpoint in strengthening the central role of ASEAN and maintaining the blocs common stance regarding the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issues, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. PM Thavisin also gave high regard to the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Thailand. The Thai government will continue to facilitate their life and business in Thailand to fulfil their role as the bridge for friendship between the two countries, as well as to preserve relics related to the late President Ho Chi Minh in Thailand. On behalf of Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh, NA Chairman Hue invited PM Thavisin to visit Viet Nam and co-chair the fourth joint cabinet meeting in 2024. He also extended his congratulations to Thailand on a successful election and believed that Thailand will achieve its national development strategy by 2027. VNS Oil-industry equipment and flares are common sights in the landscape around Mentone, the sparsely populated town in Loving County in West Texas that is experiencing an oil boom. Billy Calzada, Staff / Staff Photographer Loving Countys only district courtroom. ERIC DEXHEIMER / HOUSTON CHRONICLE Home has always been a fluid concept in Loving County, where the most recent census showed about 65 residents while its voter registration roll numbered around 110. The gap is attributable mainly to former residents who moved away, some decades ago and hundreds of miles distant, but still claim the area as their residence for elections. The long-haul voters explain that they consider the lonely county on the New Mexico border, the least populated in the country, their true home no matter where they may live. They insist they intend to move back. Someday. But to a generation of newer residents, some of whom have been candidates on the losing end of recent elections decided by single-digit margins, the ballot box commuters can look an awful lot like a clique of longtime local families threading a legal loophole through a flimsy state law to keep their kin in power. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Wednesday, a judge cleared up at least some of the confusion. State District Judge David Rogers ruled that 10 Loving County voters did not have enough connection to the area to legally vote there. As a result, two local November 2022 elections must be redone because the number of ineligible voters exceeded the winners margin of victory. The ruling came after a September trial in which three losing candidates challenged their results by claiming that voters who lived outside Loving County had improperly tipped the election in favor of powerful legacy families. Rogers concluded that the contest for justice of the peace, which resulted in a 39-39 tie before being decided by two votes in a reelection, will have to be repeated, as will a county commissioners race decided by six votes. The county/district clerk, who won by 12 votes, can keep her job. Although election challenges arent unheard of, tossing out race results and ordering up a new contest is very uncommon, said Eric Opiela, an Austin attorney who specializes in election law. That is especially true for cases that turn on residency, where the answer to a seemingly simple question Where do you live? can be difficult to unravel thanks to vague state laws that permit plenty of wiggle room. Opiela said such cases might pop up once a decade in Texas the exception being in Loving County, which alone has had three since 1996. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawyers for the current officeholders Clerk Mozelle Carr, Justice of the Peace Angela Medlin and Commissioner Ysidro Renteria declined to comment or did not respond to requests for comment. So it is unclear if they will appeal Rogers ruling. Susan Hays, the attorney representing challengers Holly Jones, Amber King and James Alan Sparks, said her clients were still pondering an appeal. She called the decision mixed, noting she was disappointed in some of the judges determinations on individual voters, as well as his ruling that the reelections would be administered by the county clerk Carr, whose challenged results will stand. Still, she added, the disqualification of just under half of the voters she challenged is a great step to cleaning up the corruption in that county. Unlike other election trials, which can drone on about technical election processes that may have been improper, the two-week Loving County trial at times literally aired the communitys dirty laundry. Proving where someone lives is fact- and situation-intensive. Proceedings can get personal, even intimate. Lawyers grilled the challenged voters under oath about how, where and with whom they spent their time and parsed details of home repairs, furniture positioning and clothing storage. Medical diagnoses were dissected; employment details analyzed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Loving Countys figurative dirty laundry was laid bare as well. Even by the areas history of personal politics, the 2022 election season was uncommonly bitter, exposing generational rivalries and internal family divisions. Six months before the election, County Judge Skeet Jones was arrested on a charge of cattle rustling. (Early last month, he was indicted and suspended from office.) The case against the longtime judge and head of a powerful political family turned out to have been aided by Loving Countys constable his nephew. Its a blood feud, one lawyer said during the trial. Family member against family member over power and control. Days after Jones arrest, then-Justice of the Peace King, who was running for reelection, ordered the arrest of three community members including a sitting commissioner whod reported for jury duty, over whether they were legal residents of Loving County. The charges were dismissed, but the incident became the subject of an ongoing lawsuit, just one of several legal actions county officials have taken against each other. Its totally middle school, Hays said at the time of the trial. But instead of gangs of girls, youve got guys with guns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas law permits people to vote in a place other than where they currently live so long as they have some physical presence, the dislocation is temporary and they intend to return at some point. But the same law also inconveniently declines to define what is a presence, how long is temporary or when the statute of limitations on intentions expires. Home is a state of mind, essentially, Opiela said. Very few election cases are brought on the question of residency, just because its so darn hard to prove. In their lawsuit, the 2022 election losers challenged just over two dozen voters as having illegally cast ballots in Loving County elections while living elsewhere. Rogers determined that 10 did not make the residency cut because of clear and compelling evidence. Senaida Polanco, for example, has lived outside of Loving County for more than 40 years, in the Fort Worth area, where she lists her address on her drivers license and takes a homestead tax exemption on her home. She testified that she visited the Loving County town of Mentone and stayed at the old family home once or twice a year and that while she intends to return someday, her plans are vague. All of the documentary evidence shows Senaida lives in Fort Worth and has for years, the judge wrote. She is not a resident of Loving County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Carrs daughter Judge Jones niece RayChel Lowrance was born in Odessa and attended college and then settled in Lubbock, where her husband, Wesley, has a real estate business and they raised their children. Yet both claimed a doublewide owned by the family ranch in Mentone as their permanent residence and registered to vote in Loving County two months before the November 2022 election, court documents show. The documentary evidence and much of the testimony shows that the Lowrances live in Lubbock, Judge Rogers wrote. They are not legal residents of Loving County. Especially hard hit by the ruling were members of the extended Renteria clan, whose relatives first settled a farm in the Pecos River floodplain in the 1940s. Last year, many family members were still claiming the weathered group of buildings just outside Mentone as their permanent residence for voting purposes, though they spent the vast majority of their time elsewhere. An energy use expert also testified that utility records indicated that it was improbable that anyone was residing on the property. Rogers determined that six Renterias whod voted last year in Loving County were not legal residents. Unanswered by the ruling is whether any of the voters who Rogers determined to have voted illegally in Loving could also be criminally charged. In 2021, state lawmakers passed a new law making it a crime to establish residence for the purpose of influencing the outcome of a certain election. HAI PHONG Hai Phong Citys administration has made efforts to make the city one of the leading localities in the country in social housing development, improving people's lives as well as solving the housing problem for families living in dilapidated and old residential buildings in the city. On April 12, 2022, the People's Council of the city issued Resolution 04 on implementing the "Project to build social housing combined with housing solution for families living in old apartment buildings in the city". The move made the city a pioneering locality in the country in deploying social housing projects combined with removing dilapidated and old residential buildings, reported Hai Phong online newspaper. The move is completely suitable with the task of developing 33,500 social housing apartments assigned by the Prime Minister to the city under his Decision 338/Q-TTg. Deputy chairman of the People's Committee of Hai Phong Nguyen uc Tho said building social housing would solve the current shortcomings in renovating dilapidated and old residential buildings in the city. Therefore, the city had prioritised suitable land funds with convenient locations and infrastructure to attract local businesses to use non-state budget funds to invest in the social housing projects. Now, the city's social housing projects have been quickly implemented. Specifically, there are five social housing projects being deployed in four districts of Ngo Quyen, Le Chan, Kien An and o Son. After the projects are completed, the city will have a housing fund of about 8,000 apartments, including 5,700 apartments serving households evacuated from dilapidated old residential buildings. Tho also said that the city had focused on carrying out the social housing projects to meet the goal of providing 48,000 apartments for low-income people and workers by 2030, higher than the target assigned by the Government. Two social housing projects have started construction in the city so far this year. Of which, the social housing project at Trang Due Commercial Services and Workers' Housing Urban Area accomodates 10 buildings with a total of 2,538 apartments, worth more than VN1.59 trillion (US$65.3 million). The project was started in May. It is expected that by the end of next year, the project will provide 1,000 apartments to customers. Also in May, another project to build social housing for employees of Pegatron Viet Nam Co., Ltd. on an area of 5.04 ha was started. The project has a scale of 10 high-rise buildings and total investment of $68.3 million, expected to provide accommodation for about 10,000 workers. In addition, two other worker housing projects have finished selection of investors, two other projects are selecting investors; and five more projects are slated to be implemented after 2025. Workers wishes Tran Thi Duyen of Thanh Hoa Province who came to Hai Phong City to work at Trang Due Industrial Park since 2020, said she and her husband rented a room in Quoc Tuan Commune in An Duong District at the price of VN2.5 million ($102) per month. The living conditions at the rented room were very inconvenient and cramped, she said. They wished to have a social housing project apartment so that they could have a better living environment in the future. "Having our own apartment, no matter how small, is a long-standing wish of my husband and I, she said. However, with their current salary, it would take them 15-20 years of saving to buy an apartment in the city. I really hope the city pays more attention to building housing for workers, and supporting us to buy low-price apartments, she said. Chairwoman of the Confederation of Labour of Ngo Quyen District Pham Thi Hung said workers in local industrial parks could only cover their daily living expenses with their current income. It was difficult for them to have enough savings to buy commercial apartments. If social housing areas for workers were set up, it would be a motivation for them to feel secure in working and sticking with the business, she said. For the city, this was an important condition to attract human resources to meet development requirements in the future, she said. Statistics from Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board showed that there are 14 industrial parks operating in the city. The total number of workers working in the industrial parks is approximately 194,000 people, including about 67,000 immigrant workers needing housing. Social housing worth living in At inspections of the progress of implementing the social housing projects in the city and at the citys meetings to consider and decide on related issues, the citys Party Secretary Le Tien Chau said: Social housing must be a place worth living, where people want to live. He said it was necessary to develop social housing with a typical model of Hai Phong. The citys social housing is not a housing area for disadvantaged people with adequate living conditions, but it must be new-style urban areas approaching the requirements of commercial housing areas with comfortable space, convenient location, good quality and price suitable for low-income people, he said. During an inspection of a number of social and worker housing projects in the city at the end of October, deputy chairman of the city People's Committee Nguyen uc Tho ordered the investors of these projects to prioritise project quality. The investors must not simply operate for profit to cut costs, ignore or minimise the quality of the social housing, he said. He also said that social housing architecture must be modern, maximising natural energy to save operating costs for people. The quality of fire prevention and fighting equipment systems should be given top priority. Electrical equipment, water supply and drainage and elevator systems must have clear origins, ensuring smooth operation, he stressed. Deputy director of the citys Construction Department o Huu Hung said social housing's price segments would be developed from levels suitable for the majority of workers and low-income people to levels with quality and amenities equivalent to commercial housing. The selling price was approved by the city specifically for each location. Accordingly, from 2014 to 2021, the People's Committee of the city approved the selling price of social housing projects using off-state budget capital for low-income people, with selling prices ranging from VN9.4 to 14 million ($386-574) per sq.m2. The social housings selling price of a project at 384 Le Thanh Tong Street in Ngo Quyen District was approved at VN 18.8 million ($772) per sq.m2 in accordance with current regulations. For social housing projects to renovate dilapidated and old residential buildings, it costs VN600 million ($24,660) for an apartment of 40-50 sq.m2. VNS By Ha Linh The heart of E e culture beats with the rhythmic threads of their unique handloom weaving. Beyond a mere fabric, it acts as a symbol of cultural identity for the E e ethnic minority. Viet Nam boasts a rich tapestry of diverse ethnic groups. Among these is the E e, the 12th largest out of 54 in the country, with a population of over 331,000 residing mainly in the provinces of ak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Phu Yen. E e women meticulously weave cloth on handlooms. The resulting fabric serves various purposes, from everyday blankets and skirts to precious dowries for weddings or offerings for the deceased. E e handloom weaving begins with cotton. After harvesting, it undergoes a meticulous process of beating, spinning and dyeing, with natural sources like mud, leaves, tubers, roots, and forest bark being used to create colours. Traditionally, the palette was simple, including the two main colours black and red. Over time, the range expanded to include five colours: red, black, yellow, blue, and white. To achieve these colours, the E e used to rely completely on natural sources. For example, black tones owe their richness to crushed and cooked tree bark, while vibrant yellow comes from turmeric. They usually use dark backgrounds, either black or dark indigo, representing their desire to harmonise with nature. The patterns on the E e handloom fabric showcase stylised geometric forms of trees, flowers, leaves, birds, and other animals, along with straight, zigzag, curved, and broken lines. These patterns often denote gender, occasion, status, or prosperity. Decline in tradition Traditionally, in the E e community, girls were taught by their grandmothers and mothers how to weave from the ages of 12 or 13. But that tradition is fading away. My great-grandmother knew how to weave cloth. However, in my generation, the craft of handloom weaving has faded. Me and my sister didnt have the opportunity to learn, said HDau Eban, a 23-year-old E e woman in Buon Ma Thuot City. Ami Loan, a resident of Ako Dhong Village, also in Buon Ma Thuot, reminisced about a time when women in her village all wove fabric on handlooms. Today, their looms stand silent. Out of 67 E e households in the village, only four or five continue to do weaving, mostly by the elderly. This decline is not unique to the village. Y Hong, chief of Buon Lac Village in Khanh Hoa, also spoke about the loss of traditional crafts in his community. Once a village bustling with over half of its population engaged in handloom weaving, now there is only one artisan. The labour-intensive nature of handloom weaving combined with its low profitability has deterred young people from pursuing the craft. Jobs such as sugarcane harvesting offer quicker and more attractive returns. If this situation continues, the traditional craft of E e weaving will face extinction, leaving no one to cherish or mourn its loss, said HLer Eban, chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Committee of Buon Ma Thuot City. Glimmer of hope However, amid these challenges, a ray of hope shines through. Collective efforts have been made to rekindle the ancient craft of E e handloom weaving. Artisans spend weeks weaving traditional fabric, but finding buyers is tough, HLer Eban, a local dressmaker, said. It discourages the weavers to continue. To change this, HLer opened Ami Sia, a dressmaker's shop with the aim of not only preserving traditional cloth weaving but also infusing modern innovation. Collaborating with local weavers, she creates costumes by combining ribbed spandex with their handloom fabric. The outcome is remarkable. My shop sells hundreds of pieces of ethnic costumes annually, HLer said. Im happy that I was able to help encourage several artisans to continue with handloom weaving and provide them with stable incomes. Similar to HLers vision, the womens organisation in Suoi Trai Commune, Son Hoa District, Phu Yen, has set up a handloom weaving club. The club was established to foster learning and doing handloom weaving in the commune. It helps nurture the love for the weaving tradition and strengthens the preservation process, said So a, chairman of the People's Committee of Suoi Trai Commune. Beyond the village borders, costumes and designs using ethnic patterns have been showcased on the international stage. HHen Nie, Miss Universe Viet Nam 2017 and Top 5 Miss Universe 2018, is an E e ethnic. Born and raised in ak Lak, HHen has always been immersed in the rich culture of the E e. After being crowned in 2017, she has been seen wearing her traditional E e costumes and ao dai (Vietnamese national long dress) with ethnic patterns in multiple local and international events, including during the Miss Universe 2018 in Thailand. Images of her wearing ao dai with ethnic patterns have received positive reactions worldwide. The patterns on her ao dai are stunning, said a comment under a post of HHen wearing ao dai with ethnic patterns on Vogue Thailands Instagram account. HHen said that her traditional E e costumes and fabric patterns on her ao dai were woven by artisans in her hometown, and whenever she wears them, she thinks about the effort and time spent making them. Wearing ethnic costumes is not only a way to promote the costumes themselves but also a way to express my gratitude to the artisans who tirelessly work day and night by the loom, said HHen. I hope that both Vietnamese and foreigners will come to love dresses made of handloom fabric as I have, and that others can be inspired to create new designs. Some designers have embraced cloth with ethnic patterns. Among them is Trung Beret (Nguyen Thanh Trung). As a native of the Central Highlands, Trung drew inspiration from the E e handloom fabric patterns for his own designs. Trung is determined to use handloom cloth in his design instead of printed or embroidered materials, despite the rough nature of the traditional cloth making it challenging to use in modern designs. His choice to incorporate handloom fabric into his designs stems from its profound cultural value and his hope to bring it closer to international audiences. Trung also shared his plan to showcase Vietnamese handloom fabric on the global stage by participating in the International Fashion Week scheduled in Thailand and the Philippines in November and December. I want to bring handloom fabric products that can appear more approachable and appealing to international customers while preserving the essence of Vietnamese ethnic culture, Trung said. Luu Vu, the founder of E e Yarns, treads a different path with the same goal preserving the E e ancient craft. A society cannot have its own distinctive colour while developing without native knowledge, Vu said. This concern has inspired Vu and a group of young people to form E e Yarns, a project to restore the most authentic E e handloom weaving. Their journey was not without challenges. In ak Lak, original E e handloom weaving has not been practised for over 40 years, Vu said. Many key stages in the process of weaving havent been properly recorded, making it hard to restore truly original fabric. Vu and his team sought expertise from cultural collectors, local artisans, and fabric weavers in other cities such as Nghe An or Ha Noi and joined garment-making courses. One by one, the team restored each phase in the process, from making a traditional loom to finding and using indigenous plants for making yarns and for dyeing. I could never forget the surprised expression and the tearful eyes of an old artisan after hearing the creaking sound from the loom we rebuilt, Vu said. She said it had been years since she heard the familiar sound. Moments like this encourage E e Yarns members to continue their journey. Going forward, the team aims to refine their knowledge related to traditional handloom weaving. Viet Nam offers more than just picturesque beaches. The striking handloom fabric patterns that adorn the mountains and forests of the region are truly captivating." These efforts hold the potential for lasting benefits, not only for preserving handloom weaving, but also for developing the culture of ethnic minorities. In recent years, many foreign tourists have been drawn to the Central Highlands region, alongside popular destinations in coastal cities, to delve into the ethnic cultures. "I really enjoyed my visit to Central Highlands, said Lee Jeong-min, a Korean tourist. Viet Nam offers more than just picturesque beaches. The striking handloom fabric patterns that adorn the mountains and forests of the region are truly captivating." According to Thai Hong Ha, director of ak Lak's Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, their strategy to 2030 involves leveraging resources to preserve and promote ethnic cultures. The plan includes establishing cultural institutions and nurturing community-based tourism in minority villages to enhance and protect their traditional cultures. Boosting conservation initiatives and incorporating handloom weaving into visiting tours will highlight E e craftsmanship, and ethnic diversity while improving local economies. VNS by Nguyen My Ha The wedding season has started, and over the past few days a wedding in Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province, of a mixed couple caught the attention of millions of viewers online. In the clip posted by the bride, TikToker Seung Thao, you can see a Korean mother in her 50s wearing a Vietnamese ao dai dancing with her two children and her in-laws. The Korean mother-in-law reportedly said that in South Korea weddings today last for about two hours, but here in her in-laws' village, her sons wedding lasted for two days and two nights. Everyone was overjoyed, friendly and excited. Mixed marriages have become very common in todays globalised world. Once in a while, you read about Vietnamese women trapped in marriage with Chinese or Korean men, living in a remote place where there is nothing relevant to their Vietnamese identity such as food, community or culture. Sometimes they are badly treated by their husbands or in-laws. Every year, women kidnapped into marriages in China escape their miseries to tread jungles and long roads to find a way back home in Viet Nam. When bad news happens, you would hear about it more often. But this wedding received the many blessings of everyone who got to see it. The couple met at work in Viet Nam and chose to wear the Vietnamese ao dai to be closer to her Vietnamese in-laws. Thao, the bride, posted on her social media and said she was glad her mother-in-law wasnt trying to hold back her feelings and got along well with her parents. Ancient prejudices about conflicts between mother and daughter-in-law are less prevalent in modern weddings, where mothers can be younger, independent and ready to help out when they can. Thao said her mother-in-law always wanted to visit Viet Nam because she knew the beautiful scenery and friendly people. She is also fond of some classic Vietnamese foods, such as roasted pork and pickled mustard greens. Today, Korean food culture has also taken root in Viet Nam, where you can find kimchi in a neighbourhood wet market. They are just as popular as the pickled mustard greens, cabbages, or aubergine that are so loved by the Vietnamese. For the wedding, she tried several ao dai, which she thought were very graceful. People think the mother-in-law will always care for her son, and want her daughter-in-law to do so," Thao said. "But my mother-in-law is different. She wants her son to share difficulties with me and usually sides with me if we had a fight, which made me feel very lucky." Thao said that her father-in-law couldn't come to their wedding in Ha Tinh due to health issues, but he already said he'd make up for it at their wedding in South Korea in 2024. A Vietnamese saying goes, "Co con ma ga chong gan, co bat canh can no cung mang cho," literally translated as "When you have a daughter, marry her to someone living nearby as when she cooks a vegetable soup, she would bring you a bowl!" Thirty or twenty years ago, during the opening up of the country, mixed marriages were usually between international men who came to Viet Nam as businessmen or travellers, and the women followed them abroad. Today, more young Vietnamese women get to travel the world, meet their men, and then bring them home to get married. Well, Thao's parents may not just want a bowl of soup from her every day, but be happy to see their child happy and making a home in a distant land. But the couple can always visit or even move to work in Viet Nam for a few years as more South Korean companies have established factories here close to their home. Thao said after she finishes her studies in South Korea, the couple would like to start their careers in Viet Nam, where her mother-in-law can always visit and have a good time whenever she likes. VNS The conference aims to promote Can Tho's potential for development for the period towards 2030, with a vision to 2050, as was approved in Decision No.1519/QD-TTg, on December 2. Representatives of various ministries, embassies, people's committees, and domestic and foreign organisations will be among those attending. The agenda includes a film screening to introduce the city and its investment opportunities, followed by the announcement of the final approved decision for the development master plan. Decisions on grant investment policy and investment cooperation memoranda will also be made. City leaders will introduce the main objectives and key projects seeking investment, including 56 projects in industrial infrastructure, commerce, urban development, water infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, environmental resources, and other sectors. Can Tho is a major centre for commercial services, tourism, logistics, processing, high-tech agriculture, education, and specialised healthcare in the Mekong Delta. It already boasts a synchronous infrastructure that can adapt to the demand of climate change impact and meets the requirements of intra-and inter-regional, and international transport connectivity. The master plan will position Can Tho as a growth hub in the Mekong Delta by 2030, an ecological and modern city imbued with the cultural identity of Tay Do. Can Tho to announce 2021-2030 planning, promote investment The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho has approved a plan to organise an investment promotion conference announcing its 2021-2030 planning with a vision to 2050 in October. Can Tho city, RoKs SK Group eye cooperation in green economy Vice Chairman of Can Tho city People's Committee Duong Tan Hien and representatives of local departments and agencies on July 26 met with a delegation from SK Group led by senior advisor Lee Dong Uk, discussing pilot projects under the citys green growth strategy. The recognition took place in Hanoi at the ninth annual AmCham CSR Recognition Awards on December 6, which was presided over by the US Ambassador Marc E. Knapper. The AmCham CSR Recognition Awards celebrate companies that demonstrate a profound understanding of the connections between business operations and society, and conduct their business in a manner that creates sustainable economic and social value in Vietnam. Citi Vietnam focuses on transparent, prudent, and dependable business conduct. With a two-pronged commitment to responsible financing and giving back to the community, Citis citizenship priorities include microfinance, financial inclusion, and employee volunteerism. To qualify for AmChams CSR Recognition Award, a companys CSR initiative must receive high marks in four separate categories. To this end, Citi Vietnam executed Social Finance transactions and has been collaborating with the government on innovative solutions for green financing such as blended finance models, supporting the Vietnamese governments National Green Growth Strategy. For the past two years, Citi Vietnam has organised tree planting events and beach clean-up campaigns in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, in line with the Vietnamese government's efforts to promote environmental protection. Ramachandran A.S., Vietnam Citis country officer, said, Citi is more than 200 years old, and our mission is to enable economic progress. We believe that we should do this in a responsible and sustainable manner. This award is a reflection of our commitment to making a meaningful difference in Vietnam and underscores our dedication to social and environmental responsibility. AmChams CSR Recognition Award scheme is designed to raise awareness of CSR among AmCham members and the community, and to provide recognition to firms with best-practice CSR programmes. To qualify for AmChams CSR Recognition Award, a companys CSR initiative must receive high marks in four separate categories: attention to business objectives and societal needs; creation of long-term economic and social gains; communication and sharing of best practices; and programme sustainability. HDBank receives Digital Innovation award at the ASEAN Business Awards 2023 Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank is the only bank in Vietnam to receive the "Digital Innovation" award by the ASEAN Business Awards - ABA 2023. Global Finance names Citi as Worlds Best Digital Bank 2023 Citi has been recognised as the Worlds Best Digital Bank and Best Corporate or Institutional Digital Bank at Global Finance Worlds Best Digital Bank Awards 2023. There is an increase in cases of COVID-19 reported globally, including in Malaysia. (source: AFP/VNA) Hanoi - Malaysian Health Minister Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa on December 8 warned that there is an increase in cases of COVID-19 reported globally, including in Malaysia, in line with the trend that occurs at the end of each year. However, most of the cases in Malaysia experience mild symptoms and do not require hospital treatment, she said. The variant which is still contagious in Malaysia is Omicron, with a subvariant which is known to have a high infectivity rate but does not cause severe cases. The ministry is always ready to face any possibility which may happen, she stressed. Hence, she advised the public to practice self-care measures, including maintaining a high level of personal hygiene and wearing a face mask for those with symptoms, saying they can also get a primary dose of vaccine at health clinics to reduce the risk of infection. The public is urged not to spread false news, to avoid confusion or cause public anxiety, she continued. The ministry reported that 3,626 cases of COVID-19 were reported in the 47th Epidemiological Week, from November 19 to 25, an increase of 57.3 per cent compared with the 2,305 cases recorded in the previous week. Also in Thailand, Dr Manoon Leechawengwongs, expert in respiratory diseases at Vichaiyut Hospital in Bangkok, said 545 COVID-19 cases were reported in November alone, citing data on respiratory disease cases at the hospital. The data for November also shows 304 cases of influenza, 33 of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), 17 of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), 46 of dengue fever, four of chikungunya, and 13 of norovirus. He said that COVID-19 infections are steadily rising and have already outpaced influenza. Manoon said that he is monitoring the COVID-19 situation in December closely, which will give a clearer picture about whether infections will continue to rise. The EU is the world's largest fruit and vegetable import market, but Vietnam's market share accounts for just 0.18 per cent of the EU's total imports, partly due to the failure to comply with the region's stringent norms Food production in Vietnam is, for the most part, behind on meeting such green growth requirements. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Le Minh Hoan has spoken of the need to transition to a green food system with low emissions in the past, and sees the greening of agriculture as not a burden but an opportunity. One of the major points discussed at the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Forum at RMIT University Vietnam in November was to how best to begin the greening process. Experts at the event shared findings from projects helping Vietnamese manufacturers and food producers to handle compliance with environmental regulations. Nguyen Thi Thanh An, country manager of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research in Vietnam, spoke of her experience of helping vegetable farmers in Moc Chau to acquire Vietnamese Good Agricultural Practices certification. This success exemplifies the private sectors role in enabling farmers to apply certified standards for high-value markets, said An. The project provided technical and business training for farmers, empowering them to meet the higher food quality standards of high-end retailers, resulting in a five-fold revenue increase. The vision sharing among champion farmers, local authorities, private businesses, research institutions, and development partners has significantly benefitted all stakeholders, especially smallholder farmers, she added. Experts at the Logistics and Supply Chain Management Forum, RMIT University Vietnam Nguyen Viet Dung, country chief executive of Bureau Veritas Vietnam, a major player in testing, inspection, and certification, said, "The certification process provides opportunities to learn from the best practices of supply chain partners and adapt to higher international standards. This can enhance and promote the brands of Vietnamese agricultural products." He emphasised the role of supply chain leaders in motivating farmers and food processing companies to adapt to global certification, citing the success of the carbon-neutral project implemented in Vinamilk's dairy farms. The companys farm in Nghe An is the first of its kind to receive a PAS 2060 carbon-neutral certification. Research published in the Journal of Supply Chain Management and Business Strategy and the Environment last year by RMIT University researchers Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Professor Robert McClelland, Professor Mathews Nkhoma, Associate Professor Pham Cong Hiep, and their partners in the UK and Ireland, surveyed 437 manufacturers in seven countries. It indicates that exporting led to a proactive approach to handling customers green pressures and better sustainable measures. These findings highlight a practical approach for local firms to be exposed to more challenging markets and learn new standards, processes, and schemes. Dr Nguyen Manh Hung, senior programme manager for Logistics and Supply Chain Management at RMIT Vietnam said, When all companies strive to compete on costs, quality, and delivery, being green can help a company win sales orders and achieve a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Meeting environmental regulations and satisfying higher sustainable requirements are essential in business strategy development and an appropriate thing to do since they are often not a choice but are imposed by the realities of a circular economy, Hung added. High-quality overseas labour keen on Vietnam shift Vietnams promising economic factors could lead to more foreign workers and overseas Vietnamese entering the country to live and work. Digital transformation is the way forward for agriculture Experts, government officials, industry leaders, and innovators from around the world gathered in Hanoi on November 9 for a crucial event to explore how digital tools can transform Vietnam's agricultural sector, making it more competitive, sustainable, and climate-resilient. Technology investment key to sustainable agriculture At the Sustainable Development 2023 conference in Hanoi, experts underscored the critical role of technology in advancing sustainable agriculture, noting the need for precise farming methods and the long-term cost benefits of initial investments in digital transformation. This prestigious event will bring together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the latest trends, advancements, and opportunities in the ever-evolving world of real estate technology. PropTech Vietnam Summit 2023 Vietnam PropTech Summit 2023 is hosted by FinHome.com and is in partnership with Crystal Waters Global, Purple Home, SmartOS, and Greenie Creation. It is proud to receive unwavering support from its strategic partners, the Hong Kong PropTech Association, PropTech Japan, PropTech Philippines, and PropTech Taiwan. The Summit will explore key topics, including sustainable development, reshaping the future of working and living, industrial real estate, and redefining the real estate landscape through finance, technology, and innovation. Sustainable investment and development have become essential factors, especially in the current state of the green financial market in Vietnam. With best practices and lessons learned from other countries in the region and around the world, esteemed panellists will offer their outlook and recommendations to harness the full potential of green investments in Vietnam. Due to the dramatic transformations in the way society works and lives, the summit will explore how new technological advancements and innovative solutions are reshaping the real estate industry's future. Furthermore, it will also highlight the significant role of industrial real estate in Vietnam's economy and focus on how finance, technology, and innovation can reshape the real estate landscape. Join the PropTech Vietnam Summit 2023 on December 14 for an immersive experience that will revolutionise the way people invest, work, and live in the world of real estate. Request an invitation at: proptechvietnam.com Sound business strategy crucial for proptech players The property market is facing numerous hurdles, and Propzys failure makes it difficult for the proptech ecosystem to improve. The tough proptech proposition ahead Compared to just a few years ago, the Vietnamese proptech market is now more vibrant, diverse in both quality and quantity with the participation of many different brands. But while the playground is now occupied both by traditional real estate businesses and tech companies, the risks are still apparent. This strategic partnership aims to advance BIDV and its clients' sustainability objectives. The agreement was exchanged on the fringes of COP28 in Dubai on December 1. Present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, ministers, and representatives of BIDV and Standard Chartered Bank. Under the deal, Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam will facilitate trade loan financing for BIDV's sustainable transactions, thereby enhancing access to green finance. This collaboration is a pivotal step in supporting Vietnam's green transformation. Nguyen Thuy Hanh, deputy general director and head of Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam said, "We believe that finance can enable and accelerate the just transition to net-zero as we move towards a nature-positive economy." "Our trade finance agreement with BIDV is part of our commitment to support our clients and help them access sustainable financing and achieve their climate ambitions. We will continue to work closely with them and their stakeholders to provide access to finance where it matters most and contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam," added Hanh. In tandem with this agreement, during COP 28, Standard Chartered and the Vietnamese government signed five MoUs, cumulatively valued at approximately $3 billion. These MoUs are geared towards supporting local businesses in attaining their sustainability goals. Demonstrating its commitment to sustainable finance, Standard Chartered has set an ambitious target to mobilise $300 billion in green and transition finance by the end of this decade, marking a substantial contribution to the expansion and impact of sustainable finance globally. Standard Chartered promotes digital transformation for treasury management On November 8, Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam hosted its inaugural Treasury Leadership Forum, focusing on digital trends in Vietnam and ASEAN that have a significant impact on treasury management. Vietnam is set to reaffirm its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 at the upcoming COP28 conference. With less than three decades to meet the target, the government has taken decisive steps to accelerate the green transition, most notably through the issuance of a 2022 decree that aims to reduce 563.8 million tonnes of carbon emissions by 2030 and provides a clear roadmap for action for both governmental bodies and enterprises. A recent report from PwC reveals that 80 per cent of enterprises in Vietnam have either already implemented or are planning to adopt sustainable practices in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. Despite this, the report highlights a notable gap between pledges and actual implementations, especially when it comes to the initial stages of sustainable manufacturing: investing and building a sustainable factory. While substantial investment and careful planning are essential, even small steps can lead to significant changes. Drawing from the experience in partnering with businesses striving for green transitions, NS BlueScope Vietnam has outlined three concepts of building sustainable factories for businesses to consider. The first concept is long-lasting factories. Sustainable factories aim to maintain consistent production performance for businesses pursuing long-term business strategies. A prime example is VinFast, which has built a cutting-edge factory on a 335-hectare plot near Haiphong Port in the north of the country. The facility aims to expand its production capacity to up to two million electric vehicles per year, serving its ambition to become a global brand. Located just 400m away from the sea, the factory enjoys logistical advantages but also faces significant challenges related to corrosion from the harsh maritime environment. To address this, VinFast Haiphong has developed a sustainable factory using long-lasting materials and has prioritised the use of advanced construction materials that offer robust structure and longevity. Notably, over 14,000 tonnes of BlueScope steel have been used for roofing and walling, covering an area of up to 1.5 million square metres. Its COLORBOND steel is unique in featuring a four-phase Activate coating technology that offers high corrosion resistance and has proven durability over 20 years of exposure to harsh maritime conditions in Australia. The second aspect is green factories that focus on reducing carbon emissions while optimising economic and environmental efficiency. These factories require a significant upfront investment, but they represent an irreversible journey that promises attractive long-term benefits. Specifically, a factory meeting US LEED standards typically requires 1-8 per cent higher initial investment but can save 25-60 per cent in energy costs and reduce utility expenses by 7-14 US cents per sq.m. The payback period is estimated to be 3-10 years, according to consulting firm Enermodal Engineering. LEED certification is currently the most prevalent green factory standard in Vietnam, accounting for nearly 60 per cent of such facilities. A common feature among these factories is the preference for green materials, including the exclusive use of COLORBOND steel, certified Green Label by the Singapore Green Building Council. This steel also features Thermatech solar reflectance technology, which lowers the surface temperature of metals by absorbing less heat from the sun and helps the project owners earn additional points during LEED assessment. Finally, the ultimate goal of sustainable factories is to achieve net-zero emissions, aligning with the countrys vision and businesses sustainable growth orientation. This model is particularly beneficial for companies exporting to the European Union and the United States, as it may help mitigate future carbon taxes. Net-zero factories focus on neutralising carbon emissions from various operational aspects, including energy consumption, water usage, and employee transportation. The model emphasises the transition to renewable energy sources. To achieve this, significant investment in solar energy infrastructure is required to provide full self-sufficiency in energy production and consumption. In addition to these concepts, businesses need to actively implement comprehensive ESG practices to maintain sustainable competitiveness. Being the first steel brand aiming to apply international Responsible Steel standards based on 13 ESG evaluation criteria, BlueScope commits to continue supporting businesses in greening factories, opening a new chapter for sustainable production. NS BlueScope Vietnam initiates labour safety and hygiene programme The NS BlueScope chain of workshops will be a practical forum for local enterprises to improve labour hygiene safety awareness. NS BlueScope Vietnam focuses on innovation and sustainability in CPTPP The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is knocking at the doors of every business including the countrys private sector. With Colorbond the high-class pre-painted steel brand under Australia-based BluseScope and NS BlueScope Vietnam, innovation and sustainability are considered the keys to enhance its competitive edge. Muslim and Jewish women chat as they gather during an interfaith workshop on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at Rutgers University on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023, in New Brunswick, N.J. The latest violence, triggered by the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, is prompting some to question such dialogue, its role, impact -- or how to even have it-- while steeling the resolve of others to connect and wrestle together with the challenges. Andres Kudacki/AP A Menorah lighting in Connecticut in 2022 was accompanied by songs free food and a toy drive. Christian Abraham/Hearst Connecticut Media On Oct. 7, when news broke of Hamas gruesome terror attack on Israel, the first call Rabbi Steven Gross received was from an imam. He says they cried together on the phone. Cried for the people killed and taken hostage. Cried for what was to come. We knew this was the beginning of something really bad, Gross told us last week. The lines were drawn quickly. Ordinary people, religious or not, felt called to pick a side not between terrorists and innocent civilians but between victims on both sides. If we mourned the more than 1,200 murdered Israelis, were we also somehow condoning the actions of the Israeli government, from settlements to past ground invasions? And later, if we wept for the thousands of civilians killed in Gaza, were we exempting Hamas from judgement? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gross, the rabbi for Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism and a leader in Houston's interfaith community, resisted this division. He knew that many Jews didn't receive the call he did. Some made assumptions in the silence. We wanted to hear from our friends, we wanted to hear something and, often, it was silent and many took it personally, he said. But Gross didnt sit in the silence: If Im feeling this then I need to reach out. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Journalistic neutrality needed during Israel Hamas war The silence would only divide further. So he reached out. Tentatively, and behind closed doors, a group of leaders from the Jewish and Muslim communities began meeting to mourn, to argue, to listen and to heal as the war raged, paused, and began again. We dont have to be alone, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Inside the windowsills of some Houston homes tonight, youll see a small glow. Candles lit for the second night of Hanukkah. Tradition calls for Jews celebrating the holiday to display their menorahs for all to see and spread light amid the darkness of winters shortening days. For many, though, there is an exception, in times of danger. This may be such a time for some and their menorahs are out of public view. With both anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim incidents increasing in the United States as the bloody war rages, fear is a far too common feeling. This fear can cause us to turn inward, to isolate, even abandon friendships and relationships that once nurtured us. We are certainly in winter now. But we urge all Houstonians not to let fear crowd out the light. A week after the attack, Shariq Ghani had to make a decision: would the interfaith kickball tournament still happen? Ghani, head of the Texas-based nonprofit Minaret Foundation, called his friend Gross and they decided to move forward. You do years of relationship building not to walk away from each other when things get difficult, he told this editorial board. Thats when you come together. When the tournament began that weekend, he said, Muslims were mostly sitting with other Muslims, Jews with Jews and Christians with Christians. Partway through the event, news broke that a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy had been killed in Illinois, stabbed to death by his familys landlord, who also attacked his mother. Everyone stopped, bowing their heads in a moment of silence. By the end, they were all together, taking pictures and exchanging phone numbers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sometimes, though, Ghani wonders, had the tournament been scheduled a week later, as the death toll seemed to tick exponentially upward in Gaza, would it still have happened? Many are familiar with the period of grief in Jewish tradition known as sitting shiva: a week of pausing in the house of mourning after a loved one has passed. Fewer know of shloshim, the monthlong period of gradually reentering the world. It makes sense that many Muslims and Jews, cast as enemies in this political fight happening thousands of miles away, would want to grieve among their own communities. Ghani told us someone he knew lost 32 family members in the bombing in Gaza, her entire bloodline there. Even among committed interfaith leaders, Israel and Palestine has long been a muted topic. Some groups dont participate in interfaith events at all, even in the best of times. These are not those times. The topic can no longer be avoided. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ghani, Gross and others who wish to keep meeting in private for now out of concern for the ongoing sensitivity in their own communities, know that their responsibilities are also here in Houston, to their longstanding friends and their neighbors. READERS WEIGH IN: Gaza is an open-air prison thanks to Israel Coming together in this private way has allowed us to really open up and say things to each other about our history, about the Nakba, about settlements, said Ghani. Its created more trust. Theyve learned to say and instead of but, to get beyond inflammatory statements, to disagree but still embrace. Its easy to light a match, said Ghani. It takes a second. But creating peace and reconciliation, it can take years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tran Hoang Ngan - National Assembly deputy Ho Chi Minh City Applying the GMT will help Vietnam attract foreign investment from all over the world, ensuring transparency and fairness between countries. Some have asked what gains and losses Vietnam will have when applying the GMT. I think we will gain a lot. Firstly, we can ensure the legal rights and interests of Vietnam. Second is that we will get a top-up tax from the GMT. According to the assessment of the General Department of Taxation, among around 620 MNCs, more than 1,000 of their member companies are present in Vietnam, and it is likely that we can collect that tax. Third is to ensure fairness and equality between domestic enterprises and foreign enterprises and investors. Recently, we have provided huge incentives for foreign investors, leading to domestic businesses also losing some investment opportunities. Thus, we collect GMT to ensure fairness. Fourth is to demonstrate progress and transparency in Vietnams tax management system, and the countrys business and investment environment is approaching the general trend of the world. Finally, we still retain preferential policies for businesses that are not subject to the GMT. Vu Tien Loc - National Assembly deputy, Hanoi Promulgating this resolution is not mandatory as Vietnam is not a member of the OECD. However, to ensure national interests, we have no other choice. This resolution will have a huge impact, reducing the attractiveness of the investment and business climate in our country, especially for strategic investors in the existing context of very fierce competition in attracting foreign investment. To minimise adverse impacts, I suggest that along with promulgating this resolution, the NA also needs to issue an additional resolution on preferential and support policies for businesses in order to maintain an attractive investment environment. This aims to meet two goals at the same time: promoting high-quality investment capital flows into our country in accordance with the economic development strategy of the Party and state, and not violating international commitments and not going against the integration trend. Our promulgation of new policies to encourage and support investment is not a technical measure, nor is it a measure for us to circumvent and compensate for losses to investors because they had to pay the top-up CIT, as this is a violation of OECD principles. Investment support policies need to ensure a principle of fairness, aiming at all businesses that achieve the specific criteria that our policy aims at without discrimination - that is, businesses that are subject to the top-up CIT or not. Dinh Thi Phuong Lan - National Assembly deputy Quang Ngai province To have a more convincing basis, it is recommended that the government continue to carefully evaluate and research the practice of applying the GMT in countries with similar scale, economic structure, and special characteristics, especially in the 23 countries and territories with CIT rates lower than 15 per cent. GMT provisions are not currently mandatory, but if they choose to apply them, countries will have to do so consistently under guidance suitable to the GloBE model rules. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate in full and in detail the impact of the regulations guiding the implementation of the GMT. The development of legal documents to comply with OECD regulations needs to be detailed and specific, ensuring legislative sovereignty. The imposition of top-up CIT not only helps combat the erosion of the GMT but also to prevent profit shifting and transfer pricing (TP). Therefore, to control, manage, and prevent TP during the operation of foreign-invested enterprises, it is necessary to synchronously implement solutions, especially perfecting database to improve the effectiveness of TP control and tax management. The government also needs to ensure human resources, boost administrative reform, analyse economic impacts, forecast revenue sources, and adjust the IT system in a manner compatible with international standards in market valuation. This information was announced by the MIC on December 7 at a press conference to discuss the sectors performance; as well as activities and tasks for the upcoming months. The MIC announced the organisation of the national forum on development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises at a press conference Addressing the event, Nguyen Thien Nghia, deputy head of the Authority of IT and Communication Industry under the MIC said that the forum had the theme Digital technology enterprises - Popularising digital technologies into life. The events is expected to have the participation of leaders of the Party, the National Assembly, and the government; as well as representatives from ministries, agencies, and localities; the business community; domestic and international organisations; and experts, among others. The forum is a major event to summarise and evaluate the development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises over the past four years, conveying core ideas about digital technology development, the Made-in-Vietnam spirit, developing digital technology businesses, contributing to increasing labour productivity, promoting rapid, sustainable, inclusive development, thus enabling the country to escape from the middle-income trap, transforming Vietnam into a developed country, said Nghia. Nguyen Thien Nghia, deputy head of the Authority of IT and Communication Industry During the event, there will be discussions about successful stories about bringing digital technologies to life, helping change Vietnam and the world. There will be discussions about the development of products based on new technologies such as the Internet of Things, AI, semiconductor microchips, and how to bring them to domestic and international markets. It is expected that government leaders will issue messages of encouragement to the digital technology business community to build the position of Vietnam's digital technology industry, affirming Vietnamese intelligence on the world map. Also at the event, the MIC will announce and award Made-in-Vietnam digital technology products 2023 to honour Vietnamese businesses and organisations with excellent digital technology products, solutions and services to help solve global issues. To concretise the policies of the Party and the government on developing digital technology businesses, since 2019, the National Forum for Digital Technology Business Development has become a large annual event, attracting the participation of Vietnam's digital technology business community. The forum is an important event of the ICT industry attended by leaders of the Party, National Assembly, and government, and well-supported by the Vietnamese digital technology business community. Vietnam highlights digital technology application for gender equality at UN session The application of digital science and technology towards the goal of gender equality requires political will and real actions of governments and the willingness to transform of relevant sectors in society, affirmed a Vietnamese official. Enterprises adopting circularity through technology innovation Many businesses have experienced outstanding achievements and significant strides through driving innovation and leveraging new ideas and technologies. PwC Vietnam has witnessed some major tax changes locally and globally, which may permanently alter how business works. Within this single year, a number of new regulations and drafts resolutions have been proposed or passed. The 2023 tax and legal year-end conferences in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were held in November an annual event by PwC to help businesses keep up with the latest legal and tax developments in Vietnam, as well with as any relevant international practices. Nguyen Thanh Trung, tax leader, PwC Vietnam The most important tax development this year is the introduction of 'Pillar 2', which establishes a minimum effective tax rate to be applied to profits of large multinational corporations worldwide. Emerging economies like Vietnam will face a difficult challenge in meeting this demand while at the same time maintaining its attractiveness to foreign investors, as tax incentives may no longer be the advantage they once were. This issue, and other difficulties and possible solutions, were also discussed during the conferences. Shortly after, the National Assembly approved a resolution on November 29 related to corporate income taxes under Pillar 2. Under the resolution, the global minimum tax will be applied in Vietnam from January 1 next year. This year also saw many important customs, legal, and corporate tax updates. Notably, the in-country export and import model in Vietnam is propose to be abolished. The introduction of personal data protection, alongside the update on foreign loans and environmental policy applied to manufacturers, are among the critical developments of 2023. Additionally, the proposed amendments to several tax laws including corporate income tax, VAT and SST, together with the draft regulations on invoicing, attracted a lot of attention from the business world. These updates demonstrate policies that promote transparency and broaden the tax bases, especially from new sources of revenue, which are in accordance with international practices, said Nguyen Thanh Trung, tax leader of PwC Vietnam. These are also in accordance with current global tax trends, which ensure a fairer distribution of profits and taxing rights among countries, re-allocating tax rights to the markets," Trung added. Vietnam is an ever-changing compliance and regulatory environment. PwC Vietnam aims to ensure that businesses are well-informed of the latest tax and legal developments, which is vital for their management and daily operations. Global CEOs resolute in M&As Global merger and acquisition (M&A) activities will likely rise later in 2023 as investors and executives look to balance short-term risks with their long-term business transformation strategies, according to PwCs 2023 Global M&A Industry Trends Outlook. Asia-Pacific Capital Projects & Infrastructure Summit spotlights sustainability The Asia-Pacific Capital Projects and Infrastructure Summit, organised by PwC Vietnam, took place on April 27 in Hanoi. The theme, Delivering infrastructure for tomorrow, today, focused on the country's development journey towards sustainable infrastructure. Grow Asia was established in 2015 by the World Economic Forum - in collaboration with ASEAN - to build market-driven solutions for sustainable food systems in Southeast Asia. Grow Asia Business Council is a high-level advisory body bringing together company leaders to develop a robust and market-driven approach, and to lead by example through investing in viable projects on the ground. Visa will join the incumbent co-chair, East-West Seed, which stands among the worlds largest vegetable seed companies, serving 23 million small-hold farmers worldwide. As Grow Asias Business Council co-chair, and exclusive digital financial inclusion partner, Visa has supported the design and deployment of Grow Asias Public Private Impact Funds since 2022. In the first year of its partnership with Grow Asia, Visa participated in more than 30 multi-stakeholder events across the region and co-contributed to the design and scaling-up of projects targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and ran training in Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Financial inclusion is the cornerstone of prosperity in Southeast Asia, where SMEs contribute to almost 45 per cent of the region's GDP. Despite the critical challenges posed by climate change and the availability of innovative scalable solutions, the regions adoption of climate-resilient practices is hindered by economic and accessibility barriers. Digitalisation and financial inclusion of small-hold farmers and rural businesses can bridge this economic gap and build resilient livelihoods. In its role as co-chair, Visa will enhance the knowledge and capacity of Grow Asias programmes, integrate digital financial solutions, promote financial inclusion for small-hold farmers, and address livelihood challenges across the region. This engagement marks a significant step forward in our mission to uplift everyone, everywhere, through digital financial inclusion, said Dung Dang, country manager for Vietnam and Laos at Visa. Financial inclusion for small-hold farmers is at the heart of sustainable development in Vietnam, and by collaborating closely with Grow Asia and other members of its advisory councils, we aim to unlock new opportunities for digital finance that will drive climate resilience in the agri-food sector, Dang added. Visas commitment to leveraging digital financial inclusion to drive sustainable growth in Asia extends beyond its co-chair role, with significant strategic investments into Grow Asia's flagship impact funds. These funds include GrowVentures, which focuses on innovation in agriculture; GrowHer works for womens economic empowerment; GrowRight promotes responsible investing; and GrowBeyond advises on climate change adaptation and resilience. We are pleased to welcome Visa as the incoming co-chair of our Business Council, said Beverley Postma, executive director of Grow Asia. Visas appointment is timely and significant as we confront the greatest challenge to climate transition in Asia how to channel affordable finance to farmers. Visa's vast experience in digital finance will greatly contribute to our collective mission of empowering small-hold farmers, governments, and agri-food enterprises." Visa accelerates support for smaller businesses On November 20, Visa and the Visa Foundation made announcements on their ongoing commitment to support small and micro-sized businesses across APEC and beyond. Visa sponsors Base SaaS Day 2023 Visa, a world leader in digital payments, has become a strategic partner and sponsor of Base SaaS Day 2023, organised and hosted by Base, a leading Vietnamese business management platform. . , . , . , . . Judge Ryan Luna was appointed Friday to Wacos 414th State District Court by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to replace retiring Judge Vicki Menard. Luna, 34, was appointed by the McLennan County Commissioners Court in June 2021 to be judge of the newly formed County Court at Law No. 3. In November 2022, he was elected to a full term. His term in the 414th will expire Dec. 31, 2024, meaning he would need to run in the November 2024 election to keep the position. Luna said Friday he is grateful to Abbott for appointing him, and thanked Sen. Brian Birdwell, R-Granbury, for his vote of confidence in his appointment. Luna also said Menard, who retired last Friday after serving 18 years as judge of the court, leaves behind an incredible legacy of service to the state. Menard was the first woman to serve as a district judge in McLennan County and had been the 414ths only judge since the state created it in 2005. As the newly appointed judge of the 414th, I look forward to continuing the courts legacy fairness, integrity and impartiality, Luna said. I also commit to moving the docket efficiently and ensuring justice is served just as I did as judge of County Court at Law No. 3. During his time at the County Court at Law, he disposed of over 4,000 cases, which included 144 jury and bench trials, Luna said. In the county court, 80% of the cases were civil and 20% were criminal, he said. Luna credited God, his staff and talented lawyers for being able to move through so many cases since his initial appointment. The 414th Courts cases are all civil or family matters. Luna also thanked voters and his supporters from the 2022 election. Its humbling to know that our community trusts me to handle these important cases at the courthouse, Luna said. Its an honor to serve McLennan County and the state of Texas as judge. A Dallas native, Luna graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and received his law degree in 2016 from the Baylor Law School. During his time in law school, Luna interned for Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman, clerked at the Attorney Generals Office and worked for a legislator in the Texas House of Representatives. After graduating, he entered private practice at The Carlson Law Firm, where he handled civil cases. Judge Luna has done an outstanding job as the County Court at Law # 3 Judge, McLennan County Judge Scott Felton said in a press release. I know he will embrace his new appointment and serve the citizens of McLennan County with justice and honor. The county will accept applications through 5 p.m. Dec. 18 from licensed attorneys interested in filling the County Court at Law No. 3 vacancy. The Letter of Interest must give a summary of the applicants experience and qualifications, indicate the vision for the Office if selected and explain why they are interested in the position, the press release says. Applicants also must submit proof of licensure and good standing with the State Bar of Texas, a resume, three professional references and three personal references. The letters can be submitted to Dustin Chapman at dustin.chapman@co.mclennan.tx.us, Regan Copeland at regan.copeland@co.mclennan.tx.us and Cody Miles at cody.miles@co.mclennan.tx.us. They can also be delivered to 501 Washington Ave., Suite 214, Waco, Texas 76701. A Waco man originally charged with capital murder in a 2020 shooting death was sentenced on a lesser charge Thursday to 15 years in a plea deal with state prosecutors. Kevin Darnell Wash, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree felony aggravated assault in the slaying of Joangel Ortegon, 20, on Feb. 7, 2020, in the 1900 block of Trice Avenue. Under a plea deal with the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the charge was reduced from capital murder, and an additional count of aggravated robbery was dropped. The plea deal includes a deadly weapon finding, so Wash will not be eligible for parole until he receives credit for serving half his sentence. Time served in jail before the sentence will count toward his sentence. Anna McNelis prosecuted Wash for the Attorney Generals Office, which took the case after McLennan County District Attorney Josh Tetens recused his entire office from the case shortly after being sworn in. Tetens and Michel Simer, who is executive assistant district attorney, had participated in Washs defense while in private practice. Wash shot Ortegon while attempting to rob people inside a drug house, his arrest affidavit states. Wash and two others were injured in an exchange of gunfire, the Tribune-Herald reported at the time. Wash was treated at an area hospital and arrested as he was medically cleared Feb. 16, 2020. He has been jailed ever since, records show. (The lead detective) knows through his investigation that this incident started as an aggravated robbery, the affidavit states. (Police) learned that his residence is known as a trap house, (a) residence where the sole purpose is the sale of narcotics. Witnesses and victims told police Ortegon and another man were playing video games when Wash and second suspect came into the home, the affidavit states. The suspects displayed handguns and one of the suspects stated, Youre not going to like this, officers reported at the time. Ortegon later died from his wound, the affidavit says. The other man playing video games was shot in the lower extremities, the affidavit says. The injured man then pulled out a firearm and shot and injured Wash and his partner as they fled the home, the affidavit says. Another man, whom police identified as the second suspect, was later found with a gunshot wound in the 1700 block of North 19th Street, according to the affidavit. Police reported at the time finding multiple spent casings of ammunition, along with drugs and firearms, inside the home. Police said at the time it appeared the shooting happened both inside and outside the home. At the time police reviewed surveillance footage from the area and interviewed Wash, who allegedly told officers he went to the home to commit a robbery, the affidavit says. Wash described entering the home, shooting at the victims and leaving with a gunshot wound, the affidavit says. The affidavit states Wash had one handgun in each of his hands during the robbery. Police stated at the time that the clothing description of Wash matched information obtained from surveillance footage and witness interviews. A woman walks through campus Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, at Rice University in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer December 1 was my 30th anniversary at Rice University. At times, I have had significant disagreements with Rices leadership; for example, I did not hesitate to criticize Rices response to the COVID pandemic. Yet I have always been proud of being a faculty member at Rice University. With deep chagrin, I have to admit that I can no longer say that. My first inkling of a problem brewing at Rice was in the fall of 2022. A group of students wished to start a club, Students Supporting Israel, to counteract the growing activities at Rice of Students for Justice in Palestine. As an Israeli-American faculty member, I was asked to be the club sponsor, and I accepted. The students submitted the paperwork for approval of a new club. On October 12, 2022, the parliamentarian for Rices Student Association emailed that the executive committee hadnt approved the clubs formation. While the exec members have not explicitly cited their reasons for not approving the club, she wrote, I believe that the strong political nature focused on a contentious topic was the general reasoning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was astonished and responded quickly, cc-ing a representative of the universitys administration. Given that Students for Justice in Palestine had been approved, I wrote, an opaque negative decision concerning SSI creates an appearance of discrimination. It is not enough to assert that the decision was not discriminatory; it is incumbent on the decision makers to remove the opacity and demonstrate that it was a good-faith decision. Within less than 24 hours, a representative of Rices administration informed me that the Student Association decision had been reversed, and the club was approved. A full explanation of the initial denial and its reversal was never provided, but I sensed a whiff of antisemitism. A year later, in September 2023, Rice Pride cut ties with Houston Hillel, a Jewish student organization even though Hillel supports LGBTQ+ students at Rice. The reason for this decision, which reverberated around the world? Hillel International, an umbrella group for campus chapters, prohibits partnering with or hosting groups that advocate for a boycott of Israel or that deny Israels right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state. Pride argued that this intolerance of intolerance is intolerable. In the name of inclusion, Rice Pride decided to exclude the primary Jewish organization on campus. Ironically, Israel is the only country in the Middle East with solid LGBTQ rights. For Israelis and Jews, October 7 was so unfathomable, so unbelievable, so abhorrent, that we cannot even name it. Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the Hamas Political Bureau, announced that day that the goal is not only to liberate Gaza and the West Bank, but also the territories occupied in 1948 in other words, to eradicate Israelis, from the river to the sea. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Get out of our land, Haniyeh said to the Israelis. A Hamas official later said that they would repeat the attacks of Oct. 7 over and over and over. When the Israeli Defense Forces struck back, the killers dispersed to the safety of their extraordinary tunnel system, burrowed below civilian Gaza. The tunnel system and Hamass stiff resistance made fighting very costly in civilian casualties in Gaza, triggering worldwide concerns. On Oct. 11, Rice President Reginald DesRoche issued a statement that denounced Hamass Oct. 7 attacks. In response, on October 27, a petition titled Rice University Faculty Statement of Solidarity with Palestinians began to circulate. Hundreds of people affiliated with Rice including students, faculty and alumni have now signed it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With only the barest acknowledgment of the Oct. 7 atrocities, the 1,100-word petition expresses solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle for liberation and denounces U.S.-backed genocidal violence against Palestinians by the Israeli state. The petition called for a ceasefire, but it made no mention of the hostages Hamas held. The petition writers present themselves as scholars of global studies of race, Blackness, Indigeneity, Latinidad, state violence, colonialism, human rights, anti-imperialism, social movements, queerness, transness, gender, disability, critical medical anthropology, and visual culture. Apparently, antisemitism did not deserve a mention in this list of oppressions. On December 4, the Student Association Senate passed a resolution affirming support for that faculty statement of solidarity with the Palestinians. The October 7 atrocities were not even mentioned in the resolution. In spite of the well-publicized wave of antisemitism that has been washing over U.S. campuses, the resolution called on Rices president to [a]ffirm its commitment to a culture of care for our Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim student body, faculty, staff, and community. Apparently, Jews do not deserve a culture of care. While Hamass leaders might have been pleased to learn about the support Hamas is getting from Rice University faculty and students, the truth is that no one in the Middle East is paying any attention whatsoever to Rice. Such petitions and resolutions are meant to send a message on the Rice campus. Rice colleagues and students, I hear your message loud and clear. I am a second-generation Holocaust survivor. I recognize antisemitism when I see it. You do not need to be a user of derogatory epithets to be antisemitic; using double standards qualifies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It is OK to criticize Israel, but not OK to pay lip service to Palestinian atrocities. It is OK to call for a ceasefire, but not OK to ignore the hostages. It is OK to call for a two-state solution which I strongly support to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is not OK to talk about Palestinian liberation while mentioning the Nakba, the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War; that implies the desire for ethnic cleansing of Jews in Israel. It is OK to express sympathy with Palestinian refugees. It is not OK to ignore close to one million Jews that were pushed out of Arab countries after the 1948 war. It is OK to talk about Palestinian casualties. It is not OK to ignore Jewish casualties and civilian casualties elsewhere in the Middle East. (Civil wars are raging in Syria, Yemen and Sudan.) It is OK to express concerns about anti-Palestinian hate crimes. It is not OK to ignore anti-Jewish hate crimes. It is OK to demand a culture of care for Palestinian, Arab and Muslim students, faculty and staff. It is not OK to ignore Jewish and Israeli students, faculty, and staff. I was well aware that antisemitism is alive and well in the U.S., but I had believed that it exists only in the margins, among the extreme Left and extreme Right. I have been rudely awakened. I now realize that not only is it a mainstream phenomenon, but it is also quite prevalent on my very own campus, among Rice faculty and students. This is a profoundly bitter lesson for me. I am not quite sure how to cope with it. Floyd Casey input A community input meeting and update on the park planned next to the redevelopment of the former Floyd Casey Stadium site will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the South Waco Community Center, 2815 Speight Ave. Attendees will have the opportunity to weigh in on potential park options and elements based on feedback collected from a public survey and previous public meeting. Microchipping, vaccination The city of Waco, Animal Birth Control Clinic and Humane Society of Central Texas will hold a free microchip and pet vaccination event from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 17 at Oscar DuConge Park, 1504 J.J. Flewellen Road. All pets of city of Waco residents can receive free microchips, free rabies vaccination if the animal is already spayed or neutered, and free DAPP vaccination. For pets not spayed or neutered, and pets of people who do not live in Waco city limits, the rabies vaccine will cost $10 per pet. Quilters Potluck Christmas The Waco Homespun Quilters Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the New Road Church of Christ, 3100 S. New Road. This month will be the annual Potluck Christmas feast, and afterward there will be an ornament exchange to keep or donate to the churchs Meals on Wheels participants, an ugly shirt contest and a display of the Challenge Star Quilts. The festivities are open to all interested parties. Czech Heritage Society bingo The McLennan-Hill Czech Heritage Society will host its Christmas social and bingo starting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the West Community Center, 200 Tokio Road. Participants should bring a snack for svacina and snacky prize to participate in the Christmas bingo. MCC holiday closures McLennan Community College is closed through Jan. 1 for the winter holidays. However, representatives from Advising & Career Services and Highlander Central will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday this week to assist students attending the Winter Minimester and to help new and returning students with registration for the spring 2024 semester. The MCC Bookstore, along with the Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University administrative offices and Waco Family Medicine-MCC clinic, will be open on designated dates during the break. For a complete list, go to www.mclennan.edu/dates/winter-holidays.html. For more information, contact Highlander Central at 254-299-8622 or highlandercentral@mclennan.edu. Youth Chorus concert The Youth Chorus of Central Texas will perform in concert at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Parish Hall at St. Albans Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th St. Tickets are $10. For more information, email info@youthchorusofcentraltexas.org or call 254-744-5266. Singing Seniors concert The Baylor Singing Seniors, conducted by Phillip Sitton, will present a concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Woodway United Methodist Church, 21000 Woodway Drive. Thankful Hearts/Adoring Spirits will feature various styles of music, with arrangements by Elaine Hagenberg, Dan Forrest, Craig Courtney, Joel Raney, Ralph Sparks and Joseph Martin. Some of the titles include Showers of Blessing, Love Lingers On, Hymn of Grateful Praise, How Great Thou Art, To Thee My Heart I Offer, and That Night. The choir is accompanied by Van Chaney on piano and Greg Wallace on trumpet. The concert is free, but donations will be accepted. North Pole coat drive The Karem Shriners will hold a coat drive between 5 and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, during North Pole Palooza at the Extraco Events Center, 4601 Bosque Blvd. New, unused coats and hoodies will be given to The Cove, a Waco nonprofit focused on ending student homelessness. The first 100 donors will get free popcorn. Pictures with Santa Bruceville-Eddy United Methodist Church, 404 W. Third St, will host pictures with Santa and a Christmas cookie fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 16. The event will raise money for repairing the roof on the parsonage. Cookies are $10 per dozen. Anyone taking photos with Santa will receive a free cookie to decorate themselves. Lake Whitney bird count Nature lovers are invited to take part in the second Lake Whitney bird count Dec. 17, part of the 124th National Christmas Bird Count. Participants can learn about the birds of North Central Texas and the hobby of birding. Beginners are welcome, and drivers and experienced birders are needed. For more information, count maps and to sign up, email Mary.K.Devers@usace.army.mil. There are morning, afternoon and all-day shifts available, and participants will meet at the Lake Whitney U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Office, 285 County Road 3602, Clifton. WASHINGTON A deputy U.S. marshal was charged in the United Kingdom on Thursday with entering an aircraft while drunk after being arrested on allegations of misconduct aboard a flight from New York, London police said. Michael Brereton, 39, was arrested when he landed at Heathrow Airport. The flight crew contacted officers to report onboard disruptions from the federal agent, London police said in a statement. He was expected to appear in court Friday. No court representative was immediately available for him and a relative declined to comment when reached by phone. The Associated Press left an email message for the union that represents deputies. The Metropolitan Police Service said in a statement that flight crew members reported that the marshal "was disruptive and had sexually assaulted other passengers and crew." No sexual assault charges had been filed. The British offense of sexual assault is one person intentionally touching another with any body part or an object without their consent. Another deputy also aboard the plane was briefly detained but was released and returned. The two deputies were aboard the flight to transport a suspect back to the U.S., a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The official was not authorized to publicly detail the ongoing investigation and spoke on the condition of anonymity. The U.S. Marshals said in a statement that the agency takes allegations of misconduct by its employees seriously and is cooperating with British law enforcement. WATERLOO Ashlyn Jungwirth has found a way to combine her expertise, her faith and her love of community to benefit others. The 26-year-old is a graduate of West High School who earned a bachelors degree from the University of Northern Iowa that encompassed communication studies, public relations and business. Jungwirth has been a business development and marketing specialist for Cardinal Construction, Inc. for 2 1/2 years. She and her husband, Lawrence, live in Waterloo. I was born and raised here, she said. My family is here. Because of that, it is exactly where we have decided to be planted." She has also decided to give back to the Cedar Valley. One of the ways she does that is through membership in the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa's Women for Good program. The program educates, engages, and inspires giving to improve the lives of women and girls in Black Hawk County," said Laurie Everhardt, director of development for CFNEIA, and one of the people who nominated Jungwirth for 20 Under 40 honors. It awards grants each year to organizations that serve women and girls. In addition to supporting this work through her membership, Ashlyn has volunteered to serve on the grant deliberation committee," said Everhardt. "This committee reads and scores the grant applications, then makes the granting decisions." In 2022, she helped review grant guidelines, which was done "to clarify the requirements for the applicants, as well as add a lens of racial equity to the process." Jungwirth's involvement with the foundation goes beyond Women for Good. Ashlyn has also served on the CFNEIA Advancement Oversight Committee since 2022," said Everhardt. The committee "is charged with accessing and making recommendations about the Foundations development, marketing, and community impact efforts. Ashlyn has been a valuable member of the committee by virtue of her considerable experience in marketing, as well as her commitment to the Cedar Valley. CFNEIA has been fortunate to benefit from Ashlyns interest in community involvement and dedication to being of service. The organization has been a good fit for Jungwirth. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is a great option for people who have much and are able to give to different organizations and causes that are important to them, she said. The foundation does meaningful work in our community in so many different aspects. Jungwirth also received praise from Katy Susong, CEO and president of Cardinal Construction and another nominator. Outside of work, Ashlyn is an avid community volunteer, Susong said. Shes an active member of her church, Sent, and serves regularly in a variety of ways throughout the week. She is a board member for National Cattle Congress; planning committee member for Guiding Star Cedar Valleys annual gala fundraising event; and committee member for Northeast Iowa Food Banks annual Empty Bowls event." Jungwirth has also volunteered in different capacities for Grow Cedar Valley, having participated in and graduated from the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute. While in that program, she coordinated a career fair for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley, providing opportunities for local businesses to engage with club kids. Ashlyn is both kind and effective. She is a light to all that she meets, and our Cedar Valley community is lucky to have her, Susong said. Jungwirth credits the Cedar Valley Leadership Institute with monumental growing in my understanding of the different aspects of what this community really is, she said. As for her work with the National Cattle Congress, Jungwirth said, We are really trying to figure out our strategic planning of who and what we want to be to bring our community together and be a good economic developer for our area. We are trying to figure out the historical part while merging it with what it can become. We have a big task in front of us. Jungwirth believes in the importance of community involvement. Without our people bringing our community together, it isnt what it can be, she said. It is important the movers and shakers put their heads together to highlight the amazing things going on here. She encourages others to get involved. It is the most beneficial use of our time, she said. There really is no better use of our time than to do something for others, to see your light shine through for a greater purpose than this life here. Jungwirth also credits her mentors along the way. There are so many, she said. So many have helped by just being wise counsel that I can go to and have a true relationship with, and I can be vulnerable with. They see all of me and where my passion lives. I believe the Lord has orchestrated those people to be in my life at the right time. In addition, Jungwirth is co-founder of Set Apart Ministries, which is focused on young adults in the Cedar Valley. The group recently launched a website, www.setapart.com. She described the ministry as most near and dear to my heart of all my community involvement. CEDAR FALLS Blue Violin, an award-winning classical crossover artist, is bringing his intimate Christmas by Candlelight concert to the Oster Regent Theatre for a Dec. 15 performance. Blue Violin is better known to family and friends as Christopher Vuk. This is a homecoming of sorts for the solo violinist who favors blue violins. He grew up in Cedar Falls and Denver. I was a senior in high school when I first played at the Oster Regent for a school benefit. Its nostalgic coming home to do a Christmas concert. It feels good to be back, said Vuk, who graduated from Denver High School. His parents still live in Denver. The concert will feature acoustic arrangements of such holiday favorites as I Wonder as I Wander along with electric/world fusion reimaginings of classic Christmas songs such as Carol of the Bells, Silent Night, and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen as well as original music from Blue Violins upcoming new album. Tickets are $30 per person or $75 for a family pack that includes up to three adults and four kids, available at https://blue-violin.com. The show is at 7 p.m. The Oster Regent is located at 103 Main St. Critics give Blue Violin rave reviews as an electrifying violinist. He has performed as soloist with the Xibus World Orchestra, Ethno-Urban Orchestra and performed with John Mayer, Paul Simon, Jennifer Holliday, the Turtle Island Quartet, and members of Celtic Woman and Riverdance. Vuk also is a member of the untraditional Red Bull Artsehcro (orchestra spelled backwards). He has toured the globe with his violin and played for presidents, first ladies, and queens and performed in storied concert halls around the world including Carnegie Hall. Founder and former first violinist of the acclaimed Boston String Quartet, Vuk has his own unique style on acoustic and electric violin. Audiences can expect three or four different types of music from me and, of course, Christmas music. I play all the parts something thats unusual for a solo violinist. When Im performing I utilize tracks that Ive recorded, and Im creating and building the whole piece in front of the audience. I use a loop pedal to trigger different things. You likely can count on one hand the number of solo violinists who use a loop pedal an electronic device that instantly records Vuks playing, plays it back in real time so Vuk can overdub himself and create a layered sound as any instrument or sound. As Vuk has said, Imagine an entire violin concerto on a single violin or a 12-multi-tracked sequence of Olivia Rodrigos Vampire. His focus is on creating tone and sound. I see myself as a vocalist and the violin is my voice. Ive done a lot of collaborations with vocalists in the past and, typically, the violin plays a secondary role. I love matching the pitch of the voice, Vuk said. I used to do a lot of that in college learning songs by vocalists like Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald and what I found is that there are rises and falls of pitch that vocalists do. Its very different for violinists who want a consistent sound, a precise classical way of playing. My playing imitates the voice. Theres an expressiveness to the playing, a very breathless sound. My teachers would say, You cant play like that, but I did, he said with a laugh. Vuk began playing violin at 6 years old. He took private and group lessons and performed recitals, later attending the University of Northern Iowa Suzuki School. He performed in youth orchestras and with the Wartburg Community Symphony for a year and as a senior at Denver High School he regularly traveled to Iowa City for lessons. He spent a year at the University of Northern Iowa School of Music before later graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston. Vuk is passionate about education outreach and has conducted hundreds of contemporary string playing clinics. He founded School of Groove in Cambridge, a contemporary music school centered around giving musicians opportunities to form bands and perform live at rock and jazz clubs in Boston. He also created the Boston Festival and Cambridge Arts Festival. Several years ago, Vuk stepped back from his heavy traveling and touring schedule to spend more time at his Colorado home with his wife and their four children, ages 9, 11 and 7-year-old twins. I thought it was getting stressful and not a good lifestyle for my kids. Now theyre not so little anymore and Ive started playing here and there and doing more shows, he said. This is the fifth concert on Blue Violins Christmas through the Midwest. WATERLOO (AP) Canadian National is buying a small, Waterloo-based railroad in Iowa to expand its network in the United States. CN announced the agreement to buy Iowa Northern Railway on Wednesday, but didnt disclose financial terms. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board must approve the transaction next year before it can be completed. Iowa Northern has about 275 miles of track serving a mix of agricultural and industrial shippers in the state. Iowa Northern Chairman Daniel Sabin said he believes CN will maintain his railways commitment to providing reliable service while helping connect shippers with bigger markets. CN CEO Tracy Robinson said the deal should strengthen the Montreal-based railroad. CN is already one of North Americas six biggest railroads with more than 18,000 miles of track across Canada and the United States. By enabling all of us to play an even more important role in this critical supply chain and densifying our southern network, we are accelerating sustainable, profitable growth, Robinson said. Iowa Northern Railway Company was formed in 1984 on a section of the old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. The line runs diagonally northwest to southeast from Manly to Cedar Rapids, with a branch line from Waterloo to Oelwein, and a branch line from Forest City to Belmond. NEW HAMPTON A former New Hampton man has been sentenced to federal prison in an opioid overdose that killed his friend in 2020. Tarron Scott Lechtenberg, 24, had given Jace Cajthaml what they believed was a small blue prescription Percocet pill, which contains oxycodone. In reality the pill contained fentanyl, a stronger drug, according to court records. Cajthaml, 19, of Ionia, died within hours. Lechtenberg was sentenced to 13 years on a charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death during a hearing in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday. Following, prison he will be on supervised release for three years. He was also ordered to pay $8,182.45 in restitution to the family. Lechtenbergs attorney asked for leniency, arguing that the incident was addiction driven. Lechtenberg, himself, is an addict. In this case, he too ingested the narcotics which ultimately killed the victim herein, defense attorney Chad Frese argued in court records. This is not a situation where either Lechtenberg or the victim were knowingly ingesting fentanyl with the idea they could handle the substance. It was truly unknown to them. He also noted the Lechtenberg went for help when he noticed his friend was in trouble. Prosecutors resisted, saying Lechtenberg was selling what were supposed to be Xanax and Percocet pills and other drugs including THC wax and psilocybin mushrooms. The United States does not assert that defendant was a major drug dealer or that he ran a drug trafficking organization. But he was actively involved in marketing and selling multiple drugs for profit, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Chatham. The bogus Percocet came from a supplier in California in deals arranged over the SnapChat messaging app. Lechtenberg then advertised the drugs on SnapChat. On July 29, 2020, Lechtenberg gave Cajthaml a portion of a small blue pill at Lechtenbergs home. Other friends arrived, and Cajthaml left with them. The others soon noticed that Cajthaml looked pale. He lost consciousness. They tried sternum rubs with no results. Meanwhile, Lechtenberg sent Cajthaml a message telling him not to tell the others he had taken Perc. One of the friends from the car contacted Lechtenberg about Cajthamls condition, and Letchenberg told them to bring him back to his house, according to court records. They placed him in a chair in the back yard and left him with Lechtenberg. Lechtenberg sent a message to the friends joking that Cajthaml had died, then added JK, LOL just kidding, laughing out loud. After what prosecutors said was several hours, he and another friend loaded Cajthaml into his car and began driving to the hospital. A Chickasaw County sheriffs deputy noticed him speeding, then stopping and heading towards the squad car to ask for help, records state. An ambulance was summoned and the deputy began trying to revive Cajthaml. He was later pronounced dead and an autopsy determined he died of acute fentanyl intoxication, records state. The government noted that his friends overdose wasnt the first time one of Lechtenbergs customers had a bad reaction. Nor was it the last. In July 2020, he sold a Perc pill to two women for $30. One woman felt numb and itchy and started falling asleep. The other turned pale and threw up before drifting off to sleep, according to court records. Then in October 2020, months after the death, Lechtenberg was at another friends home in Fredericksburg when that friend became unresponsive. Letchtenberg notified the friends mother and left, according to court records. Lechtenberg lost consciousness while driving and crashed. His vehicle caught fire. Back at the house, authorities used several doses of Narcan on the friend, who recovered. The friend told officers Letchtenberg and he had spilt a blue Perc pill, court records state. The case was investigated by the Chickasaw County Sheriffs Office, the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Chatham and Jason Norwood. How access to naloxone medication like Narcanused to reverse opioid overdosesvaries in each state How access to naloxone medication like Narcanused to reverse opioid overdosesvaries in each state Naloxone access by state #1. Alabama #2. Alaska #3. Arizona #4. Arkansas #5. California #6. Colorado #7. Connecticut #8. Delaware #9. Florida #10. Georgia #11. Hawaii #12. Idaho #13. Illinois #14. Indiana #15. Iowa #16. Kansas #17. Kentucky #18. Louisiana #19. Maine #20. Maryland #21. Massachusetts #22. Michigan #23. Minnesota #24. Mississippi #25. Missouri #26. Montana #27. Nebraska #28. Nevada #29. New Hampshire #30. New Jersey #31. New Mexico #32. New York #33. North Carolina #34. North Dakota #35. Ohio #36. Oklahoma #37. Oregon #38. Pennsylvania #39. Rhode Island #40. South Carolina #41. South Dakota #42. Tennessee #43. Texas #44. Utah #45. Vermont #46. Virginia #47. Washington #48. Washington DC #49. West Virginia #50. Wisconsin #51. Wyoming In August 2001, Professor Steven Green found himself at a crossroads. For 10 years, he had been working as the legal director and special counsel for Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He often worked until 9 or 10 at night. He saw many colleagues close to his age who would be exhausted before they retired. If he was going to make a career transition, he wanted to do it while he was still marketable. Having previously worked as a visiting professor at Vermont Law School, he began looking for a tenure-track position in academia. He says he had never considered being a law professor, but after completing a doctorate in constitutional history, his advisors told him he could likely teach a range of courses in a law school curriculum. Following a decade of focus on First Amendment issues, the idea of a career educating students about them was appealing. At the time, Willamette Law was looking for a visiting professor. Green visited the university for a debate and liked the environment and campus. Eventually, he was offered a tenure-track job at the school, and he has been in Salem, Oregon ever since. Doing good Green initially went to law school after taking an undergraduate civil rights course. He was inspired by the idea that the law could be used to do good. He earned his bachelors degree in history and political science, with a religious studies minor, at Texas Christian University, followed by a JD from the University of Texas School of Law. During law school, he took part in legal aid clinics and worked for legal services and poverty law programs during the summers. Following his graduation, he clerked for the Texas Court of Appeals. Then, he moved across the country to be a staff attorney with Alaska Legal Services Corporation. Often flying in to communities by bush plane, he represented low-income clients in a civil practice and Alaska Natives in land claims, allotments and fishing rights cases. It was an interesting experience, trial by fire sometimes, he recalls. In retrospect, it sounds more glamorous or adventurous than it was. Still, it was a great experience for a young lawyer. Green went on from there to be a trial court magistrate in Alaska for a year and a half before he and his wife decided to attend graduate school together at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He earned a masters in American religious history and started work on his doctorate. Then, he was off to Vermont for about four years in his first teaching position. During that time, he continued writing his dissertation and building his expertise in church and state issues. Through some work he had done with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), he became familiar with the public interest organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State. I hadnt heard of the organization before, but they focused solely on religion, law, and church and state, which was the area of study for my PhD, he explains. I thought it would be a good fit. Green joined the organization and primarily worked on appellate cases involving First Amendment issues from around the country. He regularly filed amicus curiae or friend of the court briefs with the Supreme Court and lobbied on Capitol Hill on First Amendment-related bills. He also served as co-counsel in several trials involving religious displays, religious activity in public schools, and vouchers for religious education. Although he enjoyed the work, the days were long and frequently interfered with his ability to complete his dissertation. After receiving several extensions, he took a sabbatical and completed his dissertation in 1997. Then, he started thinking about a career change. He and his wife ruled out living in various parts of the country. The visit to Willamette Law made an impact, and 22 years later, theyre still enjoying all the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Establishing a niche Over the years, Green made a name for himself as a sought-after scholar on First Amendment issues. He is frequently called by members of the media to offer an expert opinion on well-known court cases. He has continued writing Supreme Court amicus briefs, including in high-profile cases Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022); Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018); and Hobby Lobby v. Burwell (2014). Green says he is fortunate that his area of expertise always has something percolating. We are seeing a real transition in the Supreme Courts attitude toward church and state matters, involving a lot of hot-button issues, he says. These cases continue to come up. Ive carved out a nice niche. In addition to his work in advocacy, Green has written book chapters, more than 50 journal articles, reviews, commentaries and blogs, in addition to taking part in over 100 presentations and lectures. Hes also in the midst of the publication process for his eighth book, forthcoming in the spring of 2024, The Grand Collaboration: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Invention of American Religious Freedom, to be published by University of Virginia Press. The book focuses on Jefferson and Madison, the so-called godfathers of church and state separation, who Green describes as forward-thinking. They had a progressive idea of church and state, though they were somewhat atypical of the founding period, he says. I was looking around and realized there are a lot of biographies about them, and even some dual biographies, but not one about their joint collaboration on religious freedom. I was really surprised. There are some books about Jeffersons religion and some on Madison, but no dual biography. This is something all historians want to do, write a biography. So, I decided Id do it. Ive really enjoyed it. Sometimes you surprise yourself with what you learn. As he was studying the men, Green read 300-400 letters they wrote to each other on religious freedom issues. He says its fun to make connections from his research and present them. He is always looking ahead, he says. Though that book isnt yet published, he is already at work on his ninth, focusing on church and state development and free thought in the 19th century. It traces the intersection of various movements in the 19th century and has religion, speech, censorship and womens rights in it, he says. Im hoping I can get a full manuscript completed by next summer. And thats just what he is doing on the side. In the meantime, he continues to appreciate teaching in the career he never imagined being a part of after law school. I like the students and faculty. Im very fortunate in the subject matters I teach. I like all of them, Green says. I think I teach the best topics Constitutional Law, First Amendment Law, Education Law all of them I enjoy immensely. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (38 December 2023) In the period of 38 December 2023, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation inflicted 30 group strikes with high-precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles on the military airfield infrastructure: arsenals, storage sites for artillery ammunition, military hardware, as well as enemy POL bases. In addition, the locations of the AFU units, nationalist formations, and foreign mercenaries were hit. All the assigned targets have been engaged. In Kupyansk direction, units the Zapad Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line in several sectors and repelled 19 AFU attacks. Aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrowers hit the manpower and hardware of the 25th Air Assault, 57th Motorised Infantry, 41st, 43rd, and 60th Mechanised Brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Sinkovka, Ivanovka, Berestovoye, Peschanoye (Kharkov region), and Nevskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses amounted to more than 480 Ukrainian troops, three tanks, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, and seven field artillery guns. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the situation along the front line near Yampolovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and with support of aviation and artillery fire repelled 10 attacks launched by AFU assault groups. In addition, strikes were delivered at cluster of manpower of the 95th Air Assault, 63rd and 66th Mechanised, and 12th Special Forces brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Kirovsk, Torskoye, Yampol, and Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were more than 1,445 troops, 11 armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns. In Donetsk direction, the Yug Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on AFU manpower and hardware near Mariynka, Kurdyumovka, Bogdanovka, Andreyevka, and Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Over the past week, 18 attacks launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been repelled in this area. The enemy losses were more than 1,560 troops, 12 armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and 22 field artillery guns. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, aviation, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 58th Motorised Infantry, 79th Air Assault, 23rd and 72nd Mechanised, and 102nd territorial defence brigades near Novomikhailovka, Ugledar, Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic), and Levadnoye (Zaporozhye region). Over the week, the enemy has suffered losses of more than 845 troops, three tanks, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, 12 field artillery guns, as well as one Grad MLRS vehicle. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian troops carried out intensive defence, during which they repelled five attacks launched by assault groups of the 82nd Air Assault, 117th and 118th Mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Verbovoye, Nesteryanka, and Uspenovka (Zaporozhye region). Moreover, the Russian Armed Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFUs 46th Airmobile, 33rd and 65th Mechanised brigades near Dorozhnyanka, Malaya Tokmachka, and Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses amounted to up to 260 Ukrainian troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, and five field artillery guns. ?? In Kherson direction, the enemys attempts to cross the Dnepr River to land on the left bank and islands were thwarted by complex fire strikes and preventive actions of the Russian Armed Forces. Moreover, aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of AFUs 35th and 36th Marines, 124th Territorial Defence brigades near Tyaginka, Tokarevka, Nikolskoye, and Chernobayevka (Kherson region). As a result of the combat actions, the enemy losses were up to 350 troops, 13 field artillery guns, 17 motor vehicles, and 21 boats. Air defence systems shot down five Ukrainian aircraft: three MiG-29, two Su-25, and one Mi-8 of the Ukrainian Air Force. In addition, 11 HIMARS projectiles, two HARM anti-radiation missiles, two S-200 converted surface-to-surface missiles, one JDAM guided aerial bomb, as well as 224 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down. Moreover, 12 Ukrainian servicemen have been taken prisoner during the week. In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,577 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 13,894 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,279 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,056 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR Chris Hollins (left) and Orlando Sanchez (right) are headed for a runoff. Elizabeth Conley/Jon Shapley/Staff photographers Orlando Sanchez, candidate for city controller, speaks during a candidate forum Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at The Gardens Houston in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Surrounded by family and supporters, Houston mayoral candidate Chris Hollins announces he is now running for city controller and dropping out of the mayoral race in front of his campaign office on Thursday, April 6, 2023 in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Staff photographer Houston voters will elect a new city controller in this Saturdays runoff election. This go around, they have two options: Chris Hollins, a 37-year-old personal injury attorney who formerly served as Harris County clerk, and Orlando Sanchez, 66, who has 12 years experience as Harris County treasurer and ran twice for mayor and controller. Annise Parker, who served as the controller for six years before her stint as Houstons mayor, said there isn't a lot people know about the position and the powers it has. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The controller serves as the citys chief financial officer and is in charge of making sure funds are available for whatever the City Council wants to approve. They're also in charge of auditing city departments and investing city funds. Whoever assumes the position after term-limited Controller Chris Brown leaves office in January will be tasked with navigating the city through addressing its budget shortfall. They will also be in charge of handling any financial improprieties that may come up in the city. The positions power is complicated in Houstons government, which operates under a strong mayor system that gives the mayor chief decision-making power. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres everything you need to know about the position and how it operates among the mayor and city council. What does the controller do? The controller isnt necessarily involved in the day-to-day operations of city government, but does serve as a checks and balances system to Houstons strong mayor, Parker said. The position operates independently from the mayor and council to provide oversight to the citys financial systems. It audits both city departments and grant programs, and it approves money for council agenda items. Houstons controller is also in charge of producing monthly and yearly financial reports presented to the mayor and council, and it manages the citys fraud line. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The controller invests the city's money, manages the city's debt portfolio, manages the banking relationships, Parker said. But in layman's terms, the city controller must co-sign the check. While the controller is often said to operate as the citys chief financial officer, Parker believes the position is truly about conducting audits. At the end of the day, the citys finance director has more power alongside the mayor to create budgets and make financial decisions. The controller cant unreasonably withhold a signature on a check, nor can the person in the position insert their opinion on what city expenditures are good or bad, Parker said. Houstons controller can shape policy through its investigatory power of conducting audits and making recommendations from there. How much power does the controller have? In Houston government, its the mayor who has the decision making power, but the controller can alert them to any financial issues. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The relationship between the controller and the mayor largely depends on each office holders personality, Parker said. The area where the controller has a true opportunity to cause conflict with the mayor is during audits. A surefire way to not have a good relationship with the mayor is by surprising whoever is in the position, Parker said. What are the top issues the new controller will face? The controller will be tasked with investigating and calling out any financial wrongdoings on behalf of the city. But among the biggest issues facing the next administration is tackling Houstons growing budget shortfall. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and outgoing Controller Brown have bickered back and forth about the citys finances in recent months after the Greater Houston Partnership released a policy paper that called the citys finances one of Houstons thorniest challenges and said the structural budget imbalance will need to be addressed by the next mayor. The top contenders for mayor, state Sen. John Whitmire and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, will meet in a runoff Dec. 9. Whoever is next to lead the controllers office has to be prepared to be a partner to the new mayor, Parker said. Who are the final two candidates for controller? Hollins and Sanchez are the city's final two choices for controller after finishing with the most votes in the general election, but not securing enough votes to win outright. Hollins previously put in a bid to run for Houston mayor, but dropped out of the race and switched to controller when Jackson Lee announced her campaign. He wants to find efficiency and improve operations at City Hall, in addition to modernizing public transit and stimulating the citys economy. Sanchez, 66, was an at-large member of Houston City Council before becoming Harris County Treasurer. He ran for controller in 2019 and ran for mayor in 2001 and 2003. Primitive blackmail of the US Congress The Biden administration is not new at all and has historical precedents. Give money to our guy (insert the desired last name) , otherwise well have to start a war with the Russians, said various American presidents at different times, extorting dollars from their legislators. The question today is different: 1. Never have they extorted so much money for a minor state that is in the process of collapse. 2. Never have they so aggressively and brazenly extracted money for a country that openly corrupted the current President of the United States and members of his family. 3. Never since the Cuban Missile Crisis has the threat of a direct clash between Russia and NATO leading to the Third World War been so real. This is a new phenomenon in American political discourse, created by Joe, Hunter and Partners. They face the prospect of impeachment (which is unlikely) and losing the elections (which is very likely). Hence the boorish blackmail, continuous hysteria and wild hints addressed to us. The Administration and their frightened fosterling will, of course, receive the money. Not now, but in the new year. To continue business during the war at any cost. And for this loot new rivers of blood will flow, for which the Biden family and all their Bandera bastard are responsible. Medvedev *** WtR Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (7 December 2023) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces jointly with helicopters and artillery repelled five attacks of assault groups of the AFU 41st mechanised and 57th motorised infantry brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Lake Liman. The enemys losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, four armoured personnel carriers, two pickup trucks, one German-made Panzerhaubitze self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made M198 howitzer, and one D-30 gun. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units jointly with artillery repelled two attacks launched by the 24th Mechanised Brigade and 44th Separate Rifle Battalion of the AFU close to Dzerzhinsk and Yampolovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Up to 280 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles were neutralised. Two U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery systems were hit during counter-battery warfare. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the 67th Mechanised Brigade (AFU) near Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy has lost up to 175 Ukrainian personnel, as well as three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles during the day. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one D-30 howitzer, and one U.S-made M119 gun were hit. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by ground-attack aircraft, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 23rd mechanised, 58th motorised infantry, and 128th territorial defence brigades near Sladkoye, Nikolskoye, and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy losses were up to 160 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery struck clusters of manpower of the AFU 33th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemys losses amounted to 60 troops, two motor vehicles, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems. In Kherson direction, Russian troops, artillery fire, and air strikes defeated the enemy near Chervony Mayak (Kherson region). The enemys losses in manpower amounted to up to 65 troops killed and wounded. In addition, two motor vehicles and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were hit. Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation hit command and observation posts of the AFU 67th mechanised, 100th territorial defence, and 12th special forces brigades near Serebryanka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), as well as ammunition and armament depots, manpower, and military hardware in 121 areas. Air defence units shot down one Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft near Vesyolaya Gora (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Moreover, one HIMARS MLRS projectile and one HARM anti-radiation missile manufactured in the USA were intercepted. In addition, 27 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Verkhnekamenka, Mankovka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Gorlovka and Soledar (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,568 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 13,870 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,268 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,011 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. Tags: WtR The Biden administration is openly threatening Americans over Ukraine. In a classified briefing in the House yesterday, defense secretary Lloyd Austin informed members that if they dont appropriate more money for Zelensky, well send your uncles, cousins and sons to fight pic.twitter.com/BPKMEBW8TK Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) December 7, 2023 So Everyone called me crazy every time I mentioned that the USA wants to get the draft going again I guess they will and this threat is just the start. As always it is a corrupt system that blackmails all the rest of the corrupt systems and vice versa You ready to die for a Transgender Empire of lies and Chaos? All for a few to get rich I am ready to die fighting that Sick Empire and many more like me will do the same WtR Habitat for Humanity serving Winona County has received a $17,600 grant to help repair four homes in Winona, according to a press release. The funding came from Lowe's as part of the company's two-year, $6 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International, the release says. With the grant, Habitat for Humanity will be able to replace windows to help keep housing safe and affordable through winters. Our home repair program is truly unique in the Winona area and delivers a vital service to clients at very affordable rates, said Adam Muschler, homeowner services manager at Habitat for Humanity serving Winona County. The Lowes grant will help us continue to deliver these incredibly impactful projects for the people of Winona. Universities of Wisconsin leaders are said to be nearing a deal with Republican legislative leaders that would reclassify a third of the systems diversity, equity and inclusion employees and put a yearslong moratorium on hiring more, in return for a new UW-Madison engineering building and moving ahead with employee pay raises already approved in the budget. UW system President Jay Rothman was meeting Thursday with Assembly Speaker Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, and Sen. Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg. Vos has previously been unwavering in his demand that the UW system cut DEI staff and programming before any additional money is allocated to the public universities. Rothman has defended the positions for months and stood firm despite Republican pressure. Rothman and Republican leaders hadnt reached a deal by late Thursday afternoon, but people close to the situation not authorized to speak on the negotiations said officials were nearing an agreement. UW system spokesperson Mark Pitsch declined to comment prior to Rothmans meeting with Republican leadership, saying negotiations were ongoing. Earlier this week, LeMahieu told the Associated Press that Rothman and Republican leadership were nearing a deal on the building and pay raises, which Pitsch said then was not imminent. Other aspects of the negotiation include releasing $32 million for the UW system that the Legislatures budget committee withheld this summer, changes in a reciprocity agreement with Minnesota that lets UW keep the money instead of funneling it to the states general fund, a three-year freeze on administrative positions and the creation of a new UW system position focusing on conservative thought. Fewer than 60 employees are expected to be affected by job reclassifications, although their responsibilities would not change. Instead of being classified as DEI employees, theyd fall under the umbrella of student success. No employees would lose their jobs, the sources close to the situation said. Democratic outcry about the plan began hours before Rothmans meeting with Republican lawmakers. Multiple Democrats, including Assembly Democrats and the Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus, accused the UW system of turning its back on minority students. The Wisconsin Legislative Black Caucus is appalled and ashamed that our state is going to such measures to remove Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from our educational institutions. We ask the question, who was at the table making negotiations on behalf of our black and brown students on campus? the group said in a statement. Who decided to undervalue our students and staff of color by setting a price tag on their inclusion on our campuses? Were our students and students interests even considered? For months, Republicans have held up UW-Madisons planned engineering building, cut $32 million from the UW systems budget and withheld pay raises for about 36,000 employees to pressure UW system officials to eliminate DEI staff and programming. This Dec. 4, 2012 photo provided by UNLV shows Cha Jan "Jerry" Chang, an associate professor in the business school's Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology department. Chang was one of three people shot and killed in Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 shooting on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus. (R. Marsh Starks/UNLV via AP) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form With the Houston mayoral runoff just around the corner, the success of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire hinges on their ability to energize their voter bases, a decisive factor that has shaped past elections and could once again, according to experts and historical data. Since the beginning of the election cycle, polls have indicated that the supporters of the two candidates are sharply divided by race. In the November race, the voting precincts where Whitmire outperformed Jackson Lee had a median demographic composition that was 45% White, 5% Black and 29% Hispanic or Latino, as defined by the U.S. Census. The median composition of Jackson Lee's strongholds was 7% White, 33% Black and 42% Hispanic or Latino. Houston usually has low turnout in municipal elections, and the November race was no exception. The two candidates struggled to generate substantial voter interest even in their own districts, where they had spent decades establishing constituent relationships. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Whitmire's Texas Senate District 15, the average turnout in the mayor's race was about 17% of registered voters. In Jackson Lee's U.S. House District 18, the turnout was about 15%. Overall, about 17% of all eligible registered voters in Harris County cast their ballots last month. The median voter turnout also varied across racial groups: 21% in predominantly white precincts, 17% in predominantly Black precincts and 11% in predominantly Hispanic precincts. There are not enough predominantly Asian precincts for a comparative analysis. Jeronimo Cortina, a political science professor at the University of Houston, noted that this year's general election turnout aligns with historical patterns. He added that a variety of factors, including socioeconomic status and historical influences, account for the observed disparity in voter participation. What is extremely important here is how candidates engage voters, mobilize voters and persuade them to go out and vote, Cortina said. Jackson Lee faces tough challenge of overturning Whitmires lead As Jackson Lee faces the daunting task of reversing Whitmires 7-percentage point lead, even a small shift in voter turnout could have a significant impact, considering the small size of the city electorate, according to Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Historical data from the last open mayoral election in 2015 indicates that voter enthusiasm can shift unevenly among different demographic groups in the short span between the general election and the runoff. In the 2015 race, voter turnout in predominantly Black precincts remained relatively stable from the general election to the runoff, only decreasing about three points. In predominantly white and Hispanic precincts, on the other hand, there was a more marked decrease in voter participation: 10 and eight points, respectively. This suggests that a candidate who has strong support in areas where Black voters make up a sizable share, as Jackson Lee does, could boost their vote share in the runoff. But it all comes down to each candidate's ability to energize their existing supporters, Rottinghaus said, noting that the congresswoman has so far struggled to do so. A recent runoff poll revealed that by mid-November, more Black voters (22%) remained undecided than white voters (17%). Moreover, a higher percentage of voters across all racial groups reported holding a "very unfavorable" view of Jackson Lee compared to Whitmire. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The level of enthusiasm among the African American community is constant, but not growing, and part of that is a mobilization question, Rottinghaus said. Without having the campaigns specifically address the issues of concern to those communities, it's unlikely to produce a significant turnout. Cortina added that in a city like Houston, where no single racial group makes up the majority of eligible voters, success also depends on building a broad coalition of supporters. This requires substantial funds and resources, he said, which puts Jackson Lee at a disadvantage. You need a very solid ground operation, knocking on doors to make sure that people make a commitment to go out and vote, and obviously investing in resources like ads, Cortina said. Money matters, and in this case, Jackson Lee has been outspent by Whitmire. Candidates seek to draw distinction during final stretch The demographic dynamics of this year's November election between Jackson Lee and Whitmire roughly mirror those of the 2015 contest between outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner and his opponent Bill King, data shows. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Jackson Lee and Turner are different candidates with unique reputations and platforms, their strongholds in the general election both saw an over-representation of Black and Hispanic constituents and under-representation of white voters. In contrast, Whitmire and King, despite their distinct careers and ideological leanings, have both been viewed by many as the more conservative alternative. In the general election, they both fared better in areas with more white voters and fewer Black voters. Both Whitmire and Jackson Lee have recently made pointed remarks about race as the election enters into its final stage. At a November debate, Jackson Lee took aim at Whitmire for his tenure as chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, criticizing him for not adequately protecting Black and brown communities from disproportionate rates of incarceration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whitmire fired back by accusing Jackson Lee of attempting to divide us along racial lines on universal issues like public safety. The state senator also clashed with Turner, who endorsed Jackson Lee, over the lack of diversity at City Hall. He pointed out the underrepresentation of Latino and Asian on the department head level, a disparity supported by the data provided by the mayors office. Turner countered the criticism by listing a number of key Latino and Asian officials he has appointed during his tenure. Meanwhile, research shows the lack of management-level Latino and Asian city employees is not unique to Houston, but a challenge in many other large U.S. metros. Despite their escalating rhetoric, Jackson Lee and Whitmire have struggled to differentiate their policy positions on key issues such as public safety, infrastructure and city services, according to Rottinghaus. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You better not pout and we're telling you why: Stevie Nicks, Ali Wong, Eric Andre, and Ariana Madix are all coming to town. Plus, dress up for opening night of San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker, an ugly holiday sweater bar crawl, Sausalito's Winter Market, and more. Have a good one. Secure a collectible trading card featuring Takashi Murakamis signature imageryfor free. With the purchase of a ticket to Murakami: Monsterized, youll receive this limited edition gift that's being distributed at the museum before anywhere else in the world; Monday and Thursday. // Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St. (Civic Center); tickets and details at calendar.asianart.org Explore a new trail with the opening of Tyler Ranch Staging Area. The newly accessible parklands offer 18 miles of trails and amazing panoramic views including the SF Bay, Mt. Diablo, Mission Peak, and Mt. Tam; 8am to 8pm daily. // Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, 2563 Foothill Rd. (Sunol); details at ebparks.org Sink your teeth into a one-night-only pop-up highlighting dishes from Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula. In the first of a bi-monthly series, the Missions Al Carajo will be serving tasty creations paired with Causwells take on Yucatan-style cocktails; 5pm to 7:30pm on Monday. // Causwells, 2346 Chestnut St. (Marina); reservations at opentable.com The tea will be spilled when Vanderpump Rules Ariana Madix comes to town for her "Single AF: An Evening for Bad Bitches" show. Expect shit-talking, cocktails, games, and surprise guests; 8pm on Tuesday. // The Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. (Castro); tickets at ticketmaster.com Celebrate this season of giving at Wender Weis Foundation for Childrens Holiday Heroes event. The fundraiser will take you behind the scenes at Oracle Park for meet-and-greets with celebrity athletes, team mascots, snow globes and cookie decorating, bear stuffing, and VIP experiences; 5:30pm on Tuesday. // Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza (SoMa); tickets at eventbrite.com Huddle around the fire for smores and brews. The 21st Amendment taproom has teamed with local chocolate makers TCHO to create a smores kit that you can purchase and pair with their seasonal beers; 5:30pm to 8:30pm Thursday. // 21st Amendment Brewery, 2010 Williams St. (San Leandro); RSVP at eventbrite.com Take the stress out of gift shopping with a trip up to Petaluma for the lovely McEvoy Ranch Christmas Market. Youll find curated gifts, many wrapped in custom boxes, plus live music and a farmstand on Saturdays; 11am to 5pm daily, through December 31. // For more information, go to visitmarin.org. Thank you to our partners at Marin Convention and Visitors Bureau. Get cracking to the San Francisco Ballet for the return of everybody's holiday favorite. The Nutcracker features more than 150 dancers, a live orchestra, and snow; Wednesday through December 30th (except Christmas Day). // War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center); tickets at sfballet.org Sit back and try not to cringe at this live wordplay competition; 7:30pm on Thursday. // Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St. (Hayes Valley); tickets at eventbrite.com Spend the evening with Stevie. Living legend and rock icon Stevie Nicks will headline Chase Center; 7pm on Friday. // 1 Warriors Way (Mission Bay); tickets at ticketmaster.com Fete Cinderella's 21st birthday at African American Shakespeare Company. The annual holiday production teases a more interactive iteration this year, directed by company founder Sherri Young; four performances Friday through Sunday. // Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. (Civic Center), african-americanshakes.org; tickets are available at cityboxoffice.com. Fill their stockings with stuff from more than 25 makers at Creative Communal Winter Artisan Market. Bring your dogs and kids; 11am and 4pm Saturday. // Fourth Street Makers Row, 1901 Fourth St. (Berkeley), fourthstreetmakersrow.com Thank you to our partners at Fourth Street Maker's Row. Reimagine instruments with Schick Machine. Watch as percussionist Steven Schick explores a visually compelling world of mechanical devices, invented instruments, and seemingly infinite sonic possibilities. At the end of every performance, the entire audience is invited on stage to explore and play the inventions; Friday through Sunday. // Z Spaces Steindler Stage, 450 Florida St. (Mission); tickets at zspace.org Dig out your ugly holiday jumper for SweaterCon, complete with cheap drinks, sketchy holiday decorations, and even a few gifts for lucky crawlers. Check in anytime at Mayes to receive your wristband and pub crawl map, then you choose your own adventure; 4pm to 10pm, Saturday. // Mayes, 1233 Polk St. (TenderNob); tickets at crawlsf.com Embrace the chaos when Adult Swim comedian Eric Andre brings his live standup show to the Bay; 7pm on Saturday. // Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland); tickets at ticketmaster.com Ali Wong is bringing her beef with dating, parenting, and more to a sure-to-be hilarious standup set for eight nights in SF; Saturday, through December 23. // The Masonic, 1111 California St. (Nob Hill); tickets at livenation.com Tap your foot to the sounds of Charlie Brown when the Adam Shulman Trio plays the soundtrack to Charles Schulzs 1965 holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas; 2pm and 7:30pm Saturday. // SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St. (Hayes Valley); tickets at sfjazz.org Dont even try to resist Love Actually:The funny and heart-warming holiday film set in contemporary London is sometimes romantic, sometimes sad, and sometimes stupidand its at San Francisco Symphony with a live orchestra performing the score; 7:30pm Saturday. // Davies Symphony Hall (Civic Center), 201 Van Ness Ave., sfsymphony.org Thank you to our partners at SF Symphony. For the fashionable friend on your gift list, look no further than McMullens holiday pop-up. The Oakland-based luxury boutique is bringing a well-edited selection of styles from sought-after labels like Khaite, The Row, and Simkhai; 10am to 5pm, Friday through Sunday. // 1 Hotel, 8 Mission St. (Embarcadero); details at 1hotels.com Swap your sneakers for stilettosits time for The Guardsmen Tree Lot Party. Best part? Its for the kids. Proceeds will benefit at-risk youth in the Bay Area; 8pm Saturday // Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason (Marina); tickets at eventbrite.com Make it a weekend of shopping at two incredible gift markets in The Town: the Winter Market (11am to 5pm, Saturday December 16) at the Bridge Yard, 210 Burma Rd; and the Holiday Market & Collage Fest (1pm to 3pm, Sunday December 17) at Oakland Museum of California, 100 Oak St. (Oakland). // For more information, go to visitoakland.com. Thank you to our partners at Visit Oakland. Snap a pic with Hello Kitty and shop for cute presents at the Harajuku Holiday marketplace. In addition to exclusive hand-crafted merch, youll find themed food and drinks, character interactions, and more; 11am to 5pm Saturday. // 833 Market St. (SoMa); tickets at eventbrite.com Shop chic local wares and gifts at Sausalitos Winter Market. Its your one-stop shop for goods from Botnia Skincare, Heath Ceramics, Freda Salvador, Coyuchi, Amanda Hunt jewelry, Born to Roam Vintage, Zoe Dering Ceramics, and more. Warm sips and snacks will also be on hand to keep the merry-making (and shopping) flowing; 10am to 5pm on Saturday. // Sausalito Center for the Arts, 750 Bridgeway (Sausalito); details at @sausalitowintermarket Go applaud Ms. Pat because Ya Girl Done Made It: The comedian/author/podcaster/actress has been called unforgiving and darkly hilarious by The Washington Post, and now shes bringing her standup show to SF; 7pm, Friday February 9. // Palace of Fine Arts, 3301 Lyon St. (Marina); tickets available now at purplepass.com. Thank you to our partners at Outback Presents. This year was packed with fantastic reads but these 10 managed to stand out, for different reasons: Some were engrossing, beautifully written novels; others were moving memoirs or eye-opening explorations of lives past. My favorite book from 2023? A novel, Wellness, by Nathan Hill. Read on to find out more. Photo Collage: MOA; (Book Photo: Noah Willman) North Woods by Daniel Mason This novel is a must-read for fans of historical or any kind of fiction, who will appreciate its unique premise, wonderfully executed. Its the story of one farmhouse in Western Massachusetts and its various inhabitants, from the pre-Colonial era to modern times. The past ends up haunting (sometimes literally) the people who cycle through the home, including the twin daughters of an apple farmer and a man with mental illness who can perceive the ghosts that still live in his midst. Mason also offers rich, evocative depictions of the changing wooded landscape, which evolves along with the humans it harbors. Photo Collage: MOA; (Book Photo: Sue Tallon) Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano Ann Napolitano, 52, author of the 2020 bestseller Dear Edward (now a TV series on Apple TV+), introduces us to two young people, Julia and William, who fall in love and marry. Julia and her three sisters embrace William, but as time passes his depression creates a rift and their paths diverge. Hello Beautiful is a must if youre looking to sink into an emotionally complex family story. It received some nice early publicity when Oprah Winfrey chose it as her 100th book club pick. (Once you start, you wont want it to end, Oprah told her followers, and be prepared for tears.) Youve got to love that beautiful cover too. Photo Collage: MOA; (Book Photo: Sue Tallon) King: A Life by Jonathan Eig Jonathan Eig, 59, the author of 2017s Ali: A Life, about Muhammad Ali, dives into the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s family history, childhood, accomplishments, private life and more, hoping to create a more intimate kind of biography, Eig told Library Journal. Obviously, Kings life has been plumbed by countless historians, but King: A Life may rise above those other bios. In The New York Times, Dwight Garner offered a glowing review, calling it supple, penetrating, heartstring-pulling and compulsively readable. Universal Pictures has bought the movie rights, according to Deadline, with Chris Rock set to direct and produce. Photo Collage: MOA; (Book Photo: Noah Willman) Wellness by Nathan Hill This brilliant novel by the author of 2016s also wonderful The Nix features a couple, Jack and Elizabeth, who meet in Chicago and fall wildly in love then out of love when we revisit them as parents of a somewhat difficult child and at a point of middle-age exhaustion and disenchantment. The novel ends up being a thoughtful, often humorous, cultural critique and exploration of why we believe the things we do, why we love who and what we love and so much more. Its another Oprah Book Club pick (she really does have good taste!). Chinese battery maker Gotion launches 1st battery product in Thailand Xinhua) 10:33, December 08, 2023 Guests inscribe signatures on the first battery product of NV Gotion jointly established by Gotion High-tech and Nuovo Plus at Siam Eastern Industrial Park in Rayong, Thailand, Dec. 7, 2023. China's battery maker Gotion High-tech on Thursday launched its first battery product in Thailand, as the workers tightened the last screws and the battery pack rolled off the assembly line. (Xinhua/Wang Teng) BANGKOK, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- China's battery maker Gotion High-tech on Thursday launched its first battery product in Thailand, as the workers tightened the last screws and the battery pack rolled off the assembly line. Located in Siam Eastern Industrial Park in Thailand's Rayong Province, NV Gotion was jointly established by Gotion High-tech and Nuovo Plus, a new energy company belonging to the Thai state-owned SET-listed oil and gas company Public Company Limited (PTT), mainly engaged in the business of battery and battery industry chain. The first phase of the plant's battery pack production capacity is planned to be 2GWh per year, and in the future, it is planned to expand to an annual production capacity of 8GWh based on market demand. With 38 kWh battery pack, The battery product, Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery, can offer a driving range of up to 400 kilometers, which will meet the mainstream demand for A-class vehicles in the Thai electric vehicle (EV) market, said Yu Qiang, Marketing Director of NV Gotion. He added that the battery will be supplied to Chinese automaker Hozon Auto starting in the first quarter of next year. Auttapol Rerkpiboon, president and chief executive officer of PTT, said that the company has imported advanced battery technology, by jointly establishing a battery factory with Gotion High-tech, which can accelerate the achievement of the goal in the EV chain and clean energy industry. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton makes a statement at his office, May 26, 2023, in Austin, Texas. Eric Gay/Associated Press Hours after a Texas judge ruled a woman may receive an emergency abortion, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned three Houston hospitals that they could still face penalties if they allow the procedure to happen. We feel it is important for you to understand the potential long-term implications if you permit such an abortion to occur at your facility, Paxton wrote in a letter Thursday to Houston Methodist, The Womans Hospital of Texas and Texas Childrens Hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble sided with the woman, Kate Cox, 31, of Dallas, in ruling that her health and fertility are at risk due to a fatal fetal diagnosis, and she should be able to receive an abortion from her Houston physician, Dr. Damla Karsan, without legal repercussions. Karsan has admitting privileges at the three hospitals Paxton targeted. Paxton, a third-term Republican, wrote that Guerra Gamble is not medically qualified to decide whether Cox has a life-threatening condition, which he argued she does not. The activist judges order, he said, does not insulate hospitals, doctors or anyone else from facing civil or criminal legal consequences under the states overlapping abortion bans that invite enforcement from local prosecutors, Paxtons office and everyday citizens. Coxs legal team has not disclosed where and when she may receive the procedure, citing her familys safety. Marc Hearron, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, said Paxtons letter amounts tofearmongering, which he said has been the attorney generals main tactic in enforcing these abortion bans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rather than respect the judiciary, he is misrepresenting the courts order, Hearron said in an emailed statement. He attacks the judge who rules against him as an 'activist judge'. He is trying to bulldoze the legal system to make sure Kate and pregnant women like her continue to suffer. The Center is representing Cox, her husband Justin and Karsan in the lawsuit. A spokesperson for Houston Methodist said it is not involved in this. The Womans Hospital of Texas received Paxton's letter and is "monitoring this complex and rapidly evolving legal case," the hospital said in a statement. "Our focus remains on our patients and the community we serve, and we do not have any further information at this time." The third hospital did not respond to a request for comment. Instagram Celebrity The 'Dancing with the Stars' judge, who tied the knot with Hayley in August, also thanks 'the first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her.' Dec 8, 2023 AceShowbiz - Derek Hough revealed that his wife Hayley Erbert has undergone emergency brain surgery. When coming clean with his spouse's health scare, the "Dancing with the Stars" judge assures fans that she is in "stable condition" now. On Thursday, December 7, the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram, "At the end of last night's tour performance in Washington, D.C., my wife Hayley became disoriented and was taken to the hospital." He added, "She was diagnosed with a cranial hematoma from a burst blood vessel and required an emergency craniectomy. She is in stable condition." "I want to thank the first responders and medical personnel who have cared for and continue to care for her," the professional dancer continued. "I ask for your prayers and positivity during this time." According to Mayo Clinic, an intracranial hematoma is "a collection of blood within the skull. It's usually caused by a blood vessel that bursts in the brain." The cause of this condition can be trauma such as a car accident or fall. Derek and Hayley tied the knot in Northern California in August. In October, Derek divulged that he's ready to have kids with Hayley. "Are we ready to do this thing?" he asked his wife about the prospect as she stood off-camera in his interview with Extra after saying he was "absolutely" ready to have children. Derek also gushed about being a newlywed. "It's so crazy to say that word 'wife,' honestly, and I love it. Wait till you see the (wedding) video," he said. "We got it the other day I'm just bawling it was like, I'm feeling it, man. It was like an ugly cry in the corner in the foetal position because I just thought it was so beautiful." You can share this post! Cover Images/Marion Curtis/StarPix Celebrity A man named Horacio Vela filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County's Superior Court, claiming that he's suffering 'severe injuries and damages' following the accident involving the 67-year-old Hollywood star. Dec 8, 2023 AceShowbiz - Alan Ruck has been dragged to court by a driver who claimed he collided with his car on Halloween night. The "Succession" actor has been sued by a man named Horacio Vela, who said he's suffering "severe injuries and damages" following the accident. Horacio filed the lawsuit in Los Angeles County's Superior Court. In the legal docs, he alleged that the 67-year-old Hollywood star "abruptly and forcefully accelerated his vehicle" while stopped at a red light at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and La Brea Avenue around 9 P.M. on October 31. Alan's Rivian R1T electric truck allegedly struck the bumper of Horacio's Hyundai Elantra, pushing the car into another vehicle in the intersection. while the truck went on to hit yet another vehicle before smashing into a nearby pizza shop. The plaintiff said he was then rushed to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in an ambulance, and his car was towed from the scene and deemed a "total loss." Horacio's attorney, Neama Rahmani, slammed Alan's insurance company for not solving the issue. "Accidents happen," the lawyer stated. "That's what insurance is for. But Alan Ruck's insurance company, State Farm, has refused to accept responsibility for the crash. Even worse, Ruck's State Farm adjuster has ghosted us for weeks despite repeated calls and letters seeking to work out an amicable settlement." Alan himself has spoken up about the car crash. "I'm okay," he said in early November. "I'm fine and thank God nobody was killed." Though so, photographers noticed that he had a small limp when he was walking. Addressing the matter, he assured, "This isn't from the accident, this is because I'm getting old." You can share this post! Cover Images/Sandro Barbosa Celebrity The 46-year-old Yeezy designer is criticized for his alleged bad hygiene as Internet users thought that he 'looks like he smells bad' in a new video of his outing at a mall in Dubai. Dec 8, 2023 AceShowbiz - Kanye West unimpressed people with his look in a recent sighting. The Yeezy designer was criticized for his alleged bad hygiene as Internet users thought that he "looks like he smells bad" in a new video of his outing in Dubai. The said clip saw the Chicago rapper visiting a Yeezy store at a mall in the Emirates of Dubai capital. For the outing, Ye donned his signature all-black outfit which included scuba boots, a hooded top and a "Vultures" shirt. The rapper, who didn't seem to be joined by his wife Bianca Censori, also wore a black fabric that he wrapped around his head. At one point, he could be seen giving out his signs to a fan. Some Instagram users, however, were more focused on Ye's look in the video. "Go take a bath please!!" one person commented. Another added, "Lol right looks like he smells bad, I feel bad for the fan hes touching." Prior to this, it was reported that The "Famous" rapper's lack of hygiene had been "turning off" his architect wife amid their overseas trips. "He wears these outfits partly because he genuinely believes they showcase his fashion genius and forward-thinking," a source told Radar Online back in August. "But it's also to cover him having gained a little weight." The "Gold Digger" emcee's fashion choice, however, came with a stinky consequence for his wife. The insider went on to say, "It's a serious stench when the layers come off and he's dripping in sweat head to toe - especially as he's not big on showering - and poor Bianca's nostrils are on the receiving end." Another source echoed the sentiment, commenting on Ye who was recently photographed wearing a head wrap, a double layer of shirts, loose pants and tight Spandex wraps in Italy. "He's got to be cooking under those layers. His BO is something awful since he rarely uses deodorant," the source noted. You can share this post! Cover Images/Dave Allocca/Starpix Celebrity The 'John Wick' actor has fallen victims to intruders as a group of people wearing ski masks smashed his window and forced their ways into his home in Los Angeles recently. Dec 9, 2023 AceShowbiz - Keanu Reeves' home has been visited by burglars wearing ski masks. The Hollywood actor's property in Los Angeles was targeted in the early hours of Thursday morning, December 7 by a group of masked thugs who were caught on security cameras smashing a window to gain access to the house and then making off with a firearm. The raid happened hours after cops were called to the house around 7 P.M. on Wednesday evening, December 6 to investigate after an anonymous phone call which reported a trespasser. According to TMZ.com, officers of the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the property and conducted a search but left after finding nothing was amiss. They were then called back to the house around 1am after the gang smashed their way into the actor's home and set off an alarm. The website reports the burglars were seen on security footage wearing ski masks over their faces. Keanu - known for playing hitman John Wick who hunts down a gang of burglars who broke into his house and killed his puppy - was not at home at the time of the incident and TMZ reports it's unclear if anything else was taken apart from one firearm. It comes a decade after "The Matrix" star came face-to-face with an intruder who broke into his home in the middle of the night. Back in 2014, Keanu was woken by noises coming from his library and found a woman who told him she'd come to meet him. The actor is believed to have dealt with the situation calmly and contacted police who took the unnamed female into custody and booked her in for a psychiatric evaluation. Three days later, Keanu had another similar situation to deal with when he found a naked woman swimming in his pool. He contacted authorities and was later granted a restraining order to keep her away from him and his property. You can share this post! Instagram Music Mick Jagger and his bandmates face criticisms from fellow musician Damon Albarn over their new album 'Hackney Diamonds' and music video for their lead single 'Angry'. Dec 9, 2023 AceShowbiz - Damon Albarn has criticized The Rolling Stones over their album "Hackney Diamonds", accusing them of objectifying Sydney Sweeney and getting "worse" at staying themselves. The Blur frontman has ripped the legendary rock & roll group - comprising Sir Mick Jagger, 80, Keith Richards, 79, and Ronnie Wood, 76 - for naming their latest album after the district in East London and holding their album launch at the Hackney Empire when they have "never contributed" to the area. "My family lives in Hackney and the way they showed up at the Hackney Empire venue really [hacked] me off. They've never did a thing in Hackney, they've never played there, never contributed to anything. They just showed up. It's all nonsense," he began in an interview with the French publication Les Inrockuptibles. The Gorillaz star also took issue with the video for the lead single "Angry" and the 26-year-old "Euphoria" actress posing on top of a moving classic car with various close-ups of her cleavage in a tight-fitted leather corset top. He continued, "I listened to their new song and watched this horrible music video showing them at different stages of their lives on billboards. And this young woman objectified. What the hell is this? There's something completely disconnected." The 55-year-old star - who is known for experimenting with various styles of music - went on to criticise the veteran rockers for "devoting" their lives to releasing the same music and getting "worse" at it. In one last blow, he said, "I did all sorts of things, whereas they've never been anything other than the Rolling Stones." "I love the idea of devoting your life to one thing, in search of the sublime. But the truth is, they've become worse. Worse at persisting to stay themselves. That's something I don't understand. Making exactly the same music but not that good. There must be no joy in doing something like this." You can share this post! Angad Bedi is said to be taking a nostalgic dive into the most romantic era of Bollywood with his upcoming debut in South cinema in the film "Hi Nanna." Paying homage and taking a cue from one of the most beloved romantic films of the late '90s, Angad's character, Arvind, draws inspiration from Salman Khan's iconic role as Aman in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." "Hi Nanna," a Telugu film set to release in dubbed versions in Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, marks Angad Bedi's foray into the vibrant world of South Indian cinema. The film explores the nuances of love, sacrifice, and the greater good, reminiscent of the timeless narrative presented in "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai." In the film, Angad plays the love interest of Mrunal, with striking similarities to Salman Khan's portrayal of Aman, the selfless lover who sacrifices his own feelings for the happiness of his beloved. This subtle nod to the iconic character adds a nostalgic touch to "Hi Nanna," resonating with audiences across generations who hold a special place for the classic romance of the late '90s. Speaking about it, Angad said, People will find a lot of similarity between the character I play of Arvind in Hi Nanna and Aman which was played by Salman Bhai in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Though I dont think one can compare to the great Salman bhai, it is fair. But yeah that character does have similarities. When I even read the script it reminded me of Aman from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Hi Nanna is a modern love story, but because Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is such an important film and changed the romance genre forever, Hi Nanna in many ways will remind people of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, especially my character, Arvind. But yeah those are some big shoes to fill and I have earnestly given my best to the character of Arvind in the most honest way possible. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and the UN Women convened Unstereotype Alliance (UA), launched their collaborative study on Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in Indian advertising. The report, prepared by Kantar, a global brand research partner to the worlds leading companies, deep dives into a critical component of ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals of corporates. The study was unveiled at the DEI Edge Summit, co-hosted by ASCI and UA, and supported by organisations such as Diageo, HUL and Disney Star. The joint report provides new insights on Indian advertisings D&I representation versus global practice (leveraging data from the 2023 Global MONITOR survey) and a wealth of original findings on Indian advertising trends accommodating D&I. Some of the key dimensions of D&I representation mapped in the report were age, gender, sexual orientation, race, physical appearance, social class, disability, and religion, across 28 markets around the world. The global dimension Compared to 33 percent of consumers across the world, 48 percent of Indians expressed the need for more inclusive representation by brands. Indias socially aware consumers are an encouragement for brands on the way to inclusiveness and a wake-up call for those yet to embrace D&I. The research scoured through all the new ads that aired in October 2023. Coupled with Kantars extensive analysis of advertisements over the past few years, the study provides a snapshot of the patterns, progress, and scope for improvement in DEI in India. Key findings of the Indian study: There was a near absence of representation diversity in Indian advertising. The study found a dismal less-than-1 % representation of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities featured in less than 1% of the ads and only 4% of Indian ads depicted people aged above 65 years. Women representation: While the presence of women in ads was comparable to men, sticky stereotypes still prevail. More women are portrayed with fair skin tone (58% of women vs 25% of men on-screen), with less diverse physical appearance (39% of women were shown as slender vs 16% men on-screen) and low non-traditional roles (17.5% of women were depicted as the sole caregiver vs 3.5% men characters) and less authoritative (with male characters three times more authoritative than their female counterparts). Women tended to be shown as younger with 86% of them between 20 and 39 years of age compared to 62% of men. ROI boost The studys Unstereotype Metric or UM, designed by the Unstereotype Alliance with Kantar, regularly tracks advertising to understand the impact on ROI for brands with more progressive advertising. Positive female and male UM unlocked higher marketing ROI, the study found, both in terms of short-term gains in sales and long-term benefit of brand equity. There was an average percentile difference of over 54 (more positive female UM) and 59 (more positive male UM) in brand equity and an average percentile difference of over 32 (more positive female UM) and 38 (more positive male UM) in short term sales likelihood between ads in the top quartile and bottom quartile on the Unstereotype Metric in ads tested by Kantar in 2022. The DEI Edge Summit Inclusive casting, greater diversity with organisations, and aligning with the D&I purpose are just some of the areas advertisers can explore to embark on a successful D&I journey. The summit brought together several expert voices to explore the barriers to D&I adoption and possible ways ahead, showcasing different brand case studies, and providing insights for brands wishing to embark on this journey. Leading experts from the Industry, D&I champions, and media and films shared their views and journeys in this space. Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary-General, ASCI, said, There is no doubt that advertising shapes society. Indian advertising is missing the Diverse and inclusive narratives that can provide a real edge to brands, as can be seen in the study. Along with The Unstereotype Alliance and other partners, ASCI would like to nudge and support the advertising industry in getting its DEI representation right. The opportunity to include diverse perspectives and stories is a powerful one, and the event showcases the immense benefits both brands and society can derive from such progressive inclusions. Brands which have internalised DEI agree. Ruchira Jaitly, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India, said, "As marketers, we have a crucial role to play in championing inclusion and diversity and in telling stories that elevate diverse and progressive voices through brand campaigns where everyone is represented, from script to screen, and which resonate with our consumers. We started our journey on progressive portrayal seven years ago and are proud of our progress. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a critical component of Diageos Society 2030 ambition and progressive marketing is a core part of this ambition. Susan, Fergusan, Country Representative, UN Women, said, We, as the conveners of the Unstereotype Alliance India National Chapter, are pleased to host the DEI EDGE SUMMIT in collaboration with the ASCI Academy. Over the past two years, the Unstereotype Alliance in India has united brands, organizations, and individuals who believe in the transformative influence of advertising and media in fostering an inclusive society. Our efforts transcend campaigns; we strive to dismantle stereotypes, fostering a cultural shift that champions diversity and inclusion in advertising industry. The India Today Group has once again consolidated its standing as the most preferred news source, drawing a significant number of viewers to its English and Hindi platforms, India Today (English) and Aaj Tak (Hindi), on December 3. This surge in viewership coincided with the counting of votes for the recently held state elections. On YouTube, Aaj Tak experienced an impressive peak concurrent user, reaching 824K (8.24 lakh) between 8 am and 12 pm, while India Today achieved 131K (1.31 lakh) during the same period on all live streams. Average concurrent users during peak counting hours (8 am and 12 pm) tallied at 668K for Aaj Tak and 94.5K for India Today, showcasing their dominance over competitors. In the Hindi news segment, Aaj Tak's peak concurrent users far surpassed its rivals, with ABP News trailing at 518K users between 8 am and 12 pm. Competitors such as Republic Bharat (294K), News 24 (277K), TV9 Bharatvarsh (228K), India TV (186K), Zee News (145K), Times Now Navbharat (92K) and News18 India (88K) fell behind Aaj Tak (824K). The trend continued in the average concurrent users category, where Aaj Tak led with 668K users, while ABP News lagged at 338K. Republic Bharat secured the third position with 205K, and News 24 followed with 166K. TV 9 Bharatvarsh (145K), India TV (131K), Zee News (112K), News 18 India (67K), Times Now Navbharat (56K) and NDTV India (11K) were the others in the Top 10 list. The English news segment mirrored a similar pattern, with India Today dominating its competitors. Between 8 am and 12 pm, India Today garnered 131K peak concurrent users, outperforming Republic at 57K and Times Now at 51K and. NDTV, CNN-News 18, and WION trailed with figures of 11K, 7K, and 1K, respectively. India Today maintained its lead throughout peak counting hours with an average concurrent users figure of 94K, while Republic World trailed with 34K users. Times Now secured the third position with 33K users, followed by NDTV (8K), CNN-News 18 (5K) and WION (1K). It is noteworthy that both the Hindi and English platforms of the India Today Group have consistently outdone and outperformed competitors. This trend was evident during the announcement of Exit Poll results on November 30, with India Today Group dominating viewership. The channels also held the top positions in viewership on November 28, when 41 workers were successfully rescued from an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand after 17 days. (Photo : Unsplash/Pop & Zebra) According to AP News, a major U.S. labor group urges the federal government to take control of workplace safety oversight in South Carolina. The state is among 22 allowed to manage their occupational safety enforcement. Still, the Service Employees International Union claims South Carolina's enforcement program is inadequate, lacking real accountability due to a weak inspection force. The union pushes for increased safety measures, emphasizing the importance of a safe workplace for employees. "Make our workplace safe. Because y'all need us at the end of the day," said Shae Parker, a former Waffle House employee who spoke on Thursday at a Union of Southern Service Workers rally. Rising Complaints Employees from the SEIU affiliate, which originated from the southern branch of the Fight for $15 campaign, are rallying workers in fast-food chains, retail stores, and warehouses to advocate for better workplace protections. The USSW supported complaints from Waffle House staff in South Carolina's capital this summer, highlighting issues like a malfunctioning air-conditioning system. According to Parker, the extreme heat led to severe cases of heat exhaustion among cooks and servers, with some even vomiting. The USSW sent multiple follow-ups about the location's conditions to the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration before getting a conference that ended in five minutes, which, according to the petition, illustrates the state program's "overt hostility." READ ALSO: Community Equity Alliance: An Initiative Aimed To Address Healthcare Barriers In Underserved Communities South Carolina Department of Labor's Response The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation stated that their state plan aligns with federal enforcement procedures. They collaborate with various groups, including the USSW, to offer free safety and health training. Lesia Kudelka, the agency's communications director, emphasized their commitment to making South Carolina a safe place to work and live for all employees through their State Plan. The Labor Group's Petition In the December 7 filing to the U.S. Labor Department, organizers mentioned that South Carolina lacks sufficient inspections. From 2017 to 2022, the state conducted fewer inspections than federal regulators expected, with a notable 50% drop below expectations in 2018. In 2022, South Carolina performed 287 reviews 2022, approximately 1.9 per 1,000 establishments, significantly lower than neighboring states and the national average. Additionally, the SEIU highlighted that serious safety violations in the state received weaker sanctions than the national average. South Carolina's average penalty was $2,019 in fiscal year 2022, below the national average of $3,259. The Republican-led state, disputing a recent federal penalty increase, was dismissed by a federal court earlier this year. The filing, made on Thursday, was the latest attempt by labor groups to challenge the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The USSW filed a civil rights complaint in April, alleging racial discrimination by the agency for not regularly inspecting workplaces with a higher percentage of Black employees. The groups aim for federal pressure to bring about changes similar to Arizona's. Following the U.S. Department of Labor's re-evaluation of the Arizona State OSHA plan last year, the southwestern state implemented new standards ensuring both penalties align with federal levels. RELATED ARTICLE: Regional Program To Protect Mid-Atlantic Workers from Permanent Hearing Loss on High-Level Workplace Noise 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Motorola, Indias best 5G smartphone brand and Pantone, the global color authority, have teamed up for the second year to create devices in the Pantone Color of the Year. The Pantone Color of the Year 2024, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, reinforces the importance of human connection and so do the devices chosen to represent it the motorola razr 40 ultra and motorola edge 40 neo. Motorola is the first and only smartphone brand to collaborate with PANTONE, in line with its commitment to differentiate with design & colours while enriching peoples lives through meaningful innovation. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program with the chosen color PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz. A velvety gentle peach hue, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz has a cozy, tender essence that embodies feelings of togetherness, community and collaboration. Of their continued partnership, Ruben Castano, Head of Customer Experience and Design at Motorola, said, As technology becomes intertwined with humanity, we trust color to provide a tool for expression and deeper, more meaningful experiences with our devices. This includes going beyond devices and into the software itself. The Pantone Color of the Year 2024 does just that as it blends the virtual world we live in and our desire to establish deeper connections and well-being. The choice of PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz complements Motorolas mission to make technology more accessible and help consumers use technology to connect intentionally. When selecting devices to feature PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, Motorola reflected on the color message and its emphasis on the power of human connection, finding that the motorola razr 40 ultra and motorola edge 40 neo embodied this mentality. It has been wonderful to work with Motorola and see their dedication to enabling creativity, connection, and personalization through color across their devices, and this years color carries particular importance to harnessing connection, community and personal wellbeing, Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, said. Our Pantone Color of the Year 2024, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, seamlessly blends the virtual and real life, making it an ideal color for the physicality of digital devices. We are excited to see how our audiences leverage the features Motorola offers to enable and facilitate further connections. The razr 40 ultra with its iconic flappable design boasts the world's largest external 3.6-inch Poled display with its fastest 144Hz refresh rate, with 1100nits peak brightness. This flip phone is super slim when folded and has a gapless design, thanks to its industrys 1st dual axis teardrop hinge design thus ensuring the phone is also infinitely flexible at multiple flex angles. When opened, the phone has a nearly creaseless 6.9 polled display with upto 165Hz refresh rate and 1400nits of Peak brightness. This iconic flip phone is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 SoC, ensuring a seamless experience. The device was earlier launched in Pantone colour of the year 2023 Viva Magenta and received tremendous response from the consumer. The smartphone with the Peach Fuzz edition will be available soon in India. The motorola edge 40 neo is a device that puts color at the center of design. And the PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz hue in vegan leather beautifully complements the devices warm and contoured design. The smartphone is the worlds lightest 5G phone with IP68 underwater protection, making it impervious to dust, dirt, sand, and even a 30-minute submersion in 1.5 meters of fresh water. Furthermore, its 144Hz 6.55-inch pOLED curved display with support for a billion colours and impressive peak brightness and is complemented by a 144Hz refresh rate which makes the UI super smooth and fluid. The motorola edge 40 neo is also a processing powerhouse, boasting the Worlds 1st MediaTek Dimensity 7030 lightning-fast processor which is a 6nm chipset supporting Wi-Fi 6E for incredible speeds and has MediaTek HyperEngine game technology for the best gaming experience. Not just this, the device support 14 5G bands which is the highest in the segment. Both devices are designed with connection and personality at the center and offer features developed to enhance our common humanity. These include Motorolas latest software offerings, Moto Unplugged and Family Space. Both apps embrace the balance between connectedness and rest, security and boldness. With Moto Unplugged, users now have the ability to enter a special mode, allowing them to tailor a break time to meet their individual needs. They can choose to access only necessary apps for a set timeframe and limit their overall apps consumption. The user can select permitted apps and notifications, as well as require a password to end their session. Then, when they are ready to unplug, select a time frame and start a digital break. While Family Space encourages families to explore technology with guidance and grace. Moto unplugged feature will be available soon in razr 40 series devices in India. The motorola razr 40 ultra and motorola edge 40 neo in the Pantone Color of the Year 2024 will be available soon in the Indian market. News18 Tamil Nadu's comprehensive coverage of Cyclone Michaung on their digital platforms has established them as the primary and reliable source of information, marking a defining moment for the channel. On December 4th, News18 Tamil Nadu's YouTube Live coverage took centre stage with top updates on the Michaung cyclone and evaluations of the damage and ongoing rescue operations. The engagement on their Instagram platform was equally noteworthy, with reels and live videos garnering an impressive 1.1 million views, reflecting their commitment to delivering real-time updates. During the cyclone coverage, News18 Tamil Nadus YouTube channel witnessed a remarkable surge in subscribers, welcoming a huge number of members into their vibrant community. Notably, on the day of the cyclone, the channels YouTube channel achieved a significant milestone with a total of 10 million views, underscoring the trust and reliance the audience places on its content. Additionally, the News18 Tamil Nadu website recorded a notable increase in users specifically for Cyclone Michaung on December 4, 2023, with humongous traffic and a total of 1 Million pageviews from 2nd December to 7th December. In this challenging period, News18 Tamil Nadus Cyclone Michaung coverage outshone, resulting in an impressive increase in views on its various digital platforms. This achievement reaffirms the channel's dedication to delivering accurate and timely information during critical events. News18 Tamil Nadu expresses gratitude for the significant contributions of government workers who played a crucial role in the recovery process. Their coordinated actions and the support of government employees from various regions of Tamil Nadu helped in tackling the effects of this natural calamity. Today, at the Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit, Rasna proudly announced the launch of their Rasna Himalayan Gulab Sharbat, Himalayan Gulkand and Himalayan Gulab Chywanprash. In an effort to increase Rasnas presence in the state, the products will be manufactured using raw materials such as pure rose oil and rose water, which are all sourced from the valleys of Uttarakhand. Rasna, through its extensive manufacturing and marketing outreach with 12 factories in India and 1.6 million outlets coverage in India and availability in more than 60 countries, will launch the product in India and abroad simultaneously, especially in the Middle East where Indian rose products are already in demand. With a global demand for the product, Rasna aims to grow its presence through increased sourcing of local produce from the state. To further revenue generation for the state, Rasna also plans to launch Sandal Syrup and Turmeric syrup-based concentrate syrups, whose raw materials would also be sourced from the Valleys of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand, especially the valley of flowers in Chamoli, is known for its variety of rose flowers, namely Damask. The Damask Rose is very distinctive, as it provides a unique aroma and has been used extensively for centuries as an additive for various food, ayurvedic, nutraceutical and related products. Rasna, through its innovative R&D approach, has made this rose syrup using natural ingredients from the state which will provide therapeutic benefits that stem from the antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and gut-cooling properties of the flowers and not to forget the aroma and distinct taste of the product. Commenting at the Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit, the Group Chairman of Rasna, Mr. Piruz Khambatta, said, Rasna is dedicated to work in line with the Hon. Prime Ministers vision of food from India for the world. We fully support the call for Vocal for Local and are expanding it by making Local go Global. In the interest of this and to showcase our commitment to the state of Uttarakhand, we have launched the Rasna Himalayan Gulab Sharbat, Himalayan Gulkand, and Gulab Chywanprash and aim to roll out additional products PAN India and globally, all of which will be manufactured using raw materials sourced from the state. This will immensely help the farmers of Uttarakhand by improving their income and getting better value for their crop. Consumers are moving towards natural and ethnic products, and according to a recent Euromonitor Report, the Indian concentrate syrup market is expected to become a billion-dollar industry by 2024. As a market leader, Rasna expects immense growth in this product category, which will significantly increase its presence into Uttarakhand over the coming years. Rasna Himalayan Gulab Sharbat would be available in two pack sizes 750 ml at Rs. 160 and 600 ml at Rs. 130, across Rasnas mammoth market of 1.6 million outlets through its 26 depots, 200 super stockists, 5000 stockists and 900 sales force. Pulkit Saboo has joined Tally Solutions as Head of Brand Marketing & Communications (International & New Businesses), a global leader in business management software and will be reporting into Jayati Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at Tally Solutions. At Tally, Pulkit will focus on elevating the brand's international presence and spearheading new initiatives that align with the company's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for SMEs. He will play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around Tally's brand, products and services in the ever-evolving business landscape. Pulkit has previously served in key marketing roles at FloBiz, Ola Cabs, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and SAB Miller where he played a crucial role in shaping and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns. A graduate from Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA), he has led teams to consistently drive brand visibility and market penetration. Under his last assignment, he was leading the brand, content, product and growth marketing mandate at FloBiz for nearly two years. The NDTV network, India's most trusted news brand, has relaunched NDTV Profit, a multiplatform business and financial TV + digital brand, powered by India's first, truly integrated, multi-language newsroom. The new NDTV Profit will seamlessly integrate BQ Prime and BQ Prime Hindi, India's most credible digital platforms for financial news, recognised & awarded globally for an innovative, subscription-first, audience-centric growth strategy. The NDTV Profit brand will consist of three key products: the NDTV Profit TV channel and two digital platforms, one in English (ndtvprofit.com) and the other in Hindi (hindi.ndtvprofit.com). Recognising that wealth creation and self-sufficiency is among the top objectives of the new India, NDTV Profit will feature an innovative programming mix that focuses on the financial and investment needs of our audience, both across TV and digital platforms. Empowering Indians on their road to prosperity, the key editorial focus will be markets, business, economy, law & policy, personal finance, start-ups, technology, consumer trends, and will also include politics, health & wellness and lifestyle. NDTV Profit will integrate TV + digital + audio to offer platform-forward formats that bring news, sharp insights & analysis and actionable advice at scale. Says Senthil Chengalvarayan, Executive Director, NDTV, "In the digital age, media brands have to become multifaceted platforms that can reach audiences through varied and nuanced forms of storytelling. Through our integrated TV + digital newsroom, delivering content in English & Hindi, powered by a suite of cutting-edge data tools, next-gen studios with technology-leading AR/VR capabilities, the new, multi-platform NDTV Profit will stand above the clutter." Sanjay Pugalia, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, NDTV says, "As India's most trusted news brand, we are first and foremost accountable to our audience. As we relaunch NDTV Profit in our quest to help millions of Indians grow wealth in the world's fastest-growing economy, we recognise that they need more than just a source of information. At NDTV Profit, we aim to be a reliable partner in the investing journey of millions, and a chronicler of the nation's progress. Our editorial philosophy will remain rooted in the principles of prosperity, growth & abundance, anchored by the core tenets of journalismbeing progressive, inclusive, diverse and empathetic." Powered by the formidable market-leading reach of the NDTV network with a cumulative audience of 500 million+ across the ecosystem, and with over 1 lakh premium, paying subscribers joining the brand from BQ Prime, NDTV Profit takes off from a unique position of strength. Thanks to the widely distributed bouquet of NDTV network channels, NDTV Profit will reach over 92% of India's TV Business News Universe from Day One. This in addition the brands presence across OTT to social to IMs to podcast platforms, through a strong and growing network of partners. The NDTV Profit relaunch event will be streamed live on Daily Hunt. Programming Highlights Key Markets Shows on NDTV Profit All You Need to Know As the sun rises on Indian shores, Alex Mathew sets the agenda for the day from global cues by parsing key market moving news and analysis India Market Open From stock impact, technical, F&O strategy, markets to macros you cant miss these insights and edge from Niraj Shah, Tamanna Inamdar & Samina Nalwala as the market opens Talking Point Market & investing thought leadership that will help you build strategies for medium- and long-term goals with Niraj Shah The F&O Show Index-by-index, stock-by-stock futures and options strategy led by Agam Vakil & Samina Nalwala, that will help you move with the tide and be in the money. The SMID show Catching fast & furious small cap or mid cap stocks needs unique skills. Meet the leaders of small and mid-cap companies making the big moves with Hiral Dadia & Hersh Sayta Ask Profit Whatever the question you have regarding a stock, you can ask us and get insightful advice on Ask Profit with Alex Mathew & Smriti Chaudhary Hot Money Get the edge youve been looking for on Hot Money with its deep dives and insights, led by Agam Vakil & Hiral Dadia. The Portfolio Manager Build the smartest portfolio you can for your investing goals by being part of Portfolio Manager, led by Niraj Shah and Sajeet Manghat The Mutual Funds Show Active, passive, ELSS, bond fund, large cap, small cap or flexi cap and more. All you need to know about mutual funds with Tamanna Inamdar, Niraj Shah and Alex Mathews Market IQ Who bought and sold and why? Agam Vakil deciphers large trades that can move markets India Market Close As the market closes, are you ready for trading tomorrow? Prepare with India Market Close Availability The NDTV Profit TV channel will be available across all major Cable & DTH Operators and Connected TV platforms, as well as through ndtvprofit.com There is no ethics in politics. The BJP already lost its moral ground by aligning with Ajit Pawar. Just before the State Assembly polls, the BJP was eager to see Ajit Pawar in jail in connection with the alleged Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam. And the next day, Sharad Pawars nephew took oath as deputy to CM Devendra Fadnavis, claiming the support of all NCP MLAs. He was once the main target of the BJP. In fact, before coming to power in 2014, Devendra Fadnavis gained popularity across the state by launching a scathing attack on Ajit Pawar, whose political life has been mired in corruption allegations since 2009. To tame Pawars, the so-called social activist Anjali Damania was made to quit the Aam Aadmi Party and chase the irrigation scam of Ajit; she was muted as soon as the BJP came to power in 2014. Now Damania has no problem with Ajit Pawar and all the other corrupt leaders in the state. Similarly, the BJPs veteran leader, Kirit Somaiya, was very vocal about corrupt politicians until they joined hands with the BJP. During the Maha Vikas Aghadi rule, Malik was on the front foot by trolling the BJP on various occasions, especially on the issue of Sushant Singh Rajputs suicide and fake narcotics case. Mallik was very aggressive and somewhat successfully exposed the nexus of the BJP and Sameer Wankhede, then the Zonal Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau. Mallik gave him a good run and finally, Wankhede was transferred to Delhi. Mallik was not ready to settle when it came to counterattacking the BJP and its conspiracy. As a result, he was accused in an old land case. Malik was arrested in February 2022 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case allegedly linked to the activities of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim and his associates. It was perhaps an attempt to silence Nawab. There are talks in political corridors that Ajit Pawar has already bargained for Nawabs release with Fadnavis before the alliance. Soon after his oath-taking ceremony, Nawab came out on medical bail in mid-August. Malik attended the winter session of the state legislature and was later seen in the office of the Ajit Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the legislature complex. In the House, he was seen sitting in the last row, next to an MLA of the Ajit Pawar faction. The Nawab entering the house has once again put Devendra in an awkward situation. In a letter to his cabinet colleague Ajit Pawar, expressing opposition to the induction of Nawab Malik in his group, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and LoP in Legislative Council Ambadas Danve, he asked the BJP leaders whether he would also oppose the induction of senior NCP leader Praful Patel in the Grand Alliance. Four floors of NCP leader Praful Patels Ceejay house in Mumbai were attached by ED in a case related to gangster Iqbal Mirchi, who was the right-hand man of Dawood Ibrahim. Looking at the attacks from all sides, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekar Bawankule defended Devendra Fadnavis over his objection to NCP MLA Nawab Maliks inclusion in the ruling Maha Yuti alliance. Bawankule said he and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) support the stand taken by Fadnavis in this matter. Ajit Pawar and other NCP leaders who were on the radar of the ED and CBI are now in power. The BJP has conveniently forgotten the promises it made to the people of Maharashtra. All these while they were attacking Maha Vikas Aghadi as an Auto Rikshaw (three-wheel vehicle), now came in the same situation for the greed of power. The BJP joined hands with all corrupt leaders, including those who were under the ED scanner. If the BJP can stoop so low for power, they will certainly find some solution to induce Nawab Mallik into their government. Tomorrow, we may hear the news that he is out on bail and has been proven innocent by the court of law. After all, hurting the sentiments of aligned partners will now go in favour of the BJP. Fadnavis has already said that if the charges against Nawab are not proven, he must be welcomed. But when there are such allegations, it is not right to make him part of the grand coalition. Fadnavis had earlier in his speeches referred to Maliks Dawood connection. Time and again, Nawab Mallik gave tough times to the BJP and Devendra. Its interesting to see what solution is drawn to induce Mallik into a grand alliance. Ajit will definitely not sacrifice his veteran leader for the BJP. A man was killed when his pickup truck crashed into a Cullman County house and caught fire. Alabama State Troopers identified the fatality victim as Mark S. Haymon. He was 67 and lived in Cullman. The wreck happened at 5:35 p.m. Thursday on Cullman County 1354 near Cullman County 1339, about one mile east of Vinemont. Senior Trooper Brandon Bailey said Haymon was driving a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that left the road, struck a road sign and a utility pole before crashing into a house. After the impact, Bailey said, the truck caught on fire. Haymon, who was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead. No one inside the home was injured. Troopers are investigating. (Photo : Unsplash/Sigmund) Silently reshaping the trajectories of employees within the same company, "quiet hiring" involves individuals taking on new roles and responsibilities in response to organizational needs. What is Quiet Hiring? Listed as one of the "top nine work trends for 2023, "quiet hiring" is a new workplace buzz that follows the trend of quiet quitting. This involves organizations utilizing existing employees' abilities to gain new skills without hiring additional full-time staff. Emily Rose McRae, who heads Gartner's Future of Work research team, explains that quiet hiring enables employers to maintain a consistent workforce by emphasizing the development and advancement of existing talent. This approach allows current employees to learn new skills and explore different responsibilities. READ ALSO: Quiet Quitting Explained: A Coping Mechanism After Pandemic Where People Just Work for the Money Dynamics of Quiet Hiring According to a recent survey by Monster in January 2023, a staggering 80% of workers have experienced this subtle career shift, with half finding their newfound positions at odds with their skill sets. The question looms: Does quiet hiring propel careers forward, or is it a potential career killer? The survey unveils nuanced perspectives, with 63% viewing it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth, 27% entertaining thoughts of resignation, and 4% opting for an immediate exit. 19% of the minority of workers express openness to embracing a new role, while 15% contemplate leaving but feel their "hands are tied." What are the Challenges of Quiet Hiring? According to Rashim Mogha, the general manager of leadership and business at Skillsoft, a corporate digital learning platform, utilizing existing talent or contractors to fill job vacancies is not new. Mogha points out that during economic slowdowns, organizations often prefer to shift current employees into different roles or utilize flexible workforces instead of hiring new staff. While quiet hiring has been a longstanding practice to address talent shortages, Mogha highlights that it can result in challenges such as employee burnout and skills gaps if not appropriately managed. Mogha emphasizes that organizations engaging in quiet hiring or reassignment must be transparent about the implications for employees and the organization. Specifically, companies should establish suitable skills development programs to ensure employees and their managers are equipped for success in their new roles. Implications of Quiet Hiring for Employees? According to Mogha, quiet hiring should be seen as a chance for a mutually beneficial scenario. It allows employees to experience growth and career development while employers can uncover hidden skill sets and address gaps amid economic challenges. It can provide job security by temporarily assigning workers to new roles, allowing them to retain their jobs while acquiring new skills. Additionally, it offers opportunities for employees to collaborate with new colleagues, facilitating pivots to different areas and enabling the acquisition of skills for external opportunities. While beneficial in some aspects, quiet hiring presents challenges that can adversely affect employees and employers. According to Salemi, problems arise when employees manage two full-time roles within the same company, leading to an overwhelming workload. Additionally, issues occur when workers take on extra responsibilities without proper compensation, essentially receiving a "soft promotion" where they perform at higher organizational levels, but their salary remains unchanged. Employees who take on tasks beyond their skill set might expect a pay increase. However, according to Mogha, quiet hiring may not always result in an immediate raise or promotion, as employers often see it as a cost-effective way to address urgent needs. Nevertheless, Mogha emphasizes that it presents an opportunity for employees to negotiate. The approach varies among companies when it comes to pay adjustments. In cases where there is no immediate raise or promotion, Mogha suggests that employees can discuss the possibility of proper compensation with their bosses, including raises or bonuses. Additionally, they can leverage their newly acquired skills for external opportunities. RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Ways to Create Better Relationships with Your Direct Reports 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An elderly man killed in a Jefferson County mobile home fire earlier this week has now been identified. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victim as Freddy Lee Abernathy. He was 88 and lived in the Rock Creek community. Concord and Birmingport firefighters and Jefferson County sheriffs deputies were dispatched at 6 a.m. Wednesday to the 7200 block of Taylors Ferry Road, said sheriffs Lt. Joni Money. Abernathy was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:05 a.m. Money said the Alabama State Fire Marshals Office will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire. No foul play is suspected. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Inspection Service announced Thursday more than a thousand pounds of ready-to-eat chicken has been recalled. Roughly 1,377 pounds of pre-cooked grilled chicken breast products, distributed by Alabama-based Wayne Farms LLC, were recalled after a buyer complained the chicken appeared to be undercooked. Per the release, 9-pound cardboard boxes containing 12 packs of three Chefs Line Fire Grilled Chicken Breast are the products in question. The products have the the following lot codes: 3723289239002 3723289239003 The use-by date is listed on the packaging is Jan. 14, 2024. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider. FSIS is concerned that some product may be in institutional or restaurant refrigerators or freezers. Restaurants and institutions are urged not to serve these products. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. An Alabama representative filed a bill last week that would prevent the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and certain state government entities from enacting mask mandates. The bill, HB 9, sponsored by Rep. Brock Colvin, R-Albertville, would prohibit governmental entities and the State Health Officer from imposing a face mask mandate to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or any other communicable disease. I dont believe [the government] should have that authority, Colvin said. I think that people are smart enough to make those decisions for themselves. I just have that philosophical view that the government should have a very, very limited authority. More from Alabama Reflector State, counties or municipalities or any instrument of those entities, as well as public K-12 schools or public charter schools would be prohibited from enacting mask mandates. The bill would provide exceptions to any medical facility licensed by the ADPH and state and local detention centers. There are no sanctions or punishments for failure to comply in the prefiled bill. Several states, mostly Republican leaning, have passed anti-masking regulations since the COVID-19 pandemic, including Arizona, Florida, and Texas. Arkansas imposed a similar restriction that was overturned by a state judge in December 2021. Other states, such as Tennessee and Georgia have laws giving parents the right to opt their children out of masking. The COVID-19 virus has killed over 22,500 people in the state since the first Alabama case was confirmed on March 13, 2020. At its peak in the state in the fall of 2021, up to 3,000 people were hospitalized each day for COVID. In an email statement, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said during COVID-19, the federal government provided ADPH guidance in implementing certain mandates to protect public health, in response to the once-in-a-lifetime circumstances. But Harris said that the bill should stick with COVID-19 and not include all existing or potential communicable diseases. There could be existing or evolving respiratory diseases where preventative health measures could effectively mitigate widespread outbreaks, Harris said in the statement. Colvins bill goes further than a bill introduced in the 2023 legislative session that would allow parents to opt out of masking in K-12 public schools. The bill passed the House Health Committee but did not advance to the House floor. Rep. Chip Brown, R-Hollingers Island, at the time said the bill was not an anti-school bill or an anti-masking bill, but a parental rights bill. Colvin said that this bill is about personal freedom, and that hes not trying to address the science behind masking in the bill. Im not even arguing the science on whether they work or not, he said. Im just saying I dont think the government has the authority to tell individuals what to do in terms of this. Harris stated that its not ADPHs goal to restrict personal freedoms and rights, but that its imperative to keep Alabamians safe at all costs. ADPH has an obligation and a duty to the citizens of Alabama to promote, protect, and improve Alabamas health, the statement read. Colvin, a first-term representative and financial planner, is running for Alabama Senate District 9, which includes Blount, Madison and Marshall counties. The seat was previously held by Clay Scofield, R-Arab, who stepped down to take a job with the Business Council of Alabama. The mayor of Decatur announced this evening that three officers have been fired and a fourth officer has been suspended for their involvement in the shooting death of Stephen Perkins. Mayor Tab Bowling said the disciplinary actions are effective immediately. He did not release the names of the officers. It is incumbent on us as a city, as people who love Decatur, to work to move forward and to work to ensure that this tragedy is not forgotten or ignored, Bowling said at a news conference. The City of Decatur will begin a top to bottom review of the policing policies, practices and ways to improve, including how we provide information to the public. Taking this important step is one way to improve, grow and in a certain sense, rebuild public trust. Perkins, a 39-year-old husband, father and gym enthusiast, died after a Decatur officer shot him in the front yard of his home on Sept. 29. It shouldnt have taken two and a half months to make the decision, said Perkins widow Catrela Perkins. It should have happened immediately. Stephen Perkins brother Nick said they wont give up until they get justice. The only thing I can say is that three officers being fired and one being suspended is no comparison to Catrela losing her husband, me losing my brother, my mom losing her son, Nick Perkins said. Thats not justified. We want these officers prosecuted. They should be feeling the way we are feeling. We deserve more, he added. Separately from the citys internal investigation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate whether the officers committed any crimes. The state police will turn over their findings to Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson to decide whether to arrest the officers or take the case to a grand jury. Cannon Lambert Sr., attorney for the Perkins family, said they will file a lawsuit. Police said that on the night of the shooting, Stephen Perkins threatened a tow truck driver attempting to repossess his vehicle. The tow truck driver left the house but returned later with officers. In a press release, police said Perkins turned a gun toward an officer, who discharged his duty weapon, striking the subject. Security camera footage released by the Perkins family showed that it was dark outside when Perkins walked out into his yard while shining a light and shouted for the tow truck driver to put his vehicle down. Police appeared to emerge from the dark as an officer shouted for Perkins to get on the ground. A split second later, 18 gunshots rang out. The mayor made his decisions after disciplinary hearings this week. He said he considered recommendations from the citys legal department and police Chief Todd Pinion. An internal investigation by the police department determined the officers violated policy. The mayor did not name the officers who were involved in the shooting or elaborate on what led him to the disciplinary decisions. He said that the fourth officer was suspended rather than fired because the facts of the case showed the officer was found to be involved to a lesser degree than the others. Bowling said the officers names and other details of the case are not considered public records because they are sensitive personnel matters. However, the mayor noted, they would become public if the officers choose to appeal his decision. Herman Marks, the city attorney, said the officers have seven days to appeal. The mayor said the city will bring on an outside expert to help with reviewing policies and moving forward. I will call on the city council to support this effort, which is key to our police departments longterm effectiveness and our citys long road to healing, the mayor said. In a statement tonight, Chief Pinion said that he accompanied the mayor to tell the Perkins family about the disciplinary decisions. I have expressed my sorrow personally to the family of Mr. Perkins as well as publicly in prior messages, but I reiterate that sentiment here, Pinion said in the statement. This incident has left grief for many, beginning with the family and friends of Mr. Perkins and extending to our community and beyond, as well as within our police department, he added. I have pledged to take action to ensure something like this never happens in Decatur again, and that process has begun in earnest. It includes reviewing policies and procedures to implement change where needed, additional training, revitalizing our Citizen Advisory Board, and creating a critical incident page on our website to provide an additional avenue to keep the community informed when a critical incident takes place. We will also be implementing measures to provide for increased officer health and mental wellness, to include budgeting for yearly mental health checkups. Lambert, the Perkins family attorney, said the family wants to play a role in shaping the future of policing in Decatur but the city administration has shut them out of the process. They wont even share the names of the officers that we all already know, he said. We already know each of the officers and they wont share this information and somehow suggesting it is in furtherance of the protection of the officers. What about the Perkins family? When are they going to get the information? That is why it is that we are filing a suit. Editors note: This article was last updated at 6:58 p.m. The widow of Stephen Perkins said that more than two months after Decatur police shot and killed him in their front yard, her children are still reeling from his death. Its had a huge impact on them, Catrela Perkins said at a conference in Huntsville today. My 7-year-old, shes taking it the hardest because she doesnt fully understand. Perkins, a 39-year-old husband, father, and gym enthusiast, died after a Decatur officer shot him on Sept. 29. On Thursday, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling announced the termination of three officers and the suspension of a fourth officer, following an internal investigation. He did not release the officers names. A Decatur police officer killed Stephen Perkins in his front yard on Sept. 29, 2023.Kayode Crown/kcrown@al.com Speaking at the press conference today, Lee Merritt, attorney for the Perkins family, called for arrests and the release of the officers names. He also said the family plans to sue the city and the police in federal court. I believe its important to get all the names of the officers, their faces out the same way if any regular civilian had been accused of a crime. Their face makes the evening news so that other people who have had interactions with them can say, Ive had a problem with this person before and they can report it to the proper authorities, he said. The officers have not been arrested. Separately from Decaturs internal investigation, which found the police violated department policies, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency continues to investigate the shooting and whether the police committed any crimes. A part of doing a full and complete investigation is publicizing the names and charges of these men. And failure to do so is, again, putting your finger on the scales of justice in favor of law enforcement. So it is very important to us that those names be produced, Merritt said. Police said that on the night of the shooting, Stephen Perkins had threatened a tow truck driver with a gun. The driver left but later returned to Perkins house with police. Home camera recordings from the neighborhood do not show the police make their presence known by knocking on Perkins door, turning on the police car lights, or blaring their sirens. Video footage shows Perkins come out of his home with a bright light about 2 a.m. and tell the tow truck driver to put down his vehicle. On the video a police officer appears to emerge from a dark corner near the house, shouting Hey, hey, police, get on the ground. The officer immediately fired multiple rounds, the video shows. I mean, its hard for adults to even wrap their heads around what actually happened, Catrela Perkins told news reporters today. She added that her daughter has asked, Mommy, why didnt they just knock on the door? So the 7-year-old can think logically like that, why cant adults? Perkins widow said. Protesters have marched daily in the city since the night of the shooting, demanding the firing, arrest and prosecution of the officers. Merritt said Scott Anderson, the Morgan County District Attorney, should speedily present the case to the grand jury to charge the officers. He pointed out that in the two months since the shooting, the city has already completed an internal investigation and gone through the disciplinary process with the officers. And while Merritt acknowledged that the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency investigation is ongoing, he said that justice delayed is justice denied. ... its time to get this case before a grand jury so this family can be given the relief and the satisfaction of knowing that these men will also be held criminally accountable, Merritt said. This family does not want to continue to wait two months, three months after the murder of their loved ones, to know if anyones going to be held accountable, he added. Catrela Perkins said that all four officers involved in the shooting should have been fired. I feel like they all should have been terminated, she said. Im still hurt. Madison County officials say an inmate died Thursday night after collapsing at the county jail. According to the sheriffs office, detention officers were alerted at about 8 p.m. to an inmate, identified as Phillip Wright, 58, who collapsed in a cell while in the presence of two other inmates. Detention officers and medical staff members performed lifesaving measures, and Wright was transported to Huntsville Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. According to a statement from the sheriffs office, Wright had been treated over the past two weeks for health-related issues. Foul play is not suspected. He was booked into the Madison County Detention Facility on November 11 after being arrested and charged with probation violation- domestic violence. Investigators believe Wright suffered a cardiac arrest. The sheriffs CID is performing an investigation and remains will be released to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science to confirm the cause of death. An in-custody death is always difficult for everyone involved: staff employees, medical staff, and emergency first responders, Sheriff Kevin Turner said. We are extremely saddened to report the death of Mr. Wright and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. An investigation is underway after a man was found dead in his home near the Warrior River. Walker County sheriffs deputies were dispatched Wednesday afternoon to a residence in the Adger/Hueytown area near the Jefferson County line, said Sheriff Nick Smith. Deputies found an adult male dead in the home in a suspected homicide. His name has not yet been released but his body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for autopsy. The Walker County Sheriffs Office and District Attorney Bill Adairs office are investigating. No additional information is being released at this time. A DeKalb County substitute teacher has been charged with engaging in a sex act with a student. The Dekalb County Sheriffs Office Friday announced the arrest of Kristen Jade Ford, 30, on a charge of school employee engaging in a sex act with a student under the age of 19. The arrest on Thursday came after authorities received complaints about Ford having a sexual relationship with a student. According to the sheriffs office, Ford was employed as a substitute teacher with the DeKalb County Board of Education. Cases involving our children are never easy, but I am thankful for our investigation unit and their diligence in resolving this case so fast, DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said. Our children are our future and protecting them is our number one priority. We are very thankful for the cooperation and assistance with the DeKalb County Board of Education and the great working relationship we have with them. A pregnant Alabama school teacher was killed in a crash Friday morning with an 18-wheeler. Jennifer Jones, 34, was an auxiliary teacher at Randolph Elementary School in Bibb County. The crash happened at 7 a.m. Friday on U.S. 82, east of Bibb County Road 20, said Bibb County Coroner Patrick Turner. Jones, who was pregnant with her first daughter, was on the way to school with her twin sons, who are elementary age. One of her sons was airlifted to Childrens of Alabama in Birmingham. The other son was treated at a local hospital. Both are expected to survive. Jones death has been a blow to the close-knit community. Counselors were quickly dispatched to the school. She was just a really beloved member of the community, said Centreville Mayor Mike Oakley. And she was really, really talented into the classroom. Parts of Alabama may get a chance to see a few pre-Christmas snowflakes this weekend. Thats according to the National Weather Service. Its by no means a sure thing, however, and if it does happen it would mainly affect those in north Alabama. And forecasters said the three-word phrase many dont want to hear when it comes to snow: No accumulations expected. The same storm system that could bring strong to severe storms to Alabama on starting on Saturday will also usher in some much colder air. It could be cold enough to squeeze out a few snowflakes as the system departs to the east. If -- if -- the timing is right. In Alabama its always a race for the cold air to catch up to the departing precipitation in time. Usually the cold arrives long after the rain is gone. That could be the case this go-around as well. The weather service in Huntsville said a cold front should sweep across the state from west to east late Saturday night into Sunday morning. A sharp drop in temperatures if rain is still occurring could result in the rain mixing with or briefly becoming all snow before ending Sunday evening, forecasters said in their Friday forecast discussion. Given a warm ground, no accumulation are expected should this occur. The weather service in Birmingham didnt mention any possibility of snow in its forecast discussion for central Alabama. (Photo : Unsplash/BoliviaInteligente ) Social media platform X plans to hire engineers in Japan and form a development team for app creation, focusing on functions and advertising products for the Japanese market. The team aims to design a cost-effective advertising system to assess demand from small and mid-size businesses in Japan. X's Future Plan Social media platform X, led by CEO Linda Yaccarino, will begin hiring engineers in Japan to establish an app development team focused on creating features and advertising products for the Japanese market in 2024, as reported by Nikkei. The group aims to devise a low-cost advertising mechanism to assess interest from small and mid-size businesses in Japan. In the wake of challenges, including a decline in advertiser retention since Elon Musk's acquisition in October 2022, X has faced recent departures from major brands like Apple, Walt Disney, and Warner Bros Discovery due to concerns about antisemitic content. Musk has issued a full apology and explanation, with Yaccarino stating that the company will strengthen its Japanese team to address inappropriate content. An App Development Team in Japan The first team of its kind outside the U.S. will create new app features and ads tailored to the Japanese market. X aims to generate interest from small and mid-size Japanese businesses, hoping this will improve its overall business performance, as mentioned by Yaccarino. Yaccarino took on her role in June after succeeding Elon Musk, who assumed control of Twitter in 2022. Boosting X with 500 million global users and Japan as X's second-largest market after the U.S. comprises 10% of engaged users, Yaccarino mentioned that the new team will create products and directly communicate with advertisers within the country. An "Everything App" X advocates for an "everything app" that provides diverse services through smartphones. This includes short text posting, AI-based searching, video calls, uploading, and payments. Although the company has primarily focused on developing the program in the U.S., it plans to hire engineers in Japan to better cater to the needs of the Japanese population in its new services. READ MORE: Elon Musk Revolutionizing Talent Sourcing Through 'Job Search' Feature on X, But It Doesn't Offer Much Anti-Semitic Issue And Pledge To Diversify Revenue Major American companies like Walt Disney Co., IBM, and Apple have withdrawn their ads from X due to a tweet by Musk that could be interpreted as antisemitic. Consequently, ad revenue, which used to make up 90% of Twitter's total income before Musk's acquisition, has significantly declined. Yaccarino mentioned that Elon provided a complete apology and explanation regarding the issue. She emphasized that antisemitism or hate has no place on the platform, and X will strengthen its team in Japan to address inappropriate content. She also invited advertisers who left the platform to consider returning. Although X hasn't fully attracted ads from small and mid-size businesses, Yaccarino believes they are a crucial segment for diversifying revenue streams and mentioned that such ads are thriving on the platform. Fostering Stronger Partnerships The new Japanese development team will create a system for affordable ads to assess interest from small and mid-size companies. Additionally, the team will focus on improving services for the existing audience and customers. Yaccarino described her relationship with Elon as a strong partnership, emphasizing his support since she joined X. She clarified that she manages the company. At the same time, Elon focuses on product innovation, exchanging knowledge and expertise. RELATED ARTICLE: Leveraging Modern Technology to Propel Your Career Forward 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. As hospitals in Alabama continue to shutter facilities, state and education officials in South Alabama expressed hope on Friday that the future addition of a new building at one of the states medical schools can provide a boost. A lot of students come from a rural community and want to go back but dont have an opportunity to go to a medical school, said Jo Bonner, president at the University of South Alabama during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 250,000-square-foot medical school building in Mobile. As rural hospitals face closures and other threats we are working to correct that situation, said Bonner, the former congressman for South Alabama and chief of staff to Gov. Kay Ivey. Youre going to need more doctors. Currently, we have 80 students per class. This new building allows us to go up to 100 and to 125. He added, Well be able to accept more students and providing more (medical) providers. No medical school does more to put students into rural communities than South Alabama. Combatting shortages Indeed, that is the hope for Alabamas medical needs as closures continue to mount and rural hospitals struggle. Three hospital birthing units shuttered this fall, leaving mothers with few options in smaller counties where a drive to the nearest OB-GYN could be up to 100 miles. Its a concern nationwide as rising costs and staff shortages have forced rural hospitals across the country to shutter labor and delivery units, leading to what is called maternity care deserts, or counties without a hospital or birth center offering OB-GYN care and without any obstetric providers. By 2034, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the demand for primary and specialty care physicians will exceed supply by a range of 37,800 to 124,000 physicians. Officials hope the medical students educated at the 50-year-old medical school at USA will practice in small towns and underserved areas in Alabama. The school is on the right track for keeping students within the state: Of those new physicians who have graduated from the Mobile-based medical school over the years, 90% decided to remain in Alabama. Thats a statistic I like to see, folks, said Ivey. The smallest of communities and biggest of cities, Alabama needs its medical and nursing students to stay here. Public project A rendering of the new medical school facility on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The Mobile City Council agreed to allocate $10 million over ten years to the construction of the new facility. (Rendering courtesy University of South Alabama) The public is paying a significant chunk for the new school building and equipment, estimated to cost around $200 million. Approximately $110 million comes from federal and state sources. Ivey announced the $50 million in state support for the project in late 2020, with $60 million secured by now-retired U.S. Senator Richard Shelby. The City of Mobile, in October, approved $10 million over the next 10 years to support the construction of the new building. The money comes from the citys General Fund revenues earmarked for economic development incentives. The Mobile County Commission also pledge $5 million. The USA Foundation also contributed $30 million. Bonner has said the university is borrowing $30 million to cover some of the construction costs. He has also said there are additional private donors to the project. This is an investment in the future of healthcare to meet the needs of Alabamians, said Dr. John Marymont, dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine and vice-president for medical affairs. The new College of Medicine building will provide state-of-the-art laboratory spaces that will create flexibility and efficiency for research. It will allow for expanding the class size of first-year medical students from 80 to 100, with the capability of going even higher to 125. By national metrics, this medical school produces high-quality physicians that stay in the state, helping meet the needs in primary care as well as in the rural and underserved areas at an affordable cost, he said. The new medical school building will be completed by 2026, and it will replace the existing building that was constructed in the 1970s and is considered outdated. The existing building will be torn down once the new medical school building is constructed, Bonner said. While construction for the Whiddon College will take just three years, the impact of our state and nation will continue for many decades to come, said Arlene Mitchell, chairwoman pro-tempore of the USA Board of Trustees. We need more doctors, and we need more doctors in the future. A suspect has been charged in the shooting at a Birmingham Walmart earlier this week. Tywonte Jackson, 25, is charged with first-degree assault, Birmingham police announced Friday. The shooting happened at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the store off Parkway East. The victim, a male who was shot in the stomach, was transported to UAB Hospital. His condition was said to be life-threatening. According to police radio communications, a male and female ran from the store. Two Birmingham officer who were at the store for a community event quickly took Jackson into custody. After warrants were obtained, Jackson was booked into the Jefferson County Jail with bond set at $30,000. Police said the victim and the suspect knew each other. A Texas judge on Thursday gave a pregnant woman whose fetus has a fatal diagnosis permission to get an abortion in an unprecedented challenge over bans that more than a dozen states have enacted since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The lawsuit by Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas area, is believed to be the first time since the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that a woman has asked a court to approve an abortion. The order only applies to Cox and her attorneys afterward spoke cautiously about any wider impacts, calling it unfeasible that scores of other women seeking abortions would also now to turn to courts. This cant be the new normal, said Marc Hearron, an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights. I dont think you can expect to see now hundreds of cases being filed on behalf of patients. Its just not realistic. State District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble, an elected Democrat, granted a temporary restraining order allowing Cox to have an abortion under what are narrow exceptions to Texas ban. Her attorneys said they would not disclose what Cox was planning to do next, citing safety concerns. Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office argued that Cox does not meet the criteria for a medical exception, issued a statement that did not say whether the state would appeal. But in a letter to three Houston hospitals, Paxton warned that legal consequences were still possible if Coxs physician provided the abortion. Cox, who is 20 weeks pregnant, attended the hearing via Zoom along with her husband but did not address the court. Doctors have told Cox that if the babys heartbeat were to stop, inducing labor would carry a risk of a uterine rupture because of her prior cesareans sections, and that another C-section at full term would would endanger her ability to carry another child. The idea that Ms. Cox wants so desperately to be a parent and this law may have her lose that ability is shocking and would be a genuine miscarriage of justice, Gamble said. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing Cox, has said this lawsuit is believed to be the first of its kind since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Since that landmark ruling, Texas and 12 other states rushed to ban abortion at nearly all stages of pregnancy. Opponents have sought to weaken those bans, including an ongoing Texas challenge over whether the states law is too restrictive for women with pregnancy complications. I do not want to continue the pain and suffering that has plagued this pregnancy or continue to put my body or my mental health through the risks of continuing this pregnancy, Cox wrote in an editorial published in The Dallas Morning News. I do not want my baby to arrive in this world only to watch her suffer. The temporary restraining order stops Texas from enforcing the states ban on Cox and lasts for 14 days. Under the restrictions in Texas, doctors who provide abortions could face criminal charges that carry a punishment of up to life in prison. They could also be fined. Pregnant women cannot be criminally charged for having an abortion in Texas. Paxton told the Houston hospitals the order will not insulate you from civil and criminal liabilities, arguing that private citizens could still bring lawsuits and local prosecutors could still bring charges. Seth Chandler, a law professor at the University of Houston, said he would have concerns as a physician based on both legal issues and Paxtons apparent zeal to enforce the states abortion ban. If I were one of the doctors involved here, I would not sleep easy performing that abortion, he said. Although Texas allows exceptions under the ban, doctors and women have argued that the requirements are so vaguely worded that physicians still wont risk providing abortions, lest they end up facing criminal charges or lawsuits. State officials had asked Gamble to deny the request, arguing that Cox has not shown her life is in imminent danger and that she is therefore unable to qualify for an exception to the ban. The decision was handed down just two days after Cox filed the lawsuit. Cox learned she was pregnant for a third time in August and was told weeks later that her baby was at a high risk for a condition known as trisomy 18, which has a very high likelihood of miscarriage or stillbirth and low survival rates, according to the lawsuit. The termination of pregnancies because of fetal anomalies or other often-fatal medical problems is seldom discussed in national debates over abortion. There are no recent statistics on the frequency of terminations for fetal anomalies in the U.S. but experts say its a small percentage of total procedures. The lawsuit was filed a week after the Texas Supreme Court heard arguments about whether the ban is too restrictive for women with pregnancy complications. That case is among the biggest ongoing challenges to abortion bans in the U.S., although a ruling from the all-Republican court may not come for months. One day after a mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, left three people and the gunman dead, a picture emerged of a quiet, lonesome academic with obsessive tendencies who was upset by being rejected for a position at the university, according to law enforcement sources, neighbors and the mans personal website. The shooter was identified as Anthony Polito, 67, law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation said. On his personal website, Polito wrote at length about his favorite topics, rarely failing to mention membership in the Mensa society for people with high IQs. The writings revealed an obsessive nature: hundreds of organized links to favorite articles, games, things to do in Las Vegas and more. The website included a 109-page document of praise purportedly given by past students at a business school in North Carolina. It also included hints of delusion. In a 2014 self-published essay, Polito despite no expertise in the field claimed he was the first to solve the Zodiac killers cryptography. Let me first say that I have been a member of MENSA for 35 years, he wrote, then gave credentials including a masters degree and a doctoral degree from top-tier universities. He concluded: So I am not a dumb guy! In another essay, about the Malaysia Airlines flight that went missing with 239 people aboard in 2014, Polito wrote baselessly that government/media disinformation was dispersed to suppress public realization that MH370 had been hijacked in order to suppress the actual location of the wreckage. In a section of the website titled Powerful Organizations Bent on Global Domination! he linked to a number of conspiracy theories, including a film by Alex Jones about the globalists dark agenda and a YouTube video promoting antisemitic tropes about the Rothschild family. On his YouTube profile, Polito subscribed to a number of conservative accounts that dabbled in conspiracy theories, including accounts associated with former President Donald Trump, Paul Joseph Watson and Dave Rubin. He referred to himself as Dr. Polito in documents, citing a doctorate in operations management from the University of Georgia. Polito wrote that he took dozens of trips to Vegas before moving there. Over those years, my steel trap mind collected more information and trivia about Vegas than probably anyone in this state east of I-95 (at least)! On Wednesday night, hours after the shooting, investigators searched his apartment in Henderson with the aid of a SWAT team. Neighbors said Polito, older and well-dressed, had always stood out from the other younger residents in the apartment complex about eight miles from UNLVs campus. His business attire and briefcase along with his black license plate that read KAPEESH had led some of the neighbors to refer to him as mafia dude. He didnt like small talk. Hes very quiet, lived like a hermit, said Anthony James Carew, 42, who said Polito had been his neighbor since he moved in six years ago. Ive never seen the guy have a conversation with anybody. Roni Torres, a 27-year-old teacher, said she always parked her car next to Politos. She would sometimes see him sitting alone in his car when she and her boyfriend left for the gym at 3:30 in the morning. She assumed he worked for a casino with his late hours and penchant for slacks and long-sleeved white shirts. He would never say hi, she said. I would even mention to my boyfriend that he wasnt very friendly. He seemed very off. The morning of the shooting, Greg Gibson, who has lived in the complex for half a year, said he caught the mans eye. He seemed agitated. Thats why I noticed him, said Gibson, 43. He was pacing, smoking the cigarette and looked unusual, stressed out. I was like, This doesnt look good. Gibson said he gave the man a nod. The man looked back with what Gibson described as a thousand-yard stare. _____ (Ellis reported from Las Vegas, and Castleman reported from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Richard Winton contributed to this report.) ___ 2023 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A woman fled her adoptive parents at the age of 15 by escaping the basement dungeon room they confined her to in New Hampshire, according to her lawsuit filed against them earlier this year. Olivia Atkocaitis dug her way out through the walls of the filthy basement in 2018 freeing herself from 14 years of abuse and slavery at her parents New Boston home, the lawsuit says, McClatchy News previously reported. Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis adopted Olivia in 2004, 14 months after she was born in Chinas Hunan province, according to the lawsuit. The couple is accused of physically and mentally abusing her by the time she was 3 years old, forcing her into servitude, withholding food from her and not letting her attend school in New Hampshire. In January, Olivia Atkocaitis sued the couple, as well as state and local officials, including police, that the lawsuit says were aware of, and perpetuated (her) suffering. Now, a state superior court judge has denied Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis motion to dismiss the case after a hearing was held on the matter Oct. 31, the judges Nov. 30 ruling provided to McClatchy News shows. The ruling allows Olivia Atkocaitiss lawsuit against them to proceed as she demands a trial by jury. The facts of her case prove that, more than 150 years after its formal abolition, slavery still exists in modern times, in acute forms, in New Hampshire, the original complaint filed Jan. 30 says. Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis are representing themselves in the case, according to court records. McClatchy News left a message for Thomas Atkocaitis seeking comment on Dec. 5 and didnt receive an immediate response. In 2019, Thomas Atkocaitis spent six months in jail after pleading guilty to misdemeanor child endangerment, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader. He was also charged with falsifying evidence and criminal restraint, but those charges were dropped, the newspaper reported. Denise Atkocaitis spent no time in jail after pleading guilty to criminal restraint, according to the newspaper, which reported charges of child endangerment and accessory to criminal restraint were dropped. Judge denies the motion to dismiss the lawsuit In court, Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis argued the lawsuit should be dismissed because they were not properly served, the court lacks personal jurisdiction over them and Olivias complaint is barred by the applicable statute of limitations, according to the judges ruling. Olivia Atkocaitis disputed each of their arguments, and the judge sided with her. The couple asserted she couldnt sue them because they were served with the lawsuit after she turned 20. The judge noted Olivia was 19 when she filed suit and a person injured as a minor, may bring suit up until the person turns 20 years old, the ruling shows. Olivia Atkocaitis is also suing New Boston, its police department, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and its child protective services agency. Attorney Brian J.S. Cullen, who represents the town and police, told McClatchy News in a statement on Dec. 5 that hes not at all surprised that the parents motions were denied. He said New Boston police officers have filed motions to dismiss the case on a far more basic argument that the complaint simply does not make out a colorable claim against them. I expect well see a substantially narrowed suit with far fewer defendants once the Court has an opportunity to address the remaining motions, Cullen added. She freed herself through the most desperate effort In 2004, the state brought Olivia from China to New Hampshire as an infant, placed her in the Atkocaitis household, and abandoned her to the horrors that ensued, the lawsuit says. While Olivia Atkocaitis was under her adoptive parents care, the couple is accused of regularly using a dog leash to tie her to a metal column inside their home, calling her racial slurs and confining her inside a tiny, lockable basement dungeon room they constructed, according to the lawsuit. State Senior Assistant Attorney General Samuel R. Garland and Assistant Attorney General Catherine A. Denny are representing the state health department, which filed motions to dismiss Olivia Atkocaitiss suit. McClatchy News contacted them for comment Dec. 5 and didnt receive an immediate response. I truly believed I was a horrible person and I caused everyone in my life pain and that my adoption was a mistake and that my birth was a mistake and that everyone would be happier and better off without me, Atkocaitis told WMUR-TV during an interview in May. The lawsuit says her suffering over the years was documented by police reports she eventually obtained. Michael P. Courtney, an attorney who previously represented New Boston and its police, told McClatchy News in February that a police investigation ultimately led to the removal of (Atkocaitis) from the home and conditions her adopted parents subjected her to. However, the lawsuit accuses police of repeatedly returning her to Thomas and Denise Atkocaitis after prior attempts to escape. Olivia Atkocaitiss attorney Michael Lewis told McClatchy News on Feb. 2 that the police did not free her and its disturbing that they would suggest otherwise. She freed herself through the most desperate effort by digging her way out of the basement dungeon of an upscale home in their community that the police knew about for years, Lewis said. Lewis declined to offer an additional comment from himself or Atkocaitis when contacted on Dec. 5, saying their comments are reflected on the record in this case. In describing her escape from her adoptive parents home, Atkocaitis told WMUR-TV that she did so with the help of a water bottle cap. I discovered if you put water on drywall, it became mud, Atkocaitis said. I scooped it out with the seltzer bottle water cap, and I got probably like a fist-worth scraped out. 2023 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A former inmates family is suing Alabamas prison system saying the mans body was returned to them missing his heart. Brandon Clay Dotson was found dead at Ventress Correctional Facility on November 16. It wasnt immediately clear what charge Dotson was serving time for. The 43-year olds family claims in a federal lawsuit that they-- his mother, daughter and brother-- spent days trying to obtain his body. He died after seeking help from prison officials, claiming other inmates were harming him as he failed to pay drug debts. Dotson was found dead in his bed, and the lawsuit said his body had already begun to stiffen. According to the suit, filed Thursday in federal court by Birmingham attorney Lauren Faraino, Dotsons body was released to his family on Nov. 21. At this point the body had not been properly stored and was severely decomposed. Despite the familys initial wishes, they had no choice but to hold a closed casket funeral service, said the lawsuit. The family suspected foul play, in part because of the Alabama Department of Corrections extensive and ongoing violations of basic human and constitutional rights, said the lawsuit. The family hired pathologist Dr. Boris Datnow to conduct a second autopsy on Dotsons body. He had already undergone a first autopsy at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, which is standard procedure for inmates who die in state custody. According to the lawsuit, Datnow discovered during his exam that Dotson did not have a heart. The Alabama Department of Corrections or an agent responsible for conducting the autopsy or transporting the body to his family had, inexplicably and without the required permission from Mr. Dotsons next of kin, removed and retained Mr. Dotsons heart, the lawsuit claimed. A spokesperson for the Alabama Department of Corrections said the department does not conduct autopsies, and that the department wouldnt comment on pending litigation. The family saw Dotsons body at the funeral home, according to the lawsuit, and were told by the funeral director that the body was highly decomposed when it arrived. Based on his years of experience accepting corpses, the funeral director determined that the decomposition indicated that the body had not been properly stored while in the possession of the state. The family wants the immediate return of Dotsons heart, according to the suit. The family claims no one has informed them where the heart is, or why it was removed. In addition to prison officials, the lawsuit names the UAB Health System as defendants. The suit claims UABs School of Medicine obtained Dotsons heart, and details a 2018 incident where medical students noticed that a disproportionate number of the specimens they encountered during their medical training originated from individuals who had died in prison custody within the Alabama Department of Corrections. The lawsuit states, Upon information and belief, (UAB medical school) is a possible intended recipient of Mr. Dotsons heart. A UAB spokesperson said Friday afternoon: We have reviewed our records, which show UAB did not perform this autopsy and has not been involved with this matter. We are making the plaintiffs attorney aware. Aside from the missing heart, Dotsons familys lawsuit argued the prison staff didnt prevent abuse Dotson was facing and neglected to help him a similar claim to one included in the lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice against Alabama prisons. That lawsuit is set to go to trial next fall. No member in the correctional staff was available to prevent the abuse Mr. Dotson endured and the constant and unlimited access to drugs that he had, or to rescue Mr. Dotson timely to save his life, or if they were available, they ignored the warning signs and direct pleas for help when they had every opportunity to intervene and prevent the death of Mr. Dotson, said the lawsuit. The lawsuit also stated that when Dotsons brother contacted the prison to retrieve Dotsons body, the warden expressed surprise, adding that many families do not collect inmates bodies and sometimes arent notified of their deaths. Court records show U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala plans to hold an evidentiary hearing in the case. No date for the hearing has been set. The judge also ordered lawyers for the defendants in the case, including prison officials and UAB medicine, to direct their clients to preserve any tissue or organs that may be the subject of this action. They are also ordered to cease any activities that would interfere with evidence in the case. An interim police chief in Mobile County was suspended for three days Thursday after violating his citys social media policy, which included posting an inappropriate joke about women on TikTok. Chickasaw Interim Police Chief Tommy McDuffies TikTok video was reposted to the private Facebook group Voices of Chickasaw. The joke, which began Three women are at a bar, discussing, was too inappropriate to be retold, according to WPMI, which first posted about McDuffies suspension. McDuffie had other videos that included the interim police chief in his uniform, including being recorded laughing at a video of a child spelling bee contestant who asks for more information on a word that resembles a racial epithet, according to WKRG. Videos featuring McDuffie also included the interim police chief laughing at videos of animals attacking each other and people scaring dogs and cats. Chickasaw Mayor Larry Broadhead doled out McDuffies punishment on Thursday, according to City Attorney Nash Campbell. Today, Mayor Barry Broadhead and I met with Interim Chief of Police Tommie McDuffie regarding his recent social media posts and their content, Campbell said in a statement sent to WPMI. Mayor Broadhead suspended Interim Chief McDuffie for 3 days for violating the Citys Social Media Activity Policy. Chief McDuffie has accepted his punishment and provided the Mayor and the City Council with a written public apology. Campbell also sent a statement of McDuffie apologizing for his conduct. I deeply apologize for my recent behavior on social media. I regret any embarrassment that I have caused the City of Chickasaw or you the Mayor and Council, McDuffie said. I hope that anyone that was offended by my actions can forgive me. It was truly not my intent; however, I understand that my behavior is not becoming of a Chickasaw Police Officer or a leader in your city. It will never happen again. A 14-year-old passenger was killed and four other teenagers were injured in a single-vehicle wreck Thursday afternoon in central Alabama, authorities said Thursday night. The fatal victim, only identified as a 14-year-old Deatsville resident, was a passenger in a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that left Lightwood Road near Hickory Road around 3:20 p.m. Thursday near Wetumpka when it collided with a tree, said Sgt. Jeremy Burkett of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Silverado, only identified as a 16-year-old from Deatsville, was injured along with three other teenage passengers -- a 14-year-old, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old --, Burkett said. The driver and three other teens were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Further information was unavailable as authorities continued to investigate the incident. In 1983, the Reagan administration published a report titled A Nation at Risk: The Imperative of Education Reform. The report warned that the decay of American schools was threatening the countrys very survival. But the powerful amalgamation of teachers unions, state bureaucracies, and the Democrat establishment defeated the initiative. Committed to preserving the status quo, this special interest group became the guardian of American education, maintaining complete control of the education curriculum and using its position to subvert innovation in education. No surprise, this group enjoys the systematic support of the Democratic Party and the Biden administration. Ironically, the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s subverted the education system by offering equal opportunities in education and employment. As usual, the left confused equality of opportunity with equality of results. Integrated schools were supposed to provide quality education for all children regardless of color. In reality, there were large gaps between the education, behavior, and performance of white and black children. However, the schools took the easy route. Instead of recognizing these differences, enforcing discipline, and providing black children with additional help and assistance, the schools geared their curricula and educational standards to the lowest common denominator. In doing so, they indeed produced equalityequality in illiteracy. Thinking about the significance of education, I recall my first day of school in the Soviet Union. The principal made the educational values she expected of seven-year-olds perfectly clear, in words no child would ever forget. Children, she said, No one will get out of here illiterate. Those who want to learn, we will teach you; those who dont, we will force you. Whenever I think of those words, I still feel a chill down my spine. This is not the place to make specific suggestions for improving the American education system or to suggest emulating the Soviet system, but you get the point. Image by AI. I gained firsthand insight into the American education system during the mid-1970s when immigrants from the Soviet Union started enrolling their children in public schools. Despite their limited English proficiency, sixth- and seventh-grade students from the USSR were assessed and admitted directly into the eighth and ninth grades. By the 1990s, the situation in America was getting progressively worse. The following is a poignant and true account of an exchange student from Kazakhstan that illustrates this plight. In 1995, I worked for an international engineering and construction company in Houston. We did much work in Kazakhstan, where I established a good relationship with the Deputy Minister of Energy. His daughter, Irina, was a straight A student in Almaty, then the capital of Kazakhstan. The girl had just finished ninth grade and was accepted in the tenth grade for the following school year. The Soviet schools at the time had a ten-year system. After successful completion, kids became eligible to take the university entrance exam. She won the privilege of becoming an exchange student and was invited to spend a year in an American school. This was a great honor. Upon her arrival in Wichita, Kansas, she was warmly greeted by an American family who took her in and ensured her well-being. However, a few weeks into her stay, her father called me in a state of despair. Alex, he began urgently, Irina has been placed in a class for mentally retarded students, likely due to her poor English. Please, help me transfer her to a regular class. Boris, I responded, trying to calm his anxiety, Irina isnt placed in a class for mentally retarded students. Thats just a typical American classroom setting. His shock was palpable. He implored, You must help me. Shes a tenth grader. What theyre teaching her, she learned in sixth grade. When she returns home, she wont stand a chance to pass the final school exam and gain admission to university. Fortunately, my employer was originally headquartered in Kansas, and many executives had friends and relatives in Wichita. One of the companys executives knew a dean at Wichita University and asked him to intervene. Following an interview, the girl was granted admission to the university with a full scholarship. The story has a happy ending. This young lady graduated with honors, married, and lives happily somewhere in the United States today. However, there is no happy ending for the millions of American kids whose educational progress is gauged solely by standardized tests mandated by the Department of Education. This reality is echoed in another true incident from 2014. This is an instruction given by a teacher to her students in one of the most esteemed private schools in Texas. People, as you already know, you will have to take the SAT test. I know, I know, you think youve worked hard, and youre ready for it. Wrong. To do well on the SAT, you have to dumb down; everything Ive taught you does not apply. It is a test designed for morons. In this school, we do not teach you to be idiots; therefore, you are woefully unprepared. Your smart analytical thinking skills DO NOT WORK!!! They will only confuse you. Remember, this test is not based on real-life logic, so dont think! The most obvious answer is the right one. For example, if a question says, What can you infer from the line The teacher walked into class with her hair wet? you may think, Well, the answer is she just took a shower, or the answer is she got caught in the rain, both of which are answer choices. You will be wrong. The answer is, Her hair is not dry. No, really. This is your answer. So, for this test, forget those lovely analytical skills Ive taught you! Forget those useful inference skills your elementary school teachers drilled into your heads! Go for the most thoughtless, shallow, obvious answer, and you will be fine. The question is whether we, as a nation, will be fine. If we are raising one of the dumbest people in the world today, how can we expect them to make intelligent decisions about tomorrow? Alexander G. Markovsky is a senior fellow at the London Center for Policy Research, a think tank that examines national security, energy, risk analysis, and other public policy issues. He is the author of Anatomy of a Bolshevik and Liberal Bolshevism: America Did Not Defeat Communism, She Adopted It. Mr. Markovsky is the owner and CEO of Litwin Management Services, LLC. He can be reached at alexander.g.markovsky@gmail.com. By Pyo Kyung-min The musical "Monte Cristo" marked the commencement of its sixth season, welcoming audiences with its talented cast and emotionally charged narrative. Originating in Switzerland in 2009 and premiering in Korea in 2010, the production weaves a heart-aching narrative of love and revenge, themes that consistently grip Korean theatergoers. Adapted from Alexandre Dumas' eponymous novel, the musical boasts a score composed by Frank Wildhorn, known for his musical works, "Jekyll & Hyde" and "Dracula," with a script by Jack Murphy, director of the musicals "The Man Who Laughs" and "The Last Kiss." The narrative begins with Edmond Dantes, an ambitious young sailor, returning to his beloved, Mercedes, in the French port city of Marseille after a long sea voyage. However, his homecoming takes a dark turn as he becomes entangled in a web of betrayal, resulting in his imprisonment at the notorious Chateau d'If for 14 years. Motivated by revenge against those who conspired against him, Dantes reemerges as the enigmatic Count Monte Cristo, determined to settle scores with villains and his unfaithful lover. On Wednesday's Monte Cristo performance attended by this reporter, renowned musical actor Ko Eun-sung delivered a standout portrayal of Dantes and Count Monte Cristo. His performance showcased a seamless transition of the innocent young sailor to a cold, revenge-driven Count, demonstrating a type of versatility that made it feel as though two different actors inhabited the stage. Notably, Ko's rendition of Dantes' powerful number "Hell to Your Doorstep," expressing the character's vow for bloody revenge, left a lasting impact, captivating the audience with the actor's charismatic vocal performance. Despite the seemingly dark premise, the musical, Monte Cristo, also incorporates humor throughout, eliciting laughter from the audience. In particular, the playful exchanges between Dantes and Abbe Faria, the fellow prisoner who becomes his mentor, provide a touch of lightness to the intense plot. The musical's appeal is further heightened by the talented ensemble, which delivers a rich chorus of melodies. Notable numbers, such as "Pen, Ink and Paper" performed by the villain trio and Mercedes' poignant serenade "Everyday a Little Death," evoke a spectrum of emotions. The production's visual allure is enhanced by dynamic stage elements, including a massive ship prop for Dantes' return and the vivid depiction of Chateau d'If with stone walls and stage lights simulating ocean waves. The rotating stage, featuring multiple layers and adjustable height, adds a dynamic dimension, particularly during Dantes' climactic revenge scenes. However, in Wednesday's performance, an overreliance on the rotating stage in the show's second half, coupled with audible mechanical noises, slightly disrupted the experience for some audience members. "Monte Cristo" is scheduled to run at the Chungmu Art Center in Jung District, central Seoul until Feb. 25 next year. The election of Javier Milei in Argentina promises to deliver shock therapy to the Argentine economy. Once among the wealthiest nations in the world, Argentina is now an economic failure after succumbing to Peronist policies over the second half of the 20th century. It is due for defibrillation. Its ailment, Peronism, bears a striking resemblance to the contemporary difficulties of western nations. The way Juan Peron described his philosophy will induce a case of deja vu as according to Peron; the two arms of Peronism are social justice and social help, any political elite is anti-people and thus, not Peronist, Justicialism proposes a social market putting capital to the service of the well-being of the people. These philosophies should sound familiar to anyone who has heard the terms social justice, the elites, and ESG investing. Peronism was a one-party fusion of state, corporate, and government power to reach desired social goals with the end result of impoverishing one of the most wealthy and beautiful nations on earth. Described as simultaneously corporatist, socialist, and fascist, Peronism was a middle-class movement (moyenne, haute, grande bourgeois) intent on consolidating power from the petit bourgeois and ancienne bourgeois. This fight is echoed in the United States as the fight of the technocratic professional class against the Make America Great Again movement headed by ancienne bourgeois Donald Trump. Mileis election, then, provides us with a unique twist in our story. We have an opportunity for western societies to reverse their declining influence and show that we can effectively demonstrate that we can simultaneously manage our problems and support a society in pursuit of freedom and beauty with favorable investment terms and military pacts. Hence, Milei's Argentina serves as a microcosmic proving ground for the western nations to demonstrate their effectiveness. The upside is an opportunity to offset near-peer adversary influence and demonstrate that we can structure intersocietal and strategic relationships to serve as the foundation of lasting prosperity. In the background, we face an increasingly difficult fight to defend the vitality of the West against a varied enemy. Our adversary is proto-socialism and proto-fascism with two distinct prongs. The first is a creeping and denigrated form of capitalism departed from the traditional ideas of rational allocation of resources and strayed into sensuality. Through misleading, neuroscientifically sensitive marketing materials, certain enterprises intent on circumventing rational decision-making have made inroads into our economies. The era was initiated by series of Nobel Prize-winning academics Richard Thaler, Daniel Kahneman, and Robert Shiller who correctly identified the bounded rationality of most people. These findings were subsequently recreated on a mass scale by teams of data scientists inside enterprises intent on sensualizing and subverting rational decision-making processes. The irony is that the entire history of rationality is predicated on the well-recognized fact that most humans are not rational and clear decision-making needs to be developed as a skill. Hence, the work of these men is largely a repurposing of folk knowledge. Its reflection in society is an increasingly sophistication of distorted design styles in architecture and sensualized influencers which, in combination with a moralizing societal pressure, is designed to overwhelm the senses. Fundamentally, it serves to weaken the population and move money into the pockets of those employing the tactics. This denigrated form of capitalism makes us vulnerable to internal conflict which, subsequently, compromises our ability operate against global adversaries. Javier Milei himself is a unique asset who articulates the theoretical principles of the conflict in a way superior to any other western leader. His speeches are marked by references to the grand theoreticians of capitalist and anti-capitalist policies. For example, he references Hayeks Fatal Conceit, Jeremy Bentham, and Antonio Gramsci within five minutes of each other in an interview with Tucker Carlson. His understanding of the interplay of ideas is not present in any other conservative politician. And no American politician on either side has his depth of understanding. His ability to articulate ideas is extremely valuable because our societies are predicated on a balanced debate regarding rational policymaking. As the conservatives have left the academy, their ability to construct arguments on this level has receded and the decisions made within our institutions have become increasingly corrupt. A Milei government, then, is a strategic proving ground to demonstrate that we can offer an effective counter to these influences. Dollarizing the Argentine economy and creating favorable foreign investment and military terms will undercut Argentine Peronists and yield tactical advantages that will be applicable in the years ahead. A demonstration of our ability to ally with friendly governments and help them prosper will engage Argentine human and material resources with the following aims: Securing a prosperous development pathway that does justice to the potential of the Argentine homeland. Securing a military pact with the Argentines that puts them in a leadership position in South America to offset peer-adversary influence in the region and in spreading shared ideas of freedom, democracy, and beauty. Understand how to deal with the lingering effects of entrenched ideologies when they are out of government. In conclusion, supporting Milei's regime in Argentina is not merely an economic investment; it is a strategic imperative for the western states. By providing favorable investment terms, western nations can encourage a prosperous development trajectory for Argentina, aligning the nation more closely with western values. This alignment, coupled with Milei's intellectual prowess and eloquence, serves as a potent tool in countering the influence of near-peer adversaries in South America. Moreover, fostering a defense pact with Argentina adds a layer of regional stability and positions the western world as a united front against external threats. In a world where the balance of power is constantly shifting, investing in Milei's regime emerges as a proactive measure to safeguard western interests and uphold the values that have historically brought prosperity to the world. Nathan Klarer is an international businessman with a decade of experience in U.S.-Latin American trade. The total efforts conducted in Latin America comprise millions of dollars in investment and span several countries in North and South America. As a political conservative, he emphasizes the power of beauty and rationality in decisions and protecting the cherished order of our civilization for future generations. Image: Vox Espana As we watch another case on firearms go to the U.S. Supreme Court, this one with ancillary political pressure, it is interesting to look at the pace of recent cases versus the dearth of Second Amendment cases historically. One would think such a hotly debated topic would be rife with judicial interventions on a routine basis, but that is just not the case. It is instructive to look at history in terms of both numbers and results. This list is fairly exhaustive but notably excludes discussion of cases relying on the commerce clause of the Constitution and some cases where Second Amendment protections were mentioned in decisions on other issues of law but did not directly address the right to bear arms. Beginning in the post-1860s turmoil of the Civil War, we see the first significant case, U.S. v. Cruikshank, 1875, which was technically a civil rights case, where the Court ruled that the Constitution bars the actions of Congress, not the actions of private citizens, in depriving freed slaves of their civil rights. This is an unconscionable decision today, but apparently, it was in keeping with the times. While not addressing gun rights specifically, it was the refusal of the KKK to allow freed slaves to be armed that brought the case before the Court. Subsequent legislation would nullify this ruling, but that legislation would not and does not address the action of politicians as a criminal violation. Dred Scott is notable in this same vein. A case that denied the citizenship rights of free negroes also addressed the 2nd Amendment, by noting it as a right of all free men: and it would give them the full liberty of speech in public and in private upon all subjects upon which its own citizens might speak; to hold public meetings upon political affairs, and to keep and carry arms wherever they went. In Presser v. Illinois, 1886, SCOTUS ruled that the 2nd Amendment is a right of individuals, not the right of militias. The case addressed whether there is a constitutional right of citizens to form private or community military organizations, and the Court ruled that there is not. This is the first ruling where the 2nd Amendment is recognized as a personal individual right, although the Court gets to it through a back door. Regardless of the Courts intent, the ruling clearly sets a precedent that had not previously been set, at least not by the High Court. The Court would stand moot on this issue for the next 50 years. Then, influenced by its previous ruling in Presser, it produced a ruling in support of the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). U.S. v. Miller is the most interesting ruling in Second Amendment history. Miller was charged with owning a shotgun with a barrel shorter than eighteen inches and without paying the requisite tax on that firearm, a violation of the 1934 NFA. Miller relied upon the 2nd Amendment, but the Court ruled that there was no history of short-barreled shotguns being used in military service, and that type of firearm therefore is not covered by the 2nd Amendment. The resulting test indicates that guns that are commonly used or at least suitable for use in military service are covered by the 2nd Amendment, whereas others are not. In the common era of chants for bans, this decision protecting only weapons of war is rarely discussed. It is interesting that the NFA was the nations first legislative attempt to restrict gun ownership for all citizens and residents of the U.S., and it has stood for 90 years without being specifically addressed by the Court, aside from this one case. Nor has the Court addressed the legality of taxing a constitutional right, essentially making that right more protected for higher socio-economic classes than the common man. It is nearly 70 years before we see another significant Supreme Court ruling directly addressing the 2nd Amendment: D.C. v. Heller, 2008, where the Court essentially upheld its 1886 ruling that keeping arms is an individual right. Only two years later, in McDonald v. Chicago, 2010, the Court ruled that the 14th Amendment incorporates the 2nd Amendment in its protections and that the States are prohibited from infringing the 2nd Amendment, just as Congress is. In 2020, we have a footnote, where the City of New York attempted similar infringement but repealed its law before the Courts could rule on its constitutionality, effectively depriving the citizens of what would have almost certainly been another ruling that barred government from violating individual rights. This brings us to the most recent case, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, where the Court ruled in 2022 that N.Y. could not assume that the right to bear arms applies only to the home. The Court stopped just short of finding actions by the States to permit a constitutional violation but essentially disallowed all permitting not based on shall issue premise. In short, permitting schemes using any criteria other than a background check are not allowed by the new ruling. This seems straightforward, but the language of the Court has fueled angst for certain judges. The dilemma seems to be linked to a new standard for judicial review of firearm laws that requires that modern laws be consistent with this Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. It is of interest that what is one of the most hotly assaulted civil rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution has been before SCOTUS only six times, and half of those were within the last 15 years, with the seventh case being heard on November 7, U.S. v. Rahimi. The NFA itself has yet to be challenged at the SCOTUS level, nor has any modification in the bill been challenged. The 1986 machine gun ban has been tested in the lower courts, but it has been upheld only under provisions of the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. In fact, in 1991, the U.S. District Court for Central Illinois ruled in U.S. v. Rock Island Armory that the possession of a machine gun cannot be prosecuted under the provisions of the National Firearms Act but allowed a conviction to stand under the commerce clause. Although not an appellate precedent, the decision was not challenged, probably to avoid a precedent that certain factions would find contrary to efforts to disarm the population. Now the Biden administration brings the case of Rahimi, a domestic abuser, because he is an attractive person to deny constitutional rights, given his history of alleged abuse and an active restraining order, which the administration obviously feels provides an opportunity to obtain a precedent for restricting rights. The question, however, is whether a conviction is required to meet the burden of denying rights. Perhaps of more interest is that, although not relevant to the actual case, Rahimi is accompanied by pressure from the left to relieve the Judiciary of the burden of stare decisis and the confusion ensuing from the Bruen decision. The Second Amendment is clearly written, in eighth-grade English, and the only perceived uncertainty is the reference to militias, which is actually an argument of syntax. Even if that issue had merit, it has been resolved with crystal-clear precedent since Presser in 1886. It is puzzling, then, how Bruen, directing the Judiciary to reference such a clear line of precedent, has created such a dilemma for certain members of the Judiciary. In fact, consistency in the application and interpretation of law is perhaps the most required of philosophical tenets in the validation of Western jurisprudence. The Courts do not randomly change positions on law. Murder is illegal; it has always been illegal. While procedural issues on admissibility and validity of evidence, the rules of the courts regarding process, or even the penalties may change, the law making the taking of a human life with malice aforethought illegal remains consistent throughout the history of the nation and even before the U.S. was a nation. Likewise, the elements of a valid contract are essentially unchanged since the nations founding, so this reliance on historical decision is not new, or, as some have claimed, out of left field. In fact, the premise is so well ingrained that lawyers even have a name for it, stare decisis, which legaldictionary.com defines as let the decision stand. The doctrine of precedent is indeed the heart of the entire common law system. Yet we have cries to single out this issue and not apply precedent because it creates uncertainty and a need for research. If we look at the body of law and the decisions of SCOTUS, what we see is a clear line of precedent, where SCOTUS has repeatedly pushed the states and the Congress back into line. Unlike many constitutional issues, including the First Amendment, the Court has never waffled on this issue at all. None of these decisions, with perhaps the exception of Miller, has served to limit the rights of Americans; they have all served to limit the right of government to infringe that which the Second Amendment says may not be infringed. After decades of letting sleeping and somewhat rabid dogs lie, it seems the Court is actively engaged in its primary job of protecting citizens from government overreach on this issue. Perhaps the time is right to see a decision on the constitutionality of the NFA, as many of the firearms, like short-barreled rifles, do in fact have military application in 2023 and, as such, meet the test prescribed in Miller. One can persuasively argue that fully automatic weapons, so called machine guns, have always met the Miller test and should never have been banned in 1986 or taxed in 1934, as the courts did in Rock Island Armory. The Court carefully and perhaps judiciously avoided a direct ruling on the assault weapons ban of 1994 by simply ignoring questions related to the ban in the several cases brought before it. This era of avoidance seemed to terminate with Heller, so perhaps a ruling will be forthcoming as multiple states attempt to ban assault weapons. At the time of this writing and since Bruen, bans have been both upheld and overruled by the federal courts, have received similar mixed results in the appellate courts and seem destined for SCOTUS. Given the 150-year history of Second Amendment decisions, the most prudent move for the anti-gun movement might be to avoid further decisions from this Court. Any expectation that the same Court will reverse a position it reached only two years ago seems unlikely in the extreme. Image via Pexels. I cringe every time I hear someone lament Trumps rhetoric, for one cannot understand Trump and his goals without understanding his rhetoric and how it works. Ultimately, Trump left his life of luxury to save the country, and yes, you can believe him when he says that America will never be a socialist nation. The presidency was a mere means to that end. The Wall Street Journal wants Republicans to win the next battle; Trump wants to win the war. The key to understanding the tour de force that is Trumps rhetoric, including his most inflammatory statements, lies in understanding that what he says is all calculated. Trumps a quick decision-maker, but not an impulsive one. No one as impulsive as his tweets and public comments make him appear can win the Presidency, let alone stay in a presidential race for more than a single speech. Has he made mistakes? Sure, everyone does. He quickly retracted his 2016 statement that women should be punished for having abortions, obviously realizing he would need the votes of pro-choicers to win the presidency, for example. That said, his most inflammatory comments appear to have all been calculated, which is why he survived them politically. Since the early days when we wondered how Trump was defying political gravity, he has been operating at a level of political sophistication weve never seen before from a politician. Enjoy it now, because we will never see its likes again. Take, for example, his very first soundbite. In his 2015 campaign announcement he notably said of Illegal aliens coming to the U.S.: Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people. The only way the media will transmit Trumps message is if they believe they are damaging him by transmitting it. This genius line tricks the press into doing just that by calling these illegal aliens rapists, which obviously some of them are. In addition, he is showing as opposed to telling voters that he will stand up to political correctness. This hidden message reaches the voters, completely bypassing the woke mainstream media. Lastly, the final words keep the press from characterizing this line as an angry, unbalanced rant. A few weeks later, out came the polls showing Trump in the lead. Other memorable soundbites include his remarks about Megyn Kelly, Carly Fiorina, and Heidi Cruz on the 2016 campaign trail, which effectively nullified Hillary Clintons attacks on Trump as a misogynist, and likely enabled his candidacy to survive the Access Hollywood October surprise. By the time of these attacks, Trump had already formed the concept in peoples minds of Donald Trump the misogynist so that later more damaging information, such as his remark about Miss Universe Alicia Machados weight or the Access Hollywood tape, were written off as old news. He said of Megyn Kelly She had blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her -- wherever after she publicly confronted him about his past misogynistic remarks about women. Of Carly Fiorina he said in an interview printed on the Rolling Stone magazine website Look at that face. Would anyone vote for that? Of Heidi Cruz he tweeted a picture of Melania Trumps face next to an unflattering one of Heidi Cruzs and captioned the picture The images are worth a thousand words. A closer look at these inflammatory soundbites reveal them all to have implied messages, which leaves enough deliberate ambiguity about what Trump actually meant to serve as a cushion that enabled him to skate through them. In the case of the Carly Fiorina comment, for example, he was able to publicly deny any negative implications of his words. There is no footage of him saying any of them, footage that could otherwise be shopped into attack ads. Notice also how he checks off almost all the boxes of major insults a misogynist would throw at a woman: shes hormonal, shes ugly; and of course, objectification. He notably never calls any of these women, all of whom were his adversaries in some fashion, fat. Considering that all his wives and daughters have been models, he is likely aware that to call someone fat is significantly more damaging than to call someone ugly. Why? Because of eating disorders. Plus, you can change your weight but not your face, which makes it a sorer spot for the many people who are insecure about their weight. Those who remain offended by these simple remarks should remember that these words helped keep predator Hillary Clinton far from the oval office. I will acknowledge some truth to the notion that Trump is divisive. I suspect some of his language early on in his presidency sought to push the Left further Left and bring out the absurdity of woke progressivism for the public to see. We now see transgender individuals competing in womens sports, raging, unabashed anti-Semitism, and a myriad of other atrocities and absurdities brought about by an enraged Left. This has predictably turned off a lot of voters, especially in the middle. Weve seen the rise of the #WalkAway movement, which encourages liberals to walk away from the Democratic party. Theyre not going back. Trumps ulterior goal, unlike Barack Obamas, is not to divide the country. Rather, he wants to unite it against the threat of left-wing progressivism. Disclosing the reality of the Left for the country to see is a necessary step to achieving this goal. As we head into the 2024 presidential election cycle, dont be afraid to think outside the box, like Trump, when it comes to his rhetoric. Just because his strategy may not be obvious doesnt mean there isnt one. Behind his public words are an extraordinary individual who seeks to wake the country up before the Democrats can obtain a monopoly on power in the United States. Like Lincoln, Trump will likely die having never gotten the credit he deserves for all that he has done for us. Instead, people will lament his rhetoric and complain about his character for years. But then again, Lincoln was thought by some to be an idiot in his day too. Image: Gage Skidmore Because Trump may again be POTUS, Hunter Biden gets to skate on the nine tax charges, some felonies. He will see no punishment because the indictment against him is only meant to distract from the accusations that we have a two-tier justice systemone for Republicans and one for Democrats. Hunter will skate because he is the son of the man in the Oval Office, and because he is a Democrat and for the most part Democrats dont serve time. Joe will pardon him, but before that happens, stalling tactics will keep him out of prison for any significant length of time. He may serve a token few days or weeks but nothing like what they want to do to Trump, who will get life in prison or execution for incitement and insurrection if Democrats get their way, even though he is manifestly innocent. Trump cannot be allowed to get back into the White House, so Hunter must divert attention away from Justice; See? Hunter got indicted. The Justice system worked. Well, no. People are not stupid; they see what is being done. If judged by the success of Trumps policies, the best president Americans have ever had will suffer because of the worst one we have ever had. Joe Biden has consistently prevaricated about his and Hunters foreign business dealings with China and other non-friendlies, and neither has paid a price. Joe is likely lying in public about never speaking to Hunter about his business endeavors. Just yesterday in a press conference Joe called the charges against him all lies. And in their ludicrous naivete the media believe him. The Biden family is as corrupt as the Clinton family and both have left paper trails and live witnesses to prove it, but the corrupt FBI and DOJ have a vested interest in keeping these Democrats out of jail to be voted into office or appointed to the (In)Justice Department in order to effect Marxist policies. Comey famously said, No serious prosecutor would bring charges against Hillary Clinton. Of course not. Shes a Democrat, among other things, and Comey is a Democrat shill, among other things. Hunter wont serve a day in jail because the justice system is rigged for silent running against Republicans, much like the election system. The proof is there for clear eyes to seeHunter and Joe and Hillary are corruptdespite the attempts to cloud our vision, imposed upon us in the smoke being blown from our alleged Justice apparatus. Justice gets acute blindness when a Democrat commits crimes, but sees crystal clear when a Republican gets even false charges against him. We will not fix this because Republicans will not cohere in their efforts to rehabilitate the confidence Americans had in our system of justice. The only reason Hunter got indicted was to sacrifice his scalp in order to allay the myriad cries of DOJ corruption emanating from the populace, whose eyes are not clouded. We see what is going on and our outrage is matched only by our cynicism. We have lost faith in the American notion of justice, which is now malignantly skewed to favor Democrats. Even when a Democrat is convicted, they dont get punished. But let one lone Republican step amiss and the walls come tumbling down. Trump committed no crimes, there are no proven victims; yet he is being persecuted as though he were a Jewish student or a Jewish restaurant owner. We were warned too many times that our Republic would crumble like Ozymandias visage if we forgot the eternal verities enshrined in our Constitution. We did and it will, unless this tide of justice-less favoritism is not reversed. No entity can survive internal rot before the outer structure crumbles to dust. Image generated by AI. Julius Malema, one of South Africas most notorious anti-white political figures, is threatening destruction if he and his ideologues dont get a seat at the dinner table. Now, Im not exactly sure from when this video is, but over the past few days its been making the rounds on X (formerly Twitter); it can be seen below: This is what it is all about: We are fighting to sit at the dinner table. White people, you will no longer eat alone. We are coming to sit at the dinner table, and if you are refusing us to sit at the dinner table, we are going to destroy that dinner table! pic.twitter.com/UA3pADxjzW Boer (@twatterbaas) December 3, 2023 Well, lets look at the facts now shall we? For decades, the South African government has made land reform a priority, which really just meant redistribution from white to black, and its been a total and utter failure. From a Los Angeles Times article in 2010, after more than 15 years of reform and reparations: Michael Zulu trundles a wheelbarrow along the track to his farm homestead, where chickens peck at the carpet and skinny cats curl sleeping amid the bird droppings. Hes the farmer now, not just a tractor driver for a white farmer named Engelbrecht, like he used to be. But he has a shirt full of holes, the roofless ruins of a dairy and a stretch of farmland whose only crop is cow manure, bagged up and stacked against a wall as a substitute for firewood. I thought Id be much better off. But I think it was better with Mr. Engelbrecht. We lived high with Mr. Engelbrecht. We got money from him and we could look after our children. The land program had noble intent: redressing the wrongs of apartheid, when blacks were denied access to farmland, and lifting black rural people out of grinding poverty by buying farms from willing white owners and giving them to blacks. It has done neither. Nearly another 15 years on, things are still the same. One in-depth analysis, published in January of this year, revealed just how bad reform has been for everybody, with the data to prove it: The South African government has been buying farmland for black farmers. Its not gone well The main findings were that the performance on most farms bought under the acquisition scheme had been disappointing. More than half the current beneficiaries were not reporting any substantial production. The same percentage were evaluated as having a low capacity to achieve commercial status. More than half the current beneficiaries were not reporting any substantial production, and more than half the beneficiaries were evaluated as having a low capacity to achieve commercial status. Nearly half (47%) of the farms that had been acquired were found to have some degree of degradation, while 13% were seriously or severely degraded. Of concern is the significant number (350) of farms that produced no commodities. Of course, opponents of the results, like a journalist for The Guardian last year, will suggest that the system was stacked against the black farmers, but the analysis referenced above debunks that too, asserting this: Most farms acquired under the initiative had high potential. Its therefore possible to dismiss the myth that the land acquired for land reform was of poor quality. The assessment showed that land acquired through the programme was generally of good or fair quality, and 98% of farms had fair to good natural resources. Couldnt the South Africans like Malema take a hint from what Zimbabwe already did? Under Robert Mugabe, white farmers were violently (often murderously) evicted from their homesteads, and eventually, food production came to a grinding halt, with food insecurity reaching crisis levels just a few years back. Now, white farmers are returning, and lo and behold, people are being fed. From a Telegraph article this past September: Agriculture is taking off in Zimbabwe again and its because the government has realised [sic] you need the best people on the land, regardless of what colour [sic] they are, said one white farmer who declined to be named. This isnt to suggest at all that a black man cant be as successful as a white man at farming, but any man (regardless of color) who views the world as Malema does? Hell never contribute anything more than violence and hate. Riddled with envy, clinging to a status of victimhood, Malema isnt suggesting earning a seat at the dinner table, but rather hes coming to conquer, and the whites better move aside. As someone in the comments noted, This is why they stuck at where they are. No build[ing]. Only destroy[ing]. Progress and prosperity comes with personal responsibilty and initiative. The irony is, Malema and his like-minded comrades have had a seat at the dinner table which is why the dinner table is bare, and much of the farmland is now desolate and non-arable. Image from X. Islamophobe, homophobe, transphobe, xenophobe. (I did not realize until recently how many mental conditions I suffered from). But wait! I am not done yet. Racist, bigot, anti-Semite, sexist, and (my all-time favorite) misogynist. (I wonder what my mother would have thought of the idea that I am a misogynist.) But wait! I am not done yet. I forgot Joe Bidens, feckless Joes, the mindless ideologs favorite: White supremacist, which I have been told again and again by Uncle Joe and the media that there is one in every bed and under every desk, even though I have never met one. And then there is the other meaning. This is despicable demonization by the powerful of the powerless; the American people are the target here. And since the American people cannot be heard anymore, it becomes a kind of truth. Sayin it makes it so, or as Joseph Goebbels once said: The bigger the lie, said often enough, becomes truth. Demonization is always the tactic of last resort for defunct regimes and defunct institutions. You are evil! And since you cant defend yourself, you are evil. No matter how many times you insist you arent what those with the microphones say you are, you will be shouted down. We see this all the time in American politics. Once the accusation has been lodged, (you are a witch!), you will never completely scrape it off. No amount of groveling or tear-soaked apologies will help. Plus, all these words have been weaponized, so your entire career will suffer, or, maybe, your career will be obliterated. However, the constant braying of these words at the populace eventually starts to infuriate average Allen and average Anne. But then the guys, excuse me, them with the microphones accuse the people, the Americans peasant class, the populace, of hate or hate speech. Free speech is now hate speech, according to CBS News. To put it another way, in America, you can only agree, you can never disagree with power. Which brings me to a maxim: have microphone, tell the truth, dont have microphone, tell a pack of lies. Every word I write here is a pack of lies if we believe Joseph Goebbels. However, there is always the other meaning, which nearly everyone thinks but is strongly dissuaded from saying. (Saying it does not make it so.) Eventually, as time passes, those with the power to be heard come to be disbelieved, or their message is ignored because they are discredited: Donald Trump is an ogre: the ministry of manipulation caterwauls every day. I believe nothing the press tells me; I only listen to it as an exercise in critical thinking. The media elites in the news, in Hollywood, and on late-night television are like buzzing gnats that keep landing on my ear. I swat them away and so do more and more average Allens and average Annes. Eventually, a critical mass is reached, and then there is change. Image: www.quotecatalog.com As Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas continues to treat Congress and the American people with contempt, its far past time for the secretary to finally face some consequences for his actions. Mayorkas narrowly escaped becoming the second cabinet official in U.S. history to be impeached when eight Republicans voted with all House Democrats last month to refer Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes impeachment resolution to the House Homeland Security Committee. Some members who voted against the impeachment resolution indicated that they would ultimately support impeaching Mayorkas, but would like to see a more thorough investigation completed before moving forward. Mayorkas, like any cabinet official facing impeachment for high crimes and misdemeanors, of course, deserves due process. Yet, more than 10 months into the 118th Congress, and over a year since former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy vowed an impeachment inquiry was imminent, there has been no inquiry, and no timetable put forward for impeachment. The case against Mayorkas is extensive and damning. Since he has been in charge of DHS, the department responsible for securing the U.S. border, millions of illegal aliens have crossed the border, shattering all the wrong records. Just Tuesday, 12,000 foreign nationals crossed into the U.S. illegally, hitting an all-time record for a single day. Mayorkas and other leading Biden administration officials have worked to systematically destroy Americas operational control over its border, while violating the Immigration and Nationality Act, and flagrantly disregarding their Constitutional responsibility to protect the U.S. from invasion. Mayorkas has demonized and demoralized Border Patrol agents, siding with anti-borders conspiracy theorists over his own agents. He has put the national security of the U.S. at grave risk, allowing a record number of suspected terrorists to cross the border. Every step of the way, Mayorkas has prioritized his destructive anti-borders ideology over his responsibilities under the law. The case for his impeachment and removal is clear, but one person who doesnt seem to be concerned is Mayorkas himself. Anyone who pays attention to the comings and goings on Capitol Hill has seen Mayorkas strut around the Capitol with a smirk, while refusing to answer basic questions from members of Congress. The secretary has refused to provide members of Congress with data on the number of illegal aliens who have entered the country on his watch, including the number of those with ties to terrorist organizations. He has used Congressional testimony to engage in sparring matches with members of Congress attempting to perform oversight of his department. All in all, Mayorkas acts like someone who believes hes untouchable, someone who believes he will never be held accountable for his attacks on Americas sovereignty and its rule of law. It will be up to Congress to prove him wrong. At the end of the day, Congress is the only institution that has the authority to hold Mayorkas and other Biden administration officials accountable for the crisis at the Southern border. There are two mechanisms through which Congress can enact accountability. One of them is impeachment and the other is through the power of the purse. So far in the 118th Congress, neither option has been used. This needs to change soon. Two-thirds of the American people disapprove of the Biden administrations handling of the border, according to a recent Fox News poll. Congress must act as the voice of the American people and begin holding Mayorkas and his cronies accountable for all the damage they have wrought. This starts but does not end with relegating Mayorkas to historical infamy by making him just the second cabinet official in U.S. history to be impeached. Mayorkas and his allies will cry foul, and accuse Congress of using impeachment as a tool to express policy disagreements, but they will be wrong. Securing the border is not a matter of policy, but is the most essential responsibility the federal government holds. It is a requirement under both the Constitution and federal law. Congress cannot allow a precedent to be set that allows bad actors like Mayorkas to open up the border and then brush it aside as a typical policy disagreement. Impeachment is a messy process, but the alternative is doing nothing as the U.S. continues down the path of lawlessness and chaos. After years of debate, tough talk, and hearings, its time for Congress to hold Americas worst cabinet secretary accountable. Its time to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas. William J. Davis is a communications associate for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest law firm working to defend the rights and interests of the American people from the negative effects of mass migration. Image: Screen shot from Jose Ventura Media video, via Twitter Its still eight or nine months away, but the Democrats have reasons to worry about that summer convention in the Windy City. Lets hear whats happening in Chicago, via Fox News: Residents animosity toward the Democratic Party runs deep, according to Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, who said the anger has only been getting worse due to the growing migrant crisis. The local Democratic official joined Jesse Watters Primetime Monday to discuss how his residents feel about local leaders in the city after activists vowed to make their voices heard during next summers Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Lopez said the Black community feels abandoned and is no longer feeling the love from Uncle Joe, as the city continues to try to make room and special accommodations for migrants. Voters expressed their anger this week at a rally near city hall, with one activist saying Democrats should not expect the 2024 political convention to be peaceful. When you take a group of people that have paid no taxes, cant vote and you put them in front of the voters? We're gonna show you how we feel about the Democratic National Convention. If you think youre gonna have a peaceful Democratic National Convention while our people are starving, stay tuned! he said. In your face Joe! Who knew that all of this Democrat demagoguery about sanctuary cities would turn into this nightmare? It has, and the mayor of Chicago doesnt have a clue. There is another problem. None of this came up during the Biden presidential campaign. In other words, Mr. Biden the Candidate never said to these black American voters that his humanitarian approach would produce this mess in Chicago and New York. To be fair, the news media did not force Mr. Biden to explain his position beyond promising a humanitarian policy, which is nothing more than chaos. Will the ghost of 68 show up in 24? I dont know, but the voters are angry and showing up at conventions is what they do. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image from X. (This is a satire.) No, CR is not the eighty-seven thousandth COVID variant. Its cranial rectitis. People afflicted with CRa grotesque, anatomically disfiguring diseasefail to ever see the light. And, problematically, the onset of the visual impairment occurs instantaneously when the ailment strikes. CRalso referred to in medical jargon as recto-cranial inversion syndrome, or R-CIShas never been proven to be contagious, like COVID. Nonetheless, its clearly plaguing an inordinate number of people in the U.S. today. And based on how quickly it has exploded coast-to-coast, heredity cant explain it, although genetic susceptibility has not been ruled out. Environmental factors could also contribute, as highlighted below, but infection appears to be the most likely pathway to contract and spread the disorder. Hence, the COVID pandemic analogy. CR is generally considered to be a chronic malady, but some have argued that acute CR cases can occur. The literature on this matter is ambiguous to date; science-based analytical studies are lacking, but the condition appears to be irreversible, incurable, once contracted. As a result, acute CR symptoms become chronic with time. Clearly, this medical condition overwhelming America and other portions of the world is not a new illness. It has been exhibited by segments of the global population for centuries. Read a world history book; plenty of examples can be found. Peruse a U.S. chronological treatise. The timeline is shorter, but numerous illustrations are in there as well. Challengingly though, the sheer volume of cases appears to be breaking all existing CR records both with regard to total numbers as well as on a per capita basis. When CR was the exception, progress was still made. Now that its the rule post-COVID, almost nothing productive is accomplished. As unafflicted people know, traditionally, CR outbreaks were most common within government entities. Consequently, the reason for believing environmental factors might contribute. Consider Washington, D.C. as the universally-acknowledged exemplar. Seemingly normal, non-symptomatic individuals can go there, and BAM! CR-induced sightlessness! As a mundane illustration, when was the last time regular orderpassing individual funding billswas conducted for a full session by Congress? It seems like decades ago. Welcome to todays U.S. Congress a prime example of cranial rectitis. But lets consider some other, much more problematic, federal government examples of CR. When Joe Biden took office the U.S. was energy independentan awesome accomplishment by the previous administrationand immediately, he and his team killed it by shutting down oil and gas projects nationwide. (I recently wrote a blog on Ayn Rand, briefly covering this policy initiative.) And, so began Bidenomics another prime example of cranial rectitis. The magnitude of the military ineptitude shown by the Afghanistan withdrawal is still hard to comprehend. However, early on in the fiasco, I penned a comparison to the botched departure from Vietnam using Forrest Gumps stupid is as stupid does wisdom. As stressed in that 2021 critique: How Afghanistan will compare to Vietnam in the long run is to be determined, but stupid is as stupid does is what comes when politicos dont learn from history. Unfortunately, its the norm in Washington, D.C., where the I.Q. of a cabbage -- skunk cabbage -- is as good as it ever gets. Welcome to todays Pentagon a prime example of cranial rectitis. Having spent a portion of my academic career in cancer research, the National Institutes of Health were held in high regard by me and my colleagues, and the peer-review funding process throughout NIH was rigorous and demanding. So, how in the H did NIH end up sponsoring gain-of-function coronavirus research and development in China? Doesnt that equate to supporting biological warfare R&D in a communist country that wants to destroy America? Gee, what could possibly go wrong with that? Forget China virus as the descriptorNIH-funded Chinese bioweapon would be much more accurate. Welcome to todays NIH a prime example of cranial rectitis. The federal CR list could go on and on with open borders and the like, but that would be never ending. Plus, state and local governments contribute significantly to the CR disaster as well. Essentially any law passed in California, Oregon, and a host of other blue states in recent years would count as CR. Then you could get into blue cities defunding the police and all sorts of related CR BS at the local level. But these are all government examples. The Herculean problem today is that CR is no longer an attribute primarily of legislative and associated bureaucratic organizations. Huge, huge portions of Americas general population have succumbed to the pandemic as well. How else could you explain citizens voting CR-blinded politicians back into office time after time when they are openly destroying cities, states, and the nation? Clearly, CR-blinded voters are responsible. They fail to see the light any light any time. America cant survive if this trend continues. Hopefully, those unafflicted with CR have some sort of innate immunity that will protect them from succumbing to the infirmity. In the meantime, avoid the CR disfigured sickos at all costs. Dont contract the disease from them. The future of America depends on it! R.W. Trewyn earned a PhD after surviving Vietnam combat, and more treacherously, survived 53-years postwar slogging academes once-hallowed halls. Image generated by AI. The Bank of Korea (BOK), the finance ministry and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will hold a conference next week on digital money's economic impacts, its regulations and the role of a central bank in the digital currency scheme. During the two-day conference, titled "Digital Money: Navigating a Changing Financial Landscape," that runs from next Thursday to Friday in Seoul, South Korean Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho, BOK Gov. Rhee Chang-yong, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva and other prominent figures will give speeches, and participate in a series of panel discussion on the digital currency's futures, regulations and others, the BOK said. (Yonhap) A couple of days back, Samsung released the December security patch for the Galaxy S23 series in the US. The new security update has yet to roll out to the phones in other markets. Meanwhile, a few more Galaxy devices have started picking up the latest SMR (Security Maintenance Release). The December security update is available for the Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy A52, and Galaxy A03. The Galaxy Note 20 series gets Samsungs December update Samsung stopped making Note-branded flagship phones after the Galaxy Note 20 series in 2020. It brought the S Pen to the Ultra model in the S series. Debuting with Android 10, the last Note phones received updates up to Android 13. They arent eligible for Android 14 or other feature updates. Its only security patches for them now, at least until August 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, Samsung is still pushing those security releases to the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra every month. The December 2023 SMR is rolling out to both 4G and 5G versions of the duo in Latin America. The new firmware build number for the 4G versions is N98*FXXS9HWL1. That, for the 5G versions, is N98*BXXS9HWL1. The official changelog supplied by Samsung confirms that the update doesnt bring any new features. The Korean firm recently revealed that the December SMR patches more than 60 vulnerabilities. These include seven critical and 40-odd high-severity security flaws in the Android OS, as well as over a dozen Galaxy-specific issues affecting Contacts, Knox Guard, Smart Manager, AR Emoji, Camera, and other system components. The latest update patches these issues on the Galaxy Note 20 phones. The two Note phones should soon receive the December security update in more markets, including the US (4G versions werent released in the US). If youre holding onto these aging but iconic Samsung devices, watch out for a notification promoting you to download the update over the air (OTA). You can also manually check for updates from Settings > Software update > Download and install. The latest security patch is also available for the Galaxy A52 and A03 Alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung is pushing the December security update to the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A03. The 4G version of the former is receiving the update with the build number A525MUBS6DWK3. It is A035FXXS5CWK1 for the latter. There is no 5G version of the Galaxy A03, which isnt eligible for Android 14. The Galaxy A52, meanwhile, is expected to receive the Android 14 update later this month. CES is about a month away, and Samsung has already started sending out their press invites for their big press conference. Its at Samsungs usual time of 2 PM PST on Monday, January 8, 2024. And the first thing I noticed is its going to be all about AI. Samsung is using the tagline AI for All for this CES. And given how much AI has really taken over this past year, that doesnt sound all that surprising. Advertisement Advertisement The press conference will include Jong-Hee Han, the Vice Chairman, CEO, and Head of the Samsung DX (Device eXperience) Division. I would not expect to see any new smartphones at this event. Samsung typically likes to hold its own events for phones. Instead, we should see new monitors, TVs, and other home appliances. Samsung announced new Odyssey Gaming Monitors, SmartThings Station, and more at CES 2023 CES is usually very consumer electronics focused for Samsung hence the name of the show. Last year, the company unveiled a slew of new monitors, including the newest Odyssey Neo G9, which was a massive 57-inch 32:9 aspect ratio ultra-wide monitor. Its by far one of my favorite monitors, and I cant wait to see what Samsung has up its sleeve for 2024 in that regard. Samsung also debuted the SmartThings Station, which is basically a way to make everything that is smart in your home compatible with Samsungs SmartThings platform. It was met with quite a lot of fanfare and is still a popular product, even nearly a year later. Of course, as most companies do at CES, Samsung also focuses on the environment. And talked quite a bit about that. But this year, the theme is going to be artificial intelligence. So could we see Samsung debut its own chatbot this year? Were all praying that it is much better than Bixby has been. The next generation of Googles AI is here, as the company launched Gemini. It, in many ways, succeeds Bard, and its meant to be a proper competitor to OpenAIs GPT-4. If youve been following this models development, then you should be excited to sink your teeth into it. Well, if you dont know how, then heres how to access Gemini. At this stage, theres more than one way to try out this model, but not all of them are available. As of December 2023, the most advanced version of Gemini isnt available to the public. This article will be updated when its available. For the time being, two of the three versions of the model are accessible for you to use. Advertisement Advertisement Also, at the time of writing this article, Gemini is still new. Google will most likely make the model accessible from more sources as time goes on. Be sure to check back to see if there are any additional ways to access it. How to access Google Gemini Its time to take your AI to the next level, and you think that Gemini is the way to do so. Its a leap over Bard, and it could be just what your business needs to become more streamlined. So, how do you gain access to this powerful model? There are a few ways that you can access it right now. Before we get started, its important to know that there are three versions of Gemini. The largest and most capable version is called Gemini Ultra. This is the high-octane enterprise-level AI solution that major companies are going to be using. Below that, theres Gemini Pro, which is a great middle ground. Its powerful (more powerful than Bard), and it should be perfect for startups and independent users. Lastly, the smallest version is called Gemini Nano. This version is perfect for on-device computations, so its much smaller in scale compared to the others. Advertisement Through the Pixel 8 Pro This might surprise you, but one way that you can access Gemini is through the Google Pixel 8 Pro. If you have this phone, then you have access to a version of the model called Gemini Nano. Its the most compact version of the model, and its optimized to fit on a phone. Gemini Nano is designed for on-device computations. Because it was added to the Pixel 8 Pro, this makes it essentially one of the smartest phones on the market if not the smartest. It runs the Google Tensor G3 chip, which is a chip thats designed around AI. It already ran some insane AI before Gemini. Now, the company boosted its AI prowess with the new model. Summarize in Recorder Now, Gemini Nano will manifest in two key features in the phone right now. Starting off, theres Summarize in Recorder. When youre using Googles voice recorder app, youll be able to use the AI on your chip to transcribe your audio recordings. Then, it will use generative AI to create a short and sweet summary of those recordings. Say, you record a conversation with your friend about a story idea, and it goes on for some time. You can use the tool to give you a quick summary of your conversation and pick up on what ideas you discussed. Advertisement Smart Replies Next, theres the Smart Reply function. This feature goes through Gboard, and it will suggest replies that you can send to people youre talking to in your conversations. While a feature like this isnt entirely new, it will use conversation awareness to get an idea of what youre talking about. Then, it will suggest the replies based on the conversation. A list of only two features might sound disappointing, but Gemini just launched. As time goes on, we expect Google to roll out more features that leverage Gemini Nano. If you plan to pick up a Pixel 8, youll be able to see these features first-hand. One thing to note is that more chips are being built with more powerful on-device AI capabilities. Theres no telling if well see Gemini Nano make it to other phones using other chips. Through Bard If youre an avid Google Bard user, then youve probably already had a taste of Gemini without knowing it. As a part of the release, Google upgraded Bard with a fine-tuned version of Gemini Pro. Were not sure what Google means by fine-tuned exactly, but were sure that it means that it was trimmed down a bit in terms of its capabilities. Advertisement Gemini is multimodal, so it can understand and produce multiple forms of media including text, images, audio, and video. However, For the time being, Bard will not be getting multimodal capabilities. Youre still bound to text output. Regardless, youll be able to enjoy the advanced reasoning capabilities that come along with Gemini Pro. So, your responses will be much smarter, and youre less likely to run into hallucinations. Gemini Ultra If youre disappointed that Gemini Pro for Bard doesnt have multimodal capabilities, well this release might be what youre looking for. In early 2024, Google is going to introduce an even more augmented version of Bard thats powered by Gemini Ultra. The implementation of Gemini Ultra will bring the multimodal capabilities to Bard that youve been hoping for. Gemini Ultra is the largest and most powerful version of the model, and it outpaces Gemini Pro in several areas. Getting access to it will bring much better reasoning capabilities and just an overall smarter experience. The only thing is that were not sure how accessible its going to be. Itd be nice if people could access it free of charge, but thered be no point in making Pro available to the public. We expect that Google will put Gemini Ultra behind a paywall. Gemini Ultra is an ultra-capable model, and theres no doubt that its built for large enterprise applications. We expect the company to charge an enterprise fee, but that remains to be seen. Advertisement How to access Bard If youre not a Bard member, then youll need to sign up before using it. Go to the Google Bard website and sign in with your Google account. After you do that, youll want to take the time and read the information that the company presents you with. The company should give you information about what Bard is all about and how the company is using your data. If youre careful about your data, take the time to read any information that the company gives you. After that point, youll see Bard in all of its glory. Youll see the chat bar at the bottom of the screen. At this point, youll be looking at the upgraded version of Bard thats powered by Gemini. British actor Charlie Hunnam said he begged the director to let him switch roles after reading for a different character in his Rebel Moon Part One: A Child Of Fire audition. The Gentleman star, 43, plays pilot and gun for hire Kai, one of the warriors Kora (Sofia Boutella) assembles who share a common need for redemption and risk their lives to defend the people of Veldt in the film launching on December 15. However, at the London premiere at the BFI IMAX, Hunnam said he had originally auditioned for a different role. I wasnt reading the script for Kai, he told the PA news agency. I was reading the script for another character and immediately when Kai showed up I was like forget that other geezer, Im playing Kai. And so I wasnt sure if it was already cast or if Zack (Snyder) would be up for it. He later said I begged for it actually referencing the role. You know hes a very interesting character Kai, you never really know what hes about, my sense is hes very sincere about everything, Hunnam said. Hes got a lot of different faces and actually all of them are true, hes kind of conflicted, hes definitely a naughty boy and he knows it, hes trying to do well in the world. Ed Skrein arrives at the London premiere of Rebel Moon (Ian West/PA) Meanwhile British actor Ed Skrein, who plays cruel emissary Admiral Noble in the film, said it was definitely the most challenging role of his career because the character was the opposite of him. Noble is very different to me as a person, Im a father-of-three, Im a teddy bear, a pacifist, out here Im a hugger, really definitely should be described as nothing other than a hugger so its strange, the 40-year-old told PA. It was dark to step into it, it was challenging definitely the most challenging role Ive ever done. Leading actress Boutella, 41, said she was grateful to director Zack Snyder. She said: I had so much fun with it. He (Snyder) gave me a character first of all I dont take it for granted he picked his lead character to be a woman, I think its important and I think he not only gave me a character where I got to be a bad ass but also he gave me a complex story and an emotional journey with a lot of depth which made Kora more interesting to spend time with. An investigation has been launched after a woman died in a car crash following a police chase. Xena Georgiou, 20, died in hospital after the BMW she was driving collided with a parked car in Sale, Greater Manchester, on Sunday evening, a spokesman for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. The police watchdog is investigating the circumstances leading up to the incident, which happened following a short pursuit involving Greater Manchester Police. The spokesman said it had established that shortly before 8.30pm a police vehicle attempted to stop the BMW, which made off after the initial stop and then collided with a parked car on Marsland Road. The crash came after a pursuit by officers lasting about two minutes, the spokesman said. A male passenger remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries and a female passenger was treated in hospital for her injuries, according to the IOPC. IOPC regional director Catherine Bates said: Our thoughts are with Xenas family and friends, and all those affected. We have been in contact with her family to explain our role, offer advice and support, and to outline the next steps of our independent investigation. Our investigation is still in its very early stages and it is important that we establish all of the circumstances. There is a mandatory requirement for forces to refer to us incidents like this which result in death or serious injury and our investigation will thoroughly examine the circumstances of the police involvement, including whether appropriate policies and procedures were followed. The watchdog has obtained dashcam footage from the police vehicle, as well as body-worn video and initial accounts from the officers involved, the spokesman said. The United States and Japan have agreed on the need to beef up deterrence amid an "increasingly challenging" security landscape marked by North Korea's repeated missile launches and its military cooperation with Russia, the State Department said Thursday. The two sides shared the need during their bilateral Extended Deterrence Dialogue (EDD) that took place in Japan from Tuesday to Thursday (local time). Extended deterrence refers to the U.S.' commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities to defend its ally. "Both sides concurred that it is necessary to continue strengthening deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance amidst an increasingly challenging regional security environment, which is illustrated by repeated launches of ballistic missiles by the DPRK and the enhanced military cooperation between Russia and the People's Republic of China as well as cooperation between Russia and the DPRK," the department said in a media note. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The EDD followed Pyongyang's launch of a space rocket to put a military spy satellite into orbit last month. Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have condemned the launch as a violation of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions banning any launch using ballistic missile technology. During the talks, Japan said it would like to continue to enhance U.S. extended deterrence, bolstered by Japan's capabilities. The U.S. side emphasized the alliance's "steady" progress on "integrated deterrence," according to the department. The two sides also discussed arms control and risk reduction approaches in response to nuclear risks that are becoming "increasingly challenging and complex" as diversification and expansion of regional actors' nuclear arsenals are advancing, the department said without specifying the actors. The U.S. and Japan also agreed to continue to explore avenues to deepen their political, diplomatic and defense cooperation through information sharing, training and exercises to further prepare the alliance to defend against potential attacks and deter nuclear use, it added. The two sides established the EDD in 2010 to discuss and strengthen extended deterrence. (Yonhap) Lord David Cameron has refuted claims he is interfering with US politics by visiting Washington DC to urge lawmakers to vote through a package of support for Ukraine. At a press conference alongside US secretary of state Antony Blinken on Thursday, Lord Cameron said: I hope Ive been very clear to say Im not telling you how to do this vote and how to run your life or anything else. Ive literally just come as a friend of America, as a friend of Ukraine, and made some arguments that I think are very relevant about why this is absolutely the right thing to do. Lord Camerons words come one day after Senate Republicans opposed the bill. The US Congress failed to pass a 110 billion dollar (88 billion) package of wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel as well as other national security priorities. Lord Cameron continued: In the 1930s we didnt act fast enough to deal with an evil dictator who was invading European countries and redrawing borders by force, and we know how that ended. I think strength through deterrence and helping your allies and stopping this appalling invasion is absolutely essential, so Ive been making those arguments. Lord Cameron added that his comments were delivered with a view that the Senate will listen and hopefully vote through that money. We will not stand for interference in our democracy. Foreign Secretary @David_Cameron on the UK sanctioning Russian operatives aiming to interfere in UK politics. pic.twitter.com/XnbAWf0Bhv Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) December 7, 2023 Mr Blinken echoed Lord Camerons sentiments, adding the Foreign Secretary was more than welcome and sometimes hearing something from our closest ally and partner has an ever greater resonance than hearing it from me or other people in the administration. He said: There is no more important relationship for Britain than this partnership with the United States. Speaking earlier in the day, Mr Blinken said the US and UK were in lockstep when it comes to continuing to do everything possible to ensure that Putins aggression remains a strategic defeat and failure for Russia. The press conference came shortly after Lord Cameron warned that blocking the package of support for Ukraine would be a Christmas present for Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. The Foreign Secretary urged allies to rally around Kyiv, describing the response to the conflict as the great test for our generation as he delivered a speech at the Aspen security conference in Washington DC. The White House has sounded the alarm about what might happen if further funding is not approved soon, suggesting Ukraines military would be stalled or overrun. Lord Cameron used his two-day visit to the US to warn that if Mr Putin wins it wont be the end of this, citing the 2008 conflict in Georgia. Im in Washington DC, meeting Republicans and Democrats in Congress. It's important that at a time of global uncertainty we continue to strengthen our partnership, leading the way in supporting Ukraine and ensuring stability in the Middle East. https://t.co/VSj96zJgEl David Cameron (@David_Cameron) December 6, 2023 The Foreign Secretary, who was prime minister during Russias takeover of Crimea in 2014, warned that American lives could be at risk if the Russian president targeted a Nato ally next. Speaking at the conference, Lord Cameron said: I see it as the great test for our generation, the great challenge for our generation. Are we going to defend this democracy? He added: We should pass this money to the Ukrainians. We should back them and make sure that its Putin who loses because if that money doesnt get voted through, there are only two people who will be smiling. One of them is Vladimir Putin in Russia. The other one is Xi Jinping in Beijing. I dont know about you, but I dont want to give either of those people a Christmas present. Lord Cameron told the summit he would also raise the prospect of using frozen Russian assets to help rebuild war-torn Ukraine, a measure that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the UK was considering earlier this year. He said: I think theres a very strong argument for taking the frozen money and spending it on rebuilding Ukraine, and that is, if you like, a down payment on the reparations that Russia will one day have to pay for the illegal invasion. Mourners are gathering in Dublin for a public procession ahead of the funeral of Shane MacGowan. The songwriter, who found fame as the lead singer of London-Irish punk/folk band The Pogues, died at the age of 65 last week. The procession is travelling by horse-drawn carriage from South Lotts Road in Dublins southside, down Pearse Street and onto Westland Row. Among those who turned out to pay their respects is Aidan Grimes, 60, who described MacGowan as an icon. Aidan Grimes in Pearse Street waits for the funeral procession of Shane MacGowan to makes its way through the streets of Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA) He said: I remember the first time I saw The Pogues in the Hammersmith Odeon in 1985. It is imprinted in my mind forever, just the madness and mayhem, the raucous nature of his singing and the music they were playing. Through the years he evolved into a great poet and he will be sadly missed. I met him in Dublin about 15 years ago and he was a very charming, nice, friendly man. He talked about music and his time in London. I thought it was important to pay my respects. He was an icon of Dublin, just like Brendan Behan, Luke Kelly. His music will be listened to in 100 years time. Flowers are thrown at the hearse as the funeral procession of Shane MacGowan makes its way through the streets of Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA) Kevin Sexton from Co Fermanagh said MacGowan opened doors for Irish people living in England. He made Irish people proud to be Irish at a time in London when it was a very difficult time to be Irish. The Troubles were in full tilt. A lot of terrible things happened. Shane MacGowan opened doors. He introduced Irish culture and his own unique writing ability and voice and style that opened up a mix of Irish music plus rock plus punk, his whole unique persona transformed into song that enlightened the world. Darragh McColgan from Dublin said MacGowan was a genius. He added: To me he was all about culture, the energy of it, it was representative to me of what being Irish is. It will be a day we knew was coming but it wont be easy to deal with because of what a big impact he was. MacGowans public funeral mass, which will be livestreamed, will take place at St Marys of the Rosary Church in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, at 3.30pm. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins is expected to attend the funeral of Shane MacGowan in Co Tipperary (Brian Lawless/PA) Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to attend alongside well-known faces from the world of music. Father Pat Gilbert told RTE that the funeral would celebrate the spiritual side of MacGowan. He said: Its a side of him thats not known but its a side of him we must celebrate. Its a side that was important to him in the context of his living of his life. We will have the rite of reception, well have mass and well have the rite of final accommodation interspersed with pieces of his music which will be performed by some of his friends. I think thats the right thing to do, thats the way to celebrate the man, the faith, the music and the lyric. Its the way to celebrate and remember the husband, the brother, the son and the brother-in-law. Following the funeral mass, the public will also have the opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortege moves through Nenagh town centre from Church Road to Market Cross. A private cremation will follow. MacGowan was born to Irish parents in 1957 in Pembury, Kent, and he soon moved to rural Tipperary where he was immersed in a culture of ceili bands and showbands. The Pogues frontman, best known for the hit festive song Fairytale Of New York, died peacefully at 3am on November 30 with his wife and family by his side, a statement from his relatives said. He was due to celebrate his 66th birthday on Christmas Day. Nigel Farage said his final thoughts were about women during a plane crash in 2010. The former Ukip and Brexit Party leader, 59, spoke about surviving a plane crash at an airfield in Northamptonshire on ITVs Im A CelebrityGet Me Out Of Here!. This Morning presenter Josie Gibson asked if his life flashed before his eyes, with Farage replying: Do you know what I thought about? Women. Im A CelebrityGet Me Out Of Here! cast (ITV) Gibson, 38, asked whether he meant the woman he loved the most, to which Farage replied: All that stuff, yeah. Children obviously and just thought, Lets hope this is over quickly. In the Bush Telegraph, Gibson said: The thing is he said women, not woman. Farage later described the crash as a bang, cartwheeling through the air and then stuck, upside down in the seat, everything broken, in a bad way. I thought, if I get through this itll be a miracle, after that, I never let little things annoy me, he said. He said the crash had left him with a bruised spinal cord and a problem with his right hand which doesnt do directly what the brain tells it to do I even find writing quite hard. The former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) said after the crash he was straight back to work. Nigel Farage at the count for the European Parliamentary Election (Dominic Lipinski/PA) I was back in the European Parliament, shouldnt have been because I still had broken ribs, he said. Im the biggest name the European Parliaments ever had in terms of international news that I made, I put them on the map globally. I said to them one Christmas, You should all be grateful to me, Ive made you all famous. Farage said he misses the theatre of being an MEP, describing the amazing lifestyle. Nigel Farage and Ann Widdecombe giving a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, (EuropaTV/PA) He said: You get to the airport, theres a chauffeur-driven Mercedes waiting for you. You want to go out for dinner, the chauffeur takes you, you get 300 euros a day spending money, cash. The members dining room, wonderful crab and lobster buffets, every day. The Ukip table was often the noisiest in there because we drank and had a laugh. People looking at us in horror. And if youre an MEP the power that you have is incredible. You are treated like the elite. Women throwing themselves at you. In the Bush Telegraph, Gibson said she would not have thought Farage was a lady magnet, but she said it sounded like he had to bat them off at one point. Hollywood star Ryan ONeal has died peacefully at the age of 82, his son Patrick ONeal announced. The US actor starred in drama Peyton Place before rising to international stardom after his Oscar-nominated turn as Oliver in the romantic 1971 film Love Story, opposite Ali MacGraw. He later starred in Whats Up, Doc? with Barbra Streisand, and Paper Moon, opposite his daughter Tatum, who won an Academy Award at the age of 10 for her performance. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us, Patrick announced on Instagram. My father Ryan ONeal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life. When I was born in 1967 my dad was already a TV star on Peyton Place. Thats where he met my mum Leigh Taylor-Young, and about nine months later (give or take a date night or two) I was born. My dad became an international movie star with Love Story at the beginning of the 1970s, a decade he absolutely crushed by starring in movies like Whats Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver. He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop. US actor Ryan ONeal with his Academy Award winning daughter Tatum (PA) Patrick said the growth spurt of the name Ryan can be traced back to his father. ONeal was described as Hollywoods leading boy following more than 500 episodes playing Rodney Harrington on hit drama Peyton Place. During his career, he collaborated with director Peter Bogdanovich several times including on Paper Moon, Whats Up, Doc? and Nickelodeon in 1976. So sad to hear the news of Ryan ONeals passing. We made two films together, Whats Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered. pic.twitter.com/Z9ADMv2R5T Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) December 8, 2023 Other notable credits include starring as Barry Lyndon in Stanley Kubricks 1975 film, and opposite Streisand in The Main Event seven years after Whats Up, Doc? On X, formerly known as Twitter, Streisand said: So sad to hear the news of Ryan ONeals passing. We made two films together, Whats Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered. We are saddened by the passing of Oscar-nominated actor Ryan O'Neal. A revered performer, he kicked off his career on 'Peyton Place,' then found success in film with movies such as 'Love Story' and 'What's Up Doc?'. #SagAftraMember since 1959 https://t.co/am6kibCPfs SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) December 8, 2023 US actors union Sag-Aftra said it was saddened to hear of ONeals death, who had been a union member since 1959. A revered performer, he kicked off his career on Peyton Place, then found success in film with movies such as Love Story and Whats Up Doc? a statement said. Crowds of people are expected to gather in Dublin and Tipperary for the funeral procession of Shane MacGowan in Ireland. The songwriter, who found fame as the lead singer of London-Irish punk/folk band The Pogues, died at the age of 65 last week. Members of the public are expected to line the streets to catch a glimpse of the procession, which will begin at St Lotts Road in Dublin City Centre at 11am. A candle burns next to a photograph of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan at the Mansion House, in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) The procession, reported to involve a horse-drawn carriage as well as the Artane Band and a piper, will then travel through the city across MacMahon Bridge and onto Pearse Street. It will turn onto Westland Row, onto Fenian Street and conclude at Denzille Lane at approximately 11.45am. MacGowans public funeral mass, which will be livestreamed, will take place at St Marys of the Rosary Church in Nenagh at 3.30pm. Irish President Michael D Higgins is expected to attend alongside stars such as Johnny Depp and Nick Cave. Following the funeral mass, the public will also have the opportunity to pay their respects as the funeral cortege moves through Nenagh town centre from Church Road to Market Cross. A private cremation will follow. MacGowan was born to Irish parents in 1957 in Pembury, Kent, and he soon moved to rural Tipperary where he was immersed in a culture of ceili bands and showbands. The Pogues frontman, best known for hit festive song Fairytale Of New York, died peacefully at 3am on November 30 with his wife and family by his side, a statement from his relatives said. He was due to celebrate his 66th birthday on Christmas Day. Robber given life sentence after stabbing two police officers in central London A robber has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after stabbing two officers in Londons West End following a police pursuit. Mohamed Rahman, 25, knifed police constable Joseph Gerrard in the neck and chest targeting where the Met (stab) vest did not provide protection before stabbing Pc Alannah Mulhall in the arm early on September 16 last year while intoxicated. One of the Metropolitan police officers who was attacked by Rahman said things like this happen all the time. On Friday the Met released video footage of the attack, alongside an interview in which Pc Gerrard said: We came across a male brandishing a knife towards our colleagues. Initially we were shouting at the suspect telling him to put the knife down, my colleague Dave put a Taser on him, I tried to hit him with a baton but he then stabbed me in the arm. He then turned and ran at my colleague Alannah. Would I consider myself brave? No not really, officers deal with stuff like this every day in London, almost daily, the potential is always there for this situation to happen. Pc Alannah added that she thought Pc Gerrard would die in the attack. She said: The man was holding a knife like a dagger and I remember thinking he was going to kill him (Pc Gerrard), so Ive gone over and batoned him in the back. As I have I tried to run to create space and I wasnt quick enough and he drove the knife into my arm. Things like this happen all the time. The officers, who were attached to the Mets Central West Command Unit responsible for policing Westminster, have both told how they experienced enduring pain and extensive changes to their lives after the incident. A court artist sketch of Mohamed Rahman during his sentencing at Kingston Crown Court, London (Elizabeth Cook/PA) A group of officers pursued Rahman after a member of the public, Mark Graven, told police the defendant had showed him a knife before taking his phone powerbank in Shaftesbury Avenue. Over the course of the police pursuit which led them to Leicester Square and during which Pava spray and Tasers were unable to contain the defendant Rahman stabbed both Pc Mulhall and Pc Gerrard with a kitchen knife he had appropriated, and inflicted a cut to Pc Richard Ullas finger. Rahman, of Notting Hill, west London, was convicted in October after a trial at Kingston Crown Court of the attempted murder of Pc Gerrard and grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent against Pc Mulhall. He was also convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against Pc Ulla, two counts of threatening a person in a public place with a bladed article against two other officers and possession of a bladed article. Rahman was further found guilty of robbing Mr Graven. He was given a minimum term of 20 years, minus the 449 days he has already spent on remand. Judge Rajeev Shetty told Rahman: I am sure that you are capable of the most violent kind of behaviour to others which has the potential to kill. He added: Anyone who is unhinged enough to attack a group of police officers poses an even greater risk to the public. Pc Gerrard said in a statement made in February, read by the prosecution in court, that he was in agony every single day for months and that his life had come to a complete standstill. In a statement he made in September, the officer said he is still not back to zero pain. He said: It has been an uphill struggle to get myself free from injury. It has been a long, frustrating year. My life has been on hold. Im sick and tired of how long rehabilitation is taking. Pc Mulhall read two statements out in court, the first made in February, in which she said: It was a terrifying incident to be part of and will forever scar me mentally and physically. She told the court how she moved back to her parents house and essentially became an infant again. After the incident I cried for 96 days in a row, she said. She told of how she felt a lot of guilt over the fact that she pushed the emergency button which triggered other officers involvement in the incident, including Pc Gerrard. I thought Pc Gerrard was going to die that morning and this is a thought that will haunt me for the rest of my life, Pc Mulhall said. In her September statement, made just over a year after the incident, she said: The Alannah I knew died that morning and in her place now is a girl I dont recognise. She looked at and addressed Rahman sitting in the dock, telling him how he has taken so much away from me. Chris Henley KC, defending, told the court his client had been going through a mental health crisis and had become increasingly paranoid in the days leading up to the incident. The court heard Rahman came into contact with police three days before the incident, following reports that he was feeling suicidal, after which he spent days living on the streets. Rahman, wearing a white skull cap and blue robe, wrote a letter of apology that was read out by his barrister in court. He said he wished he could go back and change what happened, adding: I feel extremely guilty for what I have done. He called his actions out of character, labelled himself a non-violent person and insisted it was never his intention to hurt anyone. Rahman also said he had nothing against the police. After sentencing, the judge gave commendations to Pcs Gerrard and Mulhall, and other officers involved. David Malone, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London South, said: This was a shocking and horrific incident that highlights the courage required to be a frontline police officer. I hope this case sends out a clear message to those who carry knives and plan to harm others. You will be caught, and you will be prosecuted, whenever our legal test is met. Detective Inspector Ollie Stride who led the investigation said: Todays sentencing of Rahman for the attempted murder of PC Joe Gerrard and the serious injury of PC Alannah Mulhall reflects the seriousness of his offences. The courage and bravery of Joe and Alannah, as well as the medical intervention of their colleagues, firearms officers and paramedics, prevented a much worse outcome. Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dauntless has returned to its home port after its crew seized more than 200m of drugs during a hurricane season deployment to the Caribbean. The Type 45 destroyer intercepted smugglers on four occasions, helping seize more than 2,000kg of cocaine during a 28,000-nautical mile mission. The warship returned to its home base of Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Friday having completed its mission to the British Overseas Territories. HMS Dauntless makes its way back to Portsmouth after deployment in the Caribbean where it intercepted smugglers (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/PA) As well as the drug raids, sailors from the warship helped clear plastic waste from a turtle nesting site on the Caribbean island of Curacao. Commander Ben Dorrington, Dauntlesss commanding officer, said: I am immensely proud of what HMS Dauntless has achieved during this deployment, the first destroyer to complete this task since Dauntless was last in the Caribbean in 2012. Our team have worked tirelessly over the last 195 days away across a range of tasks. Dauntlesss deployment was the first following the Power Improvement Programme (PIP) engine upgrade of the Type 45 fleet which had suffered power failures leading to some of the class being taken out of service for long periods. Loved ones greet a member of the crew of HMS Dauntless in Portsmouth (LPhot Stuart Dickson/MoD/PA) Deputy weapon engineering officer Lieutenant Harry Jukes said: The additional resilience provided by the third diesel generator gives us increased redundancy in the ships electricity supply, meaning more availability of sensors to command capable of tracking contacts in excess of 200 miles. Petty officer engineering technician Ryan Waters added: The PIP has given much greater resilience to the propulsion plant of a Type 45 destroyer, improving availability to the Type 45 fleet which provides essential air and missile defence capability to protect the UKs aircraft carriers deployed on operations around the world. Sunak did not mislead MPs over cost of Rwanda scheme, No 10 says Rishi Sunak did not mislead MPs over the cost of his troubled Rwanda asylum scheme, Downing Street said, after it emerged the UK paid Kigali an extra 100 million. The policy attracted fresh criticism when it was revealed the additional payment was made this year, while flights remained grounded amid a series of legal setbacks, on top of the 140 million previously paid out. The Government remained tight-lipped on costings as it set out plans to revive the deportation scheme earlier this week, with the further payments only disclosed on Thursday evening in a letter from the Home Office to committee chairs. The Home Offices top civil servant, Sir Matthew Rycroft, also said in the letter that ministers expect to pay 50 million more next year, bringing the total to 290 million. But No 10 rejected any suggestion that the Prime Minister had misled, even inadvertently, parliamentarians over the money for Kigali. A spokeswoman told reporters on Friday that the original memorandum of understanding with Rwanda stated that the deal involves subsequent funding. It was always set out that there would be funding attached to what is an economic and migration partnership. And this further funding was part of that, she said. (PA Graphics) The official argued that in the long term the Rwanda policy would help bring down the costs of processing and housing asylum seekers in the UK. It would put an end to the unacceptable costs that we face in the UK, the 8 million hotel bills that we face every single day, she said. The extra 100 million payment, made in April, was signed off by then-home secretary Suella Braverman, Downing Street said. Opposition parties reacted furiously to the disclosure, with the Liberal Democrats branding it an unforgivable waste of taxpayers money. The fact that this Government is content to squander millions on this totally unworkable white elephant of a policy tells you everything you need to know about their priorities, Lib Dem home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael said. Its basically 100m for every Home Secretary trip to Rwanda Even by the standards of this chaotic & hopeless Tory Government, this is unbelievable https://t.co/GCjqVYLzR8 Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) December 7, 2023 The chairwomen of the Home Affairs and Public Accounts committees, Dame Diana Johnson and Dame Meg Hillier, complained about an extreme lack of respect in the way the figures were disclosed. It came after Home Office permanent secretary Sir Matthew told their committees last week ministers had decided they would not set out additional payments, beyond the initial 140 million, until the summer. Full and frank answers on the costs of the high-profile scheme are expected from him at an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee on Monday, before MPs get their first chance to vote on the Bill on Tuesday, they told him. Mr Sunak hopes to rush emergency legislation through Parliament for MPs and peers to declare that Rwanda is a safe destination after the Supreme Court ruled the scheme was unlawful over risks to refugees. But he faces dissent from hardline Tories and MPs from the more moderate wing of the party and the prospect of a bitter parliamentary battle, including serious opposition in the House of Lords. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak held a Downing Street press conference to defend his plan (James Manning/PA) The new legal migration minister, Tom Pursglove, earlier suggested the Government could be open to compromises with would-be rebels. As ministers we will engage constructively with parliamentarians around any concerns, he said as he toured broadcast studios defending the new law. His appointment in a mini-reshuffle came after Robert Jenricks role was split in two following his resignation as immigration minister in protest at the legislation he believed was doomed to fail. The No 10 spokeswoman declined to comment on whether compromises could be reached, saying: There will be the usual processes and debate next week. I wouldnt pre-empt that process. Robert Jenrick quit as immigration minister arguing the Rwanda legislation did not go far enough (Victoria Jones/PA) One element adding to some Tory MPs unease were warnings by senior lawyers, as reported by The Times, that the legislation remains at risk of failure by allowing migrants to challenge their removal by identifying reasons that Rwanda is unsafe for them personally. The Downing Street spokeswoman said: We expect that those able to provide compelling evidence about specific individual risks will be vanishingly narrow and thats why we believe that this is the best approach to get flights swiftly off the ground. Under the Governments plan, first unveiled in April 2022, people who arrive in the UK by irregular means, such as on small boats, could be sent on a one-way trip to Rwanda, where the Kigali government would decide on their refugee status. The new Bill seeks to compel judges to treat Rwanda as a safe country and gives ministers the powers to disregard sections of the Human Rights Act. It does not go as far as allowing them to dismiss the European Convention on Human Rights, something Mr Jenrick and former home secretary Suella Braverman have called for. Two Russian intelligence officers have been indicted by the Justice Department as part of what prosecutors allege was a broad campaign to hack into U.S. and British government agencies in an effort to gather intelligence in the two countries and to influence British politics. Senior FBI and Justice Department officials sought to distinguish the alleged Russian hacking operation in the U.S. targeting intelligence, defense and nuclear energy officials from similar efforts by U.S. agencies to collect information in other countries through cyber intrusions. The Russian campaign crossed the line, they told reporters, by trying to influence British politics, including an election in 2019. They also noted that it was conducted by a unit of Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, that was supposed to cooperate with other countries in combating cybercrime but was instead working with cybercriminals to steal secrets. What sets this apart from what one would refer to as legitimate intelligence gathering activities would be the weaponization of this information in furtherance of efforts to influence democratic processes in one of our allies, a senior Justice Department official said in a background briefing. The officials said there was no evidence the campaign sought to interfere in American elections. But they said the Russians were able to compromise the email accounts of a number of American national security officials. They got in through a classic spear-phishing campaign, gaining the trust of the target and then sending a malicious link that allowed them to steal passwords. Once the Conspirators illegally obtained the targeted victims credentials, they were able to gain unauthorized access to their accounts and take valuable intelligence from their victims accounts at will, including intelligence related to United States defense, foreign affairs, and security policies, as well as nuclear energy related technology, research, and development, the indictment said. The indictment, returned this week by a federal grand jury in San Francisco, charged Ruslan Aleksandrovich Peretyatko, identified as an officer in the FSB Center 18, and Andrey Stanislavovich Korinets with conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse. The indictment also charged other unnamed conspirators. The Russian government continues to target the critical networks of the United States and our partners, as highlighted by the indictment unsealed today, said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Departments National Security Division. Through this malign influence activity directed at the democratic processes of the United Kingdom, Russia again demonstrates its commitment to using weaponized campaigns of cyber espionage against such networks in unacceptable ways. The State Department announced rewards of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification or location of the two Russian officers or their co-conspirators. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, announced sanctions against Peretyatko and Korinets, as did Britain. Kurt Sanger, a retired Marine and former senior official at U.S. Cyber Command, told NBC News he was concerned that the indictment described conduct that hewed close to traditional intelligence collection, and therefore posed a risk for U.S. personnel who engage in cyber espionage or offensive cyber operations. The worry is that Russia or China could begin filing criminal charges against U.S. cyber operators, making travel riskier for them. Any indictment that we issue, we need to think not only about what we do, but anything that could plausibly be described as close to what we do, because the Russians will be disingenuous, he said. I do think this is dangerous and it puts our operators in jeopardy. The indictment says the hacking campaign in the U.S. targeted current and former employees of the intelligence community, Defense and State departments, defense contractors and Energy Department facilities between at least October 2016 and October 2022. It says the conspirators known publicly as Callisto Group targeted military and government officials, think tank researchers and staff and journalists in the U.K. and elsewhere and that information from certain of these targeted accounts was leaked to the press in Russia and Britain in advance of the latter's elections in 2019. British officials described a yearslong campaign by the FSB to influence British institutions and the 2019 election by leaking hacked material a campaign they said was not successful. Despite their repeated efforts, they have failed, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement. The conspirators allegedly used spoofed email accounts designed to look like personal and work-related email accounts of its targets, and also sent sophisticated looking emails that appeared to be from email providers suggesting users had violated terms of service. These messages were designed to trick victims into providing their email account credentials to false login prompts. Once the hackers fraudulently obtained the victims credentials, they were able to access the victims email accounts at will. In addition to the name Callisto Group, FSB Center 18 is known by cybersecurity investigators as Dancing Salome by Kaspersky Labs, STAR BLIZZARD by Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center, and COLDRIVER by Googles Threat Analysis Group. Officials acknowledged it would be difficult to get the two Russian defendants into a U.S. courtroom, but they said the indictment nonetheless sent an important message. Certainly, we have no expectation that Russia will send these individuals here to face the U.S. Justice system, a senior FBI official said. If they do travel to a country that cooperates with U.S. legal process, they stand the risk of being extradited to the United States to face these charges. And certainly we believe that is important for us to put out there publicly, that you cannot conduct these sorts of operations against democracy and expect to be able to travel freely throughout the world. Three House Democrats joined Republicans in voting to censure Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) on Thursday, bucking party leadership to back a reprimand of their liberal colleague. Reps. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.), Chris Pappas (D-N.H.) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) all supported the censure resolution, bringing the final vote to 214-191-5. Four Democrats and one Republican voted present: Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Deborah Ross (D-N.C.), Susan Wild (D-Pa.) and Andy Harris (R-Md.). The chamber censured Bowman roughly two months after the New York Democrat falsely pulled a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building during a vote on averting a government shutdown, prompting an evacuation. Bowman was charged with a misdemeanor and pleaded guilty. According to an agreement with prosecutors, he is required to write an apology to U.S. Capitol Police and pay a $1,000 fine. Pappas told The Hill that while he voted to table the censure resolution Wednesday because we have far more pressing issues to tackle for the country, he supported it on the floor for final passage Thursday because Bowman broke the law. But at the end of the day, Representative Bowman broke the law when he pulled the fire alarm during House proceedings and has since pled guilty. The resolution was a straightforward condemnation of his actions, and I voted yes, he said in a statement. Hayes in a statement said she voted to censure Bowman because she thought what he did was wrong, but she also related a story from her hometown that prompted her vote. In my hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut, we continue to mourn the lives of two firefighters who died, and another who was seriously injured, when their fire truck slammed into a tree while racing to respond to a false alarm. I have spent the better part of the last decade, working with the families of those firefighters and the Waterbury community, to honor their memory and educate our children on the work of first responders, she wrote. Hayes said she met with Bowman after the vote and shared with him work from the Rivera-Hughes Memorial Foundation, which was established to memorialize the fallen firefighters Heriberto Eddie Rivera and Howard Hughes, who died in 1990, according to the Hartford Courant and empower youth. While there may be some who do not understand this vote, I cannot set an example for these children by saying one thing to them and doing another and party affiliation should not matter, she wrote. Republicans had accused Bowman of purposely pulling the fire alarm to delay the government funding vote. Then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) released text for a clean continuing resolution that morning and quickly scheduled a vote on the measure, leaving Democrats little time to parse through the particulars. Because of the schedule, Democrats had deployed a number of stall tactics. Bowman, however, has said he mistakenly pulled the alarm when rushing out of the Cannon to cast his vote on government funding. He said the door he usually exits the building from was locked, and he pulled the alarm by accident, thinking it would unlock the door. In a statement following the vote, Bowman called House Republicans unserious and unproductive. This Republican House is unserious and unproductive, and I know that their efforts to target me are a testament to the importance of my voice in pushing back against their disingenuous rhetoric and harmful policies, he wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. North Korea on Friday called on its people to climb up Mount Paektu in winter to better learn about "revolutionary spirits." The Rodong Sinmun, the main newspaper, reported that around 120,000 people at some 2,400 organizations have gone up Mount Paektu so far along the path on which North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rode his white horse in 2019. North Korea claims Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean Peninsula and located on the border with China, is a sacred site tied to the Kim dynasty. North Korea has idolized the ruling family as the "Paektu bloodline." North Korea said Kim's late father, former leader Kim Jong-il, was born in a military hideout on Mount Paektu, despite the fact that he was born in Russia's Far Eastern city of Khabarovsk. In December 2019, Kim Jong-un visited the mountain, along with key party officials, ahead of the year-end deadline that Pyongyang set for the United Sates to come up with new proposals for their stalled denuclearization talks. The North Korean leader held three meetings with former U.S. President Donald Trump, but denuclearization talks have remained stalled since the collapse of their Hanoi summit in February 2019. (Yonhap) An Ohio man is scheduled to appear in federal court Friday after being indicted for scamming more than $1 million from online dating site users who thought they were forming a romantic connection. As part of the alleged crimes, Benjamin Adu Acheampong is accused of conspiring with additional people to create online dating profiles and messaging unwitting users they would later target. After a victim believed they were building a romantic connection, Acheampong and others would convince them to send money by mail or wire transfer, U.S. attorneys allege. Over the course of two-and-a-half years, Acheampong, 37, scammed online dating connections out of more than $1 million, officials said. It's unclear if Acheampong has an attorney who can comment on his behalf. Acheampong's court appearance comes after he was indicted this week on multiple fraud and money laundering charges, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. In addition to the online dating scam, he was also indicted on charges of securing a fraudulent COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. He faces multiple fraud and money laundering charges, each of which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. A gold inheritance, foreign bank accounts, fake medical expenses Between January 2019 and July 2021, Acheampong and others not named by federal authorities successfully convinced online dating site users that people pictured in fake profiles were expecting a large inheritance of gold, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Next, the scam organizers told victims that they needed financial assistance in order to bring the gold to the U.S., or that they needed money for a plane ticket or medical expenses, according to the indictment. Acheampong allegedly laundered some of the $1 million by making wire transfers to bank accounts in Africa, authorities said. He also allegedly wired money by falsely representing that wire transfers were for, among other things, paying workers and family expenses, according to officials. He also moved money to a bank account opened in the name of ABA Automotive & Export LLC, an Ohio LLC he created, to hide its original source, authorities said. Acheampong is a dual citizen of Ghana and the U.S., according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Fraudulent COVID-19 relief load Acheampong was also indicted this week for securing a fraudulent COVID-19 loan of more than $20,000 after making false statement to government officials in a PPP loan application, according to the USAO statement. Across the U.S. during the pandemic, government officials may have dispersed as much as $200 billion is loans to fraudsters, representing 17% of all COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans and PPP loans, according to the Small Business Administration. Massachusetts dating scammers ordered to pay for crime In Massachusetts, online dating scammers have had to pay back money to their victims this year. A Boston man was sentenced to 40 months in prison in October after defrauding victims of more than $1.3 million on dating sites. He was ordered to pay restitution of $878,652. In January, a Taunton, Massachusetts man was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.1 million in restitution. In August 2022, a different Boston man was sentenced to nearly three years in prison for defrauding elderly victims on dating sites. While committing the crimes, he opened at least 16 bank accounts at seven banks using four different fraudulent passports, authorities said. He was ordered to pay restitution of $686,264. Contributing: Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Inquirer This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Online dating site scammer indicted for stealing money Community businesses offer support for museum expansion A Childrens Museum of NH guest plays in one of the museums many interactive, hands-on exhibits. The museum is planning on expanding with two new exhibit spaces opening in late 2025. DOVER The Childrens Museum of New Hampshire announce plans for an expansion of the second floor, which will add two new exhibits and better prepare the Museum to serve children and families in the future. Fundraising for the $420,000 expansion launched this spring, when the Museum was awarded $175,000 in Tax Credits from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA). Multiple businesses from the community have stepped forward in recent months to support this expansion through purchasing tax credits, including the JGroup (The Sailmakers House, Vida Cantina, 106 Grill, White Heron Tea, Bibimbap, Jumpin Jays Fish Cafe, GC Fine Foods, Cemita, The Franklin, Dos Amigos Burritos, Liars Bench and Railpenny Tavern), ReVision Energy, Chinburg Builders, Inc., Leone, McDonnell & Roberts P.A., Meredith Village Savings Bank, Grappone Automotive Group, First Seacoast Bank, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Nathan Wechsler & Company, P.A., Newburyport Bank, Eastern Propane & Oil and Stinson Associates, CPA. We deeply appreciate the support from each and every business that has purchased Tax Credits this year to support the facility expansion, said Jane Bard, Museum President. This project is in response to feedback from our visitors and will provide more of what families are saying they need from the Museum today. These companies understand that and are making a direct investment in our local community. The additional 1,000 sq ft will include a farm-themed exhibit designed for visitors ages birth through five, plus a second, flexible exhibit that changes multiple times a year providing new experiences and offering opportunities for active play and creative movement. The ongoing shortage of childcare and preschool openings continues to challenge families with young children who are seeking in-person socialization and learning experiences. This additional space will enable the Museum to expand our current drop-in programs, playgroups, community events and more. Businesses paying New Hampshire state taxes that are interested in purchasing tax credits to support this expansion project are encouraged to contact Monique Deforge, Director of Development & Community Engagement, monique@childrens-museum.org. Individuals who would like to learn more or make a donation to the project can visit www.childrens-museum.org. The Museum anticipates opening the new space in late 2025. Dover Chamber welcomed two new members in November DOVER The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce held ribbon-cutting ceremonies recently to welcome two businesses as new Chamber members. SEH Studios Art SEH Studios Art ribbon cutting SEH Studios Art is the gallery space of local New Hampshire artist Susan E. Hanna. The studio has recently moved to a larger location at 456 Central Avenue in Dover, with the new space featuring two galleries and classroom space. Hanna is a self-taught artist who lives and works in New Hampshire whose work has been exhibited widely in New Hampshire, with additional shows in Massachusetts and Maine. After working in other fields, Hanna decided to take up her passion of painting full-time and pursue art as her career. She generally works with oil paints, specializing in depicting outdoor scenes. In addition to working on traditional canvas, Hanna is also known for painting on copper or aluminum panels. Prior to the move to the new location, SEH Studios Art was based in a smaller space in Dover that did not offer the same space and room for opportunities as the Central Avenue location. The new studio has enough room for a Front Gallery and a Studio Gallery adjacent to the classroom. In addition to her own work, Hanna will feature work from visiting artists in the gallery. Current artists include Melissa Lea, Linda Van Tassell, and Jan Van Tassell. Visit SEH Studios Art at its new location at 456 Central Avenue in Dover. To learn more about SEH Studios, visit their website SEHstudios.com or call 603-582-4777. Bald and Bearded Accounting Bald and Bearded Accounting ribbon cutting Bald and Bearded Accounting is a small business based in the Seacost of N.H. that caters to fellow small businesses, while taking a new-age approach. Their services include, but are not limited to, the following: In-house CFO, bookkeeping, taxes, and payroll services. Bald and Bearded Accounting was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by Jake DErasmo as a way to provide both price-sensitive and quality service to those in need. For the past four years, DErasmo and his partner, John, have been the two-man team behind the Accounting and Finance Department of an international non-profit group. To learn more about Bald and Bearded Accounting, visit their website baldandbeardedaccounting.com, or email them at info@baldandbeardedaccounting.com for more information. Wellesley Asset Management, Inc opens Portsmouth, N.H. office Wellesley Asset Management's new Portsmouth office PORTSMOUTH Wellesley Asset Management, Inc., a convertible bond investment advisory firm with about $2 billion in assets under management, announced today the opening of a new office in Portsmouth, N.H. The Portsmouth office will be dedicated to supporting all aspects of Wellesley's growing investment advisory business and serve as Wellesley's principal office headquartering the firm's executive, portfolio management and trading teams. Wellesleys client service, relationship management, and operations teams will continue their presence in Massachusetts. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Businesses support museum, Dover Chamber welcomes members: Seacoast business news After Their Algeria, a well-received documentary from 2020 about the parents of her actor father Zinedine Soualem, France-born filmmaker-performer Lina Soualem turns her camera on her maternal relatives in Bye Bye Tiberias, in particular her mother, the Palestine-born actress Hiam Abbass. By telling their story, she hopes to reclaim and question the personal, historical and visual legacies she inherited and to answer the question How does a woman find her place when caught between worlds? a question that applies equally to her and her mother. After its world premiere at the Venice Film Fest, the essay film, with its mix of the personal and the political, has been a festival favorite, going on to win the Grierson award for best documentary in London and the jury prize ex aequo in Marrakech. It represents Palestine in the Oscar international feature competition. The title gives a clue to what Soualem considers the critical turning point in the familys fortunes: their 1948 expulsion from their home and farm in Tiberias during the war that followed the partition of Palestine and the declaration of the independent State of Israel. Relocating to the village of Deir Hanna, her great-grandfather lost his mind and died, leaving his seamstress wife Um Ali and eight children, including Soualems grandmother Nemat, a teacher. Restless Hiam, one of Nemats 10 children, always felt suffocated by village life, and managed to leave Deir Hanna to live abroad in her early 20s. More from Variety The backbone of the films script, credited to Soualem, Nadine Naous and Gladys Joujou, is a poetic essay from Soualems POV about her mother and her forebears that combines memory and fantasy and provides a jumping off point for discussing the various generations. With only a small number of photographs extant, the films visuals benefit most from lovingly shot home movie footage captured by Soualems father during visits to Deir Hanna when Lina was a toddler. From Hiams sisters, we learn that Abbass was the one most popular with the opposite sex while growing up, inspiring some funny stories about how their stern father reacted to her many boyfriends. We also discover that she had a short-lived early marriage to an Englishman she met while acting at the Palestinian National Theater in Jerusalem, was a prolific writer of poetry as a teenager and studied photography in Haifa. Soualem continually tries to coax the no-nonsense Abbass to be more revealing, but her mother sometimes resorts to the family refrain, Dont open the gate to past pain, or comes close to snapping at her. If there is any one takeaway from the film, its the importance of family attachments and the succor they provide. Abbass confides that when she first moved abroad, she cut her ties to those back in the village, which left her feeling even more isolated after giving birth to Lina in France. After she started bringing Lina to Deir Hanna each summer, she reconciled with her beloved family. The visceral feeling related to family is reinforced by Abbass story of her aunt Hosnieh, an older sister of her mother, who in 1948 wound up on the Syrian side of the border, unable to see her family for 30 years. She describes their finally coming together with the force of magnets and the way the aunt sniffs and sniffs to absorb the smell of her loved ones. The film also captures the passing of the torch between generations and the consciousness of mortality. We see the young and beautiful Abbass holding baby Lina as she interacts with the vital Nemat and aging Um Ali. Then we see the much older Nemat in a wheelchair, pushed by a 50something Abbass. The conversation between Abbass and Soualem gains an extra gravitas after the passing of Nemat. Some viewers might wish for more political context as obviously Abbass first passport was an Israeli one. But all we get is a story about how she travels to Syria on her French passport to visit Hosnieh, shattering the barrier that they imposed. Likewise, it would have been interesting to hear more about Abbass desire to act and her start, but her career is barely mentioned apart from a remark that Nemat didnt like her being an actress because she felt that Hiam preferred her work to her. While the films tech elements are variable, the score by Amine Bouhafa is top-notch. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Advocacy groups are continuing the fight to hold officials accountable for voting issues in Hinds County on Election Day in November. At least nine Hinds County polling stations experienced ballot shortages, causing long lines and forcing some voters to not vote at all, resulting in legal challenges into the evening. Election officials said the shortages were due to a mix-up in ordering the correct ballots at split precincts, which can have up to four or five different styles of ballots. They also blamed a lack of training on how to order the correct style of ballot from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office. A coalition of local, statewide and national civil rights organizations aren't satisfied with that answer. Standing in front of the Hinds County Circuit Clerk building, the coalition held a press conference Thursday calling on voters to attend a Dec. 12 meeting of the Hinds County Election Commission. They want voters to share with officials how they were affected by the ballot shortages on Election Day. More on the ballot shortages: These advocates pushed the power of the Black vote in MS. Then came the ballot shortages The coalition includes these civil rights and social justice organizations: Legal Defense Fund One Voice NAACP, Jackson Branch The ACLU of Mississippi Mississippi Center for Justice Southern Poverty Law Center The Mississippi Poor People's Campaign Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights Under Law League of Women Voters of Mississippi Black Voters Matter Mississippi Votes Mississippi Black Women's Round Table Mississippi Urban League Southern Echo Disability Rights Mississippi "We call on Hinds County voters to attend and provide public comment. Tell your elected officials about how these impacted your ability to vote. Ensure that your voice is heard," said Amir Badat, special counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Badat, who led the press conference, is also manager of the Voting Rights Defender and Prepared to Vote Projects, an initiative of the Legal Defense Fund that monitors and tracks voter suppression efforts throughout the South. He, along with others from various groups, said they had contacted the Election Commission and requested a meeting to go over the issues that plagued the county on Election Day, but were denied. Instead, the commission invited the coalition to speak during the public comment portion of their meeting. "We hope to receive their cooperation, but we are prepared to use whatever options necessary to address the (voting) problems that happened," he said. "We want to make clear that the bar should be raised for how elections are administered," Badat said. "We should be pressing our elected officials at the local and the state level to ensure that adequate measures are in place and more folks are able to cast their ballots." Poll monitor Brittany Denson addresses media regarding events of the Nov. 7 election due to ballot shortages in Hinds County during a news conference in Jackson on Thursday. Brittany Denson, a volunteer with the Mississippi Poor People's Campaign, was working as a poll monitor on Election Day. Along with witnessing long lines and voters leaving due to the ballot shortages, Denson said she visited polls that did not open on time and were inaccessible to those with disabilities. She also said she received reports of voter intimidation by police officers in Holmes County. MS legislative races: New, old faces will be representing Hinds, Madison and Rankin in state legislature. Who won Overall, Denson said she witnessed a large amount of voter suppression throughout Mississippi on Election Day. "Mississippian voters were not given a fair chance this election," Denson said. Harya Tarekegn, director of advocacy and policy at the Mississippi Center for Justice, said they received calls from poll monitors that there were ballot shortages as early as noon on Election Day. After the election, the center made it a goal to follow up with all officials to try and figure out how to make sure shortages and other issues won't happen again. Harya Tarekegn, with the Mississippi Center for Justice, addresses media regarding the voting issues and ballot shortages in the Nov. 7 election during a news conference in Jackson on Thursday. But those officials were not responsive, Tarekegn said. A public records request was filed by the center to Hinds County's election commissioners and circuit clerk's offices asking for more information and a more thorough explanation on what caused the ballot shortages. Those records requests have not been answered even though it is past the seven-day statutory deadline for a response. "We need to make sure that they (election commissioners) have filled their legal obligation to voters and if not we will use our legal tools to hold them accountable," Tarekegn said. U.S Congressman demands answers On top of the coalitions quest for answers, United States Congressman Bryan Steil sent a letter to all five members of the county's Election Commission demanding answers for the ballot shortages. Steil, a Republican from Wisconsin, is the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on House Administration. Raw sewage: Backed up sewage destroyed their homes. Now a fight with the city over who's responsible "I write today to express my deep concerns about reports that several polling locations in Hinds County, Mississippi, ran out of ballots on Election Day. Situations like this reported ballot shortage and the distribution of incorrect ballot styles have the potential to damage voter confidence at a time when we can least afford it," the letter states. Steil's letter further states he would like a response from the election commission on what steps they have taken to prevent ballot shortages in the future. He requested a response from the commission on what they have done to: Learn from this ballot shortage and ensure no precinct in Hinds County, Mississippi, has a shortage in any upcoming federal election and every precinct receives the correct ballot styles. Prepare for the 2024 federal primary and general elections in Hinds County, Mississippi. Restore voter confidence and to ensure voters that the correct ballot will be available when they next attempt to vote in person. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Advocacy groups continue fight for answers on MS ballot shortages Construction hiring in November disappointed. Jobs in the residential construction sector declined 1,700 jobs in November from the month before, the Labor Department said on Friday. Overall, the construction sector gained 2,000 jobs in November, down from the prior three-month average of 21,000 and the weakest monthly growth since March. The overall construction figure wasnt in line with expectations, according to Nick Grandy, a construction and real estate senior analyst with RSM US. "Todays jobs report is a bit of a surprise, as we were expecting the construction industry to add between 15,000 and 20,000 jobs for the month of November," Grandy told Yahoo Finance. "The biggest surprises were within the specialty contractor segment for both residential and non-residential construction employment, which has been one of the primary engines for growth in construction but added just 1,900 jobs for the month." Read more: Unemployment posts surprise drop as jobs market stays strong Single-family vs multifamily The figures come after builders broke ground on more new housing projects in October, including single-family and multifamily homes, climbing 1.9%. Single-family permits and starts have been much more robust than multifamily. In fact, single-family starts and permits are up over 13% year-over-year, while multifamily is down in the mid- to high-20% range, according to data gathered by Bespoke Investments Group. "As the long-term demographics in housing continue to remain positive for the industry with the millennial generation reaching prime buying age and household formations across the US continuing to outpace housing completions, I would expect that housing will continue to add jobs to support the needs of additional housing stock," Grandy said. Read more: How to buy a house in 2023 A two-family house is under construction Nov. 17 in Shelburne, Vt. (Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images) (Robert Nickelsberg via Getty Images) Ken Simonson, chief economist at Associated General Contractors, also expects the overall construction pipeline to soon shift back in favor of single-family units instead of multifamily. "Once those buildings finish up, we'll see a big drop in multifamily construction and similarly, on the non-residential side, I expect big shifts away from office that's already in decline," Simonson added. Lay off people in the winter Year over year, employment in construction has increased by 200,000 jobs, an increase of 2.6%. The unemployment rate on a non-seasonally adjusted basis for the construction industry rose to 4.8% in November, while the unemployment across all industries decreased to 3.7% last month. According to experts, seasonality does play a role in hiring. "You lay off people in the winter that drives your unemployment rate higher and then it comes back down," Grandy said. Meanwhile, residential specialty trade contractors added 2,700 jobs. That compares to an average of 4,700 per month over the past three months, which is slightly below the 5,600 pre-COVID average. Construction workers still have reasons to cheer. Wage growth notched up, with average hourly construction wages rising 5.9% year over year in November, higher than the average across the US economy. Construction counted 423,000 job openings at the end of October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Tuesday, a drop of 4,000 jobs in September. But thats still up by 25,000 from the same time last year. The percentage of open construction jobs that went unfilled came in at 5% in October. Thats higher than a year ago and at the start of the pandemic, according to Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors. "While labor market tightness is easing across all economic segments, worker scarcity remains a pressing issue for the construction industry," Basu said. "The lack of available workers will remain a headwind for the construction industry over the next several quarters." Dani Romero is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @daniromerotv. Click here for real estate and housing market news, reports, and analysis to inform your investing decisions. A former California police chief who brought a hatchet to the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison for his role in the siege. Alan Hostetter, who spewed conspiracy theories during his trial and again at his sentencing hearing Thursday, was found guilty of multiple felony charges, including conspiracy, in July. The Justice Department said Hostetter drove from his home state of California to Washington, D.C., before Jan. 6 instead of flying "so that he could load his car with weapons." Federal prosecutors said he met up with others on the morning of the attack and brought "tactical gear, a helmet, hatchets, knives, stun batons, pepper spray, and other gear for himself and others." He attended the rally at the White House Ellipse before walking to the Capitol, carrying a hatchet in his backpack, according to prosecutors. He joined a group who pushed through a line of police officers guarding a lower terrace on the west side of the Capitol. Once on the upper level, Hostetter shouted, "The people have taken back their house. Hundreds of thousands of patriots showed up today to take back their government!" In arguments Thursday, a Justice Department attorney recounted Hostetter's actions and said he was "a terrorist" on Jan. 6. The prosecutor cited Hostetter's comments in the days before the attack, in which he allegedly said, "Choke that city off. Fill it with patriots." He urged others to "put the fear of God into members of Congress." Alan Hostetter speaks during a pro-Trump rally in Santa Ana, California, on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. / Credit: Paul Bersebach/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images In a nearly hour-long statement asking for leniency, Hostetter claimed the 2020 election was "stolen" and unfurled a series of other baseless theories, including an assertion that Jan. 6 was a "false flag" operation orchestrated by the federal government. He alleged there were "crisis actors" amid the mob, claiming "hundreds, if not thousands" of people were part of an intentional "set-up" by the government meant to ensnare protesters. Hostetter also referenced presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, who referred to Jan. 6 as an "inside job" at the Republican debate in Alabama on Wednesday. Hostetter said the comment is an indication that his beliefs are no longer "fringe" theories. Judge Royce Lamberth, who found Hostetter guilty earlier this year, proceeded to hand down one of the longest sentences issued in any of the roughly 1,200 cases related to Jan. 6 that have been brought to date. In sentencing Hostetter to 135 months in prison, Lamberth said, "The First Amendment doesn't give anybody the right to obstruct, impede or carry weapons into restricted areas." During his lengthy statement in court, Hostetter also referred to Ashli Babbitt, a member of the riotous mob who was fatally shot by police as she was climbing through a window just outside the House chamber, near trapped members of Congress. Hostetter said he doesn't believe Babbitt was actually killed and that the reports of her death are part of a "psyop." Babbitt's mother was in the court watching Hostetter's hearing at the time. She told CBS News she was gravely offended by Hostetter's words, but disagrees with the length of the sentence issued, calling it excessive. Hostetter will report to federal prison in early January, around the three-year mark of the Capitol siege. He said he will appeal his conviction. UNLV shooting victims identified "Armed confrontation" stopped UNLV attack, sheriff says Colorado Supreme Court Justices question effort to keep former President Trump off primary ballot There are not many days left before 2023 comes to an end, but there is still one more major astronomical event that is about to put on a dazzling display in the night sky -- and folks who miss the show may have to wait until the spring for the next chance to see another event like it. The Geminid meteor shower is expected to peak on the night of Wednesday, Dec. 13, into the early morning of Thursday, Dec. 14, an alluring event for stargazers of all ages. More than 100 meteors per hour can be counted from dark areas, with reports in recent years of hourly rates briefly climbing as high as 150 per hour. Onlookers who are closer to towns and cities with light pollution may not be able to see the Geminids on full display but should still be able to see more shooting stars than many other meteor showers throughout the year. Satellite antenna array under the meteor shower. (Getty Images) It's not just the abundance of meteors that makes the Geminids a must-see event, but also the time of night when people can see shooting stars streak through the sky. Most major meteor showers can only be seen during the second half of the night, but people who step outside on Wednesday evening may begin to see meteors not long after nightfall. "This is the one major shower that provides good activity prior to midnight," the American Meteor Society explained on its website. Because meteors will begin to appear shortly after nightfall, the Geminids are great for younger stargazers who have never seen a shooting star, especially since it peaks on a school night. Silhouette of a person standing on a rock under a starry night with a shooting star. (Pexels/Mukul Parashar) The meteor shower will start slowly, with perhaps just a dozen or two shooting stars per hour early in the night. It will gradually build as the night transpires, with the frequency of meteors likely surpassing 100 per hour after midnight. Excellent conditions are expected this year as the moon will not hinder observers. Next year, the Geminids will peak on the same night as a nearly full moon, with the moonlight washing out all but the brightest meteors. However, disruptive clouds could pose a problem for some onlookers this year, AccuWeather forecasters warn. The fickle December weather can make viewing the Geminids a challenge across North America, and when the clouds do break, the clear conditions often go hand-in-hand with a teeth-chattering chill. Cloudy conditions are in the forecast for more than half of the United States on Wednesday night, including the Gulf Coast states, the southern Plains, most of the West Coast and nearly all of New England. Clouds are in the forecast for most of Canada and portions of Mexico. The best viewing conditions are expected across a stripe from the northern Plains to the mid-Atlantic, as well as most of the interior Southwest. There could also be some breaks in the clouds across part of the Midwest, Rocky Mountains and into the Canadian Prairies that allow stargazers to see at least part of the celestial light show on Wednesday night. Two smaller meteor showers are predicted to peak in the coming weeks, starting with the Ursids on the night of Thursday, Dec. 21, into the early hours of Friday, Dec. 22. However, it only features five to 10 meteors per hour, a far cry from the mid-December Geminids. The third night of 2024 will bring the peak of the Quadrantids with over 25 shooting stars per hour, but the short-lived event only lasts for around six hours, making it a challenge to view even if the weather cooperates. Following the Quadrantids, the next moderate meteor shower will not occur until spring with the Lyrids in late April. 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. Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images Keanu Reeves home has reportedly been the target of another invasion. The Los Angeles police received an anonymous call on Wednesday, December 6, about a possible trespasser at Reeves property, according to TMZ. When the cops arrived that evening to conduct their search, they werent able to locate anyone. Authorities returned early on Thursday, December 7, due to an alarm going off on the property. Cops reportedly saw security footage of multiple men in ski masks smashing a window and entering the actors house. Reeves, 59, was not home when the burglary took place. Per TMZ, the culprits walked away from the house with one firearm before fleeing the scene. The LAPD is reportedly looking into whether the first call they received was from someone surveying Reeves property ahead of the home invasion. Keanu Reeves Through the Years The internets favorite action star! Keanu Reeves has been famous for more than 30 years, but his fans have never stopped loving him and their adoration keeps growing every year. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1964, the Matrix star has a reputation for being kind to strangers even though hes a world famous movie [] This isnt the first time Reeves has dealt with an intruder. In 2014, Us Weekly confirmed that Reeves found an unknown woman in his house. The John Wick star woke up at 5 a.m. after hearing a sound coming from his library, where he discovered the woman sitting in his chair. The intruder said she was there to meet him, and Reeves tried to have a calm conversation with her before ultimately alerting the authorities. Police detained the woman and determined she should be placed in an involuntary psychiatric hold. Reeves reportedly forgot to set his alarm at the time, which allowed the woman to enter his home. Days later, a second woman walked into Reeves home when he wasnt there, entering his property through an unlocked door after a cleaning crew forgot to close the front gate. The woman proceeded to undress, jump in Reeves shower and later go skinny dipping in the pool. Celebrities Reveal Their Craziest Fan Encounters Taking it too far? While most fans ask for a photo or an autograph when they meet their favorite celebrities, some people have extreme reactions to seeing stars in the flesh. Good morning to everyone except for the lady that slapped me in the face at the airport because she got mad at Lawrence for [] Once the cleaning crew noticed the woman, they reached out to Reeves and he contacted 911. The suspect was taken in for a mental evaluation once authorities arrived at the scene. Reeves has been a Hollywood mainstay since his breakout role in the 1989s Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure, and his star continued to rise with his performances in Speed, The Matrix, Constantine and the John Wick franchise. Reeves recently returned to play the fictional former hitman in John Wick: Chapter 4. Its a fun character to be able to have that John Wick kind of thing. But I dont take that home with me, he told Good Morning America in March. Stars Who Give Back Putting their money where their mouths are! In addition to walking the red carpet and living the glamorous life, these celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Lauren Conrad, and Matt Damon, are working hard to make the world a better place. Read up on their charities! At the time, a source exclusively told Us Reeves has always been the sweetest guy to his fans over the years despite his star status. He treats everyone with the same amount of respect, and he does get joy out of every interaction, the insider shared. Keanu would much rather attend a huge fan event than go on a press circuit. He very much enjoys his privacy. Us Weekly has reached out to Reeves rep for comment. North Korea has been operating some 30 South Korean-owned facilities at a now-shuttered inter-Korean joint industrial park in the North without authorization, Seoul's unification ministry said Friday. The government also said North Korea has been removing debris from an inter-Korean liaison office that Pyongyang blew up in 2020. The office was located in the Gaesong Industrial Complex in the namesake border city. The ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs called on North Korea to "immediately" stop the acts that violate the property rights of South Korean owners. "Despite our repeated urging and warnings, North Korea has continued to infringe on our property rights by using South Korean firms' equipment at the industrial complex without authorization and proceeding with the (debris) demolition work on the liaison office," Koo Byoung-sam, spokesperson at the ministry, told a press briefing. The official said North Korea's illegal acts also constitute a clear violation of inter-Korean agreements, warning of possible legal actions against Pyongyang. In May, the government said North Korea appears to be operating some 10 South Korean-owned factories at the Gaesong complex without permission. South Korea shut down the industrial complex, once a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliation, in February 2016 in response to the North's nuclear and long-range missile tests. In 2020, North Korea blew up the joint liaison office in anger over Seoul's failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. The ministry did not make an assessment of North Korea's intent for removing the debris, which had been mostly left intact for three years after the destruction. But it could be related to North Korea's move to expand its unauthorized use of the industrial complex. In June, the ministry filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court seeking compensation from North Korea over the 44.7 billion won ($34.2 million) in damages incurred on the South Korean-built joint liaison office. The government earlier said it could take legal actions against North Korea's illegal use of facilities at the Gaesong complex and its demolition of South Korean-built facilities at the Mount Geumgang resort. (Yonhap) Once you start receiving Social Security benefits, youll owe federal taxes on a portion of the payments if your income exceeds certain thresholds. You might also owe state taxes on the benefits depending on where you live. For the 2023 tax year, 11 states tax Social Security benefits: Colorado, Connecticut, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont. All other states and the District of Columbia do not tax the payments. West Virginia had previously taxed Social Security payments but started phasing out the tax in 2020. Several other states are either in the process of phasing out the tax or are exploring eliminating the tax entirely. Heres what else you should know about states that tax Social Security. States that tax Social Security payments Below youll find the tax rates for each state that taxes Social Security as well as any exemptions. Colorado Colorados state tax rate is 4.40 percent for the 2023 tax year. Taxpayers who are 65 and older as of Dec. 31of the tax year can subtract either $24,000 or their taxable pension/annuity income (including Social Security benefits), whichever is smaller, from their federal taxable income. Connecticut Connecticuts state income tax rate ranges from 2 percent to 6.99 percent. In general, Social Security benefits that are taxable at the federal level are also subject to Connecticut income tax. However, the state tax on benefits is limited to 50 percent of the benefits received, even if a greater percentage of your benefits are subject to federal income tax. Kansas State income tax rates in Kansas range from 3.1 percent to 5.7 percent. Social Security benefits are exempt from Kansas state income tax if your federal adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less, regardless of your filing status. Minnesota Minnesota state income tax rates range from 5.35 percent to 9.85 percent. Minnesota allows taxpayers to subtract a portion of their Social Security payments from their adjusted income as long as they meet certain income thresholds. A new law, effective for tax year 2023 and later, allows taxpayers to subtract the greater of a new Simplified Method of calculating the subtraction, The new method allows taxpayers with AGIs below $100,000 for married joint returns or $78,000 for single or head of household filers to subtract all taxable Social Security benefits. Missouri Missouri state income tax rates range from 1.50 percent to 4.95 percent. Missouri allows Social Security income to be 100 percent exempt from taxes if the taxpayer is age 62 or older and their adjusted gross income is less than certain thresholds. A bill to completely eliminate taxes on Social Security was signed into law in July 2023. Montana Montana state income tax rates range from 1.0 percent to 6.75 percent. A portion of Social Security payments may be deductible depending on your income level. Nebraska Nebraska state income tax rates range from 2.46 percent to 6.84 percent. Nebraska began phasing out its tax on Social Security payments in 2022. For the 2022 tax year, 40 percent of Social Security payments can be deducted from your adjusted gross income. Certain low-income taxpayers will be able to deduct all Social Security benefits. The tax will be eliminated completely beginning in 2024. New Mexico New Mexico state income tax rates range from 1.70 percent to 5.90 percent. For the 2022 tax year, most seniors in New Mexico will be exempt from Social Security taxes thanks to recent changes in the law. Seniors with incomes below the following levels will not have to pay taxes on Social Security: Single taxpayers: $100,000 Married filing jointly, surviving spouses and heads of household: $150,000 Married filing separately: $75,000 Rhode Island Rhode Island state income tax rates range from 3.75 percent to 5.99 percent. If youve reached full retirement age and received Social Security benefits during the year, Rhode Island provides an exemption as long as your income is below the following levels for the 2022 tax year: Single, married filing separately, head of household: $95,800 Married filing jointly: $119,750 Utah Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.65 percent. Utah allows for a tax credit for Social Security payments based on adjusted gross income thresholds of $37,000 for single filers, $31,000 for married filing separately and $62,000 for married filing jointly. Vermont Vermont state income tax rates range from 3.35 percent to 8.75 percent. Vermont offers an exemption for taxpayers with low to middle income levels. The exemption applies in full for married filing jointly and civil union filing jointly up to $65,000 in adjusted gross income. For all other filers, the income threshold for the full exemption is $50,000. The exemption phases out beyond those levels. Bottom line Understanding how your Social Security benefits will be taxed is an important part of preparing for retirement. Most states dont tax these payments at all, but some still do. While many retirees consider these tax issues when choosing where to spend their golden years, remember that Social Security taxes are just one element of the equation to consider. Sales tax, property taxes and the overall cost of living should also impact your decision on where to retire. MANILA (Reuters) - The Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN on Friday strongly condemned what it called a "heinous terrorist attack" in the southern Philippines at the weekend in which four people were killed in a bombing at a Catholic Mass. The bomb went off on Sunday during a service at a university gymnasium in Marawi, a city left in ruins in 2017 by a five-month military campaign to end an occupation by Islamic State loyalists that triggered alarm in Asia about the group's influence. "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families," the Association of Southeast Asian Nations said in a statement. Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said "foreign terrorists" were behind it and police said they were investigating the incident and validating the claim by the Islamic State group. Police had identified as suspects two members of Daulah-Islamiyah Maute, a local group involved in the 2017 seizure of Marawi alongside fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia and beyond. The Philippine military on Friday announced the Dec. 6 arrest in Marawi of a man suspected of placing the bomb in the gymnasium having been being identified by witnesses. (Reporting by Neil Jerome Morales; Writing by Martin Petty) Hunter Biden has been charged in connection with a long-running Justice Department investigation into his taxes the second criminal case that special counsel David Weiss has brought against President Joe Bidens son. The charges span nine counts, including failure to file and pay taxes; evasion of assessment; and false or fraudulent tax return. CNN was first to report a new criminal case had been filed. According to the special counsels team, Hunter Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in taxes that he owed from 2016 through 2019. Though Hunter Biden did eventually pay his taxes from 2018, prosecutors allege that he included false business deductions in order to evade assessment of taxes to reduce the substantial tax liabilities he faced. Prosecutors also allege in the 56-page indictment that he subverted the payroll and tax withholding process of his own company by withdrawing millions of dollars outside of its payroll and tax withholding process. The presidents son spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills, according to the indictment, which states that between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the Defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes. The indictment also referenced Hunter Bidens 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things, in which he detailed some of his personal struggles with addiction and substance abuse. He was paid more than $140,000 related to the book from January through October 15, 2020, according to the indictment. Hunter Bidens attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought. First, U.S. Attorney Weiss bowed to Republican pressure to file unprecedented and unconstitutional gun charges to renege on a non-prosecution resolution. Now, after five years of investigating with no new evidence and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors, he continued. Lowell had sent a letter to Weiss on Tuesday asking to speak with prosecutors before any additional charging decisions are made. He said in his Thursday statement that the customary meeting to discuss this investigation did not occur. Asked for comment, the White House referred CNN to the Justice Department and Hunter Bidens representatives. In a news release announcing the charges Thursday, the Justice Department said Hunter Biden could face a maximum of 17 years in prison if convicted of the charges. The case had been close to being resolved in July when a plea deal fell apart. The new tax case stems from Hunter Bidens lucrative overseas business dealings including his involvement with Ukrainian energy company Burisma and a Chinese private equity fund which are at the center of House Republicans impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden. Now, the president will be campaigning for a second White House term and fighting a Republican impeachment bid while his son fights to avoid prison in two criminal cases. According to court filings from the now-defunct plea deal, Hunter Biden repeatedly missed IRS deadlines to pay his federal taxes on time, and eventually owed about $2 million to the government. He paid the money back in 2021, with a loan from a friend. Federal prosecutors have been scrutinizing Hunter Bidens finances since 2018, and Trump-appointed US attorney David Weiss was designated special counsel in August. The probe appeared to be winding down this summer when Hunter Biden agreed to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanors, and prosecutors would recommend no jail time. They also agreed that a gun charge would be dropped in two years if he stayed out of legal trouble. But both proposed deals collapsed after scrutiny from a federal judge and disagreements over the fine print. Then Weiss indicted Hunter Biden in September on three charges related to his purchase of a gun from a shop in Delaware in 2018 at a time prosecutors say he was an illegal drug user. He has pleaded not guilty in the gun possession and false statements case. Hunter Bidens attorneys previously accused Weiss of bending to political pressure from Republicans and said that his actions present a grave threat to our system of justice. One of the reasons Republicans have attacked Weiss is because of testimony from two IRS whistleblowers who were involved in the probe and said they witnessed political interference by the Justice Department. The whistleblowers said career IRS agents recommended felony tax charges against Hunter Biden in early 2022. Weiss and Attorney General Merrick Garland have refuted the whistleblowers claims. Hunter Biden made millions of dollars from private equity deals, corporate consulting and legal fees in Ukraine, China, Romania and other countries. Prosecutors previously said he had the money to buy luxury items like a Porsche and was warned about his looming tax bills by accountants and associates but still missed the IRS deadlines. House Republicans have zeroed in on many of these overseas deals as part of their own probes. Theyve uncovered some evidence that Hunter Biden leveraged his fathers position to make money. But their impeachment inquiry is largely based on their unproven claims that Joe Biden was involved in corrupt business deals with his son. To date, federal prosecutors have never offered any evidence backing up GOP claims that Joe Biden was in business with his son or abused his powers to enrich his family. This headline and story have been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Criticism is mounting against Israel as forces march across the Gaza Strip to destroy Hamas, leaving behind a large trail of destruction as humanitarian aid slows down to Palestinian civilians trapped in the conflict. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked a rare power this week that allowed him to plead for a cease-fire before the international bodys security council as he said the situation is simply becoming untenable in Gaza. The conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist, Guterres said before the council, describing a bottleneck of humanitarian aid trucks at the border with Egypt and a spiraling humanitarian nightmare. The people of Gaza are being told to move like human pinballs ricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival, he added. But nowhere in Gaza is safe. The U.N. Security Council is expected to take a vote on a resolution calling for an urgent cease-fire later Friday, but the measure will likely meet resistance from Washington. The U.S. opposes an immediate cease-fire, arguing Israel faces a security threat from Palestinian militant group Hamas after fighters killed more than 1,200 people in an Oct. 7 surprise attack. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, however repeated the Biden administrations position that Israel has to make maximum efforts to avoid civilian casualties as it prosecutes the war. It remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection, and there does remain a gap between exactly what I said when I was there, the intent to protect civilians, and the actual results that were seeing on the ground, Blinken said at a press conference. More than 17,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas. The group claims that 70 percent of the deaths so far have been women and children. Around 2 million Palestinian civilians have fled to southern Gaza, heeding a call from Israel to evacuate the north ahead of a late October ground invasion. But Israeli forces are now fighting in the south, including the second largest city of Khan Younis, and have pushed civilians into smaller and smaller safety zones. Blinken said Israel has learned from its invasion of the north, this time evacuating neighborhoods instead of entire cities and creating deconfliction zones away from the fighting. But he said Israel must work harder to communicate to people where to go so civilians have confidence to know that they can move out of harms way and move to a safe area. Israel has an obligation to do everything possible to put a premium on protecting civilians and maximizing humanitarian assistance, Blinken said. Israel says it is doing its best to protect civilians but blames Hamas for using them as shields, a claim repeated by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari in an address this week. Every civilian death is a tragedy, a tragedy that the IDF does not want and is taking extensive measures to avoid, Hagari said. While Hamas terrorists hide behind civilians, Israel does its best to distinguish between terrorists and civilians. Israel is conducting an extensive bombing campaign across Gaza, including in Khan Younis, where Israeli troops are now operating inside the city and fighting urban battles with Hamas fighters. The Israeli military claims it has secured positions across several Hamas strongholds in the north and that troops are working to do the same in the south. The U.N. is warning that Gazas health system is collapsing and that people are running out of food to eat. In the north, which has been largely reduced to rubble, the U.N. reports 97 percent of people are not eating enough. The World Health Organization has reported 212 attacks on health care sites in Gaza that have killed more than 500 people. The U.N. itself has lost more than 100 staff inside of the coastal strip, which the international group says is the organizations largest loss of life in its 78-year history. Humanitarian aid groups are calling for an immediate cease-fire. Doctors Without Borders said Thursday the number of dead arriving at the central Gaza hospital of Al-Aqsa surpassed the number of injured patients, with 115 killed in 24 hours. The hospital is full, the morgue is full, the group said in a statement. We call on Israeli Forces to stop the indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. We need a ceasefire now. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Rozanna Latiff and Fanny Potkin KUALA LUMPUR -Malaysian conglomerate YTL's utilities unit will partner with U.S technology giant Nvidia to develop artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure in the Southeast Asian country, in a $4.3 billion investment deal. The first phase is expected to be operational by mid-2024, YTL Power International said in a statement on Friday. Reuters exclusively reported earlier on Friday, citing sources, that Nvidia and YTL were in advanced talks to partner over AI infrastructure, including supercomputers and cloud computing, with the project to be hosted at a data centre in the southern state of Johor. Under the deal, the companies will collaborate on building Malaysia's fastest supercomputers using Nvidia AI chips and with YTL Power International also utilising Nvidia's AI cloud computing platform to build a large language model in Malay, YTL Power said. The announcement confirmed the project would be hosted at YTL's data centre park in Kulai, Johor. The partnership is set to strengthen Southeast Asias fast-growing AI ecosystem as well as Malaysia's ambitions as a semiconductor manufacturing power. The country has seen rising multi-billion dollar investments from global semiconductor players in recent years, including from Intel and Infineon. "Malaysia is an important hub for Southeast Asia computing infrastructure, which requires access to land, facilities and power, and YTL could play a great role in that," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told reporters earlier in the day, without directly confirming the deal. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the collaboration between Nvidia and YTL will involve an investment worth 20 billion ringgit ($4.29 billion). "The decision to invest in Malaysia is a clear signal that foreign investors, especially technology giants, continue to make the country a primary destination of choice in this region," Anwar said, following a meeting with Huang and YTL Power managing director Yeoh Seok Hong in Malaysia's administrative capital Putrajaya. ($1 = 4.6620 ringgit) (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff in Kuala Lumpur, Fanny Potkin and Yantoultra Ngui in Singapore, and Max Cherney in San Francisco;Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Gerry Doyle and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Editors Note: Rateb Y. Rabie, KCHS, is the founder and president of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), a nonprofit organization supporting Christian communities in the Holy Land. He was born in Jordan to Palestinian parents, and now lives in Maryland, US. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more CNN Opinion. The iconic occupied Palestinian territories city of Bethlehem will undergo a profound departure this year from its usual jubilant atmosphere. Rateb Rabie - Courtesy Rateb Rabie For Palestinians, Christmas in Bethlehem represents a window to the world. It has long been synonymous with joy and hope, and an occasion to commemorate the place of birth of the Christmas story itself. Picture the vibrant streets adorned with festive lights, the air filled with the melodies of choirs and boy scouts parading with their musical instruments, while those who are celebrating taste traditional Palestinian Arabic food. Nestled in the heart of Bethlehem is the place revered as the birthplace of Jesus, the prince of peace. This year, however, there will only be a shadow of the dazzling Christmas tree in Manger Square, where Christians, Muslims and visitors from around the world usually gather to celebrate. Bethlehem will stand dark and deserted a poignant reflection of the suffering endured by the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip. Earlier last month, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem called on their congregations to forgo the customary celebrations, while still upholding the religious and spiritual aspects of Christmas. This departure from tradition was not an easy decision, as church leaders grappled with the difficult choice of canceling the festivities in the occupied Palestinian territories, Jordan and Israel. Bishop William Shomali, the General Vicar and Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, emphasized the somber mood behind the decision. How can we celebrate Christmas when thousands of Palestinians got killed and injured and thousands of houses were destroyed in Gaza? he told me. The same atmosphere of sadness prevails for the Israeli civilian losses. It is time for compassion and solidarity, not for joyful and worldly celebrations, he added. The reality is stark. Since October 7, over 16,000 Palestinians have been reported killed as a result of Israeli attacks, while 42,000 others bear the impacts of injury. Of those killed, 70% are children and women. Thousands of homes lie in ruins, displacing 1.7 million people who now grapple with the harsh realities of life virtually without electricity, fuel, fresh water, food and medicine. These devastating statistics sourced from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which is Hamas-run highlight the human cost of the conflict that has persisted since the Israeli occupation 56 years ago. The glittering Christmas tree in Manger Square, Bethlehem, pictured here in December 2022, will not be on display this year. - Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Shutterstock Gazas small Christian community is no exception to the most recent destruction. When I recently spoke by phone with Sister Nabila Saleh of the Rosary Sisters in Gaza, she described her pain as she told me that 53 households were destroyed and 19 Palestinian Christians of the approximately 1,000 remaining Christians in Gaza had been killed. While this Christmas void will resonate as a tragedy for Palestinians, Christmas in Bethlehem is not just a religious event. It is a day of national significance, fostering cooperation and unity between Christians and Muslims living in Palestine as well as between them and religious communities abroad. Each year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to Bethlehem, gathering as a beacon of peace, reconciliation and togetherness and sending a powerful message to the world. Wretchedly, the Israeli occupation has significantly impacted religious tourism in the Holy Land for decades, especially in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Hotels now remain empty or closed, souvenir shops are shut down, and consequently, unemployment is high. Exacerbated by the war in Gaza, the decision to cancel the Christmas festivities this year will have a profound impact on Bethlehems economy, which is 90% dependent on tourism. In times of crisis and adversity, we turn to the words of Psalms 34:18, which remind us that: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This psalm resonates with all of us Christians as we hope for a swift end to suffering and a prayer for justice amid adversity. It is worth noting that Palestinian Arab Christians hold a crucial role as natural bridges to peace. Rooted in the same aspirations, culture, history and language as Palestinian Muslims, they also share a history of faith with Jews. This uniquely positions them to connect with diverse communities and to serve as catalysts for dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Jews and on a broader level with the support of Western counterparts. As the Christmas season approaches, the absence of festivities in Bethlehem serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for a lasting peace. This Christmas presents a special opportunity to shed light on the struggles faced by Palestinian Christians, Palestinian Muslims, and Israeli Jews alike, with the hope that renewed focus and dialogue will pave the way for a path to reconciliation. In a recent telephone conversation, Archbishop Atallah Hanna of Sebastia from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem told me that canceling the Christmas festivities and the spiritual meaning of Christmas are both a message to the world that the suffering people of Gaza need peace, justice and humanitarian assistance. He continued, Its a call for a ceasefire now. Pray with me for the innocent victims. In a world where divisions often overshadow common ground, Christmas in Bethlehem remains a symbol of hope, one that transcends borders, religions and conflicts. As we navigate these challenging times, let us reflect on the message of Christmas and strive for a future where the streets of Bethlehem, once again, resound with joyous celebrations of peace and unity. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Protesters carrying signs that read Stop Genocide of Palestinians and Permanent Cease Fire Now made their way into U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids Overland Park office Thursday afternoon, demanding she sign a resolution urging a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. About 25 people from Jewish Voice for Peace KC, and members of Al-Hadaf KC, a local Palestinian organization, joined forces to criticize Davids continued support for Israel in a war that has killed thousands of civilians since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the office, the group repeated, among other chants, Raising our voices, higher and higher, no more war, we call for a ceasefire in a melodic tune between speeches from group leaders. Ahead of the first night of Hanukkah, Jewish and some non-Jewish constituents of Rep. Sharice Davids are calling for a ceasefire for the war in Gaza during peaceful occupation of Davids office on Dec. 7, 2023, in Overland Park.. Members of the group waited to enter Davids office. Jewish and Palestinian constituents alike called on Davids, a Democrat, to co-sponsor HR 786, a resolution calling for immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Israel and occupied Palestine. Most of the protesters with Jewish Voice for Peace KC wore all-black outfits and t-shirts that read not in our name. There is a huge misconception that the Jewish community speaks with one voice when it comes to Israel, Jewish Voice for Peace KC member Michael Wolfe said. We do not all share the same opinions, he said. The Jewish tradition is rooted in values of justice. As the protest began, a staff member in Davids Overland Park office informed the media that it was office policy to not have media in the office. The employee told the press to respect the private property or she would call the authorities. A spokesperson from Davids Washington office told The Star that the situation was a misunderstanding. Wolfe later sent out a statement saying he was disappointed that Davids staffer allowed the protesters to stay, but forced the media to leave. It is disturbing that the Congresswoman, an elected official, would let her constituents be present but not members of the press, he said in the statement. While Davids was not in the office Thursday, The Star received written response saying she has unequivocally condemned the violence and prioritized the protection of innocent lives in both Israel and Gaza. Shes pushed the U.S. State Department to ensure appropriate humanitarian aid can be swiftly delivered where needed, Davids press secretary Zac Donley wrote in a statement, referencing a letter Davids wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Oct. 18. As always, Rep. Davids supports and appreciates the right of all Kansans in the Third District to express their opinions and remains committed to ensuring those diverse thoughts are heard at home and in Washington, D.C., he said. But leaders of the protest at her office Thursday say Davids needs to do more. Thus far, (Davids) in particular has seemed to hang back and try to maintain what some might view as a middle-ground or a moderate stance, but at this point. where she stands right now is no longer the middle ground, said Fatima Mohammadi, member of Al-Hadaf KC. The protest in Davids office comes almost one month after a protest at U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver IIs Kansas City office, when members of Al-Hadaf KC called on Cleaver to sign a Ceasefire Now Resolution backed by more than a dozen congressional representatives. At a meeting with constituents in mid-November, a little over a week after the protest at his Kansas City office, Cleaver said he would support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. The protest Dec. 7 also took place just hours after an overnight battle in the center of Rafah, the second-largest city in the Gaza strip. According to reports from the Associated Press, an Israeli ground offensive against Hamas militants has caused tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee and prevented aid groups from delivering food and other supplies. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris had a briefing in Dubai Dec. 2 after she had met with leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Egypt regarding humanitarian efforts in the Israel-Hamas war. Ahead of the first night of Hanukkah, Jewish and some non-Jewish constituents of Rep. Sharice Davids are calling for a ceasefire for the war in Gaza during peaceful occupation of Davids office on Dec. 7, 2023, in Overland Park. The group, Jewish Voice for Peace-Kansas City, wants Davids to call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by co-sponsoring HR 786. Harris said the administration is working to secure the release of all hostages and is planning with other nation leaders for the day after fighting stops. The recent pause in the fighting proved effective, Harris said in the briefing. More than 100 hostages were reunited with their families during this time, including two more Americans, and humanitarian aid surged into Gaza. Thousands of miles from the war, tucked in Davids Overland Park office just before the first night of Hanukkah, Jewish and Palestinian Americans appealed to the imminent holiday season as a time of peace. A couple signs held by protesters read, Chanukah for Ceasefire. Ahead of the first night of Hanukkah, Jewish and some non-Jewish constituents of Rep. Sharice Davids are calling for a ceasefire for the war in Gaza as they walk toward her office for a sit-in on Dec. 7, 2023, in Overland Park. The group, Jewish Voice for Peace-Kansas City, wants Davids to call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip by co-sponsoring HR 786. They want the release of all hostages and Palestinian prisoners and an end to US military aid to Israel. I would urge representative Davids, in particular, to talk to Palestinians and Jews on this topic, specifically the ones that came here today, Wolfe said. She is choosing to be silent in this moment ... We need a ceasefire. This is not what the history of my people is about. This is not what our tradition is about. More than anything else, Mohammadi said she wants her representatives to know the urgency people are feeling for a ceasefire. What we feel is not being communicated well is the urgency at which Rep. Davids and her colleagues must implement and make a decision when it comes to this, she said. The Stars Daniel Desrochers contributed to this report. Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise is no longer certified as a trauma center by its national accrediting organization. It was not immediately clear Thursday what the practical impact the loss of accreditation, or verification, by the American College of Surgeons might have. The health system said it hasnt changed anything involving patient care. 1. What are trauma centers? Trauma centers are specially equipped to handle the most traumatic injuries, such as gunshot wounds or severe vehicle accidents that are life- or limb-threatening. Regular emergency rooms typically treat less-life-threatening injuries like broken bones, burns or lacerations requiring stitches. Because verified trauma centers are more expensive to maintain, theyre not paid the same as regular emergency-room visits are. Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Lukes Health System, said health insurers are charged extra. Saint Alphonsus operates a Level 2 trauma center, which it says is the most advanced in Idaho, at its flagship hospital, the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center at 1055 N. Curtis Road. Five trauma-center levels are recognized by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The higher levels, 1 and 2, treat more-complex patient traumas. The lower the level, the fewer the resources, and the greater the likelihood that some patients may need to be transferred to a higher-level center after receiving initial treatment. There are no Level 1 trauma centers in Idaho. Those involve a partnership with a medical school. The nearest American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 trauma center to Boise, the University of Utah Health Care, is nearly 350 miles away in Salt Lake City. There are two others in and around Salt Lake City, and two pediatric trauma centers in Portland, about 430 miles away. There are no Level 1 trauma centers verified by the surgeons college in Washington state, though the Washington Department of Health designates one in Seattle: Harborview Medical Center. 2. Why did Saint Alphonsus lose certification? The surgeons college would not say why it withdrew its stamp of approval. A spokesperson for the college confirmed the hospitals status Thursday with the Idaho Statesman by email, adding that the college could not comment or provide further details. For two days, Saint Alphonsus told the Statesman that it was too soon to say. Letty Ramirez, a spokesperson for the Saint Alphonsus Health System, did not answer the Statesmans questions about the hospitals verification status when reached by phone. She told a Statesman reporter Wednesday that the health system had received some notification from the surgeons college and would be meeting with the organization this week. We are the regional trauma center for the region, Ramirez said. Nothing has changed in terms of the quality of patient care or the destination protocols for coming to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center. But Thursday night, the health system put out a news release saying that the colleges latest verification review made four findings that were documentation/administrative in nature. 3. What were those findings? In the release, Ramirez wrote, Immediate actions were implemented to resolve the documentation/administrative findings and a survey for re-verification is in the process of being scheduled for spring of 2024. But she did not say what the four findings were. On Friday, in response to a question about the findings, Ramirez said the statement stands on its own and we have nothing further to add. A spokesperson for Health and Welfare earlier declined to answer questions about the hospitals verification status and referred inquiries to the health system. 4. Why does certification matter? The surgeons college, founded in 1913, certifies trauma centers nationwide and is the largest professional association of surgeons in the world. Its verification process is considered the gold standard for assuring top-notch trauma care. The nonprofit organization says on its website that it has perhaps the highest standards in surgical care in the healthcare industry. Dr. Britani Rhea Hill, the president-elect of the Idaho chapter of the surgeons college, told the Statesman by phone that verification is determined by a nationally based verification, review and consultation committee within the trauma program at the surgeons college. Verification reports are not made public, she said. Pate, the former CEO of St. Lukes, the largest medical system in the state, said he hoped the news wasnt true. It wouldnt be good for any of us if they lost that, Pate told the Statesman by phone. Having a certified trauma center is really important for the community because, first of all, the data is very clear that if you suffer from trauma, you have better outcomes at a trauma center. Thats why St. Lukes got certified as a pediatric trauma center. Pate recalled an accident in August near Horseshoe Bend, when a school bus full of children returning from a YMCA summer camp rolled over on the Idaho 55 Highway, critically injuring seven passengers and wounding four others. Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise received seven of the underage patients, the Statesman reported. Most emergency rooms would not be equipped to deal with that, Pate said. Theres all kinds of requirements to be a trauma center, and frankly, those requirements are what make us better prepared for mass-casualty events, which would overwhelm regular ERs, and fewer people would survive. He said the criteria include additional staff training, certain nurse-to-patients ratios, and having surgeons of various specialties on call 24-7. 5. Should I still go to Saint Alphonsus for trauma? Saint Alphonsus said in the release that its clinical services and patient care are not affected, and that its standard of care has not changed. Our patients and community can continue to feel confident in having access to the highest quality trauma care available locally, the release said. The health system said the hospital retains its verification from the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council, which the Legislature created in 2014 to improve coordination and treatment of care of patients with blunt-trauma injuries, strokes and heart attacks. The Idaho council conducts its own verification reviews to make sure hospitals are meeting its standards, though state law allows it to skip on-site reviews when a hospital has been verified by a nationally recognized accrediting body like the American College of Surgeons. The TSE program creates a seamless transition between each level of care and integrates existing community resources to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs, Idaho Health and Welfare says on the councils website. 6. Are ambulances affected? Ryan Larrondo, a spokesperson for Ada County Paramedics, said the paramedics have standing written orders from the Idaho Time Sensitive Emergency Council that determine where an ambulance takes a patient with trauma. The orders are outlined in a document on the paramedics website, most recently revised on Aug. 14. Adult trauma patients, classified as age 15 years or older, are by first priority to be taken to Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Pediatric trauma patients, age 14 or younger, are to be first transported to St. Lukes Childrens Hospital in Boise, according to the documents hospital destination protocol for Ada County. Adult and pediatric patients who suffer minor injuries or who do not fall under the trauma priority guidelines do not mandate transfer to a trauma center, the protocol says. However, the clinical judgment of the paramedic is essential to ensure proper triage of patients to an appropriate receiving center. Another section defines how patients should be prioritized in time-sensitive emergencies, with a detailed list of various injuries and scenarios. Larrondo said that if an area trauma center were to lose its certification by a national accrediting organization, paramedics would still follow orders outlined by the state council and its medical directors, who could revise the orders if needed. 7. Are any other hospitals certified for trauma care? A search of verified trauma centers on the surgeons colleges site shows that St. Lukes Childrens Hospital at 190 E. Bannock St. in Boise is now the only verified trauma center serving southwestern Idaho. St. Lukes Health System began the verification process for St. Lukes Childrens in 2019 but wasnt able to complete it until June 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pate said. There are now four hospitals in Idaho that are verified as trauma centers by the surgeons college. They are: St. Lukes Childrens Hospital in Boise, a Level 2 pediatric trauma center. Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, a Level 2 trauma center. Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, a Level 2 trauma center. Kootenai Health in Coeur dAlene, a Level 3 trauma center. This is a magnet: Saint Alphonsus to open new ICU, the first of its kind in Idaho How safe are Boise hospitals for patients? Check new local medical center report cards Ada County commissioners say hospitals get too many tax exemptions. They propose this (Reuters) -Slovakia's president said on Friday she would likely veto the government's planned fast-track changes to criminal law that include scrapping a special prosecutor's office that has focused on corruption, saying the plan needed proper debate. Zuzana Caputova said the proposed changes included unacceptable political meddling in personnel matters, threatened to weaken the position of whistle-blowers and could lead to a halt in the inflow of European Union funds. The European Commission, which has clashed with EU members Poland and Hungary in the past over rule-of-law issues, has urged Slovakia not to make hasty changes, a call joined by the United States on Thursday. Veteran Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, appointed in October, said on Wednesday it aimed to approve legislation by Christmas that would disband as soon as in January the special prosecutor's office (USP) that has been in place for two decades to battle graft and organised crime. Fico said in response to Caputova's remarks that there were relevant reasons to rush, as prosecutors' actions threatened basic rights, and that he would strive to approve the reforms in parliament by the end of the year. "There is no other institution in Slovakia where the threat to fundamental rights and freedoms of Slovak citizens would be as acute as in the case of the USP (special prosecutors office)," he said in a statement. Fico resigned as premier in 2018 amid mass protests against corruption that followed the murder of an investigative journalist. Fico, whose new coalition has a sufficient majority in parliament to overturn a presidential veto, has accused the special prosecutor's office of being politically motivated and has said its actions violated human rights. Caputova said part of the reasoning behind the move to disband the office was to oust USP head Daniel Lipsic. Lipsic served as interior minister in a government opposed to Fico in 2010-2012, and has been called "an evil" by Fico. "Such step seems purpose-built and inadmissible personnel intervention by political power into the functioning of the prosecution," Caputova said. The proposal would mean "fundamental changes in criminal law, which are to happen in a groundlessly fast fashion, without sufficient expert preparation, and without communication with the lay and expert public," she said. Since the 2020 victory of an anti-Fico coalition, the USP has investigated over 100 people including police and judicial officials and influential businessmen, and around another 40 have been sentenced, according to Slovak media. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka and Jason Hovet in Prague; editing by Christina Fincher, Frances Kerry and Mark Heinrich) North Korea on Friday denounced the U.N. General Assembly for recently passing resolutions condemning Pyongyang's nuclear tests and calling on the North to abandon its nuclear weapons program. The U.N. General Assembly passed several resolutions Monday (New York time) condemning North Korea's six nuclear tests and urging it to abide by the U.N. Security Council resolutions banning its nuclear and missile programs. Jo Chol-su, director-general of international organizations at North Korea's foreign ministry, brushed off the U.N. resolutions, saying in a statement that his country will exercise its "legitimate" sovereign rights "to the full" in the future. "(The resolutions) carried contents of picking on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its measures for bolstering self-defensive capabilities which fall under the sovereign rights of our state. Thus, the DPRK delegation expressed its strong opposition and voted against it," Jo said in the statement on the foreign ministry website. The official said North Korea will exercise its sovereign rights "no matter what others may say," vowing to take all necessary steps to that end. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for an "exponential" increase in the country's nuclear arsenal and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles. (Yonhap) RIO DE JANEIRO; (Reuters) - South American countries on Thursday urged Venezuela and Guyana to seek a peaceful solution to their territorial dispute over the Esequibo region, warning the nations to avoid "unilateral actions" on the conflict. Members of the Mercosur trade bloc "express their deep concern at the rise in tensions between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana," said a joint statement from the bloc's member countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Non-Mercosur members Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru also signed the statement. The countries urged both parties "to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful solution to the dispute, in order to avoid unilateral actions and initiatives that could aggravate it." (Reporting by Rodrigo Viga Gaier; Writing by Peter Frontini; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle) The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) lost a major $100 million donation on Thursday amid the fallout from Penn President Liz Magills comments at a recent House hearing on campus antisemitism. In a letter to Penn Senior Vice President Wendy White, lawyers for Ross Stevens, the founder and CEO of Stone Ridge Asset Management, said Stevens would be withdrawing his gift, now valued at about $100 million, that was expected to fund the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance. Stevenss lawyers allege Penn violated the terms of Stone Ridges limited partner agreement with the school. Mr. Stevens and Stone Ridge are appalled by the Universitys stance on antisemitism on campus, Stevenss lawyers wrote. Its permissive approach to hate speech calling for violence against Jews and laissez faire attitude toward harassment and discrimination against Jewish students would violate any policies or rules that prohibit harassment and discrimination based on religion, including those of Stone Ridge. The letter noted Stevens and Stone Ridge would be open to discussing the matter further and would give the school the chance to remedy its alleged violations of the agreement. Until then, there can be no meaningful discussion about remedying the Universitys ongoing failure to honor its obligations, attorneys Neil Barr and Dana M. Seshens wrote. Stevens is a graduate of Penn and also has a child who recently graduated from the school. Another one of his children is a junior at the university. Absent a change in leadership and values at Penn in the very near future, I plan to rescind Penns Stone Ridge shares to prevent any further reputational and other damage to Stone Ridge as a result of our relationship with Penn and Liz Magill, Stevens wrote in a note to his staff on Thursday. I love Penn and it is important to me, but our firms principles are more important. Two days earlier, Magill was asked at the House hearing if calls for the genocide of the Jewish people would be considered harassment on campus, to which she responded, If the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) responded, Conduct meaning committing the act of genocide? On Wednesday, Magill released a video seeking to clarify her comments. She claimed in her view that a call for Jewish genocide would be harassment or intimidation. In that moment, I was focused on our universitys long-standing policies, aligned with the U.S. Constitution, which say that speech alone is not punishable, she said. I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. She further argued Penn and other schools should review and clarify their policies, vowing to immediately convene a process with the provost to take a serious and careful look at the universitys policies. Stevenss lawyers pointed to Magills post, arguing the Penn leader belatedly acknowledged only after her Congressional testimony went viral and demands for her termination amplified that calls or genocide of the Jewish people constitute harassment and discrimination. Earlier on Thursday, House Education Committee Chair Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) announced an investigation into Penn, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology following comments made by Magill and the other school presidents. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (Reuters) -The United States and China are yet to resume the military-to-military talks their leaders agreed to at a splashy summit last month, according to the White House, which wants to jumpstart the discussions to lower tensions. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House, told reporters aboard Air Force One that talks would "reduce miscalculation and misunderstanding." But he said the talks may not be happening because China has not replaced General Li Shangfu, its former defense minister, who was dismissed in October and was the counterpart of U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. "It's my understanding that they haven't been restored and part of that could be because they don't have a minister of defense," said Kirby. "We certainly urge them to designate somebody soon and we're eager to get those [communications] going." U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed last month at a closely watched California summit to resume such contacts, which were severed after then-House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited self-ruled Taiwan in August 2022. China claims sovereignty over democratically governed Taiwan. Taiwan said on Friday that 12 Chinese fighter jets and a suspected weather balloon had crossed the Taiwan Strait's sensitive median line, in a ratcheting up of tensions about a month before the island's presidential election. Taiwan will hold the election on Jan. 13, a date Biden administration officials have been closely watching. The Biden administration has said that it wants communications throughout the two countries' militaries, including both senior leaders and commanders in specific geographic areas where conflicts happen. The militaries of the U.S. and China have had a number of near-misses and acrimonious exchanges over the past year, from the Taiwan Strait to the South China Sea. (Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Grant McCool and Diane Craft) A Weston dairy farmer is opening a fine-dining restaurant in Kansas Citys Crossroads Arts District, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and her award-winning cheeses. Sarah Hoffmann, owner (or the big cheese) of Green Dirt Farm northwest of Kansas City, plans to open her Green Dirt on Oak in February at 1601 Oak St. The new spot will feature a rooftop deck and event space (with gorgeous tile and terracotta-colored walls, Hoffmann said). Below, a production facility will package Hoffmanns sheeps milk cheeses: feta, tomme, washed rind and several others. Her cheeses can be purchased in bulk at the restaurants pickup counter or online, at greendirtfarm.com, as well as at the dairy in Weston. Green Dirt Farms new Crossroads restaurant will feature its cheese on sandwiches and cheese boards. Green Dirts new spot is the old Vee Village Auto Service, a 13,650-square-foot building built in the 1920s. Hoffmann had originally hoped to open the spot in 2021, but construction delays interfered. Now, Hoffmann is looking forward to her early 2024 grand opening. Fingers crossed. For quite some time weve been wanting to come down to Kansas City and meet our customers where they are, she said. Hoffmann brought on chef Oskar Arevalo to craft a fine-dining menu, which will include offerings like duck with pomegranate, oyster mushroom and kohlrabi; lamb chops with black garlic and cauliflower; and citrus poached beets. Cheese and charcuterie boards the restaurants specialty are available all day long. Green Dirts charcuterie boards will feature in-house sourdough, candied nuts and specialty mustards and spreads. We really want to showcase the boards, Arevalo said. We want it to feel really personal and community oriented. Before joining Green Dirt, Arevalo worked in southern France for almost a year. His previous culinary ventures took him to Texas, the West Coast, Australia and southeast Asia. Hoffmanns farm is renowned in the cheese-making world. In 2021, Food & Wine featured Green Dirt in its The Best Cheese in America list. This year, the American Cheese Society crowned Hoffmans prairie tomme cheese the third best in show, out of 1,400 entries. Were really making a name for ourselves as one of the best sheeps milk cheese makers in the United States, she said. I dont think its a stretch at all to say that. Editor's Note: For the latest news on the Israel-Hamas conflict, please see our live updates file here. Israeli airstrikes bombarded the Gaza Strip on Friday as the areas where Palestinian civilians could escape the expanding military operations continued to shrink and a United Nations official warned there's "no place safe for civilians in southern Gaza." The Palestinian Red Crescent Society, an independent humanitarian aid group, said an airstrike smashed into a house near its headquarters in Khan Younis on Friday, sending "dozens" of injured people to a nearby hospital and inciting panic among the 14,000 displaced civilians crowded in the facility. The group said there were "numerous" casualties. Khan Younis, the second largest city in the territory, has been the focus of the Israeli military's ground offensive that expanded into the southern region of Gaza last week. Palestinians inspect the rubble following Israeli bombardment on Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Dec. 8, 2023, amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Medhat Abbas, director general for the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, said a strike in the city of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, killed and wounded a number of people but gave no exact numbers, according to the Associated Press. The Israeli military on Friday said its ground, aerial and naval forces struck more than 450 targets in Gaza over the last 24 hours. It did not specify where the operations occurred but said several militants were killed by airstrikes before they could launch "rocket fire at our forces." Since the war began two months ago, Israels campaign has killed more than 17,100 people in Gaza, 70% of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Hamas and other militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7 attack and took more than 240 hostages. An estimated 138 hostages remain in Gaza, mostly soldiers and civilian men, after more than 100 were freed, most during a cease-fire last month. A picture taken from southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on Dec. 8, 2023, shows smoke rising above buildings during an Israeli strike in northern Gaza, amid continuing battles between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Developments: Thomas White, the director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees, said, Society is on the brink of full-blown collapse in Gaza. Civil order is breaking down in #Gaza - the streets feel wild, particularly after dark - some aid convoys are being looted and UN vehicles stoned, he wrote on X. UNRWA continues to serve the population with what limited aid we have. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani in Washington, D.C., to discuss diplomatic efforts for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, the need for humanitarian aid corridors in the devastated enclave, and the safe return of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Six Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed on Friday during Israel's latest raid in the West Bank, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The armed forces were attempting to arrest suspected Palestinian militants when gunfights broke out. The Israel Defense Forces said the death toll of its soldiers has risen to 87 since Oct. 7, when 1,200 Israelis were killed, most of them civilians. The military also says it has killed about 5,000 militants and has acknowledged that about two Palestinian civilians have died for every militant. On Friday, Israeli planes dropped leaflets on refugee camps in central Gaza that pieced together an Arabic saying and a verse from the Quran: To Hamas leaders: A life for a life, an eye for an eye and whoever started is to blame. If you punish, then punish with the like of that with which you were afflicted. The leaflet left out the rest of the verse, which says it is better to patiently endure afflictions without retaliating. Two Israeli soldiers injured in failed Gaza hostage rescue Two Israeli soldiers were seriously wounded in a failed hostage rescue in Gaza late on Friday, a military spokesman said. Hamas' military wing said it had repelled the rescue attempt, and that an Israeli soldier it was holding hostage had been killed by Israeli air fire. Hamas holds an estimated 137 hostages taken during its Oct. 7 rampage through southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people. Some 110 captives were released during a cease-fire last month. The Israel Defense Force said it had killed numerous Hamas gunmen during the rescue mission. Israeli forces control northern Gaza and are fighting in southern Gaza in a war on Hamas that has killed more than 17,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. "Two IDF soldiers were seriously injured tonight during an operation in the Gaza Strip to rescue hostages from Hamas," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on X, the former Twitter. "The forces raided a Hamas location and eliminated terrorists who took part in the kidnapping and were holding of the hostages." "No hostages were rescued in this operation." U.S. vetoes cease-fire resolution The U.S. vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution Friday that called for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. It was backed by the vast majority of the 15-member council and many other nations in a 13-1 vote and the United Kingdom abstaining. "We do not support calls for an immediate cease-fire, said Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood. This would only plant the seeds for the next war, because Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace to see a two-state solution. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday that he had invoked the little-used Article 99 of the U.N. Charter to call for a meeting on the Gaza war as a threat to international peace and security. There is a high risk of the total collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza," Guterres told the Council. He warned that the humanitarian support system in Gaza, which one U.N. official has already described as "in tatters," will collapse, leading to a breakdown in public order, and mass displacement of refugees into Egypt. I fear the consequences could be devastating for the security of the entire region," he said. Guterres told the council that Hamas Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He added that while indiscriminate rocket fire by Hamas into Israel, and the use of civilians as human shields, are in contravention of the laws of war, such conduct does not absolve Israel of its own violations. At least 350 Palestinians were killed and 1,900 injured in Gaza between Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, the U.N. reported, citing Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. Five Israeli solders were killed. Article 99 of the U.N. charter hasn't been invoked at the Security Council since 1971, over the India-Pakistan war that led to the creation of independent Bangladesh. Israel rounds up Palestinian men in northern Gaza Israel said Friday the military was rounding up Palestinian men in northern Gaza for interrogation, searching for Hamas militants. U.N. monitors said Israeli troops reportedly detained men and boys from the age of 15 in a school-turned-shelter. The first images of mass detentions emerged Thursday from Beit Lahiya, showing dozens of men kneeling or sitting in the streets, stripped down to their underwear with their hands bound behind their backs. The detentions pointed to Israeli efforts to secure the military's hold on northern Gaza as the war entered its third month. Furious urban fighting has continued in the north, underscoring Hamas heavy resistance, and tens of thousands of residents are believed to remain in the area six weeks after troops and tanks rolled in. Some U.S. experts say Israel is committing war crimes A growing number of U.S. war crimes experts believes Israel is violating the laws of war and armed conflict in its punishing campaign against Hamas. I have very serious concerns about their compliance with the law of war in Gaza based on what Im seeing, attorney Brian Finucane, who spent nearly a decade as a State Department adviser on the law of armed conflict, told USA TODAY's Josh Meyer in a detailed story published Friday. The increased scrutiny of Israel's conduct comes as U.S. officials grow louder in demanding that Israel reduce civilian deaths. Last weekend, Vice President Kamala Harris told an audience of Middle Eastern leaders: The United States is unequivocal; international humanitarian law must be respected. Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Eyal Hulata, Israels national security adviser until earlier this year, told USA TODAY that Israel is abiding by globally recognized rules of armed conflict, from the way the goals of the war were crafted and all the way to our operational conduct." He blamed the massive death toll in Gaza, which has passed 17,000, on Hamas' use of civilians as human shields in hospitals and other locations. For decades, legal experts have argued about what constitutes a war crime based on the Geneva Conventions and other international laws and policies. The knotty questions about proportionality, including how and when civilian deaths can be justified, have been especially vexing. "I would say that Israeli actions fall outside what is reasonable and do constitute war crimes, Anthony Dworkin, a former director of the nonprofit Crimes of War Project, said. Blinken talks hostages, cease-fire with Qatar prime minister America's top diplomat sat down with Qatar's prime minister on Friday, as Israel's biggest backer and the Middle East region's top mediator searched for a breakthrough that would free the remaining hostages held by Hamas and create a cease-fire in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on X, the former Twitter, that he and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Jassim Al-Thani "discussed ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of all hostages and further increase aid to civilians in Gaza." Qatar played a key role in negotiating last month's temporary cease-fire that saw the release of 100 hostages, including three American citizens a 4-year-old girl among them. Al-Thani, who also serves as Qatar's foreign minister, emphasized the ever-rising toll of civilian deaths in Gaza during his meeting with , according to a government statement. Al-Thani "stressed the necessity of opening humanitarian corridors in a sustainable manner to ensure the continued entry of aid to the Palestinian brothers in the Gaza strip," the statement said, and he "expressed the State of Qatar's firm position condemning all forms of targeting of civilians." Reuters journalist killed in 'active combat zone' Israeli military says In response to an investigation that revealed Israeli tank fire killed a Reuters video journalist and injured six reporters in Lebanon, the Israeli military said the incident took place in an active combat zone and was under review, the outlet reported. In a statement, the Israeli military said its forces were firing at Hezbollah fighters who had attacked across the Lebanese border. "One incident involved the firing of an anti-tank missile, which struck the border fence near the village Hanita. Following the launch of the anti-tank missile, concerns arose over the potential infiltration of terrorists into Israeli territory," the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement. "In response, the IDF used artillery and tank fire to prevent the infiltration. The IDF is aware of the claim that journalists who were in the area were killed." "The area is an active combat zone, where active fire takes place, and being in this area is dangerous," the Israeli military added. "The incident is currently under review." Videographer Issam Abdallah, 37, who had covered wars for years, was filming Israeli shelling less than a mile away from the border with Lebanon on Oct. 13 when a round hit a group of journalists from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and Al Jazeera, killing Abdallah, Reuters said its investigation showed. A second strike less than 40 minutes later severely injured AFP photographer Christina Assi, 28. Amnesty International said its own investigation concluded the strikes were "likely a direct attack on civilians that must be investigated as a war crime.'' Human Rights Watch issued a report calling the shelling "an apparently deliberate attack on civilians and thus a war crime." UN says humanitarian plan is 'in tatters' Martin Griffiths, the U.N.s humanitarian chief, warned "we do not have a humanitarian operation in southern Gaza that can be called by that name anymore." Citing the expanding ground offensive by the Israeli military, Griffiths said theres no place safe for civilians in the southern region of the enclave, leaving the humanitarian communitys plan to assist them in tatters. I have just come from a meeting with my own staff around the world, buried in the tragedy of conflicts, and they have spoken to me this morning now about two things, Griffiths said at a news briefing in Geneva on Thursday. One is that in Gaza, there is no exit for the people of Gaza. And the other is, in Gaza, as a result, hope for the future is, at its best, at a premium. So our humanitarian program is no longer a functioning one, he added. According to Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, more than 80 U.N. facilities in the Gaza Strip have been hit. The escalation of fighting in and around the city of Khan Younis has displaced tens of thousands of people in addition to cutting off the majority of humanitarian aid deliveries. More than 80% of the territorys population has already fled their homes. Contributing: John Bacon, Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY; Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Humanitarian efforts 'in tatters' amid combat in Gaza: Live updates PORT CLINTON - The Port Clinton Police Departments newest officer, who first hit the streets in August, hails from the Czech Republic, has a nose for detecting narcotics, is already well-loved by the community, and has four furry feet. Aldo Rose is a nearly 2-year-old Belgian Malinois who serves alongside his K-9 handler, Officer Amy Pugh. Aldo is trained in narcotics detection, searches, tracking and apprehension. Officer Amy Pugh, shown here with Aldo, is the first K-9 handler in Ottawa County. Aldo Rose is trained to multitask Hes a dual-purpose dog. He does everything, Pugh said. When the previous handler retired his dog and chose to step back from dog handling, Pugh decided to look into the possibility of taking his place. She researched police dogs and did ride-alongs with K-9 handlers. I wanted to see if it was a good fit for me, she said. When Pugh decided to move forward with the idea, she raised the funds for a dog through what she calls beg letters. I asked the community for donations and did a T-shirt fundraiser, she said. Two donors gave $15,000 the Port Clinton Eagles and an anonymous donor. Training 'took a lot of blood, sweat and tears' Pugh spent six weeks training with Aldo at Shallow Creek Kennel in Pennsylvania. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears. It was the hardest training Ive ever gone through in my life, she said. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., we were on the go. We trained in facilities all over the place in an abandoned warehouse and in a junkyard, and we did a narcotics search in a car. It was like real life. Aldo is a nearly two-year-old Belgian Malinois from the Czech Republic who serves with the Port Clinton Police Department. Training began with the basics, and Pugh had to unlearn what she knew about dogs before she could learn how to be a good handler. It was like starting from day one. You have to crawl, walk and run with your dog. Its like having a toddler, she said. Everything you thought you knew about dogs nope. It was very eye-opening but so rewarding and so worth it. When Pugh arrived at the kennel, she was asked to describe her dream dog. She said she wanted a dual-purpose Belgian Malinois, which is a smaller breed than the average police dog but just as talented. Aldo was born in the Czech Republic and arrived in the U.S. with his own passport. Officer Amy Pugh said the six weeks of training she underwent to become a K-9 handler for Aldo Rose was the most difficult training of her career. They showed three dogs to me, and from the moment I saw Aldo, I wanted him, Pugh said. He is beautiful, and I liked the way he worked. I had my eye on him from the moment they brought him over. When Pugh returned to Port Clinton with Aldo, she became the first K-9 handler in Ottawa County, and Aldo became an instant star. He is such a good fit for our community because hes really social. Our community is so small, and they really love us, Pugh said. Hes a great partner and a good mascot, really. Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Port Clinton K-9 Officer Aldo Rose at home his in new community An orphaned sea otter from Alaska is getting a second chance at life. The pup arrived at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago at the end of November and has been receiving round-the-clock care as he gets used to his new surroundings, the aquarium said Thursday. Weighing just 10 pounds, the 8-week-old pup was found alone on Oct. 31 in the remote coastal town of Seldovia, Alaska. He was stranded and crying out for help when wildlife rescue workers found him. Sea otter pups typically need their mothers during their first year of life for food, care, and to learn where to forage and how to hunt. The federal government considers them "non-releasable" back into the wild as they wouldn't be able to survive. An 8-week-old sea otter pup gets a second chance at life at the Shedd Aqaurium in Chicago. / Credit: Courtesy Shedd Aquarium Alaska SeaLife Center, the organization that rescued the pup, put out a call for assistance and the Shedd Aquarium responded. The aquarium's care team accompanied the pup for his cross-country journey from Seward, Alaska, to Chicago. "With this newest addition to our rescued population of sea otters, we're committed to his long-term care and continuing to create connections for Chicagoans to this important keystone species," said Peggy Sloan, chief animal conservation officer at Shedd Aquarium. The pup, which has not been named, will be eating formula out of a bottle and small pieces of clam every 3 hours until he grows and is healthy enough to survive, the aquarium said. The pup, who doesn't yet have a name, can't survive without his mother. / Credit: Courtesy Shedd Aquarium Sea otter populations were decimated after decades of commercial fishing, according to the U.S. Government's Marine Mammal Commission. The population has slowly begun to stabilize, and in 2013 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated a recovery plan in Alaska for sea otters. Some critics now say sea otters are overpopulated in Alaska. Only 11 institutions across North America, including Shedd Aquarium, provide homes for non-releasable sea otters, the aquarium said. Titanium hip implants snapped in hundreds of people, took years before some products recalled "Armed confrontation" stopped UNLV attack, sheriff says Colorado Supreme Court Justices question effort to keep former President Trump off primary ballot By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan said on Friday that 12 Chinese fighter jets and a suspected weather balloon had crossed the Taiwan Strait's sensitive median line, in a ratcheting up of tensions about a month before the island's presidential election. Democratically governed Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory, has complained for the past four years of regular Chinese military patrols and drills near the island. Taiwan holds presidential and parliamentary polls on Jan. 13 and campaigning has kicked into high gear with how the next government handles relations with China a major point of contention. Taiwan's defence ministry, offering details of Chinese missions on Thursday night, said 12 fighter jets had crossed the median line, that once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides but which Chinese planes now regularly fly over. In an unusual addition to its statement, the ministry said that around midday on Thursday it had also detected a Chinese balloon 101 nautical miles (187 km) southwest of the northern Taiwanese city of Keelung, which travelled eastward for about an hour, crossing the strait before disappearing. Taiwan Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters at parliament that their "initial understanding" was it was probably a weather balloon, but felt the ministry had an obligation to report this to be public. "Otherwise, if after other units or other countries have reported it, everyone will wonder why (we) did not report it. The defence ministry requires all our subordinate units to have a grasp of the enemy situation," he added. China's defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The potential for China to use of balloons for spying became a global issue in February when the United States shot down what it said was a Chinese surveillance balloon but which China said was a civilian craft that accidentally drifted astray. Taiwan is on high alert for Chinese activities, both military and political, ahead of its election, especially what Taipei views as Beijing's efforts to interfere in the ballot to get electors to vote for candidates China may prefer. Vice President Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party are leading in the polls. China views then as separatists and has rebuffed Lai's offers of talks. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said on Friday that China's Taiwan Affairs Office was being "blatant" in its interference. It has called Lai and Hsiao an "independence double act". "They are commenting in very negative language about Vice President Lai or the vice presidential candidate Bi-khim Hsiao. Those kinds of statements have already told the Taiwanese people that they want to interfere in Taiwan's election and they want to shape the results of the election," Wu said. "They are doing all sorts of things to interfere in our election and we can expect more leading up to our polling date. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment on Friday about Taiwan's interference accusations. Previously it has said only that it respects Taiwan's "social systems". It has, however, framed the election as a vote between war and peace, and urged Taiwan's people to carefully consider their choices. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Faith Hung and Sarah Wu; Editing by Christopher Cushing and William Mallard) The man suspected of killing six people in a shooting rampage in two Texas cities this week tried to escape from jail following his arrest, according to a sheriff's official. Shane James Jr., 34, has been charged with capital murder in the wake of Tuesday's killings in Austin and San Antonio. The suspect on Wednesday pushed past a corrections officer who was opening a door to his housing unit at the Travis County Jail in Austin, according to Kristen Dark, a spokesperson for the county sheriff's office. James then ran into a hallway, Dark said in a statement to CBS News. The suspect resisted when corrections officers detained him, Dark said. He was ultimately restrained. Dark said the jail is a secure facility and the suspect wouldn't have been able to escape the floor he was on or the building in general. Two victims in the rampage were tentatively identified as Phyllis James, 55, and Shane James Sr., 56, who are believed to be the suspect's parents, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar told reporters Wednesday. Investigators believe they were killed in a shooting at their San Antonio home sometime between Monday night and Tuesday morning, Salazar said. The victims' bodies were discovered after the suspect was arrested in Austin on Tuesday and Austin police asked the Bexar County Sheriff's Office to check out the suspect's residence, Salazar said. Sheriff's deputies saw water leaking from under a door to the home and found the two victims inside the house. In Austin, the suspect is believed to have killed four other people, police said. Emmanuel Pop Ba, 32, and Sabrina Rahman, 24, were found shot in a neighborhood at around midday Tuesday. Pop Ba died at the scene, and Rahman died at a hospital, police said. On Tuesday evening, officers responding to a burglary call at a residence exchanged gunfire with the suspect in a backyard, and an officer was shot multiple times. The officer suffered what police said were non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering. Two people were killed inside the residence, police said. They were identified by police Thursday night as Catherine Short, 56, and Lauren Short, 30. The suspect was arrested after fleeing the scene and crashing during a police pursuit, Interim Police Chief Robin Henderson told reporters. UNLV shooting victims identified "Armed confrontation" stopped UNLV attack, sheriff says Colorado Supreme Court Justices question effort to keep former President Trump off primary ballot Panchen Rinpoche concludes six-month tour of SW China's Xizang Xinhua) 10:36, December 08, 2023 LHASA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Panchen Erdeni Chos-kyi rGyal-po on Wednesday completed a six-month tour of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region that involved Buddhist and social activities. During the tour, Panchen Rinpoche visited the cities of Qamdo, Lhasa and Xigaze, performing duties as the president of the Xizang branch of the Buddhist Association of China. Panchen Rinpoche is also a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice president of the Buddhist Association of China. Panchen Rinpoche began his tour on June 5 in Qamdo. After a 13-day visit to Qamdo, he arrived in Lhasa on June 18. On Sept. 12, he arrived at Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze. Between Oct. 6 and Nov. 7, Panchen Rinpoche performed an ordination ceremony for Buddhist monks at Tashilhunpo Monastery. This was the first time he ordained monks of the monastery, which indicates that his Buddhist attainments and religious status have further improved. During his stay in Xigaze, Panchen Rinpoche attended a series of Buddhist and social activities in various localities, giving head-touching blessings to a total of more than 45,000 Buddhists. Head touching is a ceremony carried out by a living Buddha to bless believers who consider that it will help them avoid disasters. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Korea, the United States and Japan have signed a framework agreement to boost cooperation among the three countries' research institutes as part of efforts to strengthen their economic security, Seoul's science ministry said Friday. Under the framework, the three countries plan to facilitate joint studies between state-run research institutes and foster personnel exchanges, according to the ministry. The agreement was signed by Seoul's Ministry of Science and ICT, Washington's National Nuclear Security Administration and Tokyo's Council for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy under the Cabinet Office. The agreement comes as part of a follow-up to an agreement reached among President Yoon Suk Yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their Camp David summit to bolster three-way cooperation in almost all areas, including science and technology. The science ministry said it also plans to sign a memorandum of cooperation with its U.S. and Japanese counterparts in the first half of next year for more detailed content of cooperation. "We hope to strengthen the technology alliance among Korea, the U.S. and Japan in the advanced science technology area through this agreement," said Cho Seong-kyung, first vice minister of the ministry. (Yonhap) A truck driver has been arrested on a homicide charge after an 18-wheeler struck and killed a 15-year-old boy Thursday afternoon. The teen had just stepped off his school bus onto an eastern Texas highway when the crash happened. The Texas Department of Public Safety told USA TODAY the fatal crash took place about 4:15 p.m on U.S. Highway 59 just north of Livingston. The town is in Polk County about 70 miles northeast of Houston. According to a preliminary crash investigation from the department, a Livingston Independent School District bus was stopped northbound in the outside lane with its flashing red lights and stop sign extended to offload a student. Law enforcement in Texas are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler after stepping off his school bus along a highway on December 7, 2023. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash took place on U.S. Highway 59 just north of Livingston. Behind the bus, police said, a 28-year-old woman sat behind the wheel of a Toyota car. According to investigators, a semi traveling north along the highway hit the rear of the car and then veered right, when the it then hit the boy in a driveway. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police reported. Neither the driver of the Toyota, identified as a Lufkin resident, nor the semi driver, were injured. Georgia highway closed: Sulfuric acid spills on Atlanta highway; 2 taken to hospital after containers overturn Truck driver charged with homicide The truck driver, identified as 41-year-old Gregory Jackson of Texarkana, was arrested on a felony criminal negligent homicide charge and taken to the Polk County Jail. Polk County Sheriff's Office jail records show Jackson remained jailed on $250,000 bond Friday. It was not immediately known if Jackson had obtained an attorney. As of Friday, police said the crash remained under investigation. Law enforcement in Texas are investigating after a 15-year-old boy was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler after stepping off his school bus along a highway on December 7, 2023. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal crash took place on U.S. Highway 59 just north of Livingston. Zoo fatal mauling: Pakistan zoo shut down after man mauled to death by tigers, shoe found in tiger's mouth: Officials 'How fragile each life is' According to the Livingston Independent School District's Facebook page, the school community was grieving Friday. "At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is," the district posted. "It is sad when our district loses a member of its family... We extend our thoughts and sincere condolences to family and friends." District officials wrote counselors would be on hand Friday morning for students and staff. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen killed by semi after stepping off school bus in Livingston, Texas On Wednesday morning, three college professors in Las Vegas got up and went to work in Beam Hall, home of the business school at the University of Nevada. One oversaw Japanese Studies, another taught accounting, a third management of information systems. All were slaughtered, gunned down by a disgruntled former professor who came to campus with a .9 mm handgun, 150 rounds of ammunition and a vendetta. Their deaths in Americas latest high-profile mass shooting prompted sweeping calls Friday for gun control from educators across the country a group to whom many look for answers in times of tragedy and distress. They demanded an end to the epidemic of gun violence that has left college campuses particularly vulnerable to fatal rampages. Irene Mulvey, president of the American Association of University Professors, a prominent faculty group, in a statement called gun violence an unacceptable national menace and urged gun policy reform. We mourn the most recent senseless, tragic violence & murder on a college campus, she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. We call upon our elected leaders to move forward with actions that we know can begin to solve our American gun violence epidemic. Her voice joined others calling for reform in the days after the Las Vegas shooting, that shattered the campus and changed lives forever. Details about the shooting continued to emerge Friday, including the identity of the third professor killed. Another faculty member was wounded with life-threatening injuries. Police have identified the suspect in the shooting as Anthony Polito, a former faculty member at East Carolina University who had applied for a job at the Nevada university and was turned down. As the UNLV community reels from the shockwaves of Wednesdays tragedy, UNLV President Keith Whitfield encouraged people struggling with mental health to seek help. Were getting used to, in this country, of seeing these kinds of incidents happen, Whitfield said. But just because were used to seeing them doesn't mean that theyre normal or that they dont affect people. Here's what we know so far: Biden meets with UNLV students, community members President Joe Biden mourned on Friday victims of the deadly shooting at UNLV and called again on Congress to enact tougher gun-safety measures. Biden opened his remarks at an infrastructure event in Las Vegas by offering his prayers for the families of those killed in Wednesdays shooting and praising law enforcement officers who put their lives at risk to respond to such tragedies. He noted more than 600 mass shootings have unfolded in the United States this year. This is not normal, and we can never let it become normal, he said. People have the right to feel safe, be safe. Bidens trip to Las Vegas was planned before Wednesdays shooting, but while there he met privately with students from the college and community leaders. The meeting was held at a carpenter training center ahead of his infrastructure speech. In his remarks, Biden said Congress needs to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and enact other commonsense gun-safety measures. You know, the Second Amendment didnt say you can own any gun and own any weapon, he said. Final exams, in-person classes canceled Whitfield announced in-person classes for the rest of 2023 were canceled, along with final exams scheduled for next week. Given the physical and emotional trauma that the university community has endured, and because of the impact to campus facilities, we have decided that faculty and staff should continue to work remotely through the end of the calendar year, Whitfield said. The president said winter commencement, scheduled for Dec. 19 and 20, will still take place, after hearing students and their families express a desire to come together. The milestone moment of commencement is the most special day on the university calendar, and it's in difficult times like these that we can and should celebrate our graduates academic dreams fulfilled, Whitfield said. Naoko Takemaru oversaw Japanese Studies at UNLV The Clark County Coroner's Office identified the final person killed in the shooting as Naoko Takemaru, 69, on Friday. Takemaru lived in Las Vegas and was an associate professor at UNLV, teaching Japanese studies at Beam Hall, according to her staff page on the university's website. Naoko Takemaru, 69, was an associate professor teaching Japanese studies at University of Nevada Las Vegas. "Takemaru has taught all levels of Japanese language, conversation, composition, grammar, culture, and Japanese-English translation," the university wrote. "She has also coordinated Japanese language programs at the university level. At UNLV, she oversees the entire Japanese Studies Program, and teaches upper-division courses on Japanese language, culture, and business." French professor Margaret Harp recalled Takemaru for her wide breadth of artistic talents. Takemaru played the piano, embroidered, and gifted homemade chocolates every holiday season. She was hired in 2003 to develop the Japanese language program, Harp said, and succeeded with a constantly full class. A cat lover supreme, Takemarus office was covered with cat pictures, drawings, puzzles and calendars, her colleague said. Naoko was frail physically. However, she was lionhearted in kindness, lionhearted in generosity, lionhearted in humanity the point of liberal arts, Harp said. And I have no doubt she was lionhearted in her final moments on earth." Patricia Navarro-Velez taught accounting at UNLV Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, was an assistant accounting professor in Beam Hall, according to her university staff page. She earned her PhD in accounting from the University of Central Florida, her masters in accounting from Bowling Green State University in Ohio and her bachelors in accounting at the University of Puerto Rico, Ponce campus. This Aug. 19, 2019 photo provided by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas shows Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, an accounting professor who was one of three victims shot and killed Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 on campus. (Jenny Mann/UNLV via AP) ORG XMIT: NY124 Navarro-Velez researched cybersecurity disclosures and assurances, internal control weakness disclosure and data analytics. "She was a recipient of the AICPA Fellowship for Minority Doctoral Students and the KPMG Foundation Minority Doctoral Students Scholarship from 2014 to 2019," the university wrote. "Dr. Navarros teaching interests are in accounting information systems." Accounting professor Jason Smith remembered Navarro-Velez for her larger-than-life personality, an infectious smile and a genuine kindness that made everyone around her feel like family. Smith said she was known for her baking talents, such as creme brulee and macarons, and a love of gatherings. The more the merrier, she would say, Smith recalled. Navarro-Velez worked at three universities before taking on a role at one of the worlds largest public accounting firms, he said. She later returned to the classroom as a professor to share her love for the field. Framily, emblazoned in a picture frame in her kitchen, sums her legacy up best, Smith said, defined as friends who become family. Her lasting legacy is one of a wide circle of friends who through her influence and love, and through this experience today find ourselves as family, Smith said. Cha Jan "Jerry" Chang specialized in information systems Cha Jan "Jerry" Chang, 64, has taught in the university's Beam Hall, along with his two slain colleagues, within the department of management, entrepreneurship and technology. According to a resume on his staff page, the business professor earned a PhD and masters in management of information systems from the University of Pittsburgh, a masters in business administration from Texas A & M University, a masters degree in computer science from Central Michigan University and a bachelors in oceanography from the National Taiwan Ocean University. This Dec. 4, 2012 photo provided by UNLV shows Cha Jan "Jerry" Chang, an associate professor in the business school's Management, Entrepreneurship & Technology department. Chang was one of three people shot and killed in Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 shooting on the University of Nevada Las Vegas campus. He's been a professor at UNLV since 2001, mainly teaching management of information systems. "My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of Dr. Navarro and Dr. Chang, and for all of the victims of this senseless act of violence that has physically and emotionally affected so many," UNLV President Keith Whitfield said in a Thursday statement. Business professor Keah-Choon Tan met Chang in 2001 and recalled ice fishing trips with him and their kids in the early years of friendship. In one of the excursions, Tan said they were both pulled over at the same time by the same trooper and both received speeding tickets. We learned our lesson, Tan said through laughter. Jerry was a rigorous researcher and a good teacher who deeply loved his students at UNLV, he said. Teachers union urges America not to become numb to mass shootings Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, which represents faculty and staff in Nevada, said Americans cannot become desensitized to mass shootings just because they happen so often. Today we mourn; tomorrow we take actionfor common sense gun reforms, including removing weapons of war from our streets and communities, enforcing background checks and safe storage laws, banning high-capacity magazines and passing more extreme risk protection laws, she said in a statement. The Nevada Faculty Alliance, the union for professors in the state, said no words could convey the bewilderment and sorrow we feel for our colleagues. Platitudes, thoughts, and prayers cannot make this right, the union said in a statement Thursday. Violence is never an acceptable solution. Who is unemployed professor and gunman Anthony Polito? The gunman identified by authorities as Anthony Polito, 67, had applied for jobs at various Nevada colleges, including UNLV, and was turned down each time, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. Polito also mailed 22 letters to university faculty members across the nation. The sheriff also said Polito, 67, was in financial distress, as indicated by a notice of eviction found taped to the front door of his apartment. A motive for his shooting rampage is under investigation. Polito was hired by East Carolina University in 2001 as an assistant professor in the department of marketing and supply chain management in the business college. He resigned in January 2017 as a tenured associate professor, Jeannine Manning Hutson, a spokesperson for the university, told USA TODAY. Polito described himself online as "semi-retired." Las Vegas shooting UNLV gunman who shot four faculty members, killing three, had a target list Tears, frantic texts Survivors of Las Vegas campus shooting recount trauma and tragedy This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: UNLV shooting: 3rd victim ID'd; college professors decry gun violence By Daphne Psaledakis and Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Friday slapped sanctions on dozens of people over human rights abuses, including Iranian officers it accused of being involved in the targeting of U.S. officials, ahead of Human Rights Day on Sunday. The U.S. Treasury and State Departments imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on 37 people in 13 countries, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, in actions coordinated with Britain and Canada. Over the last year the Treasury has sanctioned more than 150 individuals and entities across a dozen countries, freezing their U.S. assets, for issues relating to human rights abuse. Americans who engage in certain transactions with them also risk being hit with sanctions. Two Iranian intelligence officers who recruited people for U.S. operations are listed, the Treasury Department said in a statement. Their mission included the lethal targeting of current and former U.S. government officials as revenge for the 2020 killing of Quds Force Commander Qassem Soleimani. The officers, Majid Dastjani Farahani and Mohammad Mahdi Khanpour Ardestani, also recruited people for surveillance activities focused on religious sites, businesses and other facilities in the United States, Treasury added. Iran promised vengeance after a U.S. air strike in Baghdad killed Soleimani, Tehran's most prominent military commander and the architect of its growing influence in the Middle East. Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Taliban members were sanctioned for their links to the repression of women and girls. These include the minister for the so-called Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice that the Treasury said has engaged in killings, abductions, whippings and beatings. The Taliban administration spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Two mid-level Chinese officials were cited for their connection to "ongoing serious human rights abuse in Xinjiang," the western Chinese region where the U.S. says authorities are committing genocide against Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups. The officials are Gao Qi, a Xinjiang public security official; and Hu Lianhe, the deputy office director for the Xinjiang Work Coordination Small Group of the Central Committee, which helped design policies for what Washington calls internment camps in the region. Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said the sanctions were illegal. "Such acts grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, flagrantly violate the basic norms governing international relations and seriously undermine China-US relations. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns them," he said. The United States on Friday also restricted imports from three more Chinese companies, including COFCO Sugar Holding, over forced labor practices involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China, the U.S. government said on Friday. Some Republican lawmakers complained the China sanctions failed to target senior officials, including the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) chief in Xinjiang, Ma Xingrui. "Secretary Blinken must explain why the top CCP official in Xinjiang who implements (Chinese President) Xi Jinping's genocide does not meet the criteria for U.S. sanctions," said Mike Gallagher, chair of the House of Representative's select committee on China, and Senator Marco Rubio in a statement. PROMOTING ACCOUNTABILITY "Our commitment to upholding and defending human rights is sacrosanct," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in the statement. "Treasury's targeted sanctions announced today and over the past year underscore the seriousness of our commitment to promoting accountability for human rights abuse and safeguarding the U.S. financial system from those who commit these egregious acts." Also sanctioned are leaders of the Islamic State in Democratic Republic of Congo, the heads of four criminal gangs in Haiti, and the Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service, which Treasury said has engaged in torture and others serious human rights abuse including of LGBTQ community members. Uganda enacted one of the world's harshest anti-gay laws in May, which calls for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts. Washington also targeted people in Liberia, South Sudan, Uganda and Central African Republic. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Michael Martina, Jonathan Landay and Katharine Jackson; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Richard Chang) Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign has reached out to the Libertarian Party in Iowa to inquire about running for president on the party's ticket. Campaign operatives for Ramaswamy attended a local party event this week, and Ramaswamy has had conversations with two Iowa Libertarian officials, including one instance where he expressed interest in joining the ticket, one of those officials confirmed. Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and author who in 2004 voted for a Libertarian presidential candidate, has openly criticized Republican leadership and policy as he seeks the party's presidential nomination in the first-in-the-nation caucus state. But he has struggled to gain traction in Iowa and other early states, Ramaswamy's potential defection to a third-party ticket could shake up an election that already contains several independent hopefuls. Asked Thursday if he would run under the Libertarian ticket should he be defeated in the Republican race, Ramaswamy told the Register, "No." But he held out the possibility the Libertarian Party might nominate him. "I expect to get the GOP nomination," Ramaswamy said. "I have strong libertarian instincts. I can't stop them from nominating me, and I would be proud if they did." Iowa caucuses: Vivek Ramaswamy challenges Gov. Kim Reynolds, GOP on carbon capture pipelines Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy arrives at the Family Leader's Thanksgiving Family Forum, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) At a campaign event focused on eminent domain last week, Ramaswamy spoke briefly with Ryan Kurt, chair of the Polk County Libertarian Party. Kurt said that when he told Ramaswamy his role, the Republican candidate "mentioned that he might be interested in pursuing the Libertarian ticket." "I told him if you're going to do that, you might want to start talking to some libertarians," Kurt said. Days later, Kurt said he received a call from Ramaswamy's campaign asking if it could send representatives to the Polk County chapter's monthly meeting Wednesday. During that meeting, Ramaswamy's representatives discussed "logistics of a possible LP run and some of the nuances of Iowa politics," including the ability to be nominated for multiple party caucuses, Kurt said. However, the staffers "expressed that they're not currently planning any sort of pursuit of the LP ticket," Kurt said. Ramaswamy told the Register he hadn't known his staff had attended the event, but he approved of their doing so. "I wasn't aware of that, but sounds good," he said. "We go everywhere." Weeks earlier, at a Thanksgiving party, Ramaswamy met with Jules Cutler, the chair of the Iowa Libertarian Party. A fellow attendee snapped a photo of the encounter, which Cutler said happened purely by chance and lasted "less than a minute." "I introduced myself as the chair and I jokingly asked why he's not running on the Libertarian ticket," Cutler said. She said she'd met multiple Republican candidates this cycle, including former Vice President Mike Pence and radio host Larry Elder. She said her conversation with Ramaswamy was being "blown out of proportion." A number of candidates have filed for Libertarian Party's 2024 presidential nomination; in Iowa, the Libertarian Party earned enough support last cycle to qualify as an official party for this coming election. The state party plans to hold caucuses on Jan. 15, the same night as Republicans and Democrats. In addition to the Republican and Democratic fields, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Cornel West and Jill Stein have all launched campaigns as independent candidates for 2024. Galen Bacharier covers politics for the Register. Reach him at gbacharier@registermedia.com or (573) 219-7440, and follow him on Twitter @galenbacharier. Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa Caucuses: Ramaswamy campaign flirts with Libertarian Party ticket Team, I want to briefly discuss three topics that may seem unrelated: 1) discrimination and harassment, 2) philanthropy, and 3) institutional neutrality. First, every year we hold New York State-required firmwide discrimination and harassment training. At the end of those sessions, many of you will remember that my closing remarks are always a version of "there is almost nothing that will get you walked out of Stone Ridge on a first offense, but discrimination or harassment is one of those things and I will do it myself. Zero exceptions, zero tolerance." Instead, as you know, treating each other with kindness has been a foundational principle, and a non-negotiable, since the firm began. Second, as I've privately shared at several firmwide meetings, my personal approach to philanthropy focuses on how the multiplier effect of educational excellence, economic liberty, and free markets can transform lives. In addition, my wife Deb and I have chosen to donate anonymously, except for educational causes. You almost certainly do not know that the University of Pennsylvania ("Penn") currently holds shares in Stone Ridge Holdings Group worth approximately $100 million. Given the bedrock importance of firm culture, I inserted a provision in the founding documents of our partnership agreement that permits me to rescind the shares i.e., simply cancel them of any shareholder that violates our firm's rules in a way that injures our business, reputation, character, or standing. I have never had to invoke these provisions before and never thought I would. Until now. Over the past months, Penn President Liz Magill has enabled and encouraged antisemitism and a climate of fear and harassment at Penn. Further, at a congressional hearing earlier this week, Ms. Magill made clear her personal view that any Penn professors and students who call for genocide against Jews do not violate Penn's Code of Conduct. As a proud Penn alum, as father of a recent Penn grad, also of a current junior, and on behalf of my beloved University, I can state without equivocation that Liz Magill is wrong. Calls for genocide against any group do, in fact, violate Penn's Code of Conduct. More importantly, such calls most definitely violate Stone Ridge's Code of Conduct. I have clear grounds to rescind Penn's $100 million of Stone Ridge shares due to the conduct of President Magill. Stone Ridge outside counsel at Davis Polk have sent Penn a letter detailing their violations. At risk of stating the absolutely obvious, any employee of Stone Ridge that made equivalently discriminatory statements about any group would be immediately terminated for cause. By me. Absent a change in leadership and values at Penn in the very near future, I plan to rescind Penn's Stone Ridge shares to prevent any further reputational and other damage to Stone Ridge as a result of our relationship with Penn and Liz Magill. I love Penn and it is important to me, but our firm's principles are more important. Third and finally, at Stone Ridge we manage the firm in accordance with the "Chicago Principles", which include the concept of institutional neutrality. That's a fancy way of saying I never comment on current events in my official capacity as CEO. That approach has aged well for my other beloved alma mater, the University of Chicago, and it has aged well for us at Stone Ridge. In my view, institutional neutrality is vital for firm culture, helps foster a sense of belonging, and facilitates laser focus on our business mission: financial security for all. Beyond its inherent moral value, institutional neutrality is a critical ingredient for groundbreaking innovation in both academia and business. It has certainly worked for us. Warmly, Ross Over a quarter of U.S. households feature one person, so why arent items packaged more conveniently for those who live alone? We got the inside scoop from a grocery consultantheres what they said. Eating alone is on the rise. According to the 2020 U.S. census, 27.6% of people now live alone, which is up from 1940 when 7.7% of American households comprised just one person. In certain cities, including Atlanta, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Seattle, that number edges up toward 40%. That means that a good percentage of us will spend a part of our lives preparing dinner for one. People living alone can often find themselves freezing pork chops packaged for three or four, letting part of that cheese get moldy or seeing some of those grapes turn to raisins. So why havent groceries caught up to the trend and packaged groceries into more convenient serving sizes? We spoke with supermarket consultant Joseph Welsh, whose firm is based in Las Vegasheres what we learned. Related: 3 "Helpful" Grocery Store Habits That Are Actually Rude Getty Images Why Groceries Are Packaged the Way They Are Challenges at the Meat Counter According to Welsh, maintaining a specific price point is responsible for much of the standard size of food packaged at the store. One area of the grocery store where shoppers may notice that occurring is the meat counter. Were trying to keep packages under 10 bucks, he says. And that means buying in some level of bulk, though he argues that three or four pork chops could be considered a two-person serving. Regarding ground beef, Welsh says, It doesnt matter what lean it is. You start getting over $10 a package and it dies. Six, seven, eight bucks, thats the sweet spot. If youre not interested in a big package of ground beef, he also points out that larger grocery stores may have meat counters at which shoppers can buy limited items for one, which might include that smaller serving of ground beef. There are also more companies selling single-serving packages of products like steak and fish. For example, Bridget Kozlowski, director of communications for Aldi, name-checks fresh Atlantic salmon and Black Angus petite sirloin steaks as proteins available in single servings at the international chain. Related: Do Food Expiration Dates Really Mean Anything? Options Are Improving I see a lot of evidence in stores of CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies expanding their SKUs (stock-keeping unit) into single serving or portion-controlled sizes, says Welsh. One brand he gives credit to is Minute Rice, which now sells single-serving cups in varieties including brown, jasmine and basmati rice. For example, at Walmart, shoppers can pick up a two-pack of 4.4-ounce portions of long-grain white rice from the company for a budget-friendly $1.96. Welsh also sees many more stores moving into the world of meal solutions, as he calls them, including meal kits. In the last five to seven years, hes seen more and more stores using their deli counters to create packaged meals using fresh meat and produce. Generally priced at around $10, the meals can be a more appealing alternative to the freezer aisle. For example, Wegmans shoppers can take advantage of restaurant foods such as lemon-garlic chicken with Szechuan sauce or shrimp scampi for around $12 per meal, and most are packaged to serve one. That [option] started with some of your healthier operators, but its become mainstream in chain stores, says Welsh. Even independents now have meal replacements and meal solutions. Grocery Shopping Hacks for One Bigger grocery stores are still catching up, and until they do, one of the best hacks when shopping for one is to shop local if you can. A great relationship with the folks behind your butcher counter could mean getting smaller cuts of one of the meats not normally carried in their case. Looking to buy higher-end cheeses that you wont find behind the deli counter? Keep your eyes peeled for stores that sell cheese ends. For example, small but mighty retailer Healthy Living Market in Vermont has a stunning assortment of mini portions of local and international cheese for around $5. Not close to a gourmet store like that one? Whole Foods shoppers have a similar option. Whether youre in the market for Gouda or Cheddar, the petite chunks of dairy bliss are a great way to try new cheeses in a smaller serving without waste. For produce, it can be best to focus on fruits and vegetables that keep for a while. Instead of using relatively fragile lettuces, learn to love a kale Caesar.Growing your own herbs in a kitchen window can be life-changing, so grab that pot of basil at the store and keep it going for as long as you can! Related: The Best Way to Store Fruits and Veggies Its been almost 15 years since famed cookbook editor Judith Jones published her delightful The Pleasures of Cooking for One, but the sentiment still rings true today. Cooking for yourself should be an adventure, a chance to eat exactly what you want and need every day. And little by little, grocery stores are making it easier to do. Read the original article on Eating Well. A woman was arrested in Atlanta after authorities say she was caught attempting to pour gasoline on the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. The incident happened around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, according to Atlanta police, who said in a release they responded to a report of vandalism in progress at King's birth home, near the King Center. Police say a 26-year-old female suspect was detained after she was stopped by multiple citizens. This Jan. 22, 2018, file photo, shows Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home which is operated by the National Park Service. The National Park Service has bought the home in Atlanta, Georgia, where Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1929. Channel 2 in Atlanta reported the woman was initially detained by two off-duty NYPD officers visiting the center until local police could arrive. Police told Channel 2 she was spotted pouring gasoline on the home by two tourists from Utah, who interrupted her. The woman, whose name has not been released, was arrested and charged with second degree criminal attempted arson and interference with government property. The investigation is ongoing, police said in a release. In a statement posted on social media, the King Center said the attempt to burn down King's birth home was unsuccessful, thanks to the "brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement." "Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act," the King Center added. King home is an important place for education and reflection The two-story Queen Anne-style home was initially built for a white family, but was purchased by King's grandfather, the Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, in 1909, according to the National Park Service. King's parents later had three children in the family home and lived there until after his grandparents' deaths, according to NPS. Lerone Martin, director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, said the home is critical for understanding King's legacy. "It protected him from the vicious attacks of white supremacy, but it also armed him with a sense of dignity, as he would say, 'a sense of somebodyness,' that enabled him to go out into the world and become the man that he became," he said. Martin said while this incident is different from other attacks on Black history in the education system, it highlights the importance of preserving African American communities and institutions. "A historic site like the King home is a place for historical reflection. It's a place for educational reflection," he said. "And I'm just so thankful that the bystanders who were there decided that it was important enough to intervene to prevent the destruction of a really important historic site in not just the Black experience, but the American experience." Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: MLK house vandalism: Woman tried pouring gasoline on childhood home New York Democrats have selected former Rep. Tom Suozzi to be their partys nominee in the upcoming special election to replace former GOP Rep. George Santos. Nassau County and Queens County leaders gathered on Thursday and voted for Suozzi, who was widely expected to emerge as the partys nominee. He previously represented the competitive 3rd District, which is based on Long Island, before leaving Congress last year to wage an unsuccessful run for governor. Tom Suozzi has a proven record of fighting for his constituents, fighting to safeguard our suburban way of life here on Long Island and Queens and always advocating for sensible solutions to the real challenges affecting everyday average Americans, Nassau County Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs and Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Queens County Democratic chairman, said in a joint statement. Its not yet clear which Republican will face Suozzi during the Feb. 13 special election to replace Santos, who was expelled from the House after a scathing Ethics Committee report that found Santos appeared to break multiple federal laws in his 2022 campaign. The special election is expected to be hotly contested Santos was one of 18 Republicans representing districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Republicans are expected to select their nominee early next week, according to Nassau County GOP spokesman Michael Deery. The Republican county party chairs will select a nominee, and party leaders have been interviewing more than 20 potential candidates this week. Deery also confirmed that the party is working with a firm to conduct research on potential candidates to prevent a similar situation the GOP faced with Santos. After Santos was elected in 2022, news reports revealed that Santos had fabricated much of his background. Other potential Republican candidates include retired New York police detective Mike Sapraicone and Nassau County legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, who have both faced increased media scrutiny in recent days. Earlier this week, Politico reported that Pilip is actually a registered Democrat. Politico also reported that Sapraicone was accused in a lawsuit of ignoring evidence and drawing a false confession as a detective. Sapraicones spokesperson told Politico the former detective was not aware of the lawsuit and that he only worked in a supportive role during this case. Whoever Republicans pick will face a competitive race against Suozzi, who represented the 3rd District for three terms before leaving Congress to challenge New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul in a bitter primary. Jacobs noted he had been consulting with Hochul as the party weighed picking a nominee. On Monday, Hochul summoned Suozzi to Albany and pressed him on his path to victory, according to a source familiar with the meeting. Suozzi specifically pledged to support abortion rights and run a campaign that did not hurt the Democratic Party brand. Suozzi also apologized to Hochul for his negative primary campaign, according to the source. Hochul then signed off on his congressional run. We had a good meeting and cleared the air, and I appreciate her making the time, Suozzi said in a statement regarding his meeting with Hochul. At a time of strong political division I offered to be another moderate voice as the Governor works to solve problems and make progress. The New York Times first reported details of the meeting. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. NK leader says he has 'no intention of avoiding war' with S. Korea YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. The negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan which resulted in the joint statement were held bilaterally, without mediators, according to a senior Armenian lawmaker. The negotiations were bilateral, the statement doesnt mention any other side, said Sargis Khandanyan, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations, when asked whether the talks involved mediators. Asked when the Armenian prisoners will return from Azerbaijan, the MP said its a matter of hours or days. According to the statement it must take place in the nearest time. It is a matter of hours or days. If Im not mistaken, the prisoner return process must take place on the state border of Armenia and Azerbaijan, he said. Khandanyan declined to confirm or deny the list issued by Azerbaijan of names of the POWs who are to be released. He said that Armenia cannot release names until the prisoners cross the border. Id avoid mentioning names, first of all because I am unaware of details, but also because this is a highly sensitive topic. I think the names shouldnt be released until the prisoners cross the state border of Armenia, because, understandably, this can be very difficult for the families of the prisoners, he said when asked on the authenticity of the list of names of the detainees issued by the Azeri authorities. He added that the government of Armenia will continue to work to achieve the release of all POWs and other detainees held in Azerbaijan. This was a part of the process, and there is certain result regarding the process, and the government of Armenia will continue to carry out diplomatic and legal work, so that all prisoners and other detainees who are in Azerbaijan are released as a result of such a process, Khandanyan said. Following the talks between the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries. Driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian military servicemen. In its turn, driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Armenia releases 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Armenia supports the bid of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, by withdrawing its own candidacy. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan do hope that the other countries within the Eastern European Group will also support Azerbaijans bid to host. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau membership. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue their discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures, effective in the near future and call on the international community to support their efforts that will contribute to building mutual trust between two countries and will positively impact the entire South Caucasus region. PM shares reports of Rs 220 cr in cash seized from properties of Oppn MP New Delhi: Taking a swipe at the Opposition on the issue of corruption, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said, It is Modis guarantee that they will have to return every penny looted from people. Tagging a news report of the Income Tax department recovering Rs 220 crores in cash from various locations of a business group allegedly linked to Congress MP from Jharkhand Dhiraj Prasad Sahu, the PM attacked the Opposition party. Countrymen should look at these piles of currency notes and then hear the addresses of its (Congress) leaders on honesty, he said in a post with several emojis. The news report also showed a picture of several almirahs stuffed with currency notes. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, Prime Minister Modi has turned up the heat on Opposition parties in his posts on X. He, in a recent post, had cited a news clip to take a swipe at Opposition leaders and their ecosystem, saying they might remain happy with their arrogance, lies, pessimism and ignorance, but people should be beware of their divisive agenda as a 70-yr-old habit which cannot go away so easily. After the PM raised the issue, the BJP trained its guns on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and the Opposition alliance. This week, the Telegraph wrote that it had uncovered a kidney-buying racket involving Myanmar nationals as donors and a private health facility in Delhi, where transplants would take place. The phenomenon is not new: despite decades of awareness-raising (starting in Tamil Nadu) there is still a shortage of donors in India and too many people who would need at least one kidney. It is mainly poor people who need to pay off debts who fall victim to trafficking, but online scams have also increased in recent years. Milan (AsiaNews) - One of India's largest private hospital companies is believed to be involved in an organ trafficking operation, an investigation published this week by the English The Telegraph newspaper reported. According to the investigation, several poor citizens from Myanmar were transferred to Delhi's Apollo Hospital (one of two hospitals in the capital run by the Indraprastha Medical company, also known as IMCL) and paid to have their kidneys exported, which are then donated to other patients, often even foreigners. The allegations made by recent international media against IMCL are absolutely false, ill-informed and misleading, the private company said in a statement. Apollo Hospitals Group said it agreed with the IMCL statement. As part of its corporate governance policy, IMCL has initiated an investigation into the matter to delve into all aspects of the transplant process, the company further explained. Organ sales are being considered in India (and Myanmar), but it would not be the first time reports have emerged of kidney trafficking in India, where there is a shortage of donors. Nearly a million Indians are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease every year and around 200,000 people suffer from end-stage renal failure. By some estimates, only 10% of Indians who develop kidney disease see a nephrologist, and at least 20 Indians die every day waiting for an organ donation. As of 2022, only 7,500 tran splants have occurred across the country. Studies and surveys indicate that most of the people who give up their organs in exchange for money are inhabitants of Indian slums and agricultural districts suffering from increasing drought. In other words: the poorest population in the country, who find themselves forced to sell a kidney (especially women with an average age of 35 who do so) especially to pay off debts with local loan sharks. The amount received is usually around an average of ,000, which is often not enough for families to cover debts and expenses. Furthermore, during the years of the pandemic, several Indians said they were contacted on Facebook to sell a kidney at the price of 10 million rupees (122 thousand dollars) and were informed that they had to pay several thousand rupees in advance to obtain the card. donor registration, a document that government authorities actually grant for free. A woman named Surya was about to fall victim to such a scam when she found the number of the Mohan Foundation, an NGO that promotes legal organ donation, an issue few Indians know about. Founded in 1997 by Dr. Sunil Shroff, a transplant surgeon in the United Kingdom, over time it began to collect reports from people who were asked on social media to donate their organs in exchange for money. Interviewed by AsiaNews, he explained that there is no data regarding organ trafficking, as it is an illegal activity, while in the case of the Apollo hospital "all the agreements took place in Myanmar and, in this situation, the Burmese authorities should take action" . Organ donation by deceased people is not common in India, so most transplants are done by living donors who are relatives or friends of the patient. The rules governing organ transplants came into force after a tsunami devastated several areas of the country in 2004, particularly the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Many of the survivors of the tragedy who found themselves destitute after losing their jobs or homes turned to selling organs to survive. The phenomenon had become so popular that the Villivakkam district was nicknamed Kidneyvakkam. In response to the crisis, Tamil Nadu has led the way in promoting cadaveric organ donation. Yet nationwide, demand for organs continues to outstrip supply, with a rate of less than one deceased donor per million inhabitants. On the contrary, Dr. Shroff highlighted that in 2019, 88% of the 9,751 kidney transplants and 77% of the 2,590 liver transplants performed in India were from living donors". The reasons for this problem are different: from one On the one hand, there is a lack of awareness on the subject even among doctors and nurses, who in the case of a deceased patient do not feel comfortable contacting the families asking them to approve organ donation. On the other hand, even if there were a greater supply of donors, there are only 250 hospitals registered with the Indian National Organization for Organ and Tissue Transplantation (NOTTO), equal to one equipped facility for every 4.3 million citizens. At the Angelus, Francis returns to look the window above St Peter's Square and personally pronounces his reflection. In the afternoon the traditional homage to Our Lady in Piazza di Spagna, with a prayer for peace in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel and other war-torn lands. A new World Children's Day was announced, to be celebrated for the first time in Rome on 25 and 26 May 2024. Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Entrusting ourselves to the Immaculate Conception "we ask for peace, for hearts to be at peace". This is the invitation that Pope Francis addressed to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer on the occasion of today's Marian feast. The pontiff once again appeared from the window of his study in the apostolic palace, personally delivering his reflection, after having always entrusted the reading to a collaborator in recent weeks - due to respiratory inflammation. At the Angelus, Francis recalled that this afternoon he will go first to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, to pray before the image of Maria Salus Popoli Romani, and then at 4pm to Piazza di Spagna, for the usual homage to the statue of the Immaculate which is located in the heart of Rome. I ask everyone to unite in entrusting themselves to our Mother, praying in particular for peace in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel, and in all the lands wounded by war. In his reflection before the prayer, commenting on the Gospel passage of the Annunciation proposed today in the liturgy, Francis focused on two attitudes of Mary: amazement at the works of God and faithfulness in simple things. First of all, her amazement at hearing herself called by the angel "full of grace". Our Lady is humble she commented that is, filled with the love of God. This is a noble attitude: knowing how to be amazed by the gifts of the Lord, never taking them for granted, appreciating their value. And it is also important to bear witness to this amazement in front of others, speaking with humility about the gifts of God, the good received, and not just about everyday problems. Be more positive." And then loyalty in simple things. The Gospel he added before the Annunciation says nothing about Mary. He presents her to us as a simple girl, apparently like many others who lived in her village. Precisely thanks to her simplicity she kept pure that Immaculate Heart with which she, by the grace of God, was conceived. It is with daily fidelity in her good that Our Lady allowed the gift of God to grow in her; this is how she trained to respond to the Lord, to say 'yes' to him with her whole life." Hence the invitation to ask yourself: "Do I believe that the important thing is faithfulness to God? And, if I believe it, do I find time to read the Gospel, to pray, participate in the Eucharist and receive sacramental forgiveness, to make some concrete gesture of free service?. Finally, on this day of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, an announcement also came from the Pope: the establishment of a new World Day which the Catholic Church will from now on dedicate to children and which will be celebrated for the first time in Rome on 25 and 26 May 2024. This Day he explained answers the question of what type of world we wish to pass on to them. Like Jesus we want to put children at the center and take care of them." How and Why to Paint Your Nails Why the Male Nail Polish Trend Is Empowering Nail polish on men is having a moment. Celebrities like Harry Styles, David Beckham and A$AP Rocky have been spotted rocking the look and challenging gender stereotypes in the process. Curious about dipping your toes into the trend (no pun intended)? Its more than a fashion statement its an empowering move. RELATED: What the Future Holds for Body Art Masculinity Doesnt Come In a One-Size-Fits-All Box The rise of the male nail polish craze [...] reveals a shifting socio-cultural environment. This movement defies traditional gender conventions and enables people to express their creativity and unique flair in novel ways, says Dr. Alyssa Roberts, mental health expert and clinical psychologist at Practicalpie. The fact that nail polish on men is becoming more mainstream signals a shift towards a healthier view of masculinity. Who says that nail polish is only for women or a certain type of man? Self-expression is about allowing multiple facets of yourself to shine through instead of contorting yourself to fit a certain mold or defining yourself through labels. Men are all unique human beings, so its time to chuck rigid definitions of masculinity out of the window. This trend shows that what it means to be a guy is changing, empowering men to have more freedom to show who they are through their appearance without following old rules, says beauty and nail tech expert Houna Bech. By choosing nail polish, guys are standing up to strict rules about gender. They're showing they want to rethink what it means to be masculine. Roberts agrees that the movement promotes a more inclusive view of masculinity by emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of it: It marks a break from the restrictive limitations that surround masculinity. Male Nail Polish Sends a Powerful Message to Younger Generations Wearing nail polish with confidence as a man also sends a powerful message to younger generations while creating safer spaces for men. Im so glad that enough men have been brave enough to wear nail polish that more men now feel its safer to express themselves in this way. I also think that this trend will help younger generations of men feel more comfortable expressing themselves as they get older, says registered counselor Jordan Gruenhage. Gruenhage, who sees the trend as a sign that homophobia may be lessening, adds that greater acceptance of male nail polish also helps gay men feel safer in the world: In the recent past, nail polish would have typically signified that a man was probably not straight, and many gay or straight men didnt feel comfortable with this perception. I believe that straight men wearing nail polish also helps gay men feel safer to express themselves in this way. Plus, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity, accepting and expressing all parts of yourself can be a healing act, especially if youve sacrificed your authenticity in the past. Ive found that nail polish has helped me to affirm and heal some of the vibrant, creative, and sensitive parts of myself that I felt I needed to hide in the past in order to feel accepted by others, shares Gruenhage. I have seen many of my male clients try nail polish as part of their healing process with similar results. Feeling Nervous About Experimenting With Nail Polish? Try These Tips New to the trend? The following tips will help you build self-assurance and have fun with it. Start in a Safe Environment Roberts recommends experimenting with nail polish in a safe and supportive environment, such as at home or with your friends, as being in a non-judgmental environment promotes comfort and acceptance throughout the early stages of exploration. Read About the History of Male Nail Polish Educating yourself about the history of male nail polish can also help broaden your perspective and alleviate potential concerns, adds Roberts. Men have been wearing nail polish for a really long time way before it was perceived as a feminine act. For example, Babylonian warriors used to adorn their nails. Ease Into the Trend No need to go from zero to a hundred when trying nail polish for the first time. If you're new to nail polish, begin with something subtle like clear or neutral polishes to get used to how it feels and looks to have your nails done, suggests Bech. This can be an easy way to ease into it before moving on to brighter colors. Know that its okay to start small and go slow, says Gruenhage. If youre interested in trying nail polish but feel nervous, try painting just a drop or a single nail on a place that's easy to cover. Take your time to see how it feels before painting in additional places. Ready to embrace a bolder aesthetic? Start with the colors that feel the most comfortable to you. Some men may feel more comfortable starting with more traditionally masculine colors such as blues, greens or black, adds Gruenhage. Remember that there are no rules all those tips are just meant to help you feel more confident as you experiment with the trend. Plus, if you buy nail polish remover, you dont have to commit to anything you dont end up liking once its on your nails. Embrace Your Own Style Additionally, Bech encourages you to embrace your own sense of style through your polish choices: Nail polish should be an extension of how you see yourself. Pick colors and styles that feel right to you. Whether it's a classic black, a bold red, or even an adventurous design, your choice of nail polish can mirror your personality and mood. Also, keep in mind that your nail polish doesnt have to match your outfit. Talk About It with Others If youre still feeling a little shy about wearing nail polish for the first time, talking about it or finding an online message board where men are sharing positive experiences wearing nail polish can work wonders for your self-assurance. Connecting with others who share similar interests provides confidence and encouragement, supporting the notion that this trend is a shared and approved form of self-expression, according to Roberts. Once you wear the look in public, you may just realize that it isnt such a big deal and youll likely be pleasantly surprised at the amount of compliments you receive. You Might Also Dig: Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. S. Korea's indirect arms supply to Ukraine stands in way of restoring bilateral relations: expert By Nam Hyun-woo Relations between South Korea and Russia are expected to get stuck in limbo, with Moscow apparently criticizing Seouls alleged indirect artillery ammunition support for Ukraine, while Seoul sees ongoing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea as an imminent national security threat. Experts arrived at the predictions following Russian President Vladimir Putins recent remark that normalizing bilateral ties depends on South Korea. This was interpreted as indirect pressure on Seoul to cease provision of military support to Ukraine. According to Russian news agency TASS, Putin told the new South Korean Ambassador to Russia Lee Do-hoon that it depends on Seoul if South Korea-Russia cooperation returns to "the trajectory of partnership, so beneficial for our countries and peoples, during a credentials presentation ceremony on Monday. Putin expressed regret for the broken relationship. The relations between Russia and (South) Korea are unfortunately going through not the best period, he said, adding that he was ready to improve them. The remarks came against a background of rising tensions between South Korea and Russia. In the wake of the war between Russia and Ukraine, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hinted at providing support other than humanitarian aid to Kyiv. Moscow responded with a summit between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Russia in September, which resulted in Pyongyang providing Moscow with ammunition. South Korean government officials are saying it is providing humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine and supplying non-lethal military items, such as helmets, first-aid kits and mine detectors. But international reports suggest Seoul has been providing indirect ammunition support by supplying the Americans with 155-millimeter shells to replace the munitions the U.S. is sending to support Ukraine's defense. The Washington Post reported, Monday, that Seoul officials were receptive as long as the provision was indirect in U.S. requests for shells, and that South Korea has become a larger supplier of artillery ammunition for Ukraine than all European nations combined. Against that backdrop, Putins remark is seen as a means of putting pressure on South Korea over the purported munition supplies. Though the shell supply may not be a decisive factor in the Ukraine war, it affects Russias strategy of having a protracted war to make its enemy suffer supply drains, said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. That means the implied message of Putins remark is that Seoul is to blame for the frayed ties and it should stop listening to the U.S. and stop supplying shells to Ukraine. More broadly, Hong said Putins remarks appear to be targeting Seouls efforts to expand its defense exports to countries close to western Russia, such as Poland. One of the most sensitive geopolitical risks that Putin sees is the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations expansion east, and Seoul appears to be playing a role in that by expanding its defense exports, which even include technology transfer, he said. The most important background for Putins remarks would be this. Seoul did not offer a noteworthy response to Putin's, instead reiterating that Our government maintains necessary communication with the Russian side for the sake of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as for the protection of our citizens and companies on the territory of Russia. South Koreas intelligence authority believes Russia has played a role in North Koreas recent launch of a military spy satellite though it has yet to provide hard evidence for that. President Yoon has also stressed that Moscow-Pyongyang military cooperation is a serious violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and a major provocation threatening the peace of the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia and Europe. Seoul and Moscow both know that South Korea will not loosen its ties with the U.S., and Russia will not be proactive in containing North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, even if Seoul and Moscow mend their ties, Hong said. For a while, the diplomatic relations between the two sides will likely be a buck-passing filled with diplomatic rhetoric blaming each other for the frayed ties. Pepper Trail is a contributor to Writers on the Range (writersontherange.org), a nonprofit dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is a biologist and writer based in Ashland, Oregon. 2023 has been one of the most important years for the aviation industry. I don't mean by that we've seen a great deal of new aircraft being introduced, but I'm referring to the fact we've witnessed a lot of first-time uses of what promises to be a most revolutionary type of propellant: the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Far from being simple cooking oil poured inside airplane and helicopter engines, like some people will have you believe, SAF is a biofuel derived from plants or waste (including cooking oil, but derived from are the key words here) that promises to cut CO2 emissions by as much as 80 percent, while providing, surprisingly enough, the same performance levels of standard aviation fuel.In the works for a while now, SAF has only been truly put to the test in 2023, when, among other things, it powered the first trans-Atlantic flight of a Gulfstream business jet, it allowed the massive Airbus A380 to take to the sky in Dubai, and even transported Virgin Galactic's Richard Branson from London to New York while flowing in the tanks of a Boeing 787. This one was the first time when a passenger plane so large made a cross-Atlantic trip so long using only SAF.Plenty of helicopters have flown for the first time with SAF as well, and as we were getting ready to wrap up our list and call it a day, helicopter maker Leonardo stepped in and announced another first: SAF helped an AW139 helo take to the sky as well.The AW139 is the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class, meaning aircraft of this kind capable of carrying up to 15 people. Because of its size, it is used for stuff like medical services, search and rescue, security missions, and transport, especially to off-shore rigs.The helicopter uses a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C engines, each capable of developing 1,531 horsepower, to go about its business, and they usually run on a type of fuel called Jet A1. Recently, though, it took off for the first time while burning SAF.It was the first time the AW139 was flown like this. The milestone was reached at the Leonardo facility in Cascina Costa di Samarate, Italy, where the helicopter spent about 75 minutes both on the ground and in the air as it put the SAF-burning engines through their paces.The procedure was a success, according to the companies involved, and the findings were there are no "significant differences in the response to the new fuel compared with the use of Jet A1 fuel" when it comes to engine performance.It's unclear at this point what the achievement means for the helicopter industry, but it can be nothing but a big step in the right direction. After all, the PT6C engines that power this thing are part of a family that was introduced all the way back in 1963.I wonder where we would be now had we tried this SAF idea sooner. 8 December 2023 12:20 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The National Art Museum will display art pieces by the holder of the Shohrat Order, People's Artist Tofig Aghababayev on December 8. Timed to the 95th anniversary of the artist, the exhibition "Dialogue with Time" includes 50 art works from the collections of the National Art Museum, the State Art Gallery and the Khazar Museum Center, Azernews reports. Among them are works of decorative and applied art made of glass and ceramics, graphics, etc. Portraits of such figures of state, literature, art and science as Shah Ismail Khatai, General Aliaga Shikhlinsky, Muhammad Fuzuli, Ilyas Efendiyev, Rasim Babayev, Izzet Orujeva, Absheron landscapes, paintings with folklore motifs, a ceramic triptych "Azerbaijani Lyrics" and other glass and ceramic products make it possible to trace the artist's large and multifaceted creative path, which began in the 1950s. Tofig Aghababayev made a significant contribution to Azerbaijani art, creating highly artistic and expressive works in such genres as portrait, landscape, and thematic still life. The exhibition of the outstanding artist will last until January 10, 2024. Founded in 1937, National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German and Polish masters of brush. The museum also attaches great importance to international partnership. The National Art Museum has recently signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Georgian National Art Museum. The memorandum reflects such areas of activity as exhibition exchange; holding conferences, seminars, training related to museum work; exchange of experience in the protection, conservation and restoration of movable cultural property, creation of electronic catalogs; cooperation within the framework of international programs and projects, etc. Earlier, the National Art Museum started cooperation with the Aegean University in Izmir,Turkiye. The partnership aimed at strengthening cultural ties and promoting relations between the two countries. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 13:51 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev The speech of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the forum dubbed "Karabakh: Back Home After 30 Years. Accomplishments and Challenges," jointly organized by ADA University and the Center for Analysis of International Relations, was widely disseminated in Macedonian media outlets, Azernews reports. The newspaper Sloboden Pecat published a detailed article about Azerbaijan Leader Ilham Aliyev's statements about the world and region. The "Denesen" publication outlined the views of the Azerbaijani President on the creation of all conditions for the return of former refugees and internally displaced persons to their homeland, on the speedy progress of the process of restoration of the liberated territories. Referring to the speech of Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, "Sitel" TV channel claims that the concept of Azerbaijan's foreign policy does not pursue the goal of joining the European Union, the Azerbaijani state has found ways to establish relations. It was noted that in his speech President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan does not seek war with Yerevan and demanded guarantees that there will be no revanchist attempts in Armenia. The Channel 5 TV channel drew attention to the words of the Azerbaijani President that the anti-terrorist activities carried out in September lasted 24 hours and did not cause any harm to civilians. The other Macedonian publications and TV channels also analyzed in detail the speech of the Azerbaijani Head of State. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 11:31 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The U.S. State Department has disseminated information about the visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien to Baku, Azernews reports. The State Department's information states: "On 6 December, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien had a positive and constructive meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan. The meeting discussed the deep historical ties between our countries and the importance of bilateral relations. Assistant Secretary of State O'Brien informed President Ilham Aliyev that the U.S. would welcome the upcoming visits of the Chairman of the Azerbaijani Central Bank and the Azerbaijani Energy Minister to Washington, and that Secretary of State Anthony Blinken would soon meet with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan for the next round of peace talks in Washington. We look forward to the meeting". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 12:35 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In accordance with the Decree of the Azerbaijani President dated 17 July 2023, today another batch of electrical equipment intended for humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine was sent, Azernews reports, citing the Energy Ministry. It was reported that 20 trucks loaded with the humanitarian aid sent from the Sumgayit Technological Park. includes more than 551 K meters of electric cables and wires, as well as 6 complete transformer substations. To Recall, by the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan on July 17, 2023, Azerbaijan has sent two parts of humanitarian aid to Ukraine so far. Previous humanitarian aid included electric cables, wires, transformers, etc. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 15:55 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev The official visit of Azerbaijan's Digital Development and Transport Minister Rashad Nabiyev to Iraq continues, Azernews reports. The Minister has held several meetings within the framework of his visit. Rashad Nabiyev met with Construction and Housing and Municipalities and Public Works Bangen Rekani. The meeting discussed tasks assigned by the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Iraq, and the participation of Azerbaijani companies in construction and infrastructure projects implemented in Iraq. A ceremony of signing a number of documents between Azerbaijan and Iraq was also held. Later Minister Rashad Nabiyev met with Iraqi Minister of Communications Hayam Al-Yasiri. The sides discussed possibilities of cooperation between the two countries in the field of information and communication technologies. Azerbaijani Digital Development and Transportation Minister had a meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani. The meeting discussed the issues of expanding cooperation with the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR). Minister Rashad Nabiyev also met with Minister of Transportation Razzaq Muhaibas al-Sadawi. They discussed the development of cooperation between the two countries in the field of international cargo and road transportation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 12:30 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Western Azerbaijan Community issued a statement about the defamatory letter of US congressmen and senators, Azernews reports. The Community's statement reads: "A group of American congressmen and senators, sticking to their traditions, distributed another slanderous letter to Azerbaijan. The most absurd part of the joint letter accusing Azerbaijan of "aggression against Garabagh" is that the congressmen and senators called 8 Azerbaijani villages under occupation "Armenian villages." After Armenia's official position that the 8 villages belong to Azerbaijan, such a statement by congressmen and senators looks ironic. We pity the plight of American congressmen and senators. We appreciate it as a vivid example of the illiteracy of congressmen and senators, their arrogance based on false "American exceptionalism", Azerbaijanophobia, and Islamophobia. The agreement reached yesterday between Azerbaijan and Armenia through direct contacts shows that the South Caucasus does not need illiterate letters from American congressmen and senators and they should abandon their policy of creating unnecessary geopolitical competition in the region." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 16:10 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric, Azernews reports. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister informed Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejcinovic Buric about the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It was noted that during the meeting the sides exchanged views on the current agenda of cooperation between Azerbaijan and CoE, as well as the current situation in the region. Jeyhun Bayramov noted with satisfaction that since Azerbaijan joined the Council of Europe it has closely cooperated with the Organization in the field of protection of human rights, rule of law and development of democracy, joined a number of relevant conventions, as well as implemented various joint programs. Referring to the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe held in Reykjavik on May 17 this year, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov noted that such meetings play an important role in discussing opportunities for expanding cooperation within the Council of Europe. The sides noted that taking into account the work done within the Action Plan between Azerbaijan and the Council of Europe, cooperation in improving the justice system, media development and other areas has brought productive results. Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric was informed in detail about the current situation in the regions in the post-conflict period, about large-scale reconstruction and restoration work, the implementation of Azerbaijan liberated from the occupied territories, about the mine threat in this work and the safety of Azerbaijani citizens, about the reintegration of the Armenian population in the Garabagh territories, about the process normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, speaking about the factors determining the local anti-terrorist measures carried out in the Garabagh region in September this year, noted that the presence of illegal Armenian armed formations in Azerbaijani territories was one of the biggest threats. In that direction, he noted that the adoption of the mentioned anti-terrorist measures played an important role in removing the obstacles on the way of establishing peace and security in the region. Contrary to accusations from the Armenian side, it was emphasized that no violence against the civilian population was observed. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 16:44 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more France is deceiving Armenia and official Yerevan should not give in to provocations, Azernews reports, citing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telling in an interview with journalists. "France has already repeatedly declared its support for Armenia. But there has been no result. France, even as a co-chair of the former OSCE Minsk Group, could not achieve anything. Now it is provoking Armenia again. What will happen if they donate armored vehicles? It will not bring any results. Because Azerbaijan has already liberated its lands from occupation. France is just deceiving Armenia," Erdogan said. The Turkish leader said that the Armenian authorities should conclude what happened in the recent past. "Armenia should not give in to provocations. Yerevan would benefit from assessing the possibilities for peace and not falling into the trap of some countries. Peace with Azerbaijan is the best way for Armenia". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 16:26 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) has held a meeting on extraordinary presidential elections, Azernews reports. The agenda of the meeting chaired by CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov includes 4 issues and they are as follows: 1. Appointment of extraordinary presidential elections; 2. Approval of the calendar plan of main actions and measures for holding extraordinary presidential elections; 3. Establishment of an expert group under the CEC to investigate complaints about actions inactions and decisions violating citizens' electoral rights; 4. Establishment and appointment of the head of the working group under the CEC for the early presidential election. On December 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on holding early presidential election in Azerbaijan on February 7, 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 16:59 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikail Jabbarov received representatives of China Energy International Group Co., which has advanced experience in the field of green energy, Azernews reports. The meeting discussed cooperation to accelerate the transition to green energy in Azerbaijan. At the meeting, information was presented on the development of Azerbaijan's energy sector in line with the goals of combating global climate change, as well as the initiatives being implemented towards the creation of renewable energy sources. The importance of expanding cooperation with international companies with best practices in this field was emphasized. This will accelerate Azerbaijan's transition to green energy and the application of renewable energy technologies. The parties discussed the development of cooperation in the field of green energy, and introduction of energy storage technologies and prospects for joint activities. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 17:15 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev The joint statement of Azerbaijan and Armenia confirms the intention of these countries to normalize relations, Azernews reports, citing a tweet by Latvian Foreign Minister Krisjanis Karins on his official X account. He noted that the joint statement of Azerbaijan and Armenia is an important step towards trust and peace in the whole region and beyond: ''It once again confirms the intention of Azerbaijan and Armenia to normalize relations and reach a peace agreement." --- The joint statement between #Armenia and #Azerbaijan is a significant step towards trust and peace, so necessary for the entire region and beyond. It reconfirms intention to normalise relations and reach the peace treaty. Krisjanis Karins (@krisjaniskarins) December 8, 2023 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 17:30 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more First Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Legal Policy and State Building Ali Huseynli said at the meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission on Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia, that the trusting and friendly relations between President Ilham Aliyev and President Vladimir Putin are the basis of allied and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia, Azernews reports. "The growing number of mutual visits, mutual support in the international arena, and jointly held events are another proof of this. It is gratifying that the 20th jubilee meeting of the Commission is held in the year of the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Taking this opportunity, we once again thank our Russian colleagues for the high level of events in Russia dedicated to the 100th anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev," the Chairman said. The Deputy Chairman also reminded that Azerbaijan is ready for direct negotiations with Armenia to conclude a peace agreement as soon as possible. "We believe that the two countries should decide together on their future relations. Recently, a meeting of the delimitation commission was held on the border of Azerbaijan and Armenia," he said. To remind, the fifth meeting of the State Commission on Delimitation of the State Border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia and the Commission on Delimitation of the State Border and Border Security between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan was held on the border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia on 30 November under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan. The sides also agreed to determine the date and venue of the next meeting of the commissions in working order. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 17:45 (UTC+04:00) By Asim Aliyev The 28th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is underway in Dubai (UAE), and Azerbaijani Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Mukhtar Babayev took part in these events, Azernews reports. The 9th day of the conference was dedicated to the theme "Youth, children, education and skills". Three parallel events corresponding to the thematic directions were held in the Azerbaijani pavilion operating within the framework of the conference. Representatives of international organizations and friendly countries participated in the events. At the same time, a bilateral meeting was held in the Azerbaijani pavilion with the Executive Secretary of the UN Environment Program Inger Anderson, where the prospects of mutual cooperation were discussed. The concept of Azerbaijan's pavilion was presented with high-tech solutions and green initiatives of the country. It was highly appreciated by the guests. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 18:40 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more It is planned to create more than 420 permanent jobs In Araz Valley Economic Zone, Azernews reports. According to the Decree of the Head of State dated 4 October 2021, Araz Valley Economic Zone was established in Jabrayil district on an area of 200 hectares. Chairman of the Agency for Development of Economic Zones Elshad Nuriyev has stated that in the Araz Valley Economic Zone, as well as in other industrial parks operating in Azerbaijan, a favorable business environment for entrepreneurs is being formed, and residents are provided with ready-made infrastructure at the expense of state funds. In the first stage, a mobile camp was built to ensure the comfort of employees who will work in the park. A sub-artesian well was dug to provide water and electricity to the construction site and a 630 kilovolt transformer station was installed. Park residents are exempt from VAT and customs duties on property, land, income tax, as well as machinery, technological equipment, and installations imported for production purposes for 10 years from the date of their registration. "Thanks to the favorable investment environment created, there are currently 5 residents and 1 non-resident working in the Industrial Park. It is planned to invest about AZN33mln ($19,4mln) in the park and create more than 420 permanent jobs. One of such residents ("Auto Leasing Azerbaijan") has already started its activity. Thus, in June of the current year, the opening ceremony of the enterprise was held with the participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the Republic of Tatarstan. The Centre provides professional servicing of up to 1,500 vehicles used in our territories liberated from occupation, as well as transit vehicles and other equipment that will carry out cargo transportation," Elshad Nuriyev said. The Chairman of the Board noted that construction and installation works are currently being carried out by other residents in the Industrial Park. Several enterprises are planned to be put into operation in 2024-2025. "To date, residents have invested about AZN10mln ($5.9mln) in the Industrial Park. At the same time, the Agency for the Development of Economic Zones is now considering about 5 projects submitted by entrepreneurs for the status of Industrial Park residents. In Araz Valley Economic Zone businessmen have the necessary conditions to take advantage of available investment opportunities and implement their projects," the Chairman added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 14:42 (UTC+04:00) A new print edition of the AZERNEWS online newspaper was released on December 08. The new edition includes several interesting articles, such as "Azerbaijan interested in peace rather than war"; "Azerbaijanis upbeat for 2024 presidential elections"; "Azerbaijan has potential to become beacon in creative & artistic industries"; "OPEC+ strives to keep price above minimum" etc. AZERNEWS is an associate member of the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA). The online newspaper is available at www.azernews.az. 7 December 2023 20:58 (UTC+04:00) The Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia have released a joint statement. Azernews presents the statement: The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Following the talks between the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries. Driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian military servicemen. In its turn, driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Armenia releases 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Armenia supports the bid of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, by withdrawing its own candidacy. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan do hope that the other countries within the Eastern European Group will also support Azerbaijans bid to host. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau membership. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue their discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures, effective in the near future and call on the international community to support their efforts that will contribute to building mutual trust between two countries and will positively impact the entire South Caucasus region. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The national security advisers of South Korea and Japan agreed Friday on the need to strengthen solidarity with the international community in order to respond firmly to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations, the presidential office said. National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong and Japan's National Security Secretariat Secretary General Takeo Akiba held talks in Seoul ahead of Saturday's trilateral meeting with their U.S. counterpart, Jake Sullivan. The two sides agreed that North Korea's "unprecedented" provocations are posing a "serious threat" to peace and stability in the region and beyond, the presidential office said in a press release. "They reaffirmed the need for South Korea-Japan and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, and the strengthening of solidarity within the international community, in order to firmly respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations," it said. North Korea successfully placed a military spy satellite into orbit last month, after two failed attempts earlier in the year. Cho and Akiba also discussed bilateral relations, noting the seven summits between their leaders this year, and agreed to expand areas of cooperation to produce more tangible results for the two countries' peoples, including in security and economic issues and people-to-people exchanges. In a separate meeting later in the day, Cho and Sullivan shared their opinion that Seoul's suspension of an inter-Korean military tension reduction accord was a carefully considered measure in response to Pyongyang's repeated violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. Last month, South Korea suspended part of the 2018 Comprehensive Military Agreement that called for a series of military measures to reduce tensions along the border. The two officials also reaffirmed that their countries remain open to dialogue with North Korea. They expressed that the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains stronger than ever, and is a core pillar of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, pledging cooperation on Indo-Pacific strategies, new technologies and economic security, according to the presidential office. (Yonhap) 8 December 2023 23:50 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Selcuk Bayraktar, CTO of Baykar Makina, announced the launch of a domestic artificial intelligence project at the International Startup Summit held in Istanbul, Azernews reports. "Under the leadership of T3 Foundation, we have launched a major language processing project centered on Turkish, completely open source, covering all languages!" said Bayraktar. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 8 December 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00) Georgian Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze on Friday said the first four-kilometre section of the 35-km Kakheti Highway, a project stretching from the capital of Tbilisi to the central part of the eastern Kakheti region, had become operational, Azernews reports, citing Agenda. The Highway is divided into two sections - a 35-km Tbilisi-Sagarejo and 16.6-km Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori roads. The former is itself composed of three sections - the Vaziani bypass road, Vaziani-Sagarejo section and Sagarejo bypass road - with construction underway on all three. The four-km section opened earlier today is the Vaziani bypass road, constructed by a Georgian company. Karseladze said construction of the remaining two sections was proceeding according to plan. We have every reason to say the construction of the 35 km Highway will be completed next year. Major progress is also being made on the Sagarejo bypass section, where a part of the road has had its lower layer completed; the works are ongoing and will also be completed next year, he added. The Minister noted the construction of the Sagarejo-Badiauri road had started this year with the financial support from the World Bank. He noted the road was due to be opened in 2025. While being a part of a main highway connecting Tbilisi with Kakheti, the Tbilisi-Sagarejo road also functions as a transit corridor providing connection to the northwestern part of Azerbaijan. The existing road passes through densely populated villages and cities of Vaziani, Sartichala, Ninotsminda and Sagarejo. After its completion, the Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori road will pass six villages in Alazani lowlands. It will connect the international road spanning between Tbilisi, Bakurtsikhe, Lagodekhi and the Azerbaijani border with the existing local network. Karseladze also said he expected improved traffic safety and reduced travel times following the completion of the project, with potential reduction of travel time from Tbilisi to Sagarejo municipality to one hour and 20 minutes. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Understanding that there are two firm positions concerning the Open Border Crises, but many realties regarding its current, and, or projected real impacts to the functioning, sustainability of this Constitutional Republic: What position below best represents what you know to be true regarding this impactful policy? 0% The United States' must continue the Executive initiative of Open Borders until a Democratic Congress can codify full Demographic Inclusion by keeping the Biden /Harris Open Borders policy in place.34.62% Our United States' borders are sovereign just as are our self-governed citizens, where borders must be maintained, monitored and defended, which is the position of core Republicans.3.85% I am in favor of Open Borders to make my America more of a global community; however, the federal government must now fix problems that "Red State" governors have caused in our cities.61.54% I do NOT favor the Democratic Socialists' disruption of the cultural fabric of my Representative Republic, and there will be Treasonous Hell to Pay when the certain calamity begins in earnest. By Ron Bandun A drone comes out of rural Korea's clear blue sky and descends into a lush green valley. Its motor makes an angry loud whirring sound, like a lawnmower crossed with a jet engine, but no one's around to hear it. It circles the area and then approaches a building that appears derelict, with all the doors on the ground floor locked tight. But that hardly presents an obstacle for this mechanical visitor; it finds an open window and slips right inside. Somewhere in the vicinity, a man wearing a futuristic-looking visor looks on, the drone's controller. He didn't want his real name published, asking to be identified instead as "Drone Explorer," which is how he introduces himself on his YouTube channel, @droneexplorer. The narration in his videos is computer generated, leaving his identity a mystery. Only sometimes his hands appear in the video when he has to handle the drone. "Id prefer to hide my identity so that I can keep visiting crazy places," he told The Korea Times. "Its my hobby which I prefer to maintain that way. I believe it wont be fun anymore when I consider it as something more serious." After one year, Drone Explorer has already released 111 videos, giving viewers breathtaking scenes of notable abandoned sites across Korea, such as a former Japanese airfield, a mental hospital with a dark history and a water treatment plant that he said was closed when nearby residents complained of odors. "In general, abandoned places are forgotten and unknown, but they contain memories of someone," he said. "It reminds me that everything has an end; Ive been to many places that had a glorious past. Business was good, lots of people visited there, but now its empty and forgotten." He also sees a need for documenting these places, to remind humanity of its failures and urge it to do better. "There are places where people were tortured or exploited, even in the 21st century," he said. "In many cases, justice is not served, and people are not properly compensated. I think we should not forget such tragedies." One such site he was referring to was the mental hospital he visited on a remote island, which he said was, in reality, a slave labor camp, where patients many of whom he said hadn't required psychiatric care and had been sold into the system by family members were forced to work in salt evaporation ponds and nearby farms. The hospital was closed in the 1990s following several investigative reports. "But patients couldnt return to normal life, as it required consent from the families who sold them in the first place. The responsible people were never fully punished for all of their crimes. The former owner of the institution went to jail for 18 months, but was not charged with murder or anything serious." The Drone Explorer channel has attracted almost 1,200 followers, which is a modest number, or perhaps more accurately a discreet amount. He says he has "mixed feelings" about his videos receiving attention. "On the one hand, Id of course enjoy more people watching my channel," he said. "But on the other hand, when any abandoned place becomes popular, it is destined to be vandalized by someone." He calls this "the life cycle of an abandoned place." He explained, "When a building gets abandoned and forgotten, it sometimes gets noticed by an explorer. If it is interesting enough, it will gradually become famous. The more fame it gets, it is likely to be vandalized and draw the attention of the authorities; its lifecycle ends when it is deconstructed." He cited one time when a popular YouTuber recommended he visit an abandoned veterinary hospital. But by the time he got there, all the entrances had been shuttered, making entry impossible at least to the average person. "Luckily, the second floor was still open, so I still managed to explore the building with my drone," he said. Exploring by drone certainly has its advantages. Drone Explorer says his drone helps with scouting out a location to see if it really is deserted and safe to visit. "The drone is useful in terms of recon. I typically fly my drone from a distance first to check if it is really abandoned. I had many cases of so-called abandoned places, which were actually not abandoned at all. I can always pack up and move on to the next site when I see people are in the location," he said. He mentioned one time that actually happened, when he attempted to approach a citadel belonging to the controversial Providence church, which received international attention earlier this year when it was featured in the Netflix documentary "In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal." "The video became the most viewed one on my channel," he said. "Many followers left threatening comments. Nothing happened, of course." He emphasized that he always tries to be respectful of privacy. "All abandoned places are someones private property," he emphasized. He said when visiting a location, he sometimes encounters people nearby or inside. "In most cases, they dont mind when I say hello and politely explain Im here to look around with my drone," he said. "In rare cases, people are hostile. Once, an old man living in a container right beside an abandoned hotel told me to go away. At first, I thought, What the hell, does he think he owns this lot? But I chose not to fight and move on. A week later, another channel interviewed the guy. Turns out he really was the owner of the hotel, once very rich but now poor." As well as figuring out if a site is worth deploying the drone to, another advantage Drone Explorer enjoys is that he can reach locations that others can only dream of seeing. "One such case was an island 1 kilometer out from the shore," he said. "I wanted to check there because I saw an unusual object from the satellite view. It turned out to be a deserted hovercraft, pretty much intact as no vandal could reach it." But at the same time, drone exploration "brings a very different challenge to urbex (urban exploration)," he said. "First of all, you rely on visual image from the drone camera only you cant hear, smell or feel the environment. And the cameras view is not wide enough, so you need to remember what kind of obstacles are located where when you move backwards or sideways." He also added that he is limited by technical features such as battery power, giving a typical flight time of 10 minutes maximum, as well as signal connection difficulties. "The connection could abruptly cut off, depending on the structure or materials of construction," he said. "If I cant see what the drone is seeing, or cant control the drone, the drone is likely to crash." This has happened a number of times, and he's shared videos of some of his problems and failures, including his first crash and a sensor malfunction that led to a wall collision in a funeral home. In the former case, he had to run in on foot to recover the drone, and in the second case, he activated "turtle mode" to get the drone out of there. One time, he had to brave spider webs and unnerving art displays to rescue his drone when it crashed inside an abandoned summer camp. In another case, he encountered an unexplained signal interference in an abandoned house, and had to navigate the drone out carefully. Of course, when it comes to flying drones, Korea is not the most inviting country, with a couple dozen military air bases and countless no-fly zones all across the country which also impacts private aviation. That's why most of Drone Explorer's videos are far from the capital, focusing especially on Korea's interior in the Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces, where he can avoid restricted airspace and avoid things sensitive to national security. "On the one hand, I think restrictions are too tight in Korea. In sensitive areas, you get calls from the police and the military all the time even if you have preauthorization; you practically cant fly in such places," he said. "But on the other hand, Ive seen many people being careless. A drone spinning its propellers in the air can be a dangerous object in the wrong hands, so I think smaller drones should also require a demonstration of flying skills, rather than the current internet-based exam." He added that for all the enjoyment he gets out of flying his drone, it builds up a lot of work for later, when he has to actually edit the footage into uploadable videos. "Exploration is much more enjoyable, but video production has its own fun," he said. "When flying, I sometimes miss interesting details because Im concentrating on flying and maneuvering; such details are found when I review my videos for editing." Visit youtube.com/@droneexplorer to see all of Drone Explorer's videos. Ron Bandun is an urban explorer. He has been visiting forgotten, abandoned and forbidden spaces in Korea since 2005, documenting changes and conflicts in the urban environment. This post appears here courtesy of the Carolina Journal . The author of this post is CJ Staff State Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls' First Amendment lawsuit against a state judicial standards group will proceed in front of a federal judge appointed by former President George W. Bush, not one appointed by former President Barack Obama.Court records tied to Earls' suit indicated Tuesday that the case had been reassigned from US District Judge Loretta Biggs to US District Judge William Osteen. The reassignment notice offered no reason for the change.Osteen, 63, has served as a federal judge in the Middle District of North Carolina since Bush'a appointment in 2007. He served as chief judge from November 2012 to November 2017.Biggs, 69, has served in the Middle District since Obama's appointment 2014. She was originally assigned Earls' case.Earls filed suit on Aug. 29 against North Carolina's Judicial Standards Commission. She alleges the group wants toThe commission notified Earls on Aug. 15 that she is the subject of an investigation based on an interview published online in June.Earls said in a court filing.Earls is seeking an injunction, along with a declaration that the commission's investigation and possible punishment of her violates her constitutional right to free speech.according to the complaint filed Tuesday in US District Court.Earls' lawsuit argued.Appeals Court Judge Chris Dillon chairs the Judicial Standards Commission. Judge Jeffery Carpenter co-chairs the group. Dillon and Carpenter are Republicans. Earls is a Democrat.Earls' suit names the commission and 14 individual members as defendants.The lawsuit says the commission has initiated two investigations of Earls this year related to her public commentsEarls cited a notice letter the commission sent her on Aug. 15.according to the complaint.The publication Law360 published a June 20 interview titledShe was responding to a May 17 article in the North Carolina Bar Association's publication. That article focused on the race and sex of lawyers arguing cases as the state's highest court.Earls' lawyers wrote.according to the complaint.Earls' complaint continued.The First Amendmentthe complaint added.Earls argues that the investigation into her commentsShe accuses the commission ofThe justice labels the August notice part of aher free-speech rights. Her complaint cites an earlier investigation in March. It related to comments Earls made about rule changes and a proposed legislative change linked to the state's courts. Government officials from Florida, Colorado, Delaware, Missouri and California have all made efforts to topple supervision requirements for certified registered nurse anesthetists. Here is how these states are tackling the issue in 2023: 1. Florida lawmakers Rep. Mike Giallombardo and Sen. Blaise Ingoglia are proposing legislation that would eliminate the current requirement for certified registered nurse anesthetists to have a written supervisory agreement with a physician. 2. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis sent a letter to CMS requesting the removal of supervision requirements for certified registered nurse anesthetists in the state. 3. Delaware opted out of federal regulations requiring physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists. 4. U.S. Representatives Sam Graves from Missouri and Jared Huffman from California have reintroduced the Save America's Rural Hospitals Act, which would expand the scope of practice for certified registered nurse anesthetists, allowing them to work without physician supervision. Florida is struggling to grapple with its physician shortage, ABC affiliate WEAR News reported Dec. 7. Florida could be short nearly 18,000 physicians by 2035, according to data from the Florida Hospital Association and Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida cited in the report. State Representative and physician Joel Rudman, MD, told WEAR News that one factor that is largely contributing to the physician shortage in Florida is the state's noncompete clause. Dr. Rudman told WEAR News that he knows of 10 physicians in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who left their employers and then left the area due to the noncompete clause. Dr. Rudman is currently working on a bill to ban noncompetes. ASCs in some markets have to compete with the deep pockets of hospitals to recruit staff, but many can use work-life balance and flexible hours as incentives in hiring employees. Ira Richterman, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at Canton, Ohio-based OrthoUnited Spectrum, joined Becker's to discuss the biggest staffing lesson his team learned in 2023. Editor's note: These responses were edited lightly for brevity and clarity. Question: What was the biggest lesson ASCs learned in 2023? Dr. Ira Richterman: The biggest lesson ASCs learned in 2023 is to recognize they can maintain and hire staff at a lower pay rate than hospitals as long as the ASC provides the life-work balance the staff desires. Working during the day and no nights, weekends or holidays certainly represents a great value. Hospital systems have created an unsustainable pay scale escalation. These overinflated labor costs are having detrimental consequences to their financial survival. Secondary to the Medicare failure to recognize the fact that paying physicians at 1994 Medicare reimbursement rates is absolutely depleting the physician pool and ultimately is creating a massive physician shortage. Former spymaster says agency will play greater role in future By Kang Hyun-kyung A blame game is in full swing after Korea lost to Saudi Arabia in a bid to host the World Expo 2030 in a vote held in Paris, France on Nov. 28. Despite President Yoon Suk Yeols energetic pitch to host the expo in Busan, Korea secured only 29 votes in the first round of voting, far behind its rival which won 119 votes. Saudi Arabia was declared the winner without a run-off vote as it earned over two-thirds of the ballots in the first round of voting. The shocking results caused a stir and triggered intense soul-searching in Korea to find out what went wrong. A witch hunt also ensued to find out who was primarily responsible for the crushing defeat. An intelligence failure and the gathering of inaccurate information have been suggested as two possible reasons that led the presidential office to be erroneously optimistic about the odds of Korea winning the bid. Nam Jae-joon, a retired four-star general and the former director of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) (2013-2014), said inaccurate intelligence sounds like a more plausible reason. An intelligence failure is not the source of the problem, he said during an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday. If people are blaming the NIS for intelligence failure, they are wrong. The NIS would probably have had accurate information about how the voting results would turn out. According to Nam, the NIS agents would have gathered and analyzed intelligence properly and reported it to their boss and all the way to the president. Koreas unsuccessful expo bid came as the NIS reels from the consequences of a power struggle. As its title suggests, the spy agency is supposed to work secretly to live up to its mission of safeguarding the nation from various threats, including covert and overt operations by other governments targeting Korea. But recently, the NIS did the exact opposite. The intelligence agency attracted unwanted attention from the public as rumors about a power struggle between the NIS director and other key officials were leaked to media outlets since June. There has been contradicting media coverage of the agency. One media outlet reported that the first vice director would be replaced, describing him as a troublemaker, while another said the NIS director was unable to control the intelligence agency. The contrasting media reports indicated that the two sides leaked internal information to attack the other side. The infighting enraged Yoon. He sacked NIS Director Kim Kyu-hyun and replaced two deputy directors in late November as soon as he returned to Seoul from a state visit to the United Kingdom and last-minute pitch to rally support from other countries in the expo bid in Paris. Nam said it was very inappropriate for the intelligence agency to make headlines for infighting. Speaking from my own experience as a spymaster, the NIS is an elite organization and agents there are ready to sacrifice themselves for the nation. They are all dedicated warriors, he said. If any problems occur about the agency, thats probably because of a person who oversees the agency and not the NIS agents. He used a bus analogy to pinpoint who is ultimately responsible for the problem at the NIS. Lets suppose theres a bus. One day, the bus went in the wrong direction until it was stuck in the middle of nowhere. Who do you think is responsible for the incident?... The answer is the driver, not the bus, he said. He said the president needs to pick the right person to be the NIS director. Nam said a spymaster is very different from other Cabinet ministers in terns of roles. Diplomats, for example, are people who negotiate with their counterparts, and if necessary, they make concessions to reach an agreement. But this is not the case for the NIS, he said. The intelligence service is not supposed to make concessions, as far as national interests are concerned. NIS agents risk their lives to protect the country from threats. Unlike battlefield theaters, there is no bloodshed but their operations are as severe as wartime military operations. The former intelligence chief criticized politicians for using the NIS to safeguard their personal interests. Korea will pay the price unless political leaders stop using the spy agency for their own goals. They need to let the NIS work to fulfill its duty to protect the nation from threats, instead of using it as an institution to help them realize their personal interests, he said. Nam blamed politicians for pushing the intelligence agency to meddle in areas that are not in its jurisdiction. Their hands are tied, he said. But whenever or whatever happens, politicians bash the NIS. Politicians criticize the NIS when the intelligence agency investigates fellow politicians who violated the National Security Act. They claim they are the victims of political oppression. This is nonsense. They are criminals, he said. He said the intelligence agency will play a greater role in government in the future to thwart various threats created by technologies, and therefore politicians need to help the NIS focus on its duty. Nam served as the first NIS director of the Park Geun-hye government (2013-2017). He said he got a phone call in early 2013 from Park, who was President-elect at the time, telling him to be the NIS director. She did not even ask if he was willing to take her offer, so he said he had to accept without having time to think about it. His tenure, however, ended in May 2014, just over a year after he took the job. Nam declined to go into detail about why he was dismissed, saying in media interviews at the time that he was leaving because he was told to quit. Park's tenure was cut short after she was impeached by the Constitutional Court in March 2017. Two former NIS officials contacted by this reporter said Nam is one of the best spymasters they had worked for, echoing that he is a patriot and always put national interests first. Arkansas' Legislative Joint Auditing Committee signed off on an audit of De Queen-based Sevier County Medical Center's use of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the Arkansas Advocate reported Dec. 8. The hospital received $6.25 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds in December 2022, according to the report. The hospital opened the following month. Lori House, the hospital's CEO, told a legislative committee that the funds were needed in order to avoid "a lot more debt than we originally hoped for." Sevier County Medical Center had about $2 million on hand at the time, but most of the money was earmarked to pay the contractor that built the facility, according to the report. The $6.25 million was meant to pay for hospital equipment and furnishings. State Sen. Jimmy Hickey said he has heard concerns that the hospital has been delinquent in paying some of the suppliers of the hospital's construction materials. Ms. House told the news outlet that building the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic presented "tremendous financial challenges," especially "with zero accounts receivable to lean on." "We do indeed have creditors that are owed and we have a plan to repay them, while still providing our area with great healthcare," she told Arkansas Advocate. "As far as the ARPA funds are concerned, we received $6.25 million dollars and have submitted all documents accounting for every penny spent, and exactly by the rules of spending set forth by the state." Financial challenges have forced Community Memorial Hospital to cut several services, with CEO Roy Davis giving the hospital a "50-50" chance of surviving, CBS affiliate WANE reported Dec. 6. For example, in September 2022, the Hicksville, Ohio-based hospital closed its obstetrics department and ended labor and delivery services after "years of declining births and the struggle to recruit staff," according to Mr. Davis, who took over as CEO in October 2021. "It's just harder and harder," Mr. Davis told WANE. "Population has shrunk here, insurance companies are not paying correctly, especially the government ones Medicare and Medicaid. They're underpaying severely on claims." Past issues, including a debt remodeling project in 2003 and a substantial penalty from a commercial lab fraud case with the hospital's former administration, have left Community Memorial with around $15 million in debt, according to the report. The hospital has also scaled back inpatient care because it averages only three inpatients a day and has worked with state officials and vendors to try to alleviate some of its financial pressures. Community Memorial is not planning to fire or lay off any employees, but positions will not be able to be replaced if employees leave due to financial constraints, according to the report. "I'm from a town where the hospital closed, and I saw what that did," Mr. Davis told WANE. "If this hospital closes in this town, that's $30 million in income leaving." Becker's has reached out to the hospital for comment and will update this story as more information becomes available. St. Paul, Minn., is the latest city to approve a plan to relieve medical debt for its residents, NBC affiliate KARE reported Dec. 7. The city's 2024 budget, approved by the city council, includes more than $1 million in American Rescue Plan funds that could relieve more than $100 million in medical debt, according to the report. St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter's office estimated the plan could benefit 45,000 residents, according to the report. To qualify for relief, residents must live in a household with income up to 400 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or have medical debt that is at least 5 percent of their annual household income. Several city and county governments are using American Rescue Plan funds to relieve medical debt. Mr. Carter said he sought the advice of leaders from Cleveland, another city which approved a plan this summer that is expected to relieve $181 million in medical debt. As of Nov. 20, Cleveland's partnership with RIP Medical Debt has erased $33 million in medical debt for 16,000 city residents. The union representing nurses at three Ascension hospitals in Texas and Kansas is criticizing the decision to make an in-person children's Christmas concert virtual after its members held one-day strikes. Members of the National Nurses Organizing Committee, an affiliate of National Nurses United, have been in contract negotiations at Ascension via Christi St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kan., and Ascension via Christi St. Francis Hospital in Wichita since February 2023 and at Ascension Seton Medical Center in Austin, Texas, since November 2022. They went on strike on Dec. 6 and will return to work on Dec. 10. The same day as the strikes, NNU announced that nurses at the Wichita hospitals will host a gift drive for toys and school supplies on Dec. 8 in response to Ascension management's decision regarding a Christmas concert scheduled for that day at the Christi Child Development Center. The concert was scheduled to take place at the day care center, where employees of Ascension facilities and their families, including union members, have children enrolled. The concert was canceled as an in-person event because Ascension is using the space to train temporary nurses hired to work during and after the strike, according to NNU. "Given the National Nurses United strike activity taking place on campus, the decision was made to record and share a digital version of our Child Development Center Christmas concert with parents and families this year," an Ascension spokesperson said in a statement shared with Becker's. "We know Ascension has vast resources at its disposal so management could have found another space to train nurses they have hired to work during the lockout," said Shelly Rader, RN, in the emergency room at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis. "Ascension could also bring us back to work now. We're ready to go." Ascension has said it is contractually required to commit to a minimum of four days of work for any registered nursing staff replaced during the strike, and union members who were on strike on Dec. 6 were temporarily replaced and will be able to return to their scheduled shifts beginning the morning of Dec. 10. A medical resident and two nurses at Newark (N.J.) Beth Israel Medical Center were stabbed Dec. 8, according to police and the hospital. The incident occurred around 7 a.m., when the victims suffered lacerations following an altercation inside the pediatric intensive care unit, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Frage said in a statement shared with Becker's. Police said Firdousi A. Abdul-Hakim, 37, who is suspected of attacking the three hospital employees, was taken into custody. She faces charges of aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes. The employees were taken to the hospital's emergency department with minor injuries, according to a statement from the hospital shared with Becker's. The hospital's statement said a domestic dispute involving two visitors to the pediatric ICU "escalated into a violent incident, resulting in the stabbing of three staff members." Newark Beth Israel Medical Center security officers and the Newark Police Department responded immediately, and no patients or family members were injured, according to the hospital. A police investigation into the incident is ongoing. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is part of West Orange, N.J.-based RWJBarnabas Health. From a medical equipment company owner receiving a 15-year sentence for a $24 million scheme to the conviction of a New York physician in a scheme that subjected Medicaid patients to unnecessary radiological tests, here are 10 healthcare billing fraud cases Becker's has reported since Nov. 27: 1. The owner of a pair of medical equipment companies was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of leading a scheme that billed Medicare for more than $24 million in medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and repairs. 2. A Washington physician was charged in a $14 million medical supply scheme that targeted Medicare and Tricare members in five states. 3. A former executive of Little River Healthcare a critical access hospital in Rockdale, Texas, and three physicians agreed to pay $880,199 between them to resolve False Claims Act allegations, including alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute. 4. A Tulsa, Okla., man was sentenced to 54 months in prison for a scheme that involved submitting more than $30 million in claims to major payers for COVID-19 testing services that were never performed. 5. The co-owner and CEO of a Louisiana diagnostic laboratory was indicted for his alleged role in a scheme to defraud Medicare and Medicaid of more than $148 million in unnecessary testing. 6. A Connecticut behavioral health clinician was charged with submitting false claims to the state's Medicaid program. 7. A physician and his wife pleaded guilty to their roles in a genetic testing kickback and bribery scheme. 8. A Virginia-based nurse practitioner pleaded guilty to her role in a $7.8 million telemedicine scheme involving medically unnecessary durable medical equipment. 9. A Nebraska pharmacist pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud, and a federal court ordered her to pay more than $573,000 in restitution. 10. A New York physician was convicted of multiple charges in a kickback scheme that subjected Medicaid patients to unnecessary radiological tests. The Knoxville Police Department officially opened a homicide investigation on Dec. 7 into the death of a nurse who was attacked by a patient at East Tennessee Behavioral Health Center on Sept. 23. According to police, Jan Allison, 61, had attempted to stop a fight that broke out between two patients when one pushed her. She reportedly fell to the ground, suffering a broken hip. Ms. Allison was taken to Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, where she lost and never regained consciousness. She died nearly a month after the incident on Oct. 25 as a result of her injuries. The police report names the local medical examiner as the complainant. "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Jan Allison," a spokesperson for the hospital told Becker's. "Jan was a wonderful friend, colleague and member of our East Tennessee Behavioral Health team who worked tirelessly to assist our patients. She will be greatly missed. Because East Tennessee Behavioral Health places the utmost importance on the safety and privacy of our patients and employees; we cannot comment further." The homicide investigation will continue, and no suspects have been publicly named at this time. Washington University in St. Louis has filed a lawsuit against Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, accusing him of violating HIPAA during an investigation into its youth transgender care center, The Kansas City Star reported Dec. 7. Mr. Bailey launched an inquiry into the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital in February, after a former case manager raised concerns in a 56-page sworn affidavit. Jamie Reed, who says she worked at the transgender center from 2018 to November 2022, alleged that physicians prescribed cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers that worsened mental health outcomes in pediatric patients and continued to do so after parents had withdrawn consent. Mr. Bailey used the state's consumer protection law to demand access to health records for more than 1,000 patients at the center, as well as testimony from a physician and nurse, according to the newspaper. The university's lawsuit filed Dec. 6 in the St. Louis Circuit Court argues the attorney general's investigation was directed at medical decision-making, not sales or advertising. "The patient records contain deeply personal information regarding medical history, care and treatment, treatment decisions, mental health assessments, and otherwise," the lawsuit says, arguing that this information should be protected under HIPAA. The university asked HHS' Office of Civil Rights whether Mr. Bailey's office was considered a "health oversight agency," which would allow it to receive protected information such as patient records; it received no reply, according to the lawsuit. In a Dec. 6 statement responding to the lawsuit, Mr. Bailey said the documents he requested are "critical to exposing that children were subject to irreversible, life-altering procedures without full and informed parental consent." Now, it will be up to a judge to determine whether Mr. Bailey's request was legal or requires modification. The "appropriateness" of Ms. Reed's disclosure of certain patient information in the affidavit is also under investigation by the university and the Office of Civil Rights, per the lawsuit. A panel of outside experts who reviewed Harvard Medical School's morgue operations following allegations that a former employee at the morgue stole and sold human remains from bodies donated for medical research has recommended procedural improvements, multiple media outlets reported Dec. 7. The panel's long-awaited report specifically recommends greater oversight and better documentation of cadaver donations, as well as better security and better training and monitoring of workers, according to CBS affiliate WBZ-TV and NPR member station WBUR News. In June, news of the morgue scandal broke when four individuals including the morgue manager, Cedric Lodge were charged in the nationwide trafficking of human remains stolen from Boston-based Harvard Medical School. According to the indictment, from 2018 through 2022, Mr. Lodge allegedly stole organs and cadaver parts that were donated for medical research and collaborated with his wife, Denise Lodge, to sell the human remains to buyers from their New Hampshire residence. Two individuals, Katrina Maclean and Joshua Taylor, are accused in the indictment of buying body parts from the Lodges. In response to the scandal, the university appointed a panel of three outside experts to evaluate Harvard's anatomical gift program and related policies and practices. Harvard recently announced that the panel has concluded its work, culminating in a report released Dec. 7. The report stated that the university does not have a policy related to the program or to the care and use of human specimens donated or acquired for education and research. Therefore, it "should develop and implement a comprehensive policy specific to the AGP that addresses all human specimens acquired or used for education and research. Processes to maintain an up-to-date Standard Operating Procedure Manual are also needed." The report also recommended the appointment of a medical director to advise on matters of donor eligibility and suitability, as well as more review and assessment of program information security processes "to ensure proper safeguards for personally identifiable information stored in hard copy." Additionally, the report recommends that there be rigorous background checks and screening in the hiring process for program staff; more formal training processes for security supervisors who have responsibility for receipt of donors after hours; and security measures such as more cameras and that any keys be assigned to specific individuals and kept in secure locations. "Given privacy considerations and the preciousness of the donor resources, the panel recommends that staff receive routine training in ethical values and conduct and acknowledge their understanding of these responsibilities both at hire and annually thereafter," the report authors wrote. In a letter posted Dec. 7 to Harvard's website, Provost Alan Garber, MD, PhD, and George Daley, MD, PhD, dean of the faculty of medicine, said Mr. Lodge's alleged criminal acts "are morally reprehensible and inconsistent with the standards that Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, our anatomical donors, and their loved ones expect and deserve. We reaffirm our deep sorrow for the continued uncertainty and distress that families face as the criminal proceedings continue." The letter also stated that Harvard has appointed a task force chaired by Harvard Medical School Dean for Medical Education Bernard Chang, MD, "to review the panel's recommendations and to develop an implementation plan in an expedient and thoughtful manner." Families of those affected by the alleged crimes have joined a class-action lawsuit. According to WBUR, Harvard in November filed a motion to dismiss various lawsuits brought by families and has been temporarily directing body donors to Tufts University's medical school in Boston. Hours after a Texas judge granted a woman's request to have an abortion, the state's attorney general sent a letter to hospitals in Houston, saying they may face civil and legal consequences if they permit the procedure to occur. On Dec. 7, Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble sided with a 31-year-old woman, ruling she should be able to receive an abortion after learning her pregnancy puts her health and fertility at risk. The woman, Kate Cox, learned her fetus had trisomy 18, a rare chromosomal condition likely to cause stillbirth or death shortly after the baby is born. Texas' strict abortion bans prohibited her from getting an abortion, and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed a lawsuit on behalf of Ms. Cox, her husband and physician, asking a judge to grant a temporary restraining order to block the state's abortion bans and allow her to terminate the pregnancy. The judge's order is meant to allow Ms. Cox' OB-GYN to provide an abortion without the threat of prosecution. Hours after the ruling, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sent a letter to three hospitals in Houston, stating the judge's order "will not insulate you, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas' abortion bans, including first degree felony prosecutions." The letter was sent to The Methodist Hospital, The Women's Hospital of Texas and Texas Children's Hospital, where Ms. Cox' physician, Damla Karsan, MD, holds privileges. "Your hospital may be liable for negligent credentialing the physician and failing to exercise appropriate professional judgement, among other potential regulatory and civil violations, if you permit Dr. Karsan to perform an unlawful abortion," the AG's letter reads. In response, Marc Hearron, senior counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told NBC News that "fearmongering has been Ken Paxton's main tactic in enforcing these abortion bans," and that he is "misrepresenting the court's order." The case is the first of its kind, as few women have sought emergency court orders to receive an abortion, according to NBC. South Korea's military will stage its annual computer-simulated Taegeuk exercise next week, officials said Friday, as Seoul seeks to strengthen its readiness against North Korean military threats. The two-day command post exercise will begin Monday and focus on enhancing capabilities in crisis management and transitioning into wartime, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). It said the exercise will proceed under scenarios that reflect North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and others exemplified in recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas war. The JCS also vowed to establish a readiness posture to immediately "punish" any possible North Korean provocations through the drills, citing the North's recent move to effectively scrap a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce tensions along the border. Last month, the North vowed to restore all military measures halted under the deal after Seoul partially suspended the agreement to resume aerial surveillance along the border in response to Pyongyang's launch of a military spy satellite on Nov. 21. (Yonhap) In 2017, Las Vegas hospitals treated victims from a mass shooting that killed 60 people and injured more than 400. In the aftermath, emergency response crews needed more of one crucial item: a Sharpie. In the chaos, hospital workers were writing patients' vital signs and other data on their foreheads with Sharpies to help other response team members keep track, according to U.S. News and Las Vegas Review-Journal. Mike Schiller, senior director of supply chain at the Association for Healthcare Resource and Materials Management, said this example underscores the importance of planning for and reviewing responses to mass casualty events. "That really speaks to the importance of these exercises so that you can find what that Sharpie is," Mr. Schiller said. Amid the rising prevalence of mass shootings and extreme weather events because of climate change, hospitals need to stay nimble with preparing for sudden admission surges, experts at the American Hospital Association told Becker's. Hospitals and health systems have long had plans in place for mass casualty events, according to Roslyne Schulman, director of policy at the AHA. In 2016, CMS finalized its conditions for hospitals to be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, including rules for emergency preparedness called the Hospital Incident Command System. About 90% of U.S. hospitals comply with HICS, but, "we are all aware that with climate change and the changing violence in our society, these things are happening more frequently," Ms. Schulman said. The rules are extensive, and they require hospitals to assess the risk of all hazards in their communities, whether they be earthquakes, tornadoes or more local concerns; have plans to continue care for existing and new patients during crises; prepare stocking enough supplies and have the necessary power to keep the facility running; and map out communication plans with local officials. Hospitals also have to practice these emergency procedures twice a year, whether through drills or real emergencies. Across the U.S., hospitals are adjusting and improving their emergency plans. After a shooting on Michigan State University's campus in February, Sparrow Hospital in East Lansing, Mich., expanded its mass casualty protocol. In Missouri, a three-hospital system is adding two 24-foot-long box trailers equipped for mass casualties after communication problems during a 2011 tornado. Mass shootings and extreme weather events aren't the only type of mass casualty event hospitals brace for. In Columbus, Ohio, hospitals sprung to action after a traffic incident involving five vehicles. Compared to these events, COVID-19 was a "game changer," Ms. Schulman said, because HICS is engineered for short-term emergencies, not pandemics that last years. Mr. Schiller agreed, adding that "COVID was the best drill." "I think hospitals have always been well prepared," Mr. Schiller said. "It opened our eyes to some things that we do need to do from just a basic supply chain standpoint. Hospitals are now maintaining inventory reserves of PPE items, hospitals are engaging in a risk stratification" and conducting analyses on critical items. Healthcare leaders are resilient by trade, the AHA experts said, but there are gaps that can be improved. More recently, the 2022 "tripledemic" when hospitals reported mass influxes of admissions because of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus spotlighted another "Sharpie" moment as hospitals struggled to stock enough cribs. "Every disaster is different and you find there are things that you need that you hadn't thought of before, but luckily [hospitals] can be pretty creative and find solutions," Ms. Schulman said. Engaging with the local community can buttress emergency planning. For example, if a hospital is short on linens during a mass casualty crisis, already having a strong relationship with a local restaurant can help, Mr. Schiller said. John Riggi, AHA's national adviser for cybersecurity and risk, said ransomware attacks on hospitals have tripled in the past three years and as this cybersecurity risk grows, so do patient care disruptions. Because of this, the AHA recommends hospitals plan for cyberattacks similarly to their procedures for extreme weather events. "The bad guys are continuously evolving their tactics," Mr. Riggi said. "So, unlike a hurricane or tornado, bad guys change as we change. We implement a measure, they implement a countermeasure. So it's an evolving fight that we have to be fully engaged with our emergency management partners on." The spine field has exciting innovations and opportunities for surgeons to improve patient care. But there are also roadblocks holding surgeons back from truly delivering the best care possible for patients. Independent spine surgeons are seeing financial challenges from workforce shortages, high labor and supply costs, and pressure to invest in new technologies. The most significant challenge in 2023 has been the burden of increased prior authorizations and insurers requiring more approvals before surgeons can render care. At the 20th Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference in June, a panel of spine surgeons shared their experiences with prior authorizations and changing payer policies. "[Prior authorizations] seem to be an ever-moving target," said Carlos Bagley, MD, chair of the department of neurosurgery, co-chair of the neurosciences division and co-medical director of the Saint Luke's Bloch Neurosciences Institute in Kansas City, Mo. "It creates additional challenges for efficiency and just good quality patient care." Ernest Braxton, MD, a surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery in Vail, Colo., agreed. "The biggest holdup in getting patients to the OR used to be getting pre-op clearance, a medical reason, but now the biggest reason is insurance preauthorizations," he said. "The usual threats always loom over the horizon. I think they're very real existential threats of decreased reimbursement, erosion of our contracts, which just makes it harder for us to maintain private practice." Frank Phillips, MD, a spine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and director of the division of spine surgery at Rush University Medical Center, has also seen payer challenges ramp up in the last year. "The payers have the deck stacked in their favor," he said. "We all know we fight those battles on a one-on-one basis for illogical denials Years ago they would say we didn't have evidence for what we do. We've done a really good job over the last 20 years of providing a lot of good evidence and good data, but it doesn't seem to have much effect." These challenges are evergreen, and Dr. Braxton's team surveyed the landscape and found a new opportunity to drive patient care. Surgeons can despair, he said, but that isn't very fun. "Instead of wallowing in self-pity and despair, we're seeing newer opportunities," he said. "I happen to live in a place where there's a lot of medical tourism and we're focusing more on getting people who are out of state and even international to get care out in Colorado." He has developed strong patient relationships that "transcend geographical boundaries'' as patients choose to travel and see him for degenerative conditions. He sees relationships with insurance companies and investment in improved technology as well as the site of service changing more to the outpatient setting. The transition to more outpatient spine surgery could mean more alignment, or more contention, between hospitals and surgeon groups. "The venue of care and how we pay for [new technology in spine] is critical as we move more to outpatient facilities," said Dr. Phillips. "I think that now the relationship between hospitals and ASCs is becoming more and more challenging as hospitals see their cash cows moving away. I think those are the things we're going to deal with over the next five years." The McKillen family is snapping up 18 First Stop and Fast Fit car-servicing outlets from Bridgestone. It sees the family come virtually full circle after more than 30 years. The late Belfast-born Paddy McKillen father of the hotelier and developer of the same name founded what was then Irelands first chain of tyre and exhaust service outlets, DC Exhausts. It was sold in the 1990s for a reputed 25m. But now the family are regaining control of some of what were those DC Exhausts depots following the deal with Bridgestone. Read more From poverty to millionaire, Belfast man never forgot his roots The McKillens Atlas Autoservice, which has nine outlets, is buying the First Stop and Fast Fit operations in a deal that will make the enlarged group the largest chain of tyre and car-servicing outlets in Dublin. It will also add regional depots to the Atlas Autoservice group. The 18 First Stop and Fast Fit depots located in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Drogheda, Waterford and Wexford will continue to operate under their existing brand names for the time being. Atlas Autoservice currently employs more than 100 people across its nine locations. It is controlled by John McKillen, who is the son of businessman and hotelier Paddy McKillen. No financial details of the deal have been disclosed. This expansion will more than double the size of our family business and enable our growing team to provide the highest quality of service to new and existing customers in Dublin and other cities and towns across Ireland, said Atlas Autoservice managing director Chloe McKillen. The chain of depots we are acquiring includes several original DC Exhaust sites, she added. This was a business founded by my grandfather in the 70s, so there is a deep sense of pride in bringing this business back under family ownership and into the Atlas Group. The last set of publicly available accounts for the company behind the Fast Fit and First Stop outlets show they generated combined revenue of 8.9m in 2020, which was down from 11.8m in 2019 before the pandemic struck. It made a loss of 1.4m in 2020 compared with a 2.7m loss in 2019. There is no publicly available set of consolidated accounts for the Atlas Autoservice group. However, the company regarded as the parent firm for its outlets shows that it had fixed assets worth 2.7m at the end of 2022 and retained earnings of 362,000. From big-screen releases to The Boss hitting Belfast, heres everything to get excited about in 2024 A man who claimed he was sexually molested as a child by a Church of Ireland minister is to receive 100,000 in damages. The settlement was reached in Eddie Gormans action over the alleged historic abuse he suffered at the hands of clergyman and scout leader Bill Neely. Mr Gorman, 61, claimed he was groomed and repeatedly assaulted by Neely over a three-year period during the 1970s. The attacks were carried out at the clerics Mount Merrion parish in east Belfast and a campsite in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, it was contended. Neely was transferred to Co Tipperary in 1976 and removed from his scouting role the following year. He died in 2009. Mr Gorman sued the Church of Irelands Diocese of Down and Dromore, and the Scouts Association. He alleged negligence in allowing Neely to carry out the abuse and failing to ensure his safety. His solicitor, Gary Duffy of KRW Law, confirmed that the case was settled today at the High Court in Belfast, with 100,000 in damages to be paid out. No admission of liability was made by the defendants. Mr Duffy described it as one of the first resolutions of its kind in cases involving the Church of Ireland. Significantly it points to the widespread incidence of historic clerical abuse across all denominations over the decades, he said. I commend Eddie on his tenacity and bravery in stepping forward to call out the horrific abuse perpetrated upon him when he was a child. Mr Gorman expressed his hope that the outcome will strengthen calls for a full inquiry into clerical abuse in Northern Ireland. I am but one of a number of victims of Neely. There may be many others out there who for obvious sensitive reasons will find it very difficult to come forward, he said. Hopefully my case will give confidence to others to do just that. Mr Gorman added: It helps give me some closure but no amount of money will ever compensate for the loss and distress Neely put me through. A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Odhran Kelly. Gary Damien Scullion (31), from Edward Street in Lurgan, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday. The body of Mr Kelly (23) who worked as a nursing assistant, was found beside a burning car in the Maple Court area on Sunday. The remains were formally identified on Wednesday. Members of Mr Kellys family were present in court during the hearing, many of whom were visibly emotional when the charges against Scullion were read. When asked if he understood the charge against him, Scullion replied yeah. No application for bail was made and Scullion was remanded into custody. He will reappear before court on January 5. Two Lurgan women, Andrea Stevenson (43) from Edward Street and Stephanie McClelland (36) from Shan Slieve, appeared in court on Thursday after they were both charged with assisting an offender who committed murder by helping with the disposal of the body. Both were remanded in custody and will appear via video link at Craigavon Crown Court on December 15. Another 31-year-old male remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. A vigil in Lurgan, Co Armagh, was held on Wednesday (Claudia Savage/PA) In the days since Mr Kellys murder, the community has seen an outpouring of tributes to the health worker including a vigil which was held in Lurgan on Wednesday. In a floral tribute to him, Mr Kellys mother Jacqui Murray and her son Paul left a note that read: My beautiful boy, taken too soon. My heart is broken into a million pieces. Love you always, Mum and big brother Paul. Read more Funeral details released for Lurgan murder victim Odhran Kelly (23) Grieving family: We will remember all the good times with Brian, he will never be forgotten by us The family of a frail and vulnerable retired police officer killed in his own home have said they will always treasure their memories of him. Brian Coulter was fatally attacked by Adrian Nowak, who then continued to drink in the victim's property. On Friday the 29-year-old was sentenced to nine years at Belfast Crown Court by Mr Justice O'Hara, who divided the term equally between prison and licence. After killing Mr Coulter (62) at his home in Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, some time between October 13 and 14 2021, Nowak tried to clean Mr Coulters flat. Evidence suggested the deceased was then placed in the shower and washed by Nowak before his body was moved to a bedroom. Mr Coulter's remains were discovered on October 18 by his sister who had to flee the flat after she was "roared at aggressively by Nowak." Sentencing Nowak, Mr Justice O'Hara said: "The striking detail in this case is the defendant's utter inhumanity and a complete absence of civilised conduct on his part." Afterwards, Mr Coulters family said: Brian was a much loved brother and father. We treasure our memories of him and miss him every day. Todays sentencing brings us to the end of a long road. We wanted justice for Brian and this has been a very painful time for us. He died tragically and the lack of remorse shown by his attacker at every stage is disgraceful. No sentence would ever be long enough for taking another persons life. We will remember all the good times with Brian, he will never be forgotten by us. Detective Inspector Jennifer Rea said her thoughts were with the Coulter family. What exactly happened that resulted in Brians death is known only to Nowak, she said. "His death was as a result of an unlawful act committed by Nowak. But what we do know is that such acts have irreversible consequences, for all. As Mr Coulter's relatives watched from the public gallery, the judge spoke of the "horrendous discovery" of his remains by his sister. Mr Coulter had spent a large part of his life "serving the community as a police officer" but in later life had alcohol and health issues including seizures which left him without power in his right hand. His sister - who undertook a caring role for her only brother - saw him on October 12 and he was last seen alive in the company of Nowak the following day. At around noon on October 18 his sister called at Mr Coulter's flat at Sandy Braes, and once inside she saw a man she didn't know asleep. She went to the front bedroom, observed her brother lying on the floor and immediately realised he was dead. At this point Nowak woke up, adopted a threatening stance and roared at her. This caused her to flee the property and once outside, she called the PSNI. Nowak - who had only been released from HMP Maghaberry on an unrelated mater just days before he killed Mr Coulter - was arrested on the afternoon of October 18 in the car park of Home Bargains in Magherafelt. He assaulted and obstructed police, and after being taken to Musgrave Custody Suite, he was interviewed 14 times and refused to answer questions. During the 15th and final interview, Nowak gave a pre-prepared statement in which he claimed that after meeting Mr Coulter he went back to his flat where they drank together. Nowak also claimed that after an argument, Mr Coulter hit him - and he struck him back one or possibly twice in self-defence. Mr Justice O'Hara spoke of the differences between Nowak and Mr Coulter and said that whilst Nowak was a young man with no health issues, his victim was a "frail, vulnerable drunk 62-year-old man." He added that after attacking "an essential stranger" in his own home, Nowak failed to get medical assistance then remained in the dead man's home drinking for several days. Regarding Mr Coulter's grieving sister and, Mr Justice O'Hara said he had read a statement in which she set out her "distress and heartbreak" over the death of her brother and said the "trauma and pain" will never leave her. Nowak, with an address at Colvil Street in Belfast, arrived in Northern Ireland from his native Poland in 2019. Revealing he has a criminal record both here and in Poland, Mr Justice O'Hara said he was granting an order for deportation. He said: "The defendant's life in Northern Ireland has been a disaster for him personally, over and above his killing Mr Coulter. "He has contributed nothing to life in this jurisdiction. There is no reason not to recommend his deportation and I do so recommend." As well as being sentenced for manslaughter, Nowak was handed six month concurrent jail terms for a common assault on Mr Coulter's sister, obstructing police and assaulting police. Some of Odhran's friends and family carrying a 'Justice for Odhran' banner during the vigil for the health care assistant who was murdered earlier this week (Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress) Hundreds of people gathered in Lurgan on Wednesday evening for pay tribute to the 23-year old man (Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress) Odhran's mother Jacqui Murray and brother Paul pictured at the Vigil on Wednesday (Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress) Andrea Stevenson ducks to hide from the camera in the back seat of a police car Stephanie McClelland, one of two women facing charges connected to the murder of Odhran Kelly, arrives at court Two women charged with assisting an offender in connection with the murder of Odhran Kelly in Lurgan have appeared in court. The body of the 23-year-old, who worked as a nursing assistant, was found beside a burning car in the Maple Court area on Sunday. The remains were formally identified on Wednesday. Lurgan women Andrea Stevenson (43) from Edward Street and Stephanie McClelland (36) from Shan Slieve, appeared in court yesterday afternoon after they were both charged with assisting an offender who committed murder by helping with the disposal of the body. Both were remanded in custody and will appear via video link at Craigavon Crown Court on December 15. Andrea Stevenson ducks to hide from the camera in the back seat of a police car During the proceedings, the court= heard criticism from District Judge Rosie Watters levelled at the amount of people viewing the court hearing via video link. "People are entitled... but I dont want any disturbances. I do not want people to behave in a way that they wouldnt in court, she said. A 31-year-old man has since been charged with the murder of Odhran Kelly. He appeared in court on Friday. A second 31-year-old man arrested as part of the investigation remains in police custody at this time. Earlier this week, police said they do not believe there was an organised crime link to the killing of Mr Kelly. Police added that they are keeping an open mind regarding the motive and are following a number of lines of enquiry. A vigil for the murdered man took place in Lurgan on Wednesday and was attended by hundreds of his friends and family, with some carrying Justice for Odhran banners. Dozens of blue balloons were released during the emotional gathering. In a floral tribute to him, Mr Kellys mother Jacqui Murray and her son Paul left a note that read: My beautiful boy, taken too soon. My heart is broken into a million pieces. Love you always, Mum and big brother Paul. Odhran's mother Jacqui Murray and brother Paul pictured at the Vigil on Wednesday (Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress) DUP MP Carla Lockhart reiterated the appeal from police for anyone with information about the murder to come forward. People in Lurgan are still shocked at this murder, and the thoughts of everyone are with the Kelly family as they struggle to comprehend this terrible tragedy, she said. Police have been working tirelessly on the case and it is important that anyone with information can help bring those responsible to justice. There has been an appeal for footage that circulated on social media and it would be important that this might be made available for scrutiny. It is important justice is secured for the taking of an innocent young mans life. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Mr Kellys friend Leah Toal said he was a kind soul, a great friend, an amazing son and brother [and] the life and soul of the party. She added that his ability to find the good in anyone was unmatched and life just isnt fair, it shouldnt be this way Odhran should still be with us. The Police Ombudsman has unlawfully failed to investigate alleged RUC wrongdoing in the killing of three IRA men within a reasonable time, a High Court judge declared today. Mr Justice Humphreys confirmed the outcome in a challenge mounted by the widow of one of the men shot dead by the SAS 35 years ago. Brothers Gerard and Martin Harte were gunned down at Drumnakilly, Co Tyrone in August 1988. They were ambushed 10 days after the IRA bombed a bus carrying troops at Ballygawley, an attack which claimed the lives of eight soldiers. Relatives of the three republicans believed they were victims of a suspected shoot-to-kill policy operated by the security forces. State agents allegedly lured them into a premeditated trap, according to their case. It has also been claimed that RUC officers were involved in cordoning off the area prior to the shooting and did not carry out an effective probe in the immediate aftermath. Gerard Hartes widow, Roisin, lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsmans Office following a television documentary about the case broadcast in 2015. In 2018 the watchdog confirmed that an investigation into her grievance would be carried out. But amid budgeting issues the inquiry was never completed. Mrs Harte issued judicial review proceedings against the Ombudsman over that delay, and against the Department of Justice for an alleged failure to provide the necessary funding. With the Governments controversial Legacy Act set to shut down work on Troubles-era probes, her case is not expected to be dealt with by the cut-off date of May 2024. In court today it was announced that the Ombudsman had conceded Mrs Hartes legal challenge. Mr Justice Humphreys stated: The court will make a declaration that the first respondent (the Police Ombudsman) has acted unlawfully by failing to investigate the applicants complaint within a reasonable time. He also ordered the body to pay Mrs Hartes legal costs. Proceedings against the Department of Justice were formally dismissed. Outside court, Mrs Hartes solicitor stressed she had expected her complaint would be fully examined and the subject of a published report. Gavin Booth of Phoenix Law claimed: The circumstances of this case are that three men were shot dead by the SAS with the knowledge and assistance of the RUC. It is clear now that the Ombudsman has acted unlawfully, but unfortunately there will be no report due to the Legacy Act. Citing the separate High Court challenge to that legislation, he added: Mrs Harte, like many other families, are in a state of uncertainty and hope that judgment will allow them to obtain investigations into their cases. By Jun Ji-hye The Australian subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace has signed a $2.4 billion contract with the Australian government to export 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), the company and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced Friday. The contract includes the development and delivery of components for training and support systems. All 129 vehicles will be manufactured in Australia, with delivery set to begin in 2027. The fleet will be delivered in full by 2028. The contract came after Hanwha Defense Australia was selected as the preferred bidder in July for the Land 400 Phase 3 program that is designed to replace the fleet of M113AS4 armored personnel carriers of the Australian Armys ground forces. At the time, Hanwhas Redback IFV beat German defense firm Rheinmetalls Lynx KF-41 armored vehicle to be picked as the preferred bidder. The achievement, which shows the potential of Koreas defense systems, is the result of active support from various agencies, including the presidential National Security Office, defense ministry, foreign ministry, DAPA and ROK Army, a DAPA official said. The latest deal marks Hanwhas second export of ground-based military equipment to Australia after a 2021 deal to supply K9 self-propelled howitzers. Son Jae-il, president and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, said the latest order represents a further strengthening of the companys presence in Australia at a time when ties between Korea and Australia are growing rapidly. Equipped with advanced situational awareness systems normally found on jet fighters, the Redback rides on rubber tracks that reduce noise and vibration while offering superior ride quality for its crew and the soldiers it protects, according to the company. The court heard that Skye was on a Ryanair flight from Gran Canaria to Dublin on 2nd January, 2018 There was inadequate first aid provisions on a Ryanair flight when a 17-month-old child was scalded and had to sit in pain for more than three hours, a judge has told a personal injury hearing. Cocaine haul worth 1.6m seized by NCA after being imported to Northern Ireland. Four men who smuggled drugs from the Netherlands to Northern Ireland have been sentenced to a total of more than 53 years in jail. An organised crime group headed up by Anthony Terry (49) from Wolverhampton orchestrated the importation of 1.6 million of cocaine to England, and then to Belfast by ferry in February 2021. The convicted criminal was already serving an 18 year sentence in relation to the cocaine seized in Belfast in February 2021. The PSNI assisted National Crime Agency (NCA) officers who seized the drugs which had been hidden in fuel tanks and initially transported in a van. Terry was under surveillance and was arrested alongside Michael Collis (63), also from Wolverhampton, who acted as his driver picking up the drugs in the Netherlands. Anthony Terry from Crawford Road, Wolverhampton. Two other drivers, Joshpal Singh Kothiria (34) from Wolverhampton and Mohammed Omar Khan (39) from Birmingham, were used to supply the drugs to customers in the UK or export them to the Republic of Ireland. The crime gang used encrypted messaging service Encrochat to communicate. Investigators were able to identify other occasions in 2020 where Terry had smuggled drugs and cash for other organised crime groups. He had instructed Collis to travel to the Netherlands on April 6, 2020 to collect 17.5kg of cocaine. From there, the drugs were divided up and, while Khan made deliveries to Luton and Slough, Collis travelled to the Republic of Ireland to hand over the remaining amount in Co Wicklow. At the same time, Terry sent Kothiria to East London to collect 10 kilos of cannabis and a vacuum packing machine which were brought back to the West Midlands where the drugs were packed before being taken to Co Leitrim in the Republic. A few weeks later, Collis picked up 18kg of cocaine in the Netherlands and subsequently delivered 10kg to dealers in the UK before taking the rest to Ireland. The last drug run captured on Encrochat occurred between May 26 and June 3, 2020. During those exchanges Terry discussed a cannabis delivery and Kothiria was sent to pick up the load from Leicestershire and take it to the Republic. The drugs were transported to Northern Ireland by ferry before being driven across the country to be dropped off in Ireland. Mohammed Omar Khan from Farnhurst Road, Birmingham. NCA officers worked closely with the PSNI and An Garda Siochana to track Kothirias movements. Later in June 2020, the NCAs Operation Venetic resulted in the takedown of the Encrochat platform. However, Terry and Collis continued their criminal activities. Investigators established that Collis had travelled to the Hook of Holland again in July and September 2020 before returning to England and travelling onward to Belfast. He then distributed the drugs in Limerick. Both men pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offences in April. Kothiria and Khan were convicted in May following a trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court. They were sentenced at the same court on Friday. NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope said: These criminals were determined to smuggle drugs into the UK and onwards to the Republic of Ireland. "They did not care about the geography of their crimes when in pursuit of pure profit. They used the road and ferry networks to take their drugs across the Irish Sea, hoping to avoid detection by taking advantage of the common travel area and border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. This case demonstrates perfectly how the NCA works with partners to tackle cross-border threats between the UK and Ireland, and we will continue do all we can to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups impacting on local communities. Terry from Crawford Road in Wolverhampton was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to importation of cocaine, conspiracy to supply a class A drug and three counts of conspiracy to commit a crime abroad. The sentence will run concurrently against his 18 year sentence currently being served. Collis from Crawford Road in Wolverhampton was handed a 12 and a half year term after admitting to the importation of cocaine and conspiracy to commit a crime abroad. Khan from Farnhurst Road in Birmingham was convicted of conspiracy to supply a controlled drug of class A and sentenced to to 13 years behind bars. Meanwhile Kothiria from Perton in Wolverhampton was told he will spend three years in jail after being convicted of conspiracy to commit a crime abroad. Gangland hit on killer arsonist unwittingly foiled by social workers Gary Magee known as The Hyena because he has ended up close to so many dead bodies was the target of a rival drug gang Gary Magee (Photo: Sunday World) Steven Moore Fri 8 Dec 2023 at 12:30 Killer arsonist Gary The Hyena Magee escaped a gangland murder hit when he was saved by a team of social workers. NI customer details from neo-Nazi online store leaked after anti-fascists hack site Swedish far-right website peddling hate to people across the world targeted in data breach Far-right and neo-Nazi stickers have been appearing in areas of Northern Ireland in recent months Liam Tunney Fri 8 Dec 2023 at 07:50 Anti-LGBT stickers, CDs by neo-Nazi bands and a picture disc with the message No Surrender are among items purchased from a far-right website by people here, it has emerged. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has told members of the UKs Jewish community that the Government will do all it can to help Israel secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Around 240 people were captured during the militant groups attack on Israel on October 7, with 78 freed during a ceasefire and prisoner exchange at the end of November. Speaking alongside Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mervis at a vigil in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, on Friday, Mr Dowden said the UK was four-square behind Israel in its efforts to remove the threat of Hamas. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and members of the Jewish community attended the vigil (James Manning/PA) He said: I stand before you, not just as the Deputy Prime Minister, nor as the member for Hertsmere, but also as a proud friend of Israel and a supporter of our Jewish community. I want to say to you that the Government stands four-square behind the central missions of Israel, of the Israel Defence Force, of the Israeli Government, namely, number one, to secure the release of every one of these hostages, and we will stand four-square until that is delivered. But not only that, we must ensure that this cannot happen again, and that means, however difficult it is, we have to remove the threat of Hamas to stop it being able to do this to Israel again, and we stand four-square behind Israel in that mission as well. Around 150 people attended the vigil, holding red balloons and placards with messages calling for the release of Israeli hostages. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis addressed the vigil (James Manning/PA) The Chief Rabbi added: During the festival of Hanukkah we celebrate a time when the forces of good overcame the forces of darkness, when light prevailed over all which was bad in the world. And that is our prayer right now, that we will see the successful release of our hostages. It is so awfully cruel. There is no word in the English language to describe the despicable acts of those who have terrorised an entire people and who have taken little babies, elderly people into captivity. In between speeches, the crowd sang traditional Jewish songs and some men and women could be seen crying. The vigils in Borehamwood have been taking place weekly and are expected to carry on until all the hostages are released. Russias President Vladimir Putin announced his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election (Mikhail Metzel, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) Vladimir Putin has moved to prolong his repressive and unyielding grip on Russia for another six years, state media said, announcing his candidacy in the 2024 presidential election that he is all but certain to win. Mr Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century in power, despite starting an immensely costly war in Ukraine that has taken thousands of his countrymens lives, provoked repeated attacks inside Russia including one on the Kremlin itself and corroded its aura of invincibility. A short-lived rebellion in June by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin raised speculation that Mr Putin could be losing his grip or that it would mar his strongman image. Vladimir Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century in power (Russian Presidential Press Service via AP) But he has emerged with no permanent scars, and Mr Prigozhins death in a mysterious plane crash two months later reinforced the view that Mr Putin was in absolute control. Mr Putin announced his decision to run in the March 17 presidential election after a Kremlin award ceremony, when war veterans and others pleaded with him to seek re-election. I wont hide it from you I had various thoughts about it over time, but now, youre right, its necessary to make a decision, Mr Putin said in a video released by the Kremlin after the event. I will run for president of the Russian Federation. Mr Putin announced his decision after a Kremlin awards ceremony where war veterans were said to have pleaded with him to seek re-election (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre noted that the announcement was made in a low-key way instead of a live televised speech, probably reflecting the Kremlins spin effort to emphasise Mr Putins modesty and his perceived focus on doing his job as opposed to loud campaigning. Its not about prosperity, its about survival, Ms Stanovaya observed. The stakes have been raised to the maximum. About 80% of the populace approves of his performance, according to the independent pollster Levada Centre. That support might come from the heart or it might reflect submission to a leader whose crackdown on any opposition has made even relatively mild criticism perilous. Whether due to real or coerced support, Mr Putin is expected to face only token opposition on the ballot for the March 17 2024 election. Mr Putin, 71, has twice used his leverage to amend the constitution so he could theoretically stay in power until he is in his mid-80s. He already is the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin. The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group private military contractor, in a mysterious plane crash reinforced the view that Putin was in absolute control (AP Photo) In 2008, when he stepped aside to become prime minister due to term limits but remained Russias driving force, presidential terms were extended to six years from four. Another package of amendments he pushed through three years ago reset the count for two consecutive terms to begin in 2024. Dmitry Oreshkin, a political analyst and professor at Free University of Riga, Latvia, told The Associated Press earlier this year: He is afraid to give up power. At the time of the amendments that allowed him two more terms, Mr Putins concern about losing power may have been elevated as Levada polling showed his approval rating significantly lower, hovering around 60%. In the view of some analysts, that dip in popularity could have been a main driver of the war that Putin launched in Ukraine in February 2022. Commentator Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speechwriter now living in Israel, said: This conflict with Ukraine was necessary as a glue. He needed to consolidate his power. Some analysts claim a dip in Putins popularity may have been the main driver behind the decision to launch war against Ukraine (AP Photo) Brookings Institution scholar Fiona Hill, a former US National Security Council expert on Russian affairs, agrees that Mr Putin thought a lovely small, small victorious war would consolidate support for his re-election. Ukraine would capitulate, she told AP this year. Hed install a new president in Ukraine. He would declare himself the president of a new union of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia over the course of the time leading up to the 2024 election. Hed be the supreme leader. The war did not turn out that way. It devolved into a gruelling slog in which neither side made significant headway and posed severe challenges to the rising prosperity integral to Mr Putins popularity and Russians propensity to set aside concerns about corrupt politics and shrinking tolerance of dissent. For the first time, voting in the presidential election will take place over three days from March 15 to 17 2024, including in four regions of Ukraine partially and illegally annexed by Russia. Some analysts believe Vladimir Putin thought a lovely small, victorious war would consolidate support for his re-election (Valery Sharifulin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File) The election commission argued that the practice of multi-day voting, used in other elections since the Covid-19 pandemic, is more convenient for voters. Mr Putins rule has spanned five US presidencies, from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden. He became acting president on New Years Eve in 1999 when Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned. He was elected to his first term in March 2000. Although Mr Putin has long abandoned the macho photo shoots of bear hunting and scuba diving that once amused and impressed the world, he shows little sign of slowing down. Vladimir Putins rule has spanned the terms of five US presidents including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump and Joe Biden (AP Photo/Greg Gibson, File) Photos from 2022 of him with a bloated face and a hunched posture led to speculation he was seriously ill, but he seems little changed in recent public appearances. Hes a wartime president, is mobilising the population behind him, Ms Hill said. And that will be the message around the 2024 election, depending on where things are in the battlefield. South Koreas defence minister on Friday vowed massive retaliatory missile strikes on the heart and head of North Korea in the event of provocation, as the rivals escalate their rhetoric over their respective spy satellite launches in recent days. The South Korean warning an unusually fiery rhetoric by Seoul directed at Pyongyang came as the top security advisers from South Korea, the US and Japan gathered in Seoul for talks to discuss North Koreas evolving nuclear threats and other issues. During a visit to the armys missile strategic command, South Korean defence minister Shin Wonsik ordered command officers to maintain a readiness to fire precision-guided and powerful missiles at any time, according to his ministry. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Wonsik is briefed on missile operations equipment at the Army Missile Strategic Command in Wonju, South Korea (South Korea Defence Ministry via AP) Mr Shin said the main role of the command is lethally striking the heart and head of the enemy, though the types of its provocations can vary, a ministry statement said. Animosities between the two Koreas deepened after North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into space on November 21 in violation of UN bans. South Korea, the US and Japan strongly condemned the launch, viewing it as an attempt by the North to improve its missile technology as well as establish a space surveillance system. South Korea announced plans to resume front-line aerial surveillance in response and North Korea quickly retaliated by restoring border guard posts, according to Seoul officials. Both steps would breach a 2018 inter-Korean deal on easing front-line military tensions. Photos provided by the North Korean government show what the country said is the launch of the Malligyong-1, a military spy satellite, into orbit (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) Last week, when South Korea also launched its first military spy satellite from Californias Vandenberg Space Force Base, North Korea slammed the US for alleged double standards and warned of a possible grave danger to global peace. In a statement on Friday, Jo Chol Su, a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official, said the North would make all available efforts to protect its national interests in the face of threats by hostile forces. The national security advisers from South Korea, the US and Japan are to hold their first trilateral meeting in six months in Seoul on Saturday. Ahead of the three-way meeting, South Korean national security adviser Cho Tae-yong and his Japanese counterpart, Takeo Akiba, met bilaterally on Friday and reaffirmed a need to strengthen their cooperation with the US to cope with with provocations by North Korea. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yong ahead of a three-way meeting with Japan at the weekend (South Korea Presidential Office via AP) Mr Cho and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan also met and affirmed that Seoul and Washington remain open to diplomacy with North Korea, according to South Koreas presidential office. Earlier Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry accused North Korea of property rights infringements by unilaterally using South Korean-owned equipment at a now-shuttered joint factory park in the North. The ministry also accused North Korea of dismantling the remains of a South Korean-built liaison office at the park that the North blew up during a previous period of tensions in 2020. National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell testifies during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing in Washington to examine his nomination to be deputy secretary of state, Dec. 7, 2023. The U.S. Senate should ratify the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea to pressure China to comply with its rules in the South China Sea, senior White House official Kurt Campbell told Congress. President Joe Biden last month nominated Campbell for the role of deputy secretary of state to replace Wendy Sherman who retired. Known as Bidens Asia czar, Campbell was architect of the Obama administrations Pivot to Asia, which sought to refocus the United States away from the Middle East. He now serves as coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs on Bidens National Security Council. Speaking at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Thursday, Campbell said he wanted the Senate to ratify the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs what types of sovereignty claims countries can make to maritime areas. The United States signed the treaty in July 1994, but the Senate never ratified it. Washington nevertheless says it abides by the treatys rules, and often calls on China a full party to the treaty to do the same, which would invalidate many of its vast South China Sea claims. But it would be easier for the United States to prosecute its case against China if the Senate removed the blurred lines, Campbell said. It makes it hard for other countries that we contest with, who say Hey, you know, you cant hold us accountable to something thats not your own law, Campbell said. So its been a challenge for us. Even our allies and partners say, Hey, wait a second. Youre holding China to account to something you yourself havent signed up for? he said, adding that he would make it a priority if confirmed. Weve gotten very close in the past; Id love to get that over the finish line, he said. Itll be challenging. Im committed to it. Bipartisan support Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat from Hawaii sitting in as the temporary chairman of the committee, said he thought we can get the votes to ratify. The politics has changed, as we understand the urgent need for us to act together collectively on competition with China, he said. Chinese ships gather near the disputed Whitsun Reef in the South China Sea, Dec. 2, 2023. [Handout/Philippine Coast Guard/AFP] The committee in 2004 voted 19-0 to ratify the treaty, with support from the Bush administration, but the Senate never met for a vote because of opposition from a small group of conservative Republicans, according to a Politico report from the time. A bipartisan group of senators has recently pushed for ratification to be reconsidered, with support from Democrats including Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Republicans including Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana. During his hearing, Campbell received glowing reviews from senators from both parties and promised the committee he was committed to a bipartisan approach to foreign policy if confirmed. Ive spent an enormous amount of time with people on the Hill and on both sides of the aisle. Our best foreign policy initiatives are bipartisan, and they match the resolve of the executive and legislative branches, he said. I promise to take that forward. Popular vote Only Sen. Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who serves as his partys ranking member on the committee, expressed any criticism of Campbell and even then it was indirect, telling him that the White Houses approach to China is headed in the wrong direction. But the senators were otherwise prepared to offer only praise for the nominee, who frequently led his responses by recounting obscure details of a recent lunch, coffee or conversation they had shared. In the case of Risch and his rare criticism, Campbell said he was grateful for his staff speaking to him clearly and unmistakably. I dont want to say that they schooled me, Campbell said, but I really came away with a much deeper appreciation of Rischs views. Many senators were openly effusive. Sen. Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, said Campbell was most helpful, most insightful when he himself served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan under the Trump administration, and told the committee he was delighted to see Kurt here in this position. The Indo-Pacific region is going to play a critical role in our worlds future. Its home to 60% of the worlds population, 50% of the worlds GDP, he said. Someone with Kurts unique insight and capability and expertise in that region, I think, is going to prove invaluable to us. National Security Council Coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell listens during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, Dec. 7, 2023. [Mariam Zuhaib/AP] Not just Asia Campbells only real test was the breadth of his knowledge. Risch and Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey who served as the committees chairman until he was charged with bribery offenses in September, noted that the deputy secretary of state position was a generalist role, not only focused on Asia. Grilled on Israel and Hamas, as well as on Turkey, Greece and Iran, among other countries, Campbell told Risch, for instance, that the Biden administration would not seek to revive the nuclear deal with Iran that the Trump administration scrapped in May 2018. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat from New Jersey, then attempted to stump Campbell on Africa policy, telling him most people did not understand the emergence Africa will have in the next 50 years. Even by 2050 alone, Booker said, theyre going to be so large that one out of every four people on the planet Earth will be African. Without missing a beat, Campbell replied that his dissertation had been on the Soviet Unions foreign policy in South Africa. I am actually an old Africanist my PhD thesis at Oxford [University] was on Africa, he said, adding it was well-received, too. I remember I did get a call a few years ago saying, Congratulations, your thesis has won an award ... [for] the book made most relevant by history. Schatz told Campbell he should reply to any written questions the senators have as quickly as possible to wrap-up the process. We are trying to expedite the consideration of your nomination, he said, considering the importance it is to the State Department. Rohingya wait in a line to be transported by bus from a beach to tents at the Balohan Ferry Port in Sabang island, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec. 3, 2023. Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo said Friday that his administration would go after trafficking networks suspected of smuggling in hundreds of Rohingya, who have mostly been arriving by sea in Aceh province in recent weeks. Jokowi, the leader of the worlds most populous majority-Muslim country, said he had received a report on the increasing number of Rohingya who had entered Aceh, a religiously conservative province at the northwestern tip of Sumatra island. There is a strong suspicion of the involvement of a criminal network of human trafficking in this refugee flow, Jokowi said in a video posted on YouTube. The Indonesian government will take firm action against the perpetrators, he said, without elaborating. The president, who is due to leave office in late 2024 an election year made the promise to take firm action against people smugglers, while his administration faces a growing backlash from Indonesians on social media. Many Indonesians are speaking out against allowing in more members of Myanmars stateless Rohingya Muslim minority who have fled persecution in that country. In the video, Jokowi said the government would provide temporary humanitarian assistance to the refugees while prioritizing the interests of the local community. The government also plans to coordinate with the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, and other international organizations to address the issue, he said. It was not immediately clear, however, whether the presidents statement marked a climbdown from an announcement made by one of his ministers earlier this week stating that the government planned to send Rohinya sheltering in Aceh back to Myanmar. Meanwhile, Faisal Rahman, the UNHCRs Aceh representative, said the agency did not rule out the existence of a human trafficking network, but urged the government to continue offering humanitarian assistance to the refugees. Law enforcement and humanitarian assistance can go hand-in-hand, he said. President Joko Jokowi Widodo sings the national anthem during the send-off ceremony for Indonesias delegation to the 19th Asian Games at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Sept. 19, 2023. [Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP] More than 1,300 Rohingya have arrived in Aceh in at least eight boats since November, causing resentment and hostility among some residents. Some Indonesians posting comments and content on social media have accused the Rohingya of being colonizers and demanded their deportation, authorities said. The controversy has been fueled by misinformation and propaganda on social media platforms such as X and TikTok, where fake accounts and anti-Rohingya posts have gone viral. The U.N. representative in Indonesia responded to posts from postings claiming to be the official UNHCR accounts by urging the public to be careful in processing information on the internet. Please follow the latest information from the official UNHCR account that seeks to find the best solution for all with the government of the Republic of Indonesia, the U.N. agency said on its X account, formerly known as Twitter. One of the most widely shared posts was a video by comedian Marshel Widianto on TikTok, who equated the Rohingya with invaders. He quoted a fake UNHCR account: Hopefully the Rohingya people can be accepted in Indonesian society, and the government can give them houses, food and shelter, and make Indonesian ID cards. Since 2017, about 740,000 Rohingya have fled their homes in Myanmars Rakhine state and settled in Bangladesh refugee camps in and around Coxs Bazar after the Burmese military carried out a brutal crackdown the U.N. called ethnic cleansing. Since then, Rohingya in Myanmar and others living in the overcrowded Bangladesh camps have fallen prey to traffickers and smugglers who place 100 or more of them on rickety boats in an effort to reach other countries in Southeast Asia. Indonesia has traditionally been a supporter of the Rohingya cause and urged Myanmar to give them rights and citizenship as well as end violence and persecution against them. Because Indonesia is not a signatory to the U.Ns 1951 Refugee Convention, Rohingya and other refugees have no access to formal education and jobs in the country. UNHCR has said that about 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers were in Indonesia as of June, mostly from Afghanistan, Somalia, Myanmar and other countries. They face uncertain futures as prospects of being resettled in a third country are increasingly dim. Rohingya women wash their laundry at a port warehouse used as a temporary shelter in Sabang, Aceh province, Indonesia, Dec. 8, 2023. [Riska Munawarah/Reuters] On Tuesday, Mohammad Mahfud MD, Indonesias coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, said the government was considering deporting the refugees to Myanmar. Mahfud has been tasked by Jokowi to resolve the Rohingya refugee problem. Vice President Maruf Amin, meanwhile, suggested that the Rohingya be placed on Galang Island, in the Riau Islands province, where the government had previously sheltered refugees from Vietnam in the 1980s and 1990s. Trafficking arrests In February, Indonesian police arrested a Myanmar man accused of leading a human smuggling ring that transported Rohingya from Aceh to Malaysia, local media reported. Police said the man confessed to working for a big boss in Malaysia who paid him to smuggle the refugees from Indonesia. In November, police in Aceh said they arrested a man who allegedly tried to smuggle 36 Rohingya out of the country. The suspect told police that he was hired by another man to transport the refugees and was paid 3 million rupiah (U.S. $193). Yon Machmudi, an international relations lecturer at the University of Indonesia, said he understood the frustrations of some Acehnese people who felt burdened by the influx of Rohingya who have different cultures and customs. Initially, the Acehnese people voluntarily welcomed the refugees out of compassion, but as time went by, the situation became more difficult and caused some social problems, he said. He urged the government to intervene and find a solution in collaboration with other countries that share the same humanitarian concern for the Rohingya, who have been described by the U.N. as the worlds most persecuted minority. Rescuers found people locked in a cage in the residence of Terbit Rencana Perangin-Angin, then the chief of Langkat regency, in North Sumatra, Indonesia, Jan. 24, 2022. The U.S. State Department named two Indonesians including a candidate for the House of Representatives in next years election among its international list of perpetrators of human rights abuses on Friday. The list, released to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, named Hartomo, a former military officer who is seeking office in the Feb. 14 election, and Terbit Rencana Perangin-Angin, a former regent of Langkat in North Sumatra province. Hartomo, who goes by one name, is being designated for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely extrajudicial killing, the State Department said. He held the highest rank, lieutenant colonel, of a group of soldiers accused of killing Theys Eluay, chairman of the Papua Presidium Council, in November 2001, according to media reports. Human Rights Watch reported that the soldiers were convicted in 2003, but Hartomo was later promoted to head up the nations military intelligence agency. A member of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonos Democratic Party, Hartomo is seeking to represent Central Java in the legislature. Lt. Col. Hartomo (left), Capt. Rionardo, 1st Sgt. Asrisal and Pvt. Achmad Zulfahmi hear the indictment against them at the Surabaya Military Court in Indonesia, Jan. 3, 2003. [AFP] Terbit Rencana is being designated for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the forced labor of boys and men, the news release said. In May 2022, 10 soldiers were named as suspects in the alleged torture deaths of at least six people who had been kept in two cage-like rooms in Terbit Rencanas house in North Sumatra province. The iron-barred rooms were discovered four months earlier when the Corruption Eradication Agency searched the house and found 27 people inside the cells. Terbit Rencana, who was arrested at that time, said his residence housed drug addicts who were undergoing rehabilitation. Police said 656 people had been held in the two cages since 2010. South Korea's defense chief on Friday renewed his calls on the military to keep a constant state of readiness to retaliate against North Korea, if provoked. Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited the Army Missile Strategic Command in Wonju, 87 kilometers southeast of Seoul, the latest in a series of inspection tour since taking office in October. "Maintain a readiness posture at all times to immediately operate world-class, long-range, high-precision and high-power missiles when given the task," he said at the command, according to the ministry. He also ordered the troops to immediately and powerfully retaliate against North Korea, if provoked. Shin described the command as a key unit for the country's "three-axis" deterrence system against North Korean threats, calling on troops to "firmly punish" enemy provocations, the ministry said. The three-pronged system refers to the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain pre-emptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system. Shin's visit to the unit came amid heightened tensions after the North effectively scrapped a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement designed to reduce tensions and prevent accidental clashes along the border. Last month, the North vowed to restore all military measures halted under the deal after Seoul partially suspended the agreement in protest of Pyongyang's launch of a military spy satellite on Nov. 21. (Yonhap) Villagers feast on a harvest of shrimp, clams, crabs, fish and other seafood, in Chana. southern Thailand, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) After collecting crab nets, fishermen sort through the days catch of crabs and prepare it for delivery to markets, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) A fisherman checks his boat before heading out to sea, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) A woman sits in a boat as it heads out to sea in stormy weather, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) A villager displays different species of fish caught in the Na Thap Canal, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) A villager stands up in his boat after collecting fish from his trap in the Na Thap canal, Chana district, southern Thailand, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) Many people in the Chana community raise doves for Javanese dove competitions, Nov. 20, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) Villagers prepare traps and nets to catch crabs during the monsoon season, in Chana district, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) Villagers help push a boat out to sea to catch crabs during the monsoon season in Chana, a district in southern Thailands Songkhla province, Nov. 22, 2023. (Wissarut Verasopon/Thai News Pix/BenarNews) The residents of Chana, a seaside district in Thailands Deep South, live by a slogan: Hill, forest, rice field and sea. For generations, people here have lived off the bounties of the land and sea by farming, logging and fishing. But some of them worry that, one day, their livelihoods could vanish should the Thai government go ahead with a plan to build a 2,680-heactare industrial estate in the mainly Muslim Malay border region. This project does not promote or support the quality of life of the local people nor help them grow with the government policy, Khairiyah Rahmanyah, a 21-year-old resident of Chana, told BenarNews, referring to the megaproject approved by the central government in 2019. It could also [worsen] climate change. The factories would spew greenhouse gases and harm nature. Others in Chana fear that water quality, aquatic species and air quality could be affected. In 2016, the government under then-Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha unveiled plans for pouring 18.7 billion baht (U.S. $530 million) into developing an economic triangle that would cover much of the Deep South. The idea, as Prayuths government promoted it, was to help lift the local population out of poverty and divert threats from a Malay separatist insurgency concentrated in the far south. The megaproject was approved in principle three years later, but protests by locals have brought it to a temporary halt. The government would not talk about the project due to the pending environmental assessment, Chanathan Saengphum, secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, told BenarNews. In 2019, developer TPI-PP, called for an array of power plants using liquefied natural gas (LNG), solar energy, wind power and biomass to produce a combined 3,700 megawatts per year. Developers are also proposing a deep seaport and LNG depot along with other industries to be built in the Deep South. They should not be here. An industrial estate impacts the resources and quality of life of local people, said Khairiyah. Mariyam Ahmad in Pattani, Thailand contributed to this report. BENNINGTON A defendant accused in the 2022 hit and run of an elderly woman in the parking lot of the Bennington Walmart became visually frustrated, cursed, and stormed out during a Thursday hearing after Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady denied his request to switch defense attorneys for a second time. Grant Bentley, 43, who attended the motion to withdraw hearing via video link from the Northern State Correctional Facility in Newport, at first repeatedly interrupted Judge McDonald-Cady during her decision, used profanity, then gestured toward the camera with his middle finger as he rose from his seat and left the video room at the facility while the judge was still addressing the courtroom after her decision. The hearing was scheduled to address a motion filed by defense attorney David Stern to withdraw as attorney at Bentley's request. Citing a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, a lack of communication, and time devoted to the case, Bentley addressed the judge directly, telling her that he hadnt communicated with Stern since he first took over the case in May. I have not had no contact with him, whatsoever, Bentley told the judge. I've tried to communicate with him, and he will not call. He does nothing but just sit around somewhere. Obviously, he's got too many cases. This is my life on the line here. I need somebody that can represent me and obey. Sterns recollection was far different from what Bentley just told the judge. Without going into too much detail, Stern said, Your Honor, I can just say that my recollection and my notes do not quite match regarding a number of discussions that we've had. But other than that, I don't have anything to add. Bentley then spoke directly to Stern as the judge was still speaking. So, tell me what you call it, then? This isn't a communication between you and Mr. Stern, the judge sternly told Bentley. It's not a dialogue. I would ask that you refrain from doing that. The judge then started to go over the history of the case, including the fact that Bentleys first attorney, Frederick Bragdon, filed the exact type of motion on behalf of Bentley in 2022. In January of 2023, Mr. Bentley requested a motion for a new public defender, indicating that Mr. Bragdon wasn't representing him properly, indicating that the relationship between the two was severely damaged. Mr. Bragdon filed that motion to withdraw, indicating there was a break in communication. The client, Mr. Bentley, wanted a new attorney. The court granted that based on his indicating that Mr. Bragdon was not responding to telephone calls. Mr. Rambold, another defense attorney, was then signed in as counsel on March 24 2022, but was withdrawn after a conflict with one of the witnesses, so Mr. Stern assumed the role in May 2023. Judge McDonald-Cady then listed several hearings and contact points that Bentley and Stern have had and communicated with each other in the months since Stern took over the case. So, there has been more contact between Mr. Stern and Mr. Bentley than most recently, the other day that was referred to today. It is clear that Mr. Bentley is entitled to counsel, but he is not entitled to his choice of counsel. Being dissatisfied with an attorney that is not responding to telephone calls is not good cause for withdrawal. Bentley then interrupted the judge again, but she shut the interruption down immediately. I don't want you to interrupt me, please, Judge McDonald-Cady told Bentley. Bentley, visually frustrated and shaking his head back and forth, cursed at the judge aloud, gestured at the camera with his middle finger, rose, and stormed out. Mr. Bentley is walking away right now, and he's left the remote facility. Judge McDonald-Cady said soon after. Certainly, there's not been a good-faith effort on Mr. Bentleys part to try to communicate with Mr. Stern, he simply wanted his attorney to file a motion to withdraw. There's no evidence that Mr. Stern is not able to competently represent his client. What this really reflects here is that Mr. Bentley is not satisfied with its attorneys, and it is the common denominator here that the defendant is being difficult. There's not a conflict of interest, the judge went on to say. There's not a breakdown of communication. Mr. Stern is very competent to represent Mr. Bentley. We need to move this case forward. The ability to find new counsel that will be up to speed may take many months, most likely. And it's not quite clear whether or not we'll be in the same position here if Mr. Bentley becomes dissatisfied with another new attorney that's appointed based on the reasons that he's providing. The court is denying this motion. The judge then set the case for a three-day February trial with Stern as Bentleys attorney. Bentley was allegedly caught on video camera striking an elderly woman with his vehicle as she slowly pushed a cart in the parking lot in front of Walmart in early 2022. Surveillance video shows Bentley exiting the vehicle after striking the woman, picking her up from under her arms, and attempting to lift her limp body. Unable to do so, Bentley is seen dropping the woman back onto the pavement, allowing her head to hit the ground, then getting into his car, and speeding off. The woman sustained serious injuries to her head and was transported to a hospital in critical condition. Bentley has a total of seven open felony cases in Bennington County with several different charges, including the hit and run at Walmart, aggravated assault for dropping the woman, three burglaries in 2021, an assault and robbery, retail theft, cocaine possession, violating his probation, a violation of an abuse prevention order, and vehicle operation without owners consent the same vehicle allegedly used in the Walmart hit and run. Bentley faces a possible life sentence as a habitual offender if convicted of the hit-and-run charge. His currently being held without bail until his trial date. There are currently no plea agreements in any of the cases. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy. Snow showers developing this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 32F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. UN urges South Sudan to prioritize polls, humanitarian crisis in 2024 Xinhua) 11:06, December 08, 2023 JUBA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Thursday called on the government of South Sudan to quickly address issues related to elections, security concerns and humanitarian crises in 2024. The government should fully fund and operationalize the elections and constitution-making bodies, said Guang Cong, the deputy special representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Officer-in-Charge of UNMISS. "We also called for dialogue amongst all leaders to address pending technical and operational decisions needed for the elections to take place on time," Guang told the plenary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which is monitoring South Sudan peace deal in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. He underscored the importance of international partners, in particular the regional organizations, working with a shared purpose in the joint efforts to assist South Sudan's transition. The envoy commended the progress achieved so far, adding that the timelines set in the roadmap are behind schedule, and with only 12 months left before elections, the options for practical compromises are diminishing, particularly concerning the type and scale of the elections, the constitution-making process and other important pending issues. South Sudan is supposed to hold elections in December 2024 at the end of the current transitional period. "We reiterate that military defections threaten and undermine trust between the parties. We also caution against the temptation towards unilateral actions and that the parties should take measures to de-escalate hostilities, using peaceful means to resolve disputes," Guang said of security. He said with the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian situation in South Sudan is expected to deteriorate further in the coming year. He said that more than 420,000 people had crossed the South Sudan border from Sudan as of Dec. 3. "We urge the Government of South Sudan to provide much-needed safety and reintegration support to the returnees, refugees, and stateless persons who have sought refuge within its borders," he added. The UN official noted that addressing the access impediments and supporting conditions for humanitarians to provide aid and services is also critical. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) By Lee Hae-rin The Seoul Metropolitan Government selected 15 foreign residents from 13 countries to be granted honorary citizenship in recognition of their significant contributions to the local community, the city government said Friday. The 15 winners have helped the weak and marginalized, and assisted other foreign nationals to settle in the country, it added. Among the winners was Susanne Woehrle from Germany, who introduced the German vocational training program known as Ausbildung to Korea in the automotive mechanic field and has been managing the program for seven years. Another winner was Suphaporn Winit from Thailand who has participated in several volunteer activities for marriage migrants, young people with disabilities, children from multicultural backgrounds and her local community. Also on the list was Laura Priscilla Acosta from Switzerland, who helped refugees' settlement and career development in Seoul while being a board member of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and also volunteering at the Mapo Tourist Information Center; and Katherine Ann Corteza from the Philippines, director of the Itaewon Global Village Center, who volunteered to guide foreign nationals at the Yongsan Community Health Center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gupta Lucky Abhishek, a Seoul-based TV celebrity from India who received honorary citizenship last year, presided over the award ceremony held at City Hall. The honored foreign residents are invited to the city governments key events and take part in administrative decision-making as official members of city committees. Since 1958, the city government has awarded honorary citizenship to a total of 913 foreign nationals from 100 countries. This congregation is in the midst of an experiment that is showing tentative success in attracting families to take part, even if they dont affiliate. The experiment was inspired by the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, which challenged synagogues in the Berkshires to reimagine Jewish education and engagement for families with children. ADAMS The death of Kumar, the Adams Police Department's veteran police dog, has brought a pall over the department this week. Kumar, an 11-year-old German shepherd from the Netherlands, was the departments K-9 for 10 years before retiring this year. In the quiet halls of the Adams Police Station, a somber atmosphere has enveloped the officers and handlers as we mourn the loss of a loyal companion, Kumar, our esteemed police K-9, Adams Police posted on Facebook on Wednesday. Kumar had been an unwavering force in the fight against crime, his keen senses and unyielding dedication made him an invaluable member of the force. Apart from his professional accomplishments Kumar was trained to find people, evidence and drugs he and his handler, Sgt. Curtis Crane, became close while in his care. Kumar and the department's new police dog Adam lived with Crane with spacious accommodations. Crane could not be reached for comment on Thursday. When Kumar began his tenure, Crane was the only officer trained and authorized to handle him. Crane volunteered for the job, a 24/7 commitment, and even learned basic Dutch for Kumar's commands. Kumar's legacy shall echo through the corridors, marked by countless successful operations and moments of bravery, police wrote. The community felt safer knowing Kumar patrolled their streets, a vigilant guardian with a wagging tail and a fierce sense of duty. Kumar never had to bite a suspect, though he was trained to bite and hold if ever necessary. In 2016, Kumar was immortalized with a wooden statue, a life-size replica carved by local artist Teri Davis and made with help from McCann Technical School students as a way to raise money. Kumar joined the Adams force in 2014 with the help of a $25,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, as the departments first-ever K-9 unit. The dog was initially meant to aid the Lee Police Department, but a change in staffing led to Kumars arrival in Adams, where he stayed the rest of his life. Almost as soon as Kumar was certified, he and Crane were called to North Adams an hour after a suspected assault in the city. Though the scent trail was cold, Kumar tracked the suspect nearly a mile away from the original scene of the alleged crime. The canine officer with his selfless service and unwavering commitment has left an indelible paw print on the hearts of all who knew him, Adams Police wrote, forever remembered as a hero in fur. LEE Special town meeting voters have given resounding first-step approval to a $36.7 million modern public safety complex. It would replace antiquated, dilapidated police, fire and EMS facilities on Railroad Street and in the Town Hall basement on Main Street. After an hour of debate at Wednesday nights meeting, the tally came in at 196 in favor and 26 opposed. A two-thirds supermajority had been required. The $36.7 million total includes borrowing for the purchase of property at 41 Railroad St. for the new public safety complex for police, fire and EMS and 1185 Pleasant St. for relocating the Department of Public Works to the building across from Meadow Farm, formerly housing Daley Trucking and Casella Waste Systems. Still needed as the second and final step: Majority-vote approval on a townwide election ballot this spring to exclude the projects funding debt from the requirements of Proposition 2 1/2. Thats the state law limiting the increase in the maximum amount communities can raise by taxing real estate and personal property each year. Out of 4,674 registered voters, 229 attended Wednesday nights meeting, a turnout of just under 5 percent. New Town Moderator Matt Carlino won praise from voters and town officials for his debut running a town meeting, The town meeting article endorsed by the voters includes design, engineering and construction costs, as well as demolition of the current outmoded facilities on Railroad Street. Ahead of the vote, Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said that the current central fire station would be kept for its historical value and for potential use as a museum. Several deteriorated buildings would be demolished because of structural issues. Acknowledging the projects high price tag, Brittain pointed out that without it, the existing ambulance garage and EMS building are literally falling down. He said the fire station was built for horse-drawn apparatus, the Airoldi building is in disrepair, and a 1950s Quonset hut used by the DPW is contaminated with asbestos. The police operate in a very limited space with failing jail cells in the Town Hall basement, Brittain told the voters. Its an opportunity to fix several decades of issues in one article tonight, he said. Its a great opportunity worth taking. Project architect Brian W. Humes of Jacunski Humes Architects in Berlin, Conn., recounted the extensive meetings with the public safety agencies and several town departments to help craft the facility designed for more than 20 years of growth. After exploring multiple locations, the final sites visited turned out to be the best for the project, Humes said. He explained that the public safety complex to be built adjacent to the Housatonic River is defined by state code as an essential facility that has to withstand natural disasters and emergencies such as floods, hurricanes and very severe storms. Thats factored into the cost. Fire Chief Ryan Brown emphasized that despite the high cost, its an investment in public safety, for the present and the future. I would not be able to endorse this proposal if I didnt believe it was the right project at the right time. He cited inefficient and in some circumstances unsafe working conditions. I ask on behalf of the people who serve you for your vote in favor of this proposal. Describing a severely undersized, antiquated workplace with significant operational liability as well as some very real health, safety and security issues, Police Chief Craig DeSantis asked for the support and trust of the community as he advocated for a facility that meets the workload and needs of this community; nothing more. William Matthews of the Lee Historical Commission praised the design that harmonizes architecturally with the buildings on our historic Main Street, all more than 100 years old. He voiced relief that the DPW will no longer have to work in squalor. Resident Clare Lahey praised the project for making so much economic sense. She called on voters to bite the bullet and pay for this because its the most important need we have. Applause greeted passage of the article on an 87 percent margin in favor, far above the needed two-thirds supermajority. In other action following vigorous debate: A Planning Board article barring corporations such as LLCs from buying up houses and putting them on the short-term rental market (30 days or less) won approval. But families putting primary-residence properties in an irrevocable trust were exempted from the restrictions on short-term rentals. Voters approved a zoning bylaw, also proposed by the Planning Board, legalizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as detached apartments for long-term rentals only. The vote in favor was 60-22, with 6 abstentions. 'Lifesaving' $20 million in funding announced for the removal of the crumbling Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield State officials heralded a $20 million cash infusion Friday that will see the removal of the failing Bel Air Dam, which could cause loss of life and property damage if it were ever to fail. After we urged the state to help Pittsfield with the removal and cleanup of a crumbling high-risk dam threatening the heart of the city, we were pleased to hear a few months ago that the Department of Conservation and Recreation would take up the project and pick up the tab. So pleased, in fact, that we took to this page to thank state leaders on the other end of the commonwealth for being responsive to a critical infrastructure need in the Berkshires. While we wish that happened more often, theres no better time to reverse that trend than the present. Credit where its due to DCR for moving to help Pittsfield with a dangerously deficient dam now sitting in the citys lap after its former owner failed to maintain it. As such, we were encouraged once again when state officials visited Pittsfield City Hall this week heralding a $20 million cash infusion for the Bel Air Dam removal project from the states allotment of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Another factor of the project, however, is less encouraging: the timeline. As of now, work is slated to begin in a year and a half at the earliest summer of 2025 or spring of 2026. According to engineering reports, though, the dam could give way if strained by an extreme weather event. Unfortunately, a rapidly changing climate is making such events more commonplace. Think of the devastating downpours and flooding that parts of New England, including Northern Berkshire, received this summer. Consider the potential for big snowstorms this winter predicted by forecasters tracking an ill-timed El Nino. What is the possibility that our region gets the brunt of one or more of such weather emergencies between now and 2026? We do not want to roll the meteorological dice over that time frame, and neither should the state. We understand that this is a project of considerable complexity, both technically and bureaucratically. Permitting and other steps take time, especially for a project that involves not just dislodging a decrepit dam but removing and shipping out hundreds of tons of sediment contaminated by the dams original industrial use. But those are also reasons to move quickly as possible to mitigate this 19th-century structure turned 21st-century ticking time bomb. Its sediment is spiked with heavy metals and other poisons, and its inundation zone includes residential areas as well as the countys largest hospital. Would a high-hazard dam with so shaky a shelf life and such calamitous failure conditions be left in this state for up to two years if the inundation zone were in Boston say, near the Statehouse? We think not, and similarly we would hope not for Pittsfield, either. The state says it has fast-tracked this project, but we urge the state to find a faster track than one and a half years or more while the Berkshires most populous city crosses its fingers and hopes the Bel Air Dam survives increasingly frequent extreme weather events in the interim. Again, we are thankful that the state has put up the necessary $20 million funding for the removal project, and we realize that this means Massachusetts and its taxpayers helping Pittsfield by shouldering this financial burden. We arent overlooking that; were simply pointing out that this burden could explode if this project isnt given the most timely priority. An eight-figure investment would be made moot and dwarfed by the costs in dollars and suffering if this precarious dam fails sometime in the next 18 months and thats a long time to keep our fingers crossed. From left, Somerville Educators Union President Dayshawn Simmons, Massachusetts Teachers Association President Max Page, MTA Vice President Deb McCarthy, and Hanover mother Adriana Mason, deliver ballot question signatures to the Secretary of State's office on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. Four contentious bills, including the pro-labor "yellow envelope" bill, were scrapped Friday as they failed to pass through the National Assembly in a revote after President Yoon Suk Yeol vetoed them last week. The results have widely been expected as two-thirds support is required for vetoed bills to pass through the Assembly again, and the ruling People Power Party, which is against the measures, holds 111 seats in the 298-member parliament. The "yellow envelope" bill calls for limiting companies from making claims for damages against legitimate labor union disputes, while the three other bills are broadcasting law revisions aimed at reducing the government's clout over public broadcasters. The measures were railroaded by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, and Yoon vetoed them. It marked the third time that Yoon has exercised his veto power after he rejected a grain bill requiring the government to purchase surplus rice in April and a controversial nursing act in May. (Yonhap) Operation was initiated based on credible information received by the Vigilance Cell of the Drugs Control Administration In a significant operation, the Drug Control Administration (DCA) authorities of Telangana have unearthed an illicit stockpile of counterfeit anti-cancer drugs valued at Rs 4.05 crore. The crackdown on this criminal enterprise, involving an unlicensed firm named "Astrica Healthcare," led to a series of raids across multiple locations in Hyderabad city. The Assistant Director of DCA Telangana, P. Ramu, disclosed that the operation was initiated based on credible information received by the Vigilance Cell of the Drugs Control Administration. The special team, comprising Drugs Inspectors G. Srikanth, K. Anvesh, M. Chandrasekhar, V. Ajay, and S. Vinay Sushmi, conducted raids on December 2, 2023. Upon discovering that the address provided by "Astrica Healthcare" was fictitious, the DCA officials collaborated with postal authorities at Alwal to trace the culprits. Subsequently, raids were conducted at courier offices in IDA Cherlapally, Nacharam, and Medchal, as well as at the premises of 'Astrica Healthcare' in Keesara. The vigilant DCA team identified the courier boy responsible for delivering the spurious drugs and tracked down their storage location at Macha Bollaraman unlicensed facility. Monitoring the premises since December 2, 2023, the DCA officials, including Assistant Directors P. Ramu and V. Balanaganjan, raided the location on December 4, 2023, seizing 36 varieties of anti-cancer drugs and other medications valued at Rs. 4.05 crore. The investigation revealed that certain seized drugs bore labels with details of a non-existent company, 'Astra Generics Pvt. Ltd.,' whose licenses were canceled in July 2021. The manufacturing date on the spurious drugs was noted as March 2023, under the name of the said canceled company. The spurious drugs were falsely labeled under various legitimate companies, including Astra Generics Pvt. Ltd., Astrica Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Medion Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Alliance Biotech, Sunvet Healthcare, Salus Pharmaceuticals, DM Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Safe Parenterals Pvt. Ltd., and Bless Pharma India Pvt. Ltd. Director General of Drugs Control Administration of Telangana, V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, emphasised the grave threat posed by spurious drugs to public health, as they not only fail to treat diseases but can also lead to catastrophic consequences. This seizure, marking the largest in the state, underscores the DCA's commitment to safeguarding public health. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend the prime accused, K. Sateesh Reddy, Director of Astrica Healthcare, who is currently absconding. Freeze dryer is the first product with plans to launch several instruments in the coming years Chennai-based VFL Sciences Private Limited has announced the launch of Penguin Classic, Laboratory Freeze Dryer / Lyophilizer. VFL Sciences Freeze dryer has been designed with focus on customers to deliver a state-of-the-art instrument that fits comfortably on a lab bench. Advanced 7 touch screen display allows user to programme all the parameters easily. The instrument comes with features such as Auto defrost, Auto restart after power restoration, flexibility to use flask, vials, petri dish etc For the first time in India, a laboratory freezer dryer is being offered that can be customised to one's requirements. Reach out with your specific needs and the company will be able to custom make the accessories and system. This is possible because the entire systems is produced locally. Vancheeswaran Sankaranarayanan, Managing Director of VFL Sciences states, Currently India is importing over 90% of all laboratory instruments. With the Indian manufacturing sector growing and the government is supporting make in India, it is now the time to produce scientific instruments in India. Freeze dryer is our first product and we have plans to launch several instruments in the coming years. We are sure that the Indian scientific community will find the products interesting and will support companies that are producing products in India African countries should be exempt from a plan by the European Union to impose a carbon tax on some imports, the head of the African Development Bank noted, putting the cost of the levy to the continent at as much as $25bn a year. Source: Reuters. Under the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (Cbam), which comes into force from 2026, imports of cement, iron, steel, aluminium and fertilisers would be taxed if they originate from countries with less onerous carbon-emissions rules. African countries are relying on fossil fuels as they increase energy production to serve growing populations and as they seek to manufacture more in order to export higher value products, although renewable energy investment has increased. EU manufacturers have argued for the Cbam because they say they cannot compete with cheaper and more polluting production beyond their borders. Speaking on the sidelines of the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, Akinwumi Adesina said the net result of the Cbam would be for Africa to revert to exporting more raw materials. "Africa can't afford to lose 25bn dollars a year," he said. "Secondly is the fact that Africa's use of natural gas to complement its renewable energy would give us the stability that everybody needs to be able to industrialise... So I think Africa deserves a carve-out." Adesina also said he hoped the International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board will early next year approve a plan for five wealthy countries to rechannel their Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through multilateral development banks including the AfDB. SDRs are rainy day foreign exchange reserves held at the IMF, backed by dollars, euros, yen, sterling and yuan. On Monday, 4 December, Japan and France announced their support for the re-channelling, with France saying it would contribute to a "liquidity support arrangement" that will act as a backstop. The AfDB is planning to issue its first hybrid capital note - a deeply subordinated, debt-like equity instrument - when the pricing is right, which will enable its planned four-times leverage of the SDRs, he said. The bank did an investor roadshow for the hybrid capital note in September, but market volatility has delayed its launch. Experiential LED volume powered by Unreal Engine showcased for the first time in Johannnesburg at the FM AdFocus Awards. Virtual production used to be a term used in big Hollywood productions such as Batman, The Jungle Book and The Mandalorian. With increased access to the technology, it has started moving to smaller productions worldwide, including TV series, commercials and music videos. And now, local companies such as Breadbin Productions are pioneering the way forward for SA by bringing virtual production to our doorstep. Garon Campbell, director and founder of Breadbin Productions has been on an educational drive this year. Not only has he been invited by Universities, Film Schools and Tech Events to talk about virtual production. He has also spent a better part of 2023 focusing his attention on agencies in a drive to provide awareness around Virtual Production. Garon emphasises, "Virtual Production (VP) has demonstrated its potential as the future of filmmaking on a global scale within the film industry. Our primary goal is to raise awareness, provide education, and generate enthusiasm for VP, encouraging our colleagues to embrace this remarkable opportunity and recognize its significance in the industry." Breadbin wanted to showcase VP to a live audience in a LED volume, rather than the usual green screen variation which has been their prize offering for the past few years. This endeavour, featured at the FM AdFocus Awards, aimed to demonstrate the simplicity of implementing virtual production. With support from Panavision and Panalux for cutting-edge lights and equipment, coupled with Immersive Showtech providing the LED screen, they successfully presented an international-level production on-site. This was Johannesburgs first experiential virtual production using Unreal Engine and engaging a live audience with an LED screen. There were many complexities, but the opportunity to showcase the incredible benefits of virtual production to 30-plus agencies made the task worthwhile. Gareth Norman, creative head at Breadbin, expresses, "Our journey has been extraordinary, marked by a steep learning curve, as we've created some of the most intricate productions, with only our imagination setting the boundaries." Through virtual production, one can exercise complete control over lighting using a DMX board, effortlessly transitioning between locations at the push of a button. This enables real-time adjustments on the fly. Having this tool in a production's toolkit proves highly effective, especially when faced with tight schedules, numerous locations, and challenging weather conditions. The complete filming takes place in a single location within a soundproof, weatherproof studio. Garon adds, "While it may not replace every traditional shoot, envision the convenience of arriving daily in a familiar space, effortlessly transitioning from a desert to an upscale bar to a rundown neighbourhood within seconds. And my personal favourite, easily doing a quick pick-up from the previous day's kitchen location when the actor wasn't quite feeling it." If you're interested in delving into this remarkable opportunity, don't hesitate to get in touch with these inspiring individuals. They offer educational resources, engaging presentations, and are open to discussions with anyone sharing a similar mindset. Feel free to reach out and explore the possibilities with them. https://breadbinproductions.co.za/virtual-production/ Email: az.oc.snoitcudorpnibdaerb@norag Mobile: 074 172 1451 Oceans Minister nominee Kang Do-hyung apologized Friday for his criminal record of drunk driving and violence. In 2004, Kang was given a 1.5 million-won ($1,148) fine for driving under the influence on the southern resort island of Jeju, according to the report by the Korea National Police Agency submitted to Rep. Kim Doo-gwan of the main opposition Democratic Party. The nominee was also fined 300,000 won in 1999 for committing a violent act, the report showed. "I deeply regret my immature judgment and actions when I was young. It is all my fault, and I express my sincere apology to the people as a candidate for a Cabinet member position," he said in a statement. Kang was named the minister of oceans and fisheries earlier this week to replace Cho Seung-hwan. As a veteran marine science expert, he currently serves as the chief of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology. (Yonhap) As the festive season approaches, the demand for goods surges, putting immense pressure on supply chains. The intricacies of container and warehousing logistics, exacerbated by external factors like fuel costs, infrastructure challenges, staff shortages and load shedding, emphasise the need for a flexible workforce to optimise efficiency. In this regard, Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers emerge as crucial partners in managing peak season demands. Source: aleksandarlittlewolf via Freepik Ensuring a timely turnaround of goods is imperative for meeting consumer demand and sustaining the retail sector. With the peak season looming, companies face the challenge of scaling up their workforce quickly without incurring permanent overheads. Maintaining a permanent workforce is economically unsustainable, especially when demand fluctuates. To address this, companies can turn to TES providers who offer a flexible labour pool. This allows for the quick deployment of skilled resources, thereby optimising turnaround times and operational efficiency. TES beyond offloading: Adding value to logistics TES providers bring added value by offering services beyond simple loading and offloading. Qualified staff can perform tasks such as inventory management, palletising, shrink-wrapping, and packing according to specific patterns. Furthermore, TES providers can support companies with services like picking, packing, stacking of warehouse shelves, and despatching functions. All these services are executed by fully screened and vetted staff, providing companies with a comprehensive solution to their seasonal staffing needs. E-commerce growth and TES support The growth of e-commerce in South Africa has been significant and has an estimated value of between R6bn and 7bn - growing at a rate of between 25 and 35% year-on-year, making up around 1% of South Africas retail sector. As the sector faces the upcoming peak season, the need for a flexible workforce becomes paramount. TES providers are well-equipped to support ecommerce businesses in scaling up staff during high-demand periods like the looming holiday season. The ecommerce sector benefits from the agility provided by TES partners who can supply qualified and skilled staff on-demand, allowing businesses to efficiently manage fluctuations in demand without the burden of maintaining a large full-time workforce throughout the year. Strategic focus and administrative support E-commerce businesses operate in a dynamic landscape, facing frequent changes and challenges. Engaging with a TES partner not only addresses staffing needs but also provides support in HR, payroll, and other administrative tasks. This allows ecommerce organisations to focus on their core business activities while the TES partner manages the flexible labour component, adapting to changing requirements. Enhancing warehousing competitiveness with TES One of the biggest challenges during the festive season is the increased demand for a wide range of goods due to holidays, celebrations, and increased shopping activity. Warehousing businesses may struggle to manage the sudden increase in orders, leading to potential stock shortages and/or delays in fulfilling orders. Meeting customer expectations for timely delivery becomes even more crucial during the festive season, and any delays or mistakes can lead to dissatisfied customers, negative reviews, and reputational damage. Leveraging the expertise of a TES provider becomes a strategic solution for warehousing businesses to navigate these challenges and gain a competitive edge. TES providers offer scalable and skilled staffing solutions, allowing businesses to quickly respond to fluctuations in demand. This flexibility minimises the risk of labour shortages or excessive labour costs, ensuring efficient order fulfilment during peak periods. TES providers collaborate with warehousing businesses to develop tailored solutions that address specific needs, handling administrative elements such as HR, industrial relations, onboarding, training, and compliance with labour laws. With the support of the right TES partner, warehousing businesses can optimise operations, meet customer expectations, and effectively navigate the complexities of the festive season, securing success in a competitive market. The collaboration between businesses and TES providers during peak seasons is instrumental in ensuring flexibility, efficiency, and competitiveness in logistics and warehousing operations. As industries evolve and face unforeseen challenges, the strategic partnership with TES providers becomes a key element in adapting to dynamic market conditions and maintaining operational excellence. Reebok presents its 50 Years of Hip Hop Collection a commemorative line inspired by the evolution of the culture, the figures who made groundbreaking contributions to the genre, and the brands position at the heart of it all. Image supplied Set to drop in South Africa on 7 December 2023, its a celebration of both hip hops legacy and its bright future. Back in the 1980s, Reebok was among the first brands to recognise how hip hop would shape culture, and its been supporting the genre and partnering with its icons ever since. The 50 Years of Hip Hop Collection takes fans on a journey through hip hop's early years, spotlighting the exceptional work of two visionary artists: Joe Conzo and Rich Tu. Joe Conzo, renowned as "The Man Who Took Hip Hop's Baby Pictures," was a photographer who played a pivotal role in documenting the burgeoning music scene in the Bronx during the 1970s. His intimate snapshots provide a rare glimpse into the birth of hip-hop culture. Rich Tu, a first-generation Filipino-American and award-winning designer and artist, has dedicated his career to amplifying diversity within the creative industry. The 50 Years of Hip Hop Collection includes track tops, trackpants, t-shirts, and new takes on the iconic Reebok Classic Leather and Club C 85 sneakers. Reeboks commitment to the culture goes beyond fashion its about honouring the artists, pioneers, and trailblazers who have shaped hip hop. The local launch of the 50 Years of Hip Hop Collection coincides with the day of Reeboks highly anticipated Back Like We Never Left event, an exclusive experience that takes attendees on a journey through local hip hop history. Featuring performances by DJ Ready D, Nadia Nakai, YoungstaCPT, Blxckie and more, Back Like We Never Left is a day where the beats, rhymes, and stories that have defined South African hip hop come to life. The Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will be held on Sunday, 10 December 2023, to commemorate 10 years since Nelson Mandelas passing and to celebrate the legacy of the iconic former South African President. The special event is hosted annually on the streets of Tshwane by the Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation (SACR) and over the years has attracted hundreds of thousands of participants honouring Madibas legacy and contribution. This year, the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run (MRWR) will be held on Sunday, 10 December 2023, from 6:30am, starting from the Union Buildings and comprising of a fun 5 kilometre walk and run and 10 kilometre and 21 kilometre run. The MRWR is an event that reminds South Africans about Madibas vision for South Africa, his values, and contribution to building a just society dependent on the partnership and involvement of all South Africans. Online entries are now open and available at www.mandelawalkandrun.com. Entry is R100 for the 5 kilometre walk and run, R150 for the 10 kilometre run and R200 for the 21 kilometre run. All proceeds from the MRWR go towards the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation in keeping Madibas legacy alive by promoting sustainable solutions to societys challenges through dialogue and tangible work in the community. Event merchandise comprising of a commemorative shirt and bag, is included in the entry price, however it is limited to the first 5000 entrants and should be collected at race number collection. Participants are invited to get in their entries early and to show up and play their part in building the South Africa they dream of and which mirrors Madibas vision and values. The MRWR will once again start and end in the shadows of the Union Buildings, where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africas first democratically elected President, and takes in some significant historical landmarks on the route important to Madibas lifes journey. This years Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run will be especially significant, as we mark 10 years since Madibas passing and celebrate his massive contribution to the pursuit of human dignity, equality and a better life for all the countrys citizens. This is an event we all look forward to eagerly on the calendar and we are encouraging people to gather in numbers to celebrate and reflect on Madibas major contribution and impact on all our lives, said the Nelson Mandela Foundations acting CEO, Professor Verne Harris. The year 2023 event has proven to be big and better the event is pleased to announce Unilever, through two of its brands: Vaseline and Shield, and Mahindra as official partners for the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run. The two companies believes in keeping Madibas legacy alive through impacting positively the lives of its consumers and the societies in which they operate/live. The event attracts people of all ages and from all walks of life and promotes social cohesion and nation-building, as well as encouraging a healthy lifestyle - which was one of Madibas hallmarks. It is also an event that allows participants to reflect on their own role and contribution in building a united, harmonious and better country for all its citizens that Madiba made his lifes mission. MEC Morakane Mosupyoe adds: As the department, we are thrilled to continue working with the foundation on this event, and we believe the event forms part of our social cohesion programme. Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is our way of honouring Madibas legacy by bringing people in South Africa together, uniting them and giving them a sense of belonging. It is also a reminder of what makes this country and continent truly special and a reminder of Madibas huge contribution in ensuring the freedoms we enjoy today. It also celebrates Madibas love for fitness and a healthy lifestyle. We hope this family event will continue to honour Madibas legacy and make us all reflect on our lives and the example we want to be for our families. While it is a social, festive occasion for casual runners and walkers of all shapes and sizes in remembrance of Madiba, the event has over the years had the regular participation of world-class runners such as Gerda Steyn and Stephen Mokoka, who are big supporters of this meaningful Gauteng event. A private wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Union Buildings to mark the 10th anniversary of Madibas passing. Start times 10 and 21km run starts at 06h30 on Government Road at the Union Buildings. on Government Road at the Union Buildings. 5km walk starts at 09h00 on Government Road at the Union Buildings. Number collection details Nelson Mandela Foundation - 107 Central Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg Friday, 8 December 2023, from 09h00 - 17h00 Pretoria Faith Community Church Hall, cnr Stanza Bopape and Wessels Street, Arcadia Pretoria (opposite the Union Buildings) Saturday, 9 December 2023, from 09h00 - 18h00 No collection is possible on race day Let's #RememberMadiba and #BeTheLegacy on Sunday, 10 December 2023. Members of the media are invited to attend, including covering the wreath-laying ceremony thats starts at 08h00. Please RSVP at: gro.alednamnoslen@SobahT. For media enquiries and interviews please contact: Nelson Mandela Foundation related: Thabo Sephuma Cell: 079 488 4687 Email: gro.alednamnoslen@SobahT Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation related Thabo Moloja Cell: 072 927 6348 Email: az.vog.gnetuag@ajoloM.obahT South African wine grape producers expect a good and somewhat larger 2024 wine grape crop compared to the relatively small harvest of 2023. This is according to the first of four wine crop estimates issued annually by viticulturists and producer cellars. This estimate, however, is still lower than the average harvests of the past 10 years. Source: sharonang via Pixabay Cool and wet conditions characterised the post-harvest period and provided welcome relief during the recovery of vines after the harvest. The lower crop load of 2023, the early completion of the harvest and sufficient water availability positively contributed to vineyard reserves to start the winter on a good footing. The Cape winegrowing areas experienced an excellent winter, characterised by low temperatures and an above-average rainfall that brought soil profiles and storage dams up to capacity. This was especially welcomed in dryland areas such as Cape Town and Swartland, while brackish soils in the drier cultivation regions such as the Klein Karoo and Olifants River benefited from the leaching of salts. An action-packed Spring Frost damage to low-lying Chenin Blanc and Colombar, especially in the Breedekloof and Worcester region, had producers worried, but given the early nature of the damage, vineyards were able to recover to some extent through fertile secondary buds and late pruning actions. Cool and wet conditions continued with heavy downpours and gusty winds at the end of September where vineyards on riverbanks were hit hardest by the floodwaters. The soil conditions, mud that stuck to leaves after the storms, high humidity, and limited access to vineyards due to the wet soil conditions resulted in downy mildew in some vineyards. The early summer was characterised by moderate temperatures and below-average precipitation. It stimulated active growth and aided flowering and set for most cultivars. Strong winds in coastal areas such as Stellenbosch had a limiting impact on the set of late cultivars such as Cabernet Sauvignon, but the positive impact of groundwater reserves on berry size is expected. Vine growth is generally showing very well. "The positive impact of climatic conditions leading up to the harvest outweigh the limiting factors, despite the continuing declining trend in the national area under vines, which currently stands at 89384 hectares (SAWIS 2022)," says Etienne Terblanche, manager of Vinpro's team of viticulture experts who issue the harvest estimates together with the industry body, SAWIS. "The potential impact of load shedding will only become apparent closer to harvest time and is being closely monitored. If environmental conditions play out as predicted and producers adapt management practices accordingly, a good quality harvest can be expected." "The South African wine industry is in the midst of a repositioning phase to overcome various challenges on the one hand, but also to ensure sustainable growth and investment," says Rico Basson, South Africa Wine CEO. "Measured against some of our competitors, our wine industry is excellently placed to overcome challenges and with a focused approach unlock value growth in the tourism, local and international markets which relieves financial pressure at farm level." The next crop estimate by viticulturists and producer cellars will be released in January 2024. Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and B4SA are gearing up to formally petition President Ramaphosa. They are urging him to send the NHI Bill back to the National Assembly for amendment. The business groups believe that the Bill, in its current format, is not only unworkable, unimplementable, and unaffordable, but also unconstitutional, both on substantive and procedural grounds. This follows the adoption of the Bill by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) without any amendments on 6 December 2023. The South African Constitution, under Section 79, provides that once a Bill is adopted, the president must either assent to and sign the Bill or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration. Martin Kingston, B4SA steering committee chair, said: BUSA and B4SA have, throughout the entire NHI Bill legislative process, highlighted the deficiencies in the Bill, including those unconstitutional provisions that required clarification and amendment. Our concerns, recommendations, research, data and inputs, as well as those made by a wide range of experts and affected stakeholders, have been summarily ignored by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and the NCOP, which are legally mandated to ensure that the NHI Bill passes constitutional muster and is properly configured to give healthcare the best possible chance of success. No amendments were made at all, including those suggested by the Department of Health itself, which is deeply concerning for our country and democracy. The consequence of passing this Bill, unamended, is devastating. It will materially delay access to universal health coverage, lead to disinvestment in the healthcare sector, further damage our already fragile economy, and create significant risks for the country in terms of the quality, management and governance of healthcare. BUSA/B4SA will, in its petition to the President, specifically raise flaws in areas of the legislative process and substance of the Bill that it believes are unconstitutional. Procedural constitutional points: Procedurally, it notes that parliaments socio-economic impact assessment process was inadequate, that the Nedlac process in respect of the Bill was not followed through, that public-participation inputs were not properly considered and that multiple constructive inputs from business and other stakeholders have been ignored. Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Health also ignored an opinion by Parliamentary Legal Services, which highlighted several areas of the Bill that are unconstitutional. Busa/ B4SA also highlighted the fact that the process conducted by the NCOP Select Committee on Health and Social Services was rushed, inadequate in terms of its mandate, and that it failed to properly deal with reports submitted by provinces. Importantly, the NCOP Committee failed to incorporate amendments, provincial public submissions and technical flaws noted by several provinces and even the Department of Health itself. In terms of the substantive constitutional flaws in the NHI Bill: BUSA/B4SA notes that Section 33 is unconstitutional in giving the Health Minister unfettered power to determine the restricted role for medical schemes, especially as this power is unnecessary for achieving the policy objectives of the Bill. This is damaging to the private health sector as a whole and there is no rational basis for this approach. This clearly introduces significant concentration risk due to the single fund model and adverse impacts both on peoples ability to seek care in the private sector, and overloading of the public sector. The proposed amendments only seek to allow for the role for medical schemes to be determined in a consultative process, in measured phases in a manner that is consistent with the policy objectives. It is bewildering that this constructive and supportive approach has been rebuffed. The processes for accessing healthcare, and making appeals when the NHI refuses access to treatment, are foreseeably inadequate to the point where they are more likely to frustrate or even deny the right of access to health services. Even though this is a very practical concern, it was totally ignored by both houses of parliament and their specialist committees. Sections 48 and 49 of the Bill refer to introducing new taxes and making tax changes, which should be decided and proposed by National Treasury in a Money Bill, in accordance with the Constitution. The Bill also breaches the separation of powers by granting the Minister judicial discretion. The business groups also believe that the contracting provisions in Sections 11 and 26 of the Bill are unsustainable and inconsistent with the principles of value-based care and strategic purchasing, which is the global trend for sustainable healthcare contracting that is patient-centred. They focus on price in an unsophisticated manner which contradicts the Constitutions criteria for lawful procurement. The roll-out envisaged in Section 57 of the Bill needs to be linked to milestones that are workable and relevant to South Africans having reasonable access to quality healthcare services rather than dates which are arbitrary and unrealistic, and already outdated. Parliament has effectively accepted rollout dates that are already in the past. The legislative changes included in Section 58 of the Bill appear to be immediate in effect, which is in conflict with the provisions of Sections 31 and 32 of the Bill and results, for example, in the immediate removal of health functions from the provinces, impacting around R196bn of funding which currently forms part of Provincial Equitable Share allocations and Conditional Grants allocated to Provinces. The changes to the Medical Schemes Act are also in conflict with Section 33. There are conflicts with the Competition Act and the Protection of Personal Information Act which are unnecessary to give effect to universal health care. These conflicts are easily addressed as business inputs have consistently demonstrated, but were still ignored by Parliament. Cas Coovadia, chief executive officer of BUSA, says: We need to be clear. We have not rejected the Bill in its entirety, and have consistently supported its policy direction towards universal health coverage. Our inputs have been intended to remedy the constitutional, funding and practical deficiencies in the Bill. We believe the Portfolio Committee on Health and the NCOP have conducted themselves unconstitutionally in pushing through the Bill without due consideration of these concerns. It also used a simplistic yes or no opinion poll on the desirability of universal health coverage, which was never in question, as the determinant of support for the NHI Bill. For these reasons, it is our strong belief that the president must refer it back to the National Assembly for amendment. The private sectors participation in the NHI is critical to its success, not only in terms of funding, but also in the expansion and delivery of quality healthcare services. As a country, we have consistently seen that when the public and private sectors work together, pooling our substantial resources, expertise, skills and technical know-how, we are able to achieve far more than when we work in isolation of each other. We worked together to address a global pandemic, we are working together now to tackle our countrys infrastructure, energy, transport and crime challenges, and we must work together to ensure that the healthcare system we land with is practical, affordable and implementable, concludes Coovadia. Leading advocate for tech entrepreneurship and ICT SMMEs, Innovator Trust proudly announced the distinguished winners of the 2023 Women in Tech Awards... This prestigious recognition celebrates the remarkable achievements of women who have made outstanding contributions and demonstrated innovation, resilience, and exceptional growth within their Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). In a spectacular, jam-packed programme led by broadcasters Azania Mosaka, Leanne Manas and Zuraida Jardine, the award ceremony held on Thursday, 16th November 2023 at the grand Vodacom World venue in the vibrant city of Johannesburg, showcased the exceptional accomplishments of the Innovator Trust Women in Tech Award recipients. Tashline Jooste, chief executive officer of Innovator Trust, delivered a visionary address, emphasizing the transformative power of technology in Africa and the pivotal role women play in driving this change. Her commitment to impactful small business development and empowering entrepreneurs has been a driving force behind the success of Innovator Trust. Awards Galore: Recognising Top Achievers The heart of the event was the acknowledgment of outstanding women who have made remarkable strides in the tech landscape. From the Supplier Development Top Female Achiever Highest Percentage Growth to the Enterprise Development Female Pinnacle Award, the ceremony recognized women entrepreneurs who have not only demonstrated excellence but have also paved the way for others in the industry. Quarterly excellence and employment creation Innovator Trust also shone a spotlight on quarterly excellence, applauding Unathi Nuku for her exceptional achievements in Quarter 1 of 2023. Additionally, Temo Digitals Wahseema and Nicole Miller received the top Enterprise Development Top Female Employment Creator award. Youth Entrepreneurship Program: Nurturing future leaders The event also celebrated the young talents nurtured through the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP). Bongeka Ntshangase emerged as the Top Female Achiever in the YEP, showcasing the promising future of tech entrepreneurship in South Africa. Pinnacle Awards: Recognising exceptional leadership The prestigious Pinnacle Awards, presented in collaboration with Vodacom, crowned Lilian Kistan of Tekwecomm from KZN and Joburgs own Katlego Malatji of ProjectONE Engineering as the Supplier Development and Enterprise Development Female Pinnacle Award recipients, respectively. These awards symbolise exceptional leadership, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change in the tech sector. Thabile Makhoba of Makhoba Professional Services, Wahseema Miller and Nicole Miller of Temo Digital, Unathi Nuku of New Era IT, Katlego Malatji of Project ONE Engineering, Bongeka Ntshangase, Lilian Kistan of Tekwecomm these names echoed through the venue as they stood out among the impressive pool of nominees. Full list of Women In Tech 2023 winners Vodacom Innovator Trust Supplier Development Top Female Achiever Highest Percentage Growth 2022/23 Thabile Makhoba, Makhoba Professional Services Top Female Achiever Highest Percentage Growth 2022/23 1st place - Wahseema Miller and Nicole Miller, Temo Digital 2nd place - Nomphomelelo Mahlangu, Synergy Trading & Projects 3rd place - Leslen Ash and Maryse Monmarche, iTechnology Africa Enterprise Development Top Female Achiever Quarter 1 2023 1st place - Unathi Nuku, New Era IT 2nd place - Joanne Madavha, Diamonds For Africa Consulting 3rd place - Leigh Desai, Innativ Studio Enterprise Development Top Female Employment Creator 2022/23 Wahseema Miller and Nicole Miller, Temo Digital Enterprise Development Top Female Achiever YTD Turnover 2022/23 Winner Wahseema Miller and Nicole Miller, Temo Digital Youth Entrepreneurship Programme Top Female Achiever 2023 Bongeka Ntshangase Vodacom Innovator Trust Supplier Development Female Pinnacle Award 2022/23 Winner Lilian Kistan, Tekwecomm Innovator Trust Enterprise Development Female Pinnacle Award 2022/23 Winner Katlego Malatji, Projectone Engineering Nominees across the category were celebrated for their leadership impact, diversification and growth in revenue within their business in the technology sector. The Innovator Trust remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and these awards highlight the organisation's dedication to recognising and empowering women in the South African tech ecosystem. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with innovative SMMEs through exhibitions, participate in activations, and capture memorable moments at the red carpet and VOGUE photo booth. Technology in the hands of women is a powerful tool, giving women a unique and newfound sense of empowerment. We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on these outstanding women who have not only contributed significantly to the tech industry but have also played a pivotal role in paying it forward to the next generation of women in STEM, stated Innovator Trust CEO Tashline Jooste and added, Technology is not just a tool; it is the driving force behind a revolution of empowerment, a SHEVOLUTION and these women are at the forefront of it! The Innovator Trust Women in Tech Experience serves as a platform to inspire and motivate aspiring women in the technology sector, fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity among women within South African SMMEs. The SHEVOLUTION Experience 2023 was more than an awards ceremony, it was a holistic experience; celebrating resilience, innovation, and the collective power of women in shaping the future of technology. As the curtains closed on this empowering event, the impact of these women on the tech landscape will undoubtedly reverberate for years to come. The attention then turned to the future. The announcement of the 2024 cohort of SMMEs joining the prestigious Innovator Trust iTap Accelerator program added a forward-looking dimension to the celebration These SMMEs, carefully selected for their potential for rapid growth, represent the next wave of innovators set to make their mark in the tech industry. For more information, visit the Innovator Trust website or follow the updates on the official social media channels below. Instagram: @innovatortrust Facebook: @innovatortrust Twitter: @innovatortrust YouTube: Trust Website: www.innovatortrust.co.za In a bid to promote inclusivity in the built environment industry, Bernice Swarts, deputy minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, has urged the department's entities to ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with training, work, and business opportunities. Deputy minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Bernice Swarts. Swarts highlighted the common misconception that people with disabilities are incapable of performing the physical duties associated with the industry, leading to their exclusion from work and business opportunities. These remarks were made at the inaugural Council for the Built Environment (CBE) colloquium on persons with disability in the built environment, which took place this week in Boksburg, Gauteng. The conference, themed Co-creation of spaces which entrench universal access, aimed to reinforce and expedite the rights of people with disabilities. Swarts noted some of the challenges still facing people with disabilities in the built environment, including physical access to many buildings which do not have ramps, handrails, heavy doors that are hard to open and close, narrow doorways and hallways, and poor signage that does not cater for the visually impaired. The deputy minister called for people with disabilities to be offered job opportunities in project management and owning businesses in the built industry. Swarts also called on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to ensure that people with disabilities receive training in built industry qualifications for them to be more employable in the sector. The DHET's Strategic Policy Framework on Disability for the Post-School Education and Training System is one instrument that aims to create an enabling environment for inclusion and mainstreaming of people with disabilities in the post-school education and training system, which seeks to ensure that disability-related policies and guidelines are implemented and monitored. 'Positive gains' While there have been positive gains in the fight for the inclusivity of people with disabilities in the country, like the inclusion of the South African Sign Language as the 12th official language, the country is still lagging in reaching minimum targets for the employment of people with disabilities, said Swarts. Swarts also advised the CBE to invite stakeholders outside the built industry sector to next years colloquium, including education stakeholders, in order to have a more holistic approach in resolving the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the built industry. Meanwhile, Swarts will this evening deliver a keynote address at the Built Environment Recognition Awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations, who are shaping the future of the built environment. The awards recognise outstanding contributions to the industry and encourages professional registration. The inaugural awards - hosted by the CBE - will take place in Durban. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) said Friday a North Korean defector engineer has joined the party along with four other figures, as it unveiled the first batch of newly recruited talents ahead of the April general elections. Some are expected to run as candidates in the parliamentary elections, while others will take various roles within the party, including policymaking, said Rep. Lee Chul-gyu, the head of the PPP's committee for recruitment. Park Choong-kwon, 37, defected to South Korea in 2009 after graduating from the National Defense University, now the Kim Jong Un National Defense University, a school focusing on nurturing elite scientific and technical personnel in national defense. He has been working as a researcher at Hyundai Steel, a local steelmaker. "He is a new role model to North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. We anticipate that he will play a great role in the development of engineering and improving the human rights situation of North Koreans," Lee said. The PPP also brought in pediatrician Ha Jeong-hun, who is also the author of a best-selling book on infant care; lawyer Koo Ja-ryong, a TV pundit famous for his criticism of opposition leader Lee Jae-myung; Yoon Do-hyun, head of a nonprofit organization for orphans; and criminal psychology professor Lee Soo-jung of Kyonggi University. In the case of Lee, she has already declared her bid to run for office. The conservative PPP has two North Korean defector-turned-lawmakers in the current session of the National Assembly. Rep. Tae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat, was elected in Gangnam of southern Seoul, while Rep. Ji Seong-ho became a lawmaker as a proportional representative. (Yonhap) Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. Journaliste de Reuters tue au Liban : L'incident a eu lieu dans une "zone active de combat", dit l'armee israelienne JERUSALEM, 8 decembre (Reuters) - L'armee israelienne, en reponse a une enquete menee par Reuters affirmant que ses forces ont tue un de ses journalistes dans le sud du Liban le 13 octobre, a declare vendredi que l'incident a eu lieu dans une zone active de combat et fait l'objet d'un enquete. Sans mentionner directement la mort d'Issam Abdallah, l'armee a declare dans un communique que ses forces ont ouvert le feu en reponse a une attaque des combattants du Hezbollah libanais. (Dan Williams; version francaise par Zhifan Liu, edite par Kate Entringer) The National Assembly on Friday approved the nomination of Cho Hee-dae as the new Supreme Court chief justice, filling a leadership vacuum in the country's top court, which lasted for more than two months. The motion to approve Cho's nomination passed the Assembly in a 264-18 vote with ten abstentions. Cho was widely expected to smoothly pass the vote, as a parliamentary confirmation hearing report concluded the nominee was fit for the job, given Cho had barely any irregularities and shared a clear vision on judiciary reform. The country's top court had suffered a leadership vacuum for the past 74 days, since the former chief justice, Kim Meong-su, finished his tenure on Sept. 24, and the opposition-controlled Assembly rejected the appointment of President Yoon Suk Yeol's first nominee, Lee Gyun-ryong. (Yonhap) NEW DELHI (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday appealed to the people to donate to the Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) Fund and become a part of the Government's endeavour to ensure the welfare of ex-soldiers and war widows and their families. In a message on AFFD on December 7, Singh said it was the moral responsibility of every citizen to contribute to the efforts being made by the Ministry of Defence towards care, assistance, rehabilitation and treatment of veterans, war widows and their dependents through a number of welfare schemes. "It is our collective duty to ensure that they get due recognition from all of us," he said. Singh highlighted soldiers' work in safeguarding the borders and their contribution in relief and rescue operations in the face of natural and man-made disasters as well as as part of peacekeeping missions across the globe. He paid tributes to the soldiers who died in the line of fire and those who were left with a physical disability. Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt said the day provides an opportunity for the people to express gratitude to the gallant soldiers who are always ready to protect the country. President Yoon Suk Yeol appointed the new head of the Supreme Court, Friday, ending more than two months of a leadership vacuum at the country's top court. Yoon presented Cho Hee-dae, a former Supreme Court justice, with a letter of appointment in a ceremony at the presidential office in Seoul, hours after the National Assembly approved Cho's nomination. The motion to approve Cho's nomination passed the Assembly in a 264-18 vote with ten abstentions. Cho was widely expected to smoothly pass the vote, as a parliamentary confirmation hearing report concluded the nominee was fit for the job, given Cho had barely any irregularities and shared a clear vision on judiciary reform. The country's top court had suffered a leadership vacuum for the past 74 days, since the former chief justice, Kim Myeong-su, finished his tenure, Sept. 24, and the opposition-controlled Assembly rejected the appointment of President Yoon Suk Yeol's first nominee, Lee Gyun-ryong. (Yonhap) Former solicitor Michael Lynn had ample opportunity to give gardai any information that would help disprove the allegations against him, the lead investigator has told his multi-million euro theft trial. Gardai arranged to interview Mr Lynn in Portugal in 2011, but the interview never took place after they learned he had moved to Brazil, retired Garda Inspector Patrick Linehan told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday. Advertisement Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow is on trial accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006 and April 20th, 2007. It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. Advertisement The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS). Ret Insp Patrick Linehan told the jury that he was in charge of the investigation from the start. Advertisement Portugal He told the court that Mr Lynns solicitor, Robert Eager, contacted gardai in early 2008 and indicated his clients willingness to meet them. It was initially agreed that gardai would interview Mr Lynn in London in November 2008; however, this meeting could not go ahead. There was further correspondence between Mr Lynns solicitors and gardai, which led to another date being agreed for an interview - this time in Portugal in June 2011. Gardai made an application to the Portuguese authorities for assistance in relation to this, the court heard. This interview was subsequently cancelled as Mr Lynn wished his Irish, English and Portuguese solicitors to be present, but not all were available on the agreed date, the court heard. Ret Insp Linehan said the interview in Portugal was rearranged for October 2011. However, he said they were formally advised that Mr Lynn would not be attending shortly beforehand, and they subsequently became aware that Mr Lynn was in Brazil. Advertisement Advertisement When asked by Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, when gardai decided not to interview Mr Lynn, Ret Insp Linehan said it became apparent to gardai in October 2011 that we didn't believe Michael Lynn was going to attend for interview. He told the court that gardai were planning to meet Mr Lynn in Portugal, but it subsequently transpired he had left the jurisdiction and was in Brazil. We weren't aware he left and moved to Brazil, he said, adding it was quite a strange move given they had arranged to meet for interview. The clear thing is he had every opportunity to tell his story to us, he said. ...He had ample opportunity to give us any evidence that would help us disprove the allegations. Advertisement 'No common sense' Defence counsel put it to Ret Insp Linehan that gardai refused to provide Mr Lynn's solicitor with a list of questions. Ret Insp Linehan replied that in a criminal investigation, there would be no common sense in doing so. It's like telling someone we're going to search your house and getting a warrant in two weeks' time, he said. They clear the house. Ret Insp Linehan agreed gardai were monitoring Mr Lynn's movements via Interpol and were aware he entered and left Brazil eight times between 2007 and 2011. Advertisement Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe put it to Ret Insp Linehan that gardai were given assurances that Mr Lynn could be extradited from Brazil at any time. Advertisement Ret Insp Linehan said Ireland had no extradition treaty with Brazil at the time, and that gardai raised their concerns with Brazilian authorities. It's no guarantee, there was no treaty, he said, adding: It might be a reason why someone might move there. Ret Insp Linehan told Mr Comiskey OKeeffe that he could not recall the name of the garda who carried out a technical examination of servers taken by the Law Society. He said he had no concerns about the chain of evidence before gardai seized the devices. He agreed with defence counsel that some of the witnesses for the seven banks had indicated there may be other documents beyond what was provided to gardai. He said gardai served court orders and expected the banks would in good faith supply the requested information, but gardai cant do a trawling exercise. He agreed that gardai did not receive a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge Mr Lynn while he was in Portugal. He told the court that most fraud investigations take a long time. Garda questioning Advertisement Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked if the investigation found evidence of a practice between Mr Lynn and banks of undertaking-only loans. He replied: Absolutely not. He was brought through a list of bank officials that gardai did not question, including former bank officials Michael Fingleton and Sean Fitzpatrick. He agreed gardai did not question either of these men. Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked about the gardas investigations into Kendar and if a fundamental part of the investigation was to follow the money. It's not necessary to follow the money. It would be ideal, but its not a fundamental requirement if we can prove money was taken, the witness replied. Re-examining Ret Insp Linehan, Karl Finnegan SC, said the garda investigation has been impugned by Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe, who says gardai could have gone searching for information which would have exonerated Mr Lynn. Ret Insp Linehan said that Mr Lynn could have contacted them at any stage, but that never happened. The jury was told that prior to the first trial, Mr Lynn's legal team applied for disclosure of Kendar material, but Judge Martin Nolan deemed the Kendar investigation to be irrelevant to the matters before this court. The court heard that the Kendar investigation related to complaints from several disappointed people in relation to property transactions. The jury was told inquiries were made, and the case was closed, from an Irish point of view. The prosecution case is now closed. The trial resumes on Monday before Judge Nolan and the jury. A new communal working space is due to open in Tallaght in 2024, providing space for up to 60 businesses, including entrepreneurs, start-up companies and small & medium enterprises (SMEs). Work IQ will open the centre in the newly developed Tallaght Innovation Quarter early next year, with the project expected to support the creation of over 700 jobs. Advertisement The 2,980sqm centre will include co-working spaces, private offices, meeting and conference rooms, in addition to business supports and events aimed at helping companies grow. Located in Tallaght town centre, the Innovation Quarter is owned by South Dublin County Council, and will also include a cost-rental apartment scheme and a new public park, Innovation Square. The 16 million project has been funded by the council, with support from the Department of Housing through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Celtic Tiger restaurateur Marcus Sweeney has pleaded not guilty to driving a car without insurance or a valid NCT certificate and will face a court hearing next year. Mr Sweeney (46), a former boyfriend of the late supermodel Katy French, who ran Il Pomo D'Oro on Dublin's South William Street before a receiver was appointed in 2007, appeared at Dublin District Court on Friday. Advertisement Gardai summonsed him to face five charges under the Road Traffic Act concerning alleged motoring offences at the R136 road in Tallaght, Dublin, on February 7th, 2022. He is accused of having no insurance, failing to produce insurance, using a vehicle without a valid NCT and not displaying a disc. The alleged offences involve a 2012 registered car. Mr Sweeney, of Little Acre, Summer Hill Road, Dunboyne, Co Meath, did not address the court when his case was called. Advertisement Judge Michele Finan asked if he had brought his documents. Advertisement Solicitor Michael French, defending, told the court there was "an issue about the registered owner of the vehicle". None of the prosecution's evidence was heard, and Mr Sweeney was not required to testify at Friday's hearing, but his solicitor told the court his client may have to at the next stage in the proceedings. Mr French asked the court to give a hearing date, and Judge Finan said it would go ahead on March 12th. The offences in the case are summary matters, which will be heard by the District Court. Driving without insurance, on conviction, can result in being fined up to 5,000, disqualified or getting penalty points, or a prison sentence of up to six months. It is an offence to drive a vehicle, four years after first registration, without a current NCT certificate. The penalties are an initial 60 fixed charge to be paid within four weeks, which later increases to 90 and three penalty points. Extra penalty points and a harsher fine or prison sentence can follow if the matter goes to court for non-payment. The general grumbling about the price of electric cars may be coming to an end.Right now, mention of any new electric vehicle on any of the social media channels generally prompts an avalanche of replies along the lines of Ill keep my old diesel till the prices come down These posts are usually from someone whos just spent 35,000 or more on a new diesel SUV, but anyway Advertisement While its true that electric cars have, hitherto, been generally much more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts, that is changing fast and unsurprisingly, its the Chinese brands that are in the forefront of lowering prices. This week, BYD, which is imported into Ireland by Motor Distributors Limited, announced that its new Dolphin electric hatchback will have a starting price of 25,570. That will get you a basic Active model, which comes with a 44.9kWh battery and a one-charge range of up to 340km. Advertisement You cant quite buy that Dolphin model just yet the first Active-spec versions wont arrive until early in the new year, but you can order the pricier Comfort model which costs brace yourself 29,318. And which comes with a 60.4kWh battery and a 420km range into the bargain. By comparison, most of the big European brands are only starting to talk about EVs with 25,000 price tags for launch much later in 2024. At the head of this queue is the Citroen e-C3, which is significantly smaller than the BYD Dolphin, and which comes up 20km shorter in range terms. It also wont be on sale until the last few days of 2024. Its closely-related cousin, the Fiat Panda EV, should also make an appearance next year. Advertisement BYD isnt just undercutting European rivals, though. There seems to be something of a price war going on amid the Chinese car makers right now. MG, for example, has temporarily cut the price of its entry-level MG4 hatchback similar in size and layout to the BYD Dolphin, with a range of 350km in basic form to 28,995 (down from 30,995) to try and keep up with its massive Chinese competitor. Likewise, the Ora Funky Cat, shortly to be renamed the GWM Ora 03, has seen its price cut in recent months to 29,995 in basic form, although it can only offer a 310km range at that price. Advertisement BYD currently has five dealers in Ireland two in Dublin, and one each in Cork, Wexford, and Waterford and is in negotiations with for more, for Limerick, Galway, Sligo, and Louth. Next up will be its sleek Seal saloon, which with a base price of 40,567 undercuts even the Tesla Model 3 (which has seen its priced dramatically slashed through 2023) and offers more range as standard. Can the more traditional carmakers keep up with this sort of price-cutting? After all, if you look a the size and space of the BYD Dolphin, most of its direct rivals have prices above 40,000. Advertisement There is one thats almost as affordable, though, and its a very familiar one. Nissan has trimmed 5,000 from the price of the Leaf hatchback, giving it a 28,495. Thats a good price considering the Leafs known brand name, and its spaciousness, but it comes up short on range the 40kWh battery that youll get for that price only offers a maximum 270km range on the WLTP cycle. It will be enough for some, but it wont give the extra flexibility that the Chinese brands are offering. Nonetheless, Nissan Ireland says that the price cut shows its prepared to hit back hard against the newer competition. The Nissan Leaf is well established as one of Irelands best-selling EVs because it offers a range of 270 kilometres on a single charge. It is a well spec-ed car with a good-sized boot and spacious interior to meet the needs of any family or business said Neil OSullivan, Nissan Irelands sales director. We are EV experts and the Nissan Leaf price drop and zero per cent finance deal offers real value as well as an opportunity to go green and to become more sustainable. Advertisement Does the Nissan price cut preview across-the-board reductions from other manufacturers? Sadly it seems not. Advertisement Ford, for example, earlier this year chopped between $1,000 and $4,000 from the price of the all-electric Mustang Mach-E in the US market, partly in response to Teslas price cuts. Those price cuts didnt make it through to the Irish market, with a Ford spokesperson said: This announcement is specific to North America. Across Europe, we are constantly reviewing our price structure to offer the best possible price for our customers. The base price of the Mustang Mach-E in Ireland remains high, at 67,666 significantly more expensive than rivals from Tesla and Audi. However, the omens for the future are better. Renault has just announced a new stage of its transformation programme, slightly gratingly called the Renault-lution. Advertisement That programme has, in fairness, helped the French car making giant turn around from an 8-billion loss in 2020 to what it claimed as record profitability in the first half of 2023. In 2024, Renault will launch one of its most significant new cars of the decade an all-electric replacement for the Zoe hatchback that riffs on the styling of the 1980s Renault 5 hatch, and which revives that cars name the Renault 5 EV. Thanks to a comprehensive re-design of the chassis and battery, Renault already reckons that the 5 EV is about 30 per cent less expensive to make than the Zoe, which should be reflected, to an extent, in its price tag. The company is going further, aiming for a 50 per cent cut in the cost of building an electric car by 2027 as part of its Re-Industry programme. Some of that will be trimmed from battery costs, while other savings are already starting to come by using Digital Twins of factories, predicting when maintenance and down-time will be needed, rather than reacting to problems. Re-Industry is a 360-degree transformation plan, Thierry Charvet, chief industry officer at Renault said. The aim is to build on our strengths and to gather speed in what we already do well, to reinvent our entire industrial base and attain the highest standards in excellence. This industrial transformation will make our base more agile, more virtuous and more competitive, while also enabling us to respond more quickly to customer expectations. In this way, for example, Renault is targeting a production time of nine hours for the future Renault 5. Boris Johnson has denied claims that he used the phrase let the bodies pile high during the Covid-19 pandemic. The former British prime minister dismissed as absurd the claim by former top aide Dominic Cummings in his 233-page witness statement to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry published after he had given verbal evidence on Thursday. Advertisement He told Lady Halletts probe: I am accused by the usual sources of saying that I would rather let the bodies pile high than impose another lockdown. As I have already said on the record, I did not say this. What makes this especially absurd is that I am supposed to have said it on 31 October 2020, when the decision to lock down had in fact already been taken. Mr Cummings, who has been a frequent and colourful critic of Mr Johnson since leaving Number 10, alleged that Mr Johnson said he would rather let the bodies pile high than hit the economy with further restrictions a claim supported by former senior aide Lord Udny-Lister. Advertisement Advertisement Protesters outside the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on Thursday (Victoria Jones/PA) Mr Johnson also rejected the suggestion that he considered injecting himself with Covid-19 on TV to show it did not pose a threat. The later suggestion that, in around March 2020, I volunteered to be injected with the virus on live TV. I reject and attach little credence to the source of that account, he told the inquiry. The former UK prime minister completed two days of at-times combative and emotional evidence on Thursday evening, leaving the inquiry centre at Dorland House in west London to jeers from protesters. Advertisement He used his evidence to insist he was not reconciled to Covid deaths or believed it necessary to let it rip in the autumn of 2020. Mr Johnson also lashed out at some of the absolutely absurd characterisations of the partygate debacle which he labelled a travesty of the truth. The European Unions powerful anti-trust chief has withdrawn as a candidate for the presidency of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Danish government said on Friday, after EU finance ministers gave their support to someone else. Margrethe Vestager, who took unpaid leave in September to pursue the bank job, plans to return to her role at the EUs executive commission for a few months, the government in Copenhagen said. Advertisement The new president of the EIB, the 27-nation blocs development bank, is set to begin a six-year term on January 1. Out of respect for the further process, the government, together with Margrethe Vestager, has decided to withdraw the Danish candidature, Denmarks government said. EU finance ministers have agreed to back Spains economy minister, Nadia Calvino, becoming the banks next president. Advertisement Advertisement Ms Calvino, 55, said that under her leadership, the bank will have an even more important role going forward to fund the green transition, to provide financial support to the rebuilding of Ukraine, and also support the role of Europe in the world. She will succeed Werner Hoyer, a German whose second mandate as EIB chief ends on December 31. Her candidacy still requires approval from the banks board of directors and board of governors. Advertisement We welcome the decision by EU Finance Ministers to support @NadiaCalvinos candidacy as new President of the European Investment Bank. Together, we will continue to deliver high-impact projects that improve lives in the EU and around the world. https://t.co/XUnoXdGVYJ European Investment Bank (@EIB) December 8, 2023 Advertisement Although we would have liked to see a different outcome, we are satisfied that there is now a clarification of the process, Danish Business Minister Morten Bodskov said. Ms Vestager is arguably one of the worlds most important tech regulators. She slapped Google with multi-billion-dollar anti-trust penalties, ordered Apple and Amazon to pay back taxes and fined Facebook over its WhatsApp acquisition. Such flagship enforcement cases struck fear in Silicon Valley and drew attention in Washington. Ms Vestager also took on Starbucks and McDonalds and looked into Nikes tax arrangements. Advertisement Congratulations, dear @NadiaCalvino for your nomination as @EIB Group President. I express my gratitude to our wonderful staff for their commitment over the past 12 years, and leave #theEUbank with confidence in your capable hands going forward. All the best, Nadia! Werner Hoyer (@wernerhoyer) December 8, 2023 Other targets have included Italian automaker Fiat and Russian gas giant Gazprom. She confirmed her return to the European Commission, which polices EU laws and negotiates trade on behalf of member countries, in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Ms Vestager, who is a vice president of the executive commission as well as commissioner for competition, said she had wanted to reform the European Investment Bank bank by making it more strategic, faster and more relevant. The mandate of the present European Commission expires next year. Elections across the 27 member nations are scheduled for June 6-9. Hunter Biden is facing nine fresh indictments in California as the special counsel investigation into the presidents son intensifies against the looming 2024 election. The new charges include three felonies and six misdemeanours. Advertisement They will be added to a slew of federal firearms charges, in which the state of Delaware alleges Hunter Biden broke several laws against drug users having guns in 2018. The fresh charges came about on Thursday, shortly after the implosion of a plea deal that would have spared him jail time and right in time to potentially throw a spanner in the works of his fathers campaign for re-election. Special counsel David Weiss described the junior Mr Biden, aged 53, as a man who spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills. Advertisement President Joe Bidens son, Hunter Biden, leaves after a court appearance in July (Julio Cortez/AP) Advertisement The charges are centred on at least 1.4 million dollars (1.2 million) in taxes Mr Biden owed between 2016 and 2019, a period where he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. The back taxes have since been paid. In a fiery response, defence attorney Abbe Lowell accused Mr Weiss of bowing to Republican pressure in the case. Advertisement Based on the facts and the law, if Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought, Mr Lowell said. The White House declined to comment on Thursdays indictment, referring questions to the Justice Department or Hunter Bidens personal representatives. If convicted, Mr Biden could face a maximum of 17 years in prison. The special counsel probe remains open, Mr Weiss said. The suspect in the deadly shooting at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV), had a list of targets at the school and at East Carolina University in North Carolina, police said. Three faculty members were killed and a fourth was wounded by the gunman who opened fire on the campus before dying in a shootout with police, according to university officials. Advertisement Clark County sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the suspect as Anthony Polito, a longtime business professor. Before the shooting, the gunman mailed 22 letters to university faculty members across the US, but the contents of those letters was not immediately known, Mr McMahill said. The sheriff said police have contacted everyone on the suspects list, except for one person who was on a flight. A police officer at the scene of a shooting at the University of Nevada (KM Cannon/AP) Advertisement Advertisement None of the individuals on the target list became a victim, Mr McMahill said. The sheriff said investigators were still looking into a motive but noted that Mr Polito applied for several jobs at various colleges and universities in Nevada and was denied the job each time. The suspects weapon was purchased legally last year, Mr McMahill said. Police were still investigating how many rounds were fired during the rampage. University president Keith E Whitfield said in a letter to students and staff that the shooting in the building housing UNLVs business school was the most difficult day in the history of our university. Advertisement He identified two of the victims who were killed as business school professors Patricia Navarro-Velez and Cha Jan Jerry Chang. Mr Whitfield said the name of the third victim will be released after relatives have been notified of the death. Police outside an apartment in Nevada where the suspect in a fatal shooting lived (Ken Ritter/AP) The wounded man, a 38-year-old visiting professor, was downgraded to a life-threatening condition on Thursday, police said at a news conference. Advertisement Terrified students and professors cowered in classrooms and dorms as the gunman roamed UNLVs Lee Business School on Wednesday and opened fire just before noon on the fourth floor, where faculty and staff offices for the accounting and marketing departments are located. Advertisement Investigators searched an apartment in nearby Henderson, Nevada, late Wednesday as part of the investigation and retrieved several electronic devices, including Mr Politos mobile phone, one of the officials said. Mr Polito was a professor in North Carolina at East Carolina Universitys Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management from 2001 to 2017, according to a statement released on Thursday by the school. He resigned in January 2017 as a tenured associate professor. One of Mr Politos former students at East Carolina University, Paul Whittington, said Mr Polito went on tangents during class about his many trips to Las Vegas. Mr Polito told his students he visited twice yearly, staying in different hotels and going to various clubs, Mr Whittington said. Advertisement Both local and campus police descended on the university (Madeline Carter/AP) He was really, really, really fixated on the city of Las Vegas, Mr Whittington said. I think he just really liked going there. The attack at UNLV terrified a city that experienced the deadliest shooting in modern US history in October 2017, when a gunman killed 60 people and wounded more than 400 after opening fire from the window of a high-rise suite at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, just miles from the UNLV campus. Advertisement Lessons learned from that shooting helped authorities to work seamlessly in reacting to the UNLV attack, Clark County sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a news conference. After opening fire, the gunman went to several other floors of the business school before he was killed in a shootout with two university police detectives outside the building, which is next to the universitys student union, UNLV police chief Adam Garcia said. Authorities gave the all-clear about 40 minutes after the first report of an active gunman. It was not immediately clear how many of the schools 30,000 students were on campus at the time, but Mr McMahill said students had been gathered outside the building and the student union to eat and play games. If police had not killed the attacker it could have been countless additional lives taken, he said. Kevaney Martin, a faculty member at UNLVs journalism school, said she took cover under a desk in her classroom, where another faculty member and three students took shelter with her. The shooting happened at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (John Locher/AP) It was terrifying. I cant even begin to explain, Ms Martin said. I was trying to hold it together for my students, and trying not to cry, but the emotions are something I never want to experience again. Advertisement Ms Martin said she was texting friends and loved ones, hoping to receive word a suspect had been detained. When another professor came to the room and told everyone to evacuate, they joined dozens of others rushing out of the building. Ms Martin had her students pile into her car and drove them off campus. Once we got away from UNLV, we parked and sat in silence, she said. Nobody said a word. We were in utter shock. Student Jordan Eckermann, 25, said he was in his business law class in a second-floor classroom when he heard a loud bang and a piercing alarm went off, sending students to their feet. Some of his classmates ran out in panic, but Mr Eckermann said he peered outside the classroom first before leaving. He said he saw a law enforcement officer in a bulletproof vest holding a long gun, while clothing, backpacks and water bottles lay scattered on the floor. Minutes later, when he was outside, Mr Eckermann said he heard bursts of gunshots coming from outside the business school, totalling at least 20 rounds. South Koreas defence minister on Friday vowed massive retaliatory missile strikes on the heart and head of North Korea in the event of provocation, as the rivals escalate their rhetoric over their respective spy satellite launches in recent days. The South Korean warning an unusually fiery rhetoric by Seoul directed at Pyongyang came as the top security advisers from South Korea, the US and Japan gathered in Seoul for talks to discuss North Koreas evolving nuclear threats and other issues. Advertisement During a visit to the armys missile strategic command, South Korean defence minister Shin Wonsik ordered command officers to maintain a readiness to fire precision-guided and powerful missiles at any time, according to his ministry. South Korean Defence Minister Shin Wonsik is briefed on missile operations equipment at the Army Missile Strategic Command in Wonju, South Korea (South Korea Defence Ministry via AP) Advertisement Mr Shin said the main role of the command is lethally striking the heart and head of the enemy, though the types of its provocations can vary, a ministry statement said. Advertisement Animosities between the two Koreas deepened after North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into space on November 21 in violation of UN bans. South Korea, the US and Japan strongly condemned the launch, viewing it as an attempt by the North to improve its missile technology as well as establish a space surveillance system. South Korea announced plans to resume front-line aerial surveillance in response and North Korea quickly retaliated by restoring border guard posts, according to Seoul officials. Both steps would breach a 2018 inter-Korean deal on easing front-line military tensions. Advertisement Photos provided by the North Korean government show what the country said is the launch of the Malligyong-1, a military spy satellite, into orbit (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) Last week, when South Korea also launched its first military spy satellite from Californias Vandenberg Space Force Base, North Korea slammed the US for alleged double standards and warned of a possible grave danger to global peace. In a statement on Friday, Jo Chol Su, a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official, said the North would make all available efforts to protect its national interests in the face of threats by hostile forces. Advertisement Advertisement The national security advisers from South Korea, the US and Japan are to hold their first trilateral meeting in six months in Seoul on Saturday. Ahead of the three-way meeting, South Korean national security adviser Cho Tae-yong and his Japanese counterpart, Takeo Akiba, met bilaterally on Friday and reaffirmed a need to strengthen their cooperation with the US to cope with with provocations by North Korea. US national security adviser Jake Sullivan with his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae-yong ahead of a three-way meeting with Japan at the weekend (South Korea Presidential Office via AP) Advertisement Mr Cho and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan also met and affirmed that Seoul and Washington remain open to diplomacy with North Korea, according to South Koreas presidential office. Earlier Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry accused North Korea of property rights infringements by unilaterally using South Korean-owned equipment at a now-shuttered joint factory park in the North. The ministry also accused North Korea of dismantling the remains of a South Korean-built liaison office at the park that the North blew up during a previous period of tensions in 2020. Sir Keir Starmer has sought to calm the criticism of his perceived praise for Margaret Thatcher by telling a Scottish audience that she did terrible things. The UK Labour Party leader insisted he is no fan of the former Conservative prime minister and said that he profoundly disagrees with some of her actions. Advertisement He said she did huge damage across the UK, particularly in Scotland days after listing her as among former leaders who delivered meaningful change. Sir Keir Starmer insisted in Scotland that he was no fan of Margaret Thatcher (Maja Smiejkowska/PA) In an article for the Conservative-supporting Sunday Telegraph, he said Thatcher had sought to drag Britain out of its stupor by setting loose our natural entrepreneurialism. Advertisement The attempt to appeal to traditional Tory voters fell flat with some Labour supporters, and he was mocked by Conservative MPs as a Thatcher fan boy in the Commons. Advertisement But asked whether he was a fan at a Scottish Labour gala dinner in Glasgow on Thursday evening, he said: No, absolutely not. The comments, heard on an audio recording, were met with applause by the audience in Scotland, where the former Tory leaders privatisation agenda hit particularly hard. She did terrible things, particularly here in Scotland which everybody in this room, myself included, profoundly disagrees with, Mr Starmer said. Advertisement The point I was trying to make in a piece that we penned last week was that there are some political leaders who have a mission, a plan, that they implement. Attlee of course, was one of them, the New Jerusalem. Thatcher, whether you liked her or you didnt like her, you couldnt say she didnt have a plan, or a mission. You can say someone has a mission and a plan and disagree profoundly with them. Thatcher won three general elections in her 11-year reign, but remains a divisive figure, including over the agenda of privatisation that saw the decline of industries such as coal and steel. Advertisement Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar did not repeat Mr Starmer's supportive comments this week, instead describing Thatcher as a destructive force for our country. The National Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution calling for the cessation of weapons transactions between North Korea and Russia. The resolution, proposed by Rep. Tae Young-ho of the ruling People Power Party, was adopted with a vote of 138-1, with 13 lawmakers abstaining. It calls for an immediate halt to weapons transactions between the two neighboring countries and urged Russia to faithfully implement United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. The adoption came amid suspicion that Russia may have provided technical assistance for the North's spy satellite in return for Pyongyang's supply of artillery and munitions for use in its war in Ukraine. The parliament also adopted a separate resolution urging for a peaceful resolution of the armed conflict between Israel and the Islamic militant Hamas group. In the resolution, the Assembly denounced Hamas' attacks on civilians, called for the release of detained civilians and urged for a peaceful cease-fire. (Yonhap) The other partner in this enterprise is the state-owned La Congolaise Dexploitation Miniere SA, which has a 25 per cent stake. Democratic Republic of the Congo president Felix Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the World Economic Forum in Davos this year. Credit: Bloomberg AVZ subsequently agreed to buy out Cong lifting its stake to 75 per cent and agreed to sell 24 per cent of the project to a subsidiary of Chinese battery giant CATL in exchange for $US240 million ($364 million) to fund the mines development. Everything was set to go, but the rise of lithium as a crucial component of the renewable energy boom created unwanted attention. Ferguson says the first signs of trouble emerged in 2019 when its first drilling results highlighted that Manono might become a significant presence on the lithium map. Calls from Chinese interests came flooding in. But it was in April 2021 that trouble really started, when AVZ disclosed the results of its definitive feasibility study to the ASX confirming the size and quality of the Manono deposit at about 400 million tonnes. Over the next year, the stock soared more than 700 per cent along with the price of lithium to a high of $1.30, valuing the company at more than $4.5 billion. This was when Cong developed a case of sellers remorse, according to Ferguson, and attempted to cancel the share sale. Meanwhile, in July 2021 Cominiere agreed to sell part of its stake in the project 15 per cent to be exact to Chinese group Zijin, despite AVZ having first right of refusal to the stake. Cominiere also announced it would split the original Manono project in two, with AVZ retaining the current area under development while Cominiere and Zijin developed the northern area. This has triggered an avalanche of litigation by AVZ which signed up for $US20 million in funding last month for its legal battles over shareholder issues and to retain its rights to the project and commence development. With all this going on, AVZ shareholders have been left in the lurch. Ferguson has no doubt as to what is behind the chaos: Chinas imperative to control the critical minerals needed for the renewable power boom. Technically, they hold shares worth $2.7 billion, but the problem is, the stock hasnt traded since May 2022. Thats when AVZ was forced to call for a trading halt as doubts emerged over whether it was being muscled out of Manono by powerful interests. Ferguson has no doubt as to what is behind the chaos: Chinas imperative to control the critical minerals needed for the renewable power boom. [Chinese President] Xi Jinping has given the nod to everybody to go out and collect as many critical minerals as possible. And its just caused a feeding frenzy, he says. The fact that this has pitted AVZ partner CATL against Zijin and Cong is not of concern to China as long as its interests prevail. Loading Theyve got the rare earth market dominated the majority of the copper and cobalt production coming out of the DRC [Democratic Republic of the Congo] is Chinese, Ferguson says. Chinese interests also control lithium projects in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Were the only one, at the moment, that isnt [controlled by China]. And when youre talking about a globally significant asset such as ours, that could potentially supply up to 40 per cent of the worlds requirements, they need it. They want it. He says AVZs troubles even stretched into its shareholder meeting late last month, when rebel investors attempted a board coup led by former AVZ director Peter Huljich. The town of Manono in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Credit: WikiCommons The Congolese government was watching to see who would emerge victorious, according to AVZ. Ferguson and AVZ chairman John Clarke prevailed with a strong protest vote. On behalf of the board and management of AVZ Minerals Limited, thank you to our shareholders for your overwhelming vote to return the current board, and thank you for your endorsement of our strategy, AVZ said after the meeting. We understand your concerns, and we share your desire to expedite the development of the globally significant Manono lithium and tin project and to reinstate AVZ securities for trading. Having seen off the AVZ rivals with the election victory in Perth, Ferguson holds out hope that a settled political environment in the Congo following its elections could help finalise the companys future. We need to have our rights reinstated, he says. Tshisekedi, assuming he wins the election, is expected to help fix the problem even if it ultimately requires concessions from AVZ. If he [Tshisekedi] feels like he needs to go ahead with some sort of a deal on the north with Zijin, then well sit down and talk about it, Ferguson says. Loading AVZ has resorted to desperate tactics in its attempt to retain control of Manono. This publication revealed last month that AVZ controversially offered to pay up to $US6 million ($9 million) to a middleman as part of a plan to win the backing of Tshisekedi and other high-ranking officials. Advertisement FoodChristmas Lobsters up, prawns stable: A buying guide to seafood this Christmas An abundance of farmed and wild-caught supply means prawn prices wont be skyrocketing for summer. Callan Boys December 8, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Christmas Day seafood orders should sting a little less this year according to industry experts especially for lovers of Australian prawns. Almost every other year, around early December, we hear reports that seafood prices are going to skyrocket, but thats just not going to happen, says Seafood Industry Australia chief executive Veronica Papacosta. I think whatever prices youre seeing in stores now will remain stable through Christmas. Our wild-catch prawn sector has experienced a bumper crop, while the aquaculture industry is also performing really well. People should find great quality prawns across a range of species. The majority of South Melbourne Seafoods Christmas orders include the big three: prawns, oyster and lobster, says director John Kyzintas. Wayne Taylor Papacosta points to good weather conditions and improved farm management for the abundance of prawns this summer, but notes that the cost of doing business means the wholesale price drop might not be passed all the way on to consumers. Advertisement When you factor in the rising cost of wages, transport and utilities for retailers, you might find a few bargains, but I dont think there will be a dramatic drop. Independent retailers and fishmongers are also thinking about next year when trade wont be at the same level as Christmas and theyll need to survive [the downturn in demand]. Gus Dannoun, Sydney Fish Markets head of quota, says seafood prices should remain stable this year. Louise Kennerley Gus Dannoun, head of quota and special projects at Sydney Fish Market, agrees that consumers shouldnt be caught out by hugely inflated Christmas seafood prices in 2023. There was a lot of speculation earlier in the year about catastrophic weather that was going to cause all sorts of havoc with supplies. But all the retailers Ive been talking to are saying, honestly, Gus, we cant see our prices being higher than they were last year. And last year they were very good. Advertisement At Christmas, I find people usually just say to hell with it, lets spend. John Kyzintas John Kyzintas, director of South Melbourne Seafoods, also expects seafood prices across the board to be on par with last Christmas, except for southern rock lobster from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. The boats have only just gone out fishing and they havent caught a lot, so the price is very high, says the South Melbourne Market retailer. At the moment, its costing me nearly $90 a kilogram to buy southern crayfish [rock lobster]. By Christmas, were expecting about $130 to $140 a kilogram at retail. Recipe collection Let's go cray cray: 50 sensational Christmas seafood recipes Despite cost-of-living increases, Kyzintas says Christmas pre-orders are looking good for his business. Every order we receive will involve crayfish, prawns or oysters, and a lot of the time, all three. At Christmas, I find people usually just say to hell with it, lets spend. Advertisement Papacosta says that Australians are also buying a wider variety of Christmas seafood than the big three each year. Well always love our prawns, oysters and lobsters, but more people are ordering whole fish such as barramundi for the Christmas Day barbecue, plus mussels, scallops and smoked salmon. These are all great value for money this year, too. Buying guide for the big three this Christmas Prawns Prices will vary on size and species, but medium to large cooked tigers should be hovering around $40 a kilogram, while extra-large cooked kings will likely be priced around $60. For a real conversation-stopping crustacean, jumbo Skull Island tiger prawns caught near the Gulf of Carpentaria can usually be found for about $200 per three-kilogram box. Conversation-stoppers: skewered Skull Island prawns at St Siandra restaurant in Sydney. Steven Woodburn Advertisement More budget-friendly prawns include the Crystal Bay variety, says Papacosta. Theyre like a larger banana prawn, and really good eating. Meanwhile, Dannoun recommends asking the fishmonger if they have any school prawns available. Theyre a smaller prawn, but still lovely and sweet, he says. School prawns are particularly delicious deep-fried in the shell and served with tartare and lemon. Crisp-fried school prawns. James Brickwood For anyone keen to avoid the Christmas rush (and has space in the freezer), Papacosta says that its also worth considering buying frozen prawns now and storing them until needed. Youll see nice boxes of Australian prawns in fishmongers and supermarkets. Just defrost in the fridge two days before you want to use them. You can also fill a sink and let them defrost in cold water with a good splash of brown vinegar, which gives them their shine back. Advertisement Oysters Recent heavy rainfall and flooding has closed many oyster leases on the NSW South Coast, and farmers will suffer a significant financial blow if they cant reopen in time for the Christmas rush. However, overall supply of oysters should still be OK, says Papacosta, but there wont be the same abundance as prawns. If there is any price push, youll see it in oysters, purely driven by the higher demand. Theyre the thing I would be pre-ordering if you can. Kyzintas buys the majority of his South Melbourne Seafoods supply from pacific oyster farmers in Tasmania and South Australia. He says pacific oysters should have plenty of nice flavour for Christmas, provided it doesnt get too warm. If we get a huge heat wave come through, theyll spawn, but right now, theyre looking good and cost an average of $25 per dozen. Ann eastern rock lobster and prawns at Sydney Fish Markets. Louise Kennerley Advertisement Lobster There certainly wont be any $20 Western Australian rock lobsters like in 2020 when export restrictions disrupted the market, says Papacosta. We havent restored trade to China like it once was, but the industry has done really well at diversifying. You wont see bottom basement prices, but you will still see lobsters for $30 to $40 each coming from the west coast. Dannoun notes those $30 lobsters are usually sold by the piece, which is often around 300 grams. But even if you triple the price, youre still getting a relatively cheap lobster, he says. Larger eastern rock lobsters caught off the NSW coast will likely be priced between $110 to $130 a kilogram for Christmas, although prices in Victoria arent looking quite as stable, with Kyzintas expecting $130 to $140 per kilogram at retail for southern crays. How to poach a lobster or crayfish Papacostas hot tip, however, is to buy lobster tail. Theyre so much smarter, she says. Youre really just buying the meat. Sure, they dont have the same table presence as a whole lobster, but theyre great eating, especially when barbecued. EASY RecipeTin Eats prawn cocktail salad: a fresh spin on a retro favourite Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Icebergs Maurice Terzini and Romeo Lanes Joe Jones have teamed up on a cocktail bar where youre welcome to drink Krug or Jack Daniels. Two years have passed since veteran restaurateur Maurice Terzini, of Sydneys renowned Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, teamed up with Joe Jones, co-owner of the now-closed but influential Melbourne CBD cocktail bar Romeo Lane, to sign the lease for the basement of Melbournes neo-gothic Queen & Collins building, beneath Reine and La Rue. Given the delays, its miraculous the sexy subterranean cocktail bar theyre finally ready to reveal, is a carbon copy of the original idea. And the name? Its Purple Pit, after the nightclub in the 1963 Jerry Lewis comedy The Nutty Professor. Purple Pit co-owner Joe Jones in the candlelit basement bar. Simon Schluter Entering off Collins Street, a mezzanine level gives you a birds-eye view of their vision, as brutalist as it is luxed-up. Snake down a red-carpeted staircase to find a gleaming stainless-steel back bar and black smoked mirrors that catch the flickering candlelight from each table, while a floor-to-ceiling curtain frames the room, making it feel like the inside of an expensive handbag, Jones says. He and Terzini were inspired by the grandeur of Europes hotel bars (note the plush armchairs and suave table service), the grit of a good dive bar (It doesnt matter if you want Krug or Jack Daniels here, Jones says) and a shared love of post-punk music. To my (and my partners, friends and familys) great surprise, Im the opposite kind of parent. My almost two-year-old daughter is a tiny scrap of a thing, with a sweet temperament, healthy constitution and a tendency to be cautious. As a result knock on wood here we havent yet been faced with emergency hospital runs or any serious health problems, a surprise considering the circumstances of her birth (she was in NICU due to being born in the 1st percentile). Loading Now, I have wholeheartedly embraced the mantra of laissez faire parenting, perhaps as a direct response to my own kind, but rather strict, upbringing. The daughter of migrants, I was not allowed to go to sleepovers of friends who werent family friends. Despite an unblemished high school record and fairly responsible teenage behaviour, my parents felt uncomfortable sending me to schoolies (just a small house on the Victorian coast with a group of female friends), which I saw as unnecessarily strict and intrusive, especially as I was 18 at the time. Their strictness has resulted in an unexpected twist: a wholehearted belief that I should not interfere too much in my childs actions, and to take the rather relaxed approach of shell be right if something does go wrong. Looking back, this approach was the source of the recent friction between my friend and me. We dont understand our own values and perspectives behind parenting until were actually doing it. Jayne Ferguson, clinician and centre manager at Relationships Australia Victoria She who had grown up in similar circumstances to mine carries the weight of multiple miscarriages, and becomes distressed when she perceives any hurt befalling her child (or any child, really). Having experienced tragedy has primed her to be extra cautious something I didnt quite understand until that day. Theres no right way to parent Its really important to recognise there are many different and widely varying parenting styles, and that what you do as a parent depends on what youve experienced yourself, what your partner if there is one experienced, and what you have rejected in your own life, says Jayashri Kulkarni, professor of psychiatry at Alfred Health and Monash University. Add to that media influences, and the opinions of grandparents, extended family and friends, and it can leave all of us confused. As any parent will know, the act of parenting is a minefield, laden with our own childhood experiences, external and internal judgments and reactions to them. Everyone has their own ideas of what constitutes being a good mother or father, and the reasons behind these are complex. Ferguson says that, besides being one of the most significant changes to happen to us, having children can be that catalyst for behaviour and responses we never imagined in ourselves. We dont understand our own values and perspectives behind parenting until were actually doing it. And when we are challenged, were drawn to think about where we come from, she says. In many ways, we see being a parent as a way of redoing our own childhood. Its almost like nature gives us a second chance to fix things for our own child. These unspoken concerns, which we often dont even know we have, can arise in stressful situations, spilling over and impacting relationships not just with friends but also with family and other loved ones, Kulkrani says. Getting over parenting differences Loading The trick to overcoming drastically different responses to child raising is communication, both experts agree. As long as lines of communications are kept open, and theres honest expression without being hurtful, people can get past vastly different parenting approaches, Kulkarni says. Ferguson adds: People get reluctant to talk honestly because they think theyre having a go at their friend, but its actually about having an open discussion and being open to self-reflection. This type of conflict also calls into question the investment we want to make in our friendships, and whether we are willing to persevere despite the differences. The children arent going anywhere maybe its time to assess whether this friendship should continue without the children at this stage, Ferguson says. It can also be the case that theres a distance for a period and after that, you come back together. As with most complex issues, there is no right answer. Ferguson warns some friendships may never recover, while others will remain changed. Intuition about what your child needs is critical, and so is self-reflection about how you parent, she says. Parenting is a learning and sharing experience, and its important to not assume anything about how other people do things. Thankfully, my friend and I have been able to get to a place where we are talking regularly. I wrote this article with her input and permission: its not only been part of the process of our recovery, but an issue we both wanted to raise more widely. In a bit of Christmas luck for Queenslands state MPs, all 93 will get an immediate 4 per cent pay rise back paid to July 1 after a decision by the independent body which sets their salaries and allowances. The pay rise was sparked by the certification of a public sector wage deal on October 23 delivering the same for public servants (but who will only be back paid to October). The tribunals decision will also see MPs get a further 4 per cent pay rise from July 2024, and 3 per cent from July 2025. This after what the tribunal found was a 10-year average increase of 1.64 per cent below the public service rate of 2.18 per cent. Queensland MPs new base salary of $170,105 is still below that of all but Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Additional salaries of up to $257,456 for the Premier are also provided for roles such as ministers and committee chairs or members. The Queensland Premiers new total $427,561 salary is second only to her Victorian counterpart, who is paid $481,190. MPs pay was frozen for a period during the pandemic. The first Victorian to be charged with performing a Nazi salute in public says he continues to perform the banned gesture every day. Jacob Hersant, 24, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday for a mention hearing after he was charged over the October 27 incident. Jacob Hersant outside the County Court in June. Credit: Luis Ascui Its alleged he performed the Nazi salute outside the Victorian County Court six days after it became illegal to intentionally display or perform a Nazi gesture or symbol in public. Hersant was respectful to the magistrate on Friday as he requested an adjournment of the hearing so he could get legal aid. There is a question that is still too difficult for Bill Shorten to answer. Its one that families across Australia who rely on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will be wondering this week after a major review of the scheme said that diagnoses alone would not guarantee access to individual support packages in the future. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Bill Shorten with disability advocate Gretta Serov during a morning tea to mark the International Day of People with Disability last week. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen What does this mean for my child? Will they be shifted onto the new disability system the foundational supports that will be rolled out in schools and childcare when the scheme arrives? Shorten has had a significant victory this week: in a breakthrough deal signed by all the premiers, states promised to pay more for NDIS growth, placing them on the hook for future blowouts. And they wont just pay more, theyll do more. Hes won the praise of disability advocates and the confidence of a hard-to-please sector. Dingoes are in an extinction vortex in Victoria, with as few as 30 breeding adults left in one of two remaining packs in the state. But farmers, hunters and Parks Victoria employees will be allowed to shoot, trap and poison dingoes on all private land in Victoria for the next year and on public land within 3 km of any private land boundary in vast tracts of the state. This follows a Victorian government decision to extend a declaration making dingoes an unprotected species. Dingoes are apex predators who play a critical role in keeping ecosystems in balance. Once they are gone, they are not coming back. Credit: Jason South Animals Australia has launched a Supreme Court challenge to the order, which was made on the recommendation of former environment minister Ingrid Stitt, former agriculture minister Gayle Tierney, and former outdoor recreation minister Sonya Kilkenny (before the October cabinet reshuffle). The organisations legal counsel, Shatha Hamade, said the very survival of dingoes as a species was now in question. In Morocco and Jordan, thousands have rallied to demand their countries cut ties with Israel. In Cairo, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in Tahrir Square, where Egypts Arab Spring uprising began, and revived a revolutionary cry for bread, freedom and social justice. And in Bahrain, protesters said that in addition to feeling a deep sense of shared Arab and Islamic identity, they saw connections between Palestinian liberation and their own liberation from political repression. I look forward for us to be free people, said Fatima Jumua, a 22-year-old Bahraini woman who attended the protest in Manama. Our existence and freedom is connected to the existence and freedom of Palestine. A member of international humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders holds a placard during a protest called for an end to the war in Gaza and for an immediate cease-fire, at Martyrs Square in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, on Monday. Credit: AP For decades, most Arab governments refused to establish ties with Israel before the creation of a Palestinian state. But that calculus shifted in the years before the war as authoritarian leaders weighed negative public opinion towards Israel against the economic and security benefits of a relationship and the concessions they might extract from the US, Israels top ally. Bahrains government wants to be seen as a voice of moderation in the United States, and it is increasingly using its new relationship with Israel to shape this perception in Washington, said Elham Fakhro, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a think-tank. But at home, it is having a different effect. In 2020, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Morocco established relations with Israel in deals brokered by the Trump administration and known as the Abraham Accords, joining Egypt and Jordan, which have had peace agreements with Israel for decades. The deals were celebrated by the Western governments that have long supported the regions royal families, and in September, the Bahraini government signed a comprehensive security pact with the Biden administration. Palestinians in Gaza burn pictures of then US president Donald Trump, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Bahrain King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, to protest the UAE and Bahraini normalisation pact with Israel in 2020. Credit: AP But polls showed that most ordinary Arab citizens increasingly view the establishment of ties with Israel dimly. In Bahrain with its Sunni Muslim royal family and majority-Shiite Muslim population officials declared that the accords encouraged tolerance and coexistence. But that rang hollow to many citizens as the government continued to crack down on domestic dissent. The Palestinian cause and opposition to Israel unite Bahrainis across sectarian and political lines Sunnis and Shiites, secular leftists and conservative Islamists, young and old. Asked in a poll before the war what impact the Abraham Accords would have on the region, 76 per cent of Bahrainis said a negative one. Loading The accords were forced against the will of the people, said Abdulnabi Alekry, a 60-year-old Bahraini human rights activist. Fakhro said Bahrain had been on edge for many years because of tensions between the government and opposition movements. This crisis is further widening that rift, she said. Bahrain crushed an Arab Spring uprising in 2011 with help of Saudi and Emirati forces. It also hosts one of the regions most important US military bases. Bahraini protesters said they view Israel as a colonial-style occupying power and a Western-backed project designed to dominate the region. Some said Israel should not even exist. Loading Jumua said the Palestinians and the rest of the regions people all live under the sway of Western powers. Until now, we see that we cant move without American approval, she said. Back at the Ritz-Carlton hotel the morning after the protest, senior Arab and American officials returned to the glitzy ballroom to debate a path forward for Gaza. Asked about negative public opinion towards the Abraham Accords, Brett McGurk, a top White House official for the Middle East, said he was focused on the immediate crisis. But beyond that, he said, US policymakers remained committed to integration of Israel and its neighbours. Before the war, the White House had been holding talks with Saudi Arabia about a complex deal in which the kingdom, the most powerful Arab country, would recognise Israel. Loading We cannot allow what Hamas did on October 7 to knock that permanently off path, McGurk said. But some Palestinians feared that a Saudi-Israel deal would have further undermined their struggle for statehood. A senior Bahraini official said that his government believed Israel was here to stay and that the regions peoples must coexist. Bahrain is concerned about the war fuelling anger and extremism, he added, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic. The Abraham Accords should be protected as a tool to bring peace, he said. Loading But when asked about the gap between Arab leaders and public opinion, the official did not directly address the question. Instead, he said that Bahrain believed the situation in Gaza was catastrophic and was doing everything it could to foster peace. The most scathing indictments of Israel at the conference came from the foreign minister of Jordan where much of the population is of Palestinian origin and a senior Saudi royal, Prince Turki al- Faisal, who called for sanctions on Israel. Prince Turki a former Saudi intelligence chief dismissed the notion that building ties among Arab states and Israel would bring peace, calling it an Israeli, American and European illusion. As Prince Turki spoke, another protest was gathering steam about 10 kilometres away, stretching for blocks through the narrow streets of Muharraq a town of low-rise buildings in shades of white and beige. The air smelled of petrol from idling cars as streams of people blocked traffic, waving Palestinian flags and carrying children on their shoulders. Loading Freedom of association and assembly remain highly restricted in Bahrain. But many of the recent protests received government permits providing a semi-sanctioned space to let off steam. Thousands of marchers shouted in English and Arabic until they grew hoarse. Down, down, Israel! America is the head of the snake! Some chanted in support of Hamas, urging it to bomb Tel Aviv, Israel. In his speech the day before, Bahrains crown prince had lamented Gazas constant bombardment, calling it an intolerable situation. But he stopped short of threatening a diplomatic break with Israel and called the US indispensable to any peace process. When he finished, his guests dined on saffron-poached peaches and chicken breasts stuffed with ratatouille. Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Bahraini officials told participants they were determined to protect their deal with Israel. The Australian subsidiary of Hanwha Aerospace signed a 3.1 trillion won ($2.4 billion) deal Friday to sell 129 Redback infantry fighting vehicles to Australia, Korea's arms procurement agency said. Hanwha Defense Australia struck the contract with Australia's Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group in Melbourne, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said. The subsidiary of the Korean defense firm was selected as the preferred bidder in July for the Land 400 Phase 3 program, which aims to replace the Australian Army's M113 armored personnel carriers. The new vehicles will be manufactured in Avalon, Greater Geelong, with fleet deliveries scheduled to take place from 2027-2028, Hanwha Aerospace said. The deal marks Hanwha's second ground-based military equipment export to Australia after clinching a deal to supply the country with K9 self-propelled howitzers in December 2021, according to DAPA. (Yonhap) As many as 284 gram nyayalayas (rural courts) are functional across the country out of 479 notified by different states, according to data shared by the government in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Gram Nyayalayas Act was enacted in 2008 to provide access to justice to citizen at their doorstep. According to the law, it is not mandatory for states to set up such court, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a written reply to a question. Citing the law, he said the state governments are responsible for establishing gram nyayalayas in consultation with the respective high courts. "The state governments, after consultation with the respective HCs may, by notification establish one or more Gram Nyayalayas for every panchayat at intermediate level or a group of contiguous panchayats at intermediate level in a district or where there is no panchayat at intermediate level in any state, for a group of contiguous gram panchayats," he said. The minister said it is up to the states to set up more such courts as per their requirements in consultation with their respective HC. IDFC FIRST Bank expands its credit card offering for the youth with the introduction of the FIRST SWYP Credit Card . Created for todays Gen Z generation, the card is designed to provide exciting lifestyle-related offers through our feature merchants & EMI benefits to cardholders, complete payment flexibility and a plethora of referral benefits. The card provides payment flexibility to the customer, as they can pay in full or convert to easy fee based EMIs. Powered by Mastercard, this card is designed to meet varying lifestyle requirements of the youth & the young at heart, focused on affordability, convenience and increased customer engagement.After the success of FIRST Millennia Credit Cards, this new launch further extends IDFC FIRST Banks offering coverage across Millennials and Gen Zs, intensifying their focus to address demands of new-age customers, blending benefits across their favorite categories of spends and talkworthy offers and innovative propositions."We are thrilled to announce the launch of the FIRST SWYP Credit Card, a product that truly embodies our commitment to innovation & designing relevant new products for younger audiences said. This card will reinvigorate the youths relationship with credit card usage, due to its inherent ability to be used as a no-interest charge card, as well as its host of smartly curated features, namely, flexible bill repayments through EMIs, a strong, benefit-laden referral program thats geared towards enhancing social connect, and a plethora of exclusive and relevant merchant partnerships. We are confident in this cards ability to deliver on our commitment towards providing ease, flexibility & lived experiences to the younger customers of today., said, The Youth of today want products that are reflective of their individuality. Thats why, brands need to constantly innovate and collaborate to design products and solutions that resonate with Gen Z & Millennials. Mastercard is delighted to partner with IDFC FIRST Bank to support the launch of the FIRST SWYP credit card. This new card is a perfect combination of security and benefits and will allow the youth to transact with ease and confidence. The 17th edition of the World Branding Awards honoured the success and achievements of some of the Worlds Best Brands as National, Regional, and Global Winners. The 2023 - 2024 World Branding Awards saw over 1,500 brands from more than 40 countries nominated as Brand of the Year. Of these, less than 200 were declared Winners. The prestigious Award Ceremony was held at the home of the awards, Kensington Palace, United Kingdom. It welcomed over 100 guests worldwide and was hosted by acclaimed television presenter, David Croft. Global winners who proved excellence and impeccable branding in their industry include Sunsilk (United Kingdom), Yakult (Japan), IKEA (Sweden), CoCo (Taiwan), and The Body Shop (United Kingdom). National Tier winners include Airland (Hong Kong), FERN-D (The Philippines), Munchys (Malaysia), Cine Yelmo (Spain), Pertamina (Indonesia), Boots (United Kingdom), Fullon Hotels & Resorts (Taiwan), Royal Umbrella (Thailand), Safaricom (Kenya), Sukiya (Japan), Blacklist Coffee Roasters (Australia), and Sokos Hotels (Finland), to name a few. Only 14 brands were selected to receive the Regional Tier award this year, including Nippon Rent-A-Car (Japan), GIG (Kuwait), MR.DIY (Malaysia), Optical 88 (Hong Kong), M-150 (Thailand), HECOM (Hong Kong), and VITADAY (Thailand). These brands were voted as consumers' favourites in 4 or more countries across 3 or more areas in a specific geographic region. This is a celebration of the continuous efforts that is vital to building outstanding brands. To stay relevant as a brand, brands must build an image that resonates and lasts. This means not only building up a culture and community around the brand through marketing, but also ensuring that all generations continue to find the brand interesting, said Mr Richard Rowles, Chairman of the World Branding Forum. More than 150,000 consumers participated in the nomination process globally this year. On average, there are only 5 winning brands in each country, proving that winning a World Branding Award is a remarkable accomplishment. For more information and the full list of winners, visit awards.brandingforum.org. ABOUT WORLD BRANDING AWARDS The World Branding Awards is the premier awards of the World Branding Forum, a registered non-profit organisation. The awards recognise the achievements of some of the worlds best brands. SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/worldbrandingforum/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WorldBranding Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/worldbranding/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/world-branding-forum View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231207062434/en/ Kumho Petrochemical Group has renewed its pact with subsidiary manufacturers thereby creating new and improved Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles to keep their management of business activites environmentally safe and clean, according to the company, Friday. Six companies under the group have begun reorganizing their operations to reduce carbon emissions from their production of chemicals and other everyday business activities. In March 2022 Kumho Petrochemical, a subsidiary of the group, introduced a roadmap to greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Now, it is working under a new goal to make visible progress towards carbon neutralization from 2035. By 2050, it said it will neutralize its carbon emissions from Scope 1 and Scope 2 company-owned boilers, furnaces, vehicles and indirect GHG emissions associated with its purchase of electricity, steam, heat and cooling. It added that it will introduce at least 60 emission-free company vehicles by 2030. Kumho P&B Chemicals, another subsidiary, earlier this year installed regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs) to reduce total hydrocarbons and industrial odors generated by the plants, at its two factories in Yeosu, South Jeolla Province. Kumho Polychem plans to install a new emissions reduction system to lower air pollutants. It will incinerate low-concentration hazardous pollutants with RTO and high-concentration pollutants with vapor combustion units. The company will also introduce a new leak detector and repair system to monitor emissions, odors and volatile organic compounds from the company and keep them under a safe level. Kumho Resort and Kumho Terminal and Logistics also plan to replace their vehicles with electric or hydrogen vehicles by 2030. In 2022 Kumho Mitsui Chemicals introduced Toolbox Meeting, a practice under which field workers go over potentially hazardous locations or tasks before starting their daily operations. The preventive measure has helped the firm discover almost 900 hazardous instances before they developed into safety accidents. (Advertorial) By Lee Min-hyung Top-ranking security officials from Korea and the United States agreed to elevate partnerships in state-of-the-art tech fields encompassing semiconductors, batteries and artificial intelligence (AI), a local business lobby group said Friday. According to the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), Cho Tae-yong, a national security adviser here, met with his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan at a forum dedicated to boosting private-public sector ties in next-generation core tech areas. A group of 30 firms from the two countries were invited to the event in Seoul, Friday, to deepen their partnerships. They included Samsung, Hyundai and SK from Korea, and Google, IBM and Amazon from the U.S. The event comes amid a growing technological hegemony war around the world particularly in cutting-edge tech sectors. Global supply chains are undergoing rapid disruptions, particularly in manufacturing firms and countries heavily reliant on trade. It is very encouraging for both countries to upgrade their bilateral economic and technological partnership on the basis of the bilateral alliance, FKI Chairman Ryu Jin said in an opening remark at the forum. When the two countries collaborate with each other from not just the business, but governmental side, they will be able to reinforce competitiveness in core and emerging technologies and strengthen economic security. The head of the business lobby also called on the governments from both sides to minimize trade barriers and ease regulatory hurdles, so they can expand bilateral investments in high-tech industries. Cho also underscored the importance of taking the lead in core technological areas, so the nations can build a better economic and geopolitical future. The future of any countrys economy and geopolitics will be determined by how they lead in the key emerging tech areas, Cho said. The top security official also pledged to garner more support for companies in Korea and the U.S., in order to tighten partnerships to adopt international standards. He also promised to strictly block the risk of key tech outflows to other countries. The event followed agreements from the Korea-U.S. summit in April when both sides reached a consensus on advancing collaborations in core and emerging tech areas. As the academic year progresses, students across India are gearing up for one of the most crucial phases of their educational journey - the State Board Exams. The date sheets for the class 10th and 12th examinations are highly anticipated announcements that set the tone for students' revision strategies and study plans. Keeping track of these updates is essential for students, parents, and educators alike, as they provide the roadmap for the upcoming exams. The State Board Exams hold great importance as they determine the future academic and career paths of students. Class 10th exams are a milestone in every student's life, as they lay the foundation for higher studies, while class 12th exams play a crucial role in college admissions. Overall, the release of the date sheets creates a sense of urgency and motivation among students, pushing them to work harder and achieve their desired results. We will be delivering live updates on the release of the state board exam date sheets for the year 2024. These date sheets are critical for students enrolled in the UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, and other state boards, as they outline the schedule for both class 10th and 12th examinations. The live updates portal is a one-stop solution, offering students the latest information on the exam timetable, enabling them to kickstart focused study sessions based on the subjects and dates announced. State boards that are yet to publish 2024 exam dates Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, JK, Madhya pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Mizoram, Manipur & Haryana. ICSE Board Class 10 Exam Time Table 2024 announced The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) Board Class 10 Exam Time Table for the academic year 2024. The exams will be conducted from 21 February, 2024 to 28 March, 2024. Check out for more details here. ISC Class 12 Time Table 2024 released CISCE - The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has released the Indian School Certificate (ISC) Board Class 12 Exam Time Table for the academic year 2024. The exams will be conducted from 21 February, 2024 to 28 March, 2024. Uttar Pradesh Board Class 10, 12 exam Datesheet 2024 released Board of High School and Intermediate Education (BHSIE), Uttar Pradesh has released the BHSIE Board Class 10, 12 TimeTable for the academic year 2024. BHSIE Class 10 exams are scheduled to be conducted from 22 February, 2024 to 09 March, 2024. BHSIE Class 12 exams are scheduled to be conducted on 22 February, 2024 to 09 March, 2024. Check out for more details here. Meghalaya Board ExamTime Table 2024 released Meghalaya Board Of School Education (MBOSE) has released the MBOSE Board Class 10 TimeTable for the academic year 2024. MBOSE Class 10 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 04th March 2024 to 15th March 2024. Class 11 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 01st February 2024 to 15th February 2024 and Class 12 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 01st March 2024 to 27th March 2024. Check out for more details here. Assam Board Class 10 Datesheet 2024 is out Board of Secondary Education, Assam was commonly known as SEBA has released Board Assam HSLC Class 10 timetable 2024. Assam (HSLC) Board Class 10th Exam 2024 will be on 16th February, 2024 to 04 March, 2024. Check out for more details here. Nagaland Board Exam Datesheet 2024 announced Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) has released the NBSE Board exam TimeTable for the academic year 2024. NBSE Class 10 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 13th February 2024 to 23rd February 2024. NBSE Class 11 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 12th February, 2024 to 6th March, 2024 and class 12 exams between 12th February 2024 to 6th March 2024. Check out for more details here. Rajasthan RBSE class 10th and 12th exam date announced The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) has announced the RBSE Class 10, and12 board exam 2024 dates. The Rajasthan Board exam 2024 for class 10th and class 12th will be conducted from February 15 to April 10. The Board has not released the detailed date sheet yet. Check out for more details here. Bihar Board Exam Date Sheet 2024 released BSEB - Bihar School Examination Board has released the BSEB Board Class 10 Exam Timetable for the academic year 2024. Bihar Board will conduct the examination from 15th February, 2024 - 23rd February, 2024. Class 12 Exam Timetable for the academic year 2024. The exams will be conducted from 01st February 2024 to 12th February 2024. Check out for more details here. Karnataka Board Examination Time Table 2024 is out The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, popularly abbreviated as KSEEB has declared the Karnataka Tentative Examination - 1 Time-Table for Class 10 and 12 on the official website of the KSEEB. The exam will begin on March 25, 2024, and end on April 06, 2024 and the Class 12 Examination will be conducted from 2nd March 2024 till 22nd March 2024. Jharkhand Board Exam Datesheet 2024 released Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC), Ranchi has released the JAC Board exam Timetable for the academic year 2024. The class 10 exams will be conducted from 06 February, 2024 to 26th February, 2024 and class 12 exams will be conducted from 06 February, 2024 to 26th February, 2024. Check out for more details here. West Bengal Board Exams Datesheet 2024 is out West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE) has released the WBBSE Board exam TimeTable for the academic year 2024. WBBSE Class 10 exams are scheduled to be conducted between 02 February, 2024 to 12 February, 2024 and class 12 Class 12 Examination will be held from 16 February, 2024 to 29 February, 2024. Tamil Nadu Board Exam Time Table 2024 announced The Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education, Popularly known as the Directorate of Government Examination (DGE) has released the Tamil Nadu board exam Time Table for the academic year 2024. Tamil Nadu Board of Secondary Education has issued the Examination Time Table for the Class 10 (SSLC) - March / April 2024. The examination will be held from 26 March, 2024 to 08 April, 2024. The class 11 exams will begin from 03rd March, 2024 will end on 25th March, 2024, with the practical tests taking place from 19 to 24 February, 2024 and class 12 examination will be held from 01st March 2024 to 22nd March, 2024. Kerala Board Exam Datesheet 2024 announced Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan (The Government of Kerala) - Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC), Thiruvananthapuram has released the board exam Exam Final Timetable for the academic year 2024. Kerala SSLC Class 10 exams are scheduled to be conducted from 04 March, 2024, to 25 March, 2024 and class 12 exams will be conducted from 01st March 2024 to 26th March 2024. Check out for more details here. Human Rights Day, commemorated on December 10th every year, marks the date in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This pivotal document set out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and has since been a cornerstone in the fight for justice, equality, and dignity worldwide. In India, a country with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, Human Rights Day serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to upholding the principles of human dignity, respect, and freedom as enshrined in its Constitution. History of of Human Rights Day Human Rights Day is a significant occasion that highlights the importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This declaration serves as a foundation for the protection and promotion of human rights globally. It is widely celebrated and acknowledged, as evident from the issuance of a commemorative stamp in 1952.The Declaration strives to establish a universal standard of living for all individuals and urges UN member states to actively work towards achieving this objective. Although the rights articulated in the Declaration are not legally binding, they have played a crucial role in shaping the perception of human rights and are regarded as a positive influence in society. Each year, Human Rights Day focuses on a particular theme that underscores the significance of recognizing and upholding human rights. This annual event serves as a reminder that human rights are fundamental and should be safeguarded for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. It serves as an opportunity for governments, organizations, and individuals to reflect on the progress made in the field of human rights and to identify areas that require further attention and improvement. Human Rights Day is a global call to action, urging everyone to promote and protect the rights and dignity of every person, thereby fostering a more just and inclusive world. Theme "Consolidating and Sustaining Human Rights Culture into the Future". Significance of Human Rights Day International Human Rights Day provides an opportunity for people around the world to reflect on the progress made in the field of human rights and to take action to address ongoing challenges. The day aims to strengthen individuals and institutions' commitment to protecting and promoting human rights through education and awareness campaigns. Human rights are closely connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of global goals established by the United Nations to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Several SDGs explicitly mention human rights, and human rights principles are integral to all the SDGs. Therefore, International Human Rights Day plays a vital role in the global effort to achieve sustainable development. Initiatives and Campaigns The United Nations has launched the Stand Up for Human Rights campaign, which encourages people to stand up for human rights and speak out against discrimination, injustice, and inequality. The campaign offers resources for individuals and organizations to get involved, organize events, and take action. Human rights defenders are recognized for their important work and are supported by the UN and various NGOs through capacity-building initiatives, resources, and networks. Youth engagement is crucial for the future of human rights, and there are many organizations that provide resources and opportunities for young people to participate in activism, such as the UN Youth Envoy and Amnesty International's youth networks. These initiatives empower the next generation of human rights advocates to contribute to positive change. IISC Bangalore has announced the GATE 2024 exam dates for each branch at gate2024.iisc.ac.in. Candidates can look at the exam schedules to find out when and where the GATE exams will be held. GATE 2024 will be held on February 3, 4, 10, and 11 at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore. GATE Exam GATE stands for Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering. Graduate Aptitude Test hopefuls should read the entire article to stay up to date on all of the essential GATE 2024 dates and events. The GATE 2024 will be held online at several exam centres by the administration. The GATE entrance test will be held at IISc Bangalore for a total of 30 disciplines. Knowing the GATE 2024 significant dates will assist candidates in keeping track of all the events of the year. Exam Pattern The test papers, which will consist of 30 subjects (papers), will be administered as a Computer Based Test (CBT) in English. The exam lasts three hours and is divided into two sections: general aptitude (GA) and the candidate's chosen disciplines. GATE 2024 Admit Card The GATE admit card 2024 will be made available online by IISc Bangalore. The admission card will be made available via the official website. The URL to download the GATE admit card will be available online. Candidates will be able to access their admit cards by logging in. Furthermore, candidates who have completed the registration process will be able to access the GATE admission card. Candidates can access their admission cards by entering their enrollment id and password. It should be noted that the admit card is a necessary document without which candidates will be unable to take the exam. Aspirants should prepare by following the curriculum. How to obtain Your GATE 2024 Admit Card Gate 2024? Scientists urge actions to reduce global forest fire carbon emissions Xinhua) 11:08, December 08, 2023 SHENYANG, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on Thursday published the research on carbon emissions from global forest fires, urging effective control of extreme forest fires and the inclusion of resultant emissions into the global carbon accounting system. In the Blue Book on Forest Fire Carbon Emissions Research (2023), the CAS also called for building a comprehensive and scientific carbon emission monitoring and measurement system. The blue book included the latest research achievements on global carbon emissions by experts from the Institute of Applied Ecology, the Institute of Earth Environment and the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, all under the CAS. They have analyzed the distribution and temporal-spatial dynamics of global forest fire carbon emissions, evaluated the carbon emissions from major extreme wildfire events globally and their climatic environmental effects over the past 22 years, and provided recommendations for the management of global forest fire carbon emissions. GREATER CARBON EMISSIONS FROM FOREST FIRES Forest fire is a common disturbance process of the forest ecosystem, which significantly affects the composition, structure and succession of forest, thus changing the material cycle and energy flow of the forest ecosystem. The blue book noted that the average annual area globally affected by forest fires was 46.95 million hectares from 2001 to 2022, about 11 times the average annual area of planted forest growth. During this period, the total carbon dioxide emissions from global forest fires reached 33.9 billion tonnes, which can increase the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration by 4.35 ppm. In terms of spatial differences, the carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in high-latitude coniferous forest regions of the Northern Hemisphere showed a trend of rapid increase, said Zhu Jiaojun, head of the Institute of Applied Ecology. Frequent extreme forest fires mainly contributed to the increase in global forest fire carbon emissions, according to the blue book. An extreme forest fire event in Canada in 2023 caused 1.5 billion tonnes of direct carbon dioxide emissions, higher than the overall carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires in the country over the past 22 years, said the blue book when reviewing typical cases of extreme forest fire events around the world. The blue book emphasized the importance of international research cooperation to expedite basic research and achieve breakthroughs in key technologies. It urged establishing a technical system for forest fire risk identification, forecast, early warning, prevention and control, as well as developing technologies for post-disaster vegetation reconstruction and rapid carbon sink recovery. CHINA REDUCES EMISSIONS WITH FEWER FIRES, MORE TREES The blue book said that China has 5.4 percent of the world's total forest areas, while its forest fire carbon emissions account for 0.65 percent of the global total. Between 2001 and 2022, the country's average annual carbon dioxide emissions from forest fires was 10 million tonnes, showing an obvious downward trend. "In future studies, we will focus on the fire prevention in shelterbelts," Zhu said. After decades of afforestation, the country has created the world's largest planted forests, with its forest coverage rate more than doubling from 12 percent in the early 1980s to 24.02 percent last year. The country's afforestation area reached 960 million mu (64 million hectares) over the past decade. In 2022 alone, the Chinese people planted a total of 3.83 million hectares of new forests, official data showed. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) President Joe Biden's nominee for deputy secretary of state highlighted the need Thursday to focus "even more" on deterrence against growing North Korean threats, noting Pyongyang continues to perfect its long-range weapons capabilities while shunning dialogue. Kurt Campbell, currently the National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific affairs, made the remarks during a Senate confirmation hearing as he responded to a question of whether he has any "creative" ideas to address the North Korean quandary. "I am worried that North Korea in the current environment has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," he said. "That means that we are going to have to focus even more on deterrence." Campbell was apparently referring to last week's statement by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. In the statement, she ruled out the possibility of the North resuming dialogue with the U.S., adding to tensions heightened by Pyongyang's satellite launch. Kim's statement added to growing skepticism over the prospects of dialogue between the U.S. and the North at a time when Washington is consumed heavily with a range of global challenges, including Russia's war in Ukraine and the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group. Noting that the North Korean conundrum has "flummoxed" American diplomats for decades, Campbell said that the Biden administration has taken some "creative" and "inventive" approaches toward the North, such as offering vaccines during the height of COVID-19 and other kinds of engagements on humanitarian grounds. "The last constructive diplomatic engagement that we had with North Korea was the aborted meeting in Vietnam between Kim Jong-un and Trump," he said. "Essentially since then, the North Koreans have rebuffed every effort that we have utilized to try to reach out to them." He added, "We've had difficulty getting any takers even in addressing our letters or approaches to them." The nominee also expressed concerns over growing military cooperation between the North and Russia as well as the North's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities. "I am concerned that North Korea has taken very dangerous steps with respect to Russia, providing military equipment to Russia's campaign (against Ukraine)," he said. "I am also concerned that North Korea continues to perfect its long-range missile and nuclear capabilities in ways that are antithetical not only to the region but also to the U.S. as well." Asked to comment on the ongoing efforts to hold trilateral talks between South Korea, Japan and China, Campbell expressed confidence that Beijing will be "unsuccessful in building the kind of the bonds of trust" that the U.S. has with the two East Asian allies. Commenting on the relations between Seoul and Tokyo, Campbell pointed out the U.S.' goal to see the two neighbors "put their animosity behind them to focus on the future" in every area, including energy, technology and security. A thaw in relations between South Korea and Japan emerged after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered a solution in March to the long-running issue of Japan's wartime forced labor. Washington's efforts for trilateral cooperation with the two allies have since gathered steam. "I do want to also just say it is in our interest to commend more publicly the risks and the courage that has been shown by Japan and South Korea," he said. "They need to recognize that we fully support at every possible level what they've done and we seek to strengthen it as it goes forward." While noting the importance of America's role over the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, Campbell emphasized his steadfast focus on the Indo-Pacific, where he said the U.S.' long-term interests will play out over the remainder of this century. But he noted there are countries that are "testing us" in apparent reference to China and other potential adversaries. "If confirmed, I will do everything possible ... to make sure that we are not tested, and that we stand ready to respond to any challenges to our power and to our allies in the Indo-Pacific more directly," he said. Last month, Biden nominated him for the State Department's No. 2 post that has been left vacant since former Deputy Secretary Wendy Sherman retired in July. Campbell has served as deputy assistant to the president and coordinator for the Indo-Pacific since January 2021. From 2009 to 2013, he worked as the assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs. (Yonhap) Chile's cement producers see 7% drop in October dispatches ICR Newsroom By 08 December 2023 Chilean cement dispatches declined by 7.1 per cent to 324,460t in October 2023 from 349,388t in October 2022, according to the Chilean construction chamber, CChC. In the first 10 months of 2023, cement dispatches fell nine per cent YoY to 2,902,782t from 3,1919,241t in the 10M22. Published under Lawmakers in Russia set the countrys 2024 presidential election for March 17, moving Vladimir Putin a step closer to a fifth term in office. Members of the Federation Council, Russias upper house of parliament, voted unanimously Thursday to approve a decree setting the date. In essence, this decision marks the start of the election campaign, Valentina Matviyenko, the chamber's speaker, said. Putin, 71, hasnt announced his intention to run again, but he is widely expected to do so soon now that election day is scheduled. Russias Central Election Commission plans to hold a meeting Friday on the presidential campaign. Asked whether Putin had decided to seek reelection, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov urged reporters to be patient. Under constitutional reforms he orchestrated, Putin is eligible to seek two more six-year terms after his current term expires next year, potentially allowing him to remain in power until 2036. The tight control over Russias political system that he has established during 24 years in power makes his reelection in March all but assured. Prominent critics who could challenge him on the ballot are either in jail or living abroad, and most independent media have been banned. Neither the costly, drawn-out war in Ukraine nor a failed rebellion last summer by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin appear to have affected his high approval ratings reported by independent pollsters. Who would run against Putin next year remains unclear. Imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny urged his supporters in an online statement Thursday to vote for anyone but Putin. Putin views this election as a referendum on approval of his actions. A referendum on approval of the war. Let's disrupt his plans and make it happen so that no one on March 17 is interested in the rigged result, but that all of Russia saw and understood: the will of the majority is that Putin must leave," the statement said. Members of Navalny's team said Thursday that they placed a number of billboards up in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities reading Russia" and Happy New Year, with links and QR codes leading to the website of their campaign against the Russian president, titled Russia without Putin. The Associated Press found that some of the billboards already had been taken down shortly after the announcement. Two people have announced plans to run: former lawmaker Boris Nadezhdin, who holds a seat on a municipal council in the Moscow region, and Yekaterina Duntsova, a journalist and lawyer from the Tver region north of Moscow, who once was a member of a local legislature. Allies of Igor Strelkov, a jailed hard-line nationalist who accused Putin of weakness and indecision in Ukraine, have cited his ambitions to run as well, but extremism charges levied against him by Russian authorities render his candidacy unlikely. Strelkov, a retired security officer who led Moscow-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine in 2014 and was convicted of murder in the Netherlands for his role in the downing of a Malaysia Airlines passenger jet that year, has criticized Putin as a nonentity and a person of cowardly mediocrity. Strelkov was arrested in July and has remained behind bars ever since. He is facing five years in prison if convicted. For Nadezhdin and Duntsova, getting on the ballot could be an uphill battle. Unless one of five political parties that have seats in the State Duma, Russias lower house, nominates them as their candidate, they would have to gather tens of thousands of signatures across multiple regions. According to Russian election laws, candidates put forward by a party that is not represented in the State Duma or in at least a third of regional legislatures have to submit at least 100,000 signatures from 40 or more regions. Those running independently of any party would need a minimum of 300,000 signatures from 40 regions or more. Those requirements apply to Putin as well, who has used different tactics over the years. He ran as an independent in 2018 and his campaign gathered signatures. In 2012, he ran as a nominee of the Kremlins United Russia party, so there was no need to gather signatures. At least one party A Just Russia, which has 27 seats in the 450-seat State Duma is willing to nominate Putin as its candidate this year. The Interfax news agency quoted the party's leader, veteran lawmaker and staunch Putin supporter Sergei Mironov, as saying Thursday that A Just Russia would nominate Putin at a Dec. 23 congress even if the president decides to run as an independent. It wasn't immediately clear whether the Kremlin agreed to those plans. The party's press service told the AP it was the party's initiative, and the Kremlin did not immediately comment on it. Running as an independent is more likely for Putin, said independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin. It will be too much honor for a party, he values himself highly. Therefore, I think he will run as an independent candidate, and will probably collect signatures. This will be a good pretext to promote the campaign in the regions. Oreshkin, a professor at the Free University in Riga, Latvia, expects Putin and several other significantly less popular candidates to be on the ballot, such as Nadezhdin or longtime Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov. The Central Election Commission plans online voting in addition to traditional paper ballots in about 30 Russian regions and is considering stretching the voting across three days a practice that was adopted during the pandemic and widely criticized by independent election monitors. Those measures on top of restrictions on monitoring adopted in recent years will severely limit the possibility of independent observers, said Stanislav Adnreychuk, co-chair of Golos, a prominent independent election monitoring group. Andreychuk told The Associated Press that only registered candidates or state-backed advisory bodies, the Civic Chambers, can assign observers to polling stations, decreasing the likelihood of truly independent watchdogs. There is very little transparency with online voting, and if the balloting lasts for three days, it will be incredibly hard to cover nearly 100,000 polling stations in the country not to mention ensuring that ballots arent tampered with at night, he said. Regular monitoring (at the polls) poses the biggest problem at this point, Andreychuk said. But we will be working in any case he said of Golos plans, adding that they will conduct monitoring throughout the campaign and support activists who get to polling stations on election day. Analyst Oreshkin said the vote will be more of a "ritual" than a competitive electoral process. This electoral ritual, electoral rite has a big significance for Putin and his team. It is important because it measures the loyalty of regional elites and (indicates) that the system works, he said. (AP) This service is a courtesy for our print subscribers to give them access to our online edition at no additional cost - if you haven't registered on the new site, you must do it now before you do anything else. India, home to 90 percent of the world's diamond cutting and polishing industry, and De Beers, the top global rough diamonds producer by value, are seeking clarity and flexibility from G7 countries in implementing a ban on imports of Russian gems. The Group of Seven countries on Wednesday announced a direct ban on Russian diamonds starting Jan. 1 followed by phased-in restrictions on indirect imports of Russian gems from around March 1. Russia is the world's biggest producer of rough diamonds by volume with a 30 percent share of the market. The implementation will depend heavily on India, which wants to minimise potential disruptions for small diamond firms employing millions of people. "We are not happy with the announced timeline for implementation of restrictions," said Vipul Shah, chairman of the Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), a leading Indian trade body. "Recognising the diversity of our industry, we believe there should be more flexibility in these timelines," he said in a statement. The G7's plan has sparked a debate inside the sector as it risks complicating supply chains when demand is under pressure. India's April-October polished diamond exports are down 29 percent to $10 billion. "The G7 is essentially saying it is still a work in progress but here is a framework with a timeline," diamond analyst Paul Zimnisky said. But "if Indian companies want to continue doing business with the G7 nations, then they are going to have to do their part," he added. The G7 plans to introduce a traceability-based verification for rough diamonds by September, but for now two main questions of the plan remain unsolved: how a diamond's country of origin should be checked and where it should be done. Belgium supports the idea of checks in Antwerp, the world's main diamond hub. Some in the industry are concerned that this would create supply chain bottlenecks, additional costs and hamper African production's access to the G7 markets. "It is currently unclear what exactly will be involved at each stage, so we will seek further clarification before being able to consider impacts," De Beers, a unit of Anglo American, said. "If the intent is to apply a purely technological certification system and to channel all rough imports to the G7 through Belgium, this will be to the detriment of responsible African producers, to all those who depend on the artisanal mining sector, and to the wider industry," De Beers added. Russian state-controlled diamond producer Alrosa declined to comment. (Reuters) The Dayton Rotary Club gathered at Bryan College for their annual Christmas luncheon last Friday. After enjoying a meal, Rotary Club President Col. Brock Harris presented Bryan College President Dr. Doug Mann with a check for $3,000 to fund this years Rotary Scholarship.For decades the Dayton Rotary Club has funded this scholarship to provide financial assistance to two freshman students who exhibit academic success. This years recipients were Zowie Coulter and Cayden Tipton.Ms.Coulter is studying liberal arts: elementary education so that she can fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher like many of the educators who poured into her life.Mr. Tipton is studying mechanical engineering and is eager to serve others through the skills that he is learning. Both students attended the luncheon and had the opportunity to express their gratitude to Rotary members.Rotary members and guests were then treated to two selections from The Nutcracker performed by piano ensemble students Eliana Martin, Jillian McKinney and Madeline Brown. Alumnus Felipe Arias 95 then led attendees through a variety of Christmas Carols, accompanied by Janice Pendergrass on piano.This event allows us to celebrate the relationship that Bryan College has with our Dayton community and its leadership, and it also allows us to celebrate our students said Dr. Mann to attendees. We thank you for your investment in the community, and Bryan College is thrilled to work alongside each of you in the work you do. Two associates in the Chattanooga area received Morning Pointe Senior Livings 2023 Exceeding Expectations Awards for outstanding service in different categories.John Hempel, maintenance director at Morning Pointe of Collegedale at Greenbriar Cove, won the award for Maintenance and Housekeeping, and Josh Rhodes, director of information technology, won forMorning Pointes Home Office.Morning Pointe presented the awards at the annual conference on Dec. 6, recognizing the mostexceptional of its associates for demonstrating leadership and excellence in providing quality senior care.Every year the company acknowledges top performing team members in its 38 communities in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.The conference was held in Chattanooga, where Morning Pointe Senior Living is based.Mr. Hempel has worked at Morning Pointe of Greenbriar Cove Assisted Living for three years. His expertise and ability to handle drywall, plumbing, mechanical and electrical issues has allowed the community to take care of these areas in-house, officials said.Residents and their families have developed a deep fondness for John, thanks to his warm smile and friendly disposition, said Ian Shives, executive director at the community. His presence has a positive impact on the overall atmosphere of our community.Mr. Hempel said, I like working with people. Thats the enjoyment here, getting up every morning to come to work and seeing the residents. Its like a family at this building.Mr. Rhodes, who has been with Morning Pointe for two years, was praised for being courteous, professional, knowledgeable, committed to excellence and a good listener. He has led his team through a number of big technological projects during 2023 and remains dedicated not only to his work but also to building a team environment with his Morning Pointe IT associates and others within the company, officials said.This award means that Ive had a chance to serve my colleagues at Morning Pointe, said Mr. Rhodes. It reflects the symbiosis of a team that supports and energizes me so that I can return and provide that same service. Im honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve and to receive this award.This year, Morning Pointe Senior Living expanded its Exceeding Expectations Award program from three region-based awards to seven awards for different job types. The goal is to recognize more associates for excellence.Greg A. Vital, president of Morning Pointe Senior Living, said: As an organization, it is important to us to honor excellence among our associates. John and Josh and so many others like them not only make our senior living communities function but truly shine. We recognize their dedication and are so pleased for this opportunity to celebrate how much we value them. * * * A man told police he wanted to report his bicycle had been stolen from a party he was attending in the East Lake Courts around 6 p.m. He gave a possible address where the bike could be. Police canvassed the area, but didn't locate his bike. The man then became uncooperative with police, saying he didn't want to make a report, and left the area. * * * A disorder was reported between a man and woman on Stratton Place Drive. The man said he no longer wanted the woman staying at his house, so he told her to leave and she got upset and started kicking his door. He said she had since left and all he wanted was for her to stay away from his house. Police searched the area for the woman, but were unable to locate her. * * * A woman on Oriole Drive told police that she went out to her Jeep, opened the door and found a shirt and pipe that did not belong to her sitting in the front seat. She said that nothing in her vehicle was taken and no damage to her Jeep was present. She turned the shirt and pipe into police to go to Property. Employees at the Grifols Plasma Center, 5744 Brainerd Road, told police a woman had called the business upset that she had not received her payment for her donation yet. It was explained to her that it would be coming soon, but she began making threats to the business and said she would be waiting in the parking lot to meet employees.The manager wanted this reported in case further issues arise.* * *A man told police he wanted to report his bicycle had been stolen from a party he was attending in the East Lake Courts around 6 p.m. He gave a possible address where the bike could be. Police canvassed the area, but didn't locate his bike. The man then became uncooperative with police, saying he didn't want to make a report, and left the area.* * *A disorder was reported between a man and woman on Stratton Place Drive. The man said he no longer wanted the woman staying at his house, so he told her to leave and she got upset and started kicking his door. He said she had since left and all he wanted was for her to stay away from his house. Police searched the area for the woman, but were unable to locate her.* * *A woman on Oriole Drive told police that she went out to her Jeep, opened the door and found a shirt and pipe that did not belong to her sitting in the front seat. She said that nothing in her vehicle was taken and no damage to her Jeep was present. She turned the shirt and pipe into police to go to Property. * * * A man told police he was traveling eastbound on I-24 when he observed a Bobby Fryar dump truck losing gravel as it navigated the interstate. He said he attempted to get beside the truck and let the driver know that they were losing their load. He began to honk his horn and wave his hands at the driver. He said the driver then made a jerking motion, pulling his truck into his lane. He said he then backed off and moved into the right lane. When he did this, a piece of gravel struck the lower right portion of his windshield, leaving a small chip in it. He said he then pulled off the interstate and called police. He said the truck number he could see appeared to be #25. * * * A man on Rogers Road called police about damage to his Kia Soul. Police observed his vehicle, displaying a Tennessee license plate, to have a shattered driver rear window and steering column/ignition switch damage. It appears as if this is a "Kia Boys" attempted theft per the evidence found on scene. Police were able to collect a latent fingerprint on the driver's door near the B pillar that the man believed to be the suspect's. There is no other suspect information and no items reported stolen from the vehicle. * * * While on routine patrol at 5900 Brainerd Road, police went to check under the bridge for homeless campsites being set up. The bridge is a state road and has been posted that citizens are not to be under the structure for any unauthorized usage. After walking down the embankment, police observed a large dome tent set up and a large pile of trash behind it that had been thrown together, about waist high. Police spoke to a man and woman who walked back to the patrol car and were checked for warrants. Both said they had been under the bridge approximately a month. They were given 24 hours to leave the premises and given a warning for trespassing. * * * A woman on Sunflower Lane told police her ex-boyfriend had called her to let her know he moved to Texas. She said he moved to Texas so he doesn't get in trouble. She just needed a report because she has a restraining order against him. * * * A woman on Sequoia Drive told police her vehicle, a Kia Soul displaying a Tennessee license plate, was unlawfully entered at some point through the night. Police observed the driver's side rear window and the steering column/ignition switch to have damage consistent with the "Kia Boys" motor vehicle thievery trend. There is no suspect information and the vehicle appears to be drivable as she was able to start it while police were on scene. * * * A woman called police requesting a disorder prevention to obtain her belongings from a residence on Maple Street Court. Police arrived on scene and observed the woman retrieve her things without incident. * * * A man on Stratton Place Drive told police that he ended his relationship with a woman at the end of October. He said she has been contacting him via social media since October to obtain money that he owed her. He confirmed that she loaned him $1,430 to help fix his car and now she wants the money returned to her. He also said she admitted to hacking into his social media accounts to blackmail him by threatening to post his explicit photos on social media if he did not return the money to her. He gave police photos of a conversation involving her and him (in another language) in which she admitted to hacking his accounts. Police cannot confirm any facts in the conversation. The man requested documentation and denied prosecution. * * * An anonymous caller told police a woman was on an abandoned property on Bachman Street and was trying to gain access to a shed. Police arrived and didnt find a woman. * * * A woman on Chamberlain Avenue told police someone broke into her vehicle overnight by breaking the rear passenger side window. The steering column had been broken from the attempt to take the vehicle. Nothing had been taken. * * * A woman called police and said she has had people come to her work at 2107 Gunbarrel Road that keep harassing her by making rude comments. She believed that her soon to be ex-husband was sending them to harass her. She said a man had come into her work and she got emotional and a Facebook profile messaged her to tell her to call her husband. That night a retired CPD major came to her work and told her to walk back inside of her work slowly so he could watch her, she said. * * * A disorder was reported at a residence on McCord Avenue. A woman told police her boyfriend of 33 years possibly had cheated on her with her cousin, and she wanted him to leave her residence. The man grabbed several items and then vacated the property. Stephanie Rebecca Harden, 62, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, died on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. She was a graduate of Central High School, class of 1979. Stephanie was a Customer Service Representative with US Express and Lipsey Logistics. She loved spending time with her grandkids and kids. Stephanie loved traveling with her husband, singing, decorating, entertaining and shopping. She was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Stephanie was preceded in death by her father, Allen Wilson and step-father, James Smith. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 42 years, Keith Harden; son, Daniel Harden and his children, Gavinn, Aubrey and Landon; daughter, Ashley (Javier) Espinoza and their son, Cruz; mother, Jane Smith; sisters, Dorenda (Jimmy) Young and Lisa (Vance) Clayton; Brother, Michael Wilson; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, at the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ken McElhaney officiating. Interment will follow in New McDonald (Eastview) Cemetery. Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of Stephanie. Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. Prince Harry has been living in California for more than three years with his wife, Meghan Markle -- but his recent words suggest that he truly could someday return to the United Kingdom. Prince Harry left the United Kingdom with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their son, Prince Archie, back in 2020 after they couldnt see eye to eye with the other royal family members. Ever since, Harry and Meghan have been living in California, but there has been increasing talk of rumors that Harry and Meghan might eventually make a return to the UK. While some think the claims make no sense given Harry and Meghans tense relationship with the royal family, Harrys three-word phrase about his home in recent court documents suggests he isnt planning to remain in the US. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Prince Archie | Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage Prince Harry said that California is his home at the moment in recent court documents Though Harry and Meghan have never spoken about a UK return, Harrys three-word phrase suggests the two are not planning to stay in the US forever. According to Express, in recent court documents (Harry has filed a few lawsuits in the UK that stem from his time in the royal family), Harry referred to California as his home at the moment a phrase that indicates it is not his permanent home. The UK is my home, Harrys statement read. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if its not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. Harry seems to make it clear that he plans to return to the UK with his children, though it doesnt necessarily mean he will move there. Perhaps the rumors about Harry and Meghan returning to the UK are not so far fetched. One solution is for Harry and Meghan to split their time between the US and the UK, which it seems is something they might consider. Prince Harry will likely need relationships to improve before moving to the UK One thing seems clear: Harry is not opposed to returning to the UK and, if anything, actually wants to do so. While he might enjoy California, it doesnt hold the same sentimentality that the UK does to him. With that said, things between Harry and the other royal family members arent exactly strong. Harry and William are reportedly not on speaking terms, and while Harry has slowly started to rebuild a relationship with his father, its hard to say where things between them stand at any given moment. In order for Harry and Meghan to comfortably enjoy spending time in the UK, the two will likely need to have a strong relationship with the royal family. Harrys statement does give hope to royal fans that the royals could become one big happy family again. However, it wont come without a bit of work. Still, its evident that Harry misses his home, even if he doesnt reconnect with his family. Its still the place he was raised, and its the place his friends live. It now seems almost definite that, assuming Harry and Meghan can protect their kids, a UK return is imminent. The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS is working with partners to develop a marketable, completely bio-based and non-toxic plasticizer for use in elastomers and thermoplastics. Using rapeseed oil as a starting product, more sustainable solutions for tires and packaging should become possible. The project partners also want to design a corresponding pilot plant in central Germany as part of the "Biocerine" project. Plasticizers are used to make plastics more flexible and pliable during the manufacturing process and/or during subsequent use. However, common industrially produced plasticizers such as phthalates are viewed critically because some of them can be potentially harmful to health and/or pollute the environment. "Such plasticizers are not only frequently used in traditional plastics, but also in biopolymers, whose environmental compatibility they then impair. For this reason, alternatives are being sought worldwide that offer at least comparable quality at affordable prices and can ideally be produced from renewable raw materials," says Dr. Patrick Hirsch, Group Leader "Sustainable Materials and Processes", who is leading the project at the Fraunhofer IMWS. This is precisely the solution the partners want to find within the project, which is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research as part of the "WIR! - Change through Innovation in the Region" program. The consortium is relying on the expertise and opportunities already available in Central Germany. In addition to the Fraunhofer IMWS, GLACONCHEMIE GmbH and Polymer Service GmbH from Merseburg are also involved, while Folienwerk Wolfen, Expinos GmbH and Reifenwerk Heidenau GmbH will test the product samples created in the research project as associated partners. The project partners are focusing on bio-based glycerine derivatives, which are obtained on an industrial scale from rapeseed oil, for example, and can be specially adapted to the requirements of different polymer materials. The new type of plasticizer should have improved migration behaviour in thermoplastic and elastomeric biopolymers, which has advantages in particular for the processability and long-term use of these materials. "Specifically, we want to produce alcohols from this bio-based glycerine, which are then esterified with special fatty acids. In the second step of the synthesis, their double bonds are epoxidized," says Hirsch, describing the approach. The bio-based plasticizers developed are then to be incorporated into thermoplastic and elastomeric biopolymers, for example for films, packaging or tire compounds. The difficulties range from the choice of alcohol used for model formulations to the fatty acid composition and the modification of the double bonds of the fatty acids. At the same time, each new plasticizer variant leads to specific interactions in the respective polymer system, resulting in different properties of the plastic and initially unknown effects on processability. "Essentially, we have to ensure that the new plasticizers remain flexible, but limit their migration so that they do not harm the environment or health. They also have to interact ideally with the biopolymers we have chosen. Last but not least, the economic implementation is very challenging," says Hirsch. Based on its expertise in the structure-property relationships of materials and the upscaling and optimization of manufacturing processes, the Fraunhofer IMWS will focus in particular on the property modification of thermoplastic biopolymers that are suitable for extrusion applications such as films or injection moulding applications such as packaging. Electron microscopy is used for morphological characterization, while mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties are determined by means of tensile, bending and notch impact tests as well as dynamic-mechanical analysis. The aim is also to scale up to pilot plant scale with the production of larger quantities of the novel plastics using twin-screw compounding, whereby a continuous dosing system for introducing the liquid glycerine derivatives into the melt mixtures is also to be developed. The U.S. Department of Energys (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, along with Idaho National Laboratory (INL), was chosen by the agency for a demonstration project to validate an innovative long-duration energy storage system developed by battery manufacturer CMBlu Energy. The collaborative project aims to improve microgrids in cold climates and make fast charging of electric vehicles more affordable in underserved communities. Over the course of the project, Argonne and INL will deploy and evaluate CMBlu Energys Organic SolidFlow battery technology. The materials used in the construction of these batteries are non-metallic and abundant, with a goal to build resilient and domestic supply chains. The batteries are targeted for community, industrial and utility-scale applications of medium and long duration. The DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) selected this initiative as one of six demonstration projects in September as part of a long-duration energy storage lab call. Demonstration projects, especially those at national labs, efficiently mature our understanding of new technologies in key use cases, said battery scientist Sue Babinec, program lead for stationary storage at Argonne. This collaborative project will validate CMBlus Organic SolidFlow battery while providing a path for expansion of electric vehicles to underserved communities. This awarded work provides a unique avenue to showcase the strengths of INL and Argonne to explore flow battery performance at colder-than-room temperatures, relevant to energy storage needs at northern latitudes and winter conditions, said Kevin Gering, a distinguished staff scientist at INL. We are enthusiastic about applying our collective expertise to understand CMBlus Organic SolidFlow batterys performance so the technology can find those critical niches it can thrive within. Were honored to participate in this project with two preeminent research teams that are advancing clean energy, said Ben Kaun, president of CMBlu Energy, Inc. The unique capabilities and resources of Argonne and INL will enable CMBlu to accelerate the commercialization of our Organic SolidFlow battery solution. Our long-duration energy storage is designed to support grid resilience and integration for EV fast charging and microgrid applications, and this demonstration is an excellent opportunity to validate its real-world performance. The project aims to provide valuable insights for microgrids, which are often used in remote or critical infrastructure settings, such as hospitals. By demonstrating the effectiveness of CMBlu's Organic SolidFlow batteries, the project could bolster the resilience of microgrids by ensuring a constant power supply, even during extended outages or fluctuations in the main grid. The project also seeks to make fast charging of electric vehicles more affordable in rural and underserved communities by reducing charging facility installation and operational costs. The project will span two regions. In the Midwest, Argonne researchers plan to demonstrate the effectiveness of CMBlus Organic SolidFlow batteries at the labs Smart Energy Plaza. The plaza is a fully renovated and repurposed gas station designed to conduct research on the integration and management of electric vehicle charging, renewables, building systems, and energy storage. Argonne researchers will gather data and analyze how the technology can inform real-world scenarios. At the INL Battery Test Center in Idaho, researchers will conduct performance tests, including assessing how well the Organic SolidFlow batteries perform at different temperatures. This rigorous testing is crucial to ensure the technology's reliability in diverse environments. The INL center serves as the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energys (EERE) primary center for battery life and performance testing. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Vladimir Putin moved to prolong his repressive and unyielding grip on Russia for at least another six years, Friday, announcing his candidacy for the presidential election next March that he is all but certain to win. Putin still commands wide support after nearly a quarter-century in power, despite starting an immensely costly war in Ukraine that has taken thousands of his countrymens lives, provoked repeated attacks inside Russia including one on the Kremlin itself and corroded its aura of invincibility. A short-lived rebellion in June by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin raised widespread speculation that Putin could be losing his grip, but he emerged with no permanent scars. Prigozhins death in a mysterious plane crash two months later reinforced the view that Putin was in absolute control. Putin announced his decision to run in the March 17 presidential election after a Kremlin award ceremony, when war veterans and others pleaded with him to seek re-election. I won't hide it from you I had various thoughts about it over time, but now, you're right, it's necessary to make a decision, Putin said in a video released by the Kremlin after the event. I will run for president of the Russian Federation. Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center noted that the announcement was made in a low-key way instead of a live televised speech, probably reflecting the Kremlin's spin effort to emphasize Putin's modesty and his perceived focus on doing his job as opposed to loud campaigning. It's not about prosperity, it's about survival, Stanovaya observed. The stakes have been raised to the maximum. About 80 percent of the populace approves of Putin's performance, according to the independent pollster Levada Center. That support might come from the heart or it might reflect submission to a leader whose crackdown on any opposition has made even relatively mild criticism perilous. Whether due to real or coerced support, Putin is expected to face only token opposition on the ballot. Putin, 71, has twice used his leverage to amend the constitution so he could theoretically stay in power until hes in his mid-80s. He is already the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, who died in 1953. In 2008, he stepped aside to become prime minister due to term limits but continued calling the shots. Presidential terms were then extended to six years from four, while another package of amendments he pushed through three years ago reset the count for two consecutive terms to begin in 2024. He is afraid to give up power, Dmitry Oreshkin, a political analyst and professor at Free University of Riga, Latvia, told The Associated Press this year. At the time of the amendments that allowed him two more terms, Putins concern about losing power may have been elevated: Levada polling showed his approval rating significantly lower, hovering around 60 percent. In the view of some analysts, that dip in popularity could have been a main driver of the war that Putin launched in Ukraine in February 2022. This conflict with Ukraine was necessary as a glue. He needed to consolidate his power, said commentator Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speechwriter now living in Israel. Brookings Institution scholar Fiona Hill, a former U.S. National Security Council expert on Russian affairs, agrees that Putin thought a lovely small, victorious war would consolidate support for his reelection. Ukraine would capitulate, she told AP this year. Hed install a new president in Ukraine. He would declare himself the president of a new union of Belarus, Ukraine and Russia over the course of the time leading up to the 2024 election. Hed be the supreme leader. The war didnt turn out that way. It devolved into a grueling slog in which neither side makes significant headway, posing severe challenges to the rising prosperity integral to Putins popularity and Russians propensity to set aside concerns about corrupt politics and shrinking tolerance of dissent. Putins rule has spanned five U.S. presidencies, from Bill Clinton to Joe Biden. He became acting president on New Years Eve in 1999, when Boris Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned. He was elected to his first term in March 2000. When he was forced to step down in 2008 by term limits, he shifted to the prime ministers post while close ally Dmitry Medvedev served as a placeholder president. When Putin announced he would run for a new term in 2012 and Medvedev submissively agreed to become prime minister, public protests brought out crowds of 100,000 or more. Although Putin has long abandoned the macho photo shoots of bear hunting and scuba diving that once amused and impressed the world, he shows little sign of slowing down. Photos from 2022 of him with a bloated face and a hunched posture led to speculation he was seriously ill, but he seems little changed in recent public appearances. Hes a wartime president, is mobilizing the population behind him, Hill said. And that will be the message around the 2024 election, depending on where things are in the battlefield. (AP) Sara Hill, the Cherokee Nations attorney general at the time on July 18, 2023, talks about an agreement that returns traffic fines back to municipalities as Verdigris Mayor Keith Crawford, center, and CN Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. listen inside Verdigris Town Hall. Many terrific women in Hollywood are gifted screenwriters and write beloved movies and television shows, although they often dont get the credit or praise they deserve. Do you know who one of the first successful female screenwriters in America was? It was Frances Marion, a legendary screenwriter who made over 130 films during Hollywoods silent film era and paved the way for other women in the industry. Frances was born Marion Benson Owens in 1888 in San Francisco, California. She had a creative passion and excelled in writing and sketching at a young age. She was sent to the Mark Hopkins Art Institute in San Francisco and began selling her work, consisting of art pieces, poems, and stories, to different magazines by the time she was a teenager. Frances married her first husband, Wesley de Lappe, in 1906 and began working a series of different jobs, which included working as a telephone operator. Then, she began working as an illustrator and became a reporter for the San Francisco Examiner after getting a divorce from Wesey in 1911. In 1912, Frances married businessman Robert Pike, and they moved to Los Angeles together, where she began falling in love with Hollywood and the film industry. Frances began to meet other people in the industry and make connections through actress Marie Dressler, whom she had interviewed during her days as a reporter. She decided she wanted to work in Hollywood and began working under the director Lois Weber, which was when she decided to change her professional name to Frances Marion. She worked various off-camera jobs, including cutting film, writing press releases, moving things around sets, etc. During her early days in Hollywood, Frances developed a love for making movies and eventually became passionate about writing them. Through her connections, she started writing for the famous Players-Lasky studio, which would later be known as Paramount Pictures. Then, she moved to New York to write for World Films and began earning $200 a week, making her the highest-paid writer in the industry. Unfortunately, Frances went through another divorce around this time, but it did not stop her from succeeding. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. The relationship between religious nationalism and xenophobia in Indonesia has garnered attention in recent years. We asked a panel of six Indonesian leadersthree Muslims and three Christianswhat can Muslim and Christian communities do to overcome these differences and seek the flourishing of Indonesia? Muslim respondents: Halim Mahfudz: In Indonesia, xenophobia is less related to religious or ethnic issues and more tied to economic concerns. It is primarily driven by economic jealousy toward other groups due to governance models during the previous presidents, which exacerbated economic disparities. [Discrimination against Chinese ethnic communities by pribumi, or indigenous communities, has long existed, especially as Chinese Indonesians own most of the large conglomerates in the country.] This is what we are trying to address. In Islamic boarding schools, we attempt to foster relationships with different people groups, including Chinese Indonesians, and bridge communication gaps. In Jombang where I live, I have many friends from various religious backgrounds, and interfaith relations run smoother. Our schools are also actively engaged in interfaith dialogue activities, not only within the country but also with schools in other countries such as India and Malaysia. I speak extensively about enhancing interfaith dialogue without asking, What religion do you belong to? Its not about that anymore, but its about how we can build world peace and improve the well-being of all humanity. Inayah Rohmaniyah: Through education and increased historical awareness, critical thinking and embracing differences, there is no need to fear the presence of foreign nations or other religions. At the Islamic university where I teach, I am an advocate for interfaith dialogue. Nuns often come to our campus, and I also welcome lecturers from Protestant and Catholic groups to teach at our campus. I also travel to various regions in Indonesia, meeting with schoolteachers who are agents of change by instilling traditions and knowledge in students. We do not encounter this phenomenon of fear. Although they may be suspicious of other religions, when they communicate and interact with followers of different faiths, the fear dissipates and the walls of separation crumble. They can even collaborate to create joint programs between Muslims and non-Muslims. Fear always exists due to hoaxes and social media. Theres a debate in the Islamic academic world where some believe that the Western world is constantly assessing us, looking down upon us, and even wishing to destroy us. However, in a world of advancing technology, we must connect with many people and foster interreligious engagement. Otherwise, we will be left behind. Amin Abdullah: In Islam, one of the ultimate goals is to protect the worlds religions, not only Islam. This is a message that needs to be emphasized and reinforced. Another primary goal is to protect human dignity, which can be developed into human rights, including the freedom of religion. This is a collective task that requires more than just strengthening religious ideologies, but also reinforcing Pancasila. After the Reform era, when there was unrestrained freedom of expression that led to an increase in radical ideas, Pancasila was temporarily removed from the school curriculum. It was only in 20032004 that it was reintroduced with a more effective approach, particularly addressing issues of religious tolerance and discrimination. Within the government, its important to implement religious moderation, emphasizing the concept of The Middle Path of Islam. However, the religious moderation program seems to still focus on teaching Muslims about their own religion to prevent violent acts, extremism, and fundamentalism. These efforts have not significantly progressed toward religious freedom and belief. To maintain a harmonious religious life, in the last three years our government agency [Pancasila Ideology Development Agency] has collaborated with various civil societies to train 6,000 Islamic and Christian religious teachers in the literacy of cross-religious cultural life. Christian respondents: Tantono Subagyo: We have interfaith dialogues, but their impact is limited as they mainly involve academia. Education is the key. For instance, citizenship education starting from childhood and visits to various places of worship to foster tolerance are some ways to prevent xenophobia. The Christian community must strive to be inclusive and participate in the nations education by establishing schools open to children of all religions, fostering tolerance from an early age. Christians can also adopt local culture, as exemplified by the Catholic Church in Yogyakarta, which incorporates gamelan [traditional percussion instruments] into the Mass, organizes macapatan [singing Javanese traditional poetry], and translates the Bible into local languages. Article continues below Christians can also love their neighbors by following Gods call to be an agent of social change by advocating for human rights, helping the poor and oppressed, and caring for the environment (Mic. 6:8; James 1:27; 2:1417). Ferry Mamahit: Christians can use media and digital platforms to disseminate positive narratives about diversity and educate the public about religious freedom. It is necessary to integrate Christian values with patriotism and emphasize the harmony between the two. Encouraging active participation in national activities, involvement in humanitarian projects, and the preservation of local culture can also enrich the experiences of young people and cultivate a love for their homeland. Farsijana Adeney Risakotta: Tensions between Muslims and Christians have existed since the colonial era. However, the founding fathers of the nation collaborated to build Indonesia within the context of the diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious realities that have become strengths for this archipelagic nation. With a prominent female Muslim leader, I coauthored a chapter in a book titled Shared Words between Muslims and Christians that advocates for women to interpret religious teachings. The book underscores the belief that the two major world religions, Islam and Christianity, should collaborate to bring about peace and social justice. Indonesia is a country that holds great promise for grassroots efforts and religious organizations to engage in positioning religion as a path to peace, goodness, and progress for civilization and the sustainability of the Earth. Read our panelists bios in the series lead article, Parsing Pancasila: How Indonesias Muslims and Christians Seek Unity. (Other articles in this special series are listed to the right on desktop or below on mobile.) [ This article is also available in Indonesian. ] About 80 percent of Muslims believe that being Muslim is essential to being truly Indonesian, according to a special report by the Pew Research Center. We asked a panel of six Indonesian leadersthree Muslims and three Christianstheir thoughts on how their religion plays into what it means to them to be Indonesian. Muslim respondents: Halim Mahfudz: From an Islamic perspective, your religion colors all your actions, including your behavior, ethics, and relationships with other human beings. So, religion and state are not separate. If governance is colored by religious valuesnot limited to Islam but the six recognized religions in Indonesiathere will be no conflict. In Islam, there is no verse that compels others to worship in the same way Muslims do, and the Quran does not allow the government to impose Islamic values on all religions. The Quran says that Prophet Muhammad was sent to this earth for no other purpose than to be a mercy to all creatures and that we are to show compassion to all beings. In the years leading up to his death, Muhammad sent his companions to migrate to Ethiopia, which was ruled by a Christian, King Najash. The king said that he would not hand over the Muslim migrants to the Quraysh Arabs, and then he passed away. Muhammad performed a funeral prayer (salat al-gha'ib) for the king. This demonstrates the respect of Muhammad to fellow humans, even though they were not Muslims. Inayah Rohmaniyah: The strength of the tie between ones Islamic identity and Indonesian identity does not imply that non-Muslims are not Indonesians. What needs to be reinforced, especially among the younger generation, is the historical awareness of the relationship between the state and ones religion to continue the spirit of the nations founders. But young people are losing this connection and nationalism is eroding. History is often considered unimportant, though it serves as a guiding light showing us the path forward. Indonesias struggle for independence is not solely about majority and minority issues. Its the result of the work and struggle of all citizens, a boundless struggle that is not limited by ethnicity, religion, or race. Once we have achieved independence, we have to protect our country. We must do so together by embracing all religions, races, and intergroup relations, just as we fought for independence together in the past. This way, the threat of division can be minimized. Amin Abdullah: I distinguish between a nation-state and a religious state. In India, some Hindus claim that if youre not Hindu, youre not Indian (the Hindutva movement), even though India is a nation-state. In Indonesia, its not like that. Theres still a constitution that needs to be observed. A nation-state is based on its constitution, which involves a state apparatus and civil society with various components sharing responsibility and safeguarding the nation and the state. That's why the historical milestones of the nation become essential. First, the Youth Pledge in 1928 promoted the idea of a united Indonesia, as it doesnt mention religion, just one homeland, one language, and one nation. Second, in 1945, the constitution and Pancasila emerged, making it clear that we believe in God in a way that provides space for different religions. These are the values that need to be nurtured and propagated. Thus, members of other religions can confidently say, I am a Buddhist or Christian, and I am Indonesian. Christian respondents: Tantono Subagyo: Being a Christian in Indonesia means being part of a community that believes in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and strives to follow his teachings and example in everyday life. We are also asked to love and serve our fellow human beings, especially those different from us. We must respect and appreciate the religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity in Indonesia and contribute to building peace, justice, and progress together. However, we must also remember that we are citizens of the kingdom of God who are temporarily residing in this world. We should not prioritize the interests of the nation over Christ. At the same time, we should not be involved in conflicts, violence, or discrimination contrary to the values of the gospel. Ferry Mamahit: Many Christians in Indonesia, driven by a strong sense of nationalism, have sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence and democracy for Indonesia. This is not just a form of loyalty and dedication to the nation and state, but also to Christian values such as justice, truth, love, and peace. Although the Bible does not explicitly use the term nationalism, principles such as protecting national sovereignty, the right to self-determination, and promoting the welfare of the nation align with biblical teachings (Rom. 13:17; Jer. 29:7). In practical terms, living according to the truth of the Bible makes a Christian a true Indonesian Christian (100 percent Indonesian, 100 percent Christian). Article continues below Farsijana Adeney Risakotta: When a Muslim considers that being a Muslim also means being truly an Indonesian, it implies an acceptance that their Islamic identity is shaped within the context of being Indonesian. Indonesia is not an Islamic state but a pious one where its citizens can coexist with people of various religions and backgrounds. During Dutch colonialism, the Netherlands sent missionaries to open schools for the common people. The message of Christs liberation was a blessing to Indonesia. Yet the independence of Indonesia was not a gift from Dutch Christians but the result of the sacrifice and struggle of Christians and people of various other religions in Indonesia. Therefore, Pancasila, as the foundation of the state, is the result of an agreement that involves Christians negotiating their citizenship rightsequal to those of Muslims. Read our panelists bios in the series lead article, Parsing Pancasila: How Indonesias Muslims and Christians Seek Unity. (Other articles in this special series are listed to the right on desktop or below on mobile.) [ This article is also available in Indonesian. ] Indonesia boasts the largest Muslim population in the world. Yet Islam is not the state religion. Instead, the archipelago thats home to more than 273 million people is based on the foundation of Pancasila, an Indonesian philosophical theory composed of five principles: monotheism, civilized humanity, national unity, deliberative democracy, and social justice. With Sunni Muslims making up 87 percent of the population and Christians making up 10 percent, Indonesia has sometimes struggled with exactly how religious harmony plays out. In recent years, Christians have been targeted in scattered terrorist attacks, restricted from building churches, and charged under blasphemy laws. Open Doors ranked Indonesia as the 33rd most dangerous country in which to be a Christian last year. At the same time, President Joko Widodo has worked to promote religious tolerance and called on heads of provinces and districts to ensure all religions can worship freely. This coming year, the government will change the name of Jesus from Arabic to Bahasa in observed Christian holidays. For many, Islam and national identity are tightly intertwined: A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 81 percent of Indonesians say being Muslim is very important to being truly Indonesian. Another 64 percent believe that sharia, or Islamic law, should be implemented as national law. On the other hand, Pew researchers also found that 60 percent of Indonesians consider Christianity to be compatible with local culture and values. Muslim Indonesians were also more concerned about the growth of Muslim extremism (54%) than the growth of Christianity (35%). Do these nuances point to an open-minded view of religious pluralism among Indonesian Muslims? And despite the archipelagos complexities and mounting challenges, how much can interfaith dialogue and genuine cooperation promote and preserve understanding among Christians and Muslims? CT interviewed three moderate Muslims and three Christians (bios listed below) on a range of topics including sharias role in society, the connection between religion and national identity, and how Christians and Muslims can work together for the good of Indonesia. Their responses, edited and shortened for clarity, can be found in this special series six articles, listed to the right on desktop and below on mobile. Editors note: The Muslim leaders included in this series have participated in interfaith dialogues held by the Leimena Institute, a Christian think tank in Jakarta. In Indonesia, Two of Indonesias largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, follow moderate Islam. The Muslim leaders included in this series have participated in interfaith dialogues held by the Leimena Institute, a Christian think tank in Jakarta.In Indonesia, moderate Islam differentiates itself from conservative Islam in that it focuses on compassion for all (rahamatan lil 'alamin) while rejecting ideas such as the caliphate (an authority over all Muslims worldwide) and kafir (infidel). It is also differs from liberal Islam, which goes further to prioritize reasoning over revelation and the spirit of Islams religious ethics over its literal meaning.Two of Indonesias largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, follow moderate Islam. Muslim respondents: K. H. Halim Mahfudz Leader of Seblak Jombang Islamic Boarding School and chairman of the endowment board at Tebuireng Islamic Boarding School in Jombang, East Java. Inayah Rohmaniyah Dean of the faculty of Islamic Studies and Islamic Thought at Universitas Islam Negeri Sunan Kalijaga in Yogyakarta, Central Java. Amin Abdullah Advisory council member of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency in Yogyakarta. Christian respondents: Tantono Subagyo Pastor and chairman of the Suluh Insan Lestari Foundation (mother-tongue literacy program) and Wijaya Kusuma Pratama Foundation (which oversees private schools) in South Tangerang, Banten. Ferry Mamahit Lecturer at Southeast Asia Bible Seminary in Malang, East Java, and executive director at the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies of Religion and Culture in Semarang, Central Java. Farsijana Adeney-Risakotta Presbyterian Church (USA) missionary, lecturer at Duta Wacana Christian University, and founder of the Griya Jati Rasa Foundation (a commerce cooperative) in Yogyakarta. With reporting assistance by Maria Fennita [ This article is also available in Indonesian. ] A Christian friend checked in with me recently, knowing that I am a Messianic Jew. But part of her email dampened my hope for any comfort her note might bring. Her spiritual mentors, she wrote, have said the Israel-Hamas war is Gods judgment for Israels waywardness. I responded heatedly, If Christians dont support Israel, well, they can just give back the Jewish Messiah who is mourning for his people right now. Had I taken a moment to calm down, I would have said that Christians should refrain from claiming to know the theological meaning behind the brutal massacre of Israelis by Hamas on October 7. None of us has a full view of the heavenly realm, I should have said, or perfect discernment about the spiritual nature of the attacks or the ensuing conflict. I might have also added that we all need to recall that Yeshua (Jesus) came to save, not to judge: For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him (John 3:17). My friends mentors arent the only Christians to suggest that tragedies in Israel are the result of divine judgment. There are many Christians who believe this type of attack is following a biblical pattern of Israel sinning followed by Gods punishment for that disobedience. And they often forget what completes that model: Israels repentance and Gods restoration. Some Christians look beyond current events to proclaim the whole modern State of Israel is unrighteous, and they deny any future biblical relevance to the land. Gods project in Christ is not the restoration of a kingdom in the Middle East, a political nation, said Gary M. Burge, New Testament professor, author, and Christian anti-Zionist, in a recent interview. Gods project in the New Testament is the restoration of all his creation. Burges theology ultimately erases the original land promise to the Jewish people by universalizing it. Burge is not alone in arguing that the Abrahamic covenantwhich includes God granting the land to the Jewish people (Gen. 12:13)is conditional and requires Jewish faithfulness to God. Fidelity to the covenant is an essential component of receiving the gift of the land, he said. And for Burge, the Jews in modern-day Israel, whom he sees as mostly non-religious, are not faithful to that covenant. A secular state is making religious claims on an Old Testament promise, Burge adds, and that Old Testament promise requires a religious life. Burge claims 75 percent of Israelis are nonreligious. He contends this version of Israel cant possibly be committed to the covenant of Abraham. Article continues below But Burges Christian categories of faithful and unfaithful dont map onto categories of secular and religious in Israel. In reality, theres a spectrum of belief in God and religious tradition within secular Israeli society that may not be evident by what people wear or whether they attend synagogueand thats not to mention the presumptuousness of Burges judging the character of an entire peoples spirituality. Moreover, recent statistics in the Jewish Virtual Library indicate that only 44 percent of adult Israelis identify as secular. While Messianic Jews do believe in an ultimate restoration of all creation, that doesnt negate Gods promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, including that of the land of Israel, which we see as unconditional (Gen. 12, 15; Acts 7:45; Hebrews 11:9) and eternal (Ps. 105). The Jewish people are exiled numerous times, as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, due to various sins against God. But God always returns them to that same land because, as the apostle Paul states, Gods gifts and his call are irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). I am deeply movedand I hope Christians like Burge might be as wellby the biblical scene where God ratified his covenant with Abraham regarding the land that he would give him and his descendants: When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces (Gen. 15:1721). God alone walked through the pieces of animals to confirm the covenant. And God remains committed throughout history to the promises in that Abrahamic covenant, and layers other covenants such as the Mosaic and Davidic covenants upon that first one. Israels failure to meet obligations within the Mosaic covenant does not annul Gods faithfulness in his first contract to Israel through Abraham. Grace and repentance are built into all of Gods covenants with Israel. For me, like for most Messianic Jews, the Jewish people continue to be Gods chosen people bound by eternal covenant promises. The call to the Gentile nations to join Jews in worshipping the God of Israel does not undo those promises to the Jewish people (Rom. 11:1112, 2526), nor does it give non-Jews the right to assess Israels relationship with God. The Jewish apostle Paul actually condemns any Gentile Christian pride toward the Jewish people in his letter to the Romans (11:1820). It is acceptable for Jews, however, to have in-house arguments, as we did in the times of Yeshua; and Christians should leave it to us to evaluate Jewish behavior and our own fidelity to our covenants. Article continues below Christians are drawn into the commonwealth of Israel. That gift should lead to gratitude and love for the Jewish peoplenot criticism in our times of distress. Paul reminds non-Jews of that shared citizenship: Remember that at that time you were separate from Messiah, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world (Eph. 2:12). Recalling this should shape how Christians speak about Israel now. Gentile Christians should also remember that God works through them to elicit jealousy among Jewish people who have not yet recognized Yeshua as Messiah (Rom. 11:11), so that they too may be drawn to him. Christian judgment of Israelis present suffering is not only presumptuous, it will also repel Jewish people from their own Messiah. So how can Gentile Christians truly comfort Israel now? Messianic Jews hope Christian churches and leaders are fervently praying for Israel, talking about Israel from their pulpits, and learning the history of that holy piece of geography where the Jewish Messiah lived, died, arose, ascended, and will eventually return in the end of days (Zech. 14:4). As Messianic Jewish theologian Mark Kinzer argues in his book Jerusalem Crucified, Jerusalem Risenand in a debate in 2020 with theologian N. T. Wrighttheres an enduring significance of this land as the center of a redeemed world. Pauls ministry strategy was one of continuous return to Jerusalem, Kinzer argues, so the Book of Acts ending in Rome is a cliffhanger that still awaits resolutiona final return to Jerusalem, the future city of the Messiahs second coming. For me, the entire context of Christian faith flows from the Jewish world in the Israel of the first century. Israel maintains importance in the present, even with its imperfect politics, and Christian hope will culminate in Israel with Messiahs return. Jesus can never be severed from the Jewish community he continues to love in the land (and in diaspora). Article continues below It is crucial for Christians to vocally confirm the history of the ancient Israelites possession of that land and to understand that the promises to the Jewish patriarchs and matriarchs have not been superseded. Its also incumbent upon Jesus followers to uphold that bond between Israel and her God by condemning brutal crimes committed against Israelis and rising global antisemitism. Messianic Jews also hope that Christians can recognize that all Jews (including Messianic ones) are currently in mourning. The vicious murders of 1,200 Israelistogether with thousands injured and 240 people taken hostage from the south of Israel on that Sabbath almost two months agostill feel like fresh wounds to our hearts. It is as if each innocent baby, sister, brother, mother, father, and grandparent were part of our immediate family. We are still experiencing a combination of shock, deep sadness, anger, desire for revenge, horror, and helplessness, all molded into one compressed emotion. In Jewish tradition, we mourn for seven days when someone in our family passes away. Its called Shiva, which means seven in Hebrewthe period of time after the burial when Jewish people sit on unconventionally low chairs as we weep for our deceased loved ones. As Messianic Jews, we arent yet ready to rise from those chairs, and we dont know when our mourning will end, partly because those attacked are still being identified and buried. There is a time for mourning, as the Book of Ecclesiastes notes wisely (3:4), so please dont ask us to move on or judge us for being unspiritual because of our ongoing tears. As we continue our lament, we will find moments to pray to God and to praise God for all his promises to Israel and for drawing the nations to himself through the Jewish Messiah. As a Messianic Jew, I am grateful for Gentile Christians who take courageous stands on behalf of Israel. On one of my regular walks in my neighborhood, I saw a front yard sign in the blue and white Israeli flag colors that read, I Stand with Israel. The people who live there are not Jewish, and this symbol helped to momentarily dispel my fears that have been growing about antisemitism. My neighbors action contrasted with my own thoughts of whether I should remove my mezuzah from my homes doorpost. The next day, I left a note of thanks in their mailbox. Article continues below Right after the initial attacks on Israel, I was invited to attend an evening prayer meeting for Israel at a local church. I jumped at the opportunity to share my thoughts and to engage in prayer with Christians. Some of the Christians at that meeting had decided they were going to bring white roses, a symbol of resistance to Nazis during World War II, to the local Jewish community center to show their support. Among other plans, they would also continue to pray for the hostages taken by Hamas and for the safety of Jews worldwide. That night, I witnessed and treasured this small group of Christians. They had offered comfort, not judgment. Deborah Pardo-Kaplan is a religion reporter living in Austin, Texas. This week on The Bulletin hosts Mike Cosper, Nicole Martin, and editor in chief Russell Moore discuss the latest congressional hearings, where US university presidents defend hate speech on campus. Historian Thomas Kidd joins the show to talk about how we talk about dead peoplethe nice and the not so nice. Finally, McLean Bible Churchs new lead pastor, Mike Kelsey, drops by for an honest and inspiring conversation about the struggles and opportunities of multiethnic churches. Joining us this week: Thomas S. Kidd serves as research professor of church history at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Kidd completed a PhD in history at the University of Notre Dame, where he worked with historian of religion George Marsden, and he earned BA and MA degrees at Clemson University in South Carolina. Kidd has authored numerous books, including Thomas Jefferson: A Biography of Spirit and Flesh (Yale University Press, 2022), Who Is an Evangelical? The History of a Movement in Crisis (Yale University Press, 2019), and American History, vols. 1 and 2 (B&H Academic, 2019). Mike Kelsey is lead pastor at McLean Bible Church in metro Washington, DC, where he has been a pastor for over 16 years. Previously, Mike served as campus pastor at the MBCs Montgomery County location and as a member of the teaching team, as well as in other pastoral roles, including pastor of MBCs Frontline Silver Spring. Resources Referenced: There Is No Right to Bully and Harass by David Frum Friendship and Humanity v.s. The Orgy of Truth Telling by Roger Berkowitz From Which River to Which Sea? by Ron E. Hassner Read More from Christianity Today about Todays Topics: Funeral for a Stranger What to Say at an Awkward Funeral? At McLean Bible, Mike Kelsey Is Reimagining the Multiethnic Church Study: Black Christians See Limits to Multiracial Churches The Majority of American Megachurches Are Now Multiracial The Bulletin is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Producers: Clarissa Moll and Matt Stevens Associate Producer: McKenzie Hill Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Music: Dan Phelps Show Design: Bryan Todd Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Social Media: Kate Lucky To share your faithor change it to anotherfirst check your citizenship. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has released a new report on anti-conversion laws around the world. Providing the legal text for 73 separate laws, the compendium notes that 1 in 4 nations (46 total) restrict the right of its people to either adopt or propagate a religion. The right to convert from one religion or belief to another, or to no religion or belief at all, is central to [the] protection for religious freedom, said Susie Gelman, a USCIRF commissioner. And in countries with anti-conversion laws, religious minorities tend to be broadly targeted for harassment, assault, arrest, and imprisonment. Gelman, a three-term president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, cited the example of pastor Keshav Acharya, sentenced by Nepal to one year in prison for allegedly attempting to convert Hindus to Christianity. But he is not the only example. Last week in India, 9 Christians were arrested for allegedly evangelizing the poor. Last summer in Iran, 106 Christians were arrested for their religious beliefs. Last spring in Libya, an American Christian was arrested for alleged missionary activity. The USCIRF report grouped the laws into four categories. First, anti-proselytizing laws restrict witnessing of ones faith in 29 nations, including in Indonesia, Israel, and Russia. In Morocco, for example, it is illegal to cause a Muslim to question his or her religion. The second category of interfaith marriage is restricted in 25 nations, including in Jordan, the Philippines, and Singapore. In Qatar, for example, if a wife converts to Islam but the husband does not, a judge may annul their marriage. Identification document lawsthe third categoryin 7 nations restrict the right of an individual to formally convert to another religion, including in Iraq, Malaysia, and Turkey. Myanmar, for example, requires converts to submit an application and be subject to questioning about the genuineness of the conversion. And finally, apostasy laws in 7 nations make conversion illegal, including in Brunei, Mauritania, and Saudi Arabia. In Yemen, for example, the punishment is death. But any such punishments contradict prevailing human rights standards, said USCIRF. In terms of personal faith, Article 18 of both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantees the ability to have, adopt, or change religious belief. Article 19 of both charters guarantees the right to propagate belief. Evangelism is a particularly important part of the Christian religion, said McKenna Wendt, advocacy manager for International Christian Concern (ICC), contracted by USCIRF to produce the compendium. But her concern is cross-religious. If any faith-based conversation might land a person in prison, anti-conversion laws significantly dampen the religious practice of all. Given the demographics in offending nations, however, Wendt said that Christians bear the brunt of discriminatory practice. She urged believers to find creative ways to share their faith, to boldly support gospel preaching in restrictive nations, and to pray for those imprisoned for converting to Christianity. USCIRF maintains a non-comprehensive list of 2,174 individual victims from all religions who are persecuted for their faith in nations it designates as countries of particular concern (17) or it places on a special watch list (11). To qualify, nations must engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom, offending at least two of three systematic, ongoing, and egregious descriptions. Many of the 46 nations with anti-conversion laws do not warrant inclusion, in part because they are not actively prosecuting. But this does not eliminate the problem. The very existence of these laws in the legal code sets a precedent that minority religious communities are inferior to the countrys majority religion, said Wendt. And even if nations refrain from acting upon them, it inspires vigilantes to carry out justice on their own accord. Gelman agrees. The mere existence of an anti-conversion law in some countries emboldens individuals, non-state actors, and mobs to discriminate against and violently attack religious minorities, she said. They create a culture of animosity toward religious minorities that can lead to violence, even when governments are not actively enforcing them. One illustrative example from Nigeria encompasses both factors. Rhoda Jatau is listed for her imprisonment on blasphemy charges, having criticized the mob murder of a college student who asked her colleague to remove Islamic material from their online study group. Both alleged offenses sparked rioting against the local Christian community. The USCIRF victims list also includes violations committed by terrorist groups designated as entities of particular concern (7). It includes Nigerias Boko Haram, regional provinces of the Islamic State, and other groups in Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. To compile the compendium, USCIRF and ICC relied exclusively on primary source documentation from legal databases, whether published by government or civil society organizations. The report stated that many anti-conversion laws are not published officially. Credible secondary source reporting, however, would add a further 13 nations to the list, including Afghanistan, Iceland, and Tanzania. Bangladesh, for example, is already included for its restriction of interfaith marriage. But last week, a Christian convert from Islam was arrested on trumped up charges related to anti-government activity and blasphemy of Muhammad, filed when he reported a physical assault on his wife and children. And a separate USCIRF compendium counted 95 nations with blasphemy laws, including Bangladesh. The death penalty is applicable in Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. And technically, India is not among the new reports listed nations, as it lacks a national anti-conversion law. The report instead notes that 12 of 28 Indian states have such restrictions in their local legal codes. Wendt said that the laws play well with the ruling partys rhetoric that Christians and Muslims are forcibly converting Hindus. Indias south and central Asian neighbors represent 9 of the offending 46 nations, while East Asia and the Pacific region add another 10. The Middle East and North Africa have 16. Europe and Eurasia include 7 nations, while sub-Saharan Africa tallies 4. None are found in the Western hemisphere. Our research aimed to identify every law around the world that restricts or regulates conversion, said Wendt, and these laws affect people of all faiths. Israeli forces shot dead six Palestinians Friday in a raid on a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said, as the army confirmed it conducted a "counter-terrorism" operation. The ministry said those who lost their lives included a 14-year-old boy and an 18-year-old. It said they had been killed "by bullets from the occupation (Israel) in the Al-Fara refugee camp" near Tubas. The Palestinian Red Crescent also reported having treated six people wounded by gunfire, one of them critically. "Clashes escalated with the (Israeli) forces who stormed the camp amid intense fire and... explosions," said the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Israeli army said in a statement that during a joint military and Shin Bet counterterrorism operation, "two wanted suspects were apprehended," listing both as prominent "terrorists" who had previously been imprisoned. "During exchanges of fire, a number of terrorists were killed," it added. "Two M-16 rifles were found on the terrorists who were killed." Residents of the camp gathered for funeral processions on Friday morning, carrying the bodies of those killed in the raid through the streets. The spot where one of them was shot had been turned into a makeshift memorial, with a pool of blood surrounded by stones and a Palestinian flag draped nearby. Violence has flared in the territory since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, the Palestinian health ministry said four Palestinians, two of them teenagers, were killed in multiple Israeli operations around the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. The Palestinian Authority says Israeli fire and settler attacks in the West Bank have killed at least 263 Palestinians since the Israel-Hamas war began. This exceeds the entire death toll of 235, most of them Palestinians, killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last year. Last month, 14 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid in the city of Jenin, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry. It was the highest West Bank death toll from a single raid since 2005, according to United Nations records. Israel's military said at the time that soldiers and other security forces had killed "several terrorists" with a drone strike and others in gunfights, seizing weapons and destroying a "tunnel shaft containing ready-to-use explosive devices". Israeli officials and military have regularly charged that the Jenin refugee camp in the city had turned into a "terrorist hub" where armed groups are among tens of thousands of residents. According to the medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF), since the war erupted Palestinian gunshot victims in the West Bank are now being shot more often in the head and torso rather than the limbs. Without specifying who was responsible for the shootings, MSF's international president Christos Christou said on Thursday there had been a "clear shift" in the injuries witnessed by MSF staff. "When you see that shift in the trauma, you will see more and more dead people," he said. The Gaza war was triggered by Hamas gunmen's unprecedented attack in southern Israel on October 7, which killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw around 240 taken hostage, Israeli officials say. In response, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and has waged war on Gaza that has killed nearly 17,200 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas authorities in the Palestinian territory. (AFP) Home World More UK doctors think legalizing physician-assisted suicide will hurt their profession: survey Doctors in the United Kingdom are nearly split in their support or opposition to legalizing physician-assisted suicide, but a significantly higher percentage believe legalization will hurt their profession, according to a recent poll. Doctors.net.uk conducted an online survey in October of approximately 1,088 registered members of the General Medical Council, the findings of which were released last month. According to the report, nearly 48% of British doctors said they opposed legalizing what was labeled "physician-assisted dying," while nearly 45% supported legalizing it. The survey also found that 26% of respondents believed that legalizing physician-assised suicide would positively impact the medical profession, while 47% said it would negatively impact the profession. The remainder were either "unsure" or felt the impact would be "neutral." Among respondents who specialized in palliative care, 73% expressed opposition to legalizing assisted suicide while 18% support the idea. General practitioners, the largest subgroup of respondents at 337, were slightly more likely than the general sample to oppose legalization, with 52% opposed, 40% in favor, and the rest unsure. Catherine Robinson, spokesperson for the Right to Life UK, said in a statement Tuesday that it should not be surprising that those involved in palliative care would oppose legalizing assisted suicide. "The results of this survey confirm the findings of a BMA survey from 2020 that also found the overwhelming majority of doctors in palliative care remain opposed to assisted suicide," stated Robinson. "Doctors at the coal face of life and death recognize that current laws on assisted suicide and euthanasia exist to protect those who are sick, elderly, depressed or disabled from feeling obliged to end their lives. They do not need changing." The poll comes as Scotland is considering a bill championed by Scottish Parliament Member Liam McArthur that would legalize assisted suicide for adults who are of a sound mind and suffering from a terminal illness. According to the pro-euthanasia advocacy group Dignity in Dying Scotland, the proposed legislation is in the process of being drafted and will next go before the Health Committee. In July 2022, the Church of England's General Synod overwhelmingly passed a motion reaffirming its opposition to assisted suicide and calling on the government to give more funding to alternatives. "[We] call on Her Majesty's Government to guarantee and expedite the adequate funding and resourcing of palliative care services within the NHS to ensure that the highest possible standards of care are achieved and made universally accessible," reads the motion. "[We also] affirm that the current legislation in relation to Assisted Suicide referenced in Section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 (and its application through the DPP guidelines) should remain unchanged." Lord George Carey, a former Archbishop of Canterbury who served in the leadership role from 1991 to 2002, has openly expressed support for legalizing euthanasia since 2014. "It is, of course, profoundly Christian to do all we can to ensure nobody suffers against their wishes," wrote Carey in a 2020 column. "Some people believe they will find meaning in their own suffering in their final months and weeks of life. I respect that, but it cannot be justified to expect others to share that belief." Home World 'Beaten and humiliated': Students detail horrors of Taliban's education system The education policies of the Taliban government in Afghanistan are not only harmful to girls but also boys in the Muslim-majority nation as students are reporting a rise in abuse and more focus on Islamic religious education, according to a new report. Human Rights Watch released a 19-page report on Tuesday titled "'Schools are Failing Boys Too': The Taliban's Impact on Boys' Education in Afghanistan," which analyzed the impact of Taliban's policies and practices since the extremist organization regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the United States' military withdrawal. Researchers interviewed boys and their parents in eight of the nation's 34 provinces. They found "an alarming deterioration in boys' access to education and the quality of their education," driven in part by the Taliban removing female teachers from their jobs and a rise in corporal punishment. "The curriculum in many schools appears to be under revision to remove important school subjects and promote discrimination," the report reads. "The humanitarian crises in the country has also placed greater demands on school boys." "These circumstances have led many boys to leave school altogether; those who remain attend classes with few students and sometimes no teachers." Subjects reportedly eliminated in Afghan schools include the arts, sports, English language classes and civics education, coinciding with additional hours "dedicated to Quran and Islamic studies." HRW stresses that the changes have contributed to "a decline in educational quality, increased anxiety about attending school, and a loss of hope for the future." While the Taliban prohibits secondary education and higher education for girls and women, HRW reports that "rights violations extend beyond the severe restrictions imposed on girls' and women's education." "The Taliban's prohibition of girls from attending secondary school and higher education along with the infliction of serious harms to the system to educate boys is deeply incompatible with international human rights standards and best practices.," the report states. Students and family members told HRW that the Taliban takeover has also led to an increase in school officials beating, slapping, humiliating and foot-whipping students as a form of discipline. "I have been beaten and badly humiliated during the morning assembly in front of everyone, once for having a mobile phone with me and the second time for my hairstyle," a student said in an interview with HRW. "They cut my hair in front of everyone during the morning assembly, saying it resembled 'Western style,' and after that, I was punished with foot whipping." Witnesses say officials from the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice often visit schools and enforce "draconian rules and interfering with the role of the proper school authorities." "I don't understand the difference between my school and our local mosque anymore," one student told HRW. "We are lacking professional teachers who taught us important subjects such as physics, computer science and chemistry." Students interviewed say the Taliban required students to wear traditional Afghan attire. "In the beginning, when the government changed, some of my classmates and I had a hard time quickly changing from the pants-and-shirt uniform to perahan tunban, and because of that, we each got two slaps and were kept out of the classroom for the entire day," a student told investigators. Another student said there is more focus on learning the Pashto language at his school. "One new teacher asked my classmate to write a poem In Pashto, but my classmate was unable to do it," the student said. "The teacher made him stand on one foot in front of the classroom, slapped him in face several times, and pulled his ears. My classmate felt humiliated." Sahar Fetrat, an assistant women's rights researcher who authored the report, said in a statement that the Taliban government is "causing irreversible damage" to the education system. "By harming the whole school system in the country, they risk creating a lost generation deprived of a quality education," said Fetrat. "An immediate and effective international response is desperately needed to address Afghanistan's education crisis." After the Taliban's return to power, HRW states that it engineered a "swift reversal" of the progress made in the Afghanistan education system following the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 and the creation of the Afghanistan government in 2004. Although President Joe Biden vowed to use "economic tools" to help protect rights in Afghanistan, the Taliban government has extensively cracked down on civil liberties. This has included banning girls from secondary education, forcing several news media outlets to shut down and barring public demonstrations critical of the government. Adela Raz, Afghanistan's former ambassador to the U.S., told Axios on HBO in October 2021 that she didn't believe Biden was concerned about the plight of women in the Taliban-controlled nation when he pulled the troops out of the country. "I don't think so. He said, 'U.S. cannot be the police of the world, to protect women in any other country,'" said Raz. "What type of tools are left right now to pressure Taliban that they respect the human rights?" Home U.S. Target executive tied to LGBT group pushing schools to hide students' gender identity from parents Amid calls for boycotts of Target over its LGBT pride month merchandise, a senior executive for the retail chain also serves as a board member for an LGBT advocacy organization that advises school districts to implement policies that keep parents in the dark if their child is identifying as the opposite gender in school. Carlos Saavedra, the vice president of brand marketing at Target, also serves as a treasurer for the LGBT group GLSEN, formerly known as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Founded in 1990, the organization focuses on integrating "LGBTQ-inclusive" education at the K-12 grade levels. According to Saavedra's LinkedIn profile, he began serving as a GLSEN board member in May 2019 before assuming the volunteer role of treasurer in November 2021. Saavedra has held his current position at Target since January 2021. Under the job description for his previous GLSEN board member position, Saavedra wrote, "Helping create safe spaces in schools for LGBTQIA+ students." Target expresses support for the LGBT organization in the pride section of its online store, which includes pride-themed clothing for adults and children, as well as backpacks and calendars. "GLSEN leads the movement in creating [and] affirming, accessible and anti-racist spaces for LGBTQIA+ students," Target's website reads. "We are proud of 10+ years of collaboration with GLSEN and continue to support their mission." As The Daily Mail reported Monday, the retail chain has reportedly donated $2.1 million to the LGBT advocacy organization. On its website, GLSEN provides a sample district policy for schools, advising them to conceal a student's gender transition from parents or guardians. If a student wants to inform their parents about the transition, the sample policy urges the school staff to discuss with the child first how to share the news. "Staff or educators shall not disclose any information that may reveal a student's gender identity to others, including parents or guardians and other staff, unless the student has authorized such disclosure, the information is contained in school records requested by a parent or guardian, or there is another compelling need," GLSEN's website reads. "This disclosure must be discussed with the student prior to any action." Target did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment. As CP previously reported, the retail chain has faced scrutiny in recent weeks for a clothing collection the company unveiled ahead of LGBT pride month in June. One of the items that attracted the most controversy was a "tuck-friendly" women's swimsuit for biological men who identify as the opposite sex. Target also sold products designed by the London-based company Abprallen, which has designed items featuring occult imagery. The Abprallen items previously sold by the retail company included a messenger bag that read "Too Queer for Here" and a sweatshirt that stated, "Cure transphobia, not trans people." As The New York Post reported Sunday, Target lost at least $10 billion in market valuation amid calls from conservative influencers to boycott the company. As of Thursday, the Target share price has dropped 17.25% in the last month. Amid pushback, Target removed the Abprallen items from its stores and online market. However, the brand's owner reported a spike in orders despite the public backlash. Abprallen designer Erik Carnell, a trans-identified individual, revealed that she had to temporarily close Abprallen's online store due to a recent spike, according to CNN. "I've been inundated with support," Carnell said, adding that when she's "in a better head space, I know how much that's going to have a positive impact on me." Most of the backlash directed at Abprallen is due to a March 28 Instagram post of a "Satan respects pronouns" design, stating that LGBT-identified people are "often referred to as being a product of Satan or going against God's will, so fine. We'll hang with Satan instead." The statement is printed on an image of Baphomet, the goat-headed idol associated with Satanism. Home U.S. Protestors harassment of Jewish-owned business draws condemnation from Biden admin. Anti-Israel protestors demonstrated outside of a Jewish-owned business in Philadelphia, demanding Israel agree to a permanent ceasefire against Hamas terrorists who attacked the country on Oct. 7. Demonstrators shouted attacks through bullhorns, claiming that the shop owner was guilty of genocide. Video shared on X shows protesters outside the Goldie Falafel restaurant, chanting, Goldie, Goldie, you cant hide, we charge you with genocide. The demonstration on Sunday, organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition, drew condemnation from the Biden administration and Democrat Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, who condemned the antisemitic protest. Activists gathered outside of the Goldie falafel shop on Sansom Street as part of a larger demonstration effort calling for a ceasefire and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. In a Monday statement condemning the activists, White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates declared that the targeting of Jewish-owned businesses over policy disagreements is antisemitic and unjustifiable. This behavior reveals the kind of cruel and senseless double standard that is a calling card of Antisemitism, Bates said. President Biden has fought against the evil of Antisemitism his entire life, including by launching the first national strategy to counter this hate in American history, he added. He will always stand up firmly against these kinds of undignified actions. Shapiro also took to X Sunday to condemn what he described as a blatant act of antisemitism and rebuked claims that it had been a peaceful protest. In the post, Shapiro shared a video circulating on social media of the protestors standing outside the business, waving Palestinian flags as an activist with a bullhorn led the antisemitic chant. A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history, the governor wrote. The Philly Palestine Coalition did not respond to The Christian Posts request for comment. On its Instagram page, the group released a statement Tuesday about its actions over the weekend. The group claimed that it would continue to protest Israel's decades-long violent colonization of Palestine, the most recent manifestation of which is the ongoing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. According to a previous post promoting the protest, the group called on people to meet at Rittenhouse Square to Flood for Philly for Gaza. The event also included a rally and prayer before the activists conducted a march. As The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday, Natalie Abulhawa, a coalition organizer, denied the allegations of antisemitism and defended the tactic of protesting outside businesses. The group also demonstrated outside Starbucks, with the coalition criticizing the corporations alleged support for Israel, according to The Inquirer. We made a two-to-four-minute pit stop, Abulhawa said about why they demonstrated outside of Goldier. We are marching to call for an end to a genocide to Palestinians. Were calling on our reps to do something to stand up for whats happening. Goldie is part of the CookNSolo restaurant group, co-owned by Israeli-born chef Michael Solomonov. The group raised over $100,000 for the Friends of United Hatzalah, which the outlet reported was one of the reasons the coalition targeted the business. The nonprofit volunteer organization in Israel provides emergency medical services, and it has mobilized to offer humanitarian aid following Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. The nonprofit has Jews and Muslims work together to respond to emergency calls. The terror groups onslaught resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and thousands of injuries. Hamas also took around 240 people hostage during its invasion. In response to the attacks, Israel launched a ground offensive in Gaza in an effort to eradicate the terrorists and free the hostages. Another reason the coalition might have targeted Goldie, according to The Inquirer, could be related to its October boycott of Israeli restaurants that it accused of appropriating Palestinian cuisine. Goldie is one of the shops included on the list; however, Solomonov denied that Israeli chefs have done such a thing. I think if youre trying to find reason or verbiage to invalidate Israel, or the right to Jews to have a homeland, youll literally use whatever you have, and an easy way to do that is to say that all the food is all stolen, he said during a panel at the Jewish Community Center in Cherry Hill last month. The demonstration outside the Philadelphia business is not the first pro-Palestine rally to raise concerns about antisemitism. Harassment and threats of violence by anti-Israel and anti-Jewish protestors recently forced Jewish students to be locked inside a library for their safety at a New York-based college. Protestors at other events have called supporters of the Jewish State pigs and have chanted things like Gas the Jews. Home Church & Ministries Brian Houston announces 2024 comeback with new online ministry and church Nearly two years after Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston formally resigned as global senior pastor of the megachurch network amid revelations that two women made allegations of misconduct against him, he is getting ready to make a comeback with a new online ministry and church in 2024. Houston, 69, announced in a recent post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that he and his wife, Bobbie, are gearing up to launch a new ministry. "Bobbie and I are starting a weekly online ministry and church in 2024," he wrote last Wednesday. "I'm excited about building this new community." Houston didn't share any additional details about what the new ministry will entail. The announcement comes about two months after Houston's daughter Laura Toganivalu and her husband, Peter, who resigned earlier this year as global pastors of Hillsong's youth ministry, Hillsong Young & Free, also announced the launch of a new church. Houston initially stepped down from the Hillsong's boards in September 2021 as he faced criminal charges related to allegations he concealed sex abuse committed by his father, Frank Houston, decades earlier after he heard about it in 1999. Hillsong Church announced in January 2022 that Houston was stepping down from his role at the church's helm for all of 2022. Houston denied any wrongdoing, and in August, an Australian court found him not guilty of the charges. Sydney Magistrate Gareth Christofi ruled that Houston had a valid reason for not reporting his father's abuse of Brett Sengstock to police in the 1970s, namely that Houston believed that Sengstock didn't want the abuse to be reported to police. Four months before the acquittal, Houston pled guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. He was also sentenced to three years probation, a $140 fine and other penalties. Court records show that after an arrest on Feb. 26, 2022, Houston pled "not guilty" to driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more and failing to display two license plates on the vehicle he was driving. The Hillsong Church founder, who was set for a pre-trial hearing in June, reversed course on the drinking charges while the charge for failing to display two license plates on the vehicle he was driving was dismissed. In addition to the three years probation and the $140 fine he received for the driving under the influence charge, the court required him to complete a three-month first-offender alcohol program by May 11, victim impact counseling by July 10 and participate in self-help meetings for one year until April 11, 2024. Home Church & Ministries Former SBC President Steve Gaines reveals cancer has spread to his lungs Former Southern Baptist Convention President Steve Gaines has announced that his kidney cancer has spread to his lungs, and his congregation continues to ask for prayers for his recovery. In a videoposted to YouTube Wednesday, Gaines, the pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tennessee, shared an update on his health two weeks after announcing his diagnosis with kidney cancer to his congregation. The 65-year-old served as president of the largest Protestant denomination in the United States from 2016 to 2018 while continuing to lead Bellevue Baptist Church. "After they discovered the cancer in my kidney, they spent the last two weeks running additional tests. During those tests, they discovered the cancer had also spread to my lungs," Gaines said. "I have a great team of doctors who are working hard to come up with the best treatment plan possible," he added. "More than anything, we continue to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for complete healing." He expressed gratitude for the "words of encouragement" he received over the past two weeks and those praying and fasting for him. Gaines' wife, Donna, who appeared alongside her husband in the video, said her husband will receive a port placement this week that will allow him to "begin chemotherapy as soon as possible." "[H]is doctors are encouraged due to a recent release of a very effective new regimen of three medications that have been very effective against his type of cancer," she said. "Please continue to pray as we seek the Lord that we might be able to glorify Him in this journey," she said. The former SBC president outlined his plans to travel to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, next month for "consultation and also confirm my treatment plan." He does not "expect any major updates" before traveling to the hospital during the second week of January. Gaines vowed to update the congregation as new information becomes available. Gaines shows no signs of stepping away from his ministry even as he faces a more difficult health crisis than initially expected. When sharing the video message on social media, Bellevue Baptist Church's X account urged the congregation to "pray for Bro. Steve as he returns to the pulpit this Sunday." Please watch this update from Bro. Steve and Donna and join us as we continue to pray for our Pastor's healing. Please also pray for Bro. Steve as he returns to the pulpit this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/AOORVYzYaS Bellevue Baptist Church (@bellevuememphis) December 6, 2023 Statistics compiled by the American Cancer Society based on people diagnosed with cancers of the kidney between 2012 and 2018 suggest that kidney cancer that has "spread to distant parts of the body such as the lungs, brain, or bones" has a 15% five-year relative survival rate. As Bellevue Baptist Church's website indicated, Gaines has served as senior pastor there for nearly two decades. Before taking his current post at Bellevue Baptist Church in 2005, Gaines pastored other churches in Texas, Tennessee and Alabama for over two decades. He and Donna have been married for 43 years. They have four children and 18 grandchildren. The church has put together a prayer guide for Gaines, which includes nearly two dozen Bible verses that members of the congregation can look to when "praying for God's healing, peace, and blessings over Bro. Steve and his family." Home U.S. House committee opens antisemitism probe into Harvard, Penn, MIT after hearing A Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives committee has opened an investigation into Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expressing dissatisfaction with administrators' answers this week about their response to antisemitism on campus. The House Committee on Education and the Workforce intends to investigate each university's learning environments and disciplinary procedures, which will include document requests and subpoenas if necessary. After Hamas' Oct. 7 attack against Israel killed 1,200 people, multiple college campuses have faced criticism for their responses to antisemitism from students and faculty members. In a Thursday statement, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., criticized Harvard President Claudine Gay, MIT President Sally Kornbluth and Penn's President Liz Magill. Foxx stressed that the responses from each president regarding how the university deals with antisemitism were "absolutely unacceptable." "Committee members have deep concerns with their leadership and their failure to take steps to provide Jewish students the safe learning environment they are due under law," the chairwoman stated. "The disgusting targeting and harassment of Jewish students is not limited to these institutions, and other universities should expect investigations as well, as their litany of similar failures has not gone unnoticed." In a Friday statement to The Christian Post, Harvard's director of media relations and communications, Jason Newton, told the outlet that the university looks forward to sharing information with the committee as it conducts its inquiry. "Harvard's work to combat antisemitism in our community is advancing with the highest commitment and attention from University leaders," Newton stated. A University of Pennsylvania spokesperson told CP that the university is aware of the investigation and intends to cooperate fully. A spokesperson for MIT said that the university rejects antisemitism "in all its forms," acknowledging it as a threat that is rising throughout the world. The spokesperson emphasized that MIT cannot let antisemitism "poison our community." "That is why MIT has stood up a campus-wide initiative, 'Standing Against Hate,' to ensure that antisemitism has no place in our community," the statement continued. "As we continue to undertake this critical effort, MIT will work with the Committee to address its questions." In a Thursday statement issued by MIT's governing board about the investigation into the school's learning environment, Mark Gorenberg, chair of the corporation, wrote in the statement that he and the executive committee support President Kornbluth. "The MIT Corporation chose Sally to be our president for her excellent academic leadership, her judgment, her integrity, her moral compass, and her ability to unite our community around MIT's core values," the statement reads. "She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, all of which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support," it continued. During a hearing earlier this week, the university presidents did not directly answer whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their code of conduct on bullying or harassment. The question came from Rep. Elisa Stefanik, R-N.Y., who asked for a "yes or no" response to the question multiple times during the hearing. MIT's president responded that she had not heard calls for the genocide of Jews on campus but acknowledged that she had heard calls for "intifada" (resistance or uprising), which Kornbluth said could be considered harassment in certain contexts. Both Gay and Magill replied that whether calling for the genocide of Jews violated their respective universities' codes of conduct would depend on the context. "If the speech becomes conduct, it can be harassment," Magill said at one point to Stefanik's question, which clearly surprised the congresswoman. "'Conduct' meaning committing the act of genocide?" Stefanik asked, stating that the Penn president's response was "unacceptable." The lawmaker asked Magill the question again, and she replied, "it can be harassment." After the hearing, Magill released an apology video, stating that she understands calls for genocide are "evil, plain and simple." "There was a moment during yesterday's congressional hearing on antisemitism when I was asked if a call for the genocide of Jewish people on our campus would violate our policies," Magill said in the video. "In that moment, I was focused on the university's long-standing policies aligned with the US Constitution which say that speech alone is not punishable." As CNN reported Friday, a source familiar with Penn's proceedings informed the outlet that Magill is still president following a Thursday board of trustees meeting. However, a growing list of donors, politicians and business leaders criticized Magill's testimony. One of the university's prominent donors, Ross Stevens, has threatened to withdraw a $100 million donation to the school in response to the president's answers during the hearing. Home U.S. New York cant stop churchgoers from bringing guns to worship: appeals court An appeals court panel has ruled against a New York law that prohibits the carrying of firearms into houses of worship, upholding a lower court decision that blocked the law from taking effect. On Friday, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit released a 261-page opinion regarding four cases centered on multiple challenges to New Yorks Concealed Carry Improvement Act. Regarding the Acts provision banning concealed carry in places of worship, the panel ruled that Plaintiffs have sufficiently alleged that the CCIA burdens their sincerely held religious practice. CCIA is not neutral because it allows the owners of many forms of private property, including many types of retail businesses open to the public, to decide for themselves whether to allow firearms on the premises while denying the same autonomy to places of worship, stated the ruling. By adopting a law that applies differently as to places of worship (alongside the other enumerated sensitive places) than to most other privately owned businesses and properties, the CCIA is, on its face, neither neutral nor generally applicable. The panel opinion went on to say that the State has not demonstrated that allowing church leaders to regulate their congregants firearms is more dangerous than allowing other property owners to do the same. It hard to see how the law advances the interests of religious organizations, as a whole, by denying them agency to choose for themselves whether to permit firearms, the appeals court added. In July of last year, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the Concealed Carry Improvement Act into law, which, among other things, required people seeking a concealed carry license to be of good moral character and made it a crime to conceal carry in sensitive locations, such as church sanctuaries. Hochul said in a press release at the time that she was taking swift and bold action to protect New Yorkers and was proud to sign this landmark legislative package that will strengthen our gun laws and bolster restrictions on concealed carry weapons. New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was quoted in the press release as saying, we are stepping up to protect New York from being easily flooded with concealed weapons and keeping firearms out of the wrong hands. These measures, in addition to the previous anti-gun violence legislation we passed, are vital in a time when there are more guns than people in America, stated Stewart-Cousins. His Tabernacle Family Church and Pastor Micheal Spencer filed suit against New York over the law back in November 2022, being represented by the law firm the First Liberty Institute. In late December last year, Judge John L. Sinatra Jr. of the Western District of New York, a Trump appointee, ruled against the state, concluding that the Act violated the U.S. Constitution. Plaintiffs have demonstrated that the State permits countless other private actors hosting secular activities to do what a house of worship may not. The houses of worship exclusion is not a neutral law of general applicability, he wrote. Home Entertainment Prince of Egypt composer says empathy is needed for people to treat others as Jesus taught Multi-Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, who's behind the newly released film The Prince of Egypt: The Musical, is calling on people worldwide to show empathy toward each other amid times of dissension and strife. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical was released by NBCUniversal to stream this week and is based on the classic DreamWorks Animation. Filmed live at Londons Dominion Theatre, the production is filled with stunning stage performances of the biblical story of Moses. Schwartz, born to a Jewish family in New York City, said the musical comes at an interesting time in history amid the Israe-Hamas war following Hamas' terror attacks on Oct. 7. The production displays the relationship between Moses, born Jewish but adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, and his adopted brother Ramses, who was Egyptian. Despite being raised together, the two men are are at odds. In response to all the division in the world and the hatred spreading as a result of it, the composer said love is needed as well as empathy. "I feel what's happened in our society, in contemporary times, is a severe lack of empathy, Schwartz said in a recent interview with The Christian Post. Everyone is very, very busy, looking [at events] from their own perspective. Seeing things through the lens of their own grievances, all of which are valid, but the ability to put oneself in another person's shoes to try and think about what life, what the world, what a specific issue looks like through the way they see it, the more we can do that, I think then the better we'll all function as a society, he continued. The critically acclaimed production tells a tale of resilience and hope. The movie invites viewers to journey through the wonders of Ancient Egypt as two young men, raised together as brothers in a kingdom of privilege, find themselves suddenly divided by a secret past. One must rule as Pharaoh, the other must rise up and free his true people; both face a destiny that will change history forever, the synopsis reads. "If there's anything that's really clearly a problem right now in this disaster in the Middle East, but also in so many other areas of our modern life, it seems to me a real lack of empathy, Schwartz told CP. The writer said he holds on to words he heard from Jesus in these times. "When I did 'Godspell,' years and years ago, the thing that was most meaningful to me in that show and a line that continues to resonate in my head and just haunt me is when the character of Jesus says, 'Always treat others as you would have them treat you.' That's the basis, I think, of all religion at its core once you take out the deity. "Really, what we should be living through, and I'm sorry to get preachy, but it is so important, is if we would just treat everybody else the way we would like to be treated, we'd be living in a much, much better world, Schwartz concluded. The Prince of Egypt: The Musical is now streaming online. Home World Mexican citizens to face up to 24 years in prison if lawmakers pass 'conversion therapy' ban More than 170 pro-family civil society organizations have reportedly voiced their opposition to a proposed national "conversion therapy" ban in Mexico, fearing it could effectively lead to a "regime of terror" impinging on the rights of healthcare workers. Organizations spearheaded by the National Front for the Family and the Citizens Initiative for Life and Family sent a letter to leaders of the political parties in Mexico's lower Chamber of Deputies, warning the language of the ban on sexual orientation change efforts therapy for unwanted same-sex attractions or gender confusion, often derisively called conversion therapy, is too ambiguous, according to Spanish-speaking Catholic outlet ACI Prensa. The proposed change would modify federal law in Mexico to punish anyone who "performs, imparts, applies, forces, or finances any type of treatment, therapy, service, or practice that hinders, restricts, impedes, undermines, nullifies, or suppresses the sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression of a person." Practitioners who run afoul of the ban risk up to six years in prison and fines of more than 207,000 Mexican pesos, or nearly $12,000, according to ACI Prensa. Such penalties could be doubled if minors are involved, and the bill also stipulates that parents and guardians "who engage in the penalized conduct will be subject to being sanctioned with a reprimand or warning at the discretion of the judge." The Mexican Senate overwhelmingly passed a draft of the bill last October before sending it to the lower chamber, where it continues to be debated. Sixty-nine senators voted in favor, two against, and 16 abstained, the Senate announced on X at the time. The pro-family organizations reportedly took issue with terms in the ban they deemed "extremely subjective and ambiguous," and warned citizens could get up to 24 years in jail simply because of "a simple complaint from someone who subjectively believes that their sexual orientation, identity, or gender expression is being 'hindered, restricted, impeded, undermined, nullified, or suppressed.'" "Mexico would be turned into the country with the least respect for fundamental freedoms, since a regime of terror would be installed contrary to health care workers [freedom to] exercise their profession, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and academic freedom," they further warned. Rodrigo Ivan Cortes, who serves as president of the National Front for the Family of Mexico, told ACI Prensa earlier this year that the potential law "is an embarrassment; its a completely nonsensical bill." He also alleged it "violates the right to health care, violates the right to freedom of speech, religious freedom, and academic freedom." Marcial Padilla, director of the Mexican platform ConParticipacion, predicted to the outlet that the law, if passed, "will turn into a witch hunt against parents and psychologists." In 2020, Mexico City became the first municipality in Mexico to ban conversion therapy, a move that received cross-party support, according to Reuters. Fifteen other Mexican states have since followed suit, the most recent being Sinaloa in July. The language of the Mexican capital's municipal ban also prohibits any treatment that would "nullify, hinder, modify or undermine" a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, and carries with it a potential five-year prison sentence and even harsher penalties if minors are involved. Canada is so far the only North American country to have issued a federal ban on conversion therapy, passing Bill C-4 in 2022. The law also carries with it a potential five-year jail sentence. Conversion therapy bans exist at least partially in more than 25 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, as well as numerous cities and municipalities. The United Nations has likened conversion therapy to torture, and U.N. Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Victor Madrigal-Borloz called for a global ban on it in 2020. Home U.S. Christian school students, airman lift car to save mother and children after crash Almost two dozen students from Layton Christian Academy and an airman from the Hill Air Force Base became real life heroes Tuesday when they lifted a car in the parking lot of their school to save a mother and her two young children who got pinned underneath the vehicle after they got hit by another car. Its a miracle. We have just seen God do so many things here and this is one of them. The car went over all three (of them), Chris Crowder, associate pastor and CEO of the school, told KSLTV. Local police told FOX13 that the accident occurred just before 4 p.m. on Tuesday. The mother, an employee of the school, identified as Bridgette Ponson, was walking with her 2-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter when they were hit by a car heading west in the parking lot. Crowder, who told KSLTV that he was the one who called the students to assist the mother, said initially, he didnt realize what had happened after the accident. I looked across the parking lot and noticed the car and they were screaming and so, I ran over there and I look under the car and I see mom and child underneath the car pinned, he recalled. It was split second. I immediately, just ran into the building because I knew I had to get a lot of people to lift this car. We have about 220 domestic kids and over 300 international kids at the school. They just heard me yell. All these kids from different countries just come running out and lift it [the car] up. Police say the car that hit the mother and her children had been moving slowly and suspect the driver, who is cooperating, might have been blinded by the sun. Video from the schools surveillance system shows students rushing to help the mother and her children as the miracle save unfolded. "I walked out, there was a lot of commotion going on and people were just telling me to help and I just dropped myself and ran over," student Theophious Roach told Fox 13. "The car was heavy," fellow student Junior Saripsat told the outlet. "We did our best, and the moment I heard the kids crying I was like, 'Oh, thank God, the kids are good." Senior Airman Dominique Childress of Hill Air Force Base, who was picking up his children from the school when the incident happened, told KSLTV that his military training kicked in as soon as he heard his help was needed. As soon as I hit the door frame, my sons kindergarten teacher, Miss Williams, says, Hey, we need your help,' Childress recalled. He said the womans daughter had managed to crawl out from underneath the car as they tried saving the family, but the mother and her toddler son were still trapped. Mom was holding him, and once we were holding the car high enough, she was able (to) get up and kind of hold the car on her back as we were lifting, he explained. Along with one of the students, Childress managed to pull the younger child to safety. The child was unconscious but breathing. It was a relief because I didnt understand fully. I didnt grasp the realness of the situation until I saw the kid breathing, Roach told KSLTV. I feel like we probably look like not the type of people to be able to lift the car, but we did it. Ponsons children did not suffer any broken bones and are both out of the hospital, but school officials say the mother has been in and out of surgery since the accident and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover her medical expenses. Though he is the one serving in the military, Childress had high praise for the Layton Christian Academy students who ran to the rescue of the mother and her two children. They are the purest form of the word hero, he told KSLTV. They deserve every single bit of praise and worship that theyve gotten because what they did was not easy for a teenager to do. Exclusive video of high school boys and girls at Layton Christian Academy coming to the rescue of a mom and child trapped underneath a car. See the story only on @KSL5TV at 10. pic.twitter.com/iFn0GU7ufb Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) December 6, 2023 Home Opinion Chinas latest crackdown on underground churches is proving perilous Religious freedom in China has been in a downward spiral since Chinese President Xi Jinping took office in 2012. Due to the all-encompassing controls exerted by Beijing, religions deemed as foreign, including Christianity, Islam, and Tibetan Buddhism, face high levels of persecution. Chinese citizens who practice their faith find themselves increasingly surveilled, unable to fully exercise their rights and fearing for their lives. House churches, also commonly referred to as underground churches, are Protestant churches in China that exist outside of the government-sanctioned Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). Although house churches are not politically recognized and often risk being shut down, they have enjoyed a limited degree of freedom to operate since the 1980s. But in recent days, the current presidents regime has begun limiting many of these previously enjoyed freedoms. Unregistered house churches in China have become government targets. Raids on Sunday services and small groups are now a common occurrence. Online worship or prayer meetings are disrupted by police. Hotels dare not lease space to churches for fear of the governments reprisal. This latest government crackdown is proving perilous to Chinese believers there. Since the beginning of Xis Sinicization campaign in 2015 to make churches more Chinese in character, religions in the country have had to conform to the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) ideology and surrender more autonomy to the government. Removal of religious displays and symbols, flag-raising ceremonies, red tunes (songs about CCP) competitions, and patriotic education for preachers and clergy have been imposed. Some churches in Jiangxi province have even been forced to replace portraits of Jesus with Xi Jinpings photo. Failing to conform can affect their social benefits. The level of surveillance imposed on churches increased during the pandemic, as the Chinese government used COVID-19 as an excuse to prevent, limit and monitor religious activities. In Zhejiang province, for instance, while malls and restaurants could operate, churches had to stop gathering. Local authorities throughout China also demanded churches install CCTVs with facial recognition technology so they could spy on their attendance, sermon, and leaders. Leaders of house churches, especially those not afraid to speak out against the government crackdowns, find themselves targets of arbitrary arrest or trumped-up charges. In March 2021, Elder Zhang Chunlei from Guiyang was arrested on suspicion of fraud and is still in prison. In July of the same year, Zhao Weikai from Shanxi province was criminally detained with the charge of illegal holding of materials promoting terrorism and extremism. Wang Shunping a Christian of the Nu people in Yunnan province was arrested in September 2022 for organizing and sponsoring illegal gatherings. Last September, Hunan street preacher Chen Wensheng was detained on suspicion of organizing and financing illegal gatherings. These reported cases represent just a fraction of Christians who have been incarcerated for practicing their faith. With tightened control of internet space in China, it is difficult to tally an exact count. A pastor who leads a house church located in the coastal area of southeast China, shared his churchs experience of government crackdowns against unregistered churches with Global Christian Relief recently. He said his congregation first received warnings in 2014 after participating in a resistance movement against a campaign to remove a cross. Four years later, local authorities claimed that his church failed a fire inspection and had electrical issues. They also demanded that his church join the TSPM state church. He refused, leading to more harassment and threats. In October 2020, the church had its electricity cut twice and was forced to relocate. Their landlord was unable to resist pressure from the government and unilaterally ended the rental contract in January 2021. The congregation worshipped for months in a hotel meeting room, but restrictions there also became increasingly difficult. Police raided their services and forced hotels to stop renting to them. The church received a fine notice to deter them from gathering. To avoid being raided, the church divided itself into smaller groups of 10. They gathered at different locations to keep a lower profile. Yet, they were still heavily surveilled. In the eyes of the government, religious gatherings can be detrimental to social stability and must be tightly controlled. Although the churches in China today seem to be hard-pressed on every side, a U.S. based pastor and advocate who once led a Chinese house church, shared with Global Christian Relief an encouraging statement about the future. Satan is relentlessly trying to destroy Gods people, but Gods plan will triumph, he said. We must pray for the churches in China like never before so that they can continue to persevere in their worship even if the Chinese government refuses its campaign of intimidation, harassment and persecution. Home Opinion Is a Catholic charter school the answer? Imagine my surprise when I found out that Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond was filing suit against the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual School Board and the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School to stop the approval of a Roman Catholic charter school in Oklahoma. Why am I surprised? First, a charter school is a public school funded by public tax money and must be open to serve students regardless of religious conviction. The Oklahoma Charter Schools Act requires charter schools to be as equally free and open to all students as traditional public schools and remain nonsectarian in (their) admission policies {and} employment practices. And yet the Oklahoma Charter School Board approved the St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Catholic School as a public charter school. Furthermore, the St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School website identifies the school as a collaborative effort between the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa to serve students in Oklahoma and to provide quality Catholic education to students with limited access to a Catholic school. Those are admirable goals for adherents of the Catholic faith, but they cannot be accomplished through a public school funded by public tax funds. As Thomas Jefferson explained long ago in A Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom (1786) in Virginia: To compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson identified this bill for establishing religious freedom in Virginia along with the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the University of Virginia as the three things to be preserved on any memorial after his death. If Catholics in Oklahoma want such a school, it must be funded by private money furnished by the supporters of such education. Let me be clear, I would oppose such a sectarian charter school if it were Baptist. This leads me to my second surprise. That Oklahoma, the nations most thoroughly Baptist state, would approve such a school as St. Isidore is mindboggling to me. The Southern Baptist confessional statement, The Baptist Faith & Message, declares: Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others.The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work.The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal. Clearly, Baptists in Oklahoma need to pay far more attention to their denominations glorious history of religious liberty. In supporting the Attorney Generals defense of the U.S. Constitutions First Amendment of religious liberty protections, I find myself in unaccustomed company. Among groups joining, or seeking to join, the Attorney Generals suit are the A.C.L.U., Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation. It is highly unusual for me to be in common cause with such liberal groups. However, in this case, we are in agreement that American citizens should not be required to fund the propagation of the religious views of any religious faith. I should hasten to add that I am not a big supporter of the present public education system in America. The decline in the academic performance of our students has been both steep and accelerating. Our nations childrens test scores compared to nations around the world have become mediocre at best. As long ago as 1986, I was personally made aware of this disturbing decline. During a luncheon with one of my mentors, Dr. Paul Ramsey, a noted Princeton ethicist, I asked, What is the biggest difference between Princeton now and when I was an undergraduate in the late 1960s? I fully expected he would reply, co-education, which occurred the semester after my graduation. Instead, without hesitation, Dr. Ramsey took a puff on his ever-present pipe, and replied, the students now are not nearly as well prepared and they are clearly not accustomed to working as hard as you and your fellow students were. Were still getting the top 5%, but they are markedly less well-prepared. That was 37 years ago, and standardized test scores have continued precipitous decline, especially in the top percentiles. I am equally disturbed by the hijacking of American public education from its original role of educating in reading, writing and arithmetic and teaching students how to think, not what to think. At present, far too much of American education (K-12 and beyond) has become far more committed to teaching students what to think (the term brainwashing is not too harsh in many instances and areas of the country). Just this past Wednesday, an article in The Wall Street Journal vividly illustrated the sad fruition of the combination of this educational decline and woke indoctrination. Dr. Ron Hassner, UCal (Berkeley) professor of political science polled students from across the nation, most of whom (86% at least to some degree) supported the chant, From the river to the sea. However, only 47% could successfully identify the right river (the Jordan) or the sea (the Mediterranean). Less than 25% knew who Yasser Arafat was. In all, after learning a handful of basic facts about the Middle East, 67.8% of students went from supporting from the river to the sea to rejecting the mantraThose who hope to encourage extremism depend on the political ignorance of their audiences. It is time for good teachers to join the frenzy and combat bias with good education. Lastly, any discussion of the Oklahoma charter school situation must include a clear distinction between public support of a charter school and the government providing parents with vouchers or tax credits to help underwrite their childrens education at a private school of their choice. In 2002 the U.S. Supreme Court issued an extremely important decision, Zelman v. Simmons-Harris. In this case, the Court ruled that the state of Ohio could furnish vouchers to parents of children in failing public schools in Cleveland to help defray the costs of a private school education. When at least 4 out of 5 parents chose Catholic schools (they were cheap and close at hand), liberals challenged the law as favoring religion. The Supreme Court ruled that the vouchers were aid to parents, not schools, and if the parents chose to use that aid to help defray the costs at Catholic schools, that was constitutional. (By the way, the children leaving the failing public schools for Catholic schools improved their reading scores by an average of four grades in one academic year.) TheZelman decision provides the Constitutional answer to how to reform the nations schools and protect our nations children from progressive woke indoctrination. Zelman allows state governments to provide for universal choice in K-12 education by empowering parents through vouchers to underwrite alternative educational choices. Parents would be free to send their children to Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Pentecostal, Buddhist, Islamic, or Darwinian schools of their choice. What could be more pluralistic or American? One great byproduct would be the reformation of the public schools, which would, in order to compete, have to get back to basics and abandon progressive indoctrination. Reforming our nations education of our children is very possible, but providing public funding for public schools, charter or otherwise, is emphatically not the answer. Home Opinion Should worship be authentic? It depends on what you mean One of the fundamental assumptions in modern Evangelical worship is an emphasis upon authenticity in worship. This comes in several different forms, but it often manifests itself in an insistence that whatever expressions of worship are most natural and real to a given worshipper are by their very nature, therefore, acceptable. The implication is also that someone cant really worship God unless he or she is able to do so in a way that is truly authentic to them. I have mixed feelings about the use of this term as it relates to worship because, on the one hand, of course I am in favor of authentic worship if by that one means worship that is not fake or hypocritical. But on the other hand, I object to the way in which this word is most often used regarding worship and the kinds of implications it is used to defend. Defining terms The issue really comes down to a couple of different definitions of the word, authenticity. The Merriam-Webster dictionary, which has chosen the term authentic as the 2023 word of the year, gives the following two definitions of the term: Not false or imitation; real, actual True to ones own personality, spirit, or character If the definition one uses when arguing for authentic worship is the first one, then I am fully in favor. God does not desire worship that is false, fake, or put on. In fact, this was what God condemned of the post-exilic Jews (see Malachi 1) and the New Testament Pharisees (Matt 15:8). God desires sincere worship (Heb 10:22) that follows his commands. However, it's usually the second definition that is implied when people talk about authentic worship today. In other words, in order for worship to be truly authentic, people have to be real to themselves. I cannot worship, the argument says, unless I can do so with expressions that are true to me, those with which I am personally comfortable and that are part of my culture and preferences. David de Bruyn deals with this issue helpfully in his new book, The War on Words: Ten Words Every Christian Should Fight For, but I would like to explore several problems with this way of thinking here. Authentic expressions are often sinful First, authentic expressions defined this way are often sinful. Since culture is human behavior, and all human behavior is moral (i.e., either good or evil), then the possibility that someones authentic expression is sinful is quite real. Furthermore, since the Bible teaches that every person is totally depraved (Gen 6:5, Eph 4:1719), the way any person naturally expresses himself could be sinful. Total depravity does not mean that man is as depraved as he could be, but that all of man is completely depraved. No part of man escapes the reach of depravity, not his will, not his actions, not his preferences, not his culture, and certainly not the way he expresses himself in worship. Now of course, when we are talking about authentic worship, we are talking about professing Christians. Some might insist that although unbelievers are totally depraved, believers have been changed, their desires have been renewed, and they have the Holy Spirit to lead them in their judgments and expressions. This is certainly the case. New creatures in Christ have been made new (2 Cor 5:17). They are no longer slaves to sin (Rom 6:1718). The Holy Spirit indwells them (Rom 8:911). Nevertheless, although believers have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, they have not yet been delivered from the presence of sin. Even believers still struggle every day with the influences of remaining depravity. Paul himself testified to such struggles in Romans 7:1525. Even believers cannot fully trust their own judgments and expressions without clear guidance from God. True, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, but this does not mean a Christian automatically makes right decisions or naturally worships in an acceptable way (Heb 12:28). The Holy Spirit sanctifies us through His Word and by giving us wisdom to rightly apply it to our lives and make decisions that are pleasing to Him. We must study it and apply its teachings to every situation in our lives, and sometimes this will lead us to recognize that our authentic expression is actually not pleasing to Him. Acceptable worship is not natural; it must be learned. Second, the common Evangelical view of worship assumes that acceptable worship will come naturally to all Christians. They assume that a new Christian will instinctively know how to worship acceptably, and therefore his natural impulses are the best guide. In fact, on this reasoning, unbelievers know how to worship as well; they only need to change their beliefs and the object of their worship, and then whatever expressions are natural to them are acceptable. Yet while it is true that Christians are new creatures with new hearts and new desires, ingrained habits, misguided assumptions, and remaining depravity prevent anyone from simply knowing how to worship God acceptably. Many people assume that worship comes naturally that Christians should just worship with whatever expressions are most comfortable to them. But if Scripture and church history reveal anything to us about worship, it is that left to themselves, even Gods people will worship poorly. They must be taught to worship. This is one of the purposes of ordered public worship. Those with more Christian maturity structure worship in such a way that it shapes the worshipers expressions and teaches them how to worship God acceptably. The need for my expression is self-centered individualism rather than biblical thinking. This leads to the next problem with an emphasis on authenticity in worship: this insistence that I need to express my faith with my expressions in my own authentic way is based more on post-Enlightenment individualism than upon the biblical emphasis on community and the unity of the body. Constant clamoring for new and fresh is not a biblical perspective biblical Christianity is old and stable. The insistence that each new generation, for example, needs new expressions that are authentic to them is one that comes from a self-focus and the cultural realities of a post-Enlightenment and post-Industrial Revolution Western mindset. With music in particular, there was a shift post-Enlightenment that made the focus of music my authentic expression that fails to reflect a biblical worldview centered on preserving biblical tradition and community. Those who clamor today for my authentic expression may need to step back for a moment and recognize where that perspective came from; it wasnt Scripture. I am certainly not arguing against new music; far from it. But we must recognize that anything new we produce will always be built on something that has come before. The authentic expressions of new converts or people immersed in the worlds culture will naturally build upon the value systems and expressions of that culture. I would suggest that the more biblical pattern would be to build new songs on the expressions of those mature Christians who have come before us, and this requires actively cultivation that tradition. Truly authentic worship is that which conforms to Gods standards The bottom line is that the standard of acceptable worship can never be self. We need a standard outside of ourselves by which we measure the acceptability of our worship. Rather than focusing on personal preference or cultural norms as the ultimate standard of authentic worship, truly authentic worship is that which conforms to Gods standards. This is reflected in the third dictionary entry for authenticity: "worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact; conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features." Truly authentic worship is not that which is based on ones own natural instincts, heart language, preferences, or cultural context. Truly authentic worship is that which conforms to a standard the standard of Gods Word. Originally published at G3 Ministries. Churches offer a warm festive welcome to refugees this Christmas The Sanctuary Foundation, a charity that provides support for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK, is partnering with churches and community groups in an effort to make this festive season a little more festive for those who are far from home. Over the month of December, the foundation will offer 2,000 refugees and asylum seekers an invitation to a Christmas party in their local area. The parties will take place across forty locations, with the events including craft activities, children's parties, and banquets involving singing, games, and drama. "With all the negative rhetoric currently around in our public life regarding migration and asylum, we have heard from many of our friends who are new arrivals that they are feeling less and less welcome in our nation. We want to put that straight by inviting them to a party!" Dr Krish Kandiah, founder and director of Sanctuary Foundation, said. "We are delighted to partner with community groups and churches across the UK who, week by week, do a fantastic job of supporting refugees and asylum seekers." Major businesses including Jude's Ice Cream, Tetley, Britvic, Holland and Barrett, Plaids, and KP have shown their support for the initiative, and their shared desire to offer a warm welcome to those who have had to flee conflicts and other tragedies, by donating products for the events. For many refugees from Ukraine, this will mark their second Christmas celebrated away from home, underscoring the importance of this practical demonstration of the Christian message which underpins the holiday season. "We hope these parties help newcomers to the UK know that many of us are very pleased that they are here and that we are keen to do all we can to support them," Dr Kandiah said. Sanctuary Foundation, which operates in a number of countries, has provided over 4,000 refugees and asylum seekers with Christmas and Easter gift boxes over the past year as part of its ongoing work to offer support for refugees and help them find housing, employment, and well-being. Covid church closures impacted worshippers' physical and mental health - survey Churches must never be forced to close again, a Catholic group has said after a survey found that this had a detrimental effect on Catholic worshippers' physical and mental health. The Catholic Union surveyed almost 1,000 people and found that for nearly two thirds (62%), their physical or mental health had been affected by the forced closure of places of worship during the pandemic. Respondents described feelings of loneliness and depression, with one person calling it "one of the most distressing experiences of my life". Another described feeling like "a part of me was missing". The vast majority of respondents (90%) said that if there were to be a pandemic again in the future, places of worship should be regarded as an "essential" service along with food shops and healthcare facilities. Only a quarter thought it was necessary to forcibly close churches and other places of worship at the start of the pandemic, while most (93%) said they did not think politicians gave enough consideration to people's faith when making decisions during the pandemic. A majority (89%) said that having different restrictions in place across different parts of the UK was unhelpful. The results of the survey have been published in the same week as former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been giving evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. The Catholic Union said the findings would inform its evidence to the inquiry. Responding to the results, Catholic Union president and crossbench peer Baroness Hollins called them "shocking" and "distressing". "They confirm that the lockdown of churches was not only hugely unpopular, but had a real impact on people's wellbeing," she said. "The increase in the number of people feeling lonely or depressed as a direct consequence of the closures is particularly shocking. "It is vital that the Covid Inquiry properly considers the decisions to close and reopen churches during the pandemic. "There is a very strong sense that faith and faith communities were pushed to one side when decisions were made, and this needs to be addressed in the learning from the inquiry. It's clear from these results that places of worship should never be forced to close again." UK government can lawfully block gender self-ID in Scotland, judge rules A judge has ruled that an intervention by the UK government blocking plans to introduce gender self-identification in Scotland is lawful. The Scottish Parliament passed legislation last year that would make it easier for people to change their legal gender. The legislation would lower the legal age limit from the current 18 to 16 and remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria. It would also shorten the period required to live in a chosen gender from two years to just three months. It received cross-party support in Holyrood, disregarding the concerns of feminists and Christian groups about the safety of women and girls, and protection of single-sex spaces. In an unprecedented move, the Westminster government vetoed the legislation when Scottish secretary Alister Jack used a Section 35 order for the first time in January. This move stopped the legislation from receiving Royal Assent, the final step to becoming law. This prompted Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf to launch legal challenge in a bid to overturn the veto. Ruling today, the Court of Session in Edinburgh rejected his legal challenge, which has cost the taxpayer 230,000. The Scottish government has 21 days to lodge an appeal against the ruling. Commenting on the judgment, Michael Veitch, Scotland Policy Officer at Christian policy group CARE, said: "Today's ruling is unlikely to be the end of the road in this complex legal battle, but it will be welcomed by a broad range of groups that fear the impact of a 'self-ID' system on child safeguarding, sex-based provisions, and the integrity of official data. "We urge political leaders to give attention to legitimate and sincerely held concerns about the gender recognition legislation and related policies, and ensure a civil and respectful discourse that affords all parties the right to speak." The Scottish secretary told STV News he was "obviously very pleased that the decision I took has been vindicated". "I'm very pleased that the Section 35 order that has never been before is clearly cemented into the Scotland Act of 1998 and I'm pleased also that the judge agreed with me that there were adverse effects on GB-wide legislation relating to equalities," he said. Polling by Panelbase for The Sunday Times in April found that 44 per cent of Scottish voters did not support the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, and that fewer than one in five (18%) supported mounting a challenge against the Westminster veto. In separate polling by YouGove for The Times last December, two thirds of Scottish voters opposed the bill. The pro-Palestine movement is being attacked through the curtailment of basic democratic rights. Meetings have been shut down. In some countries, demonstrations have been banned. And pro-Palestinian voices have been censored. [Originally published at socialist.net] Communists must fight these attacks. We defend democratic rights, even in a bourgeois democracy. But we do so for our own reasons and in our own way, based on working-class struggle. Bourgeois and petty-bourgeois liberals also talk about defending democratic rights. We have nothing in common with them. Communists must link the struggle for democratic rights with the struggle for socialism. Class struggle Democratic rights are often presented as abstractions that stand above society. In reality they are just a description, in legal jargon, of the existing social, political, and economic conditions in a given society. What fundamentally determines those conditions is the class struggle. This is what Marx means when he wrote that: The law can only be the ideal, self-conscious image of reality, the theoretical expression, made independent, of the practical vital forces. By practical vital forces, Marx means the living forces of the class struggle. The English Revolution of the 17th century seated the capitalist class firmly in political power / Image: public domain Democratic rights came into being as a weapon of the bourgeoisie. The English Revolution of the 17th century seated the capitalist class firmly in political power. This was formalised with the sordid coup of the Glorious Revolution in 1688 and the Bill of Rights of 1689. This was an agreement between the defeated aristocracy and the rising bourgeois class. The Bill of Rights established the right of private property for all men, and of freedom of speech for MPs, so that they could speak out against infringements to the capitalist class. This legislation required the Crown to seek consent from the House of Commons as representative of the people that is to say, the propertied classes who alone were enfranchised. This dawn of democratic rights was the product of class struggle, arming the rising capitalist class with an arsenal to defend its interests. The nascent bourgeoisie demanded the right to publish its opinions and demands; to hold meetings to discuss them; and to have its representatives protected from arbitrary punishment by the feudal establishment. The bourgeois revolution is the origin of the democratic rights we have today: rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of association. They were weapons of the merchants and bankers against the feudal nobility. Safety valve Since then, the capitalist class has been forced to extend democratic rights to the working class. Even so, it has cynically used this to its advantage. For the bourgeoisie, democratic rights were not only a weapon for felling feudalism. Today, such rights provide useful safe channels for tying up the struggle of its new class enemy: the proletariat. In periods of relative stability, democratic rights are used by the bourgeoisie as a safety valve to release some of the class pressures that build up within capitalist society. Free and fair elections allow some bourgeois politicians to be voted out, while others are voted in all without disturbing the functioning of the capitalist economy. Freedom of speech and association, and tying representatives of the working class up in parliamentary talking shops, allows workers to give voice to their frustrations without actually having any material impact on the wealth and power of the rich. Whether Labour or the Tories win the next election, for example, the policies will remain the same. As the Financial Times the serious stategists of capital wrote recently: Politicians [of both parties] are imprisoned by the economics, their choices limited. And it is the banks and big businesses who decide the economics. In this respect, our democratic rights are just a costume of democracy and equality, providing cover for the dictatorship of the rich. Alan Greenspan, the former chair of the US Federal Reserve, openly admitted this in 2007. He was asked in an interview who he would vote for in the presidential election. He said it didnt matter because: [We] are fortunate that, thanks to globalisation, policy decisions in the US have been largely replaced by global market forces. National security aside, it hardly makes any difference who will be the next president. The world is governed by market forces. Democratic rights are therefore a valuable tool for the capitalist class today. They give the illusion of freedom while subjecting us to wage-slavery. This is why Lenin, in State and Revolution, said: The omnipotence of wealth is more certain in a democratic republic [because] it does not depend on defects in the political machinery or on the faulty political shell of capitalism. A democratic republic is the best possible political shell for capitalismit establishes its power so securely, so firmly, that no change of persons, institutions or parties in the bourgeois-democratic republic can shake it. Imperialism Internationally, the western capitalist class even claims it is defending democratic rights to justify imperialist aggression. The conflict between US imperialism and Russia being fought out in Ukraine is the most obvious example. In July 2023, Joe Biden said that, in the form of Russia, the West is faced with a threat to the peace and stability of the world, to democratic values we hold dear, to freedom itself. The same rhetoric was used to justify the western invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan when George Bush said, in 2005: We fight today because Iraq now carries the hope of freedom in a vital region of the world, and the rise of democracy will be the ultimate triumph. Under the cover of exporting and defending democratic rights, western imperialism has extended its tentacles into one country after another, looting and plundering them. Nowhere has this democratic facade worn thinner than in the latest barbarity in Gaza. The same western ruling classes that denounced the trampling of Ukraines right to self-determination are fully behind the crushing of the Palestinian people. Workers struggle Nowhere has this democratic facade worn thinner than in the latest barbarity in Gaza / Image: Friends123, Wikimedia Commons The ruling class has long claimed that they stand for democracy, whilst communists allegedly oppose democratic freedom on principle. And yet what is the real picture today? Amidst all the chatter about defending our democratic values, we are seeing pro-Palestine protests banned and hounded by the press; meetings cancelled; unions told what they can and cannot discuss; new laws against extremism and against the right to strike. Democratic rights, a useful disguise for a dictatorship of the rich under certain conditions, can turn into their opposite when faced with rising class struggle. In fact, even the most fundamental democratic rights possessed by workers today had to be fought for and conquered. The Industrial Revolution produced intense class struggle in England but this time not between the capitalists and the aristocracy, but between workers and capitalists. Fearful of the swinish multitude, the government of capitalists and landlords introduced Combination Acts and Unlawful Oath Acts at the turn of the 19th century to ban workers organisations; they met workers protests with sabre-wielding yeomanry, as with the Peterloo massacre; and they applied duties to the cheap press to make agitational newspapers unaffordable for workers. They wanted to stymie any possibility of workers using freedom of speech to agitate for better pay and conditions, and of using freedom of association to form trade unions and hold meetings. Workers, for their part, began demanding equal voting rights, annual parliaments, an end to rotten boroughs, and the removal of politicians who put bourgeois interests above those of workers. All the rights the bourgeoisie had demanded for use against the monarchy were now a threat to their own rule in the hands of the proletariat. So from 1795 to 1848, the struggle over democratic rights became a key arena of the class struggle. The right to freedom of association, and especially the right to form a trade union, was fought over bitterly. The right for workers to vote out MPs who acted against their interests was of central importance. Chartism The highest expression of working-class struggle at that time was the Chartist movement, whose central demands were purely democratic, but which was entirely a class-based movement. The Chartist Reverend Stephens explained the link between democratic demands, and social and economic demands. He announced to a crowd of 200,000 in Lancashire: This question of universal suffrage is a knife and fork question, a bread and cheese question. One worker put it even better, declaring the aim of the democratic demands of Charter to be plenty of roast beef, plum pudding, and strong beer by working three hours a day. As Engels explained at the time: Political power our means, social happiness our end, is now the clearly formulated war-cry of the Chartists. The Plug Plot of 1842 saw a general strike with the potential to bring down the government, and workers assemblies explicitly calling for the democratic demands of the Charter to be implemented and workers to take power. The bourgeoisie had championed democratic rights in its struggle against feudalism. Their extension to the working class now threatened to devour the very system they had helped to create. This was the first example of the double-edged nature of democratic rights. But there would be many more. Throughout history, every victory which has secured more democratic rights for workers was the result of ferocious class struggle. Clampdown In times of relative class peace, democratic rights are a tool for the bourgeoisie to provide a liberal gloss to its unbridled rule. In times of class war, they become a liability for the capitalist class seized upon and linked to social and economic demands by class-conscious workers. As a result, when capitalism enters into crisis, the ruling class discards its democratic costume, bares its teeth, and starts clamping down on basic rights. Throughout the 1970s in Britain the class struggle began to heat up. Trade unions were strong and taking militant strike action. The ruling class needed to hit back, which they did in the 1980s with Margaret Thatchers Tory government. To carry out the instructions of the capitalist class, Thatcher trampled over democratic rights. She massively restricted the right to strike; censored the British media over Ireland, by banning broadcasts of statements by Sinn Fein and other republicans; and incited the police to physically attack working-class youth, especially from Black and Asian communities. The struggle to defend basic democratic rights, like freedom of association and free speech, became synonymous with defending working-class interests. Today In the more recent past, the rising class struggle of the last few years has led the Tory government to launch attacks on democratic rights such as the right to strike and the right to protest. The Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act of 2022 introduced in response to the BLM and Sarah Everard demos, and direct action by Just Stop Oil, and Extinction Rebellion activists imposed severe new restrictions on the right to protest. The rising class struggle of the last few years has led the Tory government to launch attacks on democratic rights / Image: Socialist Appeal And in response to the biggest wave of industrial action since the 1980s this summer, the Tories are currently introducing laws requiring a minimum service in certain sectors even when they are on strike. This will effectively remove the right to strike from as many as 20 percent of workers. The strength of the Palestine solidarity movement has led to a clampdown on rights to freedom of speech and assembly over the last few months. Universities and other venues have been cancelling pro-Palestine events, sometimes under direct pressure from the police. Journalists, trade unionists, and academics have faced the sack for expressing their views, and union branches are being told what they can and cannot discuss. Despite 76 percent of people supporting an immediate ceasefire and just 19 percent sympathising more with Israel than Palestine, nowhere is this sentiment expressed in the so-called free press. The papers pump out pro-Israel, pro-war propaganda, lies, and distortions, because thats in the interests of their billionaire owners. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman attempted to ban pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The Commissioner of the Met Police has explained that the legal power to do that does not exist. But he stated that he would be in favour of Parliament giving the police such powers. It is not merely the fact that we have a particularly right-wing government in Britain that accounts for this swathe of attacks on democratic rights. The same repression against pro-Palestine protests is being repeated in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the US and elsewhere. Whilst they principally target Muslims and pro-Palestine protesters today, the ruling class looks to the future with dread. They anticipate enormous class battles and revolutionary upheaval. And they are preparing by clamping down on democratic freedoms, by beefing up their means of repression, and by accustoming public opinion to repressive measures. What has become clear is that, under capitalism, the right to freedom of speech exists for those wealthy enough to publish newspapers. And the right to freedom of assembly exists for those rich enough to own large buildings. But for those without these means and who have very little time to exercise these rights anyway, due to the interminable grind of working all day to make someone else rich our democratic rights are nice in theory, but extremely restricted in practice. As with the Chartists of the 1840s, and the labour movement in the 1980s, the struggle for democratic rights is once again opening up as an arena for class struggle. Workers democracy Defending and demanding democratic rights by basing ourselves on the rising class struggle is the communist method. We dont appeal to democracy in the abstract. Were for democratic rights such as the right to speak, meet, and organise as a means by which the working class can fight for its interests. This means were not just for the defence of bourgeois democratic rights, but for the extension of these rights into the economic sphere: to establish workers democracy. And this raises the class question the question of ownership and control, within the economy and across society. To secure real freedom of association for workers, for example, all the biggest buildings and meeting places should be placed under the democratic ownership and control of the working class. To ensure academic freedoms and genuine freedom of speech on campuses, devoid of big business pressures, the running of educational institutions such as universities should be in the hands of staff and students. Public transport must be taken out of the hands of profiteers, and placed under the democratic ownership and control of workers, so that people can travel freely to meetings and demonstrations. To secure real freedom of the press, the mass media should be taken out of the hands of a tiny handful of oligarchs, who only publish whats in their own interests. Instead, it should be placed under the democratic ownership and control of the working class, so that what people really think can be freely expressed in the papers and reflected on our screens. In order that workers have time to prepare for and attend meetings, write for and read the press, and generally exercise their rights of freedom and association, the working day must be shortened. Planning the economy democratically in the interests of need instead of profit would eliminate all the waste that comes with cartels, profiteering, and the burning out of workers by the capitalist class. That would immediately reduce the length of the working day and working week, allowing people to truly exercise their democratic rights. Genuine freedom and equality is therefore not a question of abstract democracy, but of the struggle for socialism. Mass movement In 1972, it was a mass movement of organised workers that defeated the governments attack on the right to strike / Image: public domain This struggle is not fought through liberal appeals to bourgeois democratic institutions, like Parliament or the courts, but by relying on the strength and struggle of the working class itself. In 1972, it was a mass movement of organised workers that defeated the governments attack on the right to strike. Tens of thousands marched to Pentonville prison, forcing the release of five dockers who had been imprisoned under a new oppressive law. Examples like this are what the TUC should bear in mind at its upcoming meeting on 9 December 2023, which has been called to discuss how the trade union movement should fight the governments attacks on the right to strike. The aim of the trade union movement should not simply be to resist the implementation of these Tory laws, being introduced on behalf of the bosses, but to smash them to pieces through militant mass action. There is no force on earth that can stop the working class, when it is organised and mobilised; no repressive apparatus that can subdue workers, once they begin to move en masse. The numerical balance of forces is massively in the working class favour. This bodes well for present and future battles around democratic rights. But numbers on their own arent enough. Whats needed is a determined political party that can link the attacks on the right to strike with the suppression of democratic rights around the pro-Palestine movement; and which, in turn, can be linked with the cost-of-living crisis and the wider capitalist crisis that is bearing down on workers. Unless these fights are tied together, and fought on the basis of working-class methods, nothing will be fundamentally solved. This is why a Revolutionary Communist Party is urgently needed. This is what we need to build. One of my bold bets is I want to eliminate our traditional service desk by 2025, says Jason Ballard, IT executive and general manager for infrastructure and operations services at Toyota Motor North America. Ballard is also the technology executive responsible for both the companys battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform as it shifts to electrification, and its digital platform engineering and architecture organization, and he counts on conversational AI and generative AI as major components to transform HR and IT service requests. Hes also a big believer in the agile DevOps concept of shifting left when it comes to technology performing testing and evaluation early in the development process, generally before code is written and shifting right when it concerns talent, where his vision for eliminating Toyotas service desk is an example. Its not about getting rid of positions, however, but insourcing technical talent by developing team members to fill more valuable roles. At the outset, it sounds like were cutting jobs, but really, the focus is shifting right with the talent, he says. A level-one technicians job is kind of repetitive and I think most people who are in those roles want to get to level two or three. What were focused on is how we can up-level, upskill, those team members and move them into higher-value jobs, while at the same time push more automation across the enterprise. Toyota is an early mover when it comes to generative AI, with roots in its robotic process automation (RPA) efforts. In 2014, Toyota Motor North America operated separate headquarters for sales and manufacturing, but in 2015, under the mantra, One Toyota, the company brought them together in Plano, Texas. As you can imagine, there were a lot of varying systems that were used to run the enterprise for those separate team members, Ballard says. We were very focused on getting to a common technology stack so our team members could be more efficient. Supporting enterprise security during a cloud migration can be rife with pitfalls that can derail the initiative and ruin the customer experience. Its no jokeI know a finance director who suffered this fate. She joined the company in the middle of a corporate cloud transformation initiative and inherited a new Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution as part of an enterprise cybersecurity overhaul. Over the next year, she struggled to implement even the most basic PAM cybersecurity use cases. As the transformation journey progressed, the PAM solution failed to deliver. The solution couldnt accommodate new hybrid IT demands and use cases. As you can imagine, she had to end the initiative. Cutting the cord was painful for her. Its so important to understand the shift in business processes. You need to ask the important questions: How will employees and vendors access systems and applications? Where will those resources live? What attack surfaces are exposed? How are cyberattack methods evolving? You must also understand how moving to cloud drives changes in enterprise cybersecurityhow to protect those resources, drive down risk, and improve productivity. Read on to learn more about these challenges and explore 10 extended PAM capabilities essential to supporting enterprise security during a cloud migration. What is cybersecurity for the enterprise? Cybersecurity for the enterprise is the technology, processes, and tactics necessary to protect your business resources from misuse and abuse by cyber attackers. This includes both physical and logical (software) security. Cybersecurity for the enterprise is a critical aspect of doing business in our online and connected world. Enterprise cybersecurity is a vast landscape (image below). Weve all invested in these areas, yet were still being breached. So, with a limited budget, where should we focus? Whats the best return on our cybersecurity investment that takes the biggest bite out of cyberattack risk? Delinea This blog will focus on logical security controls for enterprise resilience in the form of Privileged Access Management (PAM). Imagine a world where all your personal and business information is at the mercy of hackers, where a single click on a malicious link can cause irreparable damage. Of course, you dont have to imagine. This is the reality we live in today. Systems and data are on premise and in the cloud. An explosion of workstations, servers, containers, IoT, and mobile devices has opened opportunities for hackers to exploit. Tapping the cloud means adopting a shared responsibility model where IT has less direct control and visibility over the IT stack. Technology has advanced to a point where even the smallest business has become vulnerable to cyberattacks. The good news is just as cyberattacks have evolved, so has the technology to protect your business and customers. Investing in robust enterprise cybersecurity can empower your team to focus on your business goals rather than constantly putting out fires associated with cyberattacks. Investing in the right tools to protect your systems and sensitive data Enterprise cybersecurity can be expensive and time-consuming, but let me ask you this: Whats the cost of a ransomware attack on your business? Aside from the ransom, a single data breach can cost millions in business impact and recovery, damage to your reputation, and possible fines and litigation. IBMs Cost of a Data Breach reports that costs can also accrue an average of 24% of data breach costs in the subsequent two years. So, invest in the right tools to protect your systems and sensitive data. Business transformation has made cybersecurity more challenging. Putting your faithand your budgetin the wrong place can result in substandard protection, increased operational overhead and costs, and compliance gaps. As your business modernizes, transforming to take advantage of cloud services, so must your enterprise cybersecurity posture. PAM cybersecurityexceptional value for your limited budget A reasonable approach is to understand where cyber attackers invest most of their efforts and focus on that as the most significant attack surface. Verizons annual Data Breach Investigation Report is one of many respected publications with a solid finger on the pulse of incidents and breaches. Verizon has consistently reported that compromised credentials are involved in 70-80% of data breaches and ransomware attacks worldwide. Throwing more money at network-centric security is not the answer. Its more logical and better business sense to invest in identity-centric security to protect access to privileged accounts, workstations, and servers. Not all PAM cybersecurity solutions are up to the challenge, however. To support your modern enterprise, we need a similarly modern PAM with extended capabilities to address these new use cases. Delinea As we heard earlier from the finance organization executive, you dont want to fall foul of a solution that struggles to embrace the hybrid cloud nature of your business. You must be clinical and critical in your evaluation. Lifting and shifting an enterprise application into the cloud does not guarantee the SaaS and PaaS benefits of performance, scalability, and elasticity necessary for a modern business. This also holds for PAM vendors shoehorning a decade-old PAM product into virtual machines in the cloud. Checklist: 10 capabilities of extended PAM in enterprise cybersecurity There are several characteristics of an extended PAM solution designed to tackle this and make your business more resilient to cyberattacks. Not all are new; several have been in PAM for years. However, a modern PAM redesign is critical to ensure parity. Comprehensive PASM and PEDM The two critical components of PAM are secure remote access with credential vaulting and host-enforced privilege elevation. Analysts like Gartner refer to these as Privileged Account and Session Management (PASM) and Privilege Elevation and Delegation Management (PEDM). It would be best if you had both, especially in support of best practices such as zero trust and zero standing privileges. Ensure your vendor has not short-changed PEDM, putting most of their R&D budget into PASM. 2. Cloud-native PAM cybersecurity platform Weve already mentioned limited IT budget and value for money. Derive significant value with a cloud-native PAM platform. Compared to standalone enterprise PAM cybersecurity products, you benefit from substantial economies, including: Better performance Increased reliability Reduced application overhead Shared services consistency Centralized management Faster innovation Cost reduction Easier compliance Futureproofing 3. Options: Cloud-native SaaS or on-premise vault Some organizations prefer to run the vault in their data center for complete control over its operation, performance, and scalability. Others prefer a SaaS vault running on a PAM platform to ensure easy reach for all users, internal or third party, and reduce operational overhead and infrastructure costs. To ensure high performance and scalability, a native cloud service can leverage underlying PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) services, such as auto-scaling and failover availability zones. Remember that scale and performance requirements will differ for human users versus apps and services. In a DevOps context, programmatic access to vault services will be more demanding. 4. Client-based password rotation and reconciliation If you search through the PAM annals of history, youll see that on day-1, password rotation was a foundational vault requirement. Today, all vaults implement this by requiring a local or domain-level administrator account to log in and rotate passwords on each server. These back-door attack vectors contravene best practices like zero standing privileges and zero trust, increasing your attack surface. A modern PAM approach combines PASM and PEDM. The vault instructs the PEDM client to rotate locally. This is more elegant and avoids opening new doors for adversaries to exploit. It also introduces another benefit; the vault can ask the local PAM client to validate a vaulted password before checkout or session initiation. If theyre out of sync, the client can reconcile to ensure the user isnt denied access. 5. Just-in-time access workflows When removing implicit trust to support zero trust and the principle of least privilege, we must provide administrators a way to obtain elevated confidence when necessary. Enterprise-level PAM cybersecurity solutions satisfy this requirement with self-service request workflows for explicit approval. However, its essential to couple just-in-time access with temporary just-enough privilege. I.e., constrain privileges to only whats necessary for the task and automatically de-provision them to prevent standing privileges. The default workflows to fulfill this requirement will be built into the PAM solution. However, a modern PAM can also defer to an external workflow, such as ServiceNow, to incorporate PAM workflows into broader IT workflows. 6. Passwordless authentication A modern PAM cybersecurity solution must support several existing passwordless methods such as PKI, SSH keys and certs, and FIDO2 dongles. Building authentication services and MFA into the PAM platform (see above) enables rapid innovation and support for newer standards such as Passkeys. 7. Multi-factor authentication Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is recognized as a critical weapon in the PAM cybersecurity arsenal. It helps confound cyber criminals in two main ways; multiple factors are harder to hack, and the authenticator is harder to obtain or replicate. Providing extra identity assurance, MFA helps determine friend from foe and block bots and malware from escalating privileges and moving laterally. While PAM cybersecurity products have supported MFA for a while, it tends to be limited to MFA on vault login. However, several laws, regulations, and industry recommendations demand or strongly recommend MFA for high-risk access and protecting server data. For example, PCI-DSS, the U.S. Government in its Federal zero trust strategy, and GDPR. Also, you may find yourself ineligible for new cyber risk insurance or a policy renewal if youre not using MFA for remote and privileged access. Look for MFA as a PAM platform service that can be enforced at all significant access gates: PASM: Vault login Secret access Remote session initiation PEDM: Server log in Privileged command and application execution 8. Secure access for remote employees and third-party vendors Exploiting VPN accounts to breach networks has been popular for decades. One of the most notable cases was the Target company breach in 2013. What better tactic than to compromise a more vulnerable partner? When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, organizations had to react fast when offices closed; buying more VPN licenses was a knee-jerk response. When VPN access exploded, adversaries were gifted a larger attack surface and a lower security hurdle. A modern PAM solution should support secure remote access without a VPN or SSH and RDP clients and serversjust a browser, no client apps. This improves security (backed by MFA) plus less friction for remote employees and vendors. 9. One identity to rule them allidentity consolidation Rarely do enterprise administrators have just one account. Especially in Linux estates, they create multiple local privileged accounts for convenience. Each is a potential attack vector, increasing your attack surface. We can eliminate them and enforce least privilege, allowing admins to log in to any system (Windows, Linux, or UNIX) with a single enterprise account. An extended PAM with multi-directory brokering supports accounts from multiple identity providers. You can embrace a traditional directory like Active Directory, OpenLDAP, or a cloud directory such as Azure AD, Ping Identity, or Okta. Isolate third-party identities from employee accounts and more easily incorporate new identity providers, a merger or acquisition, or cloud migration. 10. Disaster recovery If you lose access to vaulted credentials and secrets, systems and applications become unavailable, and the business suffers. In the unlikely case of infrastructure failure, automatic replication to another on-premise or cloud-hosted vault instance ensures continuous availability. Seamless failover and faster disaster recovery always ensure break-glass access to secrets. This must be built into the PAM solution. Heres an extra consideration for the road: analytics-informed policies User productivity is severely underserved in legacy PAM solutions. There are several ways an extended PAM can address this, such as automating manual processes, self-service workflows, and intelligent access control policies. PAM cybersecurity solutions that support traditional static rules and policies require constant care and feeding to ensure theyre current and comprehensive. This puts a heavy burden on IT and can impact users by not being adaptive to their context. This can also be a pain for users if rules are binary, i.e., MFA is always on or off. Always on may be overkill, introducing unnecessary steps when logging in or running privileged apps and commands. By learning typical user behavior, behavioral analytics with machine learning can identify anomalous behavior in real-time and create a risk score. Thus, access policies can be as simple as: Low risk: let the user in with no challenge let the user in with no challenge Medium risk: ask for proof via a second factor ask for proof via a second factor High risk: deny access and alert the security team In summary, the right PAM solution as part of a broader enterprise cybersecurity program will enable your business. It will drive resilience to combat threats without slowing down your cloud transformation. Audits for compliance will be more streamlined. PAM will be more invisible, automating processes to reduce operational overhead, costs, and friction for DevOps and end users. Learn more about Delinea Extended Privileged Access Management. On 25 and 26 November 200 French-speaking comrades and sympathisers of the International Marxist Tendency (IMT) met in Geneva as part of this years International Francophone School. [Originally published in French at marxiste.org] The weekend was an opportunity for our comrades from Switzerland, France, Belgium and Quebec to deepen their theoretical knowledge and share their experiences. The event also made clear that the forces of the IMT are having increasing success in all the countries where our International is active. In fact, it was the largest French-speaking event that we have ever organised, and many of the participants were new comrades. The event underlined everything that makes our organisation strong: our internationalism, firm principles and unfailing revolutionary enthusiasm! The importance of theory As always, the School opened with a discussion on the world situation, introduced by Fred Weston from the international leadership of the IMT. Then, throughout the weekend, comrades took part in discussions on topics including Marxist philosophy, the Marxist position on war, and the Russian and German Revolutions. There was also a session on the conflict in Israel-Palestine. Theoretical education, which was the central objective of this School, is essential for building a genuinely revolutionary party. The comrades understood this, purchasing thousands of euros worth of revolutionary books, newspapers and pamphlets. Building the forces of communism! Marx described theory as a guide to action. On the basis of Marxist ideas, we must build powerful revolutionary parties in every country. That was the message of the closing session, devoted to the history of Bolshevism and the building of our organisation. The discussion was brimming with enthusiasm. The collection raised 11,000 Swiss francs, underlining the spirit of sacrifice of our comrades. Our ideas and our confidence in the communist future of humanity must be the basis for serious and ambitious work to recruit as many revolutionaries as possible. The IMT is enjoying ever greater success, not least thanks to its Are you a communist? campaign, launched this summer across the International. The historic crisis of capitalism is forcing millions of young people to turn to the ideas of communism. This campaign has already enabled us to recruit many revolutionaries around the world. To help us build the forces of communism in Switzerland, France, Belgium, Canada and elsewhere, join us! Articol adaugat de: UNICEF Moldova Alte articole de la acest autor: Background Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a leave no one behind approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP Moldovas current Country Programme Document, CPD, focuses at assisting the country on four main outcomes areas supporting a vision for a more cohesive, inclusive, just and resilient society, and a better quality of life for everyone: Just and inclusive institutions and equal opportunities for human development institutions deliver human rights, evidence-based and gender-responsive services for all, including the most vulnerable people in Moldova; Participatory governance and social cohesion more accountable, transparent, human rights-based, and gender-responsive governance empowers all people in Moldova to participate in and to contribute to all spheres of life; Enhanced shared prosperity in a sustainable economy all people in Moldova benefit from inclusive, competitive and sustainable economic development and equitable/equal access to decent work and productive employment; Green development, sustainable communities, and disaster and climate resilience all people in Moldova and institutions benefit from and contribute to green and resilient development, sustainable use of natural resources and effective climate change and disaster risk management. UNDP Moldova Country Office (CO)s portfolio consists of three areas (Clusters) effective governance, inclusive growth and energy, environment and climate change. The gender equality and inclusion cut across all UNDP Moldova programmatic and policy work, in line with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda. The successful candidate is expected to work across the three thematic areas (Clusters) to advice and guide mainstreaming the gender equality and inclusion agenda into all areas of UNDP work. Rationale background and the objectives UNDPs approach to Gender Equality and Inclusion: UNDP is the integrator for collective action of the UN System to advance the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, including implementation of the Leave No One Behind principle. Gender Equality and Inclusion agenda are seen as goals in their own right and central to the achievement of UNDPs development mandate. Gender Equality and Inclusion has been also translated into UNDP Socio-Economic Inclusion and Social Cohesion Plan for Refugees, Return Migrants and Host Communities in Moldova 2023/2024, which seeks to advance the socio-economic inclusion of refugees and the resilience of host community. UNDPs work on Gender Equality and Inclusion is guided by numerous UNDP corporate, UN and global commitments, including (not limited to) the Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025, UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), National Development Strategy Moldova 2030, Regional Refugee Response Plan for the Ukrainian Situation, Global Compact for Refugees and others. Duties and Responsibilities Advance the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda of UNDP Moldova, with focus on gender mainstreaming in compliance with UNDPs accountability frameworks and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025. Coordinate and guide advancement of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda of UNDP Moldova: Coordinate and support analysis and substantive inputs to the UNDP Moldova strategic documents, particularly UNDP Moldova Gender Equality Strategy 2023-2027 to be developed in line with Moldova CPD 2023-2027 and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025. Provide advice on adaptation, implementation of UNDP Moldova CO gender mainstreaming corporate tools and corporate reporting and accountability frameworks, including the gender markers and allocation of resources for gender. Review current programmes and projects across the CO portfolio and provide recommendations on amendments/adjustments for effective GESI mainstreaming and reporting, in line with corporate and national policies and priorities. Support on the strategic design, programme development, and implementation of CO programmes for effective GESI mainstreaming. Lead CO contribution to tracking and reporting on gender results and evidence through periodic and annual reports (ROAR). Contribution to sub-regional, regional and inter-agency initiatives related to gender equality and social inclusion agenda. Provide technical assistance to partners on how to best achieve results, particular on issues related to gender equality, inclusion of vulnerable groups, governance, international good practices, and the SDGs. Participate and contribute to thematic reports of the UN in Moldova on issues of inclusion and gender and lead UNDPs contribution to the reports. Capacity development support to UNDP Moldova on GESI mainstreaming, in compliance with UNDPs accountability frameworks and UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2022-2025. Support UNDP Moldova HR to improve gender parity, gender equality, PSEA and inclusion in the CO. Provide guidance and technical support to the COs effective participation in the corporate programmes, ex. Gender Seal Certification Programme. Coordinate CO Gender Theme Group on Gender Seal and serve as gender seal focal point for the CO. Advice on strengthening partnerships with government institutions, civil society organizations and womens networks relevant to advance GESI agenda of the CO. Advise UNDP Moldova on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) agenda, especially in designing and implementation of gender responsive projects. Guide effective management of Gender Equality and Inclusion programmes and projects: Guide UNDP Moldova thematic teams (Clusters) and projects on effective mainstreaming of GESI. Guide UNDP Moldova thematic teams (Clusters) and projects on application of result-based management (RBM) tools that advance GESI in programmes and projects. Establish M&E and reporting frameworks, that they are gender responsive and track results based on evidence and disaggregated data. Guide and support UNDP thematic teams (Clusters)and projects on donor reporting that incorporate GESI. Advice on formulation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion programmes and projects that advance partnership engagement and resource mobilization: Assist in implementation of the COs Partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, focusing on project formulation to mobilize funds from external and sources on gender and inclusion. Work closely with UNDP technical advisors and specialists in Moldova and in the region to identify opportunities for project development and mobilize resources and ensure linkage between programmes and projects in Moldova and those at regional and global levels. Contribute to project theory of changes as well as results framework to incorporate gender issues as well as needs of vulnerable groups. Advice on and coordinate thought leadership, knowledge management, learning and strategic partnerships to advance Gender Equality and Social Inclusion agenda. Strengthen partnerships, coordination, knowledge management and learning to advance UNDP Moldova Gender Equality and Social Inclusion agenda: Strengthen partnerships and coordinate with key national stakeholders, UN agencies, civil society organizations, academia, research institutions and other stakeholders to advance GESI agenda in Moldova. Coordinate development of background documents, briefs and presentations related to GESI. Identify best practices, lessons learned to guide project improvements and future strategic interventions. Guide and support UNDP Moldova thought leadership on issues related to GESI. Facilitate dialogue and experience sharing among UNDP Moldova teams and projects on GESI. Organize and conduct training for CO staff on gender advancement, gender equality, womens empowerment, womens issues, and social development. Coordinate UNDP Moldova response and partnerships in context of the socio-economic inclusion of Ukrainian refugees and social cohesion in host communities. Coordination implementation of the UNDP Socio-Economic Inclusion and Social Cohesion Plan for Refugees, Return Migrants and Host Communities in Moldova 2023/2024. Coordinate the Livelihoods and Inclusion Working Group under the RCF as per the Working Groups ToR and Work Plans, and in close coordination with other relevant Working Groups of RCF and the Government. Coordinate the implementation of the socio-economic assessment for refugees and vulnerable host community members, jointly implemented by UNDP and UNHCR, and translate findings and results into programmatic and policy recommendation to be implemented by national stakeholders, UNDP and other actors of the RCF. Strengthen partnerships with national and international stakeholders, positioning UNDP as a key actor in the refugee response. Facilitate learning and knowledge sharing on refugee-related issues both in UNDP and in the Livelihoods and Inclusion Working Group, and guide interventions based on identified challenges and gaps, best practices, and lesson learnt. Coordinate implementation of corporate requirements (going beyond programme) on sexual harassment, discrimination. Liaise with other UN in ensuring prevention and respond to sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse at the country level. Act as the focal point for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). Conduct awareness and trainings to staff and support the UNDP Moldova management to respond to all forms of inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature committed. Act as focal point for discrimination and other gender matters going beyond the programme such as advising programme and projects team of addressing and management grievances from beneficiaries and partners as part of the SES. Competencies Core Competencies Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system/ Human-centered Design Ability to develop solutions to problems involving the human perspective in all steps of the problem-solving process Gender Gender Issues & Analysis Gender Mainstreaming Women's Economic Empowerment, including labor issues Women's Leadership (Political, Public Admin and Private Sector) Sexual Gender-based violence (SGBV) Required Skills and Experience Education: Masters degree or equivalent in social policy, public policy, gender studies, international development studies, law or a related area is required. Bachelors degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Masters degree. Experience: Minimum 2 years (with Masters degree) or 4 years (with Bachelors degree) of progressive working experience in the areas related to governance, social development, gender or social inclusion focused program/projects, and/or gender equality and womens empowerment, gender-based violence in a development context. Required Skills: Previous experience in international development cooperation or related work for a development organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm is required. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) . Desired Skills: Coordination and partnership experience in a humanitarian and/or development setting is an asset. Experience in result-based management, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting is an asset. Experience in designing procedures and tools for effective project implementation, monitoring or reporting. Excellent communication skills with a wide range of partners. Ability to provide advice and guidance in a tailored and effective manner. Understanding of the socio-political context in South-East and Eastern Europe, and preferably in the Republic of Moldova. Languages: Fluency in Romanian and English (written and spoken) is required. Institutional Arrangement The Gender and Inclusion Analyst will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, and overall strategic guidance by the Resident Representative. He/she will work closely with all UNDP Moldova teams. He/she will closely collaborate with RBEC Regional Gender Advisor and RBEC Gender Team in the Istanbul Regional Hub. Disclaimer Applicant information about UNDP rosters Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Non-discrimination UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. Scam warning The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web. Salariul lunar net: 38500 MDL - 48000 MDL Asigurarea medicala internationala 100% acoperire To apply please follow the link/Pentru a aplica, va rugam sa adresati link-ul: Apply Advertisement end date/Data de incheiere a postului vacant: 21 December 2023 Race Across Britain What form does the campaign take and how does it raise funds? Following the huge success of the BBC TV series Race Across the World, we are really excited about launching our new and unique UK fundraising challenge for the automotive industry, called Race Across Britain which takes place next year. We are challenging automotive industry people to pair up with colleagues and take on this epic three-day race across Britain in February 2024. Negative press attention can have a detrimental impact on a charitys reputation, staff and volunteers, as well as income. Indeed, as some charities have recently found themselves the subject of bad press it might be assumed that this could negatively impact giving. And while this may be the case in some instances, charities such as the RNLI have reported the opposite effect. Several charities have been the subject of unfavourable criticisms from some members of the public, politicians, and the press, and have experienced inverse giving. Inverse giving is the phenomenon in which charities that are being publicly criticised receive a boost in donations in response. Enthuses Donor Pulse report found that one in five people donated to a charity after it had received bad press as a form of support over six months in 2023. This figure grew among 18 to 24-year-olds, with 37% of them saying they had engaged in inverse giving. Transphobia made donations double at small charity A health charity received some negative attention last month after the announcement of its new CEO Steph Richards, a trans woman. Endometriosis South Coast, a micro charity with reported income of 8,400, told Civil Society that it received double the amount of donations it would usually get in just that one week Richardss appointment was being criticised in the press. Richards says the charity is constantly being attacked at this moment in time and that she never imagined her appointment would make her feel hunted as it has. Since the news broke, she has received four death threats and God knows how much hate mail, she tells Civil Society. Theres been lots of good come out of this as well. Lets not forget the positives. Like I said on Womens Hour, I was brought into this job to raise awareness of endometriosis. And the fact it was trending on Twitter [now known as X] for about eight days is remarkable. Its just a shame that that was done on the back of transphobia, she says. Weve had loads and loads of wonderful messages from people, which is inspiring, and no one within Endometriosis South Coast has got upset about it. Everyone knows that Ive got a really good background as a human-rights activist and that I want to drive the charity forward. We dont believe weve been damaged by it in any shape or form, Richards adds. Mermaids: Supporters want to take action when they feel targeted Mermaids, a transgender youth charity that is currently being investigated by the Charity Commission, has also experienced inverse giving. A spokesperson tells Civil Society: With the trans community facing ever-growing hostility in the media, we have felt the effects of inverse giving here at Mermaids, including increased donation activity following government announcements and negative coverage about trans issues. These donations often come alongside heartfelt messages of support from the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies. Supporters are very clear that they want to take action when they feel we, as a charity, or our beneficiaries, are being unfairly targeted. While Mermaids did not share any figures, it says it saw significant spikes in giving in November 2022 after the Charity Commission began engaging with the charity after serious allegations were made to the press. Inverse giving also occurred when high-profile individuals tweeted negatively about the charity, Mermaids said. In an exclusive interview, interim CEO Lauren Stoner spoke to Civil Society after the charity lost an appeal to strip LGB Alliance of its charitable status. Stoner said: There was a reputational impact, but that mostly actually drove increased donations if anything because people who support trans youth will see that for what it is which, is an attack on the existence of an organisation looking to support trans young people. RNLI: Focused on our core purpose Another example of inverse giving is with RNLI, which has regularly been criticised by the press for helping migrants cross the channel. In April, Britain First created a petition to remove RNLIs charitable status to stop them trafficking illegal immigrants, which has amassed 88,000 signatures. RNLI told Civil Society it saw a moderate increase in its online donations the week the petition was launched compared with the previous one, but said it was unable to attribute that to any factor. Similarly, when Nigel Farage accused the charity of being a taxi service for illegal immigrants in 2021, 200,000 was raised for RNLI in 24 hours after the charity responded to the comments. Shortly afterward, one supporter raised over 121,000 for an RNLI hovercraft named the Flying Farage. Speaking of RNLIs comms team, editor of Fundraising Magazine Stephen Cotterill reported: It was more than just coming out fighting; it seized on a media moment, grasped the polarisation of opinion and used it to its advantage. By doubling down, it galvanised its supporters to give, along with new donors who had never given before but who believe in the charitys work (or just hate Nigel Farage). Hats off to RNLI for turning a potentially damaging scenario into one of the most successful fundraising campaigns of the summer. When asked to comment on its experience of inverse giving, RNLI says it never takes the kindness of its supporters for granted and is always incredibly grateful for what it receives. A spokesperson says: Everyone at the RNLI remains focused on our core purpose of saving lives at sea. What can charities learn from inverse giving? Inverse giving, or reverse trolling as it is sometimes called, suggests that charities can utilise negative press attention to help rather than hinder their fundraising efforts. Charities that stick by their values in the face of media scrutiny seem to rally supporters to their side as opposed to deter them from giving. While some social-media commenters say they will be cancelling their subscriptions, others seem to be jumping to charities defenses and donating as a sign of support. While undoubtedly bad press can damage a charitys reputation, for others it may propel them into the mainstream and allow more donors to become engaged with their cause, depending on the cause of the criticisms. For example, when former home secretary Suella Braverman proposed a crackdown on homeless people sleeping in tents, comedian Joe Lycett raised over 50,000 for homelessness charity Crisis in response to her comments. When political turbulence is rife and polarising ideologies clash, giving seems to be a way in which the public can gain autonomy and act on what they believe in. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, PARIS (AP) When flames tore into Notre Dame in 2019, people who worked in the cathedral felt orphaned. But as the world-famous Paris landmark`s reopening draws closer, they are beginning to picture their return to the place they call home and are impatient to breathe life back into its repaired stonework and vast spaces. When their job is done, they will hand over to Notre Dame`s priests, employees, chorists and worshippers. With prayers, songs and devotion, they`ll give the cathedral the kiss of life and celebration to nudge aside the pain the April 15, 2019, blaze inflicted on French hearts and Catholic faithful around the world. Notre Dame is not the biggest cathedral nor perhaps the most beautiful, the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, its rector, told The Associated Press this week, but it is the incarnation of a nations soul. The expectations, the preparations for the reopening are a magnificent sign of hope in a difficult world, he said. Henri Chalet, the principal choir conductor, already has butterflies at the thought. On one hand, he tells himself that in the 850-plus-year history of Notre Dame, its closure is just a blip and he needs to be patient a little longer. But for a human lifetime, five years is very long, he said, and unfortunately, in 850 years, it fell on us. We are obviously impatient to be able to go back, he said. It really is our home, in the sense that we were there every evening for services and also for concerts every week. Now, we really feel there is light at the end of the tunnel, he said, with a lot of joy, enthusiasm and a little stress. On the reconstruction side, recent progress has been remarkable. Huge oak beams, put together using carpentry techniques pioneered when Notre Dame was built in medieval times, have been hoisted skyward so the cathedral can be re-roofed. The towering spire now points once more toward the heavens, rebuilt piece by piece behind 600 tons of scaffolding. When Macron visits, the name of the retired French general who led the big- budget restoration before his death will be carved in tribute in the wood of the spire. Jean-Louis Georgelin died in August, at 74. And when Olympic visitors descend on Paris in their millions for the Summer Games opening July 26, the rebuilt spire and roof should be complete, giving the cathedral a finished look from outside. Work inside will continue. Jobs in the final months will include tuning the cathedral`s thunderous 8,000-pipe grand organ, Frances largest musical instrument. It survived the fire but had to be dismantled, cleaned of toxic lead dust generated when the roofing burned, and reassembled. Renovations will continue after the reopening. The cathedral`s own workforce also is being scaled back up. It was cut to seven employees because of closure for repairs. Dumas, the rector, said a hiring drive next year will restore the number of full-time employees to nearly 50, to welcome back the 15 million annual visitors and worshippers the Paris diocese is bracing for. Chorist Adrielle Domerg, who was 10 when she joined Notre Dame`s choirs and is now 17, said the cathedral is almost a person to her. A multitude of people, of dreams, of prayers gave birth to it, said Domerg, who last sang there with her choir days before the blaze and aches to do so again. It`s going to be very emotional, she said. The cathedral, in a way, will reawaken and we will pull it out of the shadows. Top photo: Workers fix a net to cover one of the iconic stained glass windows of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Sunday, April 21, 2019. The restoration of Notre Dame hits a milestone Friday, Dec. 8, 2023: one year until the cathedral reopens its huge doors to the public. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Washington Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a statute that bars medical malpractice lawsuits filed more than eight years after the date of injury violates the state constitution. In a 7-2 opinion, the Supreme Court answered yes to a certified question from the US District Court that asked if the states statute of repose is unconstitutional. The majority rejected an argument from the defendant in the case, the United States government, that the court should follow the example of other state high courts that have upheld laws that establish an absolute deadline to file claims regardless of when the cause of the injury was discovered. We have already acknowledged that [a] clear majority of other states have upheld the constitutionality of medical malpractice statutes of repose,' the opinion says, citing a previous ruling. Nevertheless, we have previously declined to draw generalizations from other jurisdictions because the cases involve both state and federal constitutional claims . . . [and] the statutes vary widely.' The decision gives new life to a lawsuit filed by Bette Bennett, the wife of a US Navy service member who claims she suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of medical malpractice at the Bremerton Naval Hospital on May 29, 2009. Bennett says she did not learn that the migraine headaches, light sensitivity, cognitive impairment and memory loss she suffers was a result of sinus surgery performed at the hospital until more than eight years later, when a neuropsychologist finally diagnosed her condition. Bennett submitted an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy, as required by federal law, and filed a lawsuit after the claim was denied. The Navy moved to dismiss her complaint because it was not filed within eight years after the injury. The Revised Code of Washington 4.16.350(3) prohibits any cause of action for injuries caused by health care providers that is filed more than eight years after the procedure that allegedly caused the injury. The US District Court for Western Washington was clearly sympathetic to her claim. The court ruled that Washingtons statute of repose was pre-empted by the Federal Tort Claims Act, but the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overruled that decision. The court twice asked the Washington Supreme Court to rule whether the statute of repose complied with the state constitution. The high court refused to rule on the question the first time because the Tort Claims Act question had not yet been settled. After the 9th Circuit resolved that question, the District Court sent the Washington high court a certified question for the second time. While Bennett awaited a decision, the state of Washington, Planned Parenthood, Cedar River Clinics and the Washington State Medical Association and Hospital Association filed amicus briefs urging the court to uphold the statute of repose. The courts majority decided that the statute of repose violates Article 1, Section 12 of the Washington Constitution, which guarantees equal protection to all citizens. The court said while similar to the US Constitutions 14th Amendment, article 1, section 12 of Washingtons constitution also prevents favoritism and special treatment to a few while disadvantaging others. The majority said the statute of repose implicates a fundamental right to pursue a common law cause of action. Any law that grants a privilege or immunity just be supported by a reasonable ground, the opinion says. The statute of repose did not meet the test. The opinion says the Legislature first adopted an eight-year statute of repose in 1976. The law was amended several times before the state Supreme Court ruled it was unconstitutional in 1998. The Legislature enacted the current version of the law in 2006. Lawmakers decreed, in an effort to address the Supreme Courts concerns, that the law was necessary to control the cost of medical malpractice insurance and to protect defendants from stale claims. The decision Thursday holds that the new statute also fails to meet the reasonable ground test. Justices Barbara A. Madsen and Associate Cheif Justice Charles W. Johnson dissented, writing in a separate opinion that the court should not have rejected the legislatures articulated rationale for adopting the statute of repose. Former senior provincial legislator of Qinghai stands trial for graft Xinhua) 11:11, December 08, 2023 TIANJIN, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Li Jiexiang, a former senior legislator of northwest China's Qinghai Province, stood trial on Thursday on the charge of taking bribes at a court in the northern city of Tianjin. Li is accused of leveraging his previous positions in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the associated privileges of his status to seek benefits for others in project contracting, job promotions, financial subsidies, and other fields from 2004 to 2021. In return, he allegedly accepted money and gifts worth more than 88.23 million yuan (about 12.4 million U.S. dollars), according to the indictment. Prosecutors have recommended holding Li criminally responsible for the crime of accepting bribes. During the trial, Li pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The sentence will be announced at a later date. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Broadcom (AVGO) reported mixed fiscal fourth-quarter results Thursday, coming up slightly short on the top line, despite strong profitability. The forward guidance was complicated by a number of moving parts and cyclical challenges in the semiconductor business but we're unconcerned because the company's AI story remains intact, along with the ongoing integration of a key cloud-computing company. Revenue for the three months ended October 29 increased 4% year-over-year, to $9.3 billion, missing analysts' forecasts of $9.41 billion, according to LSEG. Earnings-per-share (EPS) on the basis of non-generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) climbed 6% on an annual basis, to $11.06, exceeding analysts' expectations of $10.45-per-share, LSEG data showed. Adjusted Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $6.05 billion also beat out the $5.97 billion Wall Street predicted. Shares of Broadcom were roughly flat in post-market trading, at around $920 per share, after climbing 2% in Thursday's session. Bottom line It wasn't a clean quarter for the semiconductor-and-software firm, and some investors may point fingers at the lack of revenue upside. But there's enough in this quarter to believe the thesis is progressing. The way we look at Broadcom is simple. Its networking business is surging right now thanks to spending on artificial intelligence, and management sees demand for its AI accelerator increasing. Meanwhile, we think the market is underestimating what Broadcom can do with its acquisition of cloud software-vendor VMware . Beyond revenue and profit, VMware reduces the cyclicality of Broadcom's entire business which now has more of a 50-50 semiconductor-to-software split. When Broadcom announced this massive software deal in May 2022, management's target was to increase VMware's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to a run-rate of $8.5 billion in three years, from $4.7 billion in fiscal year 2022 . This goal seemed achievable at the time. We had no reason to doubt Broadcom. But when asked if this target was still in play, CEO Hock Tan responded by saying that its EBITDA will "practically" by there exiting fiscal year 2024. This was great news and a sign the deal is even better than what was originally expected. The AI tailwinds and VMware deal will keep profits growing and more than offset some of the cyclical parts of the semiconductor business. The current 2.2%-yielding dividend and stock-buyback plan are cherries on top. And that's why would be buyers on weakness. Quarterly commentary The semiconductor business saw its revenue grow 3%, to $7.3 billion, but there were both strengths and weaknesses across its different end markets. Strength came from the networking part of the business, which benefitted from hyperscaler customers the big cloud providers spending on Broadcom's custom AI accelerators for generative AI applications, as well networking switches, routers and other products that scale out AI data centers. Total networking revenue increased 23% year-over-year, to $3.1 billion. On generative AI alone, revenue was nearly $1.5 billion. One of Broadcom's main customers for custom AI compute engines is Club holding Alphabet (GOOGL), which collaborates with Broadcom on the design and manufacture of Google Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). But the company is also seeing strong demand from hyperscalers deploying ethernet, the standard protocol in front-end networks, into their AI networks. Broadcom's AI network solutions represent an important part of our investment thesis. Elsewhere within the semiconductor unit, revenue from wireless which includes chip sales for Apple iPhones fell 3% year-over-year, to $2 billion. Server storage revenues were down 17%, at $1 billion, due to cyclical weakness that started late in the fiscal year. Broadband sales dropped 9%, to $950 million, and industrial sales were relatively unchanged at $236 million. In the infrastructure software side of the business, revenues increased about 7% from last year, to $2 billion. This is a stable part of the business, with the majority of revenues coming from recurring subscription and maintenance. But the software business has been supercharged following last month's closing of the VMware acquisition. Broadcom said Thursday that it plans to refocus VMware on its core business of creating private and hybrid cloud environments for large enterprises. Management used the the post-earnings conference call to tout VMware's leading technology to virtualize entire data centers. "Our strategy going forward is simply to enable global enterprises to run their applications across their data centers, as well as on public clouds by consuming VMware's higher value software stack," CEO Hock Tan explained. Part of the plan is to convert VMware's installed base of licenses that is over 60% perpetual to one that is mostly subscription and therefore, more predictable. The company also sees an avenue to accelerate revenue growth over the next three years and plans to invest $1 billion to transition VMware into the new "Broadcom model." The company also highlighted VMware's partnership with Club holding Nvidia (NVDA) as a "very strong attraction" for enterprises looking to get into AI analytics. VMware's ability to virtualize Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPU) for AI was one of the key reasons why we started buying the stock in August. Lastly, as Broadcom's cash flow increases annually, so does its dividend payment. Thanks to the $17.6 billion of free cash flow it generated in fiscal year 2023, an increase of about 8% over fiscal year 2022, Broadcom increased its quarterly stock dividend by 14%, to $5.25 per share. This new annual figure of $21 per share increased the dividend yield to about 2.28%, up from the 2%, based on Thursday's close of $922 a share. The company also said it had resumed its share-repurchase program following the closing of the VMware acquisition. The company ended the year with $7.2 billion of authorized share repurchases programs. How is that possible after making such a large acquisition? Given how long the VMWare deal took close, Broadcom was able to build up cash to put towards these share repurchases. 2024 outlook Looking out to fiscal year 2024, which ends on Nov. 3, 2024, management's guidance is a little tricky. There's some haziness to the consensus estimate because not every analyst has included a contribution from VMware in their models. On one hand, the company expects revenue to be approximately $50 billion, which is nearly $2.5 billion short of the consensus estimate on LSEG. It looks like the culprit of the shortfall is coming from the semiconductor business, which the company guided to mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth versus too-optimistic expectations of about 11%, according to FactSet. This suggests that some of the cyclical challenges impacting the semiconductor business excluding AI will continue into the next fiscal year. By end market, networking is expected to remain on fire due to hyperscaler strength, with revenue expected to be up 30% year-over-year. Wireless revenue is expected to be stable. Revenue at the industrial business is expected to be down by low single digits. And service storage is expected to decline by a mid-to-high teen percentage, with broadband down by a low-to-mid teen percentage. For fiscal 2024, management guided for $12 billion of revenue from VMware over 11 months of its contribution. This does not include $2 billion worth of revenues from some of VMWare's business it deemed non-core and plans to divest, meaning the true revenue guide should actually be higher. But on the other hand, Broadcom anticipates 2024 adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately 60% of revenue, implying about $30 billion. That's nicely above estimates on LSEG of $27.23 billion and a good sign of the company's ability to integrate and drive synergies from the VMware deal. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AVGO. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. A Broadcom chip in an Apple iPhone. Brent Lewin | Bloomberg | Getty Images C.E.O. of Tesla, C.E.O. of SpaceX and C.T.O. of X Elon Musk speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit on November 29, 2023 in New York City. Elon Musk said Thursday that he'd consider letting Alex Jones back onto X, nearly a year after vowing he wouldn't reverse a ban on the conspiracy theorist best known for claiming that the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax. "Will consider," Musk said in a Thursday post on X, in response to a user who mentioned the idea of Jones coming back. "In general, since this platform aspires to be the global town square, permanent bans should be extremely rare." Musk said that if someone "does say something false on this platform," the comment will be corrected by the Community Notes feature, "whereas that would not be the case elsewhere." He then signaled his intent to hold a poll on X about whether Jones should return. Jones is booked as an upcoming guest on Tucker Carlson's show on X. While at Fox, Carlson hosted what The New York Times called possibly the "most racist show in the history of cable news." News of Jones' appearance has raised questions about whether the Infowars host would be allowed back on the platform. Twitter, under previous leadership, permanently banned Jones and other Infowars accounts in 2018 due to violations of the company's abusive behavior policies. Musk purchased Twitter now X in 2022 and reinstated some high-profile banned accounts, including that of former President Donald Trump. However, Musk replied "no" to a user who wrote in a post last year, "Bring back Alex Jones!!!" "My firstborn child died in my arms," Musk wrote in another post. "I felt his last heartbeat. I have no mercy for anyone who would use the deaths of children for gain, politics or fame." Justine Musk, the child's mother and Elon's ex-wife, clarified at the time that it was, "A SIDS-related incident that put him on life support. He was declared brain-dead." She added that, "I was the one who was holding him." After a mass shooter killed 20 children and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Jones touted the conspiracy theory that the shooting never happened and called it an effort by activists to bring about strict gun laws in the U.S. Some relatives of the victims suffered harassment and were threatened by Jones' followers, who accused them of being "crisis actors." Jones filed for bankruptcy protection after a Connecticut judge ordered him to pay almost $1.5 billion to families of the shooting victims. The families then offered to settle with him for a lower amount of at least $85 million over the next decade. Advertisers including Apple and Disney recently paused their campaigns on X after Musk amplified and agreed with antisemitic posts. In an interview at the 2023 DealBook Summit in New York last week, Musk hurled obscenities at advertisers who were suspending campaigns on X, accusing them of trying to "blackmail" him. A spokesperson for X didn't respond to a request for comment. WATCH: Elon Musk is 'neither' great nor terrible, 'he's human." Billionaire Silicon Valley technology leader Romesh Wadhwani recently celebrated his 75th birthday with 100 friends, reminiscing about many career milestones and only wishing he were 20 years younger in a new, fast-moving era of artificial intelligence. "AI tech is in an explosive phase right now, when I feel like I am falling behind every week. Gen AI is happening weekly. Every job, every consumer, every company will be massively transformed," he said. Wadhwani signed the Gates Buffet Giving Pledge to give away the majority of his wealth, but $1 billion of his fortune is currently being bet on predictive and generative AI technology. "We are going for it, transforming as a Gen AI-first company," said Wadhwani, now chairman and founder of investment firm SAIGroup and its portfolio of three enterprise AI software technology companies. From his headquarters at Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto, Wadhwani recounted several cycles in AI's development over his 53-year career journey: from the 1970s as a concept, to robotics in the 1980s, to cloud computing and greater computing power in the 1990s, to the 2020s with massive data availability. "Each wave was followed by an AI winter. Now, we are moving at lightning speed. ... What AI will enable in the next five years, we were not able to do in the past 50 years," he said. Market research company Forrester forecasts enterprise AI software spending will reach $60.4 billion globally in 2023 and balloon to $227 billion by 2030 while GenAI will capture 55 percent of this AI software market by the end of the decade. "There is a sense of urgency," said Mike Gualtieri, vice president and principal analyst at market research group Forrester. "The concern in business is that some company in the industry will be first to use this new AI technology for competitive advantage." Currently, slightly more than half (53.5%) of large enterprises have adopted AI software, with much smaller percentages among small and medium-sized businesses, according to Forrester. Far wider use is forecast by Forrester by 2030. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, who has known Wadhwani in the circle of successful Indian immigrants in Silicon Valley for several years, praised him for being "very, very early in AI, way before this AI craze." From the start, SAIGroup's strategy was differentiation. "If only doing horizontal AI, that was already being done by Facebook and Google, and there was no chance of competing with the behemoths. I did a startup for the most important verticals where AI can provide the most value," Wadhwani said. The early results for the largest tech companies in the stock market are in, with recent gains propelled by a combination of AI substance and hype. Roughly one year since ChatGPT's launch in late November 2022, megacap tech and chip makers have surged, with Nvidia up roughly 175%, and Microsoft gaining nearly 50% tied to the billions of dollars it has invested in ChatGPT maker OpenAI. Wadhwani began building his enterprise AI software business in 2017, when he says the AI era for business was still early in its development. SymphonyAI came together through a series of startups and acquisitions, positioned for retail, consumer packaged goods, financial services, manufacturing, media and the public sector. Building on the momentum, he expanded the business with two more health industry-specific AI companies. ConcertAI, launched in 2018, is pinpointing biotech. RhythmX AI, rolled out this October with a $50 million investment and run by CEO Deepthi Bathina, former chief clinical product officer at Humana, is getting started as a GenAI-based platform for physicians and healthcare systems to offer personalized patient care. Boston-based ConcertAI, split off separately from SymphonyAI in 2018, has grown revenue by 35% to $160 million. Its mission is to accelerate cancer research and match patients with clinical trials. "His (Wadhwani's) vision on how AI, research and healthcare pieces can come together and be transformative plus his commitment, is extraordinary. It is not just an AI investment thesis," said CEO Jeff Elton. Last year, ConcertAI scored $150 million in venture capital at a $1.9 billion valuation, and has raised a total $600 million. Bristol Myers Squibb, a ConcertAI customer for five years, uses its software for clinical trials in oncology research. "It offered a more robust and bespoke option for our clinical trials that didn't exist in the market at that time," said Jeff Conklin, who recently retired as senior vice president and chief analytics officer and had worked with Wadhwani to develop and customize oncology research software the genesis for ConcertAI. Veteran technology executive Sanjay Dhawan, who previously ran Wadhwani-invested Symphony Teleca and was recruited by Wadhwani in early 2022 as SymphonyAI CEO, said the company recently turned profitable and is approaching $500 million in revenue run rate for 2023, growing by 30 percent yearly. The goal is to take SymphonyAI public within 18 to 24 months. "I feel good that the original vision of 2017 is unfolding, and the strategy is paying off," Wadhwani said. Forrester's Gualitieri predicts that smaller vendors with domain expertise may have the advantage in moving faster than big companies. But as in prior hyper-cycles for new technologies, the field is getting crowded, even in the verticals where SAIGroup is focused. It competes with AI enterprise software innovators on two fronts. Rivals include vertical specialists such as Actimize in fraud protection, Roche Group-acquired Flatiron in biotech, and Ansys in product design. Also factoring in as rivals are horizontal AI providers, like publicly traded C3.ai and Palantir Technologies . Meanwhile, upstarts in Gen AI keep coming such as Eric Schmidt-funded Mistral AI from France, for enterprises. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Advanced Micro Devices has jacked up its market forecast for artificial intelligence chips to an eye-popping $400 billion by 2027. The chipmaker is sure to see its slice of that pie grow in the coming years, but the industry's dominant player, Nvidia , is well-positioned to handle the emergent competition. Just a few months ago, AMD CEO Lisa Su projected the AI chip market would be worth $150 billion by 2027 amid accelerating investment in the technology since OpenAI's viral chatbot ChatGPT launched in late 2022. Alongside officially launching its MI300X chip to challenge Nvidia, AMD on Wednesday also revised that forecast up to $400 billion from $45 billion this year, representing a compound annual growth rate north of 70%. The complex language model behind ChatGPT was trained using Nvidia's chips . Overall, Nvidia commands about 90% of the market for AI training, Bank of America analysts estimate. It's impossible to say whether AMD's market-size prediction will materialize. Indeed, some Wall Street analysts including those at Citigroup, Bernstein and Morgan Stanley said it seems overly optimistic. The skeptics may be proven right. But at this point, the trajectory of AMD's AI chip forecast matters more than the specific number. The company believes significant increases in computing power will be needed to meet AI workload demands down the road. It's more about market growth than its market share. In an AI world as large as AMD expects, multiple species of artificial intelligence chips can thrive. "I think there's room for both, clearly, because there's just so much demand," Jim Cramer said Thursday. "But the software layer of Nvidia still gives them the edge. Not the actual hardware. They seem almost even." AMD shares surged more than 9% on Thursday and have nearly doubled year to date. Club stock Nvidia, which has more than tripled this year, added 2%. AMD, a former Club holding, joined our Bullpen watchlist of stocks in early October, due to our belief the company can be a No. 2 player behind Nvidia in the AI chip market. NVDA AMD YTD mountain Nvidia's year-to-date stock performance versus AMD. Nvidia's combination of hardware and software has been the secret sauce behind its AI leadership to date. In 2006, Nvidia launched a propriety software called CUDA that allowed developers to tap into maximize the computing capabilities of its chips. CUDA is still an important part of Nvidia's competitive position, even as AMD makes progress on its open-source answer known as ROCm. More recently, Nvidia's attractiveness as an investment has been bolstered by a different software opportunity. With services such as DGX Cloud , a supercomputer accessible via web browser, and AI Enterprise, a suite of tools for companies to develop their own artificial intelligence applications, Nvidia has a burgeoning software-and-services revenue stream that, as of now, AMD does not. The MI300X processor appears to be a formidable piece of hardware compared with Nvidia's H100, which launched earlier this year. The H100 has been in short supply amid an influx of orders from cloud service providers and other tech giants. Club holdings Microsoft and Meta Platforms , as well as OpenAI, are among the companies placing orders for AMD's chip evidence there's an appetite for both more computing power and alternatives to Nvidia. Cloud providers, in particular, stand to gain from AMD adding to the availability of high-quality AI chips as they try to get their hands on as many as possible to power a growing number of AI applications. AMD has said it expects AI chip revenue to be at least $2 billion in 2024 , which would be roughly 7.5% of companywide revenue, according to analyst estimates compiled by FactSet. By comparison, Nvidia's data-center division home to sales of its AI chips is expected to generate more than $77 billion in revenue in the 12 months ended January 2025, per FactSet. While Nvidia's networking business also goes into data-center sales, it's clear its AI chip business dwarfs AMD at this stage. That's also reflected in their market capitalizations: $1.14 trillion for Nvidia and $206 billion for AMD. The MI300X and H100 offer roughly comparable performance in training large AI models, AMD contended, while claiming its chip offers improvements over the H100 in a process called inference. That's basically the day-to-day deployment of an AI model after it's been trained on a ton of data. To be sure, Nvidia is set to launch next year an updated version of the H100 branded as the H200 that is better suited for inference than its predecessor . That should enable Nvidia to "regain the performance lead," Citigroup said in a note to clients Thursday. Analysts also expect Nvidia to announce an entirely new AI chip at some point in 2024 called the B100. At this point, AMD is fully in the AI chip race alongside Nvidia. There can be more than one winner. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long NVDA, MSFT, META. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the Supermicro keynote presentation during the Computex conference in Taipei on June 1, 2023. Walid Berrazeg | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Here are Friday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bank of America reiterates Meta as buy Bank of America said it's bullish on Meta's entry into artificial intelligence. "We think AI announcements support our thesis that AI driven innovation at Meta will lead to new user experiences and recurring revenues models." JPMorgan reiterates Exxon as overweight The firm said Exxon is one of its favorite ideas in 2024. "On individual ratings, for the US group, we remain Overweight on XOM, with the most attractive valuation among US peers and the most defensive dynamics in a downside case." Morgan Stanley upgrades Qorvo to overweight from equal weight and downgrades Qualcomm to equal weight from overweight The firm said in its downgrade of Qualcomm that "strong execution in early stage of 5G cycle sets up for tough comparisons." The firm said in its upgrade of Qorvo that the stock has attractive catalysts. "We are shifting our smartphone exposure from defense to offense, downgrading QCOM to EW (from OW), and upgrading QRVO to OW (from EW)." Citi downgrades Deckers to neutral from buy Citi downgraded Deckers mainly on valuation. "After a Strong Run, Downgrading to Neutral on More Balanced Risk/Reward." Bernstein reiterates Tesla as underperform Bernstein said in a note Friday that it was making the "short case for Tesla in 2024." "While significant downward EPS revisions had no impact on TSLA' s stock this year, we believe a waning of the growth narrative could weigh on the stock's multiple." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock to $220 per share from $210 and says it's standing by the stock. "We are turning more positive on AAPL shares as near-term risks are quelled & attention shifts to what could drive a recovery in fundamentals - Services, GMs and Edge AI." JPMorgan initiates Silicon Labs and Synaptics as overweight JPMorgan initiated several global tech companies on Friday and says they're well-positioned in the "Internet of Things (IoT) end market." "We initiate coverage on Silicon Labs (ticker; SLAB, market cap ~$4B ) with an OW-rating and a Dec-2024 price target of $145 and on Synaptics (ticker SYNA, market cap ~$4B) with an OW-rating and a Dec-2024 price target of $130, two companies that are focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) end market." Bank of America reiterates Broadcom as buy Bank of America said it's standing by its buy rating on the stock after its earnings report Thursday. " Broadcom reported an inline Q4 with sales up 4% YoY, as AI surge offset cyclical headwinds in enterprise server/storage areas." JPMorgan initiates Cogent Biosciences as buy JPMorgan said the biosciences company has plenty of room for upside. " Cogent Biosciences is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on precision therapies designed for genetic diseases." Stephens initiates East West Bancorp as overweight Stephens said in its initiation of East West Bancorp that the regional bank has impressive "growth acumen." "Top-Tier Franchise With Excess Capital Trading at Discount." TD Cowen initiates Hubbell as outperform TD Cowen said the electrical products company has impressive growth prospects. "We are initiating coverage of Hubbell with an Outperform rating and a $338 price target. We're constructive on Hubbell's growth trajectory and its role within the electrification theme." Wells Fargo initiates Clean Harbors as overweight Wells Fargo said the waste company is underappreciated. " CLH has a leading market position within the broader hazardous waste landscape." Wells Fargo upgrades SLM Corporation to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo said in its upgrade of Sallie Mae that it has competitive positioning. "SLM: Nobody Puts Sallie Mae in a Corner (Including Us); Upgrading to Overweight and Raising Price Target to $20." BMO downgrades Casey's General Stores to market perform from outperform BMO said in its downgrade of the convenient store company that it sees elevated fuel margin expectations. "We believe CASY remains a well-managed, high-quality company with a long runway for growth. We raise our F2Q24E EPS and F25E EPS on slightly higher fuel margins." Morgan Stanley upgrades First Solar to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said investors should buy the dip after the recent sell-off. "Upgrading FSLR to Overweight and increasing our price target to $237/shr, offering 64% upside." Loop initiates Klaviyo as buy Loop said in its initiation of the marketing automation company that it sees "meaningful upside." "We are initiating coverage of Klaviyo with a Buy rating and $40 PT. In our view, the company is emerging as the de facto standard in the marketing automation software industry for small and medium-sized merchants." Bank of America reinstates Wix.com as buy Bank of America said the Israeli-based internet company has underappreciated margins. "We also like Wix's AI strategy, making it less at-risk than some believe after the stock was included in AI-Risk buckets in early 2023." Bank of America initiates Vital Energy as underperform Bank of America said it sees too many risks for the energy company. "We initiate on Vital Energy (VTLE) at Underperform with a $48 PO. While its outlook has improved over the past 4yrs under CEO Jason Pigott, we believe its portfolio mix carries risks on quality and duration." Goldman Sachs initiates Vici Properties as buy Goldman Sachs said in its initiation of Vici that the gaming real estate investment trust is well-positioned. "Reliable same store growth, attractive dividend yield, and likelihood for external growth creates attractive total return." Deutsche Bank upgrades Taylor Morrison to buy from hold Deutsche Bank said in its upgrade of the homebuilder that it sees strong momentum. " TMHC to Buy (from Hold) on favorable relative valuation and expected momentum in the business due to its diversified buyer exposures." Deutsche names downgrades KB Home to sell from hold Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock mainly on valuation. "We downgrade KBH to Sell (from Hold) primarily on valuation relative to its lower returns." UBS names Boeing a top 2024 pick UBS said the aerospace giant is a top pick in 2024. "Buy BA - record new aircraft orders and improving supply chain support higher deliveries/production and drive multi-year FCF growth. $10.5bn FCF in 2025E vs. consensus at $9.7bn." TD Cowen names Frontier a top 2024 pick TD Cowen said the cable company is a "market maverick." "The FYBR story is one of a market maverick with a superior Broadband product and pricing advantage that should win market share." TD Cowen names Zebra Technologies a top 2024 pick TD Cowen said the mobile computing tech company is a top idea in 2024. " ZBRA was a major Covid beneficiary as strategies in e-Commerce were kickstarted or accelerated by their customers to address a new consumer landscape." TD Cowen names O'Reilly a top 2024 pick TD Cowen said the stock is best in class. " ORLY is a best-in-class compounder which we expect will continue to distance itself from peers & grow market share driven by the Pro channel." Deutsche Bank upgrades Equifax to buy from hold Deutsche Bank said in its upgrade of the credit bureau company that it sees a mortgage rate recovery. "We see asymmetric risk/reward in EFX (upgrade to Buy) if and when mortgage rates decline to 5.5% (from 7%), and a recession (mild or severe) should hasten this decline noting an elevated spread (vs. the 10-year) in mortgage rates." Wolfe upgrades Cushman & Wakefield to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said the real estate company is the "last inexpensive CRE services stock." "With this report, we are upgrading Cushman & Wakefield (CWK) to Outperform from Peer Perform. CWK screens discounted, which creates entry point opportunities." D.A. Davidson initiates Mondelez and Freshpet as buy D.A. Davidson said Mondelez and Freshpet are well-positioned in 2024. "Against this backdrop, we think MDLZ (invested through cycle) and FRPT (low base) are best setup to hold or grow margins over the next year." Apple 's big push into India to capitalize on its fast-growing economy and to rely less on China is starting to take shape. Two new reports detailed possible moves on the supply-chain side. Late Thursday, a Bloomberg report said that Mumbai-based Tata Group wants to build an iPhone plant with about 20 assembly lines and some 50,000 employees in the southern part of India. The report said Tata hopes to have the facility up and running in 12 to 18 months. On Wednesday, the Financial Times said that Apple wants to build iPhone 16 batteries in India. The news follows record sales in India in the tech giant's latest quarter. On the post-earnings call last month, CEO Tim Cook called India an "incredibly exciting market" and said the company's new retail stores there are doing better than expected. Other major companies including Club names Alphabet 's Google, Microsoft , Amazon and Honeywell are also looking to India as the next big growth market. But how real is the opportunity there? Is India the next China? A good place to start answering those questions is to compare the two most populous nations on Earth specifically looking at shifts expected in demographics, purchasing power, and economic growth. Earlier this year , the United Nations estimated that India's population would overtake China in 2023. While both nations have 1.43 billion people each, India's economy is about 16 years behind China's economy, according to a median estimate of an analysis of various economic indicators in a recent Bernstein note. To further exemplify the business potential in India, China's economy is now about six times larger than it was in 2006, or about 16 years ago. Apple, for example, saw the potential in China decades ago and moved its manufacturing there. The Silicon Valley darling, which opened its first store in China in 2008, cut the ribbons on its first two stores in India this past spring. Last month, Apple supplier Foxconn detailed plans to invest an additional $1.5 billion in India to meet what it called "operational needs." Closures and disruptions at Foxconn factories in China during Covid caused disruptions for Apple, causing the tech giant to consider supply-chain diversification, which also includes a ramp-up of production capabilities in Vietnam. Taking into account economic dynamics and the years of strained relations between Washington and Beijing, it's no surprise that American companies are moving away from China a bit and seeking opportunities in India, which boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Currently, China's $17.7 trillion economy is No. 2 behind the United States' nearly $27 trillion economy, according to the International Monetary Fund . India's $3.7 trillion economy is the fifth largest in the world. Demographics Starting with demographics, our focus is on household income and specifically, the rise of the middle class. That population gives us the best sense of the opportunity for companies because it represents new buyers moving up the ladder and gaining more disposable income. According to a leading think tank, People Research on India's Consumer Economy (PRICE), India's income distribution breaks down into four cohorts: Rich, middle class, aspirer, and destitute. The middle class in India is expected to grow from 432 million (about 31% of the economy) in 2020/2021 to 715 million (roughly 47%) in 2030/2031 and to nearly 1.02 billion (about 61%) by 2046/2047. At the same time, the rich are expected to grow from 56 million (about 4% of the economy) in 2020/2021 to 169 million (about 11%) in 2030/2031 and 437 million (about 26%) by 2046/2047. Between these two cohorts, we'll see a targetable market for discretionary goods grow from about 35% of India's population in 2020/2021 to nearly 48% in 2030/31 and to about 87% in 2046/2047 all while the country's lower-income cohort shrinks in size. On an absolute basis, that amounts to about 884 million potential consumers in 2030/2031 growing to over 1.4 billion by 2046/2047. Also working in India's favor is the median age of the country, which according to the U.N., stands at 28.2 years old. That's more than 10 years younger than China's average age of 39 years old. For comparison, the United States' median age is 38.9 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Purchasing power Brookings also took a stab at trying to figure out when India might look more like China in terms of economic power, conducting an analysis of key drivers from 2019 and projecting out to 2044. The conclusion: India would achieve purchasing power parity with China in about 21 years. "This means that per-capita growth rates in India should be higher than China on a sustained basis," the report added. A closer look at labor trends and human capital best exemplifies the projected ascendancy of India ahead and the leveling-off of China. India's labor force is expected to outgrow China over the next 25 years at a rate of 1.8% per year versus a 0.7% annual decline from China. That's a 2.5% delta. A key reason for this divergence is India is starting out with a much lower participation rate, in large part, due to significantly fewer women in the workforce. But that low female participation rate currently 25% to 35% is changing and expected to reach at least 50% over the next two decades. China's female labor force participation rates stands at a whopping 70%. With about 43% of female Indian college graduates coming from the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, they may well prove to be the country's secret weapon as far as labor is concerned. Economic growth In addition to this favorable shift in wealth, a recent report from S & P Global Ratings estimates that India will expand faster than China in the coming years. The S & P analysts project China's gross domestic product growth to slow from 5.4% in 2023 to 4.6% in 2024, bounce a bit to 4.8% in 2025 and come back down to 4.6% in 2026. India, on the other hand, is expected to see its GDP growth rate accelerate to 7% in 2026, up from 6.4% in 2023. India also generates a significantly higher percentage of GDP from consumption than China about 71% versus about 53% an important factor for corporate sales. That brings us to August report from Bernstein, which asks the question, "Can India repeat China's 3-decade miracle?" After an in-depth, historical look at the differences and similarities of various economic indicators between China and India, the analysis yielded that median estimate of 16 years, which was mentioned earlier. Looking at some of the specifics, Bernstein believes India is about 15 years behind where China is right now in terms of nominal GDP and per capita income and about 13 years behind in consumption expenditure. Patents in India, however, are about 21 years behind China while foreign direct investment is about 20 years behind. However, given the advancements we're seeing in artificial intelligence, we wouldn't be surprised if India were able to pick up the pace, with some targeted efforts by the Indian government and support from multinationals, such as Apple and Foxconn, and domestic giants like Tata Group. Bottom line No matter how you look at it, we think companies are right to be investing in India. Comparisons to China aside, the country clearly has a massive runway for growth ahead. The population is massive, young, growing, and becoming wealthier. As Indians move up on the socioeconomic later, their buying power will increase and with it demand for goods and services. From a geopolitical and national security perspective, it also makes sense to diversify supply chains out of China. Even if tensions subside for a while, it's clear that China will always be a so-called frenemy after all, the runner-up in any race is always going to be gunning for the No. 1 spot. While the manufacturing of certain goods such as personal protective equipment and semiconductors should be brought back to the U.S., it's unrealistic to think that everything we buy will be Made in America or have a 100% U.S.-based supply chain. So, it seems to us that India is a natural choice for companies that don't want to depend on China as much and want to capitalize on a fast-growing economy that is nowhere near its expected potential. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AAPL, GOOGL, MSFT, AMZN, HON. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Apple's first physical retail store is located in the populous city of Mumbai. Punit Paranjpe | Afp | Getty Images Zhao Changpeng, founder and chief executive officer of Binance, attends the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France June 16, 2022. Billionaire Binance founder Changpeng Zhao cannot leave the United States ahead of his criminal sentencing because of his "enormous wealth" and lack of U.S. ties, a federal judge ruled. The ruling reverses a previous decision allowing Zhao, the cryptocurrency titan also known as CZ, to travel to his home in the United Arab Emirates before he is sentenced on Feb. 23. In siding with federal prosecutors, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones acknowledged, "This is an unusual case." "The defendant has enormous wealth and property abroad, and no ties to the United States. His family resides in the UAE and it appears that he has favored status in the UAE," Jones wrote in a six-page order Thursday in federal court in Seattle, Washington. "Under these circumstances the Court finds that the defendant has not established by clear and convincing evidence that he is not likely to flee if he returns to the UAE," Jones wrote. An attorney for Zhao did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. Zhao, the face and former CEO of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, pleaded guilty last month to a charge of violating federal money laundering rules. Binance itself also pleaded guilty to related charges and agreed to pay over $4.3 billion in financial penalties. Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs a symposium on advancing the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and delivers an important speech in east China's Shanghai, Nov. 30, 2023. China's top decision-making body of the ruling Communist Party on Friday said the country's fiscal policy "must be moderately strengthened" to stimulate economic recovery, according to state-run news outlet Xinhua. China's Politburo said it would continue to implement "proactive" fiscal policies and "prudent" monetary policies next year, in a bid to bolster domestic demand. Chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Politburo's Friday meeting analyzed the economic work to be undertaken in 2024. It pledged to effectively enhance "economic vitality," to prevent and defuse risks and to consolidate and enhance the upward trend of an ailing recovery in the world's second-largest economy. China's Politburo said that "proactive fiscal policy must be moderately strengthened, improve quality and efficiency, and the prudent monetary policy must be flexible, appropriate, precise and effective." EV automakers like Tesla , BYD and BMW have garnered a lot of attention from investors this year. However, one investment analyst says a better way to play the electric vehicle theme is to invest in the wider ecosystem. "We like autos we used to own BMW but the problem with pure EV companies is there's few that are profitable and cashflow generative at the moment," Steven Glass, managing director and investment analyst at the Australia-headquartered Pella Funds told CNBC Pro, naming Tesla as one such company. Year-to-date, shares in Elon Musk's EV company are up around 90% and were trading around $240 on Dec. 7. The stock has been on the radar of many investors this year and is part of the so-called "Magnificent Seven" group of stocks, which also includes Alphabet , Amazon , Apple , Meta , Microsoft and Nvidia . However, according to FactSet, of the 49 analysts covering the stock, only 21 give it a buy or overweight rating, while another 21 have a hold rating and six have a sell rating on the stock. The analysts' average price target on Tesla is $239.39. Still, Glass who was speaking on Nov. 29 said he remains bullish on Tesla, but pointed out that it was "not growing as quickly." "Part of the issue is a market deceleration, for example, in the U.S. last year to October, EV unit sales grew 69% - this year it grew by 49% over the same period. So, it is still growing but there is a big deceleration" he said. Meanwhile, other automakers like Ford , General Motors and Chrysler, "have not done a good job introducing cheaper EVs," Glass said. Longer-term plays Against this backdrop, the investment analyst is shifting his focus to companies in the industrial metals space. This includes companies that produce lithium a key component of EV batteries. "The move to EVs is going to have a huge increase in lithium," he said, naming Albermarle as one of the companies on his radar. "We look at the bigger players," Glass responded when asked how he decides what company to invest in. Shares in the U.S. lithium company have had a bumpy ride over recent days. Year-to-date, the stock is down almost 45%. ALB 1M line Albemarle shares over the last month Of the 29 analysts covering the stock, 21 give it a buy or overweight rating with an average price target of $184.04, according to FactSet, giving it upside potential of around 55%. However, Glass cautioned: "Now is not a good time to considering investing in Albemarle as it is trading on a good valuation, following a decline in the lithium space." He added that he expects the company to become a better investment once cathode makers which require lithium rebuild their inventory levels. "The inventory to sales of cathode is the lowest it's ever been in living memory. So, at some point, that's going to have to flick and when it does, Albemarle is going to be a big beneficiary," he said. Elsewhere, he is looking at French energy technology company Schneider Electric . "We're going to have all these EVs so we've got to have better electronic electricity networks. Schneider makes the nuts and the bolts for these electricity network. So, it'll be a big beneficiary," Glass said. Year-to-date, shares in Schneider Electric are up around 30%. Just over 60% of analysts covering the stock give it a buy or overweight rating on FactSet. A team at Google has proposed using artificial intelligence technology to create a "bird's-eye" view of users' lives using mobile phone data such as photographs and searches. Dubbed "Project Ellmann," after biographer and literary critic Richard David Ellmann, the idea would be to use LLMs like Gemini to ingest search results, spot patterns in a user's photos, create a chatbot and "answer previously impossible questions," according to a copy of a presentation viewed by CNBC. Ellmann's aim, it states, is to be "Your Life Story Teller." It's unclear if the company has plans to produce these capabilities within Google Photos, or any other product. Google Photos has more than 1 billion users and 4 trillion photos and videos, according to a company blog post. Project Ellman is just one of many ways Google is proposing to create or improve its products with AI technology. On Wednesday, Google launched its latest "most capable" and advanced AI model yet, Gemini, which in some cases outperformed OpenAI's GPT-4. The company is planning to license Gemini to a wide range of customers through Google Cloud for them to use in their own applications. One of Gemini's standout features is that it's multimodal, meaning it can process and understand information beyond text, including images, video and audio. A product manager for Google Photos presented Project Ellman alongside Gemini teams at a recent internal summit, according to documents viewed by CNBC. They wrote that the teams spent the past few months determining that large language models are the ideal tech to make this bird's-eye approach to one's life story a reality. Ellmann could pull in context using biographies, previous moments and subsequent photos to describe a user's photos more deeply than "just pixels with labels and metadata," the presentation states. It proposes to be able to identify a series of moments like university years, Bay Area years and years as a parent. "We can't answer tough questions or tell good stories without a bird's-eye view of your life," one description reads alongside a photo of a small boy playing with a dog in the dirt. "We trawl through your photos, looking at their tags and locations to identify a meaningful moment," a presentation slide reads. "When we step back and understand your life in its entirety, your overarching story becomes clear." The presentation said large language models could infer moments like a user's child's birth. "This LLM can use knowledge from higher in the tree to infer that this is Jack's birth, and that he's James and Gemma's first and only child." "One of the reasons that an LLM is so powerful for this bird's-eye approach, is that it's able to take unstructured context from all different elevations across this tree, and use it to improve how it understands other regions of the tree," a slide reads, alongside an illustration of a user's various life "moments" and "chapters." Presenters gave another example of determining one user had recently been to a class reunion. "It's exactly 10 years since he graduated and is full of faces not seen in 10 years so it's probably a reunion," the team inferred in its presentation. The team also demonstrated "Ellmann Chat," with the description: "Imagine opening ChatGPT but it already knows everything about your life. What would you ask it?" It displayed a sample chat in which a user asks "Do I have a pet?" To which it answers that yes, the user has a dog which wore a red raincoat, then offered the dog's name and the names of the two family members it's most often seen with. Another example for the chat was a user asking when their siblings last visited. Another asked it to list similar towns to where they live because they are thinking of moving. Ellmann offered answers to both. Ellmann also presented a summary of the user's eating habits, other slides showed. "You seem to enjoy Italian food. There are several photos of pasta dishes, as well as a photo of a pizza." It also said that the user seemed to enjoy new food because one of their photos had a menu with a dish it didn't recognize. The technology also determined what products the user was considering purchasing, their interests, work and travel plans based on the user's screenshots, the presentation stated. It also suggested it would be able to know their favorite websites and apps, giving examples Google Docs, Reddit and Instagram. A Google spokesperson told CNBC: "Google Photos has always used AI to help people search their photos and videos, and we're excited about the potential of LLMs to unlock even more helpful experiences. This was an early internal exploration and, as always, should we decide to roll out new features, we would take the time needed to ensure they were helpful to people, and designed to protect users' privacy and safety as our top priority." The Honeywell International sign sits outside of the company's former global headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey. U.S. industrial firm Honeywell said on Friday it would buy air conditioner maker Carrier 's security unit for $4.95 billion in cash to bulk up its building safety business where growth has slowed in recent months. The deal is Honeywell's biggest under new CEO Vimal Kapur and will offer access to Carrier brands such as electronic lock maker Onity, used by many major hotel chains, and cloud-based lock maker Supra. Carrier's Access Solutions security business provides residential, commercial and industrial security systems. The company was in talks with advisors to spin off its fire and security business, Reuters reported earlier this year. "Strategically, this is a hand-in-glove acquisition for Honeywell. It was the most logical buyer and so this is not a surprise, although the multiple is certainly much higher as already noted," said Wolfe Research analyst Nigel Coe. Shares of Florida-based Carrier rose 4.3% to $55.17 in early trade, while Honeywell fell about 1.4%. The deal will help bolster Honeywell's building technologies business, which has been struggling with low revenue growth this year due to weak demand. Honeywell's overall performance, however, has been supported by strong results in its aviation business. The all-cash Carrier deal is expected to close before the end of the third quarter of 2024 and will be cash-earnings per share accretive to Honeywell in the first full year of ownership. Carrier said it intends to use the deal's estimated net proceeds of about $4 billion to pay down debt. Its fire and security unit accounted for about 17% of its total sales last year. C.E.O. of Tesla, C.E.O. of SpaceX and C.T.O. of X Elon Musk speaks during the New York Times annual DealBook summit on November 29, 2023 in New York City. Tesla 's troubles with labor unions in Scandinavia deepened as it lost legal action against Sweden's postal service over its refusal to deliver license plates to the U.S. electric vehicle giant. The postal service's workers blocked Tesla license plate deliveries late last month in a show of solidarity with mechanics striking over the company's refusal to sign a collective bargaining agreement with employees, which is customary in Sweden. Tesla took legal action while CEO Elon Musk branded the move "insane," but a Swedish court ruled Thursday that PostNord will not be forced to deliver license plates for now. Possibly more concerning for Musk, however, will be the sympathy strikes spreading throughout Scandinavia as fellow unions coalesce their support behind the region's deeply entrenched principle of collective bargaining as a lynchpin of labor relations. Union members across a host of Swedish industries have joined the secondary strike action with members of trade union IF Metall, who have been embroiled in an ongoing battle with Tesla for around six weeks. Earlier this week, Denmark's largest trade union announced its own sympathy strike to prevent Tesla cars being delivered to Danish ports and transported into Sweden. Norway's largest private sector union then on Wednesday announced its intention to begin blocking vehicle shipments destined for Sweden from Dec. 20. The strikes then spread further across the Nordic region, as Finnish transport workers' union AKT on Thursday confirmed that a blockade on Tesla vehicles earmarked for Sweden would also come into force across all Finnish ports from Dec. 20. AKT Chairman Ismo Kokko said collective agreements for workers were "an essential part of the Nordic labor market system," according to Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Meanwhile, one of Denmark's largest pension funds on Wednesday announced it would sell its holdings of Tesla stock over the U.S. company's refusal to enter into agreements with labor unions. PensionDanmark sold the shares at a market value of 476 million Danish kroner ($68.8 million), according to Reuters. Hunter Biden attends an official State Dinner in honor of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the White House in Washington, DC, on June 22, 2023. Hunter Biden has been indicted on nine tax-related charges, including three felony counts, according to documents filed Thursday in a federal court in Los Angeles. The 56-page filing laid out a series of charges, including allegations that the president's son failed to pay taxes, failed to file, evaded an assessment and filed a fraudulent form. The indictment says that "rather than pay his taxes, the Defendant spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle." "Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the Defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes," the indictment says. The charges, which include six misdemeanor tax offenses, were brought by special counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee who previously served as U.S. attorney in Delaware and has been overseeing the federal investigation into Hunter Biden. The maximum penalty the president's son could face if convicted is 17 years in prison, according to Weiss' office. "According to the indictment, Hunter Biden engaged in a four-year scheme in which he chose not to pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019 and to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns," Weiss' office said in a news release. More from NBC News: Key senator blasts House GOP's funding threat as shutdown confrontation brews Senators resume bipartisan border talks tied to Ukraine and Israel funding Biden sees Ukraine aid as a priority. But to get it, he must solve a vexing immigration puzzle. Hunter Biden attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement that if the president's son's "last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought." "I wrote U.S. Attorney Weiss days ago seeking a customary meeting to discuss this investigation. The response was media leaks today that these charges were being filed," said Lowell, adding that Hunter Biden "paid his taxes in full" more than two years ago. NBC News obtained the letter from Lowell to Weiss' office dated Tuesday, in which he requested a meeting "that occurs in almost every white-collar investigation" to discuss the investigation. "We would like to avail ourselves of the ability to engage with you and such offices," Lowell wrote in the letter, which cited a Justice Department policy to "engage counsel in situations such as those that might be reviewed for other possible offenses." In his statement Thursday, Lowell said, "All these issues will now be addressed in various courts, the first to occur this Monday when the prosecutors knew our motions to dismiss their first set of questionable charges would be filed." The White House declined to comment on the charges. A White House official said it learned of the indictment from public reporting and did not have advance notice. The case was assigned to Judge Mark Scarsi, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump. 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Tom Suozzi debates in the race for governor at the studios of WNBC4-TV June 16, 2022 in New York City. New York Democrats have selected former Rep. Tom Suozzi to be their party's nominee in the upcoming special election to replace former GOP Rep. George Santos. Nassau County and Queens County leaders gathered on Thursday and voted for Suozzi, who was widely expected to emerge as the party's nominee. He previously represented the competitive 3rd District, which is based on Long Island, before leaving Congress last year to wage an unsuccessful run for governor. "Tom Suozzi has a proven record of fighting for his constituents, fighting to safeguard our suburban way of life here on Long Island and Queens and always advocating for sensible solutions to the real challenges affecting everyday average Americans," Nassau County Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs and Rep. Gregory Meeks, the Queens County Democratic chairman, said in a joint statement. It's not yet clear which Republican will face Suozzi during the Feb. 13 special election to replace Santos, who was expelled from the House after a scathing Ethics Committee report that found Santos appeared to break multiple federal laws in his 2022 campaign. The special election is expected to be hotly contested Santos was one of 18 Republicans representing districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020. Republicans are expected to select their nominee early next week, according to Nassau County GOP spokesman Michael Deery. The Republican county party chairs will select a nominee, and party leaders have been interviewing more than 20 potential candidates this week. Deery also confirmed that the party is working with a firm to conduct research on potential candidates to prevent a similar situation the GOP faced with Santos. After Santos was elected in 2022, news reports revealed that Santos had fabricated much of his background. Other potential Republican candidates include retired New York police detective Mike Sapraicone and Nassau County legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, who have both faced increased media scrutiny in recent days. Earlier this week, Politico reported that Pilip is actually a registered Democrat. Politico also reported that Sapraicone was accused in a lawsuit of ignoring evidence and drawing a false confession as a detective. Sapraicone's spokesperson told Politico the former detective was not aware of the lawsuit and that he "only worked in a supportive role during this case." Rakuten and German telco 1&1 on Friday launched a mobile network based on a new type of architecture as the Japanese giant looks to boost its loss-making mobile division amid mounting debts. The two companies said that it is Europe's first "first fully virtualized 5G network based on the new Open RAN technology." RAN stands for radio access network. Rakuten provides the technology while 1&1, Germany's fourth-largest telecommunication player, will operate the network. 5G refers to next-generation mobile internet that promises super-fast speeds. Open RAN is a new type of architecture for mobile networks. Traditional networks are made up of expensive hardware, such as base stations, usually from one or two providers such as Ericsson, Nokia or Huawei. Open RAN promises to allow a more diverse set of suppliers for different part of the network. The technology also requires less hardware and runs more on cloud-based software, in theory making it cheaper to operate. Rakuten through its mobile division, is providing and integrating the technology that 1&1's network is built on. The 1&1 partnership marks Rakuten's first full-scale commercial deployment in Europe of its mobile technology. The other one is in its home market of Japan, while it also has other trials going on globally. "I am sure that every single telecom company are now seriously contemplating to deploy open radio access (network), the question is when and how," Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani, CEO of Rakuten, told CNBC in an interview that aired Monday. Mikitani said Rakuten will help launch more full-scale commercial Open RAN networks in 2024, but declined to say how many. He said the number of launches will be "single digit." His participation in the vote scheduled for March 17 which was widely expected is all-but guaranteed to deliver him a fifth term in power amid widespread repression of political opposition. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday gave his first public confirmation that he plans to run for re-election in March 2024, according to state media. US President Joe Biden delivers remarks urging Congress to pass his national security supplement request, which includes funding to support Ukraine, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 6, 2023. Meanwhile, the fate of U.S. aid for Ukraine hangs in the balance little progress has been made since Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked an emergency spending bill to provide billions in funds for Kyiv, Israel and domestic security for the Mexican border. Republicans, many of whom are growing wary of the level of U.S. funding for Ukraine, are leveraging the bill to seek tighter immigration controls on the U.S. border with Mexico. Biden has indicated some willingness to make changes on border policy to pass what he argues is a crucial support package for Ukraine, the U.S. and the world, but the issue remains in limbo. The White House warned earlier this week that U.S. provision of military supplies to Ukraine will likely run out by the end of the year without the release of additional funds. Moscow on Thursday expressed hope the bill would continue to be obstructed. An aircraft marshaller guides a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft to a gate at John Wayne Airport airport in Santa Ana, California. Flight attendants at Southwest Airlines have rejected a tentative contract agreement, with 64% of them voting against the proposed five-year deal, their union said on Friday. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing nearly 19,000 flight attendants, said in a statement "this proposed contract is not going to heal the hurt." Southwest's flight attendants have been demanding higher pay and better work rules in the new contract. The previous contract came up for renewal in 2018. Rivals American Airlines and United Airlines are also still negotiating with their flight attendants. Delta Air Lines ' flight attendants are not unionized. The TWU Local 556 said on Friday, "we will go back to the table to achieve the collective bargaining agreement that meets the needs of the hardest-working flight attendants in the industry." Southwest's proposed contract included a 20% pay raise beginning next month and a 3% annual raise in 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028. The union had said that would have resulted in a 36% increase over the life of the contract for flight attendants at top of scale and up to 90% for other seniorities. The tentative agreement also provided for paid parental and maternity leave with insurance coverage. In the past two years, unions across the aerospace, construction, airline and rail industries have put up fights for higher wages and more benefits in a tight labor market. Southwest has yet to reach a contract deal with its pilots. Members and supporters of Starbucks Workers United protest outside of a Starbucks store in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 16, 2023. Starbucks said it wants to resume contract talks with the union representing its baristas, starting in January. Saturday marks the two-year anniversary of the first unionization of company-owned Starbucks cafes in the U.S. Since then, more than 360 locations have voted to unionize, representing about 4% of the company's total U.S. company-owned footprint. No locations have yet reached a contract with the company. The potential restart of talks could open a window to resolve a stalemate in one of the most high-profile labor disputes in the U.S. in recent years. The employees have pushed Starbucks to raise pay and fix what they call understaffing at cafes, among other demands. Labor laws don't require that the employer and union reach a collective bargaining agreement, only that both bargain in good faith. After a year, workers who lose faith in the union can petition to decertify, putting a ticking clock on negotiations. At least 19 locations have filed petitions to decertify with the National Labor Relations Board, but seven have been dismissed related to rulings that Starbucks broke federal labor law. Starbucks and the union, Starbucks Workers United, began talks more than year ago, but negotiations have been fraught. Both parties have accused the opposing side of failing to bargain in good faith. Starbucks has insisted on face-to-face negotiations, with no representatives appearing via Zoom. The union has accused Starbucks of using that excuse as a stalling tactic. "We collectively agree, the current impasse should not be acceptable to either of us," Sara Kelly, Starbucks' chief partner officer, wrote in a letter addressed to Workers United International President Lynne Fox, which was obtained by CNBC. "It has not helped Starbucks, Workers United or, most importantly, our partners. In this spirit, we are asking for your support and agreement to restart bargaining." In the letter, Kelly also outlines several conditions to resume negotiations, including no audio or video recording or feeds. If Workers United agrees, Starbucks hopes to begin talks again in January with a representative set of stores. The union said it received the letter, is reviewing it and plans to respond. "We've never said no to meeting with Starbucks. Anything that moves bargaining forward in a positive way is most welcome," Fox said in a statement to CNBC. In November, Starbucks workers conducted their largest-ever labor action, walking out at more than 200 stores on Red Cup Day, one of the chain's busiest days of the year. Starbucks Workers United said the strike resulted in one big change that baristas asked for: the ability to turn off mobile orders during busy promotion days. Starbucks said the change to its mobile ordering system was already in the works before the demonstration. Don't miss these stories from CNBC PRO: U.S. stocks aren't they only ones doing well global markets have also rallied in the past month. The S & P 500 jumped nearly 9% in November, while the MSCI World Index and the Vanguard FTSE-All World ex-U.S. Index each rose around 8%. Investors can use the relative strength index (RSI), which measures the magnitude and speed of price moves, to determine if shares have been overbought. Stocks with a 14-day RSI higher than 70 are likely overbought and may be due for a pullback. CNBC Pro screened the S & P 500, the MSCI World and the Vanguard FTSE-All World ex-U.S. indexes for stocks that are among the most overbought, based on their 14-day RSI. These stocks have also been screened to include analyst buy ratings of more than 50%, and with potential price target upside of more than 20%. Stocks in a variety of areas turned up, ranging from financials to automotives and the consumer discretionary sector. Among financial stocks, French companies Amundi and BNP Paribas showed up, with buy ratings of 77% and 68%, respectively, and potential upside of more than 20%. One gold miner, Barrick Gold Corporation , appeared on the screen. Investors have rushed into gold recently, driving prices up to a record high. Aside from buying physical gold, investors can look to gold miners to play the commodity. Analysts gave Barrick further upside of 24% and a 57% buy rating. Automakers such as General Motors and Mercedes-Benz showed up, with analysts giving them 38.7% and about 27% potential upside, respectively. In tech, one stock appeared: German semiconductor firm Infineon . Several large oil and gas companies are close to sending bearish signals to investors in the form of the dreaded " death cross " trading pattern. A stock price makes a death cross when its 50-day moving average falls below the 200-day moving average. At the least, that means a stock is losing momentum and, at the worst, suggests further losses may be in store. With so many upstream (exploration and production) and downstream (refining and marketing) energy stocks tied to commodity prices, the group has suffered lately as the benchmark Texas crude oil has tumbled below $70 a barrel a six-month low. Oil has come down in reaction to weakening demand in China, record production in the U.S. and skepticism over promised OPEC+ production cutbacks. Exxon and Chevron , the two largest U.S. oil producers, already formed the death cross back in November, weeks after entering deals to buy Pioneer Natural Resources and Hess , respectively. Exxon is down about 11% this year, while Chevron is off 21%, as of Thursday's close. Oilfield service provider Schlumberger appears to be heading toward a death cross. Still, virtually every analyst who covers SLB gives it a buy rating, according to FactSet. Occidental Petroleum is very close to entering the death cross. The company has a $49.7 billion market cap and Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway holds a 26% stake. The Wall Street Journal last week reported that Occidental is in talks to buy privately held producer CrownRock for more than $10 billion. The last time Occidental made a major acquisition, buying Anadarko Petroleum for $55 billion in 2019, the company was saddled with debt and fought a bitter board battle with activist investor Carl Icahn, who ultimately sold his stake. APA Corporation is also precariously close to forming a death cross. The midsize energy company formerly known as Apache has a $10.4 billion market cap as well as oil and natural gas operations in the Permian Basin in the U.S., Egypt and the U.K. Analysts are divided on APA's stock, with 50% positive on the stock and rating it a buy or an equivalent, 40% call it a hold and 10% at sell or are underweight. Talos Energy is on a razor's edge and could fall into a death cross any day, but analysts remain upbeat on the stock. Some 78% analysts covering the stock recommend it as a buy, while 22% have a hold. Vital Energy has already formed the death cross. However, most analysts are also positive on Vital right now, with 64% rating the stock a buy or overweight, 21% have a hold and 14% a sell. Former U.S. President Donald Trump departs during a break in the civil fraud trial against the Trump Organization, at the New York State Supreme Court in New York City on Dec. 7, 2023. The political action committee backing the 2024 campaign of former President Donald Trump paid at least some of nearly $900,000 in compensation to an expert witness in Trump's major New York civil fraud trial, the witness said Friday. The Trump Organization paid the remainder of the fee for the work done by the defense witness, New York University accounting professor Eli Bartov. Bartov, whose full-throated denial of any fraud by Trump and his co-defendants has been praised by the former president, said the compensation did not affect his testimony, NBC News reported. The figure offers a peek into how much money is being spent on just one small slice of Trump's legal battles, which are being waged in civil and criminal courts in numerous states and at multiple levels of government. It is not unusual for experts to be paid by the party asking for their involvement in a lawsuit. It is also common for the opposing party in this case, lawyers for the office of New York Attorney General Letitia James to point out that payment to undermine an expert's credibility. Such appears to be the case with Bartov in the $250 million fraud trial in Manhattan Supreme Court. James accuses Trump, his two adult sons, his company and its top executives of falsely inflating the values of his assets on key financial records. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron shake hands at the end of a joint press conference, at the State Department in Washington, U.S., December 7, 2023. The Biden administration issued its strongest criticism yet of Israel's military campaign in Gaza for its civilian death toll, as the Israel-Hamas war hits the two-month mark. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the U.S. concern for the protection of civilians in the besieged enclave, where local health authorities say that more than 16,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks. "We are focused ... on the imperative of maximizing efforts to protect civilians, and get not only assistance in but to sustain the higher level of assistance that was reached during the humanitarian pause and actually build on it. And what we've seen over the initial days is some important additional steps in the direction of doing just that," Blinken told the media in Washington on Thursday evening. "Having said that," he added, "as we stand here almost a week into this campaign in the south after the end of the humanitarian pause ... it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection. And there does remain a gap between exactly what I said when I was there, the intent to protect civilians, and the actual results that we're seeing on the ground." Honeywell International is putting cash to work with a big acquisition in the security space. And we think the deal could yield a huge pay-off for its stock. The industrial conglomerate said Friday it reached a deal to buy air conditioner maker Carrier 's security business for $4.95 billion. The all-cash deal is Honeywell's largest acquisition in eight years, and one that should bolster its struggling building technologies division . Jim Cramer on Friday called the acquisition a "win, win" for both Honeywell and Carrier. By acquiring Carrier's Global Access Solutions unit which manufactures products like electronic locks, video monitoring apps and fire alarms Honeywell is setting itself up to benefit from growing demand for safety and access solutions. "You will never see a roll back in safety and security," Jim said during an interview with Honeywell CEO Vimal Kapur on Friday. "This seems to be an asset that fits right into [the] idea that you are just going to have more security and more safety around the world. Your new company will play a big role in that," he added. Security remains one of the market's most secular trends, meaning its consistent over the long term and largely unaffected by short-term macroeconomic developments. The deal is also a play on the reindustrialization boom in the U.S., as a growing number of American companies look to bring their manufacturing operations closer to home. A host of new data centers, drug manufacturing plants and semiconductor fabrication plants will require digital access solutions and robust security options. HON YTD mountain Honeywell (HON) year-to-date performance Kapur told Jim Friday that the acquisition not only gives Honeywell the opportunity to build a higher-growth business with more margin expansion and better cash generation, but also broadens the company's customer base and end markets. "The penetration into the big companies is pretty strong [for Carrier's business] and I expect that to grow the value Honeywell is going to bring in," Kapur noted. Honeywell, which expects to close the deal before the end of the third quarter of 2024, said the acquisition should be accretive to earnings-per-share in the first full year after the transaction is completed. The news comes on the heels of management's recently announced portfolio restructuring in October, which aims to reorient the company around the mega trends of automation, the future of aviation and the energy transition. Kapur took over as Honeywell's chief executive in early June of this year. This will be the company's first acquisition under new management. Elsewhere, analysts at Jefferies said Friday that the the deal was a "sweet spot in terms of valuation." Global Access Solutions "enhances Honeywell Building Technologies with high-value capabilities under the Automation umbrella of its recent portfolio realignment," Jefferies analysts wrote in a research note. Shares of Honeywell were trading down roughly 1.5% Friday afternoon, at around $194.70 apiece. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long HON. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Honeywell International Inc. signage is displayed on a monitor on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York. Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images Goa is now the go to destination for Uzbeks, as the sunny state welcomed the first charter flight from Tashkent. As the tourist season in Goa reaches its peak, the inaugural charter flight from Uzbekistan touched down at the Manohar International Airport near the coastal state on Thursday. An official from the state tourism department told PTI that the flight, Centrum Air Q6 5545, operated by Elaine Avia in Uzbekistan and managed by Goa's Concord Exotic Voyages Pvt Ltd, arrived at the new Mopa airport in North Goa around noon. The tourists were accorded a warm welcome as the flight, scheduled to run weekly until the end of March, marked a historic milestone. The senior official highlighted that this journey is the precursor to a series of weekly charter flights linking Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent to Goa, continuing until March 21, 2024. Also read: State Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte expressed optimism about the commencement of a long and fruitful collaboration with Uzbekistan, emphasising the prospect of strengthening cultural exchange and tourism ties between the two nations. Khaunte acknowledged the crucial role played by the Indian embassy in Uzbekistan in supporting the charter service to Goa, underscoring its significance in fostering this development. Recently, Ikboljon Soliev, Counsellor at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in New Delhi told the CNBCTV18.com Travel Desk that the central Asian country is looking to tap the Indian market in a big way. We will be coming up with a slew of offerings, which the top diplomat said will be released in a phased manner from early next year. First, we will look to increase the number of flights to Uzbekistan from Delhi and Mumbai, he said. "Uzbekistan will strategically position itself as an alluring destination for Indian travellers, offering convenient flight options with IndiGo providing four flights per week and Uzbekistan Airways operating six flights per week," Soliev said. The ideal seasons for exploring the vibrant country include spring (April to May) when temperatures range from 21C to 31C, providing a warm and dry climate for comfortable exploration. Autumn (September to early November) brings mild and pleasant weather, perfect for engaging in outdoor activities. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 8) State seismologists downgraded Mayon Volcanos status from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 after they recorded a general decline in unrest since last month. Alert Level 3 means there is a decreased tendency towards hazardous eruption, while Alert Level 2 shows moderate level of unrest, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said in a bulletin on Friday. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) also lowered the alert status of Bicol regions emergency operations center from red to blue alert status, which means half of the agencys personnel is on standby for heightened monitoring on the matter. The OCD said it is looking into decamping some 52 families or around 195 people in Camalig towns evacuation center following the development in the volcanos activities. Camalig is among the areas surrounding Mayon. Rest assured that the agency would continue to provide all the assistance that local government units in the Bicol region would need during this time and until the Mayon Volcanos activities finally cool down, it added. Phivolcs said based on its monitoring of the volcanos day-to-day conditions, it has been showing improvements in the following parameters: - Volcanic earthquakes, recorded rockfalls, and pyroclastic density currentsor a mixture of streams of hot rock fragments, gas, and ashhave decreased. - Lessening incandescence of the summit crater and the 2023 lava flow deposits - Pressurization of the Mayon edifice has become less intense - Decreasing sulfur dioxide emissions But Phivolcs still reminded the public that the lowering of the alert status should not be interpreted to mean that the volcanos unrest has ceased, considering that the edifice is still inflated and SO2 emission remains high relative to baseline levels. The agency also warned individuals against entering the six-kilometer-radius permanent danger zone. The downgrading came six months after Phivolcs placed the alert status of Mayon at Level 3 on June 8. The number of evacuees reached over 20,000, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) previously reported. All in all, over 38,000 were affected by the volcanos unrest, the NDRRMC said. For more than a year, weve been hearing rumors that Windows 12, the next major release for Microsofts venerated operating system, could be coming as soon as 2024. As always, Microsoft has refused to confirm or deny those rumors. So when Intels chief financial officer David Zinsner recently hinted at a Windows release expected next year that would drive new PC (and thus processor) sales, tongues began wagging. Zinsner didnt set out to tip Microsofts hand he did it accidentally during a conversation with a financial analyst at Citigroups Global Technology Conference in September. In a transcript posted by investor site Seeking Alpha (free registration required), he is quoted as saying, We actually think 24 is going to be a pretty good year for client [processor sales], in particular, because of the Windows refresh. And we still think that the installed [PC] base is pretty old and does require a refresh, and we think next year may be the start of that, given the Windows catalyst. Most pundits came to the conclusion that he was referring to Windows 12, but the operative word here is refresh and not a version number. Whatever Microsoft has planned for next year, the label is irrelevant. If it requires new hardware, it will be a significant update to the Windows operating system, with heavy emphasis on (what else?) artificial intelligence and well beyond the capabilities of the current Copilot for Windows, its generative AI tool. [This is] something much more rich into Windows that will drive higher compute demands, said Bajarin. For the first time in a long time, youre going to see software that requires levels of compute that we dont have today, which is great for everyone in silicon. A lot of its based around all this AI stuff. GenAI on the desktop? The explosion of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard and the large language models (LLMs) that underlie them brought on server farms with thousands of GPUs. What could one desktop PC bring to the table? The answer is complex. First, the AI on a client will be inferencing, not training. The training portion of genAI is the process-intensive part. Inference is simply matching and requires a much less powerful processor. And enterprises are extremely uncomfortable with using a public cloud to share or use their companys data as a part of cloud programs like ChatGPT. The things that I hear consistently coming back from CIOs and CSOs are data sovereignty and privacy. They want models running locally, said Bajarin. AI training is very expensive to run, either in the cloud or on-premises, he adds. Inferencing is not as power hungry but still uses a lot of juice at scale. As models get more efficient and compute gets better, youre better off running inferencing locally, because its cheaper to run it on local hardware than it is on the cloud. So data sovereignty and security are driving the desire to process AI locally rather than in the cloud. Interesting times in the chip industry Heres the plot twist. Both Intel and AMD have spoken about adding AI processing to CPUs, with Intel in the lead for now. However, they have new competition. First is Qualcomm, which acquired an Arm-based desktop CPU startup called Nuvia in 2021 for $1.4 billion. It is now preparing to release desktop chips to compete with Intel and AMD under the brand name Snapdragon X Elite. Bajarin noted that the Qualcomm AI processor was capable of executing 45 AI TOPS (trillions of operations per second) alone, and with the CPU it can do 75 TOPS. Intels latest processor is only capable of managing 10 TOPS, and AMD hasnt released any figures yet. When it comes to the part thats most important for AI, which is the NPU (neural processing unit), [Qualcomms chip] is far more capable than anything Intel or AMD has coming out to market in the next 12 months, he said. And if that was not enough, Reuters reports that Nvidia is looking at developing its own desktop processor based on the Arm architecture. It already has a processor for servers called Grace Hopper. It wouldnt take a lot of work on Nvidias part to repurpose the processor for a desktop. And Microsoft has been very encouraging of supporting Arm on both the server and the desktop. So as the AI battle moves to the client and other endpoints, the two-horse race of Intel and AMD suddenly becomes a four-horse race with Qualcomm and Nvidia added to the mix. So it appears that IT is about to get more choices when it comes to desktop systems. That can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. Schizophrenia, a severe mental illness characterized by hallucinations, delusion and impaired thinking, has long been a lesser-understood aspect of mental health care, particularly in women. Recent research revealed that the prevalence of schizophrenia in American women, previously underestimated, stands at 1.6%, slightly lower than the 2% rate in men. Deanna Kelly, a psychiatrist and researcher at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, emphasized via National Geographic the urgent need for more attention to schizophrenia in women. Historical lack of research has led to a poor understanding of gender differences in the disease, potentially resulting in less effective care. Katy Thakkar, a psychologist at Michigan State University, noted significant gaps in our knowledge about schizophrenia in women. For instance, women typically experience their first schizophrenic episode in their late teens or early twenties, several years later than men, with some cases surfacing around menopause. Contrary to longstanding beliefs, women with schizophrenia may not necessarily fare better than men. A study from Finland published in Nature suggests women are slightly more likely to be hospitalized in the decade following diagnosis, despite being less likely to commit suicide. Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment Women with schizophrenia often face misdiagnosis, as seen in the case of Analisa Chase, a 31-year-old autism therapist from Takoma, Washington. Initially diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it took a decade for her to receive the correct diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder. Abigail Donovan, director of clinical services for the psychosis program at Massachusetts General Hospital, pointed out the challenge in diagnosing schizophrenia, as individuals often lack insight into their delusions. Family members and educators may play a critical role in recognizing symptoms, especially in men who tend to exhibit more pronounced negative symptoms like apathy. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Recent years have seen the emergence of First-Episode Clinics specializing in early interventions, which have proven effective in reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Gender-Specific Factors in Schizophrenia Estrogen is known to play a protective role against schizophrenia in women, potentially explaining the slightly lower rate of illness compared to men. John Krystal, chair of psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, told National Geographic that this hormonal protection may delay the onset of schizophrenia in women until after their teenage years, a crucial period for social development. The withdrawal of estrogen during menopause can trigger schizophrenia in some women. Thakkar highlighted the lack of information and treatment guidelines for women diagnosed in midlife, who may respond differently to medications and could potentially benefit from menopausal hormone therapy. Unique psychotherapies are also needed for women with late-onset schizophrenia, focusing on maintaining family relationships and addressing the challenges posed by the illness. BARTs financial future remains clouded, which is why Bay Area transit agencies are asking voters if they would support funding transit service through taxes. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle BART and the Bay Areas transit agencies would fail to pass a tax measure with the regions voters that would heavily subsidize their operations if the pivotal 2026 election were held today, new polling shows. The polling, unveiled Friday by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, is not much different from a survey conducted this past spring, nor are the results surprising. The new poll, though, includes a roadmap of what BART and the regions transit agencies need to do to get the necessary two-thirds support for a tax that would pay for their operations in lieu of raising fares. The poll shows that Bay Area voters want transit agencies to make the regions fragmented network of 27 transit operators more seamless to ride. Voters also want BART and other agencies to be held accountable for how they would spend the billions of dollars generated by the new subsidy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The regions transit agencies have forecast financial doom since the start of the pandemic, after riders ditched trains, buses and ferries, sinking transit ridership to all-time lows. Their doomsday scenarios have not come to pass. The federal government rescued transit agencies with huge subsidies allowing them to avoid layoffs and keep service running during the pandemic. California included a $1.1 billion bailout for transit in its latest budget that buys the regions largest agencies, BART and the SFMTA, more time before they start incurring nine-figure deficits. With ridership still down, the agencies want Bay Area voters to pass a tax in 2026 to pay for operations that used to be covered by fares. Such a measure would transform how BART gets funded. The regional rail agency used fares to cover 70% of its operating budget before the pandemic, a share BART wants to swap with local taxes. The poll commissioned by the MTC showed 55% of voters support a 30-year half-cent sales tax. A 0.17% income tax (51% in support) and a 0.36% payroll tax (55%) also received majority support, but well short of the necessary two-thirds approval threshold. About 80% of voters polled believed public transit is important to preserve, even if they dont ride it often. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But 62% of voters also felt the Bay Area was heading in the wrong direction, indicating tax fatigue. Voters ranked public transit at the bottom of the regions most important issues, of which crime, homelessness, housing and cost of living topped the list. The AC Transit bus service, which serves the East Bay, is among Bay Area transit agencies asking voters if they would support using taxes to pay for public transit. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Voters who rode transit regularly had more favorable views of agencies than voters who didnt. Were very mindful that today is not a time that people want to tax themselves to help sustain that transportation system, said Rebecca Long, the MTCs director of legislation and public affairs. But we also know that voters recognize that their quality of life and their overall cost of living would be much worse if the Bay Areas transit system were to collapse. Transit agencies will pursue legislation in Sacramento next year that would allow them to place a tax measure on the 2026 ballot, including by a citizens initiative, which would require a simple majority to pass. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bay Area transit officials say theres still plenty of time to generate support for a tax measure. Its a given that any measure would carve out funding for road repairs, which ranked as voters highest transportation priority. Such a measure, though, is unlikely to have the support of legislators and voters without meaningful reforms and oversight to how the regions transit agencies operate. More than half of voters supported accountability measures, better coordination of transit operators schedules and consolidating agencies in some form. Talk of consolidating some of the regions 27 transit agencies, which MTC Commissioner Jim Spering of Solano County recently called the elephant in the room, is not new. Consolidation could save taxpayer money by eliminating redundant departments across agencies. But the reason the concept is so popular among voters lies in the benefits that transit advocates say it would bring for riders. Riders have long called for a transit network that acts as one entity with integrated schedules and easier ways to pay. Such an experience, advocates say, would make transit more appealing to take, not just for frequent riders but for people who primarily drive, as well. Transit supporters carried a fake coffin and BART train at a pro transit funding rally and fake funeral for transit in San Francisco in June. Theres concern that, without more state funding or new taxes, Bay Area transit agencies will hit a fiscal cliff and be forced to reduce their service. Benjamin Fanjoy/Special to the Chronicle Transit agencies have said they support this vision of a seamless transit system, but have historically resisted making customer-facing improvements if they threatened their revenues or took away control of their fiefdoms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Transit officials say theyre making an effort to improve the riding experience. They point to a new Clipper system that will accept credit card payments and allow for more discounts. The regions operators are also working to integrate their schedules under a regional network management committee made up of transit executives and local elected officials. That effort relies on reaching consensus, which the MTC acknowledges has hindered progress. Another reason consensus is hard to achieve in the transit world: The 27 agencies are governed by a combined 228 board members. Several MTC commissioners who discussed the poll results Friday said it would be a wasted opportunity if a tax measure didnt accompany reforms to improve transit for riders. I think theres an acknowledgment that to achieve the reforms we want to achieve, we need to do more, said MTC chair Alfredo Pedroza of Napa. That means reforms. And that might mean reducing transit operators, that might mean strengthening MTCs authority to do that. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Commissioners signaled that they want to make greater use of their authority to push through changes for riders. But that could face opposition from transit agencies. One transit agency, for example, successfully lobbied in 2022 to kill state legislation that would have required operators to follow through on reforms, such as unified wayfinding and fare integration, that agencies said they publicly supported. Its clear, though, that talks of a seamless and accountable transit system arent going away. Matt Rife opened his debut Netflix special Natural Selection with an unoriginal domestic violence joke as a way to weed out watchers who wouldnt fully appreciate his brand of comedy. In hindsight, he probably should have been using that bit at the beginning of his photo-ops. Ever since Natural Selection released on November 15th, Rife has enjoyed the dubious distinction of being TikToks main character as his former fans, upset by his sudden and seemingly intentional heel-turn towards dude-bro comedy, formed an informal alliance with the haters who have been rooting for Rifes downfall ever since he was just that muscly crowd-work comic with the impossibly pretty face. Dissections of Rifes past appearances on Wild N Out and in-depth examinations of his dental work have been some of the top-performing posts on the content platform for weeks without any sign of slowing down as everyone with a fresh take on Rifes downfall competes for the top spot in the TikTok search results for the phrase Matt Rife sucks. Past stories of Rifes behind-the-scenes behavior can be found throughout TikTok, with one such anecdote coming from self-professed long-time Matt Rife disliker Emily Giangreco who recounted the time she attended a celebrity meet-and-greet event in Pittsburgh that featured Rife. According to Giangreco, Rife refused to take a picture with an excited elderly fan because he overheard some unspecified other person in the crowd claim that Rife was not even that funny but as Giangreco specified, that was probably just her. Advertisement Ever since Rife started the controversy over his new comedic direction, hes been thumbing his nose at his detractors in podcast interviews and fake apologies wherein he mocks his critics for being thin-skinned and easily upset. If Giangrecos story is truthful and the simple suggestion that Rife isnt funny is enough to set the comedian off, we can only imagine how hes reacting to the current wave of anti-Rife riffing thats been dominating his former social media stomping grounds for weeks now. As for the man in his sixties whom Rife supposedly snubbed because someone (probably Giangreco) vocalized their distaste for Rife's comedy, dont feel too bad for him it was probably just Jordan Peterson. Its not a novel observation to say that the winter holiday season has metastasized. Even I, a person who is thoroughly red-and-green-pilled, can grant that Christmas merchandise has no business showing up in stores until after Halloween, but its not up to me. Stores are only one location for Christmas creep: Theres also TV. The unstoppable dominance of Hallmark holiday movies has meant more and more networks and platforms are getting in on the genre: 116 original stories of merriment will premiere this season so many that Hallmark had to start its Countdown to Christmas on October 20th, squarely in the middle of what used to be the sacred spooky season. The vast majority of these are, well, its hard to say theyre new, since they tend just to remix holiday tropes already established in earlier theatrical or TV movies. But they do try to make you invest in their characters having a good time through their generic Christmas festivities, even though its hard to care because youve never met them before. It doesnt have to be like this, and in the U.K., it isnt. Were long overdue copying their holiday programming strategy. This is not to say the British just skip holiday programming. On the contrary, the market that has to make do with famously short TV seasons gets a little holiday treat in the form of one-off specials. Sitcoms like Blackadder, sci-fi series like Doctor Who, panel shows like Would I Lie To You?, gentle dramedies like Call the Midwife all have produced special, often super-sized episodes to air during the holidays, including this year. (My beloved Taskmaster, ever the iconoclast, has produced a one-off New Year Treat the past few years, and will air its latest January 2nd.) The original British edition of The Office used its double-length Christmas special as a series finale send-off for characters its audience had come to treasure; this year, the original British Ghosts will do the same. Advertisement Since American TV seasons are generally much longer than those of British shows, its more common for a Christmas episode to pop up in the normal course of events. But that just means networks and platforms here have the chance to get more creative. For example, Royal Pains. Because USAs medical dramedy was set among the rich and fabulous in the Hamptons, it was always a summertime show. Then, in December 2012, it was time for the long-awaited nuptials of Evan (Paulo Costanzo) and Paige (Brooke DOrsay). It was a story development big enough to make into an event, and an event that showed the by-then well-known characters in a whole new context: facing down a blizzard?! A few years later, Foxs revival of Fantasy Island was a summer show too, with sunny Puerto Rico standing in for the titular location. But after its first-season finale in September 2021, we got a very fitting December two-parter, in which a businesswomans fantasy is to see what its like to live in a wholesome cable Christmas movie. (No one mentions Hallmark, but then again, they dont really have to.) Advertisement The proliferation of platforms producing short seasons means theres a huge opportunity for us to check in with characters we never see any time close to the winter solstice, as with Fantasy Island and Royal Pains. Give us a Star Trek: Lower Decks one-off so that we can see how the various alien races on the Cerritos take to human holidays, or dont. Let me peek in on Manhattan, Kansas and spend the holidays with Joel (Jeff Hiller) and Sam (Bridget Everett) how do these noted mischief makers amuse themselves during the famously fallow week between Christmas and New Years? And what about The Boys? The people demand to know whether superheroes sociopathic tendencies extend to gifting fruitcake. Advertisement Or: give us one-off TV movies that dont have anything to do with the holidays at all. Today, 14 years after Monks series finale, Peacock is bringing us the TV movie Mr. Monks Last Case. It turns out OCD patient Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) didnt do so well during the COVID pandemic, leaning heavily on his stepdaughter Molly (Caitlin McGee) and ignoring everyone who continues to suggest he might benefit from returning to murder investigations with the San Francisco Police Department. When a tragedy derails Mollys wedding, Monk is moved to help solve the case, for her sake. Conveniently, several of Monks best friends many of whom had scattered by the end of the original series are back in town for the wedding, and also get involved in Monks sleuthing. Advertisement Altogether, it makes for a delightful and charmingly brief reunion, suggesting Monk creator Andy Breckman who returned to write the movie has noticed what the rest of us have: Though there has been a mania in recent years for TV series revivals, there isnt always a whole seasons worth of material to be mined from characters who seemed pretty well settled when we last saw them. If streaming ratings indicate that audiences might like a new story about their old friends, a one-off movie might be just right. Producers might be more likely to get even reluctant cast members back if the commitment is for a breezy 90 minutes rather than eight or 10 episodes. And, like Mr. Monks Last Case, just because you drop it around the holidays doesnt require it to be connected to Christmas at all, other than that itll feel like a gift. Jordan Parker is a breaking news reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. He graduated from Sacramento State University in May 2022 with a degree in journalism. During his time there, he spent three years as a reporter and editor for the university's award-winning student newspaper, The State Hornet. He spent his senior year of college serving as The Hornet's first Black editor in chief, leading the organization to two Pacemaker awards and several other national honors from the Associated Collegiate Press. When he's not chasing down a story, he likes watching movies, traveling and trying new restaurants. He can be reached at Jordan.Parker@sfchronicle.com. Alumni celebrate 50th anniversary of Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program Xinhua) 11:12, December 08, 2023 OTTAWA, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Alumni of the Canada-China Scholars' Exchange Program (CCSEP) and officials from both countries gathered at the Chinese embassy here on Wednesday to celebrate the program on its 50th anniversary. Giving a welcome speech, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Cong Peiwu said the program stands as a testament to the development of people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada. Cong said the alumni have become bridges for China-Canada exchanges in their fields. "I hope this program will bring more benefits to our two peoples, especially young people," the ambassador said. Jean-Phillippe Tachdijian, executive director of the international education division at Global Affairs Canada, said the Canadian government truly believes that international learning opportunities are key to building people-to-people ties and increasing understanding. "As a conduit to promote academic collaboration in various fields, the CCSEP also provides a positive tool for an enhanced Canada-China relationship and cooperation," said Tachdijian. "We look forward to working with our Chinese partners to ensure that the CCSEP will continue to foster a greater understanding between Canada and China." Jacques Fremont, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Ottawa, also said the program helps to foster a relationship between Canada and China. "This is very, very important," Fremont said. "We are building the future with this program." Paul Brennan, who was one of the first group of 20 students on the program to study the Chinese language at the Beijing Foreign Languages Institute in 1973 (currently Beijing Foreign Studies University), called for more people to take part in the program. "If ever there was a time for people to understand each other, particularly young people, to be able to go beyond the politics and the disagreements, and engage in people-to-people exchanges ... now is the time," said Brennan. Mary Udemezue, a Canadian student who just returned from studying at Wuhan University for one year, shared her experiences. "I recommend everybody to go to China at least one time or twice. Actually, I went twice. It's very welcoming. They're all very friendly. The food is great. I traveled to so many different provinces. Everyone was just really nice to me and they just told me about their individual cities as I went along. It was a great experience altogether," she said. Tina Hu, a Canadian student who spent this summer in Beijing, shared her study experience. "They were very receptive to alternative perspectives and they were able to facilitate a very respectful discussion on very sensitive topics." "I would definitely recommend it for anybody who is studying international relations as I am, anything of political science. Even just to learn about the culture and the language in China," Hu said. The Chinese and the Canadian governments agreed to establish the CCSEP in 1973 to enhance mutual understanding. Over the past five decades, more than 1,100 students and scholars have studied or conducted research in China or Canada, while nearly 380 Canadian students and scholars have studied in China since the beginning of the 21st century. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) June Jordan High School sophomore Al Tello, center, holds a Palestinian flag alongside other students after participating in a walkout from June Jordan to Balboa High School in October. A group of parents wants the school district to void an agreement with the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, saying it helped organize the walkout. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle San Francisco school district officials are reviewing allegations that an organization providing support to Arab and Muslim students violated district policies in helping organize and advocate for a high school walkout in support of Palestinian causes. Hundreds of students from several district high schools participated in the political action on Oct. 18, protesting the bombing of Gaza and calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. A group of San Francisco parents is now calling for the district to void a contract with the San Francisco-based Arab Resource and Organizing Center, or AROC, saying the group encouraged and helped organize the action, which interfered with classroom work and disrupted normal activities, in violation of the agreement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The founders of SF Guardians, which successfully led the effort to recall three city school board members in 2022, argue that AROC also ignored other antidiscrimination clauses in its agreement with the district by promoting antisemitic or anti-Israeli messages, including by promoting the slogan the River to the Sea, which many Jewish people believe implies the destruction of Israel. The controversy is the latest as Bay Area school districts navigate anger and division related to the war in Gaza. Districts are struggling with how to handle pro-Palestinian protests, teach-ins, school board resolutions and other actions with parents, students and teachers pitted against each other. Bay Area activism has intensified in school districts and elsewhere, as Israels retaliatory bombing of Gaza after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in southern Israel that killed 1,200 people has killed more than 17,000 Palestinians, according to Gazan health officials. Concerns about political overreach have been raised in recent weeks in local school districts, including whether teachers in Oakland violated district policy on teaching controversial subjects during a teach-in on Palestine liberation Wednesday, which featured suggested lesson plans that district officials described as harmful and divisive. Regardless of your position on this international conflict, we hope we can all agree on some basic principles, parents Siva Raj and Autumn Looijen said Wednesday in a letter representing the parent group to San Francisco Unified School District officials citing their allegations. In particular, political organizations especially those contracted by the school district and given privileged access to our children should not be in our schools organizing children to do political work and disrupting our childrens safe learning environment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Looijen told the Chronicle that while there is a diversity of opinions within the parent group, no one wants political organizations using their access to students to organize them in schools. AROC officials did not respond to requests for comment about violating the agreement, but did acknowledge working with the students on the action. AROC absolutely supported the students who decided to walk out on October 18th demanding a cease-fire and an end to the mass killing of Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli government, Lara Kiswani, executive director of AROC, wrote in an emailed statement. We are appalled by the racist attacks they have faced since speaking out against genocide. And we were grateful to be in dialogue with the district, parents, and teachers about this brave act of civil disobedience the same type of action that is taught in the history books of our schools, rightful celebrating the bold initiative of those who struggle for racial justice, for social justice, and for peace. We couldnt be prouder of the youth and students of our community, and look forward to supporting their future leadership and civic engagement. AROC officials declined to offer specifics on what support or other resources they provided to students to participate in the walkout. District officials informed staff in October that they are not allowed to organize, promote, endorse, or encourage students to participate in any student demonstration, distribution of materials of a political nature, sit-in, or walk-out, according to an official memo circulated before the Oct. 18 walkout. Staff is not authorized to lead students in a walkout. Advertisement Article continues below this ad AROC is under agreement to provide a range of services at nine high schools from July 2023 to July 2026. That includes tutoring, academic support, cultural and linguistic help, family language support and classroom workshops for leadership development and cultural empowerment, according to a memorandum of understanding outlining the agreement. It was not immediately clear how much the district was paying for these services. District officials said Thursday they were reviewing the allegations about the groups involvement in the walkout. It is our priority to ensure students feel safe and supported in schools, said district spokesperson Laura Dudnick. We will provide a response once we have had a chance to carefully review the letter. John Rogers, an expert on the role of public schools in a democratic society, said schools have a responsibility to take account of the diversity of viewpoints in the broader public. That means when theres a controversy to teach it as a controversy, said Rogers, a professor at the UCLA Institute for Democracy, Education and Access who focuses on how political conflict plays out in K-12 classrooms. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That said, if schools are providing the context and deep understanding around the issues and then offering connections to optional ways to participate in the issue, thats giving students the opportunity to be engaged, he added. The Sacamento River flows in the delta area near Courtland (Sacramento County) in July 2022. Gov. Gavin Newsoms office just released an environmental review for a proposed 45-mile tunnel beneath the delta that would ferry water from north to south. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2022 Gov. Gavin Newsoms office is pressing forward with one of Californias most contentious water projects of the past half century, as it released a completed environmental review of the proposed 45-mile tunnel beneath the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The $16 billion undertaking, which has been pursued in various forms by previous administrations, is meant to move water more easily and more securely from the states wet north through the vast, but fragile delta estuary to 27 million Californians living to the south. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The aging network of bays, canals and levees that now carries water through the delta is no longer reliable amid the threat of earthquakes and increasingly extreme weather with climate change, state officials say. The tunnel also would probably boost the amount of water that is exported from the delta. However, as long as state officials have been talking about a fix for Californias water hub, residents and environmental groups have fought it. Opponents fear any new conveyance project would siphon too much water from the towns, farms and fish in the region. The state also faces the challenge of securing funding for the pipeline, a hurdle officials insist theyll overcome. Climate change is threatening our access to clean drinking water, diminishing future supplies for millions of Californians, Newsom said in a statement. Doing nothing is not an option. Fridays release of the final environmental impact report puts the project in position to get the go-ahead from the state Department of Water Resources and secure the necessary state and federal permits. The tunnel is not likely to break ground before the end of the decade. State officials hope to have it operational 10 years later. The environmental document, over thousands of pages, lays out the expected impacts of the proposal, which the Newsom administration has tried to reduce by building a slightly different and smaller project than what was advocated by his predecessor, Gov. Jerry Brown. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shortly after taking office in 2019, Newsom announced that he would substitute a two-tunnel plan with a single pipeline that moved less water: 6,000 cubic feet of water per second instead of 9,000. Administration officials also wanted the pipeline to avoid running through the heart of the delta and proposed a course farther east, near Interstate 5, where they say it will be less disturbing to people and wildlife. Since the projects draft environmental report was released last year, state officials have made several additional small changes in response to public comment, namely how roads will be realigned and where utilities will be placed. I believe we have put together a project that has done as much as we can to minimize disruption, Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources, told the Chronicle. As proposed, the tunnel, officially dubbed the Delta Conveyance Project, would draw water from the Sacramento River through two large intake facilities at the deltas north end near Sacramento, where most of the estuarys water enters. Then, the water would be piped to the deltas south end near Tracy where a new pumping station would be built to push the flows into aqueducts running as far as San Diego. The tunnel would be 36 feet wide and run between 140 and 170 feet below ground. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is the biggest recipient of the state water that comes through the delta, though several Bay Area agencies rely on it, including the Santa Clara Valley Water District, Alameda County Water District, the Tri-Valleys Zone 7 Water Agency and many in Napa County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The receiving utilities will be responsible for funding the tunnel not state taxpayers which would probably mean higher rates for their water customers. For this reason, the financing has remained a sticking point, with some agencies hesitant to pony up. State officials say they expect to firm up funding commitments over the next two years. The states main selling point for the recipients of the water is not the promise of more of it but greater reliability. However, the Department of Water Resources does anticipate an increase in water deliveries of about 500,000 acre-feet a year on average, which is enough to provide for more than 1 million households. While exports from the delta are restricted by state regulation, more water would be available largely because the existing pumps that push water south are sometimes slowed or shut down to protect chinook salmon and delta smelt. The tunnel would move water past these pumps to a new pumping station, thereby avoiding the hang-ups and ensuring that more water could be exported during wet periods when there is surplus supply. State officials emphasize that, because of climate change, the amount of water flowing into the delta from mountain rain and snow will drop over the next several decades, making any increase in water supply with the tunnel that much more significant. Scientists have told us we will likely lose about 10% of Californias water supply by 2040 because of warmer temperatures, said Wade Crowfoot, state secretary for natural resources. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Critics fear that even with regulation protecting delta water, the new, huge pipeline would encourage the state to find leeway within the rules to move more supplies south, leaving less for the delta. Already, delta residents and environmental groups are frustrated by how much water is taken from the estuary. The area, particularly during drought years, has seen declines in its fish population, more algal blooms and increased salinity with incoming flows from San Francisco Bay amid heavy pumping. Were going to finish off the fisheries (with the tunnel), and were going to destroy culture and recreation and water quality for agriculture, said Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, a Stockton group that advocates for the regions protection. Instead of pursuing the project, opponents of the tunnel have called on the state to invest more in improving and restoring the natural flows in the delta while encouraging water agencies to develop local supplies rather than relying on exports. The idea of moving water beneath, or around, the delta dates back more than 50 years. One of the original state plans was to construct a peripheral canal around the region, a proposal that was rejected by voters in a 1982 ballot initiative. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger more recently tried to revive the canal proposal before Gov. Brown reimagined the concept with twin tunnels. Fernando Madrigal discusses proposed reforms at San Franciscos juvenile hall, where he had been incarcerated, during a youth empowerment conference. Madrigal, who has been sentenced to 33 years for involvement in two killings, continued to run with his gang while he bounced in and out of juvenile hall, prosecutors said. Courtesy of Fernando Madrigal Tensions pent up over four years of waiting for justice erupted into a brawl outside a federal courtroom in San Francisco on Thursday between relatives of a teenager gunned down in 2019 and family and friends of the admitted gang member who shot him. They started it! both sides yelled when asked what triggered the fight in the hallway, just after a judge sentenced 25-year-old Fernando Madrigal to 33 years in federal prison for gang activity that included killing Dayvon Hann and another young man, Luis Garcia. Some woman on the other side said, F you and what youre going through, and it was on, Hanns mother, Sharay Johnson, told the Chronicle after federal security officers and marshals quelled the fighting and both sides were dispatched separately to elevators. Madrigals relatives declined to speak to the newspaper. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Minutes before, Johnson had watched federal Judge William Orrick pronounce his sentence on Madrigal, who spoke only to ask for a smaller sentence and to be placed in a federal prison with educational programs. Madrigal said nothing to the families of his victims. He and his contingent waved to each other as he was led to jail. The courtroom was full, with roughly 40 people supporting Madrigal on one side and 40 on the other side for the victims. This hearing didnt do nothing, Johnson said in the hallway. My son is still gone. Before the sentence was pronounced, she was allowed to address the court and her sons killer, who sat at the edge of the courtroom in an orange jumpsuit. Dayvon was smart, funny but most of all he had a pure heart, she said. I will never understand why these measures were taken to take his life when he would have been a friend you needed. I am at peace. His soul is with the Lord and no longer accessible to you. Continue to lie, continue to boast, she told Madrigal. Were OK. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dayvon died four years ago when Madrigal, a Nortenos gang member, mistook him for a rival gang member and shot him to death in the Mission District. At the time, even as he ran with the Nortenos, he was a respected advocate against youth violence with community groups who apparently didnt know his violent side away from the conferences. Just days after gunning down Dayvon, Madrigal hugged the victims mother at a peace rally where they were calling for an end to gun violence. Fernando Madrigal killed Dayvon Hann in 2019 even as he advocated against youth violence with community groups. Courtesy of Fernando Madrigal Johnson was so distraught by her sons death that she moved her family out of San Francisco. Dave Hann, the teens father, took the courtroom podium Thursday to tell Madrigal to try to reform his life while hes behind bars. Im trying to be a bigger person, he said, staring at Madrigal. I forgive you, man. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hanns killing was the second shooting Madrigal admitted to in a federal plea agreement on sweeping racketeering charges reached with federal prosecutors in February. The first victim was Garcia, shot dead in July 2018 near Candlestick Point over what investigators said was a marijuana deal gone bad. Garcias body was found a year later in an Oakland forest. Garcias sister, Veronica Garcia, told the court after hearing her mother cry at the podium that her family is struggling every day to move forward. The holidays are not filled with joy, only sadness. Madrigals sentencing closes a chapter in a troubled life that began in the Mission District, where he grew up poor and joined the Nortenos as a youngster. Behind the scenes as he attended youth empowerment conferences and spoke out for justice reform, he ran with his gang, sold guns and drugs and bounced in and out of juvenile hall, prosecutors said. The involvement peaked with the two killings. Before his arrest, which came a year after Hanns slaying, Madrigal made enough of an impression on peace advocacy community groups that Mission District-area Supervisor Hillary Ronen wrote a letter to a judge asking for leniency for Madrigal in a carjacking conviction. She had also helped Dayvons mother find housing after her sons death and when she later learned that Madrigal was Dayvons killer, she apologized in a Chronicle article, to Johnson and to the Board of Supervisors, for having inadvertently helped him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She was in the courtroom Thursday to give support to Sharay, she said. Madrigal told the Chronicle in an interview from jail in the spring that he regretted his violent past, and he planned to take college courses and help troubled youth after hed done his time behind bars. Prosecutors told the judge Thursday that since spring Madrigal had stabbed a fellow inmate and tried to extort money from a friend outside jail. Johnson said she didnt believe a word Madrigal said. Hes a liar and a killer, she said Thursday. The vineyard was originally planted in 1973, and it was purchased by the Cupp family around the turn of the century. The company produces close to 30,000 cases of wine each year, making it one of the larger wine-producing entities in the state. Thirsty Owl is a restaurant and satellite location for Thirsty Owl Wine Company, which is the Cupp familys winery and vineyard located on the western shore of Cayuga Lake. We grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, some reds that you wouldnt think of from a vineyard in New York, said general manager Josh Cupp. The business offers a variety of red wines many others are unable to grow, he said, and its aromatic white wines and dry white wines, such as Pinot Gris, White Riesling or Gewurztraminer, sell very well. The business also offers sweeter wines to be able to cater to all pallets. In March 2013, Thirsty Owl opened its location in Saratoga Springs at 184 South Broadway. The space offers a unique hybrid experience, combining the ideas of a tasting room for the wines, as well as a restaurant, and a retail location. The food menu offers lunch, dinner, small plates and desserts, with a wide variety of dishes from burgers and mozzarella sticks, to soups and salads, to surf and turf, as well as seasonal options. Thirsty Owl in Saratoga Springs offers guests an interactive experience, Cupp said. It regularly hosts wine pairing dinners, offering different wines paired with food options. Cupp says he is not big on marketing and advertising, as he does not ever want to implore people to come to his restaurant. He would rather customers come in because they heard good things about it from a friend, or they had a nice experience the first time they came in and decided to come back again. If you want to come, youll have a great time, but if you dont, theres a lot of other great choices, Cupp said. You dont stay in business in Saratoga unless you have a really great product, because theres a glut of restaurants here. The Daily Gazette recently spoke with Josh Cupp about Thirsty Owl, and here is what he had to say: Question: What are some of the most popular items you serve? Answer: On the white side, the pinot gris and the dry riesling are two hugely famous dry whites. The diamond is our sweet wine best seller, and then on the red side our Pinot noir is always rated very high. Our Meritage. We have a blend Cabernet Sauvignon Syrah Malbec blend; or our trilogy, we call it CSM, its always a big seller. Q: What are some of your favorite things about running the business? A: I live upstairs, Im so close to the action. Its one of my favorite things -- and one of my least favorite. Its hard to remove myself from it from time to time. Especially these days, everyone has a lot of personal interaction . . . Im always out here behind the bar, Im never in the kitchen. Im always saying hi, or talking to people about wine, chatting with people, learning about their lives, getting to form those personal relationships that a lot of people nowadays dont. Q: As far as prices go, what are your customers spending on average, say for two people for dinner and drinks? A: Lets say they get a starter in the $15 range, then two entrees in the low $30s, a bottle of wine, probably $40. I would say if youre comparing us to other fine dining places in-town, were probably a little lower in price. If you were to reduce it to how many dollar signs, how expensive it is out of five, wed probably put three. Q: Should customers make reservations? A: We always recommend that they make reservations. We like reservations because they let us know how to staff accordingly, to know what to expect. Q: How did the business get its name? A: The story of Thirsty Owl is a fun story. When my father bought the property that had the vineyard on it, its gorgeous. So the story goes that he had maybe been cocktailing a little bit himself, and hes walking around the property, and it overlooks the lake, and he got turned around in the greenery, and he ran into this four-foot-six-inch tall owl who could speak English. The owl said, Congratulations on your purchase. Im sure youll do great things here, and make delicious wine. The owl said he had a deal for my father, the owl offered to protect the vineyard from the other birds and critters that wanted to eat the grapes, and all he had to do in return is to give the owl all the wine he wanted to drink. So, thus the deal was struck between my father and the Thirsty Owl. Marlene Kennedy is a freelance columnist. Opinions expressed in her column are her own and not necessarily the newspapers. Reach her at marlenejkennedy@gmail.com. Authorities identified the man as Mufid Fawaz Alkhader, 28, of Schenectady. He was born in Iraq, but is now a U.S. citizen, the affidavit reads. ALBANY Albany's Temple Israel shooting suspect fired two rounds from pump shotgun before fleeing and being arrested, according to allegations in a new federal affidavit. Alkhader was arraigned Friday morning and was ordered held pending trial. The federal law enforcement affidavit filed Friday morning alleges Alkhader "stood outside of the Temple Israel while possessing a Kel-Tec KS7 12 gauge pump shotgun" and then "fired two rounds from the aforementioned shotgun into the air." At least two dozen preschool children were on the premises at the time, officials have said. He was taken into custody shortly after. Thanks to the swift coordination between the ATF, FBI, and our partners at Albany Police Department and New York State Police, Mufid Fawaz Alkhader has been arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person," an FBI statement read late Thursday. While in custody, Alkhader told law enforcement that the events in the Middle East have impacted him and he regularly uses marijuana, the affidavit read. The federal charge is based on the allegations that he is a user of marijuana and possessed a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison, officials said. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins told reporters Thursday evening. Witnesses and officers reported the man said "Free Palestine," Hawkins said. State and federal law enforcement agencies were investigating the shooting incident at the Temple Israel in Albany as antisemitic incidents are on the rise nationwide two months into the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group in Gaza. Speaking from New York City earlier Thursday evening, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the then-unnamed 28-year-old local man was in custody and witnesses said he used a shotgun to fire the shots while making threats. Hochul said the suspect has a rap sheet and was seen walking around outside the synagogue acting "very suspicious. Police believe the man fired from the stairs outside the temple and then fled on foot several blocks before being arrested, Hawkins said. The rise of antisemitism that started centuries ago is dramatically on the rise in our own state since Oct. 7. It has increased and fueled the anxiety of Jewish New Yorkers throughout every corner of the state. Thankfully, at this time, no one was injured in this incident, but the fear that it has reaped, the fear and the anxiety that has caused, I know a lot of people are feeling really shaken right now. Hochul said. To know there's an individual who literally brought a gun a loaded weapon to their premises, shakes people to their core. They shouldn't have to be so frightened. The shots were fired from a shotgun around 2:30 p.m. and were immediately reported by an employee at an early childhood center located on-site. Police recovered shell casings. Police did not immediately know what direction the man was shooting, Hawkins said. A bystander was credited with assisting, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan told reporters. At the time of the shooting, there were at least two dozen preschool children on the premises. Hochul said the center immediately went into lockdown and parents were notified. She said the lockdown has since been lifted and the children were with their parents. Following the incident, Temple Israel Rabbi Wendy Love Anderson confirmed the lockdown. Our law enforcement partners responded immediately, and the armed individual was quickly apprehended; the investigation is still ongoing, Anderson said in a statement. We are deeply grateful to our civic leaders and law enforcement professionals for their swift response and close coordination throughout this harrowing situation. Anderson added the ECC concert planned for Thursday evening was postponed until next week, but the celebration to light Hanukkah candles would continue as originally planned and Shabbat services would continue as normal tomorrow evening. Albany Police Chief Eric Hawkins told reporters federal charges are currently being weighed. Hochul said federal law enforcement is currently leading the investigation with the support of state and local police. The governor said it wasnt the first incident at Temple Israel. The temple was one of several temples in the region that were subject to bomb threats in September. She stressed that state and local police and the National Guard were already directed to be on high alert and existing patrols were increased at at-risk sites for the first night of Hanukkah, which began Thursday at sundown. At a time, this beautiful holiday about to commence peacefully relishing the light of the world that's what the tradition is all about: the lighting of the candles. The state will not descend into darkness, Hochul said. We need this light to shine bright and for all New Yorkers to stand up for each other to defend each other's dignity, respect each other's differences because that is what New York is to its very core and always will be, but we must protect it. We will stand together against violence, bigotry and hatred, reaffirming our commitment to unity and understanding. Since Hamas militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, Hochul has announced a series of efforts to combat a wave of anti-Semitic threats and allocated new funding to address the issue. In late November, Hochul said there had been a 400% increase in Islamophobic and antisemitic rhetoric on social media and called on social media companies to increase their monitoring for content that contains threats or calls to violence. Earlier last month, law enforcement arrested 21-year-old Patrick Dai of Pittsford, in Monroe County, in connection to a series of antisemitic threats at Cornell. Hochul said the state will stand together against hate and these types of threats. We will not be threatened into submission and we will celebrate every aspect of the great Jewish traditions starting here with Hanukkah, because these must be kept alive as they have been through centuries of persecution before, Hochul said. We will tolerate no hate in the state of New York and I will use every single resource as governor of the state of New York at my disposal to make sure that everyone in the state of New York is safe. Following her remarks, Deputy Director of Jewish Affairs Eva Wyner, alongside Hochul, lit the first candle on a menorah and recited the blessings for the first night of Hanukkah. Bottles of nail colors are kept on these racks, near where owner Xin Yi Nikkie Zhang performs her work at ANC Nails & Spa in Perth. An honor guard from the San Francisco Police Department stands in the rain before a wreath laying ceremony for the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March at the Presidio's World War II West Coast Memorial Saturday, April 8, 2017, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg) Garret Doty stands in the halls of the Hall of Justice before attending a hearing earlier this year. Doty is accused of beating Don Carmignani, a former San Francisco fire commissioner, with a metal pipe in the Marina District in April. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle The high-profile trial of a homeless man accused of severely beating a former San Francisco fire commissioner with a metal pipe began this week with opening arguments, witness testimony and questions about whether the victim, Don Carmignani, would appear in court and testify. Garret Doty, 25, faces three assault and battery charges for the April 7 beating, which left Carmignani with 51 stitches, a fractured skull and a broken jaw. He has pleaded not guilty. Dotys attorneys have accused Carmignani of starting the confrontation and targeting homeless people in the Marina District with bear-spray attacks. The case stoked fears in the city about drug-addled homeless residents attacking everyday citizens but it also generated a backlash against unrestrained vigilantism as the counter-story emerged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Thursday, the first day of trial featuring opening arguments, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ross threatened to issue an arrest warrant for Carmignani if he did not show up on Monday. It was unclear whether prosecutors plan to put Carmignani on the stand, and he was not there Friday. Ross noted Friday that attorneys had tried on numerous occasions to get Carmignani to come to court for earlier hearings focusing on whether potential evidence is admissible. After the beating in the Marina District, Carmignanis relatives and friends painted the former San Francisco fire commissioner as the victim of a brutal beating by an unhinged homeless man. But Carmignanis role as victim came into question after Dotys defense attorney, Kleigh Hathaway, said her client was essentially acting in self defense. Hathaway accused Carmignani of acting as an anti-homeless vigilante and attacking Doty with bear spray before the incident, and fingered him as a man potentially responsible for victimizing numerous unhoused residents with bear spray in the preceding months. Those dueling narratives played out in court at San Franciscos Hall of Justice this week, where prosecutors are continuing to press their case against Doty. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Doty appeared in court Friday with his defense team, his hair long and straggly and with an untrimmed beard. Prosecutors and defense attorneys heard testimony from witness Stig Strombeck, who described watching the altercation between Carmignani and Doty with Doty brandishing a metal rod and Carmignani aiming a large bottle of bear spray at him. Carmignani sprayed until there was no more spray in the can thats what it looked like, he said. He was pointing (the bear spray) at the individual with a rod. The guy with the rod was trying to avoid being sprayed. Later, prosecutors called Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio, a neurosurgeon at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, who described the injuries Carmignani suffered during the altercation. He testified that Carmignani was brought to the hospital with multiple scalp lacerations, a skull fracture on the right side of his head, with broken pieces of his skull pushed into his brain or the covering of his brain. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Doctors had to perform a craniotomy, removing part of his skull to treat the injury. The testimony brought a tense back and forth between Ross and Hathaway as the defense attorney sought to introduce evidence that showed Carmignani had alcohol in his blood 13 hours after the encounter. After one attempt from Hathaway to question DiGiorgio about Carmignanis lab results, which Ross shot down, Hathaway asked the judge, Is this your witness, Your Honor? Hathaway has argued that his attack was essentially self defense, and came after Carmignani tried to run him off the block where he was camping by threatening to stab him and then spraying him. She accused Carmignani of spraying bear spray at multiple unhoused individuals in the Marina District. The incidents were documented by San Francisco police and delivered to Hathaway as part of the discovery process. Prosecutor Kourtney Bell, meanwhile, has argued that Carmignani was a victim and previously said that while Carmignani is not an angel, he still deserved justice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A month after the assault, Police Chief Bill Scott said Carmignani is under investigation for spray attacks directed at people living and sleeping on the Marinas streets over the course of several years. San Francisco police turned over eight police incidents dating to November 2021 documenting a man of Carmignanis description using bear spray on unhoused individuals. Six of the incidents occurred within two blocks of Carmignanis home on Magnolia Street in the Marina District, the Chronicle reported. As an imaginative child who dreamt of other worlds, film director Paul King read Roald Dahl's Charlie And The Chocolate Factory so obsessively that 'the pages fell out of the spine'. Even back then he was as intrigued by the mysterious figure of magical chocolatier Willy Wonka as he was by the story's hero, Charlie Bucket. So when Paul, who'd seen tremendous success as the co-writer and director of the Paddington films, was asked what he wanted to do next, a prequel exploring how Willy Wonka came to be the man he did seemed the obvious choice. 'He's this extraordinary creation,' says Paul. 'This unknowable magician, inventor and chocolate-maker who can make dreams come true, and extraordinary things happen around him. 'So I thought about what would happen if you put Willy Wonka at the heart of the story and explored what happened to him before he was the man in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.' Starring as Willy Wonka, Dune actor Timothee Chalamet had intensive song and dance workshops before filming started The film, which is likely to be one of the biggest treats of the festive cinema season, stars a raft of British A-listers from Rowan Atkinson and Olivia Colman to Sally Hawkins. In a scene-stealing role, Hugh Grant plays Lofty, one of the pint-sized Oompa Loompas Willy Wonka's workers. 'When I went back to the books I realised there was so much more to the Oompa Loompas,' says Paul. 'In the 1971 film with Gene Wilder they sing but there isn't much dialogue but in the books they have these great long poems and they're incredibly sarcastic and cruel. This character's a real s**t... they don't hold back. And so I thought of Hugh Grant 'There's something very Roald Dahl about these creatures, they really don't hold back. So I was thinking about this character who's a real s**t and then I thought of Hugh. 'He's the funniest, most sarcastic s**t I've ever met, and I was so pleased when he said yes.' Hugh got some of the greatest acclaim of his career playing the villain Phoenix Buchanan in the Paddington sequel, and Paul says he loves having the former heart-throb play against type. 'I now have a track record with Hugh of asking him to perform these incredibly embarrassing characters. But he does it with such bravado and humour, it's so funny to see him 18 inches tall and completely full of himself.' Rowan, Olivia, Matt Lucas, Paterson Joseph and Matthew Baynton all play baddies determined to stop the idealistic young Willy fulfilling his dreams of doing something special with chocolate, while Sally, another Paddington star, plays the mother who inspires him. A-listers Olivia Colman and Hugh Grant both feature in Wonka, with Colman playing Mrs Scrubbit, one of the villains, and Grant playing Lofty, one of the miniature Oompa Loompas Willy Wonka's workers Dune actor Timothee Chalamet is at the centre of it all as Willy, who enlists the help of young orphan Noodle (Calah Lane) as he attempts to break the cartel running the world's chocolate industry and set up his own shop. He has called the role 'a dream come true' as he grew up watching the 1971 version of Roald Dahl's tale, starring Gene Wilder. 'The film is about why he's so driven to become this extraordinary chocolate maker; I want to answer the question of how he became what he did,' says Paul. 'We couldn't have a better leading man than Timothee he's irritatingly young, successful, charming and kind. He's a special talent, and he can sing and dance too.' The film is a musical and takes some of the most memorable tunes from the 1971 movie (the later Johnny Depp version is not apparently on the radar). New music has also been written for it by Neil Hannon from the Divine Comedy and Timothee had intensive song and dance workshops before filming started. 'I love that while so many people his age would have been tempted to put on a superhero outfit and go and save the world, he was happy to put on a pair of leaky leather boots and do some tap dancing,' says Paul. 'I think that's a tribute to how he wants to do different sorts of movies.' Because the film was made during the pandemic, a huge set was built at Leavesden Studios in Watford to create the magical world of Wonka. 'My original plan was to make a sort of companion piece to the 1971 movie. I looked at the places where they filmed [Germany and Switzerland] with the plan of capturing that vibe,' says Paul. Rowan Atkinson and Matt Lucas both play baddies determined to stop the idealistic young Willy fulfilling his dreams The Shape of Water star Sally Hawkins plays Willy's mother in the new Wonka film directed by Paul King 'But it was impossible to go abroad at that point so we said, "We'll just build the city!" I think that really works because Dahl's books are not entirely set in the real world. And so it was fun to make this a storybook world which feels cohesive rather than a place where magic just drops into a more mundane world.' With magic, music and lots of chocolate, Wonka will hopefully be as well-received as the previous Chocolate Factory films. 'When I went back to Dahl's archive it made me realise why I loved his work so much,' says Paul. 'He was definitely interested in taking Willy Wonka on there are all sorts of drafts of stories about him that don't go anywhere. To be able to have a look at that and play around with the character has meant so much to me.' Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde got into the festive spirit this evening and enjoyed a Christmas market together. The happy couple visited the festive stalls at the Frauenkirche in Dresden, where they soaked up the vibrant Christmas atmosphere. For the fun-filled trip, Philippe, 63, and Mathilde, 50, were joined by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer. The group were photographed enjoying a festive drink together. Mathilde appeared to be in great spirits as she held up her tea cup with a broad smile across her face. The mother-of-four cut an elegant figure for the occasion and donned a mid-length red dress. Queen Mathilde of Belgium (pictured) put on an elegant display as she visited a Christmas market in Dresden, eastern Germany, today Mathilde coordinated the brightly coloured dress with a matching hat in a similarly bright shade. Dressing for the cold weather, she added a caramel-coloured cape with a fur trim lining and a practical pair of leather gloves. Meanwhile, King Philippe looked dapper in a warm black overcoat, which he matched with a gold patterned scarf. The area is renowned for its spectacular Christmas markets, where merry-goers can expect to experience a range of stalls selling pottery, glass ornaments, and Vogtland lace, according to the market's website. It comes after Mathilde glowed in a black dress with a statement sequin bow as she stepped out with King Philippe to attend a concert. The Belgian royal wore the fitted floor-length black dress with long sleeves as she arrived at the Royal Band of Guides gala concert at the Palace of Fine Arts in Bozar, Brussels. The event was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of King Philippe's reign. The 50-year-old royal looked radiant as she enjoyed all that the German Christmas market had to offer King Philippe of Belgium (second left) and Queen Mathilde of Belgium (left) toasted with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (right) and the German President's wife Elke Buedenbender (centre) Mathilde was joined by the wife of the president of Germany, Elke Budenbender (pictured left), and Annett Hofmann (pictured right), the wife of the Minister of Saxony The group enjoyed a festive beverage and cake during their visit to the Christmas market in Dresden Mathilde paired her dress with black pumps, dazzling drop earrings and a black patent clutch bag - and also carried a posy of flowers with her as she walked alongside her husband, who was dressed in military regalia. The stylish royal wore her hair in a sleek updo, parted at the side and swept away from her face, and opted for a nude lip and a touch of blush. As the royal couple walked into the theatre, they greeted people involved in organising the celebratory concert. A little girl in a stunning royal blue dress, believed to be performing in the concert, delighted the royals as they were introduced to her and beamed while they chatted to her. The celebratory concert, marking 10 years since King Philippe ascended the throne, comes as the couple's daughter, Princess Elisabeth, begins to step up her role as a royal on the international stage. The group seemed to get on very well with one another, and were photographed having a laugh The Belgian royals enjoyed all that the Christmas market had to offer - including the food and drink The Belgian monarch appeared focused while watching a craftsman work at his stall in the Dresden Christmas market In October this year, to mark the Princess's 22nd birthday, official portraits were released to mark the occasion. Elisabeth put on a typically stylish display as she posed in her new portraits. Elisabeth donned an elegant 795 embroidered mesh top from Dries Van Noten with a pair of black trousers in the snaps, which were shared on Belgian Royal Palace's official X account (formerly called Twitter). Elisabeth smiled as she looked towards the camera in the photographs, wearing a stunning pair of diamond earrings for the occasion. She opted for a sweep of dark eyeliner across her lids, and a dash of blusher across her cheeks. Princess Elisabeth will ascend the throne after her father. A change in the law a decade ago made it possible for the eldest child, male or female, to ascend the throne in the country. She will become the country's first Queen Regent if she takes up the role. The 50-year-old chatted with Elke Budenbender as they toured the Christmas market stalls today The pair seemed particularly fascinated by one food stall, and appeared to order something Mathilde opted for a natural makeup look for the occasion, complete with a nude lip and a touch of blusher The royal mother-of-four closely observed what each stall had to offer at the annual festive market The 22-year-old recently started her third and final year at Oxford University, where she is studying for a bachelors degree in history and politics. Elisabeth is believed to have chosen the course herself, in agreement with her parents, and reportedly consulted with alumni from various universities and made her decision based on what would be most useful to her in her role as queen later in life. According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the princess completed a written entrance exam in history 'anonymously' so that her social status would not affect her marks. Last month Elisabeth was also one of several guests from the new generation of European royals to attend Prince Christian of Denmark's 18th birthday. She posed for a stunning photo with the birthday boy, plus three other future European monarchs; Princess Estelle of Sweden, Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway and Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands. Followers were in hysterics over the X-rated Elf on the Shelf scene A father has landed himself on the naughty list this holiday season after putting his children's Elf on the Shelf in a very compromising position when he was put in charge of setting it up one night. Erisa Laska, from Nevada, took to social media to share footage of the X-rated scene she came across after giving her husband Endri the task of coming up with a creative way of laying out their elf. In the short clip, the mom-of-four shared where the naughty elf had spent the night - filming from her point of view as she walked through a door and into the laundry room - only to find the elf enjoying a bubble bath in the sink with two scantily-clad dolls in the water beside him. The cheeky elf is clad in his Christmas attire along looking rather happy with himself in the soapy water - with three plastic Barbie-looking dolls either side and opposite him. Erisa Laska shared the hilarious scene her husband left her kid's Elf on the Shelf in, showing him in a scenario more X-rated than X-Mas. One elf has decided he's naughty and not so nice this Christmas - caught in a very precarious position in a makeshift hot tub with some scantily clad plastic ladies Next to the elf's head was a small Tito's vodka bottle, showing elf to have had a very fun - and rather boozy - evening out on the town with his trio of ladies. 'When your husband is in charge of Elf on the Shelf,' she wrote on the video, which has been viewed over 1.7 million times. However, she did say that was his one and only chance to place the Christmas toy in a different position. 'He is no longer in charge,' she declared in the caption. There was no reaction from the couple's kids in the video, but TikTok users were left in hysterics over the cheeky gag - with hundreds of comments flooding in 'Hes really trying to tell you what he wants for Christmas,' one follower joked. 'He played that right. He probably never wanted that duty,' another laughed. 'Elf is a player . Whats wrong with this?' wrote another. The Christmas elf had a beautiful plastic lady surrounding him on all sides in his hot tub Mom Erisa and her husband (pictured) were moving the elf around for their four children Erisa assured followers that would be the last time her husband is in charge of Elf on the Shelf Followers were in hysterics over the Elf on the Shelf X-rated scene, with some even suggesting her husband had done it on purpose to free himself of the task 'Elf on the shelf is officially not a child thing anymore!' declared another. 'So much dirty elfs on TikTok.' Elf on the Shelf is based on a 2005 children's picture book of the same name, written by American authors Carol V. Aebersold and Bell Chanda. The story tells the tale of how scout elves are dispatched to homes from the North Pole at the start of Advent. Their job is to tell Santa who's been naughty or nice. Part of the elves' trickery is they 'mysteriously' move around the house - possibly with the aid of parents - leaving kids confused and quite possibly on their best behavior. The book has led to a global trend for parents using Elf on the Shelf toys - and the countless imitations it has spawned - to keep their little ones in line in the run up to Christmas. Philemon Chambers, left, as Nick and Michael Urie as Peter in Single All the Way. Philippe Bosse/Netflix John (Dan Levy) and Abby (Kristen Stewart) in Happiest Season. Hulu Abby (Kristen Stewart, left) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) in Happiest Season. Lacey Terrell/Hulu Abby (Kristen Stewart, left) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) in Happiest Season. Jojo Whilden/Hulu Drag performers Jinkx Monsoon and Ben DeLaCreme in Happiest Season. Lacey Terrell/Hulu Anne-Marie Trabolsi, left, as Sam and Dominique Brillon as Dana, together before the menorah in Girlsam. John E. Kilberg Emily Goss as Iris and Laur Allen as Mardou in Season of Love, streaming on Tello Films. Courtesy Tello Films The past several years have seen an explosion in holiday films that celebrate LGBTQ people. Representation has come a long way since 2005s The Family Stone, where queer characters are relegated to side plots. Now, queerness gets right in the center of the family Christmas photo. Here are five must-see films for the holidays. Happiest Season (2020) Happiest Season is the logical holiday evolution of all the classic coming-out queer films of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kristin Stewart (Spencer) stars as Abby, a young lesbian who is ready to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) at Harpers family Christmas. However, Harper lies to Abby about being out to her family, leading to a tense, closeted time for the couple that threatens to break them up. Directed and co-written by Clea DuVall, Happiest Season explores all the ways that a familys lack of openness can hurt people. Watch it: Streaming on Hulu. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Girlsam (2019) There are surprisingly no full-length Hanukkah movies about same-sex couples. However, there is one fantastic and sweet short film written and directed by John E. Kilberg. The story centers on Sam (Anne-Marie Trabolsi), whose girlfriend Dana (Dominique Brillon) refuses to invite her to Hanukkah because Danas family doesnt know that Sam is a woman. Sam is resigned to spending the holiday alone with their cat, which she promptly lets out of a window. Desperate to not admit she lost the pet, Sam finds the courage to tell Dana how much she wants to be fully in her life. Watch it: Streaming on Vimeo. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Season of Love (2019) Six womens love lives intertwine in this cult holiday classic. Its a Christmas film, so dont worry too much about a sad ending. That said, every scene is full of tense, will they, wont they? moments that get your heart racing. At the center of the story is Iris (Emily Goss), a bride whose wedding gets canceled and who has a complete crisis of faith when it comes to love. From that high-stakes beginning, the other leads (Dominique Provost-Chalkley, Sandra Mae Frank, Laur Allen, Janelle Marie Rodriguez and Jessica Clark) weave in and out of the story on a lovely, comforting journey. Its hard to imagine a more perfect queer rom-com. Watch it: Streaming on Tello Films. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Single All the Way (2021) Director Michael Mayers Single All the Way uses every trick in the festive rom-com book. Theres our hero Peter (Michael Urie), who is too embarrassed to go home for the holidays after a relationship crumbles, and whose advertising firm makes him come up with a new campaign over Christmas to boot. His best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) agrees to pretend to be Peters boyfriend, but its pretty clear that theres more there than friendship. Finally, there are some brilliant scenes with ridiculous mixed signals, a blind date with a hot spin instructor and a hilarious childrens holiday pageant. Watch it: Streaming on Netflix. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I Hate New Years (2020) Of course, the holiday season ends with New Years Eve, so here is a queer love story to round out 2023. Layne (Dia Frampton) is a frustrated pop star who returns to her hometown of Nashville to overcome some writers block. While shes there, she starts looking up exes for writing material, but starts to develop feelings for her childhood best friend, Cassie (Ashley Argota). The film has many fantastic musical moments, including a banger of a duet by the two leads called Flatline. This is the closest weve come to a queer holiday musical thus far, and its a very good start. Watch it: Streaming on Apple TV+. Last year Chanel staged its annual Metiers d'Art show in Dakar on a boiling hot December day. This year the French fashion house transformed Thomas Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter for one night only into a glass canopy-covered catwalk and the fashion front row and celebrity invitees were wrapped up against the freezing cold... some less than others. Chanel chose the city that gave us The Smiths, New Order and Oasis for its vibrancy and pop culture connections; fittingly Gene and Lennon Gallagher, the sons of Oasis frontman Liam, were there in the front row representing the new generation of cool Britannias. On the catwalk the clothes were colourful and uplifting in bright shades of orange, red, sky blue and green, but in the audience the mood was more subdued, classic Chanel with lots of black and white and quilted handbags. British celebrities there for the show included one of the brand's ambassadors, 63-year-old Tilda Swinton, elegant in a sharply tailored black double-breasted tweed coat from Chanel's haute couture Autumn/Winter 23/24 collection, tightly buttoned over a starched white shirt. Kristen Stewart in a coat dress. This year the French fashion house transformed Thomas Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter for one night only into a glass canopy-covered catwalk British actress Lucy Boynton, 29, wore a next-season Chanel black and white spotted Pierrot style mini-dress, with striped white tights and white mary janes, while the model Laura Bailey, 51, wore this season's classic longer jacket skirt suit in black and white checked tweed in a ladies-who-lunch fashion, her hair pulled tightly back in a black bow and a quilted Chanel bag on her shoulder. Only Jenna Coleman, 37, bucked the black and white trend in a long brown wrap tweed coat with black boucle lapels from the fashion house's Cruise 23/24 collection. Coat dresses were out in force and the actress and brand ambassador Kristen Stewart, 33, put her signature edgy spin on a Chanel haute couture Spring/Summer 23 tweed coat dress, worn with nothing underneath and unbuttoned to well below her sternum. 'With nothing underneath' was a recurring theme of the night: the message was that the modern way to wear your Chanel tweed is against your skin with a dash of red lipstick. Fashion fans: Gene and Lennon Gallagher attend the show this evening Channelling Chanel: Jenna Coleman put on a glamorous display in a tweed coat Having fun! Lucy Boynton commanded attention in a Pierrot-style mini dress The royal experts believe that Kate has put on a masterful performance this week The Princess of Wales has proven she is cut out for the 'rough and tumble' of royal life with her eloquent execution of this week's events - despite the royal race row following the release of Omid Scobie 's book, experts have told Palace Confidential. The Daily Mail's diary editor Richard Eden noted that Kate's calm and confident composure during a string of public appearances this week, including the Buckingham Palace Diplomatic Reception and the Royal Variety Show, has demonstrated her 'fitness to be a Queen'. Her coolness comes after King Charles and Kate Middleton were named as the royals alleged to have made remarks about the skin colour of Prince Archie in a Dutch translation of Scobie's new book, Endgame. Royal editor Rebecca English noted that this isn't the first time the Princess of Wales has shown courage in the face of turmoil. In 2012, French magazine Closer printed images of the then Duchess of Cambridge, sunbathing in the south of France in 2012 - but her response was stoic and professional. Having spent time with the royal in Malaysia on the day the media storm commenced, Rebecca found Kate to be 'as cool as a cucumber' and as 'elegant and as affable as she'd ever been' even though William, on the other hand, was tense with anger. The Princess of Wales (pictured above at the Buckingham Palace Reception for Diplomats) has proven her 'fitness to be a Queen' this week, according to PALACE CONFIDENTIAL experts Host Jo Elvin went on to ask Mr Eden about Omid Scobie's constant reference to the Princess of Wales as 'Katie Keen' in Endgame - a character from American cult comic book series Archie. Katy Keene, it turns out, is a well-known character in the cult American comic book series Archie. And, by pure coincidence, also happens to be a favourite of Meghan's. Indeed, just last year the former actress used her Archetypes podcast series (RIP) to tell listeners about her love of the comic. 'I read a lot of Archie Comic books as a child,' she told Mindy Kaling. 'I always wanted this cookie-cutter perfect life.' In the 1960s cartoon, later turned into a television series starring Lucy Hale, Katy is the girl-next-door, eager for fame and dripping with ambition, who eventually becomes a Broadway star. Meghan, meanwhile, made clear that she sees herself more as Betty the kind but meek character in the Archie stories known for rescuing wounded birds and helping the homeless. 'I'm the smart one, not the pretty one,' she informed Kaling. Talking on the podcast, Mr Eden further explained: 'Omid Scobie, who is British, who grew up in Britain, who never would have heard of this comic, suddenly heard this term. 'Who could he have heard it from?' 'I think maybe he's given away more than he likes to say,' he added. Royal Editor Rebecca English (pictured) explained that Kate has shown courage in the face of adversity on multiple occasions The podcast moved on to discuss the claim that Harry and Meghan have been excluded from the high society wedding of the year of Harry's childhood friend Hugh Grosvenor, while William and Kate are both invited. Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, and one of the richest men in Britain, is said to have wanted to invite the Sussexes but apparently decided against it to avoid clashes on his big day amid heightening tensions between the royals following the release of Omid Scobie's new book. He allegedly picked the Prince and Princess of Wales over the Sussexes to avoid any awkward moments for King Charles and Queen Camilla during the wedding, The Sunday Times reported. Talking on the podcast, Rebecca explained the case further: 'I think it's a great example actually, this story, of the continuing ructions that are still reverberating because of Harry and Meghan's decision two or three years ago.' 'A story emerged at the weekend... that Harry and Meghan had not been invited to the wedding because William and Kate and Charles and Camilla will be going.' 'It just shows you how awkward the situation really is', she added. Diary Editor Richard Eden (pictured) explained the nickname of 'Katy Keen', which featured in Omid Scobie's Endgame Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, is said to have picked the Prince and Princess of Wales over the Sussexes to avoid clashes that would overshadow his big day. Pictured: Prince William (right) and Hugh Grosvenor (second from left) during the official handover of the newly built Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre in 2018 One of Britain's richest men, 32, the billionaire aristocrat proposed to fiancee Olivia Henson at his family seat, Eaton Hall in Cheshire. They are set to get married at Chester Cathedral on June 7 in the wedding of the year. Pictured: The happy pair Richard Eden went on to clarify his understanding that Harry and Meghan originally received a save the date card but were subsequently disinvited, adding that the couple updated the New York Post of their situation. However, 'the Duke of Westminster had to choose a side essentially, and it's clear which side he's chosen,' he said. For Rebecca, the situation highlighted the priorities of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 'It did strike me that we've heard such deafening silence on the big issue of the week [of] really serious allegations of racism, and there's not a word from the Sussex's, but they feel they need to brief on whether they got a save the date card or not. 'It loses me I have to say', Rebecca concluded. A new private members in one of London's poshest streets describes itself as perfect for the 'curious and the hedonistic' - and has a 'secret' basement, lit in red that features near naked performers in cages. Dear Darling enjoyed a glitzy launch night on Thursday, after quietly opening back in September; Celebrity DJs included Skepta and model and socialite Lady Mary Charteris, with Love Island star Arabella Chi among those in attendance. The lavishly decorated two-floor VIP club - with erotic art on the walls - is housed in a former Mayfair brothel on upmarket Jermyn street in the capital. What happened to dancing around your handbag? A new VIP club night has taken over a regal Mayfair property from Thursdays to Sundays and the immersive experience promises a risque night out Dear Darling takes inspiration from Soho cabaret club The Box and the current 'immersive' theatre trend; those who make it through the doors can expect burlesque-style shows, and are invited to explore their 'deeper, darker desires'. Downstairs in the basement, staff wear latex and photography of performers writhing in cages is strictly prohibited. There's plenty of role play too. An invitation to this week's launch party said the club's racy current show centres around a tale of 'identity, lust, and loss' in 'the mansion of a widowed matriarch'. The private members club opened in September but enjoyed its official opening this week, with Jammer BBK and Skepta attending the launch party Love Island star Arabella Chi was amongst guests at the launch party, where tables cost 1,000 It continues: 'On the surface is a beautiful antique mansion house, but beneath the fold is a secret sex life nobody ever expected.' A YouTube trailer for the club's recent Halloween night saw actors in period dress playing out a bacchanalian scene that ends with a throat being slit. The private members night is the latest project for the increasingly powerful London-based Cream Group, which also runs cabaret dining room show Cirque Le Soir, Westfield London's roller-skating club Flippers and The Windmill in Soho. Open from 11pm until late between Thursdays and Sundays, with an 'occasional' after-hours party, Dear Darling is guest-list only and has a strict 'smart and sexy' dress code, with 'high heels preferable for ladies'. The price of a standard table at the lavishly decorated 18+ venue? 1,000...with a VIP table setting revellers back 2,000 - and there's a vague entry price too, 'typically at door discretion'. Also on the decks at the launch party was model, socialite and DJ Lady Mary Charteris The ground floor level houses cocktail lounge The Living Room, decadently decorated to appear like a Victorian smoking room, with green and red velour sofas and chairs, chandeliers and velvet drapes. Dear Darling seems to be a natural successor to take over the property at 91 Jermyn Street; previous incarnations of the elegant Mayfair residence have seen it used as a brothel and a onetime sex club for gay men. The swish Mayfair residence has a saucy past, it was once used as a brother and was also a gay sex club The Princess of Wales brushed shoulders with some very famous faces who were guests at her Christmas carol service this evening. Kate 41, stunned in a cream jumper paired with 299 wide-leg Holland Cooper trousers and a stunning bespoke coat from Catherine Walker as she arrived at the venue, where she is hosting her third annual Together at Christmas event at Westminster Abbey. The royal mother-of-three accessorised with a white handbag from Strathberry and 6,000 dangling earrings from Van Cleef and Arpels, plus nude pumps. She wore her thick brunette locks in loose curls as they cascaded down her shoulders. Despite a difficult few weeks for the royal family in which a race row was reignited by author Omid Scobie in his book Endgame, Kate glowed as she smiled on the way into the Abbey. And her smile widened even further as she greeted some very famous faces who had joined her to celebrate the occasion - including esteemed actress Sheila Hancock, radio presenter Roman Kemp and his mother Shirley, and former American Idol winner Adam Lambert. The Princess of Wales stunned in an all white outfit as she arrived at Westminster Abbey this evening The carol service will recognise the selfless efforts of communities throughout the UK, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another - and it will also feature a surprise performance from piano playing Kate, who will treat guests to a rendition of Last Christmas by Wham!. The performance will likely be well received by Shirley Kemp, who was one half of Pepsi and Shirley, who performed with George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! during the 1980s. Ahead of the service, Kate crouched down to chat to seven-year-old Oscar Burrow, from Lancaster, who when aged six climbed 12 mountains raising more than 40,000 for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley, Lancashire. His mother Kimberley Burrow said afterwards: 'She said she'd heard about what he's done and he's doing a fantastic job, and hopes what he's doing will inspire other children to do amazing things.' The Princess of Wales greeted Roman Kemp and his mother Shirley, who once performed with Wham!, before she took to the piano to play Last Christmas The royal mother-of-three looked radiant with her thick brunette locks in loose curls worn hanging down her shoulders Shortly before the service at Westminster Abbey began, the Princess of Wales chatted with an adorable young guest Kate was joined by Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who were all carrying orders of service The Princess wore her thick brunette locks in loose curls cascading down her shoulders Upon arrival at the Abbey, Kate greeted some of the special guest including esteemed actress Sheila Hancock Kate also beamed as she chatted with singer Adam Lambert, who once won American Idol and now performs around the world Kate also shook hands with Jacob Collier, a singer/songwriter taking part in the carol service Spearheaded by the Princess, tonight's concert will combine both traditional and modern elements, reaching people of all faiths and none. The service, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, will then be shown on ITV on Christmas Eve. Last week royal author Omid Scobie published his book Endgame about the royals in recent years, including Harry and Meghan's leaving for America. The book rehashed a story from 2021 when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made claims in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that someone in the royal family had raised 'concerns' about the colour of Prince Archie's skin before he was born. Although the UK version of the book did not name anyone involved in the alleged incident, the Dutch version was pulled from shelves and pulped after its translation appeared to name the royals alleged to have had such conversations. The Princess of Wales looked radiant in an all-white ensemble as she was the first royal to arrive at her third annual Christmas carol service The Princess of Wales opted for a bronze smoky eye, defined brows, a dark nude lip and highlighted blush Kate, who has remained stoic in recent days amid fallout from a royal race row re-ignited by Omid Scobie, appeared to be cool and collected Kate opted for high-waisted straight leg trousers from Holland Cooper, a white coat and a white knitted top The royal evoked thoughts of snowy winter scenes as she arrived at Westminster Abbey, dressed in an all-white ensemble Kate's radiant white Christmas outfit brought festive cheer to Westminster Abbey She beamed as she waved upon arrival at the Abbey for her third carol service, which features some very special guests Kate's stunning long coat is a bespoke design from Catherine Walker As she strolled into the service at Westminster Abbey, the Princess of Wales waved to well-wishers Upon arriving at the service, the Princess of Wales greeted the Dean of Westminster with a handshake Media organisations around the world last week named the royals as the Princess of Wales and King Charles. Despite the fallout from the row, Kate has carried out several royal engagements in the past week and brushed off any allegations. Last night, beaming Kate posed in front of a Christmas tree for the carol service promotional clip on Thursday, sporting a 420 Self Portrait sequin jacket. The textured white jacket featured buttons, as well as a pearl trim on its pockets and collar. For last year's carol service promo, Kate was shown trimming a Christmas tree in a 179 Fair Isle Jumper from Holland Cooper jumper. Tonight's carol service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation's most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert. Poignant readings will be delivered by speakers including Prince William, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent. A beaming Princess of Wales posed in front of a Christmas tree in a promotional clip for the carol service In it, Kate, sporting a 420 Self Portrait sequin jacket, says: 'Join me this Christmas Eve for a special carol service' A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children's Laureate, will also be read by Leonie Elliott. The broadcast of tonight's service on Christmas Eve will feature an introduction from Kate and films which bring to life the importance of early childhood and celebrate the remarkable contribution people in our communities are making to support the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years. These will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea & Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock. The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop, nodding to the theme of children and families. New features this year include a Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other children who might be struggling this year. In addition, guests will be treated to carols and Christmas songs upon arrival from the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers, the youngest of which is just six years old. Guests attending the service have been nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation, in addition to charities associated with Members of the Royal Family. They will be joined by those working in the early years space which is a key focus area of The Princess of Wales's work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It will also consist of those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult. Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Chanel's eagerly anticipated Metiers d'Art 2023-24 collection payed homage to British fashion and culture with a vibrant show in Manchester. Located on Thomas Street, in the heart of the northern quarter, the pavement was transformed into a runway with an urban backdrop featuring the iconic Bay Horse Tavern, coffee shops and a tattoo parlour. But it hasn't been without controversy, as business owners and residents in Thomas Street have expressed concerns about the disruption caused by the show in the lead-up to the big event. The collection was intended to highlight Chanel's longstanding connection with Britain through colourful tweed and Shetland knits - even a tea caddy-shaped bag made an appearance. Established by Karl Lagerfeld in 2002, the annual presentation showcases the expertise of artisans and craftsmen, as well as the chosen city it takes place in. Chanel's creative director, Virginie Viard, embraced the energy of the bustling city, saying: 'For me, Manchester is the city of music. It incites creation.' Coco Chanel frequently visited England during her decade-long love affair with Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, 2nd Duke of Westminster - and spent time at his residences in Cheshire and Scotland. The Duke, who was one of the wealthiest men in Britain, is said to have inspired Chanel's clothing designs from the period, most notably her tweed collection. 'Tweed is central to this collection. I thought a lot about Gabrielle Chanel but I didn't want to recreate Coco's look, when she was wearing the Duke of Westminster's jackets,' Viard explained. 'I took my cue from the Coco who brought colour to her tweeds. I added a vibrant, pop spirit to them.' Today, the textured fabric, made famous in the 1950s, is synonymous with the French luxury fashion house, appearing in every collection without exception. Chanel 's eagerly anticipated Metiers d'Art 2023-24 collection was presented in Manchester One look featured a smart shorts suit accessoried with embellished shoes and a baker boy cap The new collection highlighted Chanel's longstanding connection with Britain through colourful tweed and Shetland knits So it seems unsurprising that tweed reigned supreme in the Metiers d'Art 2023-24 line, encompassing a range of dresses, skirt suits and coats. The house codes were revived in a rainbow palette of fuchsia, orange, lemon and apple green that delighted some 600 guests. There were also striking Shetland knitted dresses, smart Bermuda shorts and wraparound skirts, reminiscent of post-war Britain. Elsewhere, floral embroidery and teapot motifs - one notably adorning a caddy-shaped bag - juxtaposed quilted leather co-ords and sequinned mini dresses, embodying the street style of Manchester. Each look was completed with Mary Jane shoes, delicately embellished with golden buttons, pearls and blooms. The timeless silhouette, which became popular in the 1920s, can be traced as far back as King Henry VIII. Detailing played an important role in the form of floral beaded jewellery and teapot motifs Leather co-ords and sequinned mini dresses embodied the street style of Manchester Outfits were elevated by feather trims and statement jewellery, featuring the iconic CC logo The Chanel Metiers d'Art 2023-24 collection was presented on Thomas Street, in the heart of Manchester's northern quarter Additionally, Chanel's sought-after bags were updated with shimmering monochrome finishes. Founded by Karl Lagerfeld in 2002, Metiers d'Art was created to showcase the expertise of artisans and craftsmen, as well as the chosen city it takes place in. The choice to display this year's collection in Britain's 'Warehouse City' followed presentations in Tokyo and Dakar - all designed by creative director, Virginie Viard. Peter Saville, renowned for creating record sleeves for Manchester-based Factory Records, designed the show's branding. While colorful tweed was at the heart of the collection, detailing also played an important role: clothes were embellished with feathers, chains, and even vinyl records, offering a nod to the cultural heritage of the city. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis soaked up the magic of Christmas as they joined their mother for her annual televised carol service. The three royal youngsters stole hearts as they arrived and immediately - with expressions of adorable seriousness- made a beeline for a bright red letterbox that had been placed outside Westminster Abbey. It had been put there at Kate's request so that members of the congregation could post handmade Christmas cards and letters to children less fortunate than themselves. The Christmas cards will be distributed by charities, including Child Bereavement UK, East Anglia Children's Hospice, Evelina London and the British Red Cross, as a surprise gift to children. The Princess of Wales encouraged guests to bring a card for children who might struggling this year. Prince George's letter was addressed to Tony, potentially Tony Hudgell, the nine-year-old boy who has raised millions of pounds walking vast distances on prosthetics after his legs were amputated in infancy due to horrific abuse. Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince Louis of Wales and Prince George of Wales post Christmas letters before The 'Together At Christmas' Carol Service at Westminster Abbey Tony, from West Malling in Kent, met royal mother-of-three Kate, 41, at Evelina London Children's Hospital earlier this week, where he and his mother Paula chatted with her - and Paula was pictured feeling a little emotional at the meeting. While George, ten, looked smart in a suit, little Louis, five, wore a navy buttoned up jacket. Charlotte was equally stylish in a burgundy coat - and immediately made a beeline for her mummy's hand. Louis grabbed onto his father, Prince William. The three youngsters had arrived in a car with their father as their mother, elegant in all white including a Chris Kerr coat, had travelled to the Abbey an hour earlier to check on arrangements and meet performers and members of the congregation. Inside the Lady Chapel she met the performers and confessed to admiring American singer Adam Lambert. She also told how Princess Charlotte was learning the piano and had watched singer songwriter Jacob Collier playing on YouTube. She told Lambert, who was the first singer on stage at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee last year when he sang We Will Rock You with Brian May: 'I was a big fan of your performance at the jubilee. Thanks for being here.' The Princess told Jacob Collier, who performed George Michael's Last Christmas on John Lennon's old piano at the service, that she and Charlotte had been watching him play piano on YouTube. 'I said to Charlotte it takes a lot of practice. We saw you on YouTube,' she told the musician, who confirmed afterwards that the future Queen had told him Charlotte was learning to play piano. He told Kate, an accomplished amateur pianist, it involved 'a lot of plinking and plonking'. Prince Louis sweetly greeted The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, with a firm handshake upon his arrival Kate asked singer Freya Ridings if she had ever been into the Abbey before. 'No, I was born here and I've never been before,' Ridings said, waxing lyrically about the beauty and splendour of the Gothic masterpiece. Singer Beverley Knight told Kate that the high ceilings in the Abbey made for perfect acoustics. The Princess thanked each of the performers for giving their time. 'Thank you, thank you so much,' she said. Singer James Bay told her: 'It's a pleasure. I'm happy to be here.' Also present were Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, sister Pippa, Zara and Mile Tindall, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princesss Beatrice and Eugenie. Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, eight and Prince Louis, five, put on an adorable display in matching outfits for the event. Prince George appeared to post a Christmas letter to a 'Tony' before entering the Westminster Abbey The children put on a sweet display - and matched their outfits to a colour theme of crimson and navy King Charles' eldest grandson and the second in line to the throne matched his father for the occasion, and looked dapper in a navy suit with a crimson red tie. His younger sister Princess Charlotte personified the elegance of her famous mother as she donned an elegant crimson red coat. Meanwhile Prince Louis looked just as stylish as his eldest brother in a navy ensemble, cord trousers, and Chelsea boots. Evidently honing their fashion prowess from their father, the future king matched his children and donned the on-theme colours of crimson and navy. The royal family were among many who stepped out to witness the princess perform at the special Christmas service, which is poised to honour those who work to support babies, young children and families in communities across the UK. It comes as Kate also stepped out tonight to attend the glittering Christmas event at Westminster Abbey in London. Charlotte held on to her mother's hand as they entered the carol concert this evening Prince Louis looked dapper in a navy ensemble- complete with a matching pair of suede Chelsea boots George, Charlotte, and Louis each held a candle at the service, with Edo Mapelli Mozzi following shortly behind The children put on a sweet display as the participated in the evening's events Princess Charlotte gave a sweet smile as carried a candle in Westminster Abbey next to her younger brother Louis The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children arrived in style to the Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey The Princess of Wales, 41, who is hosting the Together At Christmas service, looked festive in a cream ensemble. The mother-of-three was joined by the Prince of Wales and their children Prince George, 10, and Princess Charlotte, eight, and Prince Louis, five. The service - attended by the King Charles and Queen Camilla - will recognise the selfless efforts of communities throughout the UK, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another. Spearheaded by the Princess, it will combine both traditional and modern elements, reaching people of all faiths and none. The service, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, will then be shown on ITV on Christmas Eve. The service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nation's most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert. Poignant readings will be delivered by speakers including Prince William, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Children's Laureate, will also be read by Leonie Elliott. Prince Louis held onto his father's hand as they walked into the carol concert alongside Kate, Charlotte, George, and Reverend Dr David Hoyle Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all arrived clutching letters to send off before the service The royals put on an elegant display- and William matched his children's outfit with a colour theme of navy and red Princess Charlotte and Prince George accompanied their mother at the service, which is supported by The Royal Foundation Kate, who arrived at the service earlier in the day, greeted her family as the arrive together in a blue car The broadcast will also feature an introduction from Kate and films which bring to life the importance of early childhood and celebrate the remarkable contribution people in our communities are making to support the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years. These will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea & Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock. The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop, nodding to the theme of children and families. New features this year include a Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other children who might be struggling this year. In addition, guests will be treated to carols and Christmas songs upon arrival from the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers, the youngest of which is just six years old. Guests attending the service have been nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation, in addition to charities associated with Members of the Royal Family. They will be joined by those working in the early years space which is a key focus area of The Princess of Wales's work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It will also consist of those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult. A beaming Princess of Wales posed in front of a Christmas tree in a promotional clip for the carol service In it, Kate, sporting a 420 Self Portrait sequin jacket, says: 'Join me this Christmas Eve for a special carol service' It comes after a beaming Kate posed in front of a Christmas tree for the carol service promotional clip on Thursday. In it, Kate, sporting a 420 Self Portrait sequin jacket, says: 'Join me this Christmas Eve for a special carol service, as we say a heartfelt thank-you to all those supporting the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years.' Kate's appearance in the teaser clip comes comes after a week of drama for the Royal Family following the explosive accusations by author Omid Scobie. In a Dutch translation of his new book Endgame, the Princess of Wales and King Charles were named as the alleged 'royal racists' who questioned what skin colour Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie, would have before he was born. Neither Buckingham Palace or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have commented on any of the allegations by Mr Scobie - revealed in the Dutch version of his 400-page tome, with the Firm instead appearing to stick by the age-old royal dictate of 'never complain, never explain'. Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Princess Charlene of Monaco looked festively glamorous as she donned a red tartan ensemble to attend Christmas illuminations last night. Former Olympian Charlene, 45, attended the event with her husband Prince Albert II, 65, both of whom appeared in good spirits at the do. They were accompanied by Princess Stephanie of Monaco Mother-of-two Charlene was elegant and sophisticated, with her now trademark blonde pixie cut neatly styled into a side parting. And she added to her old-school glamorous appearance with a classic make-up look. Her fresh complexion was the picture of health. She wore a classic cats-eye make-up style, wearing liquid black eye-liner with a flick, and voluminous eye lashes. Princess Charlene (pictured) was the picture of old-school glamour, with a festive red, tartan coat and and elegant make-up look complete with red lip The royals attended an event showing off the Christmas illuminations in front of the Monte-Carlo Casino (pictured on December 7) Prince Albert of Monaco (pictured, left) and Princess Charlene of Monaco (pictured, centre) with and President of Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM) Stephane Valeri (pictured, right) as they pose for a photograph during the inauguration of the Christmas village in Monaco, on December 7 But the centrepiece of her elegant make-up style were her lips, which were impeccably lined and filled in with a classic red colour. Meanwhile, her husband was also dapper, in a dark two-piece suit, which he wore with classic lace-up shoes and a dark jacket. The couple both smiled as they posed for photographs together, and with the President of Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM) Stephane Valeri. Parents Princess Charlene and Prince Albert did not appear to be accompanied by their eight-year-old children, twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The couple's festive outing follows a recent appearance they made at the end of November, when they attended a glitzy gala for the Monaco National Day. Once again, mother-of-two Charlene, was the image of sophistication in a long-sleeved sequined scarlet gown, accentuated by a bright red lipstick. She once again opted for an Old Hollywood-esque look, styling her blonde tresses into gelled curl. Again, she opted for a dramatic make-up look with long eyelashes and dewy blush. Charlene was the very image of old school Hollowood glamour, with her blond pixie cut gelled into a side parting, and a classic red lip Princess Charlene (pictured, centre) appeared to be deep in conversation with Princess Stephanie of Monaco (picture, left) and Prince Albert (pictured, right) Meanwhile her husband sported a traditional ensemble with a fitted black jacket and navy trousers. The royals were presented with flowers, and were pictured being greeted by an adorable group of children donning traditional Monegasque costumes. National Monaco Day is also known as The Sovereign Prince's Day, and the date of the celebration is chosen by the reigning Prince. Traditionally, the Princes chose the day of the saint they are named after. But when Prince Albert inherited the title, he decided to choose the same day as his father rather than the day of Saint Albert, which would have been November 15. It is typically celebrated with fireworks over the harbour the evening before, and a mass in Monte Carlo the next morning. Earlier in the day, the couple donned patriotic attire to celebrate the National Day of Monaco on Sunday - and their two children followed suit. Charlene has been enjoying a busy few weeks of public engagements, and was spotted earlier in November helping to hand out gifts at Monaco's Red Cross Christmas giveaway. The royal wore a navy wool gilet as she joined Prince Albert and their niece, Camilla Gottllieb, 25, at the Royal Palace in Monte-Carlo for the outing. The royals are pictured during the festive event with children dressed in Father Christmas-style outfits during the event Prince Albert (pictured, left) and Princess Charlene (pictured, centre) and President of Monte-Carlo Societe des Bains de Mer (SBM) Stephane Valeri (pictured, right) inaugurate the Christmas village in Monaco Charlene appeared relaxed as she handed out presents to the event's attendees. The annual charity distribution is part of a number of events organised by the Red Cross in the run-up to Christmas in Monaco and sees members of the royal family gift presents to those in need. Charlene wrapped up from the cold in a navy wool gilet with leather lapels, which she layered over a black roll neck jumper and trousers. The event saw members of the royal family speak to some of the Red Cross volunteers who took part in the gift distribution. They also listened to the story of vulnerable people who were stocking up on gifts ahead of Christmas. Zara put on a festive display as she stepped out tonight to attend Kate Middleton's Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in London. The niece of King Charles, 41, was accompanied by her brother Peter Phillips, 46, with both putting on a cheerful display as they entered the Christmas service. Zara looked radiant in deep purple winter coat. She accessorised the outfit with an matching pair of statement earrings shoes and a crocodile leather bag. The mother-of-three opted for a simple yet elegant makeup look for the occasion, complete with a nude lip and a touch of eyeliner. Zara, who recently announced she's gone part-time in her equestrian career so that she can be around more for her three children, styled her blonde tresses in a slicked back bun for the occasion. Zara Tindall (pictured, right) who is the niece of King Charles, was pictured arriving at the do with her brother Peter Phillips (pictured, left) FAMILY: Peter Phillips (second from left) attends the concert with his sister Zara Tindall (right) and his daughters L-R) Savanah and Isla Zara appeared to attend the event without her husband Mike Tindall, 45. Instead, her brother, Peter Phillips, the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied her this evening, alongside his daughters ) Savanah, 12, and Isla, 11. The purpose of the concert, which will also be attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, is to 'recognise the selfless efforts of communities throughout the UK, highlighting the importance of coming together to support one another'. Spearheaded by the Princess, it has been designed to bring together people of all faiths - and of none - by combining both traditional and modern elements. The service, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, will is being filmed tonight, but will be broadcast shown on ITV on Christmas Eve. The service will see the world-renowned Westminster Abbey choir perform some of the nations most beloved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Jacob Collier, Freya Ridings and James Bay, and a special duet from Beverley Knight and Adam Lambert. Poignant readings will be delivered by speakers including Prince William, Micheal Ward, Emma Willis, Roman Kemp, and Jim Broadbent. A specially commissioned poem written by Joseph Coelho, the Childrens Laureate, will also be read by Leonie Elliott. Zara Tindall (pictured) was the picture of elegance and glamour as she stepped out in her festive-coloured ensemble tonight The broadcast will also feature an introduction from Kate and films which bring to life the importance of early childhood and celebrate the remarkable contribution people in our communities are making to support the very youngest members of our society during those crucial early years. These will include contributions from Rio and Kate Ferdinand, Ugo Monye, Andrea & Virginia Bocelli and Dame Sheila Hancock. The service will see Westminster Abbey filled with sustainable, eco-friendly festive decorations, providing a beautiful Christmas backdrop, nodding to the theme of children and families. New features this year include a Christmas Post Box located outside the Abbey for children to send handmade Christmas cards and best wishes to other children who might be struggling this year. In addition, guests will be treated to carols and Christmas songs upon arrival from the Action for Children Young Carers Aloud choir, made up of 12 young carers, the youngest of which is just six years old. It comes after a beaming Kate posed in front of a Christmas tree for the carol service promotional clip on Thursday. Guests attending the service have been nominated by Lord-Lieutenants across the nation, in addition to charities associated with Members of the Royal Family. A beaming Princess of Wales posed in front of a Christmas tree in a promotional clip for the carol service They will be joined by those working in the early years space which is a key focus area of The Princess of Waless work through The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. It will also consist of those who may have had a challenging year, including children and families, or those who might find the winter period difficult. Kate's appearance in the teaser clip comes comes after a week of drama for the Royal Family following the explosive accusations by author Omid Scobie. In a Dutch translation of his new book Endgame, the Princess of Wales and King Charles were named as the alleged 'royal racists' who questioned what skin colour Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie, would have before he was born. Neither Buckingham Palace or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have commented on any of the allegations by Mr Scobie - revealed in the Dutch version of his 400-page tome, with the Firm instead appearing to stick by the age-old royal dictate of 'never complain, never explain'. Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be broadcast on Christmas Eve at 7.45pm on ITV1 and ITVX. An Australian couple sold everything they owned to move their family-of-four overseas after finding themselves unable to afford a comfortable life Down Under. Jimmy Mitchell, 36, and wife Pauline, 35, gave up the 'stereotypical Aussie lifestyle' in Western Australia and have been travelling around south east Asia for the past 10 months with their sons Riley, seven, and Liam, eight. Jimmy, cofounder of digital marketing agency My Online Guy, told FEMAIL he was working endlessly to make a decent amount of money but felt like he was 'never getting ahead' and would at times arrive home in tears. At the time the couple were renting a four bedroom house in Mandurah, an hour south of Perth, and struggled saving for a house deposit despite working long hours. 'The core reason why we decided to travel full-time was to improve our quality of life and spend more time together as a family,' Jimmy said. They're also now saving as much as 50 per cent of their income in a good month instead of zero to five per cent. The pair haven't looked back since taking the leap and aren't sure when - or if - they will return to Australia permanently. Jimmy Mitchell, wife Pauline and their sons Riley and Liam have been travelling around south east Asia for 10 months. The couple decided to relocate overseas after Australia became 'unaffordable' for them While it was a difficult decision, they haven't looked back and have been able to spend more time together as a family 'In Australia we earned good money - this is the thing I couldn't get my head around. We had good jobs but we always felt like we weren't getting ahead,' Jimmy said. 'The more I worked and the harder I worked to earn the money so we could have the stuff, the less time I got to spend with my family.' The stress felt like such a massive burden that sometimes Jimmy would come home from work crying, and it was only getting 'progressively worse'. 'I'd come home and say to Pauline, "I can't keep living like this anymore". And that was a combination of the fact that we were both working in the business, the kids were at school and we had barely seen each other,' he said. 'We were just sick of it and couldn't continue.' Pauline agreed and said every day felt like a repeat of the last. 'We felt like we were living the same stagnant life. You just do the same thing day in day out, and there was just no reprieve from it,' she said. 'Even on the weekends you think you'll have some family time or go somewhere but the plans never eventuated.' Due to the stress of running a business, even on quick family getaways, the couple would always receive calls or emails from staff and clients. The family of four have travelled to Malaysia, Vietnam and Bangkok. Next year they'll visit Hawaii and Japan The kids are homeschooled which can be challenging for the parents at times, but otherwise the boys enjoy learning together So they decided to take a leap of faith and relocate overseas. It was an 18-month process from the initial idea to leaving the country - in between they had four garage sales to sell all their belongings and downsized the business. They booked a one-way flight in February and have since visited Malaysia, Vietnam and Bangkok. They stay in new destinations anywhere from two weeks to three months via Airbnb or short-term rentals and explore the areas in-depth before moving on. They're also able to continue working full-time for themselves through their digital business. Next year they'll return to Malaysia for a month before jumping on a cruise bound for Hawaii then Japan. The kids are homeschooled which can be challenging for the parents at times, but otherwise the boys enjoy learning together. In their spare time they're always with the kids exploring new places, trying new food and going on adventures. They've been on safaris, spent a week in the jungle and have gone to countless theme parks. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES IN COST? Australia: Rent: $1840 per month plus bills Groceries: $200-300 per week Takeout: $100 for the family Movies: $100+ for the family Car: registration and insurance costs plus fuel Dentist: $100+ Hospital bill and x-ray: hundreds of dollars Asia: Rent: Often changes but maximum $1500 per month in Vietnam including bills Groceries: $70 per week Takeout: $40 for the family Movies: $12-$30 for the family No car expenses Dentist: $20 Hospital bill and x-ray: $50 Advertisement The cost to live in Asia is incredibly cheap compared to Australia so the couple no longer stress about money. In Australia they were spending $460 per week ($1840 a month) on rent for a four bedroom, three bathroom house, whereas in Vietnam they briefly lived in a luxe four-level townhouse for $1,500 a month. Back home they would spend between $200 to $300 a week on groceries while overseas this cost was slashed to just $70 to feed the whole family. 'In Australia you knew your minimum spend. I was worried every single day about bills and now I don't,' Jimmy said. The price of public transport, medication and dental appointments is also decent and the couple don't have any vehicle expenses because they don't own a car. Jimmy claims the cost of living in Australia is so out of control it's 'impossible for families to be families'. He also slammed the government and urged politicians to 'do better'. 'I think the Australian Government is completely out of touch with what families and Australians in general are actually going through. In my opinion, they prioritise the wrong things when it comes to policies,' he said. 'It feels like they prioritise big businesses over people. 'We've been to places where you can see the planning has been done 10, 15 20 years in advance as well which is so different to Australia.' The cost to live in Asia is incredibly cheap compared to Australia that the couple no longer stress about money They will likely move back to Australia before the boys start high school as they feel it's an important age to have a sense of security and made friendships But it was a difficult decision leaving home and they do miss Aussie barbeques. Jimmy said: 'For me, I had already made up my mind. We're sacrificing a lot with the business to do this but I thought being able to spend more time as a family outweighed all the negatives.' Pauline, who has a large family, added: 'It was a lot harder for me to leave family, friends and the life we had created in Australia. I felt it for the kids in as well, because I made friends at school, and I had all these connections.' The couple says they also had mixed reactions from family and friends after sharing the news - some thought they were 'mad' while others praised their choice and were excited to hear how it went. They'll return back home for Christmas but have no set plans to return full-time yet. They admit this could change as the children get older but they'll likely keep travelling around the world while the kids are young. If they do return it will likely be before the boys start high school as they feel it's an important age to have a sense of security and make friendships. For now the kids have no problem with the lifestyle and don't want to stop any time soon. Jimmy has also gained a following on social media under the moniker @themothfamily and 'Mitch's On The Horizon' to share how other families can travel full-time too. 'You'd be surprised - there's actually a lot of families from the US and UK in different situations who are travelling full-time too,' Jimmy said. 'It's all about changing your mindset and thinking what other options are out there.' A Scottish backpacker has issued a stern warning after swimming in a popular Australian caused her hair to fall out in clumps - but experts claim there's nothing to worry about. Carly Gillon recently travelled to K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in Queensland and swam in Lake Mackenzie. The traveller received a nasty shock when her hair started dramatically falling out later in the shower and blamed the lake for her misfortune. 'There were huge clumps coming out in the shower,' she said in a video. 'Please beware if you go to Fraser Island and you're from the UK - your hair may fall out.' Speaking to FEMAIL, Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering Ataur Rahman claimed that Lake K'gari was unlikely to cause such a harsh reaction as the water is extremely clean and soft. Carly Gillon recently travelled to K'gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, in Queensland and swam in Lake Mackenzie - only for her hair to fall out in clumps later that day 'Lake K'gari isn't connected to urban areas or agricultural land,' the Professor said. 'There's no pesticide, herbicide, or any other pollutant that could cause hair fall.' The expert shared that a probable cause could be an allergy or Ms Gillon swimming in other water bodies with high levels of chlorine or other chemicals. 'The lake has a low mineral content which means it's good for your skin and health,' he said. Professor Rahman recommended always using an oil or another kind of lubricant to protect your hair before you go swimming, and to wash it with clean water and shampoo immediately after. 'When people travel overseas, temperature difference and stress can have negative impacts on their body - something that might be the case here,' he speculated. Professor of Water and Environmental Engineering Ataur Rahman claimed that Lake K'gari was unlikely to cause such a harsh reaction as the water is extremely clean and soft Ms Gillon has been using a hair mask to treat the damage and revealed that she was 'slowly' on the mend. The traveller also claimed that while it could be a coincidence, she suspected either the lake or the water in Australia reacted badly with her hair. 'It's crazy, my hair had been absolutely fine until that trip,' she said. A few other European travellers also complained about their hair suffering after making the trip Down Under. 'My hair has been AWFUL since I've been in Australia - I'm glad it's not just me!' one exclaimed. 'Oh my god, mine's the same! I got here two weeks ago and I've been having so much fall out, never happened until I came here,' another shared. But others had no issue with the water in the lake. 'I'm in Australia and have just got back from Fraser myself. I had no problems - I swam in lake Mackenzie thrice,' a woman revealed. The McSweeneys holiday pop-up is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys The McSweeneys holiday pop-up at 849 Valencia St. is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys The McSweeneys holiday pop-up is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys The McSweeneys holiday pop-up is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys The McSweeneys holiday pop-up is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys Employees work at McSweeneys in this photo from 2014. Sarah Rice/Special to The Chronicle It takes a lot to compete with a pirate store, but this holiday season, the mighty McSweeneys is taking up the challenge. In truth, the situation is more akin to a friendly sibling rivalry. In 1998, Bay Area author Dave Eggers launched McSweeneys while the nonprofit tutoring center 826 Valencia, which Eggers also co-founded with teacher Ninive Calegari, moved into its namesake address in 2002. Though the latter has long drawn public interest thanks to its storefronts pirate-themed decor, the administrative office across the street occupied by McSweeneys remains largely unknown. Thats mostly been by design, but now, the doors are being thrown open in the form of a holiday pop-up store. Located in the storefront of 849 Valencia, the shop dedicated to all things McSweeneys which earned nonprofit status in 2014 debuted last month and is set to run every Friday to Sunday through Christmas weekend. Amanda Uhle, executive director and publisher of McSweeneys, said the idea to make a brief foray into retail came when the spaces tenants, art gallery Refugee Eye, opted to take a short break. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dave Eggers works in his office at McSweeneys, the local indie publishing company in San Francisco, on Oct. 15, 2014. Sarah Rice/Special to The Chronicle While Uhle confirms Refugee Eye will return in 2024, for now, those who step inside the storefront will find a space bursting with beautiful books to buy, walls draped in works by local artists and a curated selection of McSweeneys most innovative publications from the past 25 years. People wandering in are enjoying it in some of the same ways we are, Uhle said of the customers shes seen thus far. Readers both old friends and new faces are loving the chance to browse through a whole range of our work, from new releases to treasures from the backlist. Examples of such display-only items include a copy of McSweeneys Panorama issue, which took the form of a Sunday newspaper and was hawked by volunteer newsies on street corners throughout the Bay Area in 2010. Though a select few treasures are not for sale, the pop-ups purchasable inventory includes Eggers 2021 novel, The Every, which is available in at least 16 different cover designs, as well as the long-awaited reprint of Lemony Snicket and Lisa Browns deranged holiday classic, The Latke Who Couldnt Stop Screaming. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Believer, the award-winning literary magazine that was reacquired by McSweeneys last year, can be found at the publishers holiday pop-up. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys Customers can also buy copies of the Believer. Aided by a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $300,000 in donations, the 12-time National Magazine Awards finalist was reacquired by McSweeneys last year, reversing its ill-fated 2017 sale to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Since returning home, the Believer has published four issues to date, all of which can be found at the pop-up alongside back issues of the magazine. Among the stores more prized products for purchase is an oversized gift edition of Eggers new all-ages novel, The Eyes and the Impossible, a color-changing Latke mug, and limited edition shirts designed by Pepe the Frog illustrator Matt Furie, Santa Cruz artist Shawn Harris and more. Even the psychedelic risograph prints that adorn the stores walls also for sale hark back to McSweeneys, thanks to their creator, Oakland painter and printmaker David Ryan, who also designed the cover art of the forthcoming Quarterly Issue 72. San Francisco publisher McSweeneys has opened a temporary storefront in the Mission for the holiday season. Claire Astrow/McSweeneys Signed books abound too. According to McSweeneys publicist (and published author) Raj Tawney, the pop-up has taken on somewhat of a fun, bazaar-like atmosphere thats attracted many scribes to swing by for impromptu visits and sign any stock thats around. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Those signed copies will remain luck-of-the-draw, he said, but there will be scheduled book signings and other events each Sunday for as long as the pop-up lasts. Earlier this month, acclaimed author Daniel Gumbiner stopped by to sign his lastest novel, Fire in the Canyon. With more signings to be announced, the next event is planned for Sunday, Dec. 10, when the space plans to host a free afternoon party in celebration of all-ages art and storytelling magazine Illustoria. Published triannually by McSweeneys, Illustoria prides itself as a print publication packed with comics, interviews and interactive pages geared at engaging even the most reluctant young readers. (Its) lovely because it feels like were opening our home for a wholesome gathering, said Illustoria Editor Claire Astrow. Using the gallery space to hang out, meet folks and have exciting conversations is heartwarming and community-building and isnt that what the holidays are all about? The McSweeneys holiday pop-up is open through Dec. 24. Claire Astrow/Courtesy McSweeney's To be clear, there will be no pressure on those who peek into McSweeneys pop-up to spend big, Tawney said. But, as far as Uhle is concerned, its a perfect opportunity to complete ones shopping list this season. Advertisement Article continues below this ad More Information McSweeneys Holiday Pop-up Store: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Through Dec. 24. 849 Valencia St., S.F. www.mcsweeneys.net Illustoria Party: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. Free. McSweeneys Holiday Pop-up Store, 849 Valencia St., S.F. www.illustoria.com Books are the quintessential holiday gift, she said. Selecting a book for someone you care about sort of puts you in touch with them in a personal way. And the recipient will, hopefully, think of you in the days and weeks they spend immersed in reading. Superbugs for which some of the most powerful antibiotics don't work are growing in Ukraine and spreading beyond the war-torn country's borders. Hospitals are fighting a rapid rise in drug-resistant infections, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say are 'spread[ing] into Europe.' Officials said the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Ukraine is an 'urgent crisis' which must be addressed. Researchers sampled hundreds of Ukrainian patients for infections caught while at the hospital in November and December 2022. Paramedics check the condition of wounded soldiers at the resuscitation bus on August 11, 2023 in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine Imipenem-cilastatin is an antibiotic used to treat serious infections caused by bacteria such as pneumonia. It is known as a carbapenem antibiotic because it is so effective They found that roughly 60 percent of patients had infections resistant to carbapenem antibiotics - which the CDC describes as a last line of defense antibiotic because it is usually so effective. WHAT IS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotics have been doled out unnecessarily by GPs and hospital staff for decades, fueling once harmless bacteria to become superbugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously warned if nothing is done the world is heading for a 'post-antibiotic' era. It claimed common infections, such as chlamydia, will become killers without immediate solutions to the growing crisis. Bacteria can become drug resistant when people take incorrect doses of antibiotics or if they are given out unnecessarily. Figures estimate that superbugs will kill 10 million people each year by 2050, with patients succumbing to once harmless bugs. Around 700,000 people already die yearly due to drug-resistant infections including tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malaria across the world. Concerns have repeatedly been raised that medicine will be taken back to the 'dark ages' if antibiotics are rendered ineffective in the coming years. In addition to existing drugs becoming less effective, there have only been one or two new antibiotics developed in the last 30 years. In 2019, the WHO warned antibiotics are 'running out' as a report found a 'serious lack' of new drugs in the development pipeline. Advertisement By comparison, just six percent of samples of similar kinds of infections were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics in an European study through 2017. The study authors wrote: 'In Ukraine, the confluence of high prewar rates of antimicrobial resistance, an increase in the prevalence of traumatic wounds, and the war-related strain on health care facilities is leading to increased detection of multidrug-resistant organisms with spread into Europe.' Health officials have been cautioning for years about growing antimicrobial resistance as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The CDC's European equivalent raised the alarm back in March 2022 that hospitals should isolate and screen patients in Ukraine to preempt organisms resistant to multiple drugs. Dr Amesh Adalja, an infectious diseases doctor working at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, told DailyMail.com: 'Ukraine has been well established to be a reservoir for antibiotic resistant bacteria and it is not surprising that cases are increasing given that a war is occurring there, causing injuries and delaying ability to secure care. 'Similar issues occurred during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation Enduring Freedom with US soldiers contracting drug resistant infections.' Dr Adalja added: 'Antimicrobial resistance is a world wide problem that is only increasing whats occurring is not specific to Ukraine but another example of it. This phenomenon has been for decades an increasing threat to modern medicine.' Last year, Germany saw infections from drug-resistant bacteria shoot up after March 2022, in connection with refugees from Ukraine. The largest rise in Germany was for drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the US, approximately five percent of Klebsiella samples in 2021 were resistant, the CDC found. In the most recent study in Ukraine, all the Klebsiella samples tested from patients were resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. In July, American military doctors in Ukraine treating a Ukrainian solider said the patient had been infected by six separate 'extensively drug-resistant bacteria,' including Klebsiella pneumoniae, after he suffered severe burns across more than half his body. Doctors are warning that varicose veins could be a commonly missed sign of cancers like lymphoma. A 53-year-old woman in China went to her doctor after three months of worsening varicose veins covering her chest and abdomen, as well as a fever. Doctors performed a deep-skin biopsy, which revealed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks small blood vessels. The team warned that vague symptoms like these can make lymphoma, which affects nearly 90,000 Americans every year, more difficult to diagnose. The patient (pictured here) had varicose veins covering her chest and abdomen, as well as a persistent fever A deep-skin biopsy revealed intravascular large B-cell lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that attacks small blood vessels Varicose veins are twisted, swollen, or enlarged veins just underneath the skin. They are usually found in the legs, though they can occur in any vein close to the skin's surface. They are usually dark purple or blue. Weak or damaged heart valves can lead to varicose veins. This is because the arteries have to carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the valves are damaged, they have a harder time pumping blood back to the heart, leading to blood building up in the veins. Though they can be painless, varicose veins can cause aching, burning, and throbbing, especially after sitting or standing for long periods of time. Veins become weak or damaged due to age, obesity, pregnancy, or having an inactive lifestyle. B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma. It starts in the B-cells, which make antibodies to protect you from viruses. Intravascular B-cell lymphoma produces cancer cells in the lumens, the passage in the small vessels that blood flows through. According to the American Cancer Society, since this form of cancer attacks the small blood vessels, it could lead to blood getting backed up into the veins. This could weaken them and lead to varicose veins. Symptoms include fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, rashes, itchy skin, and bloating, all of which are often attributed to other conditions. 'The disease is challenging to diagnose owing to its nonspecific symptoms and signs,' the medical team wrote. 'In this case, the patients isolated skin involvement was consistent with the cutaneous [skin] subtype of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.' The patient received chemotherapy. As of her six-month follow-up visit, she showed no sign of the disease. Varicose veins have been seen in other patients with intravascular lymphoma, though not as severe as the patient in China. The case study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The mass, diagnosed as a pilomatrixoma, was removed via minor surgery The tumor was not infected and was confirmed to be non-cancerous A California man developed a non-cancerous tumor after receiving the Pfizer Covid vaccine, doctors have revealed. The 65-year-old man, whose name and location have not been revealed, went to his physician after living with a 3cm lump on his shoulder for more than a year. He was diagnosed with a benign tumor that starts from the base of a hair follicle and is normally firm and painless - that was traced back to his first Pfizer shot 18 months earlier. Surgeons removed the mass, which they described as containing 'cheesy material,' and he made a full recovery. Surgeons removed the tumor, which they described as containing 'cheesy material,' and the patient made a full recovery. These types of tumors - pilomatrixomas - have been linked to several different kinds of vaccines for various diseases, including influenza and hepatitis. It has been seen at least two times in relation to Covid vaccines in the past, one of which was also caused by the Pfizer vaccine. But it is the trauma to the area, such as an injection, that causes the formation of the tumor rather than material in a vaccine. The latest patient visited his doctor in Los Angeles complaining of a 'firm' but painless lump on his left upper arm. He had a minor surgical procedure to remove the mass and then testing of the tissue confirmed it was a non-cancerous pilomatrixoma. Upon examination of the contents of the tumor, doctors found fragments of hard soft tissue with 'cheesy material.' Following up three months later, the man did not report a reoccurrence of the lump. Pilomatrixomas are often difficult to diagnose given how rare they are and the many different ways they look. It is estimated only between 12.5 percent to 55.5 percent of cases are correctly diagnosed. The mass can first be confused with other conditions that present in a similar way, including a granuloma collection of white blood cells and tissues in response to infections and lipoma a fatty lump that grows slowly between the skin and muscle. In order to accurately diagnose a pilomatrixoma, doctors should perform an ultrasound, as well examine the tissue from the lump under a microscope. Once diagnosed, the tumor is removed via surgical incision under local anesthesia when doctors make a small incision into the tissue while the patient is awake using a sharp medical instrument to remove the mass. These masses typically occur in patients younger than 20 years old and are commonly found on the head and neck. The case report mentioned two other cases of pilomatrixoma appearing after a Covid vaccine in a 30-year-old woman and 43-year-old woman. There is no information regarding which vaccine the 30-year-old received, but it is known the older woman also received the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid shot. The CDC has issued a fresh call for Americans to mask-up this holiday season despite mounting evidence they don't protect against respiratory viruses. The new advice came via a video posted to the CDC's Twitter (X) account, where the agency's director Dr Mandy Cohen warned about the rise of several respiratory infections and gave advice on how Americans can protect themselves. She urged people to get their latest Covid, flu and RSV vaccines, adding: 'Use additional layers of protection like avoiding people who are sick, washing your hands, improving ventilation and wearing a mask.' It comes after an expert branded the agency's approach as 'outdated' and unscientific, saying there was now 'too much evidence' showing masks do not work for them to keep relentlessly recommending them. The above shows flu cases in the US. They are up 28 percent in two weeks with about seven percent of swabs detecting the virus in the last week of November, compared to five percent two weeks beforehand The above shows wastewater surveillance for Covid cases, which also indicates they have risen by about 20 percent in a week 'We are seeing a lot of respiratory illness like flu, RSV, Covid and pneumonia [at the moment],' said Dr Cohen, who was sworn in as director in July, in the Twitter video. 'In the United States, RSV is elevated and flu is continuing to increase in most of the country and Covid is starting to increase again. We are also seeing an increase in pneumonia cases.' Dr Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, told DailyMail.com the CDC was 'too slow' to catch up with the science. The expert, who supported masks at the start of the pandemic, added there was now 'too much evidence' supporting not using masks. Dr Mandy Cohen, the new CDC director, has appeared in a social media video to again urge Americans to mask up The CDC says masks are recommended in areas that are colored yellow or orange in the above map Last week, an infectious diseases doctor who advised the UK Government during the pandemic saying there was 'no proof' coverings stopped the spread of Covid and warned they and may instead lull people into a 'false sense of security'. The director of the UK's health security agency has also said it was 'uncertain' whether masks reduced Covid transmission. ... meanwhile fears grow about an explosive Covid outbreak in care homes this winter as CDC data shows just 5% of staff are vaxxed in most states Fears are growing about a major Covid outbreak in care homes this winter because of poor vaccination uptake. Official data shows more than 10 percent of staff have got the updated vaccine in just six states. And among residents, more than 50 percent have got the new shot in just three states. The data, collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), should ring alarm bells in official circles. People in care homes are among those most at risk from Covid as well as other seasonal illnesses from which vaccines are available. The six states where more than 10 percent of care home staff were vaccinated were New Mexico (19 percent), Alaska (13 percent), Vermont (13 percent), Hawaii (11 percent), Rhode Island (11 percent) and New Jersey (11 percent). The three states where more than half of care home residents had received the updated vaccine were South Dakota (57 percent), North Dakota (55 percent) and Vermont (55 percent). Experts said vaccination rates may be low because of a 'deep-rooted skepticism or resistance' toward vaccination among staff who tend to be younger and healthier than their patients. Some may also have concerns over vaccine safety, potential side effects or believe in natural immunity over vaccines. The CDC has been repeatedly accused of fostering this environment for failing to properly communicate information on the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Advertisement Numerous reviews including one by the esteemed Cochrane Institute have failed to find solid evidence masks reduce Covid cases, hospital admissions and deaths globally during the pandemic. The CDC first recommended face masks in April 2020, after spending several weeks telling people they were not needed. Dr Cohen did not say where people should wear face masks, but the CDC is currently recommending those who are unwell or know someone who is unwell should consider donning the coverings. The agency also says that in areas with high Covid hospitalization rates above 20 admissions per 100,000 people everyone should consider wearing masks. This currently includes large areas of Montana and parts of Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia among other states. The video has been viewed 1.2million times online and wracked up 1,100 shares as well as 399 responses. The message from the director comes amid warnings of a 'syndemic' of respiratory infections this year. Data shows infections with the trio of Covid, flu and RSV are all on the rise at the moment. But there are also signs of upticks in other diseases including pneumonia, which is being driven in part by a bacteria called mycoplasma. Wastewater surveillance for Covid shows infections rose 29 percent over the week to November 29, the latest available. There were 760 copies of the virus per milliliter of water detected in the latest week, compared to 592 just a week ago. There has also been an uptick in hospitalizations, up 14 percent in a week over the same period to about 20,000 per week. There has also been a surge in flu infections with the number of swabs coming back positive having risen 28 percent in two weeks, shifting to seven percent in the week to November 29 compared to five percent two weeks ago. And for RSV, data is also pointing to a rise in infections, with 16.5 percent of tests returning a positive result for the virus in the week to November 25 compared to 15.4 the previous year an increase of eight percent. Officials in Warren County in Ohio just outside Cincinnati has reported a spike in pneumonia cases in children partly driven by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The CDC 's face-covering recommendations vary based on the hospital admission level in an area - and 31 states follow suit. Red states indicate those that follow the CDC's recommendations and tan states indicate those who do not recommend or have limited face mask recommendations Researchers looked at 78 studies involving more than one million people across the world. Results indicated that surgical masks reduced the risk of catching 'Covid or a flu-like illness' by just five percent - a figure so low it may not be statistically significant There have also been reports of rising pneumonia infections in western Massachusetts and anecdotal mentions from doctors across several states. A spokesperson for the CDC told DailyMail.com: 'The science of masking and its impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission is complex, but the evidence is compelling that wearing masks helps prevent the spread of respiratory disease. 'Well-fitting, properly used masks reduce the spread of Covid, especially when worn by the majority of the population during times of high community transmission.' The agency says that when Covid hospital admission levels are low fewer than 10 per 100,000 people then 'people may choose to wear a mask at any time'. But when levels are medium to high 10 to 19.9 admissions per 100,000 people the agency states: 'If you are at high risk for getting very sick, wear a high-quality mask or respirator. 'If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk getting very sick... consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.' When levels are high 20 or more admissions per 100,000 people the CDC says everyone should 'wear a high-quality mask or respirator' and high-risk individuals should consider avoiding non-essential indoor public activities. Now he wants to warn others about how easy it is to be duped online Gary Edmunds, 72, lost 30,000 to a bitcoin scam When Gary Edmunds joined an online car enthusiasts group on Facebook, he could never have envisaged it would lead to a 30,000 loss and the sale of his home. But after being befriended by a woman claiming to be a car dealer online, he fell for a bitcoin investment scheme and now he owes thousands of pounds to his bank. He initially bought into the scam because he wanted to buy a motorhome for a holiday with his late wife, who had Alzheimers. After losing his wife a few months ago, he now wants to warn others about how easy it is to fall for a scam online. Here's how it unfolded... 'I just wanted to buy a motorhome for my wife' Before he retired, Edmunds, 72, who now lives in Norfolk, led a successful hydraulics business and worked on the Thames Barrier. Starting out as an entrepreneur in the 1970s and 80s, he used to meet with Margaret Thatcher and business leaders. Edmunds once even rubbed shoulders with Richard Branson at a Budget meeting, where he mistook the tycoon for the owner of Branston's pickle. But now, the retired businessman is in 'dire straits' having fallen for a complicated investment scam, and the same fraudsters have tried to dupe him since. As the proud owner of a Rolls Royce, Edmunds joined a Rolls Royce and Bentley owner group on Facebook. He was quickly befriended by a woman called Abelie, who claimed to work for the Bentley dealership in Manhattan, New York. She even invited Edmunds and his wife Brenda over to the Big Apple. At the time, Brenda had advanced Alzheimers and Edmunds wanted to buy a motorhome to take her away for a holiday. Abelie asked Edmunds if he had considered investing in cryptocurrency to help fund the getaway. 'I had looked into it ages ago when it first started. She told me she'd invested in a company called Sunlife Group.' I had my own business for 30 years, but it means nothing now Edmunds thought he was safe because he recognised the brand, but the scam is not affiliated to the legitimate Sunlife Group in the UK. 'She put me in touch with a man called Maximo on Whatsapp who came back to me the next day and gave me more details. I put 2-3,000 in and read through it all. 'My funds began to grow quite nicely so I thought I'd see if I could actually withdraw the money. 'You have to put in an extra 20 per cent to withdraw the money, which was about $10,000 at this point.' The money appeared in Edmunds' bank account straight away. 'I thought it was legitimate. I didn't spend that money, I put it back into the investment account. I thought I was doing the right thing. 'Then when the fund built up to $100,000, I thought I'd withdraw and buy the motor home.' > We reveal the new Whatsapp job scam that has arrived from the US 'I went from feast to famine' At this point, Edmunds had invested about 16,000, but would need to add more to his account to withdraw the $100,000 in the account. So he took out a loan. Unfortunately, the money did not appear in his account but Edmunds didn't suspect anything straight away. 'I was dealing with my wife's condition which was getting worse and worse. For a couple of days I wasn't too worried, but then Maximo became a different person and he ignored my messages.' The car dealer - Abelie - also claimed to have been scammed, but then went silent. I saw an opportunity that would make both of our lives better The loss of the money has upended Edmunds' life entirely: 'I've gone from feast to famine. 'It's flattened me completely from being a very flamboyant business entrepreneur I had my own business for 30 odd years, but it means nothing now. 'You think I'd be wise but with all the caring for Brenda and doing everything for her, you take your eye off your ball. When you see an opportunity that will make both of your lives better' Edmunds' had to sell his beloved Rolls Royce to pay for some of the costs and has put his house up for sale just months after the death of his wife. 'It's been very hard and it may have bankrupted me. I've missed payments because I've been dealing with my wife's death. It's broken me.' 'The scammer got in touch later to try and get me to launder money' Edmunds hadn't heard from the car dealer Abelie since the scam last year, but she popped up again a couple of months ago. She asked Edmunds to accept money into his bank account and forward them onto a cryptocurrency address, and he would be paid a commission. Thankfully, he twigged this was far from legitimate and he wanted to avoid cryptocurrencies at all costs. 'I smelt a rat. I went to the bank to assess the situation and the police became involved. They said it was a case of money muling.' Money muling is a type of money laundering in which a 'mule' lets someone else use their ban account to transfer money. If you get caught doing this, you could get a criminal record. He also believes he has been targeted by scammers since. Earlier this year he met someone at a charity event, who contacted him on Facebook a few weeks later. However, the woman's account was cloned and he had in fact been speaking to a man in Colchester, according to the police. 'I've basically blocked everyone I'm not sure of now. You can't think properly.' The impact of the scam on Edmunds has had a lasting impact on his mental health. 'When these scams happen you want to crawl under a stone and die because you just feel so stupid. Once you're in the trap, it's like a rat trap - you can't get out of it.' 'I'm trying to be proactive to warn other people. 'I've got the house up for sale and once it goes through, hopefully I can pay my debts off and get enough to get a small place. 'A lot of people are a lot worse off than me. 'It doesn't matter what walk of life you're in, to be scammed like this just kills your confidence. It kills my belief in people. 'I don't think this experience will ever leave me, until the day I die.' 'Damp squib': Jeremy Hunt's plans to reform the City failed to impress MPs have labelled Chancellor Jeremy Hunts plan to boost the City a damp squib sparking fury from inside the Treasury. In a report on the first anniversary of the Edinburgh Reforms, the Treasury select committee, which scrutinises the department for Parliament, said it was disappointed at the limited impact. But a source close to the department turned on the MPs, saying their findings were a bit rich, accusing them of criticising risk takers and wealth creators. The MPs report appears to crystallise a feeling that reforms to revive activity and reinvigorate the City have not borne fruit. Dealmaking remains moribund and the exodus of Britains listed firms shows no signs of slowing. Harriett Baldwin, chairman of the committee, said many reforms were logical and sensible, but added: 12 months on, the lack of progress or economic impact has left them feeling like a damp squib. The Treasury source said MPs opposed many measures, accusing the Government of moving too far, too fast. But the committee cast doubt on claims about how much progress had been made. Space X, the rocket business owned by Elon Musk, has been valued at 140billion in a major boost for the eccentric entrepreneur. The company has started discussions about selling shares at around $95 each, according to reports. This means Space X, which is known for making rockets and spacecraft, is one of the most valuable private companies in the world. The firm has secured major funding contracts this year, including with the US government to provide satellite internet to the Ukrainian military. The group runs a space internet unit, Starlink, with a network of about 5,000 low-Earth orbit satellites. Blast off: Space X has started discussions about selling shares at around $95 each making it one of the most valuable private companies in the world But it has faced major setbacks, including unsuccessful launches. Last month its unmanned craft Starship, developed to carry astronauts to the moon and beyond, reached space for the first time but lost contact moments later. This, however, was an improvement on Starships first attempt this year, which ended in an explosion. But the valuation is a major boost for Musk who has come under fire over his management of X, formerly known as Twitter. HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Last week he told advertisers to go f*** themselves following an ongoing exodus from the social media site. Companies including Apple and Disney have pulled ads from the platform after a report last month revealed tweets from companies were being placed alongside antiSemitic content. Musk has already said he will be suing the Left-wing non-profit group, Media Matters, who were behind the claims that sparked the boycott. Police forces in England attended less than a quarter of car theft crime scenes on average in the first half of this year, new figures reveal today. More than 51,000 vehicles were reported stolen between January and June, with owners receiving an in-person visit from a officer in just 23 per cent of cases. Three forces, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Cheshire, attended nine per cent of crime scenes in person, with six further forces attending fewer than a fifth of call-outs, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Liberal Democrats. In contrast, two forces attended every car crime report in person, though one of them, City of London, only had two. Cleveland, in the North East, sent officers to every one of the 562 reported car thefts, while Kent attended 99 per cent of its 394. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael told MailOnline: 'People deserve to feel confident that if they're the victim of a crime, the police will take their report seriously and that means at least arriving at the scene. Right now, it's hard to feel that confidence. 'Time and again, we have seen frontline policing sidelined by this Conservative Government. These shocking figures are just some of the consequences our communities are facing as a result. Your browser does not support iframes. Lib Dem home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: 'People deserve to feel confident that if they're the victim of a crime, the police will take their report seriously and that means at least arriving at the scene. Right now, it's hard to feel that confidence.' 'It's just not good enough. It's time for the Home Secretary to finally restore community policing - where officers are visible, trusted, and focused on tackling crimes like car theft.' The figures show a massive variety in the number of car theft reports made in different force areas, showing the different geographical and population sizes. There were almost 25,000 car thefts reported to the Metropolitan Police in London, compared to the two made to City of London, whose area is mainly business premises and has a small resident population. There were just 81 reported thefts in largely rural north Yorkshire and 101 in Cumbria. But there were more than 8,000 in the West Midlands and almost 3,300 in urban West Yorkshire. The figures are for the six months before former home secretary Sulla Braverman and police forces made an agreement to investigate all crimes. Officers were told there was no crime too minor to be probed and police will be forced to act if there is tangible evidence to follow up, including CCTV footage, vehicle dashcams or phone tracking. The approach would end the practice of overlooking offences perceived as low level, including car theft, shoplifting, phone muggings and criminal damage. Mrs Braverman said no crime should be considered minor and insisted police forces had the resources to investigate all offences without having to divert efforts from serious investigations. But last month the chairman of the Police Federation described the pledge as unfeasible - and said the investigation of every crime 'is not working'. These are the 10 parts of the country worst hit by the rise in motor theft in 2022. The ratio is based on car thefts per 1,000 vehicles registered in each area Steve Hartshorn, a Metropolitan Police officer who has served in armed response, revealed that he was given nothing more than a crime number from his own colleagues after his own car was broken into. And some police forces have told MailOnline there was no point attending all car theft reports. Detective Chief Superintendent Jaki Whittred, head of local policing for Bedfordshire Police, said: 'The Government has a clear target for police forces to cut neighbourhood crime by 20 per cent and we have achieved a 36 per cent reduction in Bedfordshire. We also have the sixth highest solved rate of all police forces nationally for burglary. 'While we will attend a scene if there are opportunities to conduct lines of enquiry, such as CCTV or forensic opportunities, we also have alternative methods to carry out an investigation without having to physically attend. For instance, we can add the vehicle's details to the Police National Computer (PNC) database.' A Cambridge Police spokeswoman added: 'We are committed to tackling crime, including theft of vehicles, but we often have to make difficult decisions around whether an officer should attend a scene - balancing the resources at our disposal with competing demands. 'Additionally, it may be clear from the initial call that attending the scene does not present any evidential opportunities and the investigation can progress without physical attendance.' And a spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police, which attended 13 per cent of car thefts, said: 'Attendance is based on the threat, harm and risk posed to the public and incidents where there is a crime in progress will always be prioritised. 'In relation to thefts of a motor vehicle, there's often no scene to examine as the vehicle has already been taken. In these circumstances, officers may look to complete area tours, if within an appropriate timeframe, as well as other enquiries as part of an investigation, including CCTV trawls and house-to-house enquiries. 'This would not be recorded on the incident log as an attendance at the scene so this doesn't mean no action has been taken, or show whether officers have attended other locations following sightings, or to carry out further enquiries.' A Surrey Police spokesman said: 'The decision on whether a police unit is despatched to attend a call is based off a variety of factors and calculated according to a ''THRIVE'' risk matrix. THRIVE stands for ''Threat'', ''Harm'', ''Risk'', ''Investigation'', ''Vulnerability'', and ''Engagement'', and provides a framework for both police attendance and investigations. 'Police resources are finite, and so calls where the threat, harm, or risk factors to members of the public are considered higher will be treated as a priority when it comes to attendance. Incidents where an offender has already left the scene and there is no immediate threat to the public will automatically score lower on the THRIVE assessment, and an officer may not be deployed to attend. However, this does not mean that an investigation is not carried out.' A little-known lawyer has the power to handle all of President Joe Bidens financial and business affairs and is linked to Hunter Bidens shady Chinese business dealings, documents obtained by DailyMail.com reveal. Mel Monzack, 83, a close friend of the President, has held Joes power of attorney since 1987, allowing him to control POTUSs bank accounts and sign financial documents on Joes behalf. And DailyMail.com can now reveal that Monzack may also be also linked to Hunter Bidens suspect dealings with Chinese oil giant CEFC - dealings that are now part of a new criminal indictment filed on Thursday. Monzack was not named in the indictment filed Thursday, nor were any other Hunter associates. Corporate records show Monzacks law firm is the registered agent for a company belonging to Hunters business partner that received $3 million from State Energy HK, a CEFC affiliate, in an alleged plot to buy influence with the President. Monzack has been Joes close confidant and personal attorney for decades. He served as treasurer for his failed 2008 presidential campaign, and is the registered agent for Joe and First Lady Jill Bidens companies that have recorded millions of dollars in income. Monzacks law firm, Monzack Mersky Mclaughlin and Browder, is also the registered agent for Robinson Walker LLC, a company that received $3 million from State Energy HK Limited and funneled the cash to three Biden family members as part of an allegedly corrupt energy deal. Special Counsel David Weiss charged Hunter with nine tax crimes on Thursday, citing the payments that came via Robinson Walker LLC in the indictment filed in a Los Angeles federal court. Pennsylvania-based lawyer Mel Monzack's deep ties to Joe and Hunter's business dealings may now make him a target of a dogged GOP probe into alleged corruption by the Biden family, records obtained by DailyMail.com reveal Pictures shared on Instagram by a Biden fan account include an undated photo of Joe Biden with his late son Beau (right) and power of attorney Mel Monzack Corporate records reveal Monzack's law firm was the registered agent for Robinson Walker LLC, a company that funneled $3 million to Biden family members from an allegedly corrupt business deal with State Energy HK Monzacks potential ties to Hunters CEFC deal, currently under investigation by federal law enforcement, coupled with his control of Joes personal finances and affairs, could make him the key to uncovering the suspected financial links between the president and his sons shady overseas schemes. The Pennsylvania-based lawyers deep ties to Joe and Hunters business dealings may now make him a target of a dogged GOP probe into alleged corruption by the Biden family. DailyMail.com has also uncovered offshore accounts linked to Monzack, attendance at a Chinese state dinner, and evidence he sent money to Hunter on Joes behalf, all drawing him closer to Congressional and federal probes of the Biden family. Monzack handled an offshore trust in the Cook Islands for Joe's old law firm partner, used Joe's accounts to wire cash to Hunter, and was even found by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to have violated campaign finance laws while working for Joe. Money from State Energy HK was sent to Hunter and Jim via Robinson Walker LLC, a firm belonging to their business partner and Biden family friend, Rob Walker (pictured) bank statements published by congress revealed The attorney appears frequently in documents on Hunter's abandoned laptop, including an email showing Monzack received an invite to a 2011 White House state dinner for then-Chinese President Hu Jintao. Monzack's links to the Bidens were first highlighted by right-wing nonprofit Marco Polo in its 645-page report on Hunter published last year. Marco Polo founder Garrett Ziegler told DailyMail.com: Monzack provides Joe plausible deniability. He's been Joe's power-of-attorney for nearly 40 years and has managed offshore trusts. The fact that Monzack has not been subpoenaed by Congress is unconscionable. Apart from his mention in Marco Polo's report, the president's close friend has otherwise largely flown under the radar. Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who investigated Hunter's alleged corruption for four years with his colleague Senator Chuck Grassley, urged GOP-controlled House committees with subpoena powers to investigate Monzack, in a statement to DailyMail.com. 'Mr. Monzack should have first-hand knowledge of Biden family financial transactions that are central to their corrupt activities,' Johnson said. 'I assume House investigators will take action to obtain his records and testimony. 'Unfortunately, Democrats in the Senate have turned a blind eye toward Biden family corruption that becomes more obvious with each passing day and revelation.' Joe's working relationship with Monzack dates back over half a century to 1970, when the two men set up a law firm in Wilmington, Delaware called Biden & Walsh. Documents filed with the state's New Castle County recorder show Joe named Monzack as his power of attorney in 1987. This role in Joe's personal affairs continued for three decades, evidenced by a document from Hunter's abandoned laptop showing Joe and Jill's car insurance for a 2018 Ford vehicle addressed 'care of Mel Monzack' at his Wilmington law office. When Joe unsuccessfully ran for president in 2008, Monzack acted as treasurer for his campaign fund. The FEC investigated Monzack and the fund, Biden for President, Inc and in 2012 it found that they violated campaign finance laws and fined them $50,000. Earlier this year, House Oversight Committee Republicans released a report tracing hefty payouts to the Biden family back to close associates, including Robinson Walker LLC and Hunter's Chinese business partners Documents filed with the New Castle County, Delaware recorder show Joe named Monzack as his power of attorney in 1987 A document from Hunter's abandoned laptop shows Joe and Jill's car insurance for a 2018 Ford vehicle was addressed 'care of Mel Monzack' at his Wilmington law office A report by the Commission said Biden for President of which Monzack was the treasurer, failed to keep records to show $1,092,899 of campaign contributions that exceeded federal limits were returned. Monzack also acted as treasurer for the president's late son Beau Biden's 2006 Delaware Attorney General campaign, and remained closely involved with Joe's political career. Filings for Joe's company, CelticCapri Corp, and his wife's, Giaccopa Corp, list Monzack's law firm as their registered agent. The couple earned $22.5million between 1998 and 2019, including reported millions for lucrative speaking engagements and book deals routed through their S-corporations after Joe finished his term as Vice President in 2017. In April 2022 DailyMail.com published an analysis showing a $5.2million discrepancy in income between the Bidens' IRS filings for their corporations, and Joe's governmental transparency reports as Republicans investigated whether Joe secretly received cash from Hunter's alleged influence peddling overseas. Congress has since released FBI paperwork showing a trusted informant told his handlers in 2020 that the owner of Ukrainian gas firm Mykola Zlochevsky boasted he had bribed Joe with $5million to kill a criminal investigation into his company. According to the informant, Zlochevsky disguised the payments through a complex network of offshore accounts. Monzack helped run an offshore trust based in the Cook Islands, owned by Joe's former law firm partner David Walsh, according to documents leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. And an email from Hunters laptop shows that Monzacks law firm partner, Michael Hochman, even discussed the gas firm Burisma with Hunter. Went running with Beau yesterday and we were talking briefly about Burisma, Hochman wrote in May 16 2014, just weeks after Hunter joined the Burisma board. Good news. Im pretty familiar with this industry (at least domestically) my father-in-law is heavily involved in the Marcellus shale gas play in Pennsylvania the largest source of natural gas in the United States. He is extremely knowledgeable and well- connected in those parts. Hed love to discuss with you; would you be willing to talk with him? Monzack helped run an offshore trust based in the Cook Islands, owned by Joe's former law firm partner David Walsh I, according to documents leaked to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists In 2012 the Federal Election Commission unanimously voted that there was 'reason to believe' Monzack had violated campaign finance law in his role as treasurer for the Biden for President campaign fund, and fined him $50,000 Filings for Joe's company CelticCapri Corp (top) and his wife's Giaccopa Corp list Monzack's law firm, Monzack Mersky Mclaughlin and Browder, as their registered agent Monzack and his colleagues were not named in the FBI documents about Burismas alleged bribery scheme, and no evidence has emerged that links the Cook Islands-based Penndel Investment Trust to any of Hunters dealings. The lawyer is, however, directly linked to a company at the center of Hunters dealings with criminal Chinese businessmen. Hunter and Joes brother Jim Biden partnered with Chinese oil giant CEFC on an energy deal that earned them millions of dollars, and was set to pay a further $10 million per year before it collapsed in 2018 following the arrest and conviction of CEFC executives. Money from the deal was sent to Hunter and Jim via Robinson Walker LLC, a firm belonging to their business partner and Biden family friend, Rob Walker, bank statements published by congress reveal. The statements show CEFC affiliate State Energy HK wired $3million to Robinson Walker on March 1 2017, just two months after Joe left public office. Robinson Walker then sent on a total $1,065,692 to Hunter, Jim, and Hallie Biden, who was the widow of Joe's late son Beau and Hunter's lover at the time. Company documents show Monzack's firm is the registered agent for Robinson Walker. And evidence is mounting that links Joe Biden to Hunter's CEFC deal. A now-infamous email by Hunter's other business partner in the deal, James Gilliar, suggested that the First Son would hold 10% of their equity on behalf of 'the big guy' allegedly referring to Joe Biden. Texts shared with congress by IRS whistleblowers who investigated Hunter show that he demanded $10million from his Chinese business partners in July 2017, telling them Joe was sitting next to him and involved. 'I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled,' Hunter wrote. Photos from his laptop show he was at Joe's house that day. Other texts between Hunter's business partners explicitly refer to Joe's alleged involvement in the scheme which the President has repeatedly denied. Hunter texted Monzack on December 6 2018, asking for the lawyer to wire him money from his father's account Emails from Hunter Biden's abandoned laptop show Monzack advised the President's son and brother Jim on their tax affairs Documents obtained from Hunters laptop and congressional subpoenas reveal an apparent flow of cash between Biden family members and Joes accounts controlled by Monzack. Records from Hunter's laptop show he texted Monzack on December 6 2018, asking for the lawyer to wire him money from his father's account. 'Hey Mel did dads wire go out today? To my account? Or do you need some other type of confirmation beyond his personal request?' Hunter wrote. 'I'm under the gun until the 22nd with tuitions etc.' Banking records obtained by CNN show the Presidents brother Jim wrote a $40,000 check to Joe in September 2017, with a note on the back identifying Monzack as Joes attorney-in-fact meaning a lawyer with power of attorney. According to CNN, the check appears to have been deposited in an attorney trust account at Monzacks firm, used by lawyers to hold clients money. The banking records reportedly show Jim later received a $200,000 wire transfer on January 12 2018 from the same attorney trust account likely a loan from Joe that he later repaid. DailyMail.com has previously revealed how Joe and Hunter paid each others bills, including Hunter funding a phone line and home improvement for Joe, and Joe footing the bill for several of Hunters stints in rehab. There are 10 calendar entries on Hunter's laptop for meetings or calls with Monzack, often with Hunter's business partner and Joe's tax manager Eric Schwerin, between 2009 and 2014. Emails also refer to other meetings and calls. One email from November 2010 lists attendees for a 'China State Dinner' including Monzack and his wife. That dinner held in January 2011 was in honor of President Hu. Hunter was also invited, and in the email he discussed with Schwerin which of his business associates would be most advantageous to bring along. Emails show Monzack helped advise Hunter and Jim on tax issues in September 2010. His firm appeared to still be involved with Hunter's company Rosemont Seneca Advisors as late as September 2017, when they filed the firm's Delaware corporate records according to an expense report on Hunter's laptop But local New Yorkers and frustrated businesses say they've had enough New Yorkers are bracing for the booze-fueled SantaCon parade to ring in the festive season by taking over the streets of Manhattan. Thousands of raucous red-clad partiers will descend on the Big Apple on Saturday, but many locals have come to dread the annual sight of rowdy Santas. Held each year across in cities across the globe, New York's edition has become the epicenter of on the self-described concept of a 'nonsensical Santa Claus convention' that has no other intention other than 'absurdist joy.' But while participants may be happy to imbibe in more than just the holiday spirit, others feel that debauchery and arrests have sullied the event. Populated almost entirely by 20-somethings, the event's insistence on alcohol has seen a number of distasteful incidents over the year SantaCon has caught the ire of some New York locals and businesses as the alcohol-filled parade has a reputation for descending into debauchery Ahead of the expected blowout, New York City's transit police announced a city-wide ban on alcohol on subway platforms and trains, an attempt to limit those who may have had too many spiked egg nogs. 'Ensuring everyone has access to safe and orderly travel is always a priority,' MTA Police Chief John Mueller said. 'The holiday season is a wonderful time of year, and we want everyone to get to their destination smoothly and on time while enjoying the festivities.' Upwards of 30,000 people are estimated to take part each year, shutting down a huge swath of the city from Times Square down to the East Village. For locals, the surge in public intoxication, projectile vomiting and urination is not especially merry. A number of bars that would surely see a surge in business have boycotted the parade over the years and turned away anyone in a Santa suit - hoping to avoid similar scenes to 2019 when one reveler reportedly peed in the middle of a McDonald's in front of a child. A wild brawl between a group of Santas was caught on camera in 2018, while in 2016 a Santa hitched an illicit ride on the back of a fire truck, leading the person who shared the image to sum up the feelings of many in New York: 'Make this day end.' In 2013, New York police lieutenant John Cocchi, in an open letter to NYC bars, called on businesses to boycott the event, taking aim at 'thousands of intoxicated partygoers roam the streets urinating, littering, vomiting and vandalizing.' A long list of incidents that landed attendees on the naughty list led Curbed Magazine to praise how, when the Coronavirus pandemic shut down the US economy in 2020, the cancelation of Santa Con was 'a single bright spot' worth celebrating. For those looking to understand why a fun-filled day of alcohol could anger New Yorkers, a scathing New York Times op-ed from 2013 attempted to sum it up. Comparing the day to 'spoiled eggnog', the 'obnoxious' event was slammed for losing its counter-culture roots, concluding that 'participating in the Big Apples version of SantaCon is about as anti-establishment as a trip to Disney World.' Ironically, the parade's reputation as an obnoxious, marketing-filled drinking campaign is a long way from its roots. The Big Apple was not always running the show, as SantaCon - which now covers over 300 cities and 44 countries - dates its history back to Scandanavia in the 1970s. Every year, thousands of boozy Santas embark on a huge pub crawl through the streets of Manhattan, pictured on December 10, 2021 The parade is ostensibly a charity event, sending huge numbers of young people through the Big Apple to ring in the festive season The dizzying celebrations have led to a number of arrests and brawls in recent years, as residents complain of widespread public intoxication and urination Many see the pub crawl as a harmless, once-a-year event to let off steam, but not everyone agrees as even bars have boycotted the commotion A butch Santa took to the streets in 2021 (pictured) as the parade returned from the Covid-19 pandemic Ironically, the annual event's origins lie in anti-establishment and anti-commercial notions, a feeling that many feel has been lost in the boozy extravaganza Two Santas may have laded themselves on the naughty list as they pass out on the sidewalk in Manhattan in 2018 One reveler dressed as the Grinch in 2021 to ring in the festive season, before having too much to drink and being handed water by one of Santa's elves in 2021 Beginning as a performance art protest in Denmark, the first of the conventions was a political demonstration in contrast to the event's current insistence on being 'non-political.' Danish art collective 'Solvognen' decided in 1974 to protest perceived inequalities in society in a bizarre way, with 75 members dressing as Santa pretending to slowly understand more about the consumerism and greed ruining the holiday, reports Vox. At first day the protests were fun and easygoing, including Santas being serenaded by angels on the streets of Copenhagen. By the end of their days-long performance art piece, Solvognen had worked themselves into a frenzy, and were destroying buildings with pickaxes while Santas flung out presents for free. Scenes of anarchist Santas being arrested became iconic in Denmark, and the 'Santa Claus army' (Julemandshren) was even officially added to the Denmark Culture Canon to name it as a landmark moment in the country's cultural history. A Mother Jones article on the phenomenon in 1977 caught attention overseas, and a San Francisco secret society known as the 'Cacophony Society' eventually held its own version in 1994. Santas reportedly caused chaos as they snuck into parties and disrupted holiday bashes, described by a member in 2014 as 'a little mocking of a bulls*** holiday which was demonstrably based on an unholy alliance of religious hypocrisy and mercantile lust.' Although initially meant to be a one-time-thing, the campaign quickly escalated, sometimes dubbed as 'Santarchy.' While Santa Con dates back in some form to 1974 in Scandanavia, it took off in America in the late 90's as the nation was swept into 'Santarchy' New York City is the epicenter of the annual event, but it has now stretched to over 300 cities across 44 countries A number of arrests and unsavory incidents have littered the parade in years past, as many in the city have come to despise and avoid the event By 1966, Oregon had joined the fun thanks to its own Cacophony Society, before SantaCon parades were almost nationwide by 2000 as they became synonymous with pub crawls. The pub crawl - where participants trawl from bar to bar drinking as much as they can - has also seen the event become dominated by alcohol, rivalling Halloween and St Paddy's Day as the heaviest days on the drinking calendar. Usually populated by 20 and 30-somethings, SantaCon is ostensibly a charity event, as organizers in New York urge attendees to donate $15 to take part, although it does not appear mandatory. For those who may act like a Grinch at the boozy parade, the organizers have placed six rules to join: Don't mess with kids, cops, bar staff, yourself, the charity mission or the Big Apple. New York City serves as the global hub of the day's partying, working in a similar way to the city's huge Thanksgiving and St Paddy's Day parades as other metros hold their own smaller jamborees. This has also caught the ire of both New York residents and law enforcement, with the one of the rowdiest recent editions coming in 2015 when five Santas were arrested. Organizers have tried to turn the event around, and insisted the year after it was cancelled by the Covid-19 pandemic that it had 'changed significantly for the better.' Whether it has actually changed in the last two years may depend on who you ask, but the organizers insisted that despite its flaws, Santa Con is carried out in the right spirit. 'We agree that there is no excuse for inappropriate behavior including public drunkenness, urination, or rude behavior,' SantaCon said. This is not only prohibited by the stated rules of the event, but actively discouraged by the crowds of Santas themselves, who are, for the most part, responsible, creative, community-minded New Yorkers. NYC Santa realizes that he has a responsibility to New York City and its citizens.' Nurse Kristen Marin put on an N95 mask when she arrived to work at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley Hospital in 2021. The CDC is weighing guidelines on infection control in hospitals that could leave employers free to cut corners on respirators and other protective measures. Deanne Fitzmaurice/Special to the Chronicle Three years after more than 3,600 health workers died of COVID-19, occupational safety experts warn that those on the front lines may once again be at risk if the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention takes its committees advice on infection control guidelines in health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and jails. In early November the committee released a controversial set of recommendations that the CDC is considering, which would update those established some 16 years ago. The pandemic illustrated how a rift between the CDC and workplace safety officials can have serious repercussions. Most recently, the giant hospital system Sutter Health in California appealed a citation from the states Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as Cal/OSHA, by pointing to the CDCs shifting advice on when and whether N95 masks were needed at the start of the pandemic. By contrast, Cal/OSHA requires employers in high-risk settings like hospitals to improve ventilation, use air filtration and provide N95s to all staff exposed to diseases that are or may be airborne. The agencies are once again at odds. The CDCs advisory committee prescribes varying degrees of protection based on ill-defined categories, such as whether a virus or bacteria is considered common or how far it seems to travel in the air. As a result, occupational safety experts warn that choices on how to categorize COVID, influenza and other airborne diseases and the corresponding levels of protection may once again be left to administrators at hospitals, nursing homes and jails or prisons. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Eric Berg, deputy chief of health at Cal/OSHA, warned the CDC in November that, if it accepted its committees recommendations, the guidelines would create confusion and result in workers being not adequately protected. Also called respirators, N95 masks filter out far more particles than looser-fitting surgical masks but cost roughly 10 times as much, and they were in short supply in 2020. Black, Hispanic and Asian health workers more often went without N95 masks than white staffers, which helped explain why members of racial and ethnic minorities tested positive for COVID nearly five times as often as the general population in the early months of the pandemic. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races.) Cal/OSHA issued dozens of citations to health care facilities that failed to provide N95 masks and take other measures to protect workers in 2020 and 2021. Many appealed, and some cases are continuing. In October, the agency declined Sutters appeal of a $6,750 citation for not giving its medical assistants N95 masks in 2020 when they accompanied patients who appeared to have COVID through clinics. Sutter pointed to the CDCs advice early in the pandemic, according to court testimony. It noted that the CDC called surgical masks an acceptable alternative in March 2020, seemed to recommend droplet precautions rather than airborne precautions, and suggested that individuals were unlikely to be infected if they were farther than 6 feet away from a person with COVID. This is a loose interpretation of the CDCs 2020 advice, which was partly made for reasons of practicality. Respirators were in short supply, for example, and physical distancing beyond 6 feet is complicated in places where people must congregate. Scientifically, there were clear indications that the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 spread through the air, leading Cal/OSHA to enact its straightforward rules created after the 2009 swine flu pandemic. Workers need stiffer protection than the general population, said Jordan Barab, a former official at the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Health workers are exposed for eight, 10, 12 hours a day. The CDCs advisory committee offers a weaker approach in certain cases, suggesting that health workers wear surgical masks for common, often endemic respiratory pathogens that spread predominantly over short distances. The draft guidance pays little attention to ventilation and air filtration and advises N95 masks only for new or emerging diseases and those that spread efficiently over long distances. Viruses, bacteria and other pathogens that spread through the air dont neatly fit into such categories. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Guidelines that are incomplete, weak and without scientific basis will greatly undermine CDCs credibility, said a former OSHA director, David Michaels, during an October meeting where he and others urged CDC Director Mandy Cohen to reconsider advice from the committee before it issues final guidance next year. Although occupational safety agencies not the CDC have the power to make rules, enforcement often occurs long after the damage is done, if ever. Cal/OSHA began to investigate Sutter only after a nurse at its main Oakland hospital died from COVID and health workers complained they werent allowed to wear N95 masks in hallways shared with COVID patients. And more than a dozen citations from Cal/OSHA against Kaiser Permanente, Sharp HealthCare and other health systems lagged months and years behind health worker complaints and protests. Outside California, OSHA faces higher enforcement obstacles. At the peak of the pandemic, a dwindling budget left the agency with fewer workplace inspectors than it had in 45 years. Plus, the Trump and Biden administrations stalled the agencys efforts to pass regulations specific to airborne infections. As a result, the agency followed up on only about 1 in 5 COVID-related complaints that employees and labor representatives officially filed with the group from January 2020 to February 2022 and just 4% of those made informally through media reports, phone calls and emails. Many deaths among health care workers werent reported to the agency in the first place. Michaels said the CDC would further curtail OSHAs authority to punish employers who expose staff members to airborne diseases, if its final guidelines follow the committees recommendations. Such advice would leave many hospitals, correctional facilities and nursing homes as unprepared as they were before the pandemic, said Deborah Gold, a former deputy chief of health at Cal/OSHA. Strict standards prompt employers to stockpile N95 masks and improve air filtration and ventilation to avoid citations. But if the CDCs guidance leaves room for interpretation, she said, they can justify cutting corners on costly preparation. Medical assistant Nhuvu Le wears an N95 mask while staffing the front desk at Foothill Community Health Center in San Jose in 2020. The CDC and Cal/OSHA are at odds over regulations to protect medical employees from airborne pathogens. LiPo Ching/Special to the Chronicle Although the CDC committee and OSHA both claim to follow the science, researchers arrived at contradictory conclusions because the committee relied on explicitly flawed trials comparing health workers who wore surgical masks with those using N95s. Cal/OSHA based its standards on a variety of studies, including reviews of hospital infections and engineering research on how airborne particles spread. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In decades past, the CDCs process for developing guidelines included labor representatives and experts focused on hazards at work. Barab was a health researcher at a trade union for public sector employees when he helped the CDC develop HIV-related recommendations in the 1980s. I remember asking about how to protect health care workers and correction officers who get urine or feces thrown at them, Barab said. Infectious disease researchers on the CDCs committee initially scoffed at the idea, he recalled, but still considered his input as someone who understood the conditions employees faced. A lot of these folks hadnt been on hospital floors in years, if not decades. The largest organization for nurses in the United States, National Nurses United, made the same observation. Its now collecting signatures for an online petition urging the CDC to scrap the committees guidelines and develop new recommendations that include insights from health care workers, many of whom risked their lives in the pandemic. Barab attributed the lack of labor representation in the CDCs current process to the growing corporate influence of large health systems. Hospital administrators prefer not to be told what to do, particularly when it requires spending money, he said. In an email, CDC communications officer Dave Daigle stressed that before the guidelines are finalized, the CDC will review the makeup of the workgroups and solicit participation to ensure that the appropriate expertise is included. Kate is the 'People's Princess' in the US while Harry and Meghan have failed to win over a majority of Americans since their relocation Stateside after quitting the royal family, an exclusive DailyMail.com poll reveals. The Princess of Wales is the runaway favorite royal with a 44 percent positivity score and her husband and heir to the throne, William, is second with 36 percent. Harry has a score of 28 percent and Meghan is further behind on 21 percent. The poll of 1,000 Americans was carried out between November 30 and December 1, during the global backlash to Omid Scobie's book Endgame. Dutch copies of the book by Scobie, who has been labeled the couple's unofficial spokesman, named the alleged 'royal racists' who Harry and Meghan claim raised 'concerns' about the skin color of their son, Archie, before he was born. Scobie initially denied responsibility for the blunder but has now accepted he did include the names in an 'early' copy provided to Dutch publishers for translation. The poll also reveals more than a quarter of Americans (26 percent) think Harry and Meghan are 'too involved in American politics'. While 34 percent said the couple are involved 'about the right amount', the finding indicates a chunk of the country are frustrated by their public positions on some political issues. Pollster James Johnson, from JL Partners, which carried out the survey, said: 'Kate is the people's princess. That's the verdict of the American public: the Princess of Wales is their top rated royal and they vastly prefer her to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.' The Princess of Wales and her husband and heir to the throne, William, are America's favorite royals, according to a poll of the American public for DailyMail.com A little over a quarter of those polled think Harry and Meghan, pictured at the Invictus Games in September, are 'too involved in American politics', compared to 34 percent who said the couple are involved 'about the right amount' Pollster James Johnson, from JL Partners, which carried out the survey, said: 'Kate is the people's princess. That's the verdict of the American public: the Princess of Wales is their top rated royal and they vastly prefer her to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex' The findings are published today after Britain's High Court heard Harry claims he felt 'forced' to leave the country and relocate with Meghan to America because it was 'not possible to keep [his children] safe' in the UK. His comments were read during a court case he has brought against the UK's Home Office over its decision to scale back his security arrangements after he stepped back from the royal family. The poll found 42 percent of Americans believe Harry and Meghan should stay in the United States while 31 percent believe they should return to the UK. The poll asked the public's view on several members of the royal family and participants were given six options: very positive, quite positive, neither positive nor negative, quite negative, very negative and don't know. Net positivity was calculated by subtracting the percentage of quite and very negative responses from the percentage who said quite or very positive. Some 43 percent of the public had a positive view of Harry, compared to 15 percent who responded negative. For Meghan, 40 percent chose positive while 19 percent said negative. The results reveal how they have failed to win positive support from a majority of Americans since they quit the royal family in January 2020 and relocated to California several months later. The couple went on to sign a deal with Spotify worth a reported $20 million and also partnered with Netflix under a deal worth around $100 million, which included their tell-all documentary series. Harry has also released an autobiography, Spare, and the couple have worked to frame themselves as philanthropists. In a further nod to the public's split opinion of Harry and Meghan, 29 percent of respondents said the couple's statements are 'generally not credible', compared with 49 percent who said they were. Asked what motivates Harry and Meghan, 47 percent said 'doing the right thing and helping people', while 37 percent said it was 'making money and getting media attention'. The poll was carried out after the alleged 'royal racists' who asked about the skin color of Harry and Meghan's son Archie were named in European copies of Omid Scobie 's book Endgame The poll also found that 27 percent of people thing Meghan 'makes the main decision' in the Sussex's relationship, compared with 18 percent who said Harry The poll comes as Scobie struggles to deal with the fallout from his new book. While Endgame has flopped in the bestseller charts, it stirred huge controversy after a Dutch version included names two royals who were accused of making allegedly racist comments about the skin color of Harry and Meghan's son, Archie. An initial draft, given to Dutch translators, named the two senior members of the royal family who Meghan said told of their 'concerns' about the color of her son Archie's skin, while she was pregnant. Harry and Meghan have never named the royals involved but the book claimed they are Kate and King Charles. Meghan first made the allegation in her and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey, in March 2021. Harry and Meghan then issued a statement saying it was not the late Queen or her husband Prince Philip, but refused to name the members of the royal family. Scobie's book marked the first time they have been named. Despite Scobie denying responsibility for the gaffe, his UK agent did send a draft manuscript of Endgame which named the two 'royal racists' to be translated into Dutch, it has been claimed. Scobie then acknowledged on December 8 that translators in the Netherlands were sent an 'early' manuscript that was never updated with the final version which had been proofed by lawyers and had the names removed. The results also reveal America has a dim view of King Charles III, whose net positive rating was just eight percent. Camilla scored four percent Charles' positivity score is only two percentage points more than his brother, Prince Andrew, who scored six percent despite his fall from grace over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein The revelation contradicts Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 'cheerleader-in-chief's' words that he 'never submitted a book that had those names in it'. Further findings of the poll include that 27 percent of people think Meghan 'makes the main decision' in the Sussexes' relationship, compared with 18 percent who said Harry. When asked to choose between two royals, the majority preferred Kate over Meghan (46 percent to 32 percent). However, given the choice between Harry and William, 40 percent chose the Duke of Sussex, compared with 34 percent who picked William. The results also reveal America has a dim view of King Charles III, whose net positive rating was just eight percent. That is only two percentage points more than his brother, Prince Andrew, who scored six percent despite his fall from grace over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Queen Camilla ranked even lower, with a four percent score. An Aussie sales executive has been praised for his extraordinarily calm reaction to being booted from business class to economy in the first moments of a 10-hour flight. Jameel Rehman, from Melbourne, scored a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a work bonus but had to move after engineers found a fault in his seat. Mr Rehman recorded his reaction after receiving the news and said that staff were very apologetic but did not waste any time getting him into economy. His mum, who was his plus-one, retained her seat and happily waved toward the camera as her son polished off his glass of champagne before humbly departing. 'How the mighty have fallen,' Mr Rehman declared as he entered his new cabin to the sound of a baby screaming. Jameel Rehman, from Melbourne, scored a business class flight for two from Sydney to Honolulu as a work bonus but had to move after engineers found a fault in his seat READ MORE: Qantas' bizarre $8k Melbourne-to-Melbourne flight Aussies are forking out up to $8,000 to take a Qantas flight to the same city they just left in order to get a scenic view of Antarctica. Advertisement Mr Rehman had just put on his complimentary business class pajamas with the famous Qantas kangaroo emblazoned on the front when he was told that he needed to move for his own safety 10 minutes into the flight. 'I have just been informed that I have to leave this business class seat because it is [broken],' he said. 'But jeez at least I got to enjoy it for a brief second [with] my champagne which was lovely.' The graceful passenger quickly wrapped up his headphones and commended the Qantas staff who were 'very apologetic [and] very helpful'. He was able to keep the pajamas on and still enjoy the perks of business class 'but not the space'. 'What can you do,' he casually mused as staff offered to carry his bags to the entire empty row that was awaiting him at the back of the plane. 'Can't really knock 'em,' he added. Social media users praised Mr Rehman's optimistic response to the unfortunate situation he had found himself in. 'Youre a class act lad. Congrats on your achievements and sharing 'em with mum,' one person said. 'Note the baby giving you a warm welcome,' another wrote. 'Regardless of how nice they were and the perks you still got, make sure you ask for compensation and do not settle for nothing,' a third advised. Mr Rehman was quick to clarify that his employer had received a 'downgrade refund' and that he had personally been given a $500 travel voucher for the trouble. 'It's a happy ending folks thanks for all the kind words,' he wrote in response to the outpouring of support he received. In a later update Mr Rehman confirmed that he was able to enjoy the full experience of business class with his mum on the return flight as they drank champagne together. Mr Rehman's plus-one for the trip was his mum, who he was able to finally enjoy business class with on the return flight A Qantas spokesperson said that the carrier had personally apologised to Mr Rehman for the inconvenience and that he was given a $500 travel voucher for the trouble It is understood that during pre-flight checks in Sydney engineers had found a fault in Mr Rehman's original seat which needed an urgent repair. The issue was resolved by staff on the ground in Hawaii prior to their return flight. A Qantas spokesperson said the carrier had personally apologised to Mr Rehman for the inconvenience he experienced and that his safety was their top priority. 'Safety is always our main priority and unfortunately a minor technical issue meant that this seat had to be kept vacant,' they said. 'Two days after the flight, Mr Rehman was given a downgrade refund along with a $500 travel voucher.' For Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, it seemed like a match made in heaven. The 46-year-old mother-of-two was stunned in May 2022 when her entrepreneur boyfriend Patrick Bryant got down on one knee and asked if she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. But less than 18 months since that heartwarming proposal, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal that the couple have broken up and are now in the middle of a messy legal fight over multi-million-dollar homes they bought together. According to four sources, the South Carolina lawmaker - who was one of the eight to vote former Speaker Kevin McCarthy out in a historic vote - split with Charleston software mogul Bryant last month. Since they parted ways, their rift has deteriorated, and now they are fighting over a $3.9 million beachfront property with six bedrooms and a pool and a $1.3 million Washington, D.C., home they both have equity in. 'I'm not Taylor Swift. No one gives a damn about my relationship status,' Mace said in response to DailyMail.com's questions about the dispute. The 46-year-old mother-of-two was stunned in May 2022 when her entrepreneur boyfriend Patrick Bryant got down on one knee and asked if she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him Since they parted ways, their rift has deteriorated, and now they are fighting over a $3.9 million beachfront property, above, with six bedrooms and a pool and a $1.3 million Washington, D.C., home they both have equity in Public records suggest neither Mace or Bryant have filed a lawsuit, though three sources familiar with the situation say Mace is expected to take legal action over the homes. It comes just days after Mace faced an exodus from her office on Capitol Hill. Six staffers resigned and claimed she runs a 'toxic' office. The former couple, both Charleston-area socialites, got engaged in 2022 after two years of dating. One of the most colorful members of the House since her 2020 election, Mace sparred with the former president, prompting an all-out MAGA war against her before aligning herself with Trump this cycle and reportedly eyeing his running mate spot. She set herself apart from her colleagues with antics like wearing a jacket that read: 'My state is Banning EXCEPTIONS Protect CONTRACEPTION' and after voting to oust McCarthy, donning a shirt with a scarlet 'A' on it. She's since become a fixture on cable news. Two sources familiar said Mace has claimed she found Bryant on a dating app when they were still together, prompting their split. Bryant told DailyMail.com he had not been active on a dating app since before he and Nancy met, but recently re-downloaded the app long enough to delete an old profile that was still showing up. 'The status of our relationship is no one's business,' he added. 'We have more important things to focus on as a country.' Bryant is the co-founder of software development firm Code/+/Trust. He's served on a number of local boards including as chairman of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. While dating Bryant, Mace often openly discussed her sex life in the office, including in front of male junior staffers, according to three sources who recalled such comments in graphic detail to DailyMail.com. 'She frequently made sexual references in the office and discussed things that were not appropriate in a work environment,' one former senior staffer said. If one of her staff members were to officially complain about her conduct, she could be subjected to an ethics investigation. Trouble on the home front comes as Mace lost three more staffers this week. Days ago, the congresswoman fired her chief of staff Dan Hanlon, then her deputy chief of staff, Richard Chalkey, and legislative director, Randal Meyer, resigned, as first reported by the Washington Examiner. Three other junior staffers have left in recent months. Mace blamed her frisky fiance for being late to a prayer breakfast this summer, joking about pre-marital sex in a religious faux pas. The 45-year-old congresswoman said she had woken up at 7 a.m. and only had 45 minutes to get ready for the annual event, which brought together South Carolina lawmakers and took place on Capitol Hill. After losing six staffers in a matter of months, Rep. Nancy Mace and her fiance, left, have broken up and are now embroiled in a messy dispute over the multi-million-dollar homes they bought together 'Patrick, my fiance, tried to pull me by my waist over this morning in bed,' Mace told the crowd. 'And I was like, 'No, baby we don't got time for that this morning, I've got to get to the prayer breakfast, and I've gotta be on time,'' she recalled. Receiving some chuckles from the audience, she noted she was being a 'little TMI.' 'He can wait!' Mace said laughing. 'I'll see him later tonight.' Mace in the past has been described as a 'rising star' among Republican women. A frequent face in media by her own design, she's been invited to deliver keynote addresses at swanky Washington events and fundraisers like last year's Washington Press Club's Congressional Dinner. While moderate on social issues - she stood up for birth control access and finding a 'middle ground' on abortion - she's swung to the right on spending and Oversight Committee work and led the charge against Hunter Biden. She's frequently threatened to break rank and vote against GOP leadership's legislation before falling in line shortly before the vote. But the self-described 'caucus of one' has few friends on Capitol Hill, especially since voting to oust McCarthy. Since growing to mistrust her chief of staff and ultimately firing him, the staffers she once relied upon to drive policy and get her on national television have since abandoned her. One source familiar with the situation insisted to DailyMail.com that Mace and her former chief Hanlon's relationship took a turn for the worst after McCarthy called Hanlon out in a momentous final press conference as speaker. McCarthy called Mace's chief when he realized she would vote to oust him, claiming he had not kept his word to her. 'So, I call her chief of staff I said, 'Can you please tell me, I don't understand? Where have I not kept my word?' McCarthy explained. 'Chief of staff said, 'You have kept your word 100%.'' 'She didn't understand that things don't necessarily operate very quickly in the House,' the source said of Mace. 'I bite my lip,' McCarthy added. 'I let people say things that are not true. But it's not right. It is not right. Her chief of staff told all of us we have kept every single one of our words. And he said he's told her that, too.' The night that McCarthy made the remark, Mace and her chief went to a see-and-be-seen bar on Capitol Hill, Bullfeathers, together in a show that they weren't letting the ousted speaker come between them. But the source said that night was when Mace began to 'ice [Hanlon] out' and became 'mistrusting' of him. They said Mace's office essentially set her policy agenda since she was focused on media attention. 'Everything started with media attention,' the source said. 'We were free to drive the legislative agenda. She was pretty hands off in the process, which is pretty cool for a staffer. She was more focused on getting on Fox News.' Mace is twice-divorced and has two children with her second husband. Bryant surprised the congresswoman in May 2022, by tricking her into thinking she was doing door-knocking for her congressional campaign and filming it to be used in a future political advertisement. Instead she opened a door and Bryant appeared. 'I literally thought I was shooting b-roll, and I'm not!' Mace said. She told Bryant yes. Rep. Nancy Mace talks to media after winning the South Carolina's GOP primary election on June 14, 2022 Rep. Nancy Mace (left) poses with her fiance Patrick Bryand (right) at a gala. The couple had been dating for several years before he popped the question last May while she was going through a tough primary campaign Her good fortune continued through 2022. In June, she survived a tough primary after getting on the bad side of former President Donald Trump. Mace had voted to certify the 2020 election and criticized Trump in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol attack, however she did not vote to impeach the ex-president over his role in the 'insurrection.' She beat the Trump-backed challenger Katie Arrington by around 8 points. Mace went on to win the general election in November against Democrat Annie Andrews by 14 points. In the midst of his mental health meltdown after The Project aired Brittany Higgins' rape claims, Bruce Lehrmann was dabbling in cryptocurrency from his hospital bed. Mr Lehrmann checked himself into Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital the day after Lisa Wilkinson's interview with Brittany Higgins aired on February 15, 2021. He was later admitted to Northside mental health clinic in St Leonards on Sydney's lower north shore for 12 days of a 21-day programme of treatment during the media storm. A 260-page log of all his mobile phone activity from the day of the broadcast until March 3, 2021, reveals his girlfriend dumping him by text and friends ghosting him. But in the middle of his life collapsing around him - with just his mother, a close family friend and one Canberra pal still standing by him - Mr Lehrmann mysteriously recorded a login to two cryptocurrency exchanges. In the midst of his mental health meltdown after The Project aired Brittany Higgins ' rape claims, Bruce Lehrmann (pictured) was dabbling in cryptocurrency from his hospital bed Court documents reveal Bruce Lehrmann mysteriously recorded a login to two cryptocurrency exchanges while he was being treated for suicidal thoughts and mental health concerns The printout of his phone activity was released by the Federal Court this week as an exhibit in Mr Lehrmann's defamation action against Lisa Wilkinson and Network Ten. It shows that at 6.14pm on February 27, Mr Lehrmann recorded what appears to be his username or password for the Coinbase cryptocurrency exchange in a Notes file on his iPhone. Coinbase is a website which allows for buying, selling and receiving untraceable cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Twelve minutes later, he then logged a username/password for another crypto site, Coinjar, often used as a virtual wallet which makes cryptocurrency available for use in the real world. The apparent usernames or passwords were unredacted in the log activity report published by the Federal Court. There is no mention of cryptocurrency in Mr Lehrmann's texts or WhatsApp messages before or afterwards in the log to explain the interaction, and nothing similar occurs elsewhere in the activity log. It came 11 days after he presented himself at the emergency department of Royal North Shore Hospital the morning after The Project interview and told doctors he was suicidal. Mr Lehrmann was prescribed antipsychotic medication Seroquel while in treatment, he told friends in texts, which is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. His hospital notes were released by the ACT Supreme Court during his criminal trial on the rape charge which he strenuously denied and which was abandoned after juror misconduct. 'Bruce self-presented to RNS ED [Royal North Shore Emergency Department] due to a deterioration in mental state with suicidal thoughts,' the notes revealed. 'This is on a background of Bruce being contacted by multiple journalists alleging that he was the perpetrator of a high profile sexual assault occurring at Parliament House in 2019. 'He had not heard anything about this until yesterday - nil complaints flagged, nil charges, nil contact from [alleged] victim. 'It has come as an enormous shock and he has been considering suicide. These thoughts acutely intensified when he was intoxicated last night after his friends left. 'He fears these thoughts, and denies considering any plans. He has told his mother and girlfriend of his suicidal ideation.' Bruce Lehrmann was admitted to hospital with mental health worries the day after Brittany Higgins (pictured) was first interviewed on The Project in February 2021 Brice Lehrmann attended the emergency department of Sydney's Royal North Shore Hospital on February 16, 2021, telling medical staff he was suicidal He was later admitted to Northside mental health clinic in nearby St Leonards where stayed fro 12 days of a 21-day therapy and treatment programme A progress report later added: 'Since Monday, he hasn't been able to sleep, eat or relax. Bruce became tearful. 'He felt completely overwhelmed by the situation. He has told his mother, three best friends, his girlfriend and lawyer about the allegations, but aside from that no-one knows what is happening. 'He reported feeling lonely and not knowing who to trust.' While receiving treatment, the mobile phone log reveals the disintegration of Mr Lehrmann's social life while on sick leave from his job with British American Tobacco. His tight group of friends who drank heavily with him after the Project interview - and who he begged to bring him 'bags' of cocaine - mostly abandoned him within days of the broadcast. He suspected one of tipping off the media that he had been admitted to hospital and they gradually dropped out of their WhatsApp group chat until just one remained in regular contact with him by the end of February. Greta Sinclair, Mr Lehrmann's girlfriend at the time of the interview being broadcast, also severed her ties with him within days of The Project's claims. After a series of loving texts between the couple on the day of the interview being aired, the relationship quickly started to become strained. 'I want to be there to support you where I can but I need to distance myself a little because I need to think of my mental health also,' she told him on February 18, 2021. 'I wont be coming to visit but we can still talk daily.' Mr Lehrmann later replied: 'You don't love me any more.' He added two seconds later: 'It's ok.' Ms Sinclair replied: 'Its just a lot to deal with on top of my mental issues so its not easy for me and today was scary when I lapsed out of reality.' Five days later on February 23, she ended the relationship completely. 'This is all quite a lot for me to handle and a journalist tried to add me on Instagram,' she wrote to him at 11.31am. 'I will be available to talk every now and again but I am not going to continue our relationship. Im sorry and I hope you understand.' There is no record of Mr Lehrmann replying. Lifeline Australia 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78 AI experts have revealed the key industries that are safest from being replaced by automated technology - as some Aussie workers find their jobs are already redundant. Nick Lothian, head of product at Verida, and Tom Finnigan, co-founder of Friyay.ai, revealed the eight jobs with the best odds of withstanding the growing use of artificial intelligence, or AI. While repetitious and predictable jobs are already being replaced by the technology, those roles reliant on 'soft skills' and face-to-face interactions will prove more resilient in the face of the change. A 2023 survey found that one third of small businesses have replaced some of their workforce with AI and another 56 per cent are unsure how it will affect them. Another study revealed that 67 per cent of workers are already using the technology in their workplaces without their bosses knowing. AI experts Nick Lothian, head of product at Verida, and Tom Finnigan, co-founder of Friyay.ai, told Daily Mail Australia that some jobs are more likely to survive AI than others Adaptable employees who use interpersonal skills at work are going to be hard for AI to replace but positions relying on data input will be quickly rendered useless, according to the experts. Jobs with learned skills that require specific input from the customer are likely to withstand the 'tsunami' of AI that will re-invent the workplace with 10 years. Mr Finnigan said that the more educated workers are about the new technology, the better prepared they will be to adapt and manage it. 'Most people are at risk from AI because they're not aware of what's coming to them,' he said. 'And so does that mean that AI's impact on businesses will be like a tsunami? Yeah.' Plumbers, carpenters and tradesmen need to be physically present on the job and often need to communicate back-and-forth with clients to get the job done - meaning they are less likely to be impacted by AI Plumbers and carpenters Because of the hands-on work that tradesmen engage in, Mr Lothian said that their work was safe for years to come. 'I don't see plumbers being replaced quickly by AI, and same with carpenters and all those tradie-type jobs where you're actually talking to the client,' Mr Lothian said. 'That's something that's going to be really hard to automate for a long time, particularly if you're doing the tools work yourself as well.' Plumbers for instance rely on a large degree of communication with their client and are required to know exactly how to solve issues that range from complex to minor. Human ingenuity and creativity are going to be one of the most difficult grounds for AI to comprehend, both experts agreed. Mr Finnigan spent 26 years in broadcast television before becoming a branding marketer and AI expert and he said that he has yet to find a competent AI video editor Photographers, videographers and content editors Mr Finnigan spent 26 years in broadcast television before moving into marketing and branding, then co-founding his own AI company. He also practised photography, observing that automated programs are still way off being able to replicate what he is able to produce. 'As a cinematographer, in all of my years, I haven't found anything that's helping me with video editing. There's nothing,' he said. 'And I don't like what it does with photography, but that may be just a personal choice. 'But at the end of the day, I still can't get away from having to invest a lot of creative time into thinking about how I build my ads and AI won't solve those problems for a while.' Lawyers area a great example of where AI can enhance a job rather than replace it, as it is able to compile notes and create summaries much faster than humans Lawyers Mr Finnigan described AI as like 'having a staff of four-or-five people' per program with a drawback being that the technology is limited to the concise directions and inputs its user provides. For law firms, where a raft of interns and associates would file and process paperwork, AI is already reducing the workload astronomically while still necessitating the need for human refinement. 'Most businesses are going to see a tool like this as reducing headcounts, reducing costs. However, the real advantage lies with the businesses that choose to find the people with that to build over the top of it,' Mr Finnigan said. 'Suddenly your interns are more valuable now because humans can do things that AI cant do logically and otherwise.' Mr Lothian agreed with this assessment, while adding that it is still too early to tell how legal eagles will build the technology into their professions. 'Lawyers always needs to be on the ground talking to clients but they also traditionally have to read an awful lot of information, and then generate shorter summaries. That type of work can easily be automated,' he said. 'So I'm not sure about how this plays out longer term, like whether it means less lawyers or if it means that they work on different types of tasks but it's definitely going to change pretty quickly. 'So there is some risks there to employment but that may actually end up meaning that the sector can grow because those higher level tasks are much cheaper and easier to get into more industries. 'At the moment it's very expensive to get a high-level lawyer but if they're able to serve a lot more clients at once, perhaps it becomes cheaper.' Consultants, similar to lawyers, handle a lot of paperwork but still need to be present for their clients and understanding of their individual needs Consultants Similar to the way that lawyers can 'build over the top' of their businesses with AI, consultants can also enjoy a new degree of efficiency in their jobs. Mr Lothian already considers parts of consultancy work as redundant, including creating spreadsheets and crunching numbers. Their soft skills, however, are much harder to replicate as they jump from client to client and often venture into vastly different industries. 'The more white collar spaces - consultant type roles where you're face to face with people when you're presenting work - need a human behind the wheel,' he said. 'When they are trying to understand a client's problems and present solutions to them directly, people want to deal with people, particularly when they're paying a lot of money for it. 'So those types of skills continue to be valuable and increasingly so...' Masseuses naturally require a lot of hands-on work that an AI cannot replicate but Mr Finnigan said AI can still help fill bookings while the workers tend to clients Masseuses The physical touch of a masseuse is unlikely to ever be replicated by a machine, and professionals again need to accommodate their clients' specific needs for each massage. But taking bookings is obviously an aspect where AI comes in to complement the work rather than replace it. 'A massage business asked me what I could do for them,' Mr Finnigan said. 'I said, "Well, we could look through your client book and then when we come up to an area of low-bookings, AI could identify those people and send them a lovely personalised letter based on their booking history to see if they'd like a similar one". 'This does not require the employment of a single extra person and only takes an investment of $50,000 and that parlour has filled their calendar for the year,' Mr Finnigan said. Despite Stephen King worrying that AI is going to destroy creativity, Mr Finnigan said that it can kick-start it by producing a draft which is then refined by its creator Creative and critical writers (Authors/Journalists) Writers and creators often harbour the most anxiety over the longevity of their careers as AI gets smarter and faster but Mr Finnigan insisted that computers will never replace the originality of humans. 'Ten great minds in a room come up with amazing creative solutions but 10 AI personalities simply can't get anywhere (near that) yet,' he said. 'I constantly see Stephen Fry talking about AI getting rid of creativity. 'What they're talking about is that they used to have a staff of 10 writers or 20 writers and now this simply isn't the economy anymore. 'Creatives always have the final approval so what you end up with is human creativity assisted by AI drafting. Basically everyone is given superpowers.' For journalists who report facts, Mr Finnigan reinforced the idea of incorporating the technology to enhance the output. By feeding an AI the relevant information and structure of a story, a journalist could receive back a draft within minutes instead of working on it themselves for hours. 'Imagine if you then spent the four hours you would have spent writing it drafting and editing instead, the quality of that piece is vastly improved,' Mr Finnigan added. 'Alternately if you only wanted to spend an hour editing you would increase your output by a factor of four in the same amount of time,' Mr Finnigan said. In recent years, apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge have dominated the online dating sphere, with millions of Britons using the services to find their ideal partner. However, some savvy singletons are now turning to a very different social media platform to find love LinkedIn. Traditionally used to connect professionals with other like-minded individuals, some are using the app to filter potential matches by career and education. One London-based dating expert told MailOnline LinkedIn could be a clever and extremely efficient way of researching potential matches to see if they'd be compatible while another said the app offers the 'promising allure' of connecting with someone who ticks all the boxes. Have YOU dated using LinkedIn? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk TikTok videos show swarms of people claiming to have tried dating on the career-driven app with some even finding love. One video shows a well-dressed couple posing to music alongside the caption: 'Connecting with him on LinkedIn and bagging him in his final year of med school.' But other experts and users who used the platform to find love have warned of the pitfalls with one woman saying she got the 'ick' after matching with someone. Others also warn you won't know whether a love interest is single or not and using the careers app to date can breach professional boundaries. Another shows 37-year-old Candice, who lives in Singapore, explaining that she turned her attention to LinkedIn so she could filter matches by education level, profession and country. 'Why am I using LinkedIn as a dating app? The filters!' she said. 'I can filter for an education, MBA baby. 'I can filter by industry I'm looking at doctor, lawyer, finance bro. 'I can filter by country, very important. Unfortunately I'm unable to filter by height but at least there are very good looking photos that I can kind of do some height analysis on.' A third video shows a person miming to an amusing voiceover, with the caption: 'Any time I tell someone I met my boyfriend through LinkedIn and made the first move.' Relationship and sexuality expert Courtney Boyer told MailOnline that LinkedIn offers 'reliability' when looking to find a compatible match. 'Most people on Tinder don't really care where you got your MBA from or what Fortune 500 company you've worked for. But individuals searching for partnership find the reliability of LinkedIn helpful when approaching someone they find attractive and compatible,' she said. 'Many dating apps are short-sighted and only focus on metrics like age, interests, etc which can suffice for short-term rendezvous or those willing to sift through the Instagram-posed pics.' She added: 'Most people on traditional dating apps don't disclose their profession and yet it's a key source of information for many who are seeking partnership. Because society tends to define who someone is by the profession they have, LinkedIn offers a promising allure of connecting with someone who checks the professional/stable/educated boxes.' But one woman who met her ex-boyfriend on LinkedIn told MailOnline she would 'not recommend' finding love on the site after her relationship turned sour, adding: 'I don't think I ever considered it as a dating platform.' Fiona Nguyen, 28, said she started seeing her ex after connecting with him on LinkedIn and scheduling a Zoom call to see if his company was a good fit for a product A video shows 37-year-old Candice, who lives in Singapore , explaining that she turned her attention to LinkedIn so she could filter matches by education level, profession and country One video shows a person miming to an amusing voiceover, with the caption: 'Any time I tell someone I met my boyfriend through LinkedIn and made the first move' Fiona Nguyen, 28, from the US, said she started seeing her ex after connecting with him on LinkedIn and scheduling a Zoom call to see if his company was a good fit for a product. She said in a TikTok video: 'I was using LinkedIn for work. I scheduled a call on Zoom to see if his company was a good fit for our product. After the call ended he asked me out on a date on LinkedIn.' She added: 'This is when I should have saw the red flags. First time ever meeting him he literally schedules ten days. He actually didn't stay with me for ten days he stayed with me for three weeks.' Reflecting on the experience after the relationship ended, Ms Nguyen told MailOnline: 'I've got such an ick from it I don't even want to speak on it even if it's work related I just email at this point.' She added: 'I think it's kind of inappropriate to be using LinkedIn as a dating profile.' Relationship expert Sharin Shafer, co-founder of London's matchmaking agency Bond, said LinkedIn could be an effective way of screening for someone with similar interests as you. She told MailOnline: 'You can certainly look for someone who has similar interests because they're in a similar industry.' Ms Shafer added: 'Perhaps do your research on LinkedIn and then go on Instagram and see do they have a partner.' Talking about a previous client, the expert said: 'We did have one person say they had tried [LinkedIn]. It was a woman who approached someone on LinkedIn and she read it to us quite a scathing response from the man's wife.' Ms Shafer explained that although LinkedIn can be used as a tool for finding and researching a person, singletons should then check out a person's alternative social media platforms before messaging them. 'You can use it as a screening tool but I would not encourage someone to approach someone on LinkedIn,' she said, adding: 'Some people might like the bold move but I wouldn't approach them through LinkedIn. 'LinkedIn is a business platform [and] is where you promote yourself from a business perspective. 'They think it's a little bit presumptuous because you dot know if someone is married or in a relationship.' Dr Becky Spelman, psychologist and founder at Private Therapy Clinic, said LinkedIn can be 'more reliable' than traditional dating apps when trying to find love. One video reveals how a couple met after they connected on LinkedIn One woman who met her ex-boyfriend on LinkedIn told MailOnline she would 'not recommend' finding love on the site after her relationship turned sour One person said on TikTok: 'You guys seriously! Start looking for your significant partner on LinkedIn' 'LinkedIn could be more reliable than dating apps when it comes to finding a romantic match. The platform provides a more comprehensive overview of a person's background and character, including their career achievements, skills, and interests,' she said. 'This professional nature of LinkedIn encourages people to present themselves authentically, which could result in a more genuine connection based on shared interests and goals.' She added: 'A downside to using LinkedIn as a dating tool is the fact that it is primarily used for forming professional connections. You are unlikely to know if someone is single or taken on this platform, as it is not designed for dating!' A London-based dating expert told MailOnline that using the careers app to date breaches professional boundaries and can put people in uncomfortable positions. Jessica Alderson, the co-founder of So Syncd, told MailOnline: 'Using LinkedIn as a dating platform undermines the original purpose of the site, which is for professional networking and career development. 'It breaches professional boundaries and can put people in uncomfortable situations. It can feel invasive to receive romantic advances on a platform that is meant for professional connections. 'Receiving messages from potential dates on LinkedIn can also cause people to feel like their career achievements are being overlooked and that they are being reduced to their appearance or relationship status.' She added: 'In some cases, using LinkedIn as a dating platform can lead to unethical behaviour, such as using one's power or authority in a professional setting to pursue a romantic relationship.' Ms Alderson claimed that asking people out on dates on LinkedIn or sending 'inappropriate' messages can have serious consequences. 'It can lead to damaged professional relationships, potential conflicts of interest, and even jeopardise one's job or reputation,' she said. 'It's one thing to build a connection with someone on LinkedIn that naturally develops over time into a romantic relationship, but using the platform with the intention of seeking out dates goes against the fundamental principle of respect within the professional world.' She added: 'There does need to be safe professional spaces for women and men. 'The financial aspect is interesting because women in particular have evolved to be attracted to partners with resources because it goes hand in hand with safety so being attracted to people with money is not actually as superficial as you might think.' A LinkedIn spokesman told MailOnline: 'LinkedIn is a professional community and we encourage our members to engage in meaningful, authentic conversations. 'This includes light-hearted content, as long as it stays within the professional realm and does not violate our community policies. 'Romantic advances and harassment of any form is a violation of our rules, and our policies include detailed examples that show what kind of content does not belong on LinkedIn. 'Members can report any instances of harassment on LinkedIn and signal to us that such behaviour is unwanted, allowing us to take action.' A group of pensioners living in a care home are on a mission to become the new LadBaby and hit the coveted Christmas number 1 spot after releasing a touching festive tune. Residents of Heather View care home in Crowborough in East Sussex got together to write and release the song Christmas Celebration, by using their favourite Christmas memories as inspiration. Since LadBaby, who got all five of the last Christmas number 1s with sausage roll themed-songs, are out of the running this year, the residents are hoping that they can will be able to fend off the usual suspects to secure the top spot. All of Heather View's residents were involved in the process, discussing their favourite Christmas traditions and memories Residents of Heather View care home in Crowborough in East Sussex wrote Christmas Celebration using their favourite Christmas memories as inspiration The song was organised by Care UK, who are one of the biggest providers of care homes for the elderly in the country The residents may seem familiar as they had previous success in the charts with 'Song for the King', a tribute to King Charles III written for his coronation. The song was organised by Care UK, who are one of the biggest providers of care homes for the elderly in the country. All of Heather View's residents were involved in the process, discussing their favourite Christmas traditions and memories to come up with a song which would capture the magic of the festive season The song was recorded using professional equipment in the home's very own 'recording studio' set up in the home's soundproof cinema room decorated with tinsel, baubles and lights for the full Christmas experience. Home Manger, Natasha King, led on the vocals, while a chorus of residents enthusiastically supported with their best festive harmonies. Pauline, 86, said: 'I really enjoyed the whole process of making the song and I can't wait to hear the finished product! 'I loved discussing our favourite Christmas memories and dressing up in our festive t-shirts.' Monica, 94, said: 'I love Christmas and it's always such a lot of fun here at Heather View - we have so much going on. 'I love all the festive traditions like watching the royal speech and making Christmas wreaths.' The lyrics include: 'Children's faces full of joy, hoping for their favourite toy. We all get together on Christmas Day, food to eat and games to play' The song was recorded using professional equipment in the home's very own 'recording studio' set up in the home's soundproof cinema room Home Manger, Natasha King, led on the vocals, while a chorus of residents enthusiastically supported with their best festive harmonies The residents may seem familiar as they had previous success in the charts with 'Song for the King', a tribute to King Charles III written for his coronation Since LadBaby (pictured), who got all five of the last Christmas number 1s, are out of the running this year, the residents hope they can hit the top spot The lyrics include: 'Children's faces full of joy, hoping for their favourite toy. We all get together on Christmas Day, food to eat and games to play.' Natasha King, Home Manager at Heather View, said: 'Christmas is such a special time of the year here at Heather View and, after the success of our 'Song for a King', we just knew we had to capture the Christmas magic with something new. 'Brainstorming ideas for the lyrics provided an excellent opportunity for residents to share fond memories and discuss their favourite traditions with each other - from listening to the annual royal speech, to board games with families and debates over whether Baileys or Babycham is the superior Christmas Day tipple. 'Reminiscence activities are incredibly important for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it provides chance to reflect on happy memories and form connections with those around them, increasing wellbeing. 'We all had a fantastic time proving that you're never too old to pursue your rockstar dreams by penning Christmas Celebration and are delighted we can now share this with the world we'll all be glued to the Christmas charts as we aim for number one this Christmas!' Foreign Secretary David Cameron says that it is important for the U.K. and the U.S. to 'stick together' because the world order will be forever disrupted in the aftermath of several conflicts. 'There's war in Europe, a crisis in the Middle East, an aggressive China, and an even more aggressive Russia,' Cameron said before a large crowd assembled at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, D.C. He warned that it won't be so simple for the world order to 'snap back' to how it was operating before the conflicts. 'The first thing to realize is just how much has changed and how unlikely it is for things to snap back to the way they were before,' he replied to a question posed by Fox News' Jennifer Griffin. Cameron warned that it won't be so simple for the world order to 'snap back' to how it was operating before the conflicts The foreign secretary spoke on the 82nd anniversary of the Japanese's attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which thrust the U.S. into World War II. Pearl Harbor was an 'appalling act of aggression' that was due to appeasement, he said. Cameron added that 'it's much easier to stand upif we stick together' in regard to China's increasing aggression toward Taiwan, in order to avoid a 'second Chinese' Pearl Harbor. Cameron also addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which broke out after the terrorists slaughtered over 1,400 innocent civilians on October 7. 'Long term security for Israel means finding a way for Palestinian neighbors are living with peace and stability and that means a two-state solution,' said Cameron. 'The alternatives to a two-state solution are much worse.' When asked by Fox News' Jennifer Griffin whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still believes in a two-state solution, he laughed off the question. 'You'll have to ask him that,' responded Cameron. The former prime minister also talked about the importance of providing Ukraine much needed assistance in its war against Russia. 'As long as you don't cross the red line of NATO soldiers fighting Russia soldiers, we should do everything we can to continue to support Ukraine,' he responded. He told Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday the U.K. believes there is a 'strong argument' for seizing frozen Russian assets and spending them on rebuilding Ukraine. The former Prime Minister also defended Europe's contribution to the defense of Ukraine at the Aspen forum. Cameron added that 'it's much easier to stand upif we stick together' in regard to China's increasing aggression toward Taiwan He said if economic and humanitarian aid was counted - not just military - then Europe had spent twice as much as the U.S. The U.S. has so far sent nearly $44 billion in security assistance to Kyiv. President Biden has pleaded with Republicans to pass a new package that would include $61 billion for Ukraine. However, Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked the Democrat-backed legislation amid growing concerns over the cost, and because they want it tied to new investments in U.S. border security. The video shows semi-naked men, supposedly from an indigenous tribe, raise their arms in the air and shout: 'The Esequibo is ours.' Beside them stand the green jumpsuited aircrew of a Venezuelan Mi-17 helicopter, revealing that this is another play in a high-stakes border dispute. Whether fake or real, is the sort of provocation that further raises tensions as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro threatens to annex the oil-rich Esequibo region of neighboring Guyana, taking the region to the brink of war. It is just one of the clips circulating between Venezuelan leaders. Another shows locals taking down the Guyanese flag to replace it with the banner of Venezuela. And it illustrates just how Venezuela might launch an unorthodox operation to seize territory, according to some seasoned observers. The U.S. has thrown its support behind Guyana as Venezuela moves troops close to the border and President Nicolas Maduro lays claim to the mineral rich region of Essequibo The dense jungle and difficult terrain makes a conventional military operation difficult if not impossible. And Venezuelan armed forces have a stronger record of putting down internal dissent than fighting wars. Erik Prince, the controversial founder of private military contractor Blackwater, said it was possible they would instead launch an unconventional invasion, engineering a pretext to send in troops. 'First they send some "indigenous people" so called,' he said on his podcast, 'Off Leash.' 'Whether it's soldiers dressed as indigenous people that flood into those areas, and they reestablish and they put up a flag and they say this is Venezuelan territory. We're claiming this. 'And then if the Guyana Defence Forces respond or do something, then Venezuela will say we have to go defend our people and they seize it that way.' Guyana, with about 3,400 military personnel, would be powerless to do anything against Venezuela's well-equipped forces of 123,000 troops (according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies), backed by Russian and Iranian advisers and drones. It mirrors the way Russian troops posed as separatists in the Donbas region of Ukraine in 2014, paving the way for a wider war. Prince knows Venezuela. In 2019 it emerged that he had made a secret visit to meet one of Maduro's closest allies, months after he had floated a plan to deploy mercenaries to bring down the Venezuelan leader. Sierra de Pacaraima en nuestro Esequibo. GLORIA AL BRAVO PUEBLO! pic.twitter.com/MUQgCGcIvB Delcy Rodriguez (@delcyrodriguezv) December 3, 2023 Social media is filling with images and videos of locals in Esequibo declaring loyalty to Venezuela, fueling Maduro's push to seize the oil-rich region Venezuela has 123,000 troops, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies, dwarfing the 3,400 or so that Guyana can call on Erik Prince, the controversial founder of private military contractor Blackwater, said the inhospitable terrain might force Venezuela to launch an unorthodox operation Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro wants to annex three-quarters of neighboring Guyana Now Maduro finds himself in another tight spot, with the survival of his hardline regime in doubt. Many analysts believe his claim on the Esequibo is part of a plan to create a geopolitical crisis and a bargaining chip with Washington as he tries to head off the challenge of a popular opposition leader in elections next year. The U.S. eased sanctions in October amid promises that Venezuela would hold a free and fair vote. At the same time, Maria Corina Machado, barred for 15 years from standing, won a landslide victory in an opposition primary. She could now beat Maduro, whose presidency is broadly unpopular. Against that backdrop, Maduro held a referendum Sunday which he claimed gave him a huge mandate to claim the vast oil- and mineral-rich Essequibo region. Since then he has moved hundreds of troops close to the border and ordered companies to exploit contested oil and mineral deposits. Regional powers, such as Brazil, have warned Maduro not to invade. For now the consensus is that he is not looking for war, more he needs something to put on the table in negotiations with Washington. The Venezuelan Air Force is thought to have about 20 Sukhoi SU30 fighter jets, like the one seen here with Russian Air Force markings. It has a similar number of F-16s Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Guyanese President Irfaan Ali to say he had the 'unwavering support' of the U.S. as tensions in the region grow Members of the Presidential Guard line up to vote in Sunday's referendum about the future of a disputed territory with Guyana, at a polling station in the Venezuelan capital Caracas A man carries the new map of Venezuela with the Essequibo territory, a large swath of land that is administered and controlled by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela, to the National Assembly building in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 6 'I think Maduro is looking at survival here,' said Brian Fonseca, Venezuela expert and director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy at Florida International University. 'If they commit to what the Americans are asking, it almost means a high degree of certainty that the regime doesn't survive. If the regime doesn't survive, Maduro is in exile, in the ground or in jail one of those three in the famous Spanish saying. 'So I think Maduro did this to put something else on the table to negotiate with the Americans.' He could offer to drop his claim to placate Washington, while retaining his grip on power, runs the theory. No one is playing down the risk of war, however. Brazil has moved troops close to its border. On Thursday, U.S. Southern Command launched what it said were 'flight operations' over the country, alongside the Guyana Defence Force, in a clear show of force. Hours earlier Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Guyanese President Irfaan Ali to say he had the 'unwavering support' of the U.S. Aerial view of the Rupununi Savannah in western Guyana, near the border with Brazil and Venezuela. The Essequibo is an oil-rich disputed area of 160,000 square kilometers administered by Guyana but which Venezuelans voted to claim as theirs in a referendum Opposition activist Maria Corina Machado has been barred from elections for 15 years. But with Maduro promising a free election, she could upend Venezuelan politics During a press conference with Blinken, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said: 'I see absolutely no case for unilateral action by Venezuela' And during a visit to Washington, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said the border question had been settled in 1899, when Guyana was under the rule of London. 'I see absolutely no case for unilateral action by Venezuela,' he said. 'It should cease; it is wrong.' The danger, according to Fonseca, is that Maduro has backed himself into a corner. 'Unless there is incentive to use an off ramp, he's committed himself to doing something,' he said. Some scenarios suggest Venezuelan troops would navigate the dense jungle by boat, arriving along the region's rivers. Fonseca said Guyana would have a fighting chance of defending strategic choke points on the water. 'I think the Venezuelans would come probably by air,' he said 'They do have a fairly modern air force. 'Going in with helicopters and paratroopers makes a lot more sense. And that's going to be far more difficult for the Guyanese to defend.' Once troops are in place, they could simply 'squat' on the land, daring Guyana to force them out. An alternative scenario includes amphibious landings on Venezuela's Caribbean coast. Maduro's fleet includes seven amphibious landing craft, as well as two frigates and a submarine, according to Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo. Guyana has just two coastal patrol boats. With the U.S. already on alert across multiple global hotspots, from Israel to Ukraine to Taiwan, whatever happens next is up to Maduro and his survival instints. The brother of a River City star has been jailed for two years after stashing more than 1million of dirty money at her home. Stephen ODonnell hid the cash mainly in supermarket bags at the house Laura Noble shared with her family in Robroyston, Glasgow. Police went on to find another 76,000 at the 43-year-olds own property in the citys Lambhill. ODonnell initially appeared at the High Court in Glasgow in October alongside his 37-year-old sister, who under her maiden name had previously played Shellsuit Bobs girlfriend Michelle Rafferty in the BBC Scotland show. The siblings were joined in the dock by her husband Brian Noble, also 37. ODonnell admitted to two charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act of possessing criminal property totalling 1,092,290. Laura ODonnell playing Michelle Rafferty in River City The couple had faced the same accusation in connection to the discovery at their home, but prosecutors accepted their not guilty pleas. ODonnell yesterday returned to court to learn his fate. The hearing was told he had got involved after financial problems with his work and HM Revenue and Customs. Judge Lady Stacey said: I accept you are remorseful and did not know the sums of money that were to be involved. You involved your sister and her husband [by storing money at their home]. It is also potentially dangerous and the involvement of your sister is a despicable thing to do. The judge said the jail term would have been three years but for the guilty plea. At the hearing in October, prosecutor Mark Mohammed, KC, said: Between April 8 and 23, 2022, ODonnell collected and stored money on behalf of a known organised crime group. They had substantial assets and were involved in the widespread distribution of controlled drugs. He vacuum-packed cash for the purpose of distributing it. Laura and Brian Noble outside the High Court in Glasgow Police were told ODonnell had been stashing the money at the home of a family member. It resulted in warrants being issued to search the detached home of his sister and brother-in-law. Officers went on to seize bank-notes in vacuum packs hidden in drawers, a cupboard and a bedroom. ODonnells fingerprints and DNA were on several of the supermarket bags which held some of the cash hauls. The carpet fitters home was searched and more cash was seized, including from inside the pocket of a designer Vivienne Westwood hoodie. The court heard yesterday that ODonnell got into a mess with the Inland Revenue in 2018. Thomas Ross, KC, defending, said: He was offered a route out to repay some of the debts and he was tempted. Judge Michael Begert, right, who is being challenged by attorney Albert Chip Zecher, left, gives opening remarks during a debate between two incumbent San Francisco Superior Court judges on Thursday, Dec. 7. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle In a rare judicial debate, two challengers of San Francisco Superior Court judges in the March 2024 election described themselves as champions of public safety while portraying the city as awash in crime and drugs. But they presented little criticism of the incumbent judges or their decisions. Im upset at conditions on the street, just like you are, attorney Alfred Chip Zecher told the audience Thursday night at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. I dont agree with compassionate treatment of fentanyl dealers. Lets send a message to our court: We need our streets safe. You can vote to keep the status quo, or you can vote for change, for public safety, said Deputy District Attorney Jean Myungjin Roland. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Zecher, who has practiced law for 33 years, is challenging Judge Michael Begert, appointed to the court by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2010 and currently in charge of the CARE Court Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment a program established by Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers to remove mentally ill people from the streets and place them in treatment. We help people get off the streets and into safe, clean housing, and access to employment, Begert said early in the debate. We restored dignity, which makes San Francisco safer. Roland has been a prosecutor for more than 22 years and is a managing attorney in the felonies division of District Attorney Brooke Jenkins office. Her opponent, Judge Patrick Thompson, was appointed by Newsom in March 2022 after 30 years of civil law practice with private firms and is a former board chairman of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area. When you put on the robe, you are leaving your bias and your personal opinion at the door. We play by the rules, said Thompson, who holds preliminary hearings in criminal cases, deciding whether prosecutors have enough evidence to send a case to trial, and also considers plea agreements between prosecutors and defendants. He does not conduct trials or sentence defendants who have been convicted. He told the audience he listens to the voices of crime victims as well as defendants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 75-minute session before about 130 listeners was an unusual occurrence in a city where most incumbent judges face no opposition at the end of their terms and are automatically reelected for six more years. The last San Francisco judge to be defeated for reelection was Thomas Mellon, who had been appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson in 1994 and was unseated by Supervisor Gerardo Sandoval in 2008. The debate took place in a relatively conservative setting. The moderator, Stephanie Lehman, is on the board of the law-and-order group Stop Crime SF, whose flyers and sign-up sheets covered the check-in table. A banner of an affiliated group, Stop Crime Action, which supports the challengers, was draped over the podium, and the audience seemed receptive; after Roland ended her opening statement by declaring, I am here to fight for San Francisco, dozens stood and applauded. But the challengers, possibly constrained by standards of legal ethics, spent little time criticizing their opponents. Zecher cited ethical principles I am not allowed to say how I would rule in declining to answer Lehmans opening question of how he would set a balance between justice and public safety. He was less restrained in condemning the rant and rave by (San Francisco Supervisor) Aaron Peskin and six judges, who held a news conference Nov. 10 to warn against what they described as a political attack on the courts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said he decided to enter the race this summer after Jenkins reported having difficulties with some judges. And while not criticizing any of Begerts rulings, Zecher said the judge doesnt always follow the law, citing his recent comment to an interviewer that he consults social workers and other caregivers in deciding whether someone should be sent to treatment rather than prosecuted. Begert acknowledged that it was a regrettable statement but said he considers the views of care providers, who have expertise that I dont have, before making such decisions. Asked about whether judges should heed public opinion on issues such as crime, Begert said legitimate concerns should be heeded, but we cant be subject to political whims, cant be buffeted back and forth with whatever is the political mood at the moment. Roland, Thompsons opponent, promptly responded, Public safety is not a political whim. Public safety is universal. I couldnt have said that any better, said Zecher. And Thompson added, Public safety is our mandate. Australians will soon be seeing coins with the head of King Charles III on them, with the Australian Mint releasing the first batch into circulation. Millions more of the coins will be made over the next few months making them an increasingly common sight for those still using coins. King Charles III is only the second monarch to feature on Australian currency with his mother Queen Elizabeth II the reigning head of the Commonwealth when the country switch to decimal currency in 1966. New $1 coins featuring King Charles III have been delivered to banks in Australia The first batch of 3.5million $1 coins with King Charles III's effigy on them have been delivered to banks with other denominations to follow depending on bank demand. For coin collectors, there will be special versions going on sale early next year designed to be kept rather than spent. Assistant Minister for Treasury Andrew Leigh said the coins' release was a significant event for Australia. 'For most Australians, this will be the first time they have held in their hands a coin with a king. 'A lot of work has gone into producing these coins. Millions of people will be keen to get their own little piece of history. 'Under a tradition dating back to at least the 17th century, successive monarchs face in different directions on the coins. Queen Elizabeth II faced to the right. King Charles III now faces to the left.' Any coins and notes bearing the image of Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender. Unlike the Queen, King Charles has chosen not to be depicted with a crown in his effigy. The Royal Australian Mint has also released a 50c coin commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth with the six versions of her image all appearing on the coin. The Royal Australian Mint has also released a 50c coin commemorating the reign of Queen Elizabeth which features the six versions of her portrait Some people have already gone to banks to get the new King Charles III coins with uncirculated rolls of the coins appearing online for up to five times their value. The Royal Australian Mint confirmed there will be 10million of the new coins minted so they will be 'easily accessible'. The dies used for coins bearing the Queen will be gradually retired from next year. Renters desperate to find a home claim they've been continually squeezed out of the market by invited 'bidding' despite being outlawed. Last year, the New South Wales Government banned real estate agents from inviting potential renters to bid on rental properties in response to the state's housing crisis. The move was followed in June this year by a further crackdown preventing third parties and landlords from encouraging people to submit higher weekly rent offers to get ahead of other prospective tenants. Under the new rules, agents and landlords must advertise a fixed rental rate for all properties. However, Tenants Union NSW claims agents are still putting 'significant pressure' on renters to offer more than the advertised rent. The Tenants Union NSW claims real estate agents around the state are illegally pushing potential tenants to engage in rental bidding wars 'This pressure is placed in a number of ways, including unfortunately some agents and landlords' continued behaviour in "soliciting" in breach of the regulations,' the union's Policy and Advocacy Manager Jemima Mowbray told Nine News. 'Renters report they feel conflicted - they can't necessarily afford a higher rent and feel they've wasted their time when it becomes clear they've missed out to someone who offered more.' NSW Fair Trading confirmed it has issued $26,950 worth of fines to agents for breaking advertising restrictions following a 'rent bidding compliance campaign'. Three agents are currently being investigated for allegedly pushing possible tenants to offer more than the advertised weekly rent. It is understood NSW Fair Trading began enforcing the new rules in March with 51 penalty infringement notices worth $54,450 issued for related breaches. The watchdog is also monitoring private advertising platforms, like Gumtree, to ensure landlords are following advertising requirements. NSW rental commissioner Trina Jones said she has joined the team monitoring landlords and agents around the state. NSW Fair Trading has fined agents a total of $26,950 for encouraging tenants to pay more than the advertised weekly rent 'This includes a dedicated compliance campaign involving over 250 inspections that resulted in 76 penalty infringement notices,' she said. 'I would strongly encourage anyone who witnesses agents soliciting offers to contact Fair Trading so we can continue our work to ensure renting is fair in NSW.' The maximum penalty for breaching the new laws is a fine worth $5,500 for an individual and $11,000 in all other cases. Whether it's overspending or getting a little too tipsy at the office party, we all know Christmas has its pitfalls. But it seems merrymakers would do to be a little more careful this year, as research suggests 21million Britons have injured themselves during festive activities. One of the most common midwinter mishaps involved festive firs: 5 per cent of people surveyed had hurt themselves lifting the tree. Another 5 per cent, or almost 2.7million people, had fallen off a chair while hanging up baubles or lights. The kitchen can be a dangerous place, with 6 per cent of people burning themselves on hot oil, for example while basting the turkey, while 7 per cent have cut themselves chopping vegetables. The findings come from King Edward VII's Hospital, a private hospital in London, which surveyed 2,000 people, finding 40 per cent had been injured during the festive season. Research suggests 21million Britons have injured themselves during festive activities. Pictured: Christmas turkey on fire Musculoskeletal issues were the most common affliction, suffered by more than a quarter of people, and triggered by things such as tripping over presents, lifting heavy gifts or falling out of the loft getting the decorations down. (file image) That is the equivalent of almost 21.3million adults across the UK, with 5 per cent, or almost 2.7million, having ended up in A&E, and 4 per cent cancelling a holiday as a result. Musculoskeletal issues were the most common affliction, suffered by more than a quarter of people, and triggered by things such as tripping over presents, lifting heavy gifts or falling out of the loft getting the decorations down. Tim Sinnett, a trauma and orthopaedic consultant at King Edward VII's Hospital, said: 'With Christmas just around the corner, many are getting into the festive spirit. 'However, there are risks associated if you don't take the proper precautions, from pulling muscles to something more serious such as a sprain or a break.' After musculoskeletal problems, the most commonly reported festive injuries included minor sprains and strains, reported by 8 per cent of people in the survey carried out by Censuswide. A staggering 5 per cent said they had gained a sprain coming home from the pub the night before Christmas, while around one in eight suffered bruising and 6 per cent broke a bone. Worryingly, a whopping 13 per cent of people have fallen on ice or snow. A staggering 5 per cent said they had gained a sprain coming home from the pub the night before Christmas (Stock Image) Stock image of a fallen over Christmas tree with broken decorations shattered on the floor Even lifting the turkey into the oven was reported as a cause of injury by 5 per cent of people. Experts advise festive chefs to squat, bending with their knees, so their arm and leg muscles take the strain. Finally, 4 per cent of those surveyed reported having sustained injuries while dressed up as Father Christmas. The advice when picking up a glass of milk and mince pie left by the fireplace is for Santa to slowly lower himself to the ground, knees first, supporting himself using his arms. Vladimir Putin has boasted that his country's alliance with Iran has turned the tide of the war in Ukraine as he warmly welcomed Iran's president to the Kremlin, where the pair also discussed the Israel-Hamas war. The despot conveyed his thanks Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for catalysing 'good momentum' in the assault on Ukraine - despite reports of heavy Russian losses in recent weeks and months. Tehran has been supplying Russia with a steady supply of weapons, including artilley shells, bullets and highly destructive kamikaze drones - and has quickly become one of the Kremlin's closest military allies. Putin has worked to deepen ties with Iran since launching his illegal war in Ukraine, and told Raisi: 'Our relations are developing very well. Please convey my best wishes to leader Khamenei.' He also said it was very important to discuss the situation in the Middle East, to which Raisi responded via a translator: 'What is happening in Palestine and Gaza is of course genocide and a crime against humanity.' Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi shook hands as they began talks in Moscow Vladimir Putin (C) and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi (L) arrive for their working lunch meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow In a sure sign that the pair wish to signal a strengthening anti-West alliance, Raisi added it was 'even more sad' that Israel's war on Hamas was supported by the United States and the West. The meeting was held as part of a round of Middle East diplomacy that also included visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in efforts to raise Moscow's profile as a power broker in the region. The Russian president has cast the Israel-Hamas war as a failure of US diplomacy and suggested Moscow could be a mediator, thanks to its friendly ties with both Israel and the Palestinians. 'It's very important for us to exchange views of the situation in the region, particularly regarding the Palestinian situation,' Mr Putin said as he welcomed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the start of their talks in Moscow. Mr Raisi emphasised the need to quickly stop the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, declaring that 'a child is killed there every 10 minutes'. 'It's not just a regional issue, it's an issue for the entire humankind,' he told Mr Putin, adding: 'It's necessary to find a quick solution.' Iran, which has been a staunch supporter of Hamas, has warned repeatedly that the war, which erupted on October 7, could spread to other parts of the region. Mr Putin's meeting with Mr Raisi on Thursday follows their talks in Tehran in July 2022, where the Russian leader received strong support for his action in Ukraine. Russia has secured supplies of Iranian Shahed-136 exploding drones that it has used extensively in its invasion. Russian multiple launch rocket systems "Hurricane" fire rockets at Ukrainian military positions (undated) Part of a downed Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone launched by Russia is seen near Kupiansk, Ukraine, September 13, 2022 Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (R) attend a meeting at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on December 6 The drones, which Russia has rebranded as Geran-2 , have a range of more than 600 miles and can 'loiter' above potential targets for hours before being slammed into enemy soldiers, vehicles or buildings and exploding on impact. Last month, the White House voiced concern that Tehran may also provide Moscow with ballistic missiles for use against Ukraine. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby has pointed to Iran's announcement that it had finalised a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, and noted that Iran is looking to buy additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and combat-trainer aircraft. Mr Putin's talks with Mr Raisi come a day after the Russian leader discussed the hostilities in the Gaza Strip during his trip to the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the key participants in international efforts to negotiate a settlement. Although the UAE and Saudi Arabia are close US allies, they have developed strong business ties with Russia. On a visit to Abu Dhabi's Qasr al-Watan palace, Mr Putin was greeted with a 21-gun salute and a flyby of UAE military jets trailing smoke in the colours of the Russian flag. Prior to sitting down for talks with Mr Raisi, Mr Putin on Thursday also hosted Oman's Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham, extolling prospects for co-operation in energy and tourism. A picture taken in southern Israel near the border with the Gaza Strip on December 7, 2023 Mr Putin, who has limited his foreign travel since sending troops into Ukraine, visited China in October and made several trips to former Soviet nations in recent months. He faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the war in Ukraine. Neither the UAE nor Saudi Arabia has signed the ICC founding treaty, meaning they did not face an obligation to detain Mr Putin over the warrant accusing him of being personally responsible for the abductions of children from Ukraine during the war. Mr Putin skipped a summit in South Africa amid speculation he could be arrested on arrival. A petition by a young girl to change the name of a Perth street because of its offensiveness to the Indigenous community has been shot down by a local council. Grace, 12, submitted the petition in July to change Blackboy Court in Thornlie to Grasstree Court after learning about First Nations history at school. But councillors at the City of Gosnells voted against the change at a meeting on November 30, following heated opposition from the other residents. 'At school, we've been taught about the history of this country and I feel strongly empathetic when I think about all the Aboriginal Australians who have suffered,' Grace said. The street in Thornlie, half an hour out of Perth, became a point of contention earlier this year after a 12-year-old girl started a petition to change the name due to its offensiveness to Indigenous people 'I cannot change the past, but I can try and change the future.' The schoolgirl said she had consulted a First Nations friend who supported the name change, PerthNow reported. 'I have spoken with an Aboriginal friend and he told me that he finds (the) street name very offensive and he said I was doing the right thing,' she added. 'I would love it if the street name was changed from Blackboy Court to Grasstree Court.' The proposal sparked animosity amongst the residents, with one local starting up an opposing petition that gathered 26 signatures. Graeme Capstick argued the street name has always been in plain view, with many people from various cultural backgrounds passing by without complaint. A report by Gosnells Council said the term 'blackboy' was an informal name for the native xanthorrhoea plant, or grass trees 'This in itself surely would support the fact that a majority of people and cultures do not in any way find it racially vilifying, derogatory or offensive,' he said. 'The name itself, being one word, is not a description of a coloured child but simply a common botanical name.' The term 'blackboy' is another name for xanthorrhoea plants or grass trees, a City of Gosnells report read, with many of the surrounding street names in Thornlie also including native Australian flora. Residents of the 16 homes on Blackboy Court also declared the name change would be inconvenient, causing them to have to change their official address details. The petition caused animosity amongst the residents, with one local Graeme Capstick arguing it would be inconvenient to have to change their official address details Councillor Peter Abetz added: 'To expect the residents of that street to go through the inconvenience of notifying all their insurers and banks and everything else ... I really think is quite unnecessary.' 'Let's not look for offence where there's no need to take offence.' Blackboy Court was constructed in the late 1980s, with the name approved by the Department of Land Administration (now Landgate) in 1988. It was unanimously agreed upon by council to take no action on the matter. The heartbroken family of a young New Zealand father finally know why he mysteriously died while walking with his two-year-old daughter on the beach. Andre Bradshaw, 25, was found lying face-down, unresponsive in the sand on Raumati Beach in Paraparaumu, 50km north of Wellington, on June 28. A member of the public had discovered him at about 12.10pm with his little girl, Skyla, by his side. For months, his family have not known what caused the father's sudden death, but new findings from coroner Mark Wilton this week revealed a medical episode combined with 'asphyxia by sand' killed him. The night before he died, Mr Bradshaw was treated at the Wellington Accident and Urgent Medical Centre for escalating severe upper back and neck pain. New Zealand father Andre Bradshaw (left) died on Raumati Beach on June 28 with his two-year-old daughter, Skyla (right), by his side A new coroner reports revealed Mr Bradshaw collapsed from a medical episode and choked on sand at Raumati Beach (above) He was prescribed tramadol, an opioid for short-term relief of moderate to severe pain, and sent on his way. He and Skyla left for their usual beach walk at about 11.50am, saying goodbye to Mr Bradshaw's partner and Skyla's mum, Meya Cameron, on their way out. A post-mortem examination by forensic pathologist Dr Judy Melinek found there was sand in Mr Bradshaw's windpipe, meaning he was still breathing when he fell to the ground. The 25-year-old had previously suffered from a remote seizure-like conversion disorder and a nerve condition believed to be related to complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Dr Melinek also found evidence of pulmonary edema, excess fluid, in Mr Bradshaw's lungs. The father's cardiovascular disease and seizure-like disorder is believed to have caused a medical episode that led to him collapsing and choking on the sand. Dr Melinek also found three different flu-like viruses in Mr Bradshaw's blood that could have further contributed to his collapse. More than $7,500 was raised for Skyla and Ms Cameron following Mr Bradshaw's death. 'Andre passed away doing what he loved the most, walking on the beach with Skyla, and Skyla witnessed it,' Ms Cameron wrote in a Give a Little post in June. 'We are in complete shock. Skyla was everything to Andre and Skyla will always look up to her Dada.' Mr Bradshaw's partner, Meya Cameron (pictured together), said the 25-year-old 'passed away doing what he loved the most, walking on the beach with Skyla' Mr Bradshaw's sister, Krystle, also shared a tribute following his death, writing: 'Gone way too soon. Words cannot express how broken I am over the loss of you. 'You always carried nothing but kindness in your heart and were always looking for the best in people. 'You will remain forever and always in our hearts.' Click here to donate to the family's fundraiser Heavy flooding drenched parts of Britain today after three inches of rain fell within hours. Some areas saw schools opening or closing late with a horse racing event being called off at Wincanton because of the miserable conditions. Parts of Devon and Cornwall were left underwater with a number of roads being forced closed following the onslaught of showers, with fields across the counties left saturated. Devon County Council Highways said that Tavistock, Lee Mill and the River Axe had all been affected with staff at the Axminister Inn claiming people were finding it hard to get in and out of the market town. Cars were pictured forcing their way through deep flood waters in Dorset and in Somerset a horse rider was seen forcing to disembark and walk her animal through knee-deep rainwater. A yellow weather warning from the Met Office remained in place for parts of Eastern Scotland overnight, warning that more travel disruption could be expected. The miserable weather is expected to continue on Friday with unsettled showers, long spells of rain and windy blusters hitting most of the country. Coastal gales are expected in some parts of Wales and the southwest. Four inches of rain are expected to fall by the end of the weekend showing that the wet weather is showing no signs of easing. DEVON: In Axminister the River Axe burst its banks after heavy overnight rain causing surrounding fields to become saturated DORSET: Deep floodwater blocked part of the road near Honeycombe Farm on the B3163 following Thursday's heavy showers SOMERSEET: A horse rider is seen forcing to disembark and walk her animal through knee-deep rainwater Homes and businesses have been worst affected by the floodwater, which was caused by heavy showers and melting frost. On Thursday night, 61 flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency remained in place, while a further 197 flood alerts were issued. The forecasters metrologist Alex Deakin said Britons will have a 'wet and windy weekend' with a number of low pressure systems blowing over from the Atlantic. He said: 'A chilly but mostly dry start to Scotland but elsewhere will see a fairly soggy Saturday morning. 'But quite quickly Wales and the Midlands will brighten up followed by south east Anglia looking a lot brighter by Saturday afternoon.' Met office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong added: 'Low pressure will drive several days of unsettled conditions, with heavy rainfall the main concern. 'We have issued a number of severe weather warnings for rain across the UK. As much as 31in of rain could fall in some areas of the West, particularly on higher ground'. 'The rain will be falling on already very wet ground. And where there is still lying snow in the north west of England and Scotland, snow melt will exacerbate the risk of flooding,' he told the Express. Weatherman Simon Patridge told the Sun: 'By the end of the weekend we could see up to 4in fall. It's a really unsettled pictures at the moment. Rainfall totals are going to be mounting.' Low cloud will clear to leave a brighter start for many on Friday with heavy showers slowly moving into parts of the north and west Temperatures will remain milder on Friday but showers and blustery winds will continue DEVON: Axminster was just one region severely affected by flooding on Thursday CUMRBIA: Earlier this week parts of the county faced snow, with the melting ice increasing the risk of flooding FLOOD ALERTS: On Thursday night, 61 flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency remained in place, while a further 197 flood alerts were issued Yesterday Scotland was put on avalanche alert after a heavy snow forecast was issued, with the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) issuing a 'considerable' alert. It warned that the chance of 'snowslips' in the Northern Cairngorms had increased from low to moderate, adding 'avalanches likely'. Meanwhile in South Cumbria a district nurse was forced to use a tractor to get around to her patients. Ashleigh Mayvers, 33, told the paper: 'Even with the tractor, it was difficult at times to keep it under control in the snow.' Flood alerts were put in place across the country on Thursday with warnings that hte heavy showers could cut off some communities, create poor driving conditions and close roads. The Met has warned that journey times are likely to be made longer due to spray and flooding on roads, while bus and train services will probably be affected. It is also likely that some homes and business will experience flooding as up to 80mm of rain falls in some parts of the west of the UK. Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: 'After a relatively calm day on Wednesday, wet and windy weather will move in from the west on Wednesday night. NORFOLK: The Met Office warned driving conditions may be problematic as roads flood. Drivers today were seen making their way through surface water on A1101 in Welney, Norfolk (pictured) NORFOLK: Cars make their way through surface water on the A1101 in Welney, Norfolk today. The Met Office has forecast heavy rain and strong winds for much of the country thanks to a low pressure system sweeping the UK NORFOLK: Cars make their way through surface water on the A1101 in Welney in Norfolk, where the River Delph and New Bedford River have flooded today 'Low pressure will drive several days of unsettled conditions with heavy rainfall the main concern. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings for rain across the UK, as much as 80mm of rain could fall in some areas of the west, particularly higher ground. 'Higher ground in eastern Scotland could even see up to 100mm of rain. Our warnings are likely to be updated so keep up to date with the Met Office forecast. 'The rain will be falling on already very wet ground and where there is still lying snow in the north-west of England and parts of Scotland, snow melt will exacerbate the risk of flooding. 'It is important to check for flood warnings in your area issued by your local environment agency.' Twenty-three flood warnings - meaning flooding is expected - were active in England as of 6am. In Wales, there is one flood alert for South Pembrokeshire. In Scotland, there are flood alerts for Fife, Tayside, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee and Angus, and Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. Environment Agency flood duty manager Kate Marks warned Britons to keep clear of floodways as heavy rain sets in. 'Significant river and surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of the South West of England on Thursday and Friday, with minor impacts also probable elsewhere in the country,' she said. 'We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.' NORFOLK: The River Delph and New Bedford River have flooded the surrounding area in Norfolk today LONDON: Commuters brave the freezing fog in Richmond south-west London on Wednesday morning DERBYSHIRE: Temperatures hit -6C in rural Derbyshire on Wednesday, leaving the air cold and streets frosty RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams also urged drivers to be wary of flooded roads, saying that those in the 'worst-affected areas will need to be on their guard for floods and standing water'. He added: 'Anyone tempted to drive through water that is too deep for their vehicle is risking their safety and a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas or, worse still, the prospect of an insurance write-off. 'The best advice is to turn around and go another way if there's any doubt about the water's depth. 'From a road safety perspective, we urge drivers to slow down and leave plenty of stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. 'It's also important to remember the risk of losing control due to aquaplaning, which is what happens when a layer of water gets between the tyres and the road surface, making it impossible to steer, brake or accelerate.' Jewelry worth $1 million was stolen from his store, the suspects remain at large Celebrity jeweler Benny Nisanov, who operates under the name 'Benny Da Jeweler,' was held up at gun point at his West 47th Street A New York City celebrity jeweler has been robbed of an estimated $1 million in jewelry from their Manhattan store in the early hours of Thursday morning. Benny Nisanov was held up at gun point at his West 47th Street store in Manhattan's Diamond District. Nisanov, who operates under the name 'Benny Da Jeweler' and boasts a client list of A-listers including Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice and Usher, told police the thieves broke in carrying firearms and threatening to shoot. The robbers looted multiple pieces of jewelry from a display case that totaled an estimated $1 million before running out and into a black sedan, police said. The getaway car, possibly a Mercedes, was last seen heading west, officers said. Ice Spice, a celebrity client of Benny Nisanov, seen wearing his jewelry on Saturday Night Live Benny Nisanov, who operates under the name 'Benny Da Jeweler,' was held up at gun point The New York Police Department told DailyMail.com that no arrests have yet been made. On Thursday around 1:26am we responded to a 911 call for robbery at W 47th Street' an NYPD spokesperson said. 'A preliminary investigation shows that two unknown male individuals entered the location while simulating firearms and the individuals removed jewelry. 'There were no no reported injuries and no arrests yet. The investigation is ongoing.' A New York City celebrity jeweler has been robbed of an estimated $1 million in jewelry The West 47th Street store in Manhattan's Diamond District was robbed on Thursday morning Nisanov, 37, was seen at the World's Largest Jewelry Exchange, the New York Post reported, but did not wish to comment on the matter. 'He has a lot of celebrity clients,' one neighboring bling salesman told The Post, adding that Nisanov is 'a family man.' Nisanov did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment. It comes just days after another high profile jeweler was robbed in Miami. On Monday morning two unidentified suspects broke into a neighboring nail salon before making their way into C4G Jewelers in Hialeah, stealing more than $1 million in merchandise. The duo spent hours breaking the shared wall between the salon and the jewelry store before finally getting through. Footage shows the pair, attaching a wire to a six-foot safe before pulling it out the door with a pick-up truck. The distressed owner said losing the safe is the worst possible outcome. 'This is the nightmare I never wanted. And it happened today,' he said. 'We have 12 employees, which they're part of my family. They're not actually blood, but I take care of them like family. We've been together for many years. 'This is, for us, the high season. That's when we make the most profit from all the bad seasons we just passed. This just happened and that's crazy. That's crazy.' A business professor who shot and killed three teachers at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas had a legally-purchased 9mm handgun and 11 loaded magazines on him when he died. Anthony Polito, 67, died on Wednesday in a shootout with police after murdering two teachers, and a third unidentified person. Polito had been rejected for a job at the campus, and sent letters filled with white powder to other colleges that turned him down, it has emerged. Before the shooting, Polito mailed 22 letters to university faculty members across the U.S., but the contents of those letters wasn't immediately known, said Sheriff Kevin McMahill on Wednesday. Officials were able to intercept some of the letters sent, and the first opened had an 'unknown white powder substance,' said McMahill. The sheriff said police have contacted everyone on the suspect's target list, except for one person who was on a flight. 'None of the individuals on the target list became a victim,' McMahill said. Investigators searched an apartment in nearby Henderson, Nevada, late Wednesday as part of the investigation and retrieved several electronic devices, including Polito's cellphone, one of the officials said. They also found a 'last will and testament' type document. Anthony Polito (pictured) has been named as the gunman in the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas shooting Patricia Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor at the UNLV accounting department, and Jerry Changn (right) were shot dead by Polito on Wednesday The sheriff said Polito applied for 'several' jobs at various colleges and universities in Nevada and was denied the job each time. He was a professor in North Carolina from 2001-2017, working at East Carolina University's Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He resigned in January 2017 as a tenured associate professor. One of his former students said that Polito spoke frequently of his regular visits to Las Vegas, and loved the casinos. Paul Whittington, now 33, told AP that Polito went on tangents during class about his many trips to Las Vegas. Polito told his students he visited twice yearly, staying in different hotels and going to various clubs, Whittington said. 'He was really, really, really fixated on the city of Las Vegas,' Whittington said. 'I think he just really liked going there.' Whittington also said he was thin-skinned and vindictive. The student union building at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas campus is seen with bullet holes in the glass The business school, where Polito carried out his attack Sheriff Kevin McMahill is seen on Wednesday evening addressing a press conference Polito told Whittington's class that he remembered the faces of students who gave him bad reviews in the annual end-of-year anonymous survey, and would say he was sure who they were and where they sat, pointing at seats in the classroom. 'He always talked about the negative feedback he got,' said Whittington, who took Polito's intro to operations management class in 2014. 'He didn't get a lot of it, but there would always be one student every semester, or at least one student every class, that would give a negative review. And he fixated on those.' On Thursday, the first victims were named as Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, a member of the university's accounting department, and longtime professor Cha Jan 'Jerry' Chang, 64. Chang's death was from a gunshot wound to the head, the coroner ruled, and Navarro-Velez died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to 8NewsNow. A third victim was also a faculty member and has reportedly been identified. They will not be named until their next of kin is informed. The shooting took place on the fourth floor of the business school. After opening fire, the gunman went to several other floors of the business school before he was killed in a shootout with two university police detectives outside the building, which is next to the university's student union, UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia said. In a statement, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the mass shooting was 'the most difficult day in the history of our university', and said his 'heart breaks for the families, friends and loved ones of Dr Navarro and Dr Chang.' Navarro-Velez and Chang were killed in a 40-minute rampage carried out by professor Tony Polito, 67, who did not work at UNLV, but reportedly had applied for a job there and was rejected. Navarro-Velez was a mother-of-four, her former professor at the University of Puerto Rico, David Correa, told the Las Vegas Review Journal. She was first identified in an Instagram post shared by the California All-Stars Las Vegas Cheer Gym, which said: 'Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of a beloved member of our Cali family in yesterday's senseless shooting. 'Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Navarro-Velez family during this unimaginably difficult time,' the post said. According to her university profile, Navarro-Velez achieved a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Central Florida, and focused her research on 'cybersecurity disclosures and assurance, internal control weakness disclosure, and data analytics.' Chang was a business professor who had worked at UNLV for over 20 years, and was a longtime respected educator focusing on management information systems. A former student praised the professor on an education rating site after news of his death, saying they were 'fortunate' to be taught by him and 'wish he wasn't taken away from us so soon.' 'We respect all the hard work and dedication you've put into UNLV and the MIS department, we thank you for all that you have done for us,' they added. A fourth person was also shot in the spree but is in stable condition, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a Wednesday night press conference. A local Las Vegas gym shared the news of Navarro-Velez's death, saying the community's 'hearts are shattered' by her passing The associate professor was killed as gunman Tony Polito went on a rampage on the UNLV campus on Wednesday morning. Police are seen on Wednesday at the site of the shooting When the massacre unfolded, a huge police presence including tactical teams were seen scrambling to the college after an alert was issued to students, warning them to 'RUN-HIDE-FIGHT.' Less than an hour after the alert was released, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced the suspect was deceased, and footage showed terrified students being gradually escorted out of buildings across the campus. As of Thursday afternoon, UNLV shuttered all buildings and services, with the exception of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and dining room, and officials say the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. In a statement after Navarro-Velez and Chang were named as the first victims, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the shooting was 'the most difficult day in the history of our university.' 'Words are still hard to come by as we're only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesday's tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members. Another faculty member remains hospitalized,' the statement continued. 'We've now learned that two of the victims who passed away Patricia Navarro-Velez and Cha Jan 'Jerry' Chang were members of our Lee Business School faculty. The third victim, also a UNLV faculty member, will be identified following notification of next of kin. 'Dr. Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor of accounting, had devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants. She joined UNLV nearly five years ago as a professor of accounting, where she primarily focused on teaching accounting information systems. 'Dr. Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, spending more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students. 'My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of Dr. Navarro and Dr. Chang, and for all of the victims of this senseless act of violence that has physically and emotionally affected so many.' Two women are seen making phone calls to say they are OK after Wednesday's shooting Students are seen evacuating the site of Wednesday's shooting at the University of Nevada campus The UNLV campus was placed on urgent lockdown as cops hunted for the gunman, while the Harry Reid International Airport - roughly two miles from the shooting - briefly grounded flights in a security precaution. Student John Harris heard what he later realized was a gunshot as he was getting out of his car in the parking garage of an on-campus apartment complex. In the elevator, Harris said he got an emergency text alert text from the university. 'I wasn't sure what to believe,' said Harris, 21, who ended up sheltering at a friend's dorm. He told AP: 'But as I came down to the street, and I saw there were a bunch of cops in the parking lot at the student union, I knew what I heard was a gunshot and this wasn't a drill.' A witness to Wednesday's attack told Fox News they heard several shots ring out through the campus, before they were evacuated by police. '(I heard) boom, boom, boom, more shots,' she said. 'So I ran into the basement and I heard shots outside, heard police, and then the police just evacuated me out. 'I had my hands over my head and yeah, I was hearing a lot of shots. I did not know how many shooters there were. I did not really know anything.' An English professor at UNLV, Vincent Perez, told MSNBC that he heard seven or eight loud gunshots 'one after another', when he looked out across the campus from the balcony of a building. 'We realized this is a real shooting, and there's an active shooter on campus,' he said. 'It just sounded like a high-powered weapon just echoing, echoing in a way that ... makes you realize this is somebody out to kill people.' Megyn Kelly on Thursday revealed what former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said to her during a heated off-air confrontation during Wednesday night's Republican primary debate. An audience member captured video of Christie walking up to Kelly and the two other debate moderators after his slapdown with rival Vivek Ramaswamy over comments the entrepreneur made onstage about former U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley, another 2024 GOP hopeful. Kelly said that Christie was 'p***ed.' 'All over the internet last night was a video that went viral of somebody in the balcony filming Chris Christie coming over to yours truly during a break at the end of the first hour and kind of getting up in my grill,' she said. Christie, she said, was 'mad that he wasn't getting enough questions,' to which Kelly pointed out to her SiriusXM audience, 'he's polling at 2 percent!' Megyn Kelly on Thursday revealed what former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said to her during a heated off-air confrontation during Wednesday night's Republican primary debate, which was captured by an audience member Speaking on Thursday on her SiriusXM show, Kelly - one of the trio of Wednesday night's debate's moderators - said Christie was 'p***ed' because he wasn't getting enough time, though also pointed out he was only polling at '2 percent' 'In no debate ever, and I've now done six of them, have we given as many questions to the guy who's at 3 percent as to the person who's in the lead, at least amongst the candidates on the stage,' Kelly said. 'I'm sorry, Gov. Christie. That's the way it is.' Christie's national polling average, according to Real Clear Politics, is 2.5 percent. During their back-and-forth, Kelly assured the former New Jersey governor that he would get more time in the back half of the debate. 'I said, "We're coming to you. You're gonna be happy in the second hour," which I lived up to,' Kelly said. She also said that Christie was 'right' that he had been excluded. 'And the reason that happened is because we let them fight in the first 40 minutes of the debate and therefore that comes at the expense of something,' she explained. 'It's all at the expense of something else that's coming.' Citing CNN's figures, Kelly said that the candidates got close to the same amount of time to talk. Ramaswamy held the floor for 22 minutes, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis got 21, Haley had 17 and Christie - who's polling in single-digits nationally alongside Ramaswamy - got 16 minutes and 52 seconds, Kelly said. Chris Christie appears to go and complain to Megyn Kelly after intense yelling match with Vivek over Nikki Haley. #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/uYnPZuzysp Noah Griffith (@Noah_Griffith_) December 7, 2023 'So he was a half a minute behind Haley, who's tied up there for number one,' Kelly said of the four GOP candidates who participated in the debate. Former President Donald Trump has refused to take the stage and is the race's far-and-away frontrunner. 'So I don't want to hear it, frankly, we did right by him,' Kelly continued. 'He got a ton of airtime. That's what he was mad about.' 'I like the guy, but just to break some news on what people [are] speculating on ... they never like it when they don't get to speak,' the former Fox News host added. Christie was transparent with his annoyance about being asked a question last. He opened up his debate appearance by saying, 'we're 17 minutes into this debate.' He then attacked his three rivals for 'acting as if this race is between the four of us,' and refusing to take on Trump. The house at 2626 Larkin St. in San Francisco, center, was listed for $20 million just over a year ago the same price the owner paid for it in January 2020. Last month it sold for half that price. Google Street View A five-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot home in Russian Hill, just a block up from San Franciscos famous crooked stretch of Lombard Street, was listed for $20 million just over a year ago the same price the owner paid for it in January 2020. But last month it sold for half that: just under $10 million. The 50% price drop for the home at 2626 Larkin St. was very unusual, according to Patrick Carlisle, chief market analyst for the Bay Area real estate group Compass. Real estate map: Home prices in every Bay Area city and ZIP code Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, its also indicative of the softening in San Franciscos luxury real estate market this year, as high mortgage rates have affected all buyers, making even the wealthy more hesitant about big purchases. Though the Russian Hill home is an extreme example, Carlisle noted that homes in the highest price range tend to see larger drops from the original list price than the general market, as there are fewer buyers at the very top of the market and such homes can be difficult to price. He added that the luxury home market in San Francisco has been affected by the drumbeat of negative news about the citys economic and social struggles and the absurdly overdone speculation about the city being in a doom loop. Data shows that the higher a home is priced, the more likely it is to sell under the asking price. So far in 2023, homes in San Francisco in the $7.5 million-and-above range are selling for around 90% of the asking price slightly lower than in 2021 and 2022, but far above the 50% cut seen in the sale of the Larkin Street home. This chart shows the average sales price of homes in San Francisco as a percentage of the original list price for the month of November for the past three years, broken down by price range. Courtesy Compass And Carlisle said that economic indicators for the city have recently turned more positive, which could mean a stronger market in 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The real estate agent who sold the property, Nina Hatvany, said she could not comment on this sale specifically, as she signed a nondisclosure agreement. Public records show that the homes deed was transferred to a limited liability company that was created days before the sale. That LLC is registered to a corporation in Glendale that files business information with the state on behalf of other businesses, a tactic people use to protect their privacy. Last year, in a feature story about the home, Hatvany told the Real Deal that the owners Leslie Stretch, the former CEO of software company Medallia, and his wife, Heather were selling because the youngest of their four children had left for college and they wanted to downsize to a pied-a-terre in the city. She added that the family had also bought several spectacular second homes during the pandemic. Stretch retired from the CEO position in March of this year after 4 years in the role, and transitioned to an advisory role with the company, according to a news release. Hatvany also said that the couple had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars upgrading the smart-home features of the house and added two car lifts to make room for five cars in the three-car garage. At the time, she also told the Real Deal that her team had other homes on the market in the $18 million to $25 million range, and not one of them is as done as this house is. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an email to the Chronicle, Hatvany said her team was finding that some sellers are more willing to take offers below their asking price, and that the data is showing that there has been a downward adjustment in values, even for single family homes in the most desirable neighborhoods. In general, home sales above $5 million in San Francisco tend to spike in the spring and slump during midwinter, according to Compass December market report. Hatvany said that price per square foot also rises in the spring, flattens in the summer and declines slightly toward the end of the year. A photograph has captured the moment a grieving mother came face to face with a lifelike statue of her hero son who declared 'glory to Ukraine' as he was executed by his Russian captors. Oleksandr Matsievskiy, 42, was murdered by Putin's soldiers near Bakhmut in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine in March this year, with footage of the horrific act going viral on social media. The Ukrainian soldier was posthumously awarded a medal for bravery, with president Volodymyr Zelensky saying he was a symbol showing his nation's resistance against the Russian invasion. Mr Matsievskiy was sniper and a member of the 119th brigade of Ukraine's Territorial Defence Force. Paraska Matsiievska-Demchuk stands by the statue depicting her son, Ukrainian serviceman Oleksandr Matsievskiy whom Russian invaders executed after saying 'Slava Ukraini' Mr Matsievskiy was sniper and a member of the 119th brigade of Ukraine's Territorial Defence Force. The monument (right) created by sculptor Oleh Tsos shows Mr Matsievskiy in his last moments, standing defiantly before he was murdered by his captors (the moment left) He was filmed smoking a cigarette while alone in a wooded area in Eastern Ukraine, The Telegraph reports. Moments before he was shot by Russian soldiers, he exclaimed an ancient Ukrainian war call: 'Slava Ukraini!' A realistic statue of the war hero was put on display at Kyiv's Fortress National Historical and Architectural Museum on Wednesday - which is Armed Forces Day in Ukraine. The monument created by sculptor Oleh Tsos shows Mr Matsievskiy in his last moments, standing defiantly before he was murdered by his captors. His mother Paraska Matsiievska-Demchuk, 68, was photographed staring into the lifelike eyes of the statue of her son as she emotionally grabbed onto its protective glass casing. In another photo she can be seen clasping her hands together as she sees the portrayal of her late son. Mr Matsievskiy's mother Paraska Matsiievska-Demchuk, 68, was photographed staring into the lifelike eyes of the statue of her son as she emotionally grabbed onto its glass casing When the design was revealed in late November, Mrs Matsiievska-Demchuk said that her son 'would have taken all of them with him if he had a grenade' When the design was revealed in late November, she said that her son 'would have taken all of them with him if he had a grenade'. Kyiv has since opened an investigation into war crimes regarding the death of Mr Matsievskiy. Talking to the nation over video in March, the Ukrainian president said: 'I conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine upon Oleksandr Matsievskiy. 'A man whom all Ukrainians will know. A man who will be remembered forever. For his bravery, for his confidence in Ukraine and for his "Glory to Ukraine!" ' A high-profile rabbi appointed to the eight-member Harvard antisemitism task force quit on Thursday, saying he could no longer stand the 'evil' ideology 'that grips far too many of the students and faculty'. David Wolpe, a visiting scholar at the Harvard Divinity School and the ADL's rabbinic fellow, said he realized he could not 'make the sort of difference I had hoped' - saying antisemitism was 'endemic' and decrying 'herd mentality'. 'We are at a moment when the toxicity of intellectual slovenliness has been laid bare for all to see,' he said. 'Belittling or denying the Jewish experience, including unspeakable atrocities, is a vast and continuing catastrophe.' He had been asked to join the panel announced by Harvard's president, Claudine Gay, on October 27. His resignation came two days after Gay and two other university presidents - MIT and the University of Pennsylvania - gave stuttering testimony before a Congressional committee, equivocating on whether calls for the genocide of Jews would be considered hate speech and harassment. Harvard has been rocked by pro-Palestine protests since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Demonstrators are seen on October 14 at the university Students at Harvard are seen waving Palestinian flags on October 14 - one week after the Hamas massacre David Wolpe, a rabbi and visiting scholar at the Harvard Divinity School, resigned from the university's antisemitism taskforce on Thursday At the time, Gay was reeling from criticism of her slow response to students defending and legitimizing Hamas' October 7 terror attack. 'Antisemitism has a very long and shameful history at Harvard,' said Gay, announcing the taskforce. 'For years, this University has done too little to confront its continuing presence. No longer.' But on Thursday, Wolpe said he had been dismayed by the attitudes he found. 'As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard,' wrote Wolpe on X. 'Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short explanation is that both events on campus and the painfully inadequate testimony reinforced the idea that I cannot make the sort of difference I had hoped.' Wolpe said he found Gay to be 'a kind and thoughtful person', and most students to be industrious and focussed. But, he warned, there was an 'evil' ideology which permeated Harvard. Protesters encircle a man (with arms up), moving through the yard during the October 18 protest at Harvard University, holding up keffiyehs (scarfs) before he slips into a nearby building Newly surfaced video shows a confrontation at a recent demonstration on Harvard University's campus, where pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded a student chanting 'shame' Wolpe warned of the 'evil' ideology at Harvard, which said Israel did not have the right to exist 'The system at Harvard along with the ideology that grips far too many of the students and faculty, the ideology that works only along axes of oppression and places Jews as oppressors and therefore intrinsically evil, is itself evil,' he said. 'Ignoring Jewish suffering is evil. Belittling or denying the Jewish experience, including unspeakable atrocities, is a vast and continuing catastrophe. 'Denying Israel the self-determination as a Jewish nation accorded unthinkingly to others is endemic, and evil.' Wolpe said that the problem was greater than one university, or one committee. He said there needed to be a concerted effort to stamp out the poisonous ideology and rhetoric. 'This is the task of educating a generation, and also a vast unlearning,' he said. 'Part of the problem is a simple herd mentality people screaming slogans whose meaning and implication they know nothing of, or not wishing to be disliked by taking an unpopular position. 'Some of it is the desire to achieve social status by being the sole or greatest victim. 'Some of it is simple, old fashioned Jew hatred, that ugly arrow in the quiver of dark hearts for millennia.' Wolpe pointed out that his resignation came on the first night of Hanukkah - the Jewish festival of light, symbolizing the Biblical-time story of a Menorah in the Temple remaining lit for eight days, despite there being only enough oil to keep the lamp lit for one night. Wolpe said it was time to find 'the motivation to light the initial candle, to ensure the continuity and vitality of tradition in each generation.' He added: 'Dispute but also create. Build the institutions you value, don't merely attack those you denigrate. 'We are at a moment when the toxicity of intellectual slovenliness has been laid bare for all to see. Time to kindle the first candle.' On Thursday, Congress launched an investigation into Harvard, MIT, and the University of Pennsylvania following their presidents' failure to condemn students calling for a Jewish genocide. The House Education and the Workforce Committee will probe the elite schools with the 'full force of subpoena power,' after presidents Claudine Gay, Sally Kornbluth, and Liz Magill's astonishing words and actions this week Liz Magill, president of the University of Pennsylvania The House Education and the Workforce Committee will probe the elite schools with the 'full force of subpoena power,' after presidents Claudine Gay, Sally Kornbluth, and Liz Magill's astonishing words and actions this week. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who quizzed the three leaders on Tuesday, called the presidents as morally bankrupt, and swore to hold the schools accountable. She said on Thursday: 'After this week's pathetic and morally bankrupt testimony by university presidents when answering my questions, the Education and Workforce Committee is launching an official Congressional investigation with the full force of subpoena power into Penn, MIT, & Harvard and others. 'We will use our full Congressional authority to hold these schools accountable for their failure on the global stage.' Chairwoman Virginia Foxx announced the formal investigation against Harvard, UPenn, and MIT. 'The testimony we received earlier this week from Presidents Gay, Magill, and Kornbluth about the responses of Harvard, UPenn, and MIT to the rampant antisemitism displayed on their campuses by students and faculty was absolutely unacceptable,' she said. 'Committee members have deep concerns with their leadership and their failure to take steps to provide Jewish students the safe learning environment they are due under law. '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. 'This investigation will include substantial document requests, and the Committee will not hesitate to utilize compulsory measures including subpoenas if a full response is not immediately forthcoming. 'The disgusting targeting and harassment of Jewish students is not limited to these institutions, and other universities should expect investigations as well, as their litany of similar failures has not gone unnoticed.' Rep. Elise Stefanik said: 'We will use our full Congressional authority to hold these schools accountable for their failure on the global stage' During the five-hour hearing, Gay, Magill and Kornbluth were questioned over their response to antisemitism on their campuses. Stefanik demanded the leaders outline whether student calls for 'intifada' or 'the genocide of Jews' violate their codes of conduct on bullying or harassment. All three refused to class the antisemitic slogans as harassment. They instead said they are committed to preserving free speech on campus. Gay, Magill and Kornbluth were all heralded for their diversity and inclusion when they became presidents at their respective institutional helms. Now, all three university presidents are facing fierce calls for their immediate resignations - from students, donors, politicians, and alumni alike. Their failure to condemn genocidal calls against Jews - and protect students against antisemitism - will now be disciplined at the highest level. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned Magill's comments. He said: 'That was an unacceptable statement from the president of Penn. 'Frankly, I thought her comments were absolutely shameful. 'It should not be hard to condemn genocide.' Senator Doug Mastriano called for Magill's immediate resignation on Thursday. He wrote: 'Your answer, combined with your demeanor (the smirk you wore on your face while delivering it) raised serious concerns about your personal commitment and the university's willingness and ability to enact and advance policies to prevent antisemitic activity at the University of Pennsylvania.' Senator Bob Casey said in response to Magill's congressional appearance: 'President Magill's comments yesterday were offensive, but equally offensive was what she didn't say. Claudine Gay, Liz Magill, Dr. Pamela Nadell, Professor of History and Jewish Studies at American University, and Sally Kornbluth, testifying on Tuesday 'The right to free speech is fundamental, but calling for the genocide of Jews is antisemitic and harassment, full stop.' Senator John Fetterman also described the testimony as 'a significant fail.' He wrote: 'There is no 'both sides-ism' and it isn't 'free speech,' it's simply hate speech. It was embarrassing for a venerable Pennsylvania university, and it should be reflexive for leaders to condemn antisemitism and stand up for the Jewish community or any community facing this kind of invective.' Alex Immerman, who attended Penn's Wharton Business School and is now a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, said that he demanded his 2023 donation back from the college. He wrote: 'Yesterday I called Penn and asked for a refund on my 2023 donation. I have loved Penn for as long as I can remember. 'It prepared me for my career and gave me lifelong friends, my wife, and incredible memories. But I can no longer support the moral bankruptcy of its leadership.' Meanwhile, Harvard University's student newspaper slammed President Claudine Gay, saying she 'fanned the flamed of controversy' with her contentious statements on antisemitism. The Harvard Crimson highlighted the congressional hearing where members demanded Gay's resignation and the ferocious backlash she has received since. The leadership of Harvard Hillel, the University's Jewish center, also called her remarks 'profoundly shocking,' expressing their distrust in the president's ability to protect Jewish students at the Ivy League university. The Crimson has also called out the university for allowing pro-Palestine protests led by unrecognized student groups to flourish on campus. The protests have aggressively backed Palestine using chants such as 'from the river to the sea' and 'globalize the intifada.' After severe backlash and a donor boycott, Gay released a statement on Wednesday insisting she'd been misunderstood during her Congressional testimony. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' Gay said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' The university paper also exposed unrecognized pro-Palestinian student groups holding protests on campus. Industrial action has now cost the NHS more than 2billion in lost appointments and overtime for staff who covered for striking colleagues, officials have revealed. The figure was disclosed yesterday at an NHS England board meeting, where bosses admitted junior doctors could not have chosen a worse time to walkout than over Christmas and New Year. Richard Meddings, chairman of NHS England, said the upcoming pickets will be disruptive and put the health service under 'very real pressure'. His comment were echoed by Amanda Pritchard, its chief executive, who called on the medics and Government to resume negotiations. She warned strikes will 'inevitably' have an impact on patient care and could make this winter the worst ever for the health service. Richard Meddings, chairman of NHS England, said the upcoming pickets will be disruptive and put the health service under 'very real pressure'. Pictured: BMA and UNIT trade unions march around Royal London Hospital on October 4 Amanda Pritchard, its chief executive, warned strikes will 'inevitably' have an impact on patient care and could make this winter the worst ever for the health service. Pictured: Protest outside the Mancheser Library during the Conservative Party annual conference Walkouts this month are likely to coincide with a surge in winter viruses as well as casualties from Christmas parties. Pictured: File image Junior doctors will abandon their posts for three days this month and six more at the start of January as they seek a 35 per cent pay rise. The walkouts are likely to coincide with a surge in winter viruses as well as casualties from Christmas parties. Mr Meddings said: 'We've already essentially dealt with 40 days, I think, of industrial action across the NHS this year. 'And I will say that the days chosen now by the junior doctors could not be at a worse time. 'In the run up before Christmas and in that first week of January, that's a really really difficult time for the NHS to manage. 'I know actually that the NHS will rise to it and will work hugely hard to meet the consequences of that disruption. But actually, it will put the NHS under very real pressure.' Ministers and representatives from the British Medical Assocation have been locked in negotiations for five weeks. But the union said its junior doctors committee had voted unanimously for further strikes after accusing the Department for Health of failing to put forward a credible offer. Junior doctors will abandon their posts for three days this month and six more at the start of January as they seek a 35 per cent pay rise. Pictured: Healthcare workers hold placards at a picket line outside St Thomas' Hospital in London on February 6 Ministers and representatives from the British Medical Assocation have been locked in negotiations for five weeks. Pictured: A protester holds a placard while chanting in support of fair pay during the Conservative Party Conference It means junior doctors in England will walk out from 7am on December 20 to 7am on December 23 and from 7am on January 3 to 7am on January 9 the longest walkout in the history of the NHS. Junior doctors were offered a 3 per cent rise on top of the average 8.8 per cent in the summer. But the BMA said the cash would have been split unevenly across different medical grades and would 'still amount to pay cuts for many'. Mrs Pritchard told the board meeting: 'The industrial action announced this week by the BMA, I think is top of everyone's mind, and worry lists.' She said the NHS had been improving week-on-week since the last walkout, helping to reduce long waits for care. Further industrial action is 'incredibly disappointing particularly because it comes at an already very challenging time for the NHS,' she added. Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said: 'A year of strikes has had a huge financial impact on the NHS, with around 2billion in lost income from delayed operations, scans and procedures and the direct costs of providing cover for striking staff. 'At a time when NHS budgets are under serious strain, this is a cost the health service can ill afford.' Workers at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs want to become the first in Whitehall to try the controversial change in working practices. Ministers last month ordered councils to stop four-day working week trials and ban any new such 'experiments'. The TaxPayers' Alliance also warned that an introduction of a four-day working week across the public sector would cost 30billion per year in lost working time. But Defra staff want a pilot scheme covering 21,000 employees to see if reducing their working hours by 20 per cent improves their wellbeing and productivity. Defra civil servants in the Public and Commercial Services trade union delivered a petition to their bosses on Thursday. PCS Union general secretary Mark Serwotka (pictured) said that a four-day week could 'improve productivity' Defra staff want a pilot scheme covering 21,000 employees to see if reducing their working hours by 20 per cent improves their wellbeing and productivity (Stock Image) They called on them to agree a trial, saying the four-day week is becoming increasingly popular in workplaces across Britain. General secretary Mark Serwotka said: 'Evidence suggests a four-day week would lead to a better work-life balance for staff and could improve productivity for the employer. 'Previous trials have led to a reduction in sick leave and improvements to staff retention and satisfaction. 'If Defra wants to seriously address the issues of employee burnout, stress and poor well-being, they will listen to our members and implement this pilot.' Joe Ryle, director of the 4 Day Week Campaign group, added: 'A four-day working week with no loss of pay improves both productivity and the well-being of workers. 'It's been tested time and time again with great success in the private sector so it's only right and fair to see if these benefits can apply to public sector workers.' However, the demand is set to be rejected by the Environment Secretary. A source close to Steve Barclay said: 'This is a totally unrealistic fringe demand being pushed by hard-left union leaders that is entirely at odds with the hard work and dedication to delivering for the public that our civil servants show every day.' It comes as ministers continue to put pressure on the first town hall to introduce a four-day week to end its trial. South Cambridgeshire District Council has been forced to agree to answer up to 80 questions totalling 186 requests from the Department for Levelling Up every week to prove it is providing value for money. Yesterday, the TPA protested against Norwich City Council's plan to become the second town hall to introduce a four-day week. Conor Holohan, media campaign manager at the pressure group, said: 'Taxpayers are sick to the back teeth of seeing jumped-up bureaucrats placing their own interests above those of the country. 'Civil servants receive pay, perks and a pension that many workers can only dream of, yet some are now demanding a part-time job with full-time pay. 'Steve Barclay should treat this request with the contempt it deserves.' A car wash worker accused of attempting to kill a heavily pregnant mother-of-two previously 'stalked her' and 'filmed her for TikTok videos', a court heard yesterday. Suspected knifeman Daniel Mihai Popescu, 28, faces charges of attempting murder, as well as stalking and witness intimidation, after he allegedly attacked Andreea Pintili on Tuesday. The 29-year-old woman was allegedly knifed in Aberfan, South Wales, by a man said to 'lying in wait' outside her home on Tuesday after she returned from taking her children to school. During the attack, Ms Pintilli reportedly sought to protect her unborn baby boy, due on December 22, who was unharmed. Popescu was arrested and charged with attempted murder on Tuesday evening. Mother-of-two Andreea Pintilli, 29, was allegedly stabbed by a man 'lying in wait' outside her home on Tuesday Police arrested Daniel Mihai Popescu, 28, who was subsequently charged with attempted murder Popescu was dressed in a grey tracksuit today (pictured) and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and that he understood the charges as he was assisted by an interpreter during the short administrative hearing Popescu, of no fixed address, appeared wiping away tears before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court charged today and did not enter a plea to the three charges against him. Popescu, dressed in a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. Through a translator he said he understood the charges during the five-minute long administrative hearing. He is accused of stalking Ms Pintili between October 25 and December 6 by following her, calling her from withheld numbers and recording a video of her which he uploaded to TikTok. District Judge Neale Thomas remanded the defendant into custody and adjourned the case to Crown Court, where Popescu will next appear on January 4. Ms Pintilli was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff for treatment before being discharged after suffering non-life threatening injuries. Police later confirmed there were 'no issues' with her unborn child. After the attack reportedly managed to phone a friend and told them: 'He tried to kill me'. Her ex-partner Teodor Balan, 34, who is the father of her two children, said: 'Thank God she is OK, I was so worried about her.' He added: 'She is a very good mother, she is looking after the children very well. It was difficult for her to bring up two children while working part time.' Daniel Mihai Popescu is pictured arriving at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court in south Wales on Thursday He is set to appear at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning The scene on Moy Road in the village of Aberfan, Merthyr, South Wales, after a 29-year-old woman was stabbed on Tuesday Mr Balan, who was in a relationship with Ms Pintilli for nearly ten years until 2020, told The Times he was 'so worried' about her. 'She called me in the morning. I'm still friends with her. I helped her move her stuff, and helped her paint,' he said. Ms Pintilli has since been released from hospital, police have confirmed. Ms Pintilli, 37 weeks pregnant, worked at a Home Bargains store and had gone on maternity leave just four days before the attack Ms Pintilli has since been released from hospital and police say there is no risk to her baby After the attack neighbours ran into the street with pillows and blankets while emergency services arrived Schools, community centres and public buildings in a five mile radius went into lockdown while the suspect was on the run. Neighbours ran into the street with pillows and blankets while emergency services arrived. Officers previously said they had arrested a 28-year-old man from Merthyr, who is known to the victim, on suspicion of attempted murder. In a statement, South Wales Police said: 'Daniel Mihai Popescu, aged 28, from Merthyr has today, Wednesday 6th December, been charged with attempt (sic) murder following an incident on Moy Road, Aberfan, Merthyr, yesterday morning. 'He will appear at Merthyr Magistrates Court tomorrow morning, Thursday 7th December at 10am. 'The 29-year-old woman who was injured during the incident has been discharged from hospital.' Jordan Jones, Senior Crown Prosecutor of CPS Cymru-Wales said; 'Following a review of evidence provided by South Wales Police, we have authorised charges against a man.' 'Daniel Mihai Popescu, 29, has been charged with attempted murder, stalking and witness intimation. 'He has been remanded in custody to appear before Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court on the 7 December 2023. 'Criminal proceedings are active and Popescu has the right to a fair trial. 'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.' Four armed officers burst into the pale yellow three-bedroomed terraced property at 3.30pm while neighbours were advised to stay indoors. Police were inside for 30 minutes before the front door opened and a man in a black hoodie was bundled into the rear of a police car and driven off. Bristol University has axed the National Anthem from its graduation ceremonies with some students claiming it is 'old-fashioned' and 'offensive to some'. The anthem has not been played since last year's ceremony with the university saying it regularly updates its graduation ceremonies. God Save The King will now only be played when a member of the Royal Family is present. Some students at the 147-year-old university have suggested the National Anthem was culled because it is 'irrelevant', 'old-fashioned' or might even be 'offensive to some'. It comes just weeks after the university vowed to remove slave trader Edward Colston's emblem from its logo, after his statue was toppled during a Black Lives Matter protest in the city in June 2020. Layla Daynes, 21, told The Sun: 'The monarchy isn't really relevant to my generation, so it wouldn't be missed.' God Save The King will now only be played when a member of the Royal Family is present. Pictured: King Charles during COP28 Some students at the 147-year-old university (pictured) have suggested the National Anthem was culled because it is 'irrelevant', 'old-fashioned' or might even be 'offensive to some' Free Speech Union director Toby Young asked: 'Why are Britain's most prestigious universities openly contemptuous of the country's history and heritage?' A University of Bristol spokesperson said: The University routinely updates aspects of its Graduation ceremonies, which included the 2020 decision that the National Anthem would be played when representatives of the Royal Family, such as the Lord-Lieutenant, are in attendance." It comes after a former Labour councillor and Emeritus Professor Harriet Bradley, who used to work at the university, called for 'someone to blow up the venue' where the Jewish Labour Movement is hosting its annual conference. The 78-year-old has since deleted the tweet. The offensive post has led to a furious backlash from the Jewish community, with the sociology professor, who studies the 'inequalities of class, gender, ethnicity', being reported to the police and her former employer. Avon and Somerset Police are reportedly investigating the matter as an 'incident of malicious communications'. Daniel Sugarman, who is director of public affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, responded: 'I checked to see if this tweet was real. It is. 'I'm currently sitting in the building where Jewish Labour held their conference last year, so you can appreciate this is of some additional concern to me. An Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bristol.' In a now-deleted Tweet, Harriet Bradley, 78, who worked at Bristol University, called for 'someone to blow up the venue' where the Jewish Labour Movement is hosting its annual conference Black Lives Matter protesters gathered to pull the bronze statue of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston from its plinth before toppling it into the harbour head first In late November the university announced it would distance itself further from slave trader Edward Colston following a public consultation centered on whether seven buildings named after families - including Wills and Frys - with links to slavery should be renamed. Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president of the university, announced the decision to strip Colston's emblem in an open letter, in which she also apologised to those who had experienced racism at the institution. The personal emblem of the 17th century merchant - a dolphin - was incorporated into the design of the university's modern logo in 2003 from the coat of arms awarded at the institution's foundation in 1909. A university spokesman said the 4,000 students, staff and members of local communities who responded to the survey felt it was 'crucial to acknowledge and explain the past' and the historical significance of such figures. Baggage handler at Stansted for Ryanair flight scrawled 'c***' on baby's suitcase An airport worker has been given the sack after he scrawled a sweary message on a baby's suitcase after the family checked in 'late'. Father Mario Lucas, 40, found the words 'c*** stop checking in late' written with a pen on his seven-month-old son's bag that went in the baggage hold. The Cypriot saw the message after catching a flight back home from Stansted Airport after paying a visit to the UK to see family. Mr Lucas, his wife Serena and their son had checked in for the Ryanair flight to Paphos, on the southwest coast of Cyprus, around 90 minutes before it was due to take off. While he said he did not check in two hours before take-off as is recommended, he has been later than that in the past and has had no issues. Father Mario Lucas (pictured with wife Serena), 40, found the words 'c*** stop checking in late' written with a pen on his seven-month-old son's bag that went in the baggage hold Mr Lucas' seven-month-old son's suitcase which had the words 'c*** stop checking in late' scrawled on it He said that no-one at the desk and Stansted made any comment to them and that 'everything was fine', the Sun reports. The entrepreneur told the paper that he immediately saw his son's case on the baggage reclaim belt and that his wife Serena 'noticed the writing straight away'. He said that calling his young son the c-word is 'rude and outrageous'. The outraged father has said he wants airline Ryanair to replace the suitcase, which he said was newly bought in September. Mr Lucas said he has complained to the budget airline, who have investigated with Stansted baggage-handling contractors ABM Blue Handling. The firm said the incident was 'unacceptable' and was immediately investigated. After conclusive evidence was uncovered the member of staff responsible was sacked, the baggage-handling company said. Mr Lucas, his wife Serena and their son had checked in for the Ryanair flight to Paphos, on the southwest coast of Cyprus, around 90 minutes before it was due to take off ABM Blue Handling told The Sun: 'This unacceptable incident was reported by our own team on the day, immediately investigated and following conclusive evidence, the individual involved has been dismissed. 'Mr Lucas was contacted by the airport and an apology extended. We have a zero-tolerance policy for offensive behaviour, and we want to extend our sincere apologies to Mr Lucas.' Commuters were treated to a show in rural NSW when a truck driver and a tradie decided to settle their differences in the middle of the road. The two men were captured throwing punches during a heated altercation at the intersection of Havanna Street and Sydney Road in Bathurst around 3.15pm on December 1. In the video shared to social media jokingly captioned 'UFC Bathurst', the tradie, wearing a high-vis vest and black shorts, in seen standing over the truck driver battering him with his fists before wrapping his legs around the driver's arm and executing a perfect 'armbar' manoeuvre. The duo then face off in an intense stand-off, fingers pointed, after the driver is heard yelling 'stop, stop! Get off [me]!' Turning to the person behind the camera, the tradie yells out that the driver tried to 'cut him off' - with the truckie firing back, 'he f***ing drove up the side of me!' A New South Wales Police spokesperson confirmed emergency services were called to the location following reports two men were fighting in the street. Officers attached to Chifley Police District attended and spoke to a 40-year-old man and were told he and another man were involved in a fight following a traffic incident. In a video shared online, two men are seen in a heated brawl in the middle of the road in Bathurst after a traffic incident Investigations into the incident are continuing, the spokesperson confirmed. The company of one of the men involved in the incident said they had self-reported the altercation to police and were cooperating with the investigations, the Canberra Times reported. Their employee was not on active duties at the time of the fight. Anyone with dashcam vision or further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. The Breakfast Club host has been critical of the 81-year-old leader in the past Charlamagne highlighted the president's age and compared his campaign to RBG's controversial decision to not retire from the supreme court While guest hosting the Daily Show, Charlamagne tha God said the 'ultimate Christmas gift' would be President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 race and pleaded with him not to make the same mistake as Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Breakfast Club host called out Biden for his age on Wednesday and said the best gift the president could give the country this holiday season is to let someone younger run for the White House. 'Biden is not getting any younger. Hes not going to get any more popular and he is not getting a new running mate. Please, Mr. President, give America the ultimate Christmas gift and a step aside,' said Charlamagne. During his monologue a clip was played of the president saying he thinks 50 other Democrats could beat Trump, but he will be the one to do it. 'This is Bidens ego talking. If you think there are other people that can beat him, step aside, all right,' said Charlamagne. While guest hosting the Daily Show, Charlamagne tha God said the 'ultimate Christmas gift' would be President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 race President Joe Biden seen stumbling up stairs in October. Charlamagne tha God criticized the president's age as one of the reasons he should drop out On Tuesday, the president told supporters at a fundraising event outside Boston that Trump was a grave threat to democracy. 'If Trump wasnt running, I'm not sure Id be running,' Biden said. 'But we cannot let him win for the sake of our country.' Charlamagne said, 'I know he thinks hes got this in the bag but the polls say otherwise. I want Biden stepping in to beat Trump the way I want him stepping in to defend me at a bar fight. I appreciate you caring, but I dont like our chances.' A survey of three key battlegrounds for DailyMail.com published Monday, showed that Trump is on course to win back Arizona and Georgia while Biden is ahead in Wisconsin. Results show how Biden's coalition of liberal white voters and minorities may not hold together. The 81-year-old president has faced questions about his age surrounding frequent blunders and gaffes. Biden appeared confused at Arlington National Ceremony to mark Veterans Day and seemed to need stage directions after laying a ceremonial wreath. President Joe Biden is helped up after falling during the graduation ceremony at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado in June Joe Biden bumped into the Brazilian flag, marking his first gaffe within seconds of appearing on stage at the UN's General Assembly in September In October, Biden stumbled while climbing up a short set of stairs at a 'Bidenomics' event in Philadelphia. At the United Nations General Assembly Biden shuffled into a seven-foot Brazilian flag, leaving it teetering as he approached the podium. Biden tripped on stage at the Air Force Academy commencement ceremony which he joked, 'I got sandbagged!' The radio host compared Biden's decision to run at his age to the calls supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced to retire during Barack Obama's presidency. Charlamagne said, 'We dont need Biden to beat Donald Trump, just like we didnt need RBG to stay on the court, okay? Maybe if RBG had retired during the Obama years, we would still have Roe v. Wade.' 'Maybe. But people said, "no, she needs to be there protect Roe v. Wade," and now look, both of them are gone.' The Breakfast Club host has been critical of the president in the past, slamming him as 'not authentic' for botching LL Cool J's name and calling him 'boy' at an event honoring the artist. 'When somebody uses the word boy to refer to an adult Black man and the speaker is white, that takes on a whole different point in context,' said Charlamagne. In 2020, Charlamagne the God slammed Biden's record with African Americans and his 1994 crime bill following a controversial interview with the then candidate. The radio show host warned the president not to make the same mistake as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and do not wait too long to retire In a 2020 interview on The Breakfast Club, then-candidate Joe Biden told Charlamagne tha God 'you ain't black' if you can't pick Biden over Trump 'I will tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black,' Biden said on The Breakfast Club. On CNN Charlamagne said, 'He really was one of the people on the front lines when it came to the War on Drugs, and mass incarceration. If he wants to be president, he needs to fix that.' Biden apologized to black business leaders for telling popular radio show host that he 'ain't black' if he can't discern the better presidential candidate. 'I should not have been so cavalier. I've never, never, ever taken the African-American community for granted,' Biden said, according to the Associated Press. 'I shouldn't have been such a wise guy.' While Britain may be longing for a White Christmas, one lady is taking it a step further as she grows something even rarer - a white poinsettia. The flower, whose red cousin is a popular Christmas house plant, is being grown by Bridge Farm Group, based in Spalding, Lincolnshire, as they bid to install the pale petals as the new face of the festive season. The plant-magnates now cultivate more than a million per year as a result of their booming popularity. They have increased their supply of poinsettias to supermarket chain Tesco by almost 1,000 per cent in the last five years, taking over from the Dutch as the main supplier. Bridge Farm Group has this year grown white Alaska poinsettias which originate from Sabaudia, a town 100km (62 miles) south of Rome in Italy. Monika Dratwicka inspects a crop of new white 'Alaska' poinsettias at Bridge Farm Group in Spalding, Lincolnshire The flower, whose red cousin is a popular Christmas house plant, is being grown in a bid to install the pale petals as the new face of the festive season The plant-magnates now cultivate more than a million per year as a result of their booming popularity They have increased their supply of poinsettias to supermarket chain Tesco by almost 1,000 per cent in the last five years Aerial view of Bridge Farm Group in Spalding, Lincolnshire, where a new white 'Alaska' poinsettia is being grown for supermarket chain Tesco David Brown, managing director of Bridge Farm Group, said: 'There are more than 100 different poinsettia varieties in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, orange, purple and even multi-coloured ones so we'll be excited to see how popular the white ones are with shoppers this year.' Poinsettias originated in Mexico where they originally grew much like a weed. They got the name 'poinsettia' after Joel Roberts Poinsett who was a representative of the United States to Mexico as well as a keen botanist. They were successfully cultivated in the US during the early 1900s by a German immigrant named Albert Ecke. Later generations of the Ecke family successfully marketed poinsettias as a Christmas-themed plant during the second half of the 20th century, and they are now widely associated with festive cheer. Tesco plant buyer Vicky l'Anson said: 'Over the last few decades poinsettias have established themselves as the number one gifting flower over the festive season and are as much a symbol of the start of Christmas as mince pies. Now Brits are over from the Dutch as the main supplier of the festive flower as business booms Poinsettias originated in Mexico where they originally grew much like a weed They got the name 'poinsettia' after Joel Roberts Poinsett who was a representative of the United States to Mexico as well as a keen botanist Later generations of the Ecke family successfully marketed poinsettias as a Christmas-themed plant during the second half of the 20th century, and they are now widely associated with festive cheer 'This year for the first time ever we'll have the White Alaska which we think will create a real "wow" factor with shoppers.' The poinsettia season is one of the shortest for house plants as they remain in stores for roughly eight weeks - from the end of October until the end of December. The white poinsettias go on sale at Tesco stores across the UK from Friday December 8 and cost 12 each. Kai Tsui, 69, walks to the Chinatown Him Mark Lai Library in San Francisco every day to use the WiFi, as he has no internet in his home, a nearby single room occupancy unit. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Every day, Kai Tsui, 69, walks three blocks from his home, a Chinatown single-room-occupancy hotel, to the Mark Him Lai library when it opens to use its Wi-Fi. Tsuis SRO has no internet, so he heads to the library for everything from staying up on the news to checking his bank account to working on his novel. Its like my second home, Tsui said. If he needs to use the internet when the library is closed, he stands on its front steps to connect. The librarians leave the Wi-Fi on at night for Tsui and the many other Chinatown residents who dont have broadband access at home. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Francisco neighborhood might be nestled in the tech capital of the world, but just 63% of its residents have a broadband plan of any kind, according to American Community Survey data from 2017 to 2021. In its poorest census tract, just 51% have one. In addition to the area being home to many SROs and low-income residents who struggle to afford internet plans, a high number of old buildings make broadband infrastructure upgrades difficult and expensive. An intricate and opaque patchwork of building ownership complicates efforts to rally collective action. Its a Herculean lift, said Reymon LaChaux, the digital equity manager in the Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development. You can see the infrastructure challenges just walking around. Chinatown isnt the only area of San Francisco with low broadband penetration, but it is the most densely populated, while also being a magnet for tourists and city residents for its cultural events, restaurants and shops that are hampered by limited connectivity. The neighborhood has 900 businesses crammed within 28 square blocks, and many still rely on dial-up internet connections, some of which are too slow to process credit card transactions or sustain a security-camera video stream. Local officials and activists have chipped away at Chinatowns internet problem for years through initiatives to wire public-housing buildings, distribute refurbished devices, and boost technological skills, but the problem persists with only modest progress. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The result, say community leaders, is greater difficulty for residents to get services, jobs and to integrate into daily American life. High-speed internet access is a very important aspect of our community not being discriminated against and overlooked, said Anni Chung, executive director of the nonprofit Self Help for the Elderly. Were in 2023 and full civic participation is happening in so many realms, added Malcolm Yeung, executive director of the nonprofit Chinatown Community Development Center. Without having full access theres going to be political estrangement. Locals often use the librarys internet for critical online tasks like applying for housing or government benefits, according to Chinatown Branch Manager Chao Qun Huang. Such benefits are lifelines for the neighborhoods population, which has a high proportion of low income renters, many of whom are also monolingual immigrants. Chinatown residents make just over $27,000 a year on average and the neighborhood contains around 15,000 SRO units across hundreds of buildings, where many immigrants first settle when arriving in the city. Three years ago, Comcast held meetings with community leaders, including Yeung and Chung, to tackle how to bring the neighborhood more online. Though there was serious interest from Comcast and neighborhood leaders, the conversations didnt yield action, in part because property owners didnt want to pay for infrastructure upgrades, according to Chung. Following major construction on Chinatowns hospital and the Chinatown-Rose Pak Station, Comcast was hesitant to add another disruptive project to the dense neighborhood, according to Yeung. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whats SFNext SFNext is a Chronicle special project to involve city residents in finding solutions to some of San Franciscos most pressing problems. Send feedback, ideas and suggestions to sfnext@SFChronicle.com Where to find more SFNext content The problem resists easy fixes. An internet service provider must first bring its fiber to the doorstep of a given building, which can involve digging into the street. From there, bringing service to a household requires buy-in from a wide array of stakeholders including landlords, building managers, tenants and city agencies. Boring holes in brick and concrete walls is difficult and expensive. One of the challenges unique to historic Chinatown is that the area includes older buildings that require upgrading their inside wiring from twisted copper wires to fiber. Our work depends on the building owners commitment to make the necessary upgrades, said an AT&T spokesperson. The high concentration of aging SRO buildings presents additional challenges. Many of the buildings are so cut up into small rooms with many walls that routers dont work effectively. For hotel Wi-Fi style internet pilot projects organized by Supervisor Aaron Peskins office, it was necessary to install two routers per floor because the many brick walls interfered with the signals, according to aide Calvin Yan. Many of Chinatowns SRO buildings are privately owned, leaving discretion about making building upgrades to the owners. The residents in those buildings are very low income, many collecting social security insurance income, which is capped at $1,134 a month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theyre not going to buy a broadband plan, Chung said. Kai Tsui, right, has been working on a novel every day at the Chinatown Him Mark Lai Library for the last eight months. He often consults the library stacks for inspiration. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle With many SRO units rent-controlled, building owners arent collecting much money and are often reluctant to sink cash into upgrades, said Chung. Most landlords benefit from maintaining the status quo, and many are cautious about outside scrutiny, especially from government agencies. Although the lowest broadband penetration in the city is in a Bayview census tract, digital inequity has proven more difficult to remedy in Chinatown than elsewhere. The hilly topography of the neighborhood even makes it more complicated to install overhead fiber lines, which has been possible in other neighborhoods like the Bayview, according to Brian Roberts, policy analyst at the city Department of Technology. Raising awareness of the broadband options available has also proven challenging, according to the AT&T spokesperson. For instance, many people arent aware of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which subsidizes low income households with up to $30 per month to offset the cost of a plan. Other initiatives to distribute laptops and other devices run by internet service providers or community organizations are often piecemeal and small-scale. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alternative wireless options avoid some infrastructure woes and forestall the need to dig up the street. Local provider Monkeybrains delivers service via an antenna on a buildings roof, which picks up a wireless signal from a city-wide network. Wiring then brings the connection to a given unit. The provider has worked with the city to set up successful internet pilots in affordable housing buildings and has 80 buildings online in Chinatown, according to Co-Founder Rudy Rucker. However, the company advertises in English, which may not reach monolingual Chinatown residents. Other factors like the neighborhoods fishbowl-shaped topography and uneven building heights can obstruct an antennas connection to the wireless network. Further, installation hinges on roof access, which isnt a given in Chinatown. Ownership of buildings in Chinatown is complicated and obscure, and that makes it surprisingly hard to get onto a buildings roof, said Lily Ho, founder and president of Delta Chinatown Initiative. She knows because she has gone through that headache when pushing efforts to improve broadband coverage in the community. It is an area more famous for dolphin spotting. But residents in a Highland town on the Moray Firth were shocked when they received a warning that a great white shark was lurking off the coast. The alarm was raised about the presence of the giant predator to locals who had set up Google alerts for any breaking news about Fortrose, Ross-shire. The message they received said a tag attached by scientists to a great white had been tracked to their beach. However, they were sent the warning in error after a shark tour company in New Zealand issued the alert for its town, also called Fortrose. It turned out the tag ended up being washed up in Fortrose on New Zealands South Island with the tracking device later discovered by a Labrador named Quasi. Residents in a Highland town werere shocked by a warning that a great white shark (file image) was lurking off the coast... only to discover they were mixed up with a town in New Zealand Fortrose (pictured) in Ross-shire is famous for its dolphin watching, with nearby Chanonry Point offering the best views of the marine mammals leaping around as they swim up the Moray Firth to feed The Southland Times reports that a local shark cage diving operator was notified by scientists in Australia that a tag attached to a great white they were monitoring had been traced to the beach near Fortrose. Shark Experience then encouraged residents to join the search for the tag. On Tuesday, the tour operator said: A big thank you to everyone who helped with the hunt for the shark tag at Fortrose. Quasi the lab and his owner Kelsi found the tag. It is on its way to the science guys now. Massive thank you to Kelsi and Quasi who located the precious wee package. Fortrose in Ross-shire is famous for its dolphin watching, with nearby Chanonry Point offering the best views of the marine mammals leaping around as they swim up the Moray Firth to feed. But while dolphins and various sharks are often seen around our coastline there have never been any confirmed sightings of great whites in Scottish waters. Many scientists, though, say that with climate change contributing to rising ocean temperatures we will see the species start to migrate here. Many scientists, though, say that with climate change contributing to rising ocean temperatures we will see great whites migrate (file image) There have been sporadic reports over the past 20 years of the apex predator that are viewed as credible sightings. In July 2003, four divers said a great white swam around their boat off Ullapool. Among the crew was a doctor who provided a detailed description of the 16ft shark. A couple of weeks later, two fishermen claim they saw a great white entangled in their net off the coast of Caithness. Another report came in July 2005 from four anglers close to North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, while another sighting was off nearby Lewis in 2016. Ofsted will halt school inspections next week to rollout new training to its staff after an inquest found the process had 'likely contributed' to the suicide of head teacher Ruth Perry. It comes after a coroner ruled yesterday that Mrs Perry, 53, took her own life after the watchdog downgraded her primary school from 'outstanding' to inadequate'. The inquest heard the headteacher had been left 'completely devastated' in the weeks following the watchdog's 'intimidating' inspection into Caversham Primary School in Reading last year, following safeguarding concerns. Her family warned that lessons 'must be learnt' calling the inspection 'callous and inhumane'. Mrs Perry's widow, Jonathan Perry, said marrying the headteacher was 'the best thing I've ever done' as her sister said the family 'miss her every day'. Ofsted's chief inspector Amanda Spielman apologised to the family for the 'distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection'. Ruth Perry, 53, took her own life less than two months after an Ofsted inspection downgraded her school from Outstanding to Inadequate Ruth Perry's tearful parents join her sister, Professor Julia Waters and her husband, Jonathan Perry (back left) as a family statement was read after the inquest Her sister, Professor Julia Waters (pictured), told the inquest that Mrs Perry had experienced the 'worst day of her life' after inspectors reviewed the school She went on to say inspections will be delayed by one day next week to ensure inspectors know what to do if teachers are showing signs of anxiety, the Telegraph reported. Inspectors will also be trained on what to do if an inspection needs to be paused. Throughout the inquest her heartbroken husband revealed she worried about the impact of the downgrading on the local community, while Mrs Perry's GP Tom Back said he believed there was a 'link' between the inspection and the headteacher's mental health deterioration and death two months later. Turning to Mrs Perry's emotional family yesterday, the coroner added: 'The composure and dignity you have displayed throughout is remarkable. She is your Ruth, not our Ruth.' Speaking on behalf of Mrs Perry's family after the verdict, sister Professor Julia Waters said: 'Ruth was more than a victim of an inhumane schools inspection system. She was more than a headteacher. Ruth was a wonderful human being. 'Ruth's death has left a deep void in our lives. We all miss her deeply. We miss her every day.' She continued: 'The Coroner's conclusions validate what our family has known for a long time - that Ruth took her own life as the direct result of the process, outcome and consequences of an Ofsted inspection of the school she led and loved, Caversham Primary School. 'The inquest into Ruth's death has shown the brutal inhumanity of the system of Ofsted inspections. Ofsted likes to judge people with single-word labels. We could judge the current Ofsted system with our own labels: callous, perverse and inhumane. 'Ruth's death, and this inquest, have laid bare the imbalance of power that exists in our education system.' Professor Waters added: 'There are now urgent lessons that must be learnt from Ruth's death. Ofsted has made some changes but these changes do not go anywhere near far enough. 'We have no confidence that Ofsted, under its current leadership and management, is either willing or able to make the widespread, root-and-branch reforms to its system and culture that are so urgently needed.' Her husband Jonathan said Ruth was the 'best thing in his life'. Paying tribute, he said: 'Ruth was a wife. I first met Ruth when I was 12. I said to myself, one day I will marry that girl. And many years later I did. 'I was proud to be Ruth's husband. Marrying Ruth was the best thing I have ever done. She was the best thing in my life.' Concluding her inquest in Reading, senior coroner Heidi Connor said: 'The evidence is clear in this respect, and I find that Ruth's mental health deterioration and death was likely contributed to by the Ofsted inspection' Mrs Perry's family have said lessons 'must be learnt' and Ofsted must change Mrs Perry's sister said: 'Ruth's death has left a deep void in our lives. We all miss her deeply. We miss her every day' Ruth Perry 's family say she took her own life after a report from the schools watchdog Ofsted downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading Mrs Perry (right) with her sister, who has previously slammed Ofsted and blamed the inspection for her death Her sister, Professor Julia Waters, told the inquest that Mrs Perry had experienced the 'worst day of her life' after inspectors reviewed the school Ruth Perry's family statement in full Here is the statement in full from Ruth Perry's family following the conclusion of her inquest, read by Professor Julia Waters at Reading Town Hall: 'Ruth was a head teacher, and also a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister and a dear friend to so many people. She died 11 months ago tomorrow. Her death has left an unfillable hole in all our lives. 'Today, the coroner's conclusions validate what our family has known for a long time - that Ruth took her own life as the direct result of the process, outcome and consequences of an Ofsted inspection of the school she led and loved, Caversham Primary School. 'The inquest into Ruth's death has shown the brutal inhumanity of the system of Ofsted inspections. Ofsted likes to judge people with single word labels. We could judge the current Ofsted system with our own labels. Callous, perverse and inhumane. 'Ruth's death, and this inquest, have laid bare the imbalance of power that exists in our education system. Schools and teachers should be accountable to the families and communities they serve. Ruth of all people understood this. She was let down by an Ofsted system that was beset with glaring gaps, inconsistencies, and blind spots, yet held the power to destroy her career, and put an end to her school as she knew it. 'There are now urgent lessons that must be learnt from Ruth's death. Ofsted has made some changes. But these changes do not go anywhere near far enough. 'We have no confidence that Ofsted, under its current leadership and management, is either willing or able to make the widespread, root-and-branch reforms to its system and culture that are so urgently needed. 'The new Chief Inspector of Schools faces a massive challenge to put these failings right. 'We would like to thank the coroner, Mrs Heidi Connor, for her integrity, rigour and humanity throughout the inquest. 'We hope that the coroner's recommendations will be followed in full and will help to prevent future deaths. What happened to Ruth must never be allowed to happen again. We remain determined that there should be radical change, and quickly. 'We would like to thank Ruth's friends, fellow Reading headteachers, the families of Caversham Primary, and the wider community who have shown incredible love and kindness to us and to each other. I should like to thank in particular Lisa Telling, Edmund Barnett-Ward for their unstinting support, and Pete Castle from the Reading University Press Office for his expert guidance. 'This inquest has also exposed another systemic imbalance of power - that is, the injustice of a legal aid system which refuses to support a bereaved family, even when facing three public bodies whose substantial legal costs are paid for by the taxpayer. 'I should like to thank the thousands of kind and generous members of the public who responded to our crowdfunding campaign, after we learnt, just days before the start of the inquest, that our application for legal aid had been refused. 'We could not have done this without legal representation, and I hope lessons can be learnt about the way the legal aid system should change to support bereaved families facing public bodies. 'Finally - one of the terrible features of the school inspection system is the public focus on a named individual, the headteacher, and the potentially harmful consequences of being publicly named and shamed. 'We are very grateful for the responsible way the media have reported Ruth's death and the inquest. My family are concerned however about the sometimes very pointed, personalised focus on other individuals - including the inspectors who carried out the Ofsted inspection at Caversham Primary. Our concern has never been with individuals, but with Ofsted's inhumane system. 'Please be conscious of this in your reporting, and in discussions on social media. As fellow human beings, we all owe each other a duty of care. As Ruth used to say, 'There is nothing more important in life than kindness. Be kind always'.' Advertisement Caversham Primary School said Mrs Perry will 'ever be in our hearts'. Neil Walne, chairman of the school's board of governors, read out a statement: 'We continue to grieve her loss and to struggle to come to terms with her untimely death, and the circumstances surrounding it,' he said. 'For the sake of our school community, and in tribute to Ruth and her legacy, we must ensure that Caversham Primary School continues to be a place where our vision of educating children to be successful, confident, responsible, and caring citizens is realised. 'The clock in our school playground is our memorial to Ruth. It reminds us every day of her presence and the impact she had on all our lives. She will ever be in our hearts.' Concluding her inquest, Senior Coroner Heidi Connor said: 'The evidence is clear in this respect, and I find that Ruth's mental health deterioration and death was likely contributed to by the Ofsted inspection.' She criticised Mr Derry's behaviour and said the inspection 'lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity'. Mrs Connor added: 'The contribution of the Ofsted inspection is a central issue in this case. Ruth Perry was a headteacher at Cavendish Primary School in Reading Berkshire. 'She had no relevant mental health history until after this inspection. She took her own life on 8th January. She was declared dead at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.' The inspection report, published on Ofsted's website in March, found Mrs Perry's school to be 'good' in every category apart from leadership and management, where it was judged to be 'inadequate'. Inspectors said the school leaders did not have the 'required knowledge to keep pupils safe from harm', did not take 'prompt and proper actions' and had not ensured safeguarding was 'effective'. Her school has since been recategorised as outstanding. After Mrs Perry's death there were widespread calls for Ofsted to revamp its school ratings system, with headteachers leading the backlash. The inquest explored the impact of the inspection on Mrs Perry's mental health. Her sister told the inquest that Mrs Perry had experienced the 'worst day of her life' after inspectors reviewed the school. The coroner asked Mrs Perry's GP and her colleagues whether there was a 'direct link' between the Ofsted inspection and her death. All those questioned replied: 'Yes'. Mr Derry, who led the review of the popular primary school, told the court that Mrs Perry had been 'tearful' and kept saying 'it's not looking good, is it?', during his meetings with the headteacher. Mr Perry told the court his wife felt the Ofsted inspector was a 'bully' with an 'agenda'. He said she feared that the lowest Ofsted grading would signal the end of her career. Mrs Perry (right) and her sister during a holiday in Italy in 1996 Coroner Mrs Connor said: 'Ruth Perry committed suicide contributed to by an Ofsted inspection carried out in November 2022' Mrs Connor highlighted the behaviour of the lead Ofsted inspector in causing Mrs Perry distress. She said: 'I find the evidence of [deputy headteacher] Ms Jones-King more convincing than the evidence of [the lead inspector] Mr Derry. I find that the Ofsted inspection was carried out in a manner that lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity. 'It was at times rude and intimidating. Part of the inspection was done to rather than with this school.' The coroner also criticised the whole structure of an Ofsted inspection. She questioned the need for the the 'conduct' of the inspectors, single word judgement, the need for 'confidentiality' and the 'delay' of publication. Mrs Connor said that Mrs Perry sought support for her mental health from her GP and local hospital following the inspection. She said: 'This makes it clear that the Ofsted inspection was the reason for the sudden mental health deterioration [of Ruth Perry].' He told the inquest his wife had had 'dark thoughts' about ending her life following the Ofsted inspection. The headteacher felt she had 'let everyone down' when the watchdog downgraded her school from 'outstanding' to 'inadequate', Mr Perry said in a statement. He added that she worried about the impact on the wider community, fearing it would cause her neighbours' house prices to plummet and that locals would be angry with her as a result. The Perrys were due to exchange contracts on a new house on the first date of the inspection, the court was told. Mrs Perry's GP, Dr Tom Black said the Ofsted inspection of her school had contributed to her death. He told the court she became worried that she would lose her job and the family ruined financially following the Ofsted inspection, as she was the 'main breadwinner'. Reading Borough Council told the inquest it will more 'proactive' in challenging Ofsted inspections and 'advocate for school leaders' from now on. Education chief Brian Grady told the court he had spent 'a lot of time' considering the events surrounding Mrs Perry's death after the inspection. Mrs Perry's sister arriving at court on Thursday to hear the inquest's conclusion Reading Coroner's Court was told previously that an Ofsted school inspection could not be paused even if it is causing extreme stress and anxiety to the teachers under review (Pictured: Ruth Perry) Mrs Perry began writing a diary on November 14 last year, the day before the Ofsted inspection, and made her last entry on 6th January this year, 48 hours before killing herself, one of the police officers who found her told the court. READ MORE: Headteacher Ruth Perry started a diary the day before Ofsted began their school inspection and stopped making entries just 48 hours before she killed herself, inquest hears Advertisement Reading Coroner's Court was told previously that an Ofsted school inspection could not be paused even if it is causing extreme stress and anxiety to the teachers under review. The coroner said a claim made by Ofsted during the inquest, that school inspections can be paused if the distress of a headteacher is a concern, was 'a mythical creature'. Asked by Berkshire coroner Heidi Connor why Reading Borough Council had not challenged Ofsted's 'inadequate' grading of the popular primary, the Director of Education Brian Grady replied: 'This is something that I have thought about a lot over this past year. 'We are going to make a stronger, more proactive and robust role to challenge complaints about Ofsted inspections. 'We are going to support school leaders about their rights and we are going to advocate for school leaders. 'This is an area of significant difference and learning [from last year].' Mr Grady said he was unaware that a school had the option to ask for a 'pause' in an Ofsted inspection. But he added: '[Now] We will support any request to suspend an inspection.' It emerged this month that more than seven in ten teachers say the pressure of an inspection causes them to have poor mental health. New research by Education Support, a charity which offers people in the profession therapy, showed that 71 per cent of those who took part in the questionnaire blamed the pressure of an inspection on poor mental health. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders trade union, said the ruling must be a 'catalyst for change'. He said: 'Ofsted must immediately improve its policies and training for inspectors to ensure that inspections are handled sensitively and compassionately, particularly when a headteacher or other staff are traumatised. 'It is also imperative that the inspection system is reformed to reduce stakes which are currently far too high because of the application of one-word or phrase judgments which reduce everything a school or college does to a label. 'The evidence in this inquest has been heartbreaking. The impact of an Ofsted inspection on a woman who dedicated her life to education and who was the much-respected head of a much-valued school is harrowingly clear. This must never happen again.' For help and support contact the Samaritans completely anonymously, and for free from a UK phone, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org. Queen Camilla has given Anne Robinson her royal seal of approval for her dating her ex-husband - and has even 'joked about going on a double date' with King Charles. The former Weakest Link presenter, 79, has been in a secret relationship with Andrew Parker Bowles for more than a year. Anne, who has the TV nickname 'The Queen of Mean', is said to have found love with the twice-married retired Army brigadier, 83, after being introduced by a mutual friend. According to insiders, one of their first dates was a dinner party attended by ex Prime Minister David Cameron, with Andrew able to 'poke fun' at the presenter, who is known for her sharp tongue. Although the couple's romance is said to have been an 'open secret' in upper circles, Camilla has only known about it for a few weeks, according to The Sun. Camilla meets Anne Robinson in 2013 at the Man Booker Prize for Fiction at The Guildhall The Queen Consort divorced brigadier Andrew Parker Bowels (left) in 1995 but she remains fond of the father of their two children and has now apparently given her royal seal of approval to his new relationship Camilla married Charles ten years after divorcing Andrew in 1995 but she has remained fond of the father of their two grown-up children - Masterchef food critic Tom Parker Bowles and art curator Laura Lopes. A source told The Sun Camilla and Charles have found the media coverage of Anne and Andrew's coupling 'hilarious'. 'Camilla is very supportive about the whole thing and found out a few weeks ago. They've been joking about going on a double date,' the source told The Sun. 'After all, Anne is a strong, lively, opinionated woman. If anyone can crack royal circles, it's her.' When asked about their romance, Anne, who has also been married twice, hit back: 'It's none of your business'. Yesterday an insider ironically pointed out Anne went to 'boarding school, her father got a double first and she holidayed for part of the summer at The Carlton in Cannes' - when she wasn't working behind her mother's stall. Both Anne and Andrew have been married twice. Anne married journalist Charles Wilson in 1968. In 1970 the couple had a daughter, Emma Wilson, who became a British radio disc jockey. Their marriage broke down in 1973. The presenter went on to marry journalist John Penrose in 1980, but they split in 2007 and announced they were planning to divorce, citing 'irreconcilable differences'. Andrew, meanwhile, divorced Camilla in 1995 after 22 years of marriage, but remain close friends - despite a complicated history which included infidelity on both parts. The relationship between the former Countdown host, 79, and the Army brigadier, 83, was reportedly an 'open secret' among upper circles of society, (pictured at Ascot in June) Anne has been in a secret relationship with Queen Camilla's ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles for a year, according to reports Andrew divorced Camilla after 22 years of marriage, but remain close friends despite a complicated history which included infidelity on both parts (pictured in 2020) Andrew played polo on the same team as King Charles. Here he is pictured (right) on a royal visit to Kenya in 1971 with Charles Anne is best known as the host of The Weakest Link, which she presented from 2000 to 2017 Camilla was famously Charles's mistress during her marriage to Andrew, while the latter is described by friends as having been 'very naughty with women' throughout. Andrew first met Camilla in the late 1960s and they dated on and off for several years before marrying in 1973. According to Andrew's cousin John Bowes Lyon, the couple were pressured into making the commitment when both their fathers published an engagement notice for them in The Times. Andrew and Camilla divorced in 1995, saying in a statement that 'throughout our marriage we have always tended to follow rather different interests, but in recent years we have led completely separate lives.' The following year, he married Rosemary Pitman. They were together until Rosemary passed away in 2010 of cancer, aged 69. At the time of her death it was reported that Camilla was 'deeply saddened' by the news. Andrew was a guest at Charles and Camilla's wedding in April 2005, attending their service of blessing at St George's Chapel, Windsor. Anne previously revealed back in 2017 how she had quit dating app Tinder an hour after getting it. The former Weakest Link presenter complained potential matches on the app offered 'slim pickings' and added she didn't want to date a 'bald man with a moustache'. Camilla has maintained a strong and close friendship with Andrew - and he even had a special invitation on the guest list to the Coronation in May. The pair, who were married for more than two decades, have two children; food critic and writer Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes The pair dated on and off for several years before marrying at the Guards' Chapel in 1973 Andrew Parker Bowles and Camilla were married for 22 years and had two children, Tom and Laura, before they divorced in 1995 Once, regarded as something of a ladies man, Parker Bowles had a brief fling with Princess Anne before marrying Camilla. The pair, pictured on Derby Day at Epsom, remain great friends Camilla was famously Charles's mistress during her marriage to Andrew, while the latter is described by friends as having been 'very naughty with women' throughout. But it seems any differences have been put aside as the pair are 'joined at the hip', as one insider has previously put it - claiming they are constantly in touch and make a great team. The author Tina Brown has claimed it was Andrew, rather than Charles, who was the love of Camilla's life. Whatever the truth, the man Brown describes as 'a walking pink gin' is said to remain one of her chief confidantes. 'They are joined at the hip,' according to a friend. 'He arranges so much for her. They have lunch together the whole time. He's right in there. He was always, and still is, Camilla's co-conspirator.' Known as 'The Brigadier' in reference to his former career as an army officer who served with the Blues and Royals and was awarded a Queen's Commendation for Bravery in Zimbabwe, Andrew has moved in royal circles for decades. As a 13-year-old, he served as a page to Lord Simonds, then the Lord High Chancellor, at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. 'My mother was a good friend of the Duke of Norfolk,' he recalled. 'The Lord Chancellor had no children so Bernard Norfolk suggested me to Lord Simonds. I have to say that he was the nicest man alive and gave me a very nice set of cufflinks.' He described a sword fight during the dress rehearsal, saying: 'All the pages had these little swords. If a group of bored small boys all have swords, you know what's going to happen.' Anne married journalist Charles Wilson in 1968, (pictured). In 1970 the couple had a daughter, Emma Wilson In 1980, Anne married another journalist - John Penrose - but the pair split 27 years later, citing 'irreconcilable differences' (pictured: John and Ann in 1999) Anne was at the height of her career at the time, and the divorce reportedly cost her an eye-watering 20 million (pictured: John and Anne in 2001) Prior to marrying Camilla, he had a brief fling with Princess Anne, but his Catholicism is said to have dampened the prospects of marriage. They remain great friends, however, and she later named him godfather to her daughter Zara. He also played polo on the same team as Charles when both men were young and rode in the Grand National in 1969, coming 11th. He first met Camilla in the late 1960s and they dated on and off for several years before marrying in 1973. According to Andrew's cousin John Bowes Lyon, the couple were pressured into making the commitment when both their fathers published an engagement notice for them in The Times. 'His hand publicly forced, Andrew proposed to his girlfriend of nearly seven years,' wrote the author Sarah Bedell Smith. 'Camilla was very much in love with [Andrew],' Bowes Lyon told Smith. 'Her parents were very keen that Andrew should marry her.' The Queen Mother, Princess Anne and Princess Margaret all attended their wedding, and the reception took place in St James's Palace. As a commanding officer of the Household Cavalry, Andrew accompanied the newly married Charles and Diana on horseback following their wedding in 1981. Tina Brown claimed that Camilla only resumed her affair with Charles because she was angry at her husband's infidelities. Once seen as a dashing figure and something of a ladies man, Parker Bowles is said to have provided at least some of the inspiration for Rupert Campbell-Black, a character in Jilly Cooper's bonkbuster Riders. Andrew and Camilla divorced in 1995, saying in a statement that 'throughout our marriage we have always tended to follow rather different interests, but in recent years we have led completely separate lives.' Emma Wilson was born to mother Anne and father Charlie in 1970. She lived with her father after he won sole custody of her at the age of two, up until she went to boarding school at 16 (picured in 2016) The following year, he married his long-term mistress Rosemary Pitman. They were together until Rosemary passed away in 2010 of cancer, aged 69. At the time of her death it was reported that Camilla was 'deeply saddened' by the news. Andrew was a guest at Charles and Camilla's wedding in April 2005, attending their service of blessing at St George's Chapel, Windsor. The Marchioness of Lansdowne, one of Camilla's Queen's Companions, has said: 'Everybody loves Andrew. He's a real charmer but he's always terribly misbehaving. 'Andrew will ring her up and tell her when she's got something wrong and she'll ring him up and say when he's misbehaving. 'Through adversity they've kept a really good family ethic. It helps with their children and grandchildren.' Baby killer Beverley Allitt, the 'Angel of Death', who murdered four children and injured three others has had a move to a lower category of prison blocked in a crushing blow to her bid for freedom. The evil nurse, who killed children under her care in 1991, will continue to be held in Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, a high-security psychiatric unit. Allitt, 55, appeared at a mental health tribunal which made a ruling that she should remain a patient at the hospital, a report said. The sick killer may not be assessed again for another three years. This tribunal was the first time Allitt had been considered for a possible transfer to a mainstream prison since the end of her 30-year prison term. Baby killer Beverley Allitt (pictured), the 'Angel of Death', who murdered four children and injured three others has had a move to a lower category of prison blocked in a crushing blow to her bid for freedom Allitt, 55, appeared at a mental health tribunal which made a ruling that she should remain a patient at the hospital The families of her victims had mixed feelings on the decision, The Mirror reported. While they want the serial killer to serve time in a true prison where she will receive a proper punishment. If she were transferred to a mainstream prison - which has lower security - it could mean she ends up free on the streets within six months, as her sentence has been served. The father of victim Kayley Asher, who was a toddler when Allitt injected her with a air bubble that could have been fatal said he was partly pleased by the decision, but partly not. Alan Asher, 66 from Grantham, Lincolnshire, told the Mirror that it made him 'furious' that she was not moving allowing her to 'live her life of luxury in a secure hospital'. He added that if she were transferred to a main prison estate she would 'face real justice', but was torn but the real chance she could end up being freed. Mr Asher described the dilemma as a 'nightmare'. His daughter Kayley was just 15 months old when Allitt attempted to murder her on Ward 4 at the Grantham and Kesteven Hospital. While she survived the attack after being resuscitated, it caused her lungs to collapse causing two cardiac arrests, causing permanent brain damage. She suffers from kabuki makeup syndrome, a rare condition which causes problems with fine motor skills, mobility and hearing. Mr Asher, who lives with his wife sharon, told the Mirror that his daughter's attacker should never be released from prison. Kayley Asher (pictured with her father Alan and mother Sharon in 2016) is terrified the nurse who tried to kill her in 1991 may be freed as her 30-year minimum sentence is set to expire Beverley Allitt pictured leaving court in 1991 after being arrested on suspicion of murder Beverley Allitt enjoying her freedom as she practises her needlework in a top security hospital Kayley was one of 13 victims targeted by Allitt during a 59-day spree which saw the 'Angel of Death' kill four babies and poisoning nine others at Grantham and Kesteven Hospital, Lincolnshire, in 1991. Allitt was handed 13 life sentences and ordered to serve a minimum of 30 years behind bars after a court trial in 1993, a tariff which expires in November. Rampton Secure Hospital is one of just three high-security psychiatric hospitals in England and Wales - and she can only make a bid for parole if she is considered well enough to service in a mainstream prison. Mr Asher does not believe there is a 'cure' for Munchausen syndrome by proxy, the mental illness Allitt is thought to have, she should never be allowed to leave the hospital. Union boss John Setka's estranged wife threatened to kill him in 'out of the blue' comments to a private investigator, a magistrate has found. Magistrate Leon Fluxman on Friday found a threat to kill charge against Emma Walters was proven. She was captured in a recording telling private investigator Adrian Peeters: 'I have to kill my children's father to survive, you're going to help me work out how I do it'. The comments were revealed in a secret video played to Melbourne Magistrates Court, which Mr Peeters said he was prompted to start recording by Walters also making the threat earlier. Emma Walters (white jacket) arrives at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday - where a magistrate found she did threaten to kill John Setka 'She out of the blue uttered that she needed a piece,' Mr Fluxman said on Friday. The magistrate rejected Walters' assertions that she was talking to Mr Peeters as a friend, out of frustration and using 'florid' language. Rather, the pair had only spoken over the phone to organise a debugging job, she made it 'absolutely plain that she had reached the end of her tether and this was her last option'. Her claim she was pushing the private investigator for a quote was 'simply not credible', the magistrate said. Walters, 47, shared two children with the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union's Victorian secretary. The magistrate found Walters was at least reckless as to whether Mr Peeters would fear she would carry out the threat. She had faced an additional charge of attempting to commit an indictable offence, over police claims she tried to acquire a handgun. Ms Walters is questioned by police shortly after her arrest over allegations she threatened to kill John Setka But Mr Fluxman dismissed that charge, after Walters' lawyer argued there was no evidence on the description of the gun. Mr Peeters said he began recording on his phone after about 10 minutes for his own safety, after she told him she wanted to 'lure' Mr Setka to the home. 'I know how to use a gun alright, and I'm willing to deal with the consequences of having to go through the court process of self-defence,' Walters is heard telling Mr Peeters in the video. 'I have to kill my children's father to survive, and that is not a very good position to be in. 'Anyway, you're going to help me work out how I do it.' She is then heard telling Mr Peeters she was a 'lawyer by trade' and that 'this conversation never happened ... once it's in the court you cannot say that you have any knowledge of it'. Walters told police she didn't want to kill John Setka but had to protect herself. After leaving the property, Mr Peeters said he contacted Mr Setka, through the union, to warn him. He then reported the incident to police. A factory has gone up in flames with Melbourne's skies blanketed in thick, black smoke. Dozens of firefighters are battling the out of control inferno at an industrial site in Dandenong South in the city's south-east. A paint factory on Superior Drive burst into flames shortly before midday Friday with video showing a massive inferno. Multiple buildings were on fire with the sound of explosions also heard, according to witnesses. The blaze is still burning out of control as of this afternoon with strong winds blowing smoke to the south of the fire. Dozens of firefighters are battling a massive blaze in Dandenong South The blaze broke out at a paint factory in a busy industrial estate in Melbourne's south-east Authorities issued a watch and act message for residents in Bangholme, Dandenong South and Lyndhurst to stay indoors. 'Anyone located in the industrial estate in Dandenong South surrounding the Hammond Road area should take shelter indoors immediately,' the alert states. Local Rob was at a nearby store when he noticed the giant 'plumes of black smoke'. 'Going from the Frankston Dandenong direction, all the way up to the Princes Highway It's probably the equivalent of 10 to 15 kilometres width of smoke,' he told 3AW. The blaze was still burning out of control several hours later Residents in surrounding suburbs should shut all doors and windows, turn off heating and cooling systems and keep pets indoors. Police remain on scene. 'At this stage the situation is ongoing. Surrounding streets have been closed and nearby businesses evacuated,' a spokeswoman said. Motorists are urged to allow extra time and use Frankston-Dandenong Road or EastLink as an alternative routes. Workers near the industrial estate who weren't evacuated are ordered to stay indoors 'Squad' members joined the Doctors Without Borders organization on Capitol Hill to once again call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., held the press conference alongside fellow squad members Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar. Tlaib called out her critics, saying 'some people are weaponizing anti-Semitism in a way to silence voices. All of that needs to stop.' Bush, a former nurse, emphasized her belief that the events taking place in Gaza are 'war crimes' and called for an 'immediate and lasting ceasefire.' 'Let me be clear about what's happening. These are war crimes', Bush said. 'Squad' members joined the Doctors Without Borders organization on Capitol Hill to once again call for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza Rep. Cori Bush , D-Mo., held the press conference alongside fellow squad members Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar 'Let me be clear about what's happening. These are war crimes', Bush said In November Bush's colleague Tlaib was slammed after she accused Biden of genocide and demanded a ceasefire as she threatened electoral consequences in 2024 'The targeting of civilians is a war crime, the targeting of medical facilities is a war crime, the starvation and withholding of water and electricity is a war crime. 'The collective punishment of 2.3 million people is a war crime, and we refuse to be silent,' she said as her Tlaib and Minn nodded in agreement. Bush said their efforts on Thursday were to 'persuade lawmakers to collectively act to stop the killing, stop the starvation and displacement of Palestinian men, women and children.' The former nurse said that all doctors make a pledge - 'it is a promise to care for all people without limitations, boundaries or borders,' she said. Bush said the 'promise' to save lives isn't confined within walls and limits, and emphasized that it applies to everyone regardless of race religion, or nationality. The Democrat said the best way to honor the sacrifice of these doctors and medical workers working in horrific conditions is to put an end to the violence. 'When we hear genocidal rhetoric, when we witness devastation and mass murder, when we finance the bombs being dropped, when we intentionally disregard the suffering, we allow the people we represent to be complicit in mass atrocities,' Bush said. In November Bush's colleague Tlaib was slammed by critics after she accused Biden of genocide and demanded a ceasefire as she threatened electoral consequences in 2024. Tlaib posted a video to X (formerly Twitter) showing pro-Palestinian marches around the country and harrowing images from the Middle East conflict as she made the comments. Biden's declaration that the U.S. stands with Israel and opposes a ceasefire is spliced together with the harrowing imagery as she tells him 'the majority of the American people are not with you on this one.' 'The collective punishment of 2.3 million people is a war crime, and we refuse to be silent,' Bush said, referring to conflict in Gaza Bush said their efforts on Thursday were to 'persuade lawmakers to collectively act to stop the killing, stop the starvation and displacement of Palestinian men, women and children' Scenes from the video shared by Tlaib in November also included protestors chanting from Ohio 'No peace on stolen land!' Illinois, 'Free! Free! Palestine!' and Michigan 'From the river to the sea.' The video ended with Tlaib saying, 'We will remember in 2024,' before the words 'Joe Biden supported the geocide of the Palestinian people,' appeared on the screen. The 'Squad' member faced a slew of backlash for the post with people accusing her of antisemitism and disputing her claims. Tlaib is a member of the 'Squad' - an informal group of eight Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are known for being among the most progressive and left-wing members of the United States Congress. Tlaib, who is of Palestinian heritage, has been one of the loudest voices in Congress in favor of a full ceasefire in the Middle Eastern conflict and has openly spoken on the conflict over a number of years. Over a dozen House Democrats, Tlaib included, signed a resolution backing a ceasefire in October. Police allege her son died before being placed in the family pool A mother has been charged with murder following a two-plus year investigation into the circumstances under which her four-year-old son was found face down in a pool. Tara Richardson was taken into custody at the Mackay Magistrates Court in Queensland on Friday after detectives wrapped up a 2.5-year investigation into her son's death. Ms Richardson phoned paramedics at 5pm on August 21, 2021, after discovering that her four-year-old son, Tarrin-Macen, was face down in her backyard pool. She has now been charged with murder (domestic violence) and interfering with a corpse after detectives alleged that Tarrin-Macen had died before entering the pool. Regional Crime Coordinator Darrin Shadlow would not reveal how the boy had actually died. Tarrin-Macen's mother has been charged with his murder after a 2.5-year investigation into his death revealed that she had lied to officials when she told them that he had drowned READ MORE: Mum loses five children and partner in fire Advertisement Detective Superintendent Shadlow said that the pool 'only had a small amount of water' and that a post mortem examination found no water in the boy's lungs. 'It was proven that the deceased child was not alive when he entered the [disused] pool at the back of the property,' Detective Superintendent Shadlow said. He would not reveal how many hours passed between Tarrin-Macen's death and Ms Richardson's triple-0 call and that more information would come out during the trial. Ms Richardson lived in a Sarina home along Munburra Road with another man but detectives confirmed that she was the only person under investigation right now. Detective Superintendent Shadlow said that the case was 'challenging' for his staff and especially for Tarrin-Macens father, Andrew OSullivan. 'However, a little bit of closure for him [now] I suppose,' he said. The Wharton board of advisors has called for the president of the University of Pennsylvania to resign, after she refused to say that calling for the genocide of Jews was hate speech. Liz Magill on Tuesday testified in Congress, along with the presidents of Harvard and MIT, and equivocated on whether calls for genocide were hate speech. On Wednesday she attempted to clarify her comments, but the damage was done: a wealthy alumnus withdrew a $100 million donation, and her remarks were roundly condemned by the ADL, the White House and politicians across the board. On Thursday, as the House Education Committee said they were now investigating the issue further, the board of Wharton - the world's first business school, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania - said Magill needed to resign. In a letter addressed to her, they said leadership of the university needed to change 'with immediate effect'. 'As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect.' The board, in a letter first obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, describes their concern about 'dangerous and toxic culture' at Penn that they said the University leadership has allowed to exist. The letter adds that the University leadership 'does not share the values of our Board.' Liz Magill, President of the University of Pennsylvania Liz Magill, president of University of Pennsylvania, on Wednesday tried to explain her equivocation when asked if calling for the genocide of Jewish people was hate speech The board, in their letter, said they have held eight sessions since November 16, and drafted a set of resolutions regarding campus conduct and leadership. The 29 business titans that comprise the board - among them the CEO of American Express' U.S. banking operation; the CEO of real estate giant Related Companies, the largest landlord in New York City; and the former chair of Johnson & Johnson - said they felt their proposals were ignored. One of the resolutions they proposed was that Wharton community members will not celebrate murder or genocide, use hate speech, or use language that threatens the physical safety of others. The resolution also said that those who violate these standards will 'be subject to immediate discipline.' Magill on Tuesday was asked a 'yes or no' question on whether calls for the genocide of Jews counted as hate speech, and repeatedly said it depended on the context. Her mealy-mouthed answer - and the equally feeble response from the other two - sparked fury, with one donor withdrawing a $100 million grant and many calling for Magill to resign. The board said in their letter that their suggestions fell on deaf ears. 'We delivered these Resolutions to you more than two weeks ago. Our Resolutions directly addressed the issue, among other matters, that has now become clear to all: our University chooses to maintain policies that do not protect our students and our community.' UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct In their letter, the board write: 'As conrmed in your congressional testimony yesterday, the leadership of the University does not share the values of our Board. 'Nor does it appear to understand the urgency to address the safety of our students on campus and the ongoing reputational damage to the University by the University's policies and actions.' On Wednesday, Magill published a groveling video statement attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. Magill said: 'There was a moment during yesterday's Congressional hearing on antisemitism when I was asked if a call for the genocide of Jewish people on our campus would violate our policies. 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. 'I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. It's evil, plain and simple.' Magill said she hoped to draw a line in the sand, and clarify her position. 'I want to be clear: a call for genocide of Jewish people is threatening, deeply so,' she said. 'It is intentionally meant to terrify a people who have been subjected to pogroms and hatred for centuries, and were the victims of mass genocide in the Holocaust. 'In my view it would be harassment or intimidation.' But, Magill said, it was not officially classed as harassment - a policy she said was outdated and needed review. Magill pledged to work to update the existing rules. 'For decades under multiple Penn presidents and consistent with most universities, Penn's policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law,' she said. 'In today's world, where we are seeing signs of hate proliferating across our campus and our world in a way not seen in years, these policies need to be clarified and evaluated. 'Penn must initiate a serious and careful look at our policies.' She concluded that she was 'committed to a safe, secure and supportive environment so all members of our community can thrive. We can, and we will, get it right.' Harvard also attempted to limit the damage from remarks by their president, Claudine Gay. Claudine Gay, president of Harvard, is seen on Tuesday appearing before the House education committee to discuss antisemitism MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluth was also grilled for her school's response to protests. She too failed to outwardly condemn calls for the genocide of Jews Presidents of @Harvard @MIT and @Penn REFUSE to say whether calling for the genocide of Jews is bullying and harassment according to their codes of conduct. Even going so far to say it needs to turn to action first. As in committing genocide. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND pic.twitter.com/hUY3SgoOOi Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Gay, asked the same question, also equivocated. On Wednesday, the university published a statement from Gay on X. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' she said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' All three said on Tuesday calling for the genocide of Jews was anti-Semitic hate speech but didn't necessarily break their school rules. They would act, they said, if such hate speech crossed over into 'conduct'. An incredulous Elise Stefanik asked: 'Conduct being committing genocide?' Billionaire hedge funder Bill Ackman - who gave $26million to Harvard in 2014 - is now calling for the resignation of all three women. Elon Musk agreed that it is time for their departure, and said the hearing crystalizes their liberal bias. Harvard Hillel, the school's leading Jewish organization, said it was 'appalled by the need to state the obvious'. The Harvard Alumni Association and the school's Board of Overseers are yet to address Gay's remarks. The Hillel said: 'President Gay's refusal to draw a line around threatening antisemitic speech as a violation of Harvard's policies is profoundly shocking given explicit provisions within the conduct code prohibiting this kind of bullying and harassment. 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. 'President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus. 'President Gay's testimony fails to reassure us that the University is seriously concerned about the anti-Semitic rhetoric pervasive on campus. 'We call on President Gay to take action against those using threatening speech that violates our community standards.' The three universities have been roiled by a series of pro-Palestine marches on their campuses in the wake of the October 7 attack, with students blaming Israel for Hamas' terrorist outrage, and saying the country deserved it. Some academics have expressed rabidly anti-Israel opinions, and threats have been made against Jewish students on campus. All three presidents have admitted they were slow to distance themselves from student groups justifying the October 7 massacres. But they insisted that they wanted to preserve an environment of free speech - and refused, to Stefanik's fury, to give a 'yes or no' answer to questions about condemning certain rhetoric. 'I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying or harassment?' asked Stefanik. Gay told her that it depended on the context. Stefanik responded that it was 'the easiest question', then answered for them: 'The answer is yes.' Stefanik pressed Gay over whether Harvard would punish students or applicants who advocate for the murder of Jews. At todays hearing, Harvards President shamefully refused to say whether the calling for the mass violence and genocide of the Jewish people is considered harassment or bullying according to Harvards own code of conduct. Claudine Gay should resign immediately. pic.twitter.com/gjzmTHUcec Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Elise Stefanik, a Republican representing New York, grilled the three university presidents on Tuesday Bill Ackman said all three women must resign 'in disgrace' after their testimony Ackman said he was receiving calls from Harvard donors and alumni asking if the testimony was fake Outrage: There are growing calls for all three women to resign Gay replied: 'That type of hateful, reckless, offensive speech is personally abhorrent to me.' She said the university had 'robust policies' that hold individuals accountable when speech crosses into conduct, such as bullying, harassment or intimidation. 'We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression even to views that are objectionable, outrageous and offensive,' Gay said. At one point, Gay said: 'I've sought to confront hate while preserving free expression. This is difficult work, and I know that I have not always gotten it right.' But Stefanik said their answers were 'unacceptable', and demanded all three resign. Ackman said he was horrified by the testimony. 'This could be the most extraordinary testimony ever elicited in the Congress, certainly on the topic of genocide,' he wrote on X. 'The presidents' answers reflect the profound educational, moral and ethical failures that pervade certain of our elite educational institutions due in large part to their failed leadership.' He said that the trio's answers would be unacceptable in the business world. 'If a CEO of one of our companies gave a similar answer, he or she would be toast within the hour,' he said. 'Why has antisemitism exploded on campus and around the world? 'Because of leaders like Presidents Gay, Magill and Kornbluth who believe genocide depends on the context. Bill Ackman, who is worth $3.5billion and completed his BA and MBA at Harvard University, blamed Gay for the 'blatant' newfound antisemitism, saying the hatred is caused by 'your actions, and inactions' Palestinian supporters gathered at Harvard University to show their support for Gaza, and their hatred for Israel, at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14 Harvard's Palestine Solidarity Committee triggered fury by writing - on October 7 - that Israel was 'entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.' President Claudine Gay has been heavily criticized for failing to appropriately condemn the students who backed the statement 'To think that these are the leaders of Ivy League institutions that are charged with the responsibility to educate our best and brightest.' His criticism of Gay comes just days after the billionaire posted an open letter on X accusing Harvard of discriminating against 'straight white men' and railing against the university's equity and inclusion efforts. The Jewish student organization, Harvard Hillel, said that Gay's 'refusal' to 'draw a line' on threatening antisemitic speech is 'profoundly shocking.' Harvard Hillel said that they questioned the president's 'ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus.' 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus,' the Harvard Hillel said. 'Chants to 'globalize the intifada,' an endorsement of violent terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli civilians, and 'from the river to the sea,' an eliminationist slogan intended to deprive Jews of their right to self-determination in Israel, have become tragically routine at Harvard.' Newly surfaced video shows a confrontation at a recent demonstration on Harvard University's campus, where pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded a student chanting 'shame' Protesters encircle a man (with arms up), moving through the yard during the October 18 protest at Harvard University, holding up keffiyehs (scarfs) before he slips into a nearby building Magill, the UPenn president, was questioned over her school's participation in a 'Palestine Writes Festival' in September. A complaint filed with the Education Department against Penn cites the festival as a catalyst for antisemitic incidents on campus. Speakers included several with a history of making antisemitic remarks, such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. She said antisemitic speech at the event was 'abhorrent' to her and that the institution put safety precautions into place. 'Why in the world would you host someone like that on your campus?' asked Jim Banks, a Republican congressman for Indiana. 'Antisemitism has no place at Penn,' Magill began to answer. Banks interrupted, and asked: 'Why did you invite Roger Waters?' OnShe concluded: 'I think canceling that conference would have been very inconsistent with academic freedom and free expression despite the fact that the views of some of the people who came to that conference I find very, very objectionable because of their antisemitism.' The chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability released his statement in light of Hunter Biden's nine new criminal charges Rep. James Comer released a statement calling Hunter Biden's tax evasion whistleblowers 'brave' and then accused the President's DOJ of protecting 'the big guy'. Comer's statement comes after it was revealed that the Department of Justice filed nine new criminal charges against U.S. President Joe Biden's son, Hunter, in California. All nine charges relate to tax, including two felony charges for filing a false return, a felony charge for tax evasion, four failure to pay charges, and a further two charges for failure to file. The charges span the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 tax years. 'Two brave IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, placed their careers on the line to blow the whistle on misconduct and politicization in the Hunter Biden criminal investigation,' Comer said on Thursday. 'The Department of Justice got caught in its attempt to give Hunter Biden an unprecedented sweetheart plea deal,' the Republican congressman continued. The Department of Justice has filed new criminal charges against Hunter Biden Rep. James Comer (pictured) released a statement calling Hunter Biden's tax evasion whistleblowers 'brave' and then accused the President's DOJ of protecting 'the big guy' Comer has been chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability since January 7, 2023. 'Today's charges filed against Hunter Biden are the result of Mr. Shapley and Mr. Ziegler's efforts to ensure all Americans are treated equally under the law,' the Kentucky Representative added in his statement. Nine criminal charges Nine new criminal charges were filed against Hunter Biden in California on Thursday They include: - Two felony charges for filing a false return in 2018, both for Hunter Biden personally and for his company Owasco - One felony charge for tax evasion in 2018 - Four failure to pay charges for tax years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 - Two charges for failure to file for 2017 and 2018 Advertisement 'Every American should applaud these men for their courage to expose the truth. 'IRS whistleblowers also revealed investigators were prevented from following evidence that could have led to Joe Biden. 'The House Oversight Committee's investigation of the Bidens' influence peddling schemes reveals how Joe Biden knew about, participated in, and benefitted from his family cashing in on the Biden name. 'In fact, Hunter Biden's corporate entities implicated by today's indictments funneled foreign cash that landed in Joe Biden's bank account. 'Unless U.S. Attorney Weiss investigates everyone involved in the Bidens' fraud schemes and influence peddling, it will be clear President Biden's DOJ is protecting Hunter Biden and the big guy.' The first whistleblower Joseph Ziegler - known only as 'Whistleblower X' until he testified on the House Oversight Committee in July - is a 13-year veteran of the IRS who took the lead in the federal investigation into Hunter Biden, which spanned both the Trump and Biden administrations. Ziegler recommended prosecutors charge Hunter Biden with multiple felonies and misdemeanors in 2021, CBS reported. The investigator believed he had evidence that showed the president's son had improperly claimed business deductions for a number of personal expenses, including his children's college tuition, hotel bills and payments to escorts. Gary Shapley is the second whistleblower - he was Ziegler's supervisor and the first to come forward with the allegations against the Justice Department. IRS agent Joseph Ziegler declared the shocking figure with additional documentation on Tuesday with the House Ways & Means Committee House Oversight Chair James Comer claims he's traced some $20 million from foreign actors into Biden family members' bank accounts through a series of complex shell accounts designed to minimize scrutiny Hunter Biden - seen above with his wife Melissa Cohen - offered to testify in public before Congress in December The Justice Department now says the president's son faces up to 17 years in prison. The indictment states that despite receiving millions in personal income and financial support from a friend, Hunter Biden 'spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes.' 'The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019,' it reads. U.S. President Biden's son indicted on tax charges Xinhua) 13:10, December 08, 2023 WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden was indicted in California late Thursday on nine counts related to a Justice Department investigation into his taxes, which marks the second indictment against him this year. The charges include failure to file and pay taxes, evading a tax assessment, and filing a false or fraudulent tax return, according to the indictment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. The indictment, the second criminal case that Special Counsel David Weiss has brought against the president's son, showed that Hunter Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least 1.4 million U.S. dollars in federal taxes between 2016 and 2019. Weiss first began investigating the president's son five years ago as the U.S. attorney for Delaware, appointed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. In September, Hunter Biden was indicted on separate gun-related charges. Less than a year ahead of the 2024 presidential election, the U.S. president will be fighting a Republican impeachment bid while his son, the first child of a sitting president to be criminally indicted, struggles to avoid prison in two criminal cases. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) A Levis banner adorns the facade of the New York Stock Exchange in 2019. The San Francisco company has announced a forthcoming change in leadership. Richard Drew/Associated Press The longtime CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. will be retiring from the San Francisco company early next year. Chip Bergh has served as Levi Strauss top leader for the last 12 years his last day will be on April 12, the company announced in a filing Thursday. The companys board of directors has elected Michelle Gass, who now serves as its president, to assume Berghs responsibilities as CEO starting on Jan. 29. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Levi Strauss said in its filing that the promotion will complete a succession plan that it announced last November. Bergh will remain with the company until the end of the 2024 fiscal year, transitioning into the role of senior adviser. We would like to thank Chip for his inspirational leadership and unwavering commitment to the company over the last 12-plus years, said Bob Eckert, the companys chairman. Chip has transformed this company and will leave it far better than when he arrived. I know we will continue to benefit from Chips strategic perspective as he continues to serve on the companys board. Bergh is credited with advancing Levi Strauss from a predominantly mens U.S. wholesale bottoms business to one that is direct-to-consumer driven, with global reach. He also focused on reinvigorating the womens business and led strategic initiatives like claiming the naming rights for Levis Stadium and deepening the brands connection to the music industry, the company said in its filing. Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh has announced that he will be leaving his role in April. Richard Drew/Associated Press He also oversaw the companys return to the public markets in 2019 and expanded its brand portfolio in 2021 with acquisition of Beyond Yoga. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roughly a year ago, Levi Strauss renewed its lease for 367,000 square feet at Levis Plaza in Jackson Square, committing to another 12 years at the Jamestown Properties-owned complex. Bergh said in a statement that the Levis brand is the strongest it has ever been. As we pivot to become more of an omni-channel, direct-to-consumer retailer, it is time for new leadership, he said. While Ive known Michelle for more than a decade, my time working closely with her this past year has given me great confidence that her experience, track record of innovation and impact, and passion for the business will position the company for sustainable, profitable growth and significant shareholder and stakeholder value creation. Before joining Levi Strauss in January, Gass led the transformation strategy at Kohls and spearheaded a reinvention effort for more than 1,100 Kohls stores, as well as a strategic partnership with Sephora, which, as of last year, had expanded to 600 Sephora at Kohls shops. Before that, Gass held leadership roles over a 17-year period at Starbucks. I am honored to be stepping in to lead this iconic brand and company, one that I have deeply admired and respected for many years. Levis is more than a denim icon; its part of our cultural fabric and an enduring symbol of quality, innovation and progress, Gass said in a statement on Thursday. A former business associate of Hunter Biden is using one of Hunter's dad's favorite phrases in describing the president's claims regarding his son's business dealings. It comes as the Department of Justice has filed nine new criminal charges against Hunter in California on Thursday. All nine charges relate to tax, including two felony charges for filing a false return, a felony charge for tax evasion, four failure to pay charges, and a further two charges for failure to file. The charges span the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 tax years. President Joe Biden denied 'interacting' with Hunter Biden's business partners and called allegations a 'bunch of lies' when asked about the Republican impeachment probe. However, a former business associate of Hunter is using a phrase straight from Biden's playbook to describe that claim: 'Complete malarkey.' A former business associate of Hunter Biden is using one of Hunter's dad's favorite phrases in describing the president's claims regarding his son's business dealings The unidentified associate told Fox News that there was "plenty of evidence" to back up the allegations of Biden family corruption. He insisted there weren't any communications with scandal-hit son's associates, despite the GOP sharing evidence of at least 22 phone calls the then-vice president sat in on, dinners with Hunter's associates at Washington, D.C., restaurants and participation in coffee meetings. Biden's denial came just days after Congressional investigators revealed he received $1,380 monthly payments from Hunter's company. The president took a question on the topic at the end of a brief statement where he called on Republicans to move billions in military and other aid for Ukraine, while signaling a willingness to deal on border issues. 'I did not - it's just a bunch of lies,' Biden said. He was asked about polling showing that nearly 70 percent of Americans think he did something unethical or illegal with family business interests and why he interacted with 'so many' of his son Hunter and brother James' associates. 'I'm not going to comment, I did not,' Biden began, before repeatedly blasting 'lies.' Earlier this week, House Oversight chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) released bank records that Republicans say indicate he got at least three monthly payments from a company owned by Hunter Biden that took in millions from China. 'It's just a bunch of lies,' President Joe Biden said when asked about why he interacted with 'so many' of Hunter Biden's business associates The transfers come from 2018, after Biden had left the vice presidency. The records, subpoenaed by the GOP, appear to show he took three payments of $1,380 each on September 17, October 15 and November 15. The payments came from Hunter-owned firm Owasco PC. A Comer spokesperson called them 'part of a pattern revealing Joe Biden knew about, participated in and benefited from his familys influence-peddling schemes.' Hunter Biden is currently facing probe of his taxes and finances and potential foreign lobby disclosure issues. He has been charged with felony gun offenses related to a form he signed for the purchase of a firearm and also pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor tax crimes. The payments were for a 2018 Ford Raptor truck that Biden bought and that Hunter was using for a time, according to the Washington Post, which reviewed an email about it. 'I did not - it's just a bunch of lies,' Biden said about being involved in his son's dealings at the end of his remarks on Wednesday Hunter Biden lawyer Abbe Lowell told the paper, '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. When Hunter was able to, he paid his father back and took over the payments himself.' The president has repeatedly denied being in business with his son, but former Hunter Biden business associates have testified he would briefly pop on conference calls or drop by meetings. The House is moving toward a possible floor vote on a formal impeachment inquiry. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the vote would come next week. On Thursday, things just got worse for Hunter, with federal prosecutors alleging the president's son spent millions on an 'extravagant lifestyle' while avoiding paying taxes for years. The Justice Department says the president's son faces up to 17 years in prison. The indictment states that despite receiving millions in personal income and financial support from a friend, Hunter Biden 'spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes.' 'The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019,' it reads. The Department of Justice has filed new criminal charges against Hunter Biden Special Counsel David Weiss (pictured) brought those charges against Hunter Biden after an earlier proposed plea deal unraveled under questioning from a judge The scandal-hit first son (left) already faces a weapons charge in Delaware It also alleges Hunter attempted 'to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns in or about February 2020.' As well as failing to file and pay his taxes he has also been accused of including 'false business deductions' in his 2018 returns to reduce his tax bill. Investigators are set to argue that Hunter 'spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills'. 'The Defendant spent approximately $1 million in 2016, $1.4 million in 2017, $1.8 million in 2018, and $600,000 in 2019' the indictment alleges. Hunter is said to have made more than $7 million in gross income between 2016 and 2020, according to the documents. In addition, prosecutors allege Hunter receives around $1.2 million 'in financial support to fund his extravagant lifestyle' in 2020 alone. A prominent TV journalist has been embroiled in a wild scuffle outside court after Outback Wrangler Matt Wright was committed to stand trial on charges relating to the helicopter crash that killed his co-star and best mate. Wright, along fellow co-accused Michael Burbidge and Neil Mellon, faced a committal hearing in Darwin on Thursday accused of obstructing the investigation into the crash that killed Chris 'Willow' Wilson in February 2022. Wright was committed to stand trial early next year as Burbidge and Mellon admitted to destroying evidence in the aftermath of the fatal crash. They are not charged in connection with causing the crash itself. The hearing outcomes sparked heated scenes outside court where A Current Affair reporter Steve Marshall was in the thick of the action. Wright and helicopter pilot Burbidge ignored a barrage of questions from Marshall and other journalists as they barged though the media scrum with their wives. Former policeman Mellon was supported by former NT Senator Nigel Scullion when the pair were confronted by Marshall as they left court. Former NT Senator Nigel Scullion (left) was embroiled in a fiery encounter with A Current Affair reporter Steve Marshall as he left court 'Have you rolled on Matt Wright?' Marshall asked. 'Did you fight the law and the law won?' Another reporter asked: 'You were meant to be upholding the law, why did you break it?' Television cameras captured Mr Scullion angrily reacting to Marshall's questioning by pushing the reporter into the closed door of a car. Marshall threw his hands up in the air and yelled, 'Hey!' as the one-time minister taunted his reaction to the shove. A large contingent of media had travelled to the Top End to cover the court hearings which were initially scheduled to be heard over two days. An upbeat Wright warmly greeted the waiting media pack 'good morning guys ' as he arrived at court hand-in-hand with his wife Kaia and politely smiled without providing any further comment. But that's where the niceties ended. Matt Wright (pictured leaving court) was committed to stand trial early next year Steve Marshall had a lot of questions for former NT cop Neil Mellon, sparking a scuffle with former NT senator Nigel Scullion Wright was reportedly later overheard calling journalists 'f***ing maggots' inside the courtroom, A Current Affair reported. He later barged his way through the media pack as he left court hand in hand with his wife, causing journalists and cameramen to stumble over handbags and backpacks set aside. Burbidge was also bombarded with questions from Marshall when he arrived with his wife Jade. 'Matt Wright said 'good morning. Is it a good morning for you?' Marshall asked. Burbidge later received a hug from Wright's wife in the courtroom. Former NT senator Nigel Scullion (in green shirt) was at court to support former senior NT police officer Neil Mellon (right) Chris 'Willow' Wilson (pictured) plunged to his death in a remote area of the Northern Territory Deputy Chief Judge Tanya Fong Lim found there was enough evidence to place Wright on trial for the charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 15 years. 'One of the seven charges was today committed to trial for next year,' Wright said in a statement released afterwards. 'The other charges will remain, pending resolution of the charge now before the Supreme Court. 'Im hopeful the remaining charges will all be withdrawn once this charge is dealt with next year.' Hunter Biden has been slammed with nine new charges - all relating to tax evasion - and is set to face a Trump-appointed judge as his case is taken to court. The President's son is no stranger to scandal - Hunter has a long and complex background of legal nightmares. Ranging from gun charges to paternity battles, and international financial swindling to lying about sobriety - here is a timeline of Hunter Biden's legal history. Hunter Biden has been slammed with nine new charges - all relating to tax evasion - and is set to face a Trump-appointed judge as his case is taken to court 1970 Hunter Biden was born on February 4 in Wilmington, Delaware, to Neilia and Joe Biden. 1972 On December 18, 1972, Hunter's mother and young sister Naomi tragically died in a car accident. Hunter and his older brother Beau were also in the vehicle at the time of the incident - but survived with serious injuries. Beau suffered multiple broken bones and Hunter sustained a fractured skull and severe traumatic brain injuries. 1992 In 1992 - Hunter Biden graduated from Georgetown University in Washington D.C. with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. 1993 Hunter Biden married Kathleen Buhle in 1993. 1996 Hunter completed a year of law school at Georgetown before transferring to Yale and Hunter graduating with a law degree in 1996. Hunter Biden has a long and complex background of legal nightmares According to his memoir - Beautiful Things - Hunter began drinking heavily during the early 2000s at dinner, at parties and after work Early 2000s According to his memoir - Beautiful Things - Hunter began drinking heavily during the early 2000s at dinner, at parties and after work. He believes his substance-abuse problems stem from the losses he's faced in life and the little amount that his family would talk about the tragic deaths of his mother and sister. During this time - Hunter was working at Oldaker, Biden & Belair - a law and lobbying firm where he was made partner in 2001. 2008 Joe Biden was announced as Obama's running mate for the 2008 election and in September Obama's presidential campaign released a statement saying that Biden's son (Hunter) had quit working as a Washington lobbyist. 2013 Hunter Biden and two other Americans partnered up with Chinese businessmen to establish a Shanghai-based investment company - BHR partners. The firm helped finance an Australian coal-mining company controlled by a Chinese state-owned firm. The first anniversary of Beau's death caused Hunter to battle severe depression which lead to crack cocaine use and addiction In 2014 - Hunter was discharged from the Navy Reserve after he took a drug test which came out positive for cocaine use 2014 In 2014 - Hunter was discharged from the Navy Reserve after he took a drug test which came out positive for cocaine use. He served for less as a public affairs officer in the Navy Reserve for less than a year before being discharged in February. In a statement released by his attorney, Biden said he respected the Navy's decision and was moving forward with his family's love and support. In a statement released by his attorney, Biden said he respected the Navy's decision and was moving forward with his family's love and support. He did not give a reason for his discharge. Later that year - Hunter joined the board of Burisma - a Ukrainian gas producer - at the same time his father was overseeing U.S. foreign policy with Ukraine. This business move has been at the center of much skepticism from critics. It was revealed that Hunter made more than $800,000 in 2013 and over $1.2 million in 2014 from his work with the Ukrainian energy company The Biden family faced another tragic loss on May 30, 2015 when Joe Biden's oldest son Beau died of brain cancer at the age of 46. Following the death of his brother - Hunter had a relapse of alcohol addition after a sober stint. Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle divorced after 24 years of marriage and three daughters. Buhle released a memoir in 2022 - If We Break - in which she detailed her accounts of the relationship 2016 The first anniversary of Beau's death caused Hunter to battle severe depression which lead to crack cocaine use and addiction. 2017 Hunter Biden and Kathleen Buhle divorced after 24 years of marriage and three daughters. Buhle released a memoir in 2022 - If We Break - in which she detailed her accounts of the relationship. In March of the same year - Celebrity gossip website PageSix.com reported that Hunter and his brother Beau's widow, Hallie Biden, were in a romantic relationship with each other. 2018 Hunter's fourth child, Navy Joan Roberts, was born in 2018 to Lunden Roberts, from Arkansas. He claims he has no recollection of Roberts or their relationship - saying that he had engaged in 'rampages' with woman after his divorce. A paternity test proved that Hunter was indeed the child's father. In October of 2018 - Hunter bought a .38-caliber handgun at StarQuest Shooters & Survival Supply in Wilmington. About two weeks later his lover and brother's widow Hallie Biden found it 'unlocked' in his truck and threw it in a grocery store trash can. Its discovery sparked a police investigation though charges were never brought by the local cops. Hunter wrote on the Firearm Transaction Record that he did not use unlawful drugs, but admitted in his memoir that he was a crack addict at the time. Lying on the federal form is a felony. 2019 Hunter left a damaged Apple computer at a repair shop in Wilmington, Delaware, in April, 2019. The computer was described as containing 'alarming' and 'embarrassing' material. The business-owner - John Paul Mac Isaac said he copied the computer's content and alerted the FBI about what he saw. In October, 2019, Hunter announced he was stepping down from BHR as his father - who previously announced his presidential campaign - kept facing attacks over his son's business. 2020 During the final weeks of Joe Biden's presidential campaign - he falsely claimed that 'my son has not made money' in China and that 'the only guy who made money in China is this guy,' referring to Trump. In December of 2020 - Hunter disclosed that he was under investigation by the DOJ as he was being examined for potential criminal violations of tax and money laundering laws. In October, 2019, Hunter announced he was stepping down from BHR as his father - who previously announced his presidential campaign - kept facing attacks over his son's business 2023 In June, 2023, Hunter agreed to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his 2017 and 2018 taxes on time. He reached a deal with prosecutors that would see him plead guilty to tax crimes and dispense with a gun charge but likely avoid jail time, according to new Justice Department filings. A month later - Hunter's previous business partner Devon Archer told congress behind closed door that President Biden spoke to his son's international business associates for more than a decade. Because of Archer's bombshell revelation - a federal judge in Delaware put on hold the proposed guilty plea that was going to settle Hunter's tax and gun charges. In September of this year - special counsel David C. Weiss said he plans to indict Hunter Biden on a gun charge before the end of that month. That same month - Kevin McCarthy opened an impeachment inquiry into President Biden revolving around his knowledge of Hunter's international business affairs, accusing the president of giving his son 'special treatment' in a criminal tax investigation. On September 14 - Hunter was charged by federal prosecutors for lying about his drug use in connection to a handgun in 2018. On December 7 - Hunter Biden was faced with nine new charges filed by the Justice Department. Judge Mark Scarsi, a Trump-appointed judge, is set to oversee Hunter Biden's tax evasion case which alleges Hunter was involved in a four-year $1.4m tax evasion scheme. All nine charges relate to tax, including two felony charges for filing a false return, a felony charge for tax evasion, four failure to pay charges, and a further two charges for failure to file. The charges span the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 tax years. Gareth Pursehouse, 45, was hit with the maximum sentence on Wednesday for the brutal 2020 murder of Amie Harwick Carey looked melancholy as he went to Los Angeles restaurant Bobs Big Boy for a solo breakfast TV host Drew Carey was spotted for the first time since the sentencing of his ex-fiancee's killer Comedian and TV host Drew Carey was spotted on Thursday - the first time since his ex-fiancee's murderer was sentenced to life without parole - looking solemn as he went to a restaurant. Gareth Pursehouse, 45, was hit with the maximum sentence on Wednesday for the brutal 2020 murder of 38-year-old Amie Harwick at her Hollywood Hills home. Carey, 65, wore a tan jacket, blue and white checkered shirt and dark pants while carrying a newspaper into iconic Los Angeles restaurant Bobs Big Boy for a solo breakfast following the sentencing. The Price is Right host dated Harwick for two years before the pair split in 2018, months after announcing their engagement. In September, Pursehouse was convicted of first-degree murder for killing his ex-girlfriend - Harwick - after stalking her for 10 years following a bad breakup. TV host and comedian Drew Carey looked sorrowful heading into a restaurant one day after his ex-fiancee's murderer was sentenced to life without parole Carey wore a tan jacket, blue and white checkered shirt and dark pants while carrying a newspaper into iconic Los Angeles restaurant Bobs Big Boy for a solo breakfast on Thursday Although Carey was not present at Wednesday's sentencing, he was subpoenaed to testify in the murder trial after he exchanged text messages with Harwick two days before she died Harwick dated Pursehouse until 2011 when they broke up and she got a protective order against him and told friends she was afraid of him. Prosecutors said he broke into Harwick's Hollywood Hills home in February 2020 and waited for about four hours for her to return in an attempt to 'catch her by surprise' while he was carrying a syringe containing a 'lethal' dose of nicotine. The former Playboy model was found unconscious after falling from a third-floor balcony in her home. An autopsy report determined sex therapist Harwick died from blunt force injuries to the head and torso from a fall after an altercation. Carey had been subpoenaed to testify in the murder trial after he exchanged text messages with Harwick, who he was engaged to in 2018, two days before she died. Pursehouse donned a dark-colored face mask and Carey-esque glasses in court Wednesday, as a judge told him he'll never see the streets again. The sentence also stipulates that Pursehouse will never be granted parole during his incarceration, which will commence immediately at a California state prison. It is the maximum amount allowed after executions were halted by Gavin Newsom. Gareth Pursehouse, 45, was hit with the maximum sentence on Wednesday for the brutal 2020 murder of 38-year-old Amie Harwick Although the was not present at Wednesday's sentencing, Carey previously spoke about Harwick's murder in a 2022 interview with 48 Hours. There, he shared the final text exchange he shared with his ex two days before she was killed, while revealing she had been worried about Pursehouse even while they were dating. 'When I heard that she got murdered, right away, I thought: "Its gotta be that guy,' the former Whose Line Is It Anyway host said at the time. 'I got a text from her [two days before], 'I would love to get together with you and talk,' the 65-year-old continued. 'I said, "Yeah, I would love to do that. I love you."' When 48 Hours correspondent Erin Moriarty asked if he was 'sad' he 'never got that chance', the comic teared up. 'I never got it,' he said. 'I never had a chance to do it.' At a point, the interview urged Carey that Harwick loved him, to which he responded: 'That's the big solace I get from it, is that she loved me... And I'm glad I could get that message to her before she died.' 'I hope you're lucky enough to have someone in your life that loves as much as she did,' Carey said on Twitter in February upon learning of her death. Harwick was a prominent Hollywood marriage and sex therapist. She appeared on TV and radio shows and wrote a book called The New Sex Bible for Women. When the interviewers asked if Carey was 'sad' he "never got that chance' to meet with Amie, the comic teared up. 'I never got it,' he said. 'I never had a chance to do it' Harwick was a prominent Hollywood marriage and sex therapist. She appeared on TV and radio shows and wrote a book called The New Sex Bible for Women The Price is Right host Drew Carey, 65, dated Harwick for two years before the pair split in 2018 - eight years after she broke it off with Pursehouse, who was also a comic At sentencing, Harwick's family and friends spoke about how they were affected by the murder, which prosecutors proved was premeditated. Tom Harwick, the marriage and sex counselor's father, said: 'My name is Tom Harwick, and I am the forever grieving father of my dearly departed daughter Amie.' 'I will be reading the following words from a paper out of fear I will forget, but you may be assured that these words are being recited from deep within my heart.' 'I am totally grateful for the services you've rendered to me an my family during this horrible ordeal,' he continued, adding, 'justice to Amie has been served.' The owners of Cartier bracelets, Rolex watches and gold bars are suing the FBI from seizing their property from their safety deposit boxes and refusing to give it back. Around $86 million in cash as well as a trove of jewelry and other valuables were seized in an FBI raid on a safety deposit box business in Beverly Hills in March 2021. The business was accused of money laundering and a judge granted the FBI a search warrant. Agents seized around 1,400 safe deposit boxes from US Private Vaults, that was regularly used by 'unsavory characters to store criminal proceeds' according to court documents. However, depositors who have not been accused or charged with any crime had their lifesavings and valuable possessions retained under the 'administrative forfeiture proceedings', Fox News reported. Security box renter Linda Martin (pictured) is one of the plaintiff's in the case against the government Civil asset forfeiture allows the government to seize property and cash from individuals believed to be linked to a crime without ever charging the owner. U.S. Private Vaults eventually pleaded guilty to money laundering, but the U.S. Attorney's Office said it had not filed any other criminal charges. A spokesperson on Thursday declined to comment on the case. Now a group of deposit box renters who have had their assets taken but not been charged have filed a class action lawsuit against the government. The renters argue the government violated their Fourth Amendment protection from unreasonable search and seizure and their Fifth Amendment protection from having private property taken without compensation. 'I felt misled, I felt angry, I'm still angry' box renter Linda Martin told Fox News. 'They didn't tell us why they took our money, they haven't told us why as of yet' she added. 'It's been just a long journey to get accountability for this from the government,' said another of the plaintiff's, Travis May, after Thursday's hearing. Paul and Jennifer Snitko (pictured) are among those whose assets were seized without notice by the FBI Attorney Rob Johnson (pictured) from the Institute for Justice is leading the class action lawsuit against the government 'Obviously, the journey is not over. But today felt very good to have to see that those concerns are being taken seriously' he explained. The case will be decided by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals after a lower court sided with the FBI last year. 'I think the public sees this and recognizes that this is just a total abuse of people's constitutional rights,' attorney Rob Johnson from the Institute for Justice said on Thursday. During Thursday's court appearance, Victor Rodgers argued on behalf of the government that the FBI went above and beyond to reunite customers with their property by posting a notice on the window of USPV. 'All they had to do was contact the FBI,' Rodgers said. The FBI declined to comment on pending litigation. The agency calls forfeiture an important tool for 'disrupting and dismantling criminal and terrorist organizations and punishing criminals' as well as 'compensating victims and protecting communities.' Billionaire Jewish financier Bill Ackman on Thursday night celebrated what he believed was the impending resignation of the president of the University of Pennsylvania, tweeting: 'One down.' Ackman has been among the fiercest critics of Liz Magill, UPenn's president, and the presidents of Harvard - which he attended - and MIT. The three women all testified before Congress on Tuesday in an education committee hearing on antisemitism on campuses. All three equivocated when asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews was considered hate speech or harassment. Their feeble response sparked widespread uproar, with one UPenn donor threatening to withdraw his $100m gift to the university unless Magill stood down. The board of advisors of Wharton School of business - which is part of UPenn - wrote to Magill demanding an immediate change of leadership. Ackman on Thursday noted a CNN report, in which a source claimed that Scott Bok, the chair of Penn's Board of Trustees, was expected on Friday to talk to Magill about possibly stepping down. Liz Magill, President of the University of Pennsylvania, is facing calls for her to resign after Tuesday's testimony Bill Ackman, who is worth $3.5billion, on Thursday celebrated news Magill may be asked to resign, tweeting: 'One down' Ackman tweeted: 'One down.' He added: 'There is hope for @Penn. I give this a 95% probability. It is not yet a certainty.' But another source denied to CNN that Bok and Magill were meeting, and said the board was not close to calling for Magill to step aside. A spokesperson for Penn said there is no immediate plan for the board to replace Magill. 'There is no board plan for imminent leadership change,' the spokesperson said. On Wednesday she attempted to clarify her comments, but the damage was done. On Thursday, as the House Education Committee said they were now investigating the issue further, the board of Wharton - the world's first business school, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania - said Magill needed to resign. In a letter addressed to her, they said leadership of the university needed to change 'with immediate effect'. 'As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect.' The board, in a letter first obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, describes their concern about 'dangerous and toxic culture' at Penn that they said the University leadership has allowed to exist. The letter adds that the University leadership 'does not share the values of our Board.' Liz Magill, president of University of Pennsylvania, on Wednesday tried to explain her equivocation when asked if calling for the genocide of Jewish people was hate speech The board, in their letter, said they have held eight sessions since November 16, and drafted a set of resolutions regarding campus conduct and leadership. The 29 business titans that comprise the board - among them the CEO of American Express' U.S. banking operation; the CEO of real estate giant Related Companies, the largest landlord in New York City; and the former chair of Johnson & Johnson - said they felt their proposals were ignored. One of the resolutions they proposed was that Wharton community members will not celebrate murder or genocide, use hate speech, or use language that threatens the physical safety of others. The resolution also said that those who violate these standards will 'be subject to immediate discipline.' Magill on Tuesday was asked a 'yes or no' question on whether calls for the genocide of Jews counted as hate speech, and repeatedly said it depended on the context. Her mealy-mouthed answer - and the equally feeble response from the other two - sparked fury, with one donor withdrawing a $100 million grant and many calling for Magill to resign. The board said in their letter that their suggestions fell on deaf ears. 'We delivered these Resolutions to you more than two weeks ago. Our Resolutions directly addressed the issue, among other matters, that has now become clear to all: our University chooses to maintain policies that do not protect our students and our community.' UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct In their letter, the board write: 'As conrmed in your congressional testimony yesterday, the leadership of the University does not share the values of our Board. 'Nor does it appear to understand the urgency to address the safety of our students on campus and the ongoing reputational damage to the University by the University's policies and actions.' On Wednesday, Magill published a groveling video statement attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. Magill said: 'There was a moment during yesterday's Congressional hearing on antisemitism when I was asked if a call for the genocide of Jewish people on our campus would violate our policies. 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. 'I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. It's evil, plain and simple.' Magill said she hoped to draw a line in the sand, and clarify her position. 'I want to be clear: a call for genocide of Jewish people is threatening, deeply so,' she said. 'It is intentionally meant to terrify a people who have been subjected to pogroms and hatred for centuries, and were the victims of mass genocide in the Holocaust. 'In my view it would be harassment or intimidation.' But, Magill said, it was not officially classed as harassment - a policy she said was outdated and needed review. Magill pledged to work to update the existing rules. 'For decades under multiple Penn presidents and consistent with most universities, Penn's policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law,' she said. 'In today's world, where we are seeing signs of hate proliferating across our campus and our world in a way not seen in years, these policies need to be clarified and evaluated. 'Penn must initiate a serious and careful look at our policies.' She concluded that she was 'committed to a safe, secure and supportive environment so all members of our community can thrive. We can, and we will, get it right.' Harvard also attempted to limit the damage from remarks by their president, Claudine Gay. Claudine Gay, president of Harvard, is seen on Tuesday appearing before the House education committee to discuss antisemitism MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluth was also grilled for her school's response to protests. She too failed to outwardly condemn calls for the genocide of Jews Presidents of @Harvard @MIT and @Penn REFUSE to say whether calling for the genocide of Jews is bullying and harassment according to their codes of conduct. Even going so far to say it needs to turn to action first. As in committing genocide. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND pic.twitter.com/hUY3SgoOOi Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Gay, asked the same question, also equivocated. On Wednesday, the university published a statement from Gay on X. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' she said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' All three said on Tuesday calling for the genocide of Jews was anti-Semitic hate speech but didn't necessarily break their school rules. They would act, they said, if such hate speech crossed over into 'conduct'. An incredulous Elise Stefanik asked: 'Conduct being committing genocide?' Billionaire hedge funder Bill Ackman - who gave $26million to Harvard in 2014 - is now calling for the resignation of all three women. Elon Musk agreed that it is time for their departure, and said the hearing crystalizes their liberal bias. Harvard Hillel, the school's leading Jewish organization, said it was 'appalled by the need to state the obvious'. The Harvard Alumni Association and the school's Board of Overseers are yet to address Gay's remarks. The Hillel said: 'President Gay's refusal to draw a line around threatening antisemitic speech as a violation of Harvard's policies is profoundly shocking given explicit provisions within the conduct code prohibiting this kind of bullying and harassment. 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. 'President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus. 'President Gay's testimony fails to reassure us that the University is seriously concerned about the anti-Semitic rhetoric pervasive on campus. 'We call on President Gay to take action against those using threatening speech that violates our community standards.' The three universities have been roiled by a series of pro-Palestine marches on their campuses in the wake of the October 7 attack, with students blaming Israel for Hamas' terrorist outrage, and saying the country deserved it. Some academics have expressed rabidly anti-Israel opinions, and threats have been made against Jewish students on campus. All three presidents have admitted they were slow to distance themselves from student groups justifying the October 7 massacres. But they insisted that they wanted to preserve an environment of free speech - and refused, to Stefanik's fury, to give a 'yes or no' answer to questions about condemning certain rhetoric. 'I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying or harassment?' asked Stefanik. Gay told her that it depended on the context. Stefanik responded that it was 'the easiest question', then answered for them: 'The answer is yes.' Stefanik pressed Gay over whether Harvard would punish students or applicants who advocate for the murder of Jews. At todays hearing, Harvards President shamefully refused to say whether the calling for the mass violence and genocide of the Jewish people is considered harassment or bullying according to Harvards own code of conduct. Claudine Gay should resign immediately. pic.twitter.com/gjzmTHUcec Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Elise Stefanik, a Republican representing New York, grilled the three university presidents on Tuesday Bill Ackman said all three women must resign 'in disgrace' after their testimony Ackman said he was receiving calls from Harvard donors and alumni asking if the testimony was fake Outrage: There are growing calls for all three women to resign Gay replied: 'That type of hateful, reckless, offensive speech is personally abhorrent to me.' She said the university had 'robust policies' that hold individuals accountable when speech crosses into conduct, such as bullying, harassment or intimidation. 'We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression even to views that are objectionable, outrageous and offensive,' Gay said. At one point, Gay said: 'I've sought to confront hate while preserving free expression. This is difficult work, and I know that I have not always gotten it right.' But Stefanik said their answers were 'unacceptable', and demanded all three resign. Ackman said he was horrified by the testimony. 'This could be the most extraordinary testimony ever elicited in the Congress, certainly on the topic of genocide,' he wrote on X. 'The presidents' answers reflect the profound educational, moral and ethical failures that pervade certain of our elite educational institutions due in large part to their failed leadership.' He said that the trio's answers would be unacceptable in the business world. 'If a CEO of one of our companies gave a similar answer, he or she would be toast within the hour,' he said. 'Why has antisemitism exploded on campus and around the world? 'Because of leaders like Presidents Gay, Magill and Kornbluth who believe genocide depends on the context. Palestinian supporters gathered at Harvard University to show their support for Gaza, and their hatred for Israel, at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14 Harvard's Palestine Solidarity Committee triggered fury by writing - on October 7 - that Israel was 'entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.' President Claudine Gay has been heavily criticized for failing to appropriately condemn the students who backed the statement 'To think that these are the leaders of Ivy League institutions that are charged with the responsibility to educate our best and brightest.' His criticism of Gay comes just days after the billionaire posted an open letter on X accusing Harvard of discriminating against 'straight white men' and railing against the university's equity and inclusion efforts. The Jewish student organization, Harvard Hillel, said that Gay's 'refusal' to 'draw a line' on threatening antisemitic speech is 'profoundly shocking.' Harvard Hillel said that they questioned the president's 'ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus.' 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus,' the Harvard Hillel said. 'Chants to 'globalize the intifada,' an endorsement of violent terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli civilians, and 'from the river to the sea,' an eliminationist slogan intended to deprive Jews of their right to self-determination in Israel, have become tragically routine at Harvard.' Newly surfaced video shows a confrontation at a recent demonstration on Harvard University's campus, where pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded a student chanting 'shame' Protesters encircle a man (with arms up), moving through the yard during the October 18 protest at Harvard University, holding up keffiyehs (scarfs) before he slips into a nearby building Magill, the UPenn president, was questioned over her school's participation in a 'Palestine Writes Festival' in September. A complaint filed with the Education Department against Penn cites the festival as a catalyst for antisemitic incidents on campus. Speakers included several with a history of making antisemitic remarks, such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. She said antisemitic speech at the event was 'abhorrent' to her and that the institution put safety precautions into place. 'Why in the world would you host someone like that on your campus?' asked Jim Banks, a Republican congressman for Indiana. 'Antisemitism has no place at Penn,' Magill began to answer. Banks interrupted, and asked: 'Why did you invite Roger Waters?' She concluded: 'I think canceling that conference would have been very inconsistent with academic freedom and free expression despite the fact that the views of some of the people who came to that conference I find very, very objectionable because of their antisemitism.' More rainfall is on the way across Britain today after heavy flooding hit parts of the country on Thursday as three inches of rain fell within a matter of hours. Forecasters say some areas will face 'frequent showers' and even rumbles of thunder through Friday - before a huge bank of rain hits the south-west into Saturday. Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin said of Friday morning's weather: '(It will be) a wet one for Northern Ireland, there will be frequent showers for north Wales, north-west England, much of central and southern Scotland. 'Parts of southern England, East Anglia may stay dry and bright - but it's a bit misty and murky to start the day.' Conditions will worsen into Saturday as the rain creeps up the country into the north of England and southern Scotland - before skies brighten up in the afternoon. But Sunday will also see 'unsettled' weather with bands of rain sweeping north and east across much of the country - paired with high winds, including gales. DEVON: In Axminister the River Axe burst its banks after heavy overnight rain causing surrounding fields to become saturated DORSET: Deep floodwater blocked part of the road near Honeycombe Farm on the B3163 following Thursday's heavy showers SOMERSEET: A horse rider is seen forcing to disembark and walk her animal through knee-deep rainwater It came after Thursday's torrents saw schools opening or closing late with a horse racing event being called off at Wincanton because of the miserable conditions. Parts of Devon and Cornwall were left underwater with a number of roads being forced closed following the onslaught of showers, with fields across the counties left saturated. Devon County Council Highways said that Tavistock, Lee Mill and the River Axe had all been affected with staff at the Axminister Inn claiming people were finding it hard to get in and out of the market town. Cars were pictured forcing their way through deep flood waters in Dorset and in Somerset a horse rider was seen forcing to disembark and walk her animal through knee-deep rainwater. A yellow weather warning from the Met Office remained in place for parts of Eastern Scotland overnight, warning that more travel disruption could be expected. The miserable weather is expected to continue today with unsettled showers, long spells of rain and windy blusters hitting most of the country. Coastal gales are expected in some parts of Wales and the southwest. Up to four inches of rain are expected to fall by the end of the weekend, with the wet weather showing no signs of easing. Homes and businesses have been worst affected by the floodwater, which was caused by heavy showers and melting frost. On Friday morning, 68 flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency remained in place, while a further 197 flood alerts were issued. Low cloud will clear to leave a brighter start for many on Friday with heavy showers slowly moving into parts of the north and west Temperatures will remain milder on Friday but showers and blustery winds will continue DEVON: Axminster was just one region severely affected by flooding on Thursday CUMRBIA: Earlier this week parts of the county faced snow, with the melting ice increasing the risk of flooding FLOOD ALERTS: On Friday morning, 68 flood warnings issued by the Environment Agency remained in place, while a further 197 flood alerts were issued The forecaster's meteorologist Alex Deakin said Britons will have a 'wet and windy weekend' with a number of low pressure systems blowing over from the Atlantic. He said: 'A chilly but mostly dry start to Scotland but elsewhere will see a fairly soggy Saturday morning. 'But quite quickly Wales and the Midlands will brighten up followed by south east Anglia looking a lot brighter by Saturday afternoon.' Met office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong added: 'Low pressure will drive several days of unsettled conditions, with heavy rainfall the main concern. 'We have issued a number of severe weather warnings for rain across the UK. As much as 80mm (3in) of rain could fall in some areas of the West, particularly on higher ground'. 'The rain will be falling on already very wet ground. And where there is still lying snow in the north west of England and Scotland, snow melt will exacerbate the risk of flooding.' Weatherman Simon Patridge told the Sun: 'By the end of the weekend we could see up to 4in fall. It's a really unsettled pictures at the moment. Rainfall totals are going to be mounting.' Yesterday Scotland was put on avalanche alert after a heavy snow forecast was issued, with the Scottish Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) issuing a 'considerable' alert. It warned that the chance of 'snowslips' in the Northern Cairngorms had increased from low to moderate, adding 'avalanches likely'. Meanwhile in South Cumbria a district nurse was forced to use a tractor to get around to her patients. Ashleigh Mayvers, 33, told local paper the Mail: 'Even with the tractor, it was difficult at times to keep it under control in the snow.' Flood alerts were put in place across the country on Thursday with warnings that the heavy showers could cut off some communities, create poor driving conditions and close roads. The Met has warned that journey times are likely to be made longer due to spray and flooding on roads, while bus and train services will probably be affected. It is also likely that some homes and business will experience flooding as up to 80mm of rain falls in some parts of the west of the UK. Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: 'After a relatively calm day on Wednesday, wet and windy weather will move in from the west on Wednesday night. NORFOLK: The Met Office warned driving conditions may be problematic as roads flood. Drivers yesterday were seen making their way through surface water on A1101 in Welney, Norfolk (pictured) NORFOLK: Cars make their way through surface water on the A1101 in Welney, Norfolk yesterday. The Met Office has forecast heavy rain and strong winds for much of the country thanks to a low pressure system sweeping the UK NORFOLK: Cars make their way through surface water on the A1101 in Welney in Norfolk, where the River Delph and New Bedford River flooded yesterday 'Low pressure will drive several days of unsettled conditions with heavy rainfall the main concern. We have issued a number of severe weather warnings for rain across the UK, as much as 80mm of rain could fall in some areas of the west, particularly higher ground. 'Higher ground in eastern Scotland could even see up to 100mm of rain. Our warnings are likely to be updated so keep up to date with the Met Office forecast. 'The rain will be falling on already very wet ground and where there is still lying snow in the north-west of England and parts of Scotland, snow melt will exacerbate the risk of flooding. 'It is important to check for flood warnings in your area issued by your local environment agency.' In Wales, there is one flood alert for South Pembrokeshire. In Scotland, there are flood alerts for Fife, Tayside, Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee and Angus, and Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City. Environment Agency flood duty manager Kate Marks warned Britons to keep clear of floodways as heavy rain sets in. 'Significant river and surface water flooding impacts are possible in parts of the South West of England on Thursday and Friday, with minor impacts also probable elsewhere in the country,' she said. 'We advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.' NORFOLK: The River Delph and New Bedford River have flooded the surrounding area in Norfolk yesterday LONDON: Commuters brave the freezing fog in Richmond south-west London on Wednesday morning DERBYSHIRE: Temperatures hit -6C in rural Derbyshire on Wednesday, leaving the air cold and streets frosty RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams also urged drivers to be wary of flooded roads, saying that those in the 'worst-affected areas will need to be on their guard for floods and standing water'. He added: 'Anyone tempted to drive through water that is too deep for their vehicle is risking their safety and a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas or, worse still, the prospect of an insurance write-off. 'The best advice is to turn around and go another way if there's any doubt about the water's depth. 'From a road safety perspective, we urge drivers to slow down and leave plenty of stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. 'It's also important to remember the risk of losing control due to aquaplaning, which is what happens when a layer of water gets between the tyres and the road surface, making it impossible to steer, brake or accelerate.' Sadiq Khan's creaking 19billion Elizabeth line suffered severe delays, part suspensions and cancellations yet again today - after a hellish night for commuters trapped in the dark for four hours who compared it to London in the Blitz. Two people were injured when thousands of passengers including James Blunt and Rachel Riley were stuck on packed trains in the evening rush hour without power. Groups - some of whom had already missed flights home for Christmas from Heathrow - were forced to smash their way out and walk down freezing tracks in the dark after being trapped amid the chaos following damage to overhead cables. Some passengers were also hit with a overcharge fare by TfL because they had exceeded its 'maximum journey time' while stuck on the train. They will likely now have to call customer services or login to their online account to fix it. There were even claims of sexual touching, with a police officer telling a passenger: 'Unfortunately we've had a few incidents. We've had one arrest of sexual touching and things like that. So things have taken longer than possibly what they should have done because someone decided that they wanted to touch someone up.' Mikey Worrall posted footage of passengers in the dark and said they were opening up the doors to get onto the line, adding: 'The Mayor of London needs to sort it out.' He said the rush hour service lurched to a stop before a multiple-hour wait in semi-darkness as the driver drip-fed what little information they had to passengers. Eventually, the battery backup running the heating and lighting ran out, and those on board were left in darkness for another hour and a half until the evacuation came. Describing his 'surreal evening', Mr Worrall added: 'Every day, it's a different excuse. It seems to me they opened this whole thing without actually being fit for purpose. 'If they knew there were infrastructure issues that they needed to work on, why didn't they work on those before? They opened the line and it doesn't work. It (goes down) multiple times a week, and it's incredibly frustrating.' And there were more problems this morning amid huge questions for Mr Khan about the Elizabeth line's reliability after MailOnline revealed it had the sharpest increase in cancellations of any UK rail route in the latest quarter compared to last year. Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express, which operate trains on the same routes through West London, were also running reduced services this morning. On the Elizabeth line today, services were suspended between Heathrow Terminal 2&3 and Terminal 5 stations, while severe delays remained between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 2,3&4 and Reading, and between Abbey Wood and Whitechapel. Passengers walk along the tracks after being let off the Elizabeth line train yesterday evening People climb down onto the tracks near Paddington after being stranded on a train last night Stuck on an #ElizabethLine train for 3 hours, we were promised "buses and taxis". All seemed like official protocol. After finally being let out, turned out there was no transport provided and we were stranded alone. Quite the mess. Also told of arrests for "sexual touching" :/ pic.twitter.com/3F4YoaFCQE Jacek Broniszewski (@jacekbroni) December 8, 2023 National Rail said disruption on all routes was expected until at least 3pm today due to the continuing effort to fix the overhead wires issues in the Ladbroke Grove area. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Sex predator takes advantage of Elizabeth line chaos to assault commuter on packed train while passengers were trapped in coaches for hours Advertisement Transport for London (TfL) said tickets were being accepted on Underground trains, buses and other mainline rail routes including Thameslink and Southeastern. But the Central line was also hit by delays this morning due to a 'shortage of trains', while there was no service on the Bakerloo line between Stonebridge Park and Harrow & Wealdstone while a track fault was fixed in the North Wembley area. GWR issued an alert to passengers saying 'do not travel' between Paddington and Reading until further notice, saying services between Oxford or Didcot Parkway and Paddington will end or start back from Reading. GWR passengers in Devon between Plymouth and Totnes were also told 'not to travel' after flooding blocked that line. Countdown's Rachel Riley was one of those stuck on board the train from 6pm last night, and posted a selfie of her and other passengers smiling on board, captioned: 'Nearly four hours after we got on, we're getting off the Elizabeth line, woohoo!'. Seemingly also among those trapped was singer James Blunt, who said: 'Been stuck somewhere outside Paddington for close to 4 hours now. Out of peanuts and wine.' The Elizabeth line - which opened in May 2022 - uses mainline rail infrastructure west of Paddington. Services have been repeatedly hit by faults in recent weeks - with four damaged rails discovered in eight days last month on the Great Western line. Passengers start making the long walk back in the cold to Paddington yesterday evening The power failure meant the lights went off inside trains while the heating also could not work Countdown's Rachel Riley was one of those stuck on board the train from 6pm last night Passengers on board one train on the Elizabeth line were stuck for hours yesterday evening Videos showed passengers sitting in a blacked out carriage of the 6.37pm Paddington service No trains ran between Paddington and Heathrow after the incident began last night, with Great Western Railway and Heathrow Express services also affected by delays as passengers were stranded while strikes by train drivers' union Aslef continued. Those on trains were made to wait for more than three hours until police started evacuating carriages, with some passengers resorting to forcing the doors open and 'self evacuating' before emergency services had arrived. Footage obtained by MailOnline shows passengers carrying heavy suitcases along the tracks in the pitch black dark after they disembarked the train and headed back towards Paddington. Passenger Mr Worrall said: 'We saw a couple of workers come past, and they were trying to keep everyone calm. Suddenly, we saw a stream of people coming down the track, and at that point, it was clear that we would be getting off. 'It was really eerie walking down the railway line in amongst this big crowd of people. It felt like a wartime thing.' Amid traumatic scenes, elderly people, children and even the chief executive of Network Rail were among those stuck on carriages where temperatures plummeted when the heating stopped working due to the power failure. A mother carrying a newborn said a woman fainted on her train while another passenger claimed people were forced to use the tracks and even seats as toilets. Two people were treated for minor injuries and discharged at the scene. The chaos meant some passengers missed their flights from Heathrow they had booked to see family for Christmas. Queues at London Paddington station for taxis last night following the Elizabeth line chaos Officials assist passengers to get down from a train stuck on the Elizabeth line last night A passenger walks with luggage inside a Heathrow Express train stuck on the route last night Passengers wait inside a train stuck on the Elizabeth line amid the chaotic scenes last night Passengers walk after being evacuated from trains stuck on the Elizabeth line last night Passengers sat in the dark on an Elizabeth line train outside Paddington station last night Meanwhile workers were unable to get to their late shifts as people took to social media to vent their fury at a perceived lack of communication from TfL. From Cross London Rail Links to Crossrail: A 21-year timeline of the capital's Elizabeth line London's Crossrail project has suffered numerous setbacks over the past two decades, as follows: January 2002: Cross London Rail Links Ltd, a joint venture between the Strategic Rail Authority and Transport for London (TfL), is set up to develop plans for Crossrail. July 2004: The Government commits to introducing legislation to enable Crossrail to proceed. October 2007: Prime Minister Gordon Brown gives the green light for the project. It is expected to cost 15.9 billion and open in December 2017. May 2009: London Mayor Boris Johnson and Transport Secretary Lord Adonis break ground on the project at Canary Wharf. October 2010: Crossrail's budget is cut to 14.8 billion in the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government's comprehensive spending review. Its opening date is pushed back 12 months to December 2018. January 2014: The National Audit Office says the scheme is 'just behind schedule', adding that Crossrail Ltd 'remains confident' it will open on time. May 2015: Tunnel boring is completed as a tunnelling machine named Victoria arrives at Farringdon. Some 13 miles of new tunnels have been dug under London. February 2016: The Queen visits Bond Street station and announces the railway will be named the Elizabeth line in her honour. July 2018: Rail minister Jo Johnson announces that Crossrail's budget has risen to 15.4billion as 'cost pressures have increased across the project'. August 2018: Crossrail Ltd announces it will miss its December 2018 opening date but the central section 'will open in autumn 2019'. The project is suffering from construction delays and difficulties installing complex signalling systems. December 2018: TfL says Crossrail may be delayed further and could require a 2billion funding boost, taking the cost up to 17.6billion. The Government, TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan agree a financial package. December 2018: Sir Terry Morgan resigns as chairman of Crossrail Ltd and HS2, days after predicting he would be sacked. He is replaced at Crossrail by London Underground managing director Mark Wild. April 2019: A 'delivery window' between October 2020 and March 2021 is announced for the central section of Crossrail. November 2019: Crossrail Ltd announces that the railway will open 'as soon as practically possible in 2021'. The cost has increased by up to 650 million to 18.25billion. January 2020: The 'latest assessment' is that services will commence in summer 2021. July 2020: Crossrail Ltd says the railway will not open in summer 2021 because of delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It does not give an updated schedule. August 2020: It is announced that the line will open in the first half of 2022. July 2021: The National Audit Office says the estimated total cost of Crossrail is 18.9billion. May 17, 2022: The Queen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson visit Paddington station to celebrate the completion of Crossrail. May 24, 2022 : Elizabeth line services are launched in three sections. The line has services on Monday to Saturday from Paddington to Abbey Wood. Services from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, and from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, are rebranded from 'TfL Rail' to the 'Elizabeth line'. November 6, 2022: The three sections are integrated. Services from Reading and Heathrow now operate through to Abbey Wood. Services from Shenfield go through to Paddington. May 21, 2023: The full timetable of up to 24 trains per hour is introduced, with direct trains from Shenfield to Heathrow for the first time - but not from Shenfield to Reading. Advertisement After breaking free from trains, people were left to wait in huge queues for taxis in order to get home, with the rail strikes leaving many with no other transport options. The campaign group London TravelWatch has now called for an investigation after the 'extremely dangerous' incident as it condemned the 'apparent lack of communication and slow response time'. A spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Passengers stranded on trains endured nightmare journeys on Thursday evening. 'You can imagine how unpleasant it must have been for people stuck for more than three hours as power was cut the trains became cold and dark. 'The apparent lack of communication and slow response time to get passengers off to a place of safety is just as concerning. 'We have heard reports that some passengers even tried to open the doors themselves to self-evacuate. 'This is extremely dangerous which is why clear information, and a swift coordinated response is a must in emergency situations like this. 'We expect TfL Elizabeth line, Network Rail and other authorities involved to investigate this incident thoroughly. 'Lessons need to be learned so if this sort of thing does ever happen again, both the communication and response is vastly improved.' Transport Secretary Mark Harper said on X last night: 'Aware of a serious incident involving overhead wires outside Paddington, with a number of trains stationary on the tracks.' TfL apologised for the disruption, but it was not resolved by the morning - with passengers urged to check before they travel. Engineers worked through the night to get two of the four lines serving Paddington open for electric trains. Morning commuters today were warned their journeys may be delayed by up to 90 minutes. A Network Rail spokesman said: 'We are so sorry for the difficult journeys passengers endured on our railway last night and we will be investigating how and why it happened. 'The knock-on effects from last night mean operators will not be able to run a full service from Paddington today and passengers should check before they travel. 'Repairs are ongoing and we hope to have the railway fully open by the weekend.' And a TfL spokesman said: 'We're sorry that the damage caused to Network Rail's overhead power lines by another rail operator's train has caused significant disruption to our Elizabeth line customers as well as all train operators out of London Paddington. 'We're working together with response teams across partners to recover trains and get everyone home as quickly as we can. 'Network Rail are working urgently to repair the power lines and we'd encourage all customers to check before they travel over the next few days while they do this.' Paramedics and a hazardous response team from the London Ambulance Service were sent to the Paddington area last night. A distressed mother said her daughter suffers with debilitating anxiety and had been on board her train for three hours. She vented her frustration at TfL for failing to update her. 'She [my daughter] suffers with debilitating anxiety and has poor comprehension, not to mention bladder issues meaning she needs the loo and is freezing cold,' she told MailOnline. 'She won't ask for help. No information is being given. TfL keep cutting me off at the point of answering and all I want is information that I can simplify for her.' One passenger boarded a train at Acton Main Line at 6.41pm which stopped within five minutes and was still waiting to be rescued more than two hours later. Another passenger dramatically described it as 'like the Fall of Saigon' and the Elizabeth line 'has failed again just when passengers needed it most'. Dr Bamo Nouri was one of those stuck and said the line had 'almost completely blacked out'. Dr Nouri wrote on X: 'Elizabeth line has almost completely blacked out with a fully loaded set of carriages and many standing. No real or substantial updates, no sense of urgency - been sat for almost an hour!' Another frustrated commuter said: 'The Elizabeth Line has failed again just when passengers needed it most. At Paddington there were old folk, people with babies with absolutely no way of getting home. 'It was like the Fall of Saigon, except in that case some lucky people actually managed to get on the helicopter.' Rail disruption today (Friday, December 8) Trains running to and from London Paddington may be cancelled, delayed by up to 90 minutes or revised today following damage to the overhead electric wires. Major disruption is expected until at least 3pm, affecting the following operators: ELIZABETH LINE No service between Heathrow Terminal 2 & 3 and Heathrow Terminal 5 Severe delays between Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 2,3&4 / Reading, and between Abbey Wood and Whitechapel. Tickets are being accepted on London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, London buses, local buses, Thameslink, Southeastern Railway, South Western Railway and Chiltern Railways 'by any reasonable route'. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY Services affected between London Paddington and Reading / Didcot Parkway / Oxford / Cheltenham Spa / Worcester Shrub Hill / Worcester Foregate Street / Great Malvern / Cardiff Central / Swansea / Carmarthen / Newbury / Bedwyn / Bristol Temple Meads / Weston-super-Mare / Paignton / Plymouth / Penzance Great Western Railway is recommending customers 'do not travel' between Paddington and Reading until further notice. Services between Newbury / Oxford / Didcot Parkway and London Paddington will terminate / start back from Reading. Long distance services 'will run where possible', but services between Paddington and Cardiff or Bristol Temple Meads may be cancelled. HEATHROW EXPRESS Services affected between London Paddington and Heathrow Terminal 5 A reduced half-hourly service is running, but services are 'subject to short-notice alterations and cancellations'. Advertisement One eyewitness claimed on X a train ahead had hit some overhead lines, while another said a train driver had to shout at passengers trying to get off the train. A video showed passengers sitting in a blacked out carriage of the 6.37pm Paddington service with their faces being lit up by the glow from their mobile phones. Danny Cowan, a voiceover artist who has appeared on Channel 4 and Netflix, was making his way to his agent's Christmas party when the train came to sudden halt more than an hour ago. He wrote on X the heating had gone off and he was so cold he could barely think. He said: 'Hey any fear you might get this FREEZING COLD (no heating) Elizabeth Line train moving that's been stuck outside Acton for over an hour now? 'The driver has already had to shout at passengers who are trying to get off. Some information would be nice.' Emma Bentley said she was stuck between Paddington and Acton, adding: 'The carriages have now lost power, and it seems we may be walking home' Another stranded passenger was having his patience tested and wrote: 'We have no power, so can't move! I need a pee - mind over matter!' A London Ambulance Service spokesman told MailOnline: 'We were called at 7.38pm yesterday to reports of a large number of passengers delayed on trains between Paddington and Ladbroke Grove, west London. 'We sent a number of resources to the scene including an ambulance crew, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer and members of our Hazardous Area Response Team. 'We treated two patients for minor injuries and discharged them at the scene.' Some passengers pointed out that they had also been hit with a overcharge fare of 8.80 from TfL because they had exceeded its 'maximum journey time' while stuck on the train. One posted a picture of the overpayment on X, saying: 'TfL can you refund me for my AWFUL journey yesterday? #TfL #ElizabethLine.' Another X user added: Imagine the Elizabeth Line holding you hostage for over 3 hours for TfL to still take 13 out of your account at 3am.' Passengers are normally able to claim a refund for a mistaken overpayment charge by using their online TfL account or calling the customer services hotline. But others vowed to never use Elizabeth line services again - and further people insisted they would never sit down after passengers were said to have urinated on seats. Passengers left in the dark on board a train last night as one huddles over their suitcase An overhead power failure to to damage wires has left people stranded on packed carriages on the Elizabeth Line tonight Somehow theyre getting nearly 1000 people into taxis. Wish us luck. #elizabethline #travelchaos pic.twitter.com/BCxN6oFFeY The Last Lallis (@CaroLallis) December 7, 2023 One said: 'So going forward, for those of you who frequently use the Elizabeth line, how do you know you're not sitting in a wee wee seat?' Another replied: 'I am never sitting again or going near the front or back corners Imma just hover in doorways and p**s everyone off from being in the way but at least I'm know I'm cleanest.' A further X user said: 'All of a sudden after reading what happened last night, I no longer wish to use the Elizabeth Line the next time I'm in London. Even if it does get me from Liverpool Street to Paddington a lot quicker.' It comes after MailOnline reported yesterday that the Elizabeth line had suffered the biggest drop in reliability of all UK rail operators - cementing its place as one of Britain's worst train services. The Crossrail network in London had a cancellation score of 5.2 per cent for July to September, according to new data from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) regulator. Some 91,122 Elizabeth line trains were planned to operate through the capital over this period, meaning 4,740 would have failed to run either completely or in part. This score fell 3.3 percentage points on the same period last year by far the biggest drop, ahead of Northern slipping 1.5 points and Great Western Railway 0.8 points. The Elizabeth line's score was the fourth worst of any operator - behind Northern at 5.6 per cent, Grand Central at 6.7 per cent and CrossCounty at 7.5 per cent. However, the ORR did point out that the data should be considered in the context of an increase in services on the Elizabeth line compared to the same time last year. The score represents the number of trains that are cancelled as a percentage of services planned, including trains missing stations or not reaching their destination. MailOnline also revealed in October how major reliability issues were continuing to plague the Elizabeth line which opened only 19 months ago. Passengers have been complaining for months about the regularly poor service, with some stuck on trains in tunnels and others stranded on packed station platforms. Following this website's investigation, Mayor Sadiq Khan apologised for the problems and admitted the service was 'not good enough'. Earlier yesterday, there were also separate problems - with no service between Heathrow terminals and Hayes and Harlington this morning while Network Rail fixed a track fault in the area of the airport. One commuter tweeted TfL yesterday morning to say: 'Elizabeth line all eastbound delayed then cancelled, frozen to death waiting on platform.' Office of Rail and Road data on the cancellations score by operator from July to September 2023 and the percentage point (pp) change compared with the same period last year Another said: 'Another week another delay on the Elizabeth line, thanks TfL.' He added: 'When will you sort this out properly? People's lives are not a joke. Do you know we have to get to work?' A third tweeted that 'travelling feels like a constant slap in the face', adding: 'Station staff say they often also don't have any idea about delays so can't answer questions.' As the ORR released the data yesterday, it also said the statistics on a national level show 'Britain's railway is still not delivering consistently punctual and reliable journeys'. It said that the overall level of cancellations remains high, at 3.5 per cent of passenger services in the latest quarter - although this was a marginal fall of 0.6 percentage points compared with the same time last year. Meanwhile 69.2 per cent of passenger trains were on time, up 1.5 percentage points on the same quarter last year. The ORR said that Network Rail was showing overall improvement between June and October this year, but 'there is much more still to do to ensure consistent delivery of train services for passengers and freight across the country'. The regulator urged Network Rail to 'continue to focus on performance of the infrastructure', but added: 'Network Rail cannot deliver better journeys alone; train operators also have a role to play. 'For example, more than half of cancelled trains are train operator related. The regulator particularly wants to see Network Rail leading the whole industry in improving the processes that underpin punctuality and reliability, including making widespread use of innovative projects that the company and industry partners have developed with public funding to improve timetabling.' The ORR added that it has 'concerns about performance in the Wales and Western region' and has recently begun an investigation into this. Commuters pack Bond Street station's platform during Elizabeth line disruption on October 9 Rail passengers wait for updates at Canary Wharf Elizabeth line station on October 12 Feras Alshaker, director of planning and performance at the ORR, said yesterday: 'As the independent regulator, the data we are publishing today bears out the reality that passengers in some areas are still experiencing trains not consistently arriving on time, and high levels of cancellations. READ MORE More rail strikes chaos with severe disruption to Heathrow Express and NO CrossCountry services as Aslef train drivers stage another walkout Advertisement 'However, we are beginning to see signs of improvement in Network Rail's contribution. While these improvements are promising, they aren't consistent, and as our analysis shows, the company can do much more to ensure that Britain's railway provides a reliable and punctual service for all its users. 'We recognise that ensuring trains run as planned and to time requires cross-industry collaboration. Network Rail can play an essential part in bringing the rail industry together to build on recent performance improvements and we will work with government to strengthen these relationships.' Concerns over the Elizabeth line have intensified in recent months with MailOnline revealing disruption was reported every day between Monday and Friday on one week in October. These included three broken down trains at Paddington, a track fault in the central section, a signal failure at Tottenham Court Road and a track inspection in the west. Amid mounting calls for an investigation, Mr Khan revealed TfL commissioner Andrew Lord had 'taken personal charge' of improving the service. The Mayor also admitted that the line was 'not perfect', adding: 'The commissioner himself apologised for the service commuters received and I echo that apology.' It comes after opposition politicians told Mr Khan to 'dig down into the source of this disruption' and be 'pushing' TfL to urgently deliver infrastructure improvements. Passengers on the Elizabeth line face disruption at Hayes and Harlington station on October 1 Huge queues at Woolwich station amid Elizabeth line disruption in London on September 11 The line was meant to provide a fast route between Heathrow and Reading in the west and Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east through 26 miles of new tunnels. READ MORE High speed electric train that can take passengers from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in just TWO HOURS is awarded 'unprecedented' $3BN of funding from Biden administration Advertisement But disruption is now an almost daily occurrence, with excuses for delays ranging from track faults to broken trains and signalling issues to overhead cable problems. Mr Khan told MyLondon in October: 'We raised this at the last TfL board meeting last week and the commissioner himself has taken personal charge of this. 'The good news is this is a train line that's the most popular train line in the country. More than 3.5 million journeys a week. But it's not perfect.' He added that bosses were speaking to Network Rail about improvements to issues west of Paddington and east of Liverpool Street because 'those lines aren't TfL lines - they're Network Rail lines.' Asked if the service will be improved, Mr Khan added: 'No complacency, but Londoners, and those across the country who use the Elizabeth line, are receiving the best service in the country when it comes to the quality of service. 'But it's not good enough - and that's one of the reasons why I'm really pleased the TfL commissioner himself is looking into this seeing what more that can be done to regularise the service.' Elizabeth line director Howard Smith told MailOnline in October that bosses 'sincerely apologise for the disruption' and understood that delays had been 'frustrating' for customers. He added that TfL had been 'urgently reviewing recent incidents' and was working with Network Rail and Alstom, which maintains the trains, to improve the service. Passengers are packed onto an Elizabeth line train through London at 8pm on September 25 Passengers wait outside the ticket gates at Woolwich Elizabeth line station on October 16 Mr Khan's apology came after mounting fury about the state of the line, both from passengers and politicians. Labour MP Rupa Huq said she still used the London Underground to commute from Ealing instead of the Elizabeth line because she has 'all too often been disappointed' by delays on the new line. Ms Huq, who represents Ealing Central and Acton in West London, told MailOnline in October: 'When it works it's great, but I have to say I've stuck to good old London Underground for my daily commute as I've all too often been disappointed by Elizabeth line delays which constituents continually email me about. 'Most annoying is the fact that trains tend to skip Acton Main Line which seems to be a forgotten station despite its refit, and the other day my staffer was late to work in Ealing Broadway as all trains were terminating at Paddington. 'I'm not sure if this is teething troubles as when I've raised it with them, TfL have said to bear with them, improvements are on the way - but they can't come soon enough.' Transport watchdog London TravelWatch has called for a meeting with senior TfL operations staff to discuss what can be done to improve services. A spokesman said: 'Passengers quite rightly expect a punctual and reliable service but there have been some really challenging incidents recently. 'We're seeking assurances from TfL that there are robust plans in place to address the issues at hand including faulty train doors, signalling and disruptive emergency engineering work.' In October some passengers claimed they were stuck for 40 minutes underground due to broken train doors , while others ended up being more than an hour late into the office due to emergency engineering works that had to be carried out due to the track problem. London Mayor Sadiq Khan embraces Transport for London Commissioner Andy Byford as they travel on the first eastbound train on the Elizabeth Line from Paddington on May 24, 2022 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan poses for a selfie on the first Elizabeth line train on May 24, 2022 That compounded the misery at the end of a week littered with delays - leaving some commuters calling for a major investigation into what is going wrong. Before it even launched in May last year, the Crossrail project suffered numerous issues including construction difficulties and complications installing signalling systems which delayed the opening multiple times. This was much to the frustration of many homeowners buying properties along the route during the construction period in the hope of having an easier commute. In 2007, the line was given an opening date of December 2017, and set a budget of 14.8billion in 2010. But the estimated final cost was 18.9billion, including 5.1billion from the Government - making it more than 4billion over budget. In 2010, the opening was pushed back by a year to take place in December 2018 - but just four months before this date, in August 2018, it was announced that the line would in fact not open on time. Four years later the Elizabeth line did eventually open in May 2022 - but only in three sections, with services on the new part from Paddington to Abbey Wood. Existing services from Reading and Heathrow to Paddington, and from Shenfield to Liverpool Street, were also rebranded from 'TfL Rail' to the 'Elizabeth line' at this point. The grand opening was long awaited, and its first service from Paddington saw international rail enthusiasts travelling to the capital and queueing for more than six hours to get on board - with Mr Khan pictured hugging TfL officials in delight. However the first day was also blighted by a fire alarm being activated which saw Paddington evacuated. The disruption was clearly a sign of things to come. The line initially opened in three sections - from Reading/Heathrow to Paddington, Liverpool Street to Shenfield and the new Paddington to Abbey Wood part. Then in November last year, the second stage began which saw through trains start running from Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood; and Shenfield to Paddington. The final stage from May this year saw services start running from Shenfield to Heathrow, as well as the existing Reading and Heathrow to Abbey Wood offering. But MailOnline revealed in March that there would no direct trains from Shenfield to Reading, despite TfL previously heralding the line as a 'new east-west railway' - with trains from Shenfield instead forking off after Hayes and Harlington to terminate at Heathrow. It also emerged that at Acton Main Line and Hanwell, there would be almost no direct services to Shenfield or Reading - with these West London stations only served by trains between Abbey Wood and Heathrow every 15 minutes, as they previously were before the change. Days before the timetable change on May 21 this year, there was major disruption on May 16 that saw rush-hour passengers trapped on a service for 75 minutes. The delay was so long that one passenger allegedly had to urinate on the carriage floor because there are no toilets on board the trains. Since May 21, the line has been affected by further reliability issues and ongoing rail strikes. Network Rail has apologised for the poor service, particularly out of Paddington, amid mounting fury. Major issues occurred on July 25 when the western section of the route was hit by a major Network Rail signalling system outage. People queue for the Elizabeth line at Paddington station before the first train on May 24, 2022 The first passengers for the Elizabeth line at Paddington go down an escalator on May 24, 2022 This severely impacted services for two days and meant trains were not able to easily get to and from the Old Oak Common depot, located in Acton near the proposed HS2 station. READ MORE Commuters face travel chaos today as striking rail workers bring Britain's trains to a juddering halt with strikes - with NO services on c2c and disruption on Greater Anglia Advertisement Another major problem occurred on August 16 when a maintenance train leaked hydraulic fluid within the central tunnel section of the line. This fluid had to be cleaned from more than 1.2 miles (2km) of track before TfL could safely run again services. The line was part suspended from Abbey Wood to Whitechapel for most of that day, which severely limited the number of trains that could run. In September, the ORR revealed Elizabeth line cancellations had hit 9.1 per cent in the four weeks to August 19 - the worst figure for any UK rail service over that period. Going back to May 2022 when it started running, the Elizabeth line performed relatively well in its opening months, with a cancellation rate of 2.5 per cent or below for the first five months. But it then had a poor four weeks up to December 10 last year when the rate hit 3.9 per cent and for the four weeks ending March 31 this year, the rate hit 4.3 per cent. The regular disruption has incensed commuters, with many taking to social media to voice their frustration at how the line seems to be disrupted almost every day. In October, TfL warned that 'significant challenges' will continue on the line's 41-station network until new rail infrastructure is installed with work on new overhead power lines not expected to start until next year at the earliest. Prince William and Kate travelled on the Elizabeth line from Acton Main Line on May 4 Network Rail has spoken to industry experts and component manufacturers to work out what is going wrong as it tries to improve signalling equipment and operations. READ MORE Britain faces flood misery: Chaos as rail tracks are hit by floodwater with dozens of areas at risk - as Met Office issues yellow rain warning Advertisement They are particularly concerned about issues in the western section of the line - part of which was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and constructed in the 1830s. Officials are hoping to modernise overhead power cables between Paddington and Heathrow Airport, with work set to take place between 2024 and 2029. However, this still requires final funding approval from the ORR. And, if it goes ahead, it will likely result in major closures due to the engineering works required to upgrade the system. But the line has been a big success for TfL in terms of usage, with it having carried more than 200 million passengers since launching in May 2022. The busiest day on the Elizabeth line since opening was earlier this week - Wednesday, December 6 - with more than 769,000 journeys. More than 150million passenger journeys were made in its first year, with 56 per cent of these at the peak times of 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays. TfL claimed in July that the Elizabeth line was responsible for 140,000 'new' journeys in London each day, and said more than a third of those who have switched from the Underground preferring it over the Central line. Bosses also insist that the Elizabeth line regularly has one of the highest customer satisfaction scores of all the TfL modes of transport. The line runs from Heathrow and Reading in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east And the organisation points out that the Elizabeth line was second best for punctuality nationally out of 24 UK rail operators in the latest period with 82.8 per cent of trains listed as 'on time' by ORR metrics. But in October, the Evening Standard reported on a TfL customer service and operational performance panel meeting at which it was discussed how 'significant challenges' are expected on the line until new rail infrastructure is installed. Elizabeth line director Mr Smith said at the time that renewing this 'won't be a quick fix' and that work will continue 'next year and the year beyond'. Sophie Bancroft, operations director of Network Rail's western routes, added: 'It's not a quick fix [but] it's not going to be terrible for years.' Rail commuters across Britain have also endured months of misery thanks to regular train strikes - while those in London faced a 5.9 per cent average rise in transport fares in March. Tube and bus fares are also expected to rise by around 4 per cent next year. A TfL report in October pointed out that the 'reliability of the trains has been below target', although it said this has improved in recent weeks following software upgrades, despite still being below target. In addition, the report claimed the biggest ongoing issues are likely to be in the western section between Paddington and Reading and Heathrow. It said: 'The most significant challenges are likely to remain with Network Rail's Western infrastructure, despite all the work undertaken by Network Rail colleagues as the underlying infrastructure is not in a satisfactory state and a programme of renewals is planned.' But the report also said demand was surging, with some stations that existed before being connected to the Elizabeth line now seeing double the number of passengers compared to pre-pandemic levels after connectivity improved. It cited entries and exits at West Ealing in West London which have increased from 22,000 in 2019 to 45,000 in October. While the Elizabeth line a TfL-branded service, the network is technically operated by a company called MTR Elizabeth line (MTREL), which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of a company based in Hong Kong called MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Corporation. Despite the line's issues, the firm won rail operator of the year at the UK National Transport Awards in London on October 5. A TfL spokesman told MailOnline yesterday: 'The Elizabeth line has been one of the most popular and punctual railways in the country since opening. 'There are around 4.3 million passenger journeys now taking place each week and there have been more than 270 million journeys since it was opened, but we sincerely apologise for the disruption that has affected some Elizabeth line services in recent months and we recognise that delays and cancellations are frustrating for our customers. 'From July to August 2023, the Elizabeth line had the second best punctuality in the country, and although cancellations are higher than we would like and higher than the same period in 2022, we increased services in both November 2022 and May 2023, providing extra, more direct services for our customers. 'We are working with Network Rail and Alstom, which maintains the trains, to minimise the impact that faults have on the Elizabeth line. 'Recent signalling and infrastructure issues on Network Rail track in the west has had a significant impact on reliability, as have other issues such as trespassers on the line. 'We will continue to do all we can to drive down delays so we can provide our customers a safe and reliable railway.' ** Were YOU stuck on an Elizabeth line train? Do you work for TfL and Network Rail and know what's going wrong? Please email: tips@dailymail.com ** A British billionaire who claimed to be one of the UK's richest people has reportedly gone bankrupt with debts totalling 725million just six months after boasting of his wealth at the 10million mansion he shares with his fiancee. Entrepreneur Bob Bull, who recently ranked 88th in the Sunday Times Rich List, was estimated to be worth close to 2billion when he showed a journalist round his home, complete with a bowling alley and a 4million collection of 12 supercars. The 46-year-old made his fortune by transforming static caravan parks into bungalow villages. But lawyers in a bankruptcy petition against Mr Bull said his 'claims to be very wealthy were wrong', Bloomberg reported. The huge debt follows the collapse of his company RoyaleLife, and is made up of 22 loan agreements for which the businessman made personal guarantees to a number of lenders. The company had been valued at 4billion. He was declared bankrupt by a court on December 1, it was reported. Tycoon Robert Bull (pictured), 46, built up his fortune by transforming static caravan parks into bungalow villages Twice-married father-of-two Mr Bull (pictured with fiancee Sara Nilsen) told how he hauled himself out of the depths of despair Mr Bull, who has been twice married and now lives with his Norwegian fiancee Sara Nilsen, 30, near Southampton, hopes to enter an arrangement to pay off his debts at just 0.25 per cent, court papers show. 'It is not a great return to the creditors, but it is a return,' Ben Channer, a lawyer acting on behalf of Mr Bull said. According to Companies House, Mr Bull holds roles at 34 separate firms that are in administration. It is not the first time the businessman has faced bankruptcy in 2016, he fought his way back after owing 3.5million to creditors and spiralling into 'a nasty depression' which left him unable to work for three months. It was reported in September that Mr Bull was engaged in a legal battle over more than 32million of unpaid debts, after he was sued by holiday park boss Tony Barney. Mr Barney, 59, claimed Mr Bull owes two of his caravan companies Nottingham based Baslow Parks and Baslow Holdings Developments 32,290,532. Earlier this year Mr Bull, 46, (pictured with Ms Nilsen in an Instagram post) came in at number 88 on the UK Rich List with his net worth estimated at nearly 2billion He met Ms Nilsen (pictured) in a bar in Mayfair in 2019 and the couple now share their luxury home which has a pool, gym and sauna along with its own three-lane tenpin bowling alley Mr Bull and Ms Nilsen also share a 1million house together in Ms Nilsen's hometown in Norway Court documents show a number of insolvency claims have been filed against companies run by Mr Bull in recent months Mr Bull's company RoyaleLife bought houses from those wishing to downsize, offering them prefab homes instead Each prefab home comes with its own driveway and patch of garden Mr Bull said he turned his fortunes around after spotting a hole in the housing market which led to him building bungalow villages for people who wanted to sell their homes and downsize. His company, which employed 2,000 workers, was said to be worth 4billion. He would buy the properties at market value and sell the vcustomers a factory-prefabricated bungalow in a new community, each with a drive, a garden and a shed. He now owns a 4million collection of 12 supercars and lives in a 10million mansion with Ms Nilsen. The property, where the couple keep two dogs, a horse and a ferret, has its own three-lane bowling alley and six double garages. It was reported last month that Mr Bull also has a butler who previously worked for the First Sea Lord, the Royal Navy chief of staff. Mr Bull and Ms Nilsen also share a 1million house together in Kristiansund, her hometown in Norway. The pair met at a bar in Mayfair in 2019 after Mr Bull had been to see bankers. Despite both being in a relationship at the time, the couple eventually came together after he rang Ms Nilsen in Kristiansund. Court documents show a number of insolvency claims have been filed against companies run by Mr Bull in recent months. One of his companies, Time GB Group, is appointing administrators with a court hearing due for September 29 next year. Bull said this year that his business interests had been subject to 'winding-up orders based on false claims and unfounded information', The Times reported. And the new legal claim launched by fellow entrepreneur Mr Barney, who owns a string of residential and lodge parks ranging from Yorkshire to Norfolk, is said to be worth 125million. Mr Bull had previously agreed a 'deed of settlement and release' concerning two companies in March, with the first payment due on April 14 of 1.4million. But he failed to make the payment, High Court papers show, meaning the whole 32million sum became due. Mr Bull disputed the claim and says Mr Barney breached their agreement by failing to keep its terms confidential. He argued Mr Barney had made 'a clear and unequivocal promise' that the deed to pay money would not be enforced while Time GB Group was going into administration. Mr Bull was born into a successful family his grandfather started a caravan park business Mr Bull rebuilt his family's empire and established Britain's second-biggest caravan group The bankruptcy comes amid the collapse of Mr Bull's business RoyaleLife Mr Bull has overseen the building of whole communities at his sites across the UK Mr Bull was born into a successful family his grandfather started a caravan park business. 'My three sisters and I were brought up with everything we could want,' he said. His father carried on the success of the family business until he 'lost everything in the 1990s banking crisis'. Mr Bull rebuilt the empire and established Britain's second-biggest caravan group. However, the company ran into trouble in 2016 and he was declared bankrupt. Mr Bull told how things got so bad he could not afford the price of a takeaway for his children seven years ago. In an interview earlier this year he said: 'I put my card in and it didn't work. The next card didn't work either. 'I was pushing my youngest, Jack, in the pram. I put my food back and I said to my son Bobby, "Have you got any money?" 'I had to borrow the price of a KFC from my 12-year-old so my kids could have something to eat. 'I still get emotional about it now. The woman in the bank cut my cards up in front of me. I felt like a piece of s**t. That was my lowest day, and I hated it.' A US conspiracy theorist linked to the horrific murders of two Queensland police officers and a neighbour in a religiously-motivated terrorist attack claimed he was 'armed to the teeth' and threatened to kill law enforcement officers who came onto his property following the Australian shooting. Chilling details of the threats Donald Day Jr is alleged to have made have been revealed in an unsealed US indictment following his dramatic arrest earlier this week in relation to last year's killings at Wieambilla. It follows a bombshell claim by authorities he had communicated for years with members of the murderous Train family before the shooting. Arizona man Donald Day Jr is alleged to have made chilling claims he was 'armed to the teeth' amid threats to inflict violence on law enforcement officials who came onto his property, following the grisly shooting at Wieambilla. Picture: YouTube Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, as well as neighbour Alan Dare, were all shot and killed by Stacey, Gareth and Nathaniel Train at the Wains Rd property on December 12, 2022. Two other officers, Keely Brough and Randall Kirk, were injured. All three of the Trains were killed later that night in a shootout with police. Police have said the Trains followed a Christian extremist belief system known as premillennialism, believing Jesus Christ would return to Earth after a period of severe tribulation. Constable Rachel McCrow. Picture: Supplied Constable Matthew Arnold. Picture: Supplied Mr Day is alleged to have radicalised Stacey and Gareth during extensive communications over YouTube years before the Wieambilla shooting, referring to the pair as 'Daniel' and 'Jane' In a chilling video posted hours after the shooting on December 12, 2022, Gareth and Stacey admitted to shooting the officers and Mr Dare while communicating with a man known as 'Don'. 'Don' is the same Mr Day arrested near Heber-Overgaard, Arizona on December 1 over his link to the Wieambilla shooting. Mr Day is facing two interstate threat charges relating to comments he made following the shooting. In the unsealed indictment, obtained by NCA NewsWire, Mr Day is alleged to have threatened to kill law enforcement authorities who went onto his property. 'The devils come for us, they just f**king die. It's just that simple. We are free people. We are owned by no-one,' he is alleged to have stated on a YouTube video. Alan Dare (pictured with his wife Kerry) was also shot by the Trains when he came to investigate fires at the Wains Rd property. Picture: Supplied His second charge relates to allegations he threatened Tedros Adhanom, the Director General of the WHO, by stating in another comment on a BitChute video in February this year: 'It's time to kill these monsters, and any who serve them. 'Where are my kind? Where are you? Am I the only one? F**kin' hell!' Day is alleged to have posted a comment to Gareth and Stacey's YouTube video shortly after it was uploaded on December 12, 2022. 'Truly, from my core, I so wish I could be with you to do what I do best,' he is alleged to have said. 'I hate it, that I am unable to. 'What can I do? I tell you, family, that those bastards will regret that they ever f**ked with us.' Gareth and Stacey Train pictured in a video uploaded to YouTube after the shooting, where they admitted to the murders of the constables and Mr Dare while communicating with a man known as 'Don'. Picture: Supplied / YouTube In the days following the shooting, Day is alleged to have posted another video on YouTube where he laments he cannot help 'Daniel' and 'Jane'. 'And here, my brave brother and sister, a son and daughter of the Most High have done exactly what they were supposed to do, and that is to kill these f**king devils,' he is alleged to have said. Day is alleged to have claimed over BitChute: 'I'm an x-con, who's armed to the teeth.' He also claimed to own firearms, including a rifle and shotgun. Nathaniel Train, Gareth's brother and Stacey's ex-husband. Picture: Supplied Mr Day (pictured) allegedly communicated with Gareth and Stacey over YouTube for years before the shooting, sending them messages containing end-of-days ideology . Picture: Supplied / YouTube 'Beginning on or before January 2022 and continuing to on or after February 2023, Day engaged in a course of conduct demonstrating a desire to incite violence and threaten a variety of groups and individuals including law enforcement and government authorities,' US authorities alleged in the unsealed indictment. Earlier this week, QPS Assistant Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon revealed Gareth began following Mr Day on YouTube around May 2020. The pair started commenting on each others' videos a year later. According to an unsealed US indictment, Mr Day is alleged to have threatened law enforcement authorities and the Director General of the WHO in the days following the Wieambilla shooting. Picture: Supplied / YouTube 'We have evidence to show the Trains subsequently accessed an older YouTube account created by the same man in 2014, and viewed that content,' Commissioner Scanlon said. 'Between May 2021 and December 2022, the man repeatedly sent messages containing Christian end-of-days ideology to Gareth, and then later to Stacey,' she said. Mr Day is currently being held by the FBI in Arizona following a brief court appearance on Wednesday. San Francisco has gained another conference in 2024, with the political climate in Florida forcing a group to change locales. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle Amid growing concerns over Floridas political climate, the National Black Nurses Association has pulled its 2024 conference out of Florida and is moving the event to San Francisco. The six-day National Institute and Conference which is scheduled from July 23-28 will be held at the Marriott Marquis hotel at 780 Mission St., a representative of the nonprofit group, which is based in Maryland, confirmed to the Chronicle on Friday. More than 1,000 of the associations members will be staying at the Marriott Marquis, according to Dr. Sheldon Fields, NBNAs President. The contract is worth more than $500,000, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What we like about that location is that it is right across the street from a Target, down the street is Trader Joes and the mall is nearby, Fields said,. The members will really enjoy that it is walking distance to Union Square. The association also has several chapters in California, including in Oakland, Sacramento and Stanford. Fields said that NBNA has not held a conference in San Francisco since 2003. This is our triumphant return after 20 years, and we are really excited, he said, adding that he is not concerned about recent headlines regarding the San Franciscos economic challenges and quality of life issues in the wake of the pandemic. Most of us are in major cities. Were more concerned about coming into a city that doesnt have the political and social anti-Black feel. Florida is really scary for for people of color at the moment, Fields said. Economic downturns, homelessness I grew up in New York City and personally, none of those things concern me. Our members know how to go out in groups and stay safe. The conference was originally scheduled to take place at the Diplomat Beach Resort, a Hilton-branded property, in Hollywood, Fla. In a statement issued in October, the group explained that its decision to pull out of its commitment followed a survey of its membership, which expressed concerns about the current political and social climate in the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The passage of anti-Black policies and laws, which have taken a destructive position to erase and silence Black history, and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools, together with the NAACP travel ban, and the recent senseless, racially motivated, hate-fueled murders of three innocent Black Americans in Jacksonville, Florida has created a hostile dangerous environment in the state, the association said. Thus, as a Black identified multigenerational professional nursing association, we cannot risk the safety or well-being of our members or subject them to unpredictable, unknown, and unconscionable threats to their life, liberty, and first amendment rights. The association represents 308,000 Black registered nurses, licensed vocational and practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the United States, Eastern Caribbean and Africa, with 114 chartered chapters across 34 states. In its statement, the group said that it attempted to reschedule the conference to a later year, when conditions would hopefully be safer for Black-identifying groups like ours, but that its negotiations with the Diplomat Beach Resort were unsuccessful. Other major groups catering to Black professionals have also announced that they will be moving their annual conventions out of Florida, including the Fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha and the National Society of Black Engineers, which had conventions scheduled in the state in 2025 and 2024, respectively. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The cancellations are in part motivated by the recent censoring of teaching Black history in grades K-12 by Floridas education board. In May, the NAACP labeled Florida as openly hostile and issued a travel advisory against the state. As San Francisco hotels continue to recover from major revenue losses sparked by the pandemic, the associations change of plans will come as a boon to the Marriott Marquis and surrounding businesses. Per an update on the state of the citys economy released by the San Francisco Controllers Office earlier this month, city hotel revenues in October were still hovering at about 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Even though the citys hotel occupancy, which was devastated by the pandemic, reached 65.8% this year and demand for hotel rooms in the city was up by 9.2% year-to-date as of September, according to data provided by San Francisco Travel, the slow recovery of corporate travel remains a major pain point for San Franciscos hotels, which are now increasingly competing for leisure travelers. Moreover, according to 2024 projections by SF Travel, the Moscone Center, the citys premier convention venue thats located a block away from the Marriott Marquis at 747 Howard St., is expected to host 21 events accounting for 426,951 hotel room nights next year. Thats down 34% compared with 2023. Advertisement Article continues below this ad With revenues not yet where they should be, some hotels will feel the pressure of their debt in the coming years: Close to two dozen loans tied to local hotels are coming due over the next two years. When this Taiwanese smuggler queued up for airport security, he'd hoped that staff wouldn't notice the huge bulge in his trousers - and the fact that it kept moving. But staff at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport quickly became suspicious of his huge package and pulled the tourist, 22, to one side. The man, who has not been named, tried not to react as the bulge in his pants kept moving as he stood for an X-ray scan. But his plan was quickly scuppered when the X-ray images revealed what appeared to be a trio of furry animals. Shocked staff then strip searched the smuggler and to their surprise, they found two Asian small-clawed otters and a prairie dog he had crammed into his designer boxer shorts after buying them from a market in Bangkok. The protected wildlife had been stuffed in three separate stockings taped to the man's underwear before making his way to the airport on Tuesday. Phakkapong Phathong, Suvarnabhumi Animal Quarantine chief, said the tourist was arrested at 9:05 am and had been due to board Thai Airways flight TG632 to Taipei, Taiwan. When the Taiwanese smuggler queued up for airport security, he'd hoped that staff wouldn't notice the huge bulge in his trousers - and the fact that it kept moving The protected wildlife had been stuffed in three separate stockings taped to the man's pants before making his way to the airport on Tuesday Shocked staff then strip searched the smuggler and to their surprise, they found two Asian small-clawed otters and a prairie dog he had crammed into his designer boxer shorts after buying them from a market in Bangkok Airport staff were shocked to find a prairie dog (pictured) in the man's trousers Customs Department spokesman Phanthong Loykulnant added: 'Thailand is not a gateway to smuggle exotic animals out of the country. We will catch anyone who tries to take animals on planes.' The Taiwanese man is now facing charges for violating several sections of Thailand's Customs Act, Animal Epidemics Act, and Animal Conservation and Protection Act. He was detained at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station while the rescued animals were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Office. The Asian small-clawed otter is native to South and Southeast Asia and is the smallest otter species in the world. It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents native to North American grasslands. Two of the five prairie dog species are endangered. Thailand is a major transit hub for the illegal wildlife trade, with smugglers often transporting live animals to nearby China. Shocked staff then strip searched the smuggler and to their surprise, they found two Asian small-clawed otters and a prairie dog he had crammed into his designer boxer shorts after buying them from a market in Bangkok He was detained at the Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station while the rescued animals were handed over to the Wildlife Conservation Office When the Taiwanese smuggler queued up for airport security, he'd hoped that staff wouldn't notice the huge bulge in his trousers - and the fact that it kept moving The arrest comes just two months after a woman successfully smuggled an otter, rat and other animals through the same airport on October 4. The creatures escaped mid-air causing screams from passengers onboard an Airbus A320 operated by Vietnamese carrier Viet Jet flying from Bangkok to Taiwan. Shockingly, a box of 28 live turtles was also found when police searched the plane upon landing in Taipei following the three-hour and 45-minute low-cost flight. Bungling airport chiefs later admitted that security staff noticed live animals in the passenger's hand luggage but waved through the bags on the conveyor belt. They later suspended the employee involved and given other workers strict guidance on what to check for. A factory worker is missing after an out-of-control fire ripped through a paint factory in Melbourne's southeast, with authorities still battling the blaze hours after it broke out. More than 120 firefighters attended the scene, along with 40 appliances, after the Dandenong South factory caught fire about 12pm on Friday. It led to the closure of Superior Dr and Hammond Rd, with authorities urging residents in the area to 'immediately' seek shelter. A factory worker is missing after an out-of-control fire ripped through a paint factory in Melbourne's southeast A massive factory fire has broken out in Melbourne's southeast. Picture: Supplied A Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) spokeswoman said crews were still on the scene battling the blaze. Two firefighters have been treated for minor injuries and two factory workers were taken to hospital. 'FRV understands one factory worker may be unaccounted for,' the spokeswoman said. 'A watch and act advice message remains in place.' More than 120 firefighters attended the scene, along with 40 appliances, after the Dandenong South factory caught fire about 12pm on Friday A Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) spokeswoman said crews were still on the scene battling the blaze. Social media users captured pictures and footage of thick plumes of smoke coming from the blaze. 'Explosions and fire in Dandenong South, behind Ultra Fine Foods ... at 12:10pm. Hope everyone is OK,' user Gavin posted to X (formerly Twitter) earlier in the afternoon. Another X user said vehicles were attempting to get the fire under control but it appeared to have spread to other buildings in the vicinity. Dramatic footage, uploaded by 3AW, captured some of the flames spilling over the building as one driver nervously stops to film the shocking scenes. BREAKING: A factory is currently on fire in Dandenong South with reports of an initial explosion when it broke out. pic.twitter.com/KyURyOMjlB 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) December 8, 2023 Multiple fire crews have been deployed to the scene. A watch and act alert was earlier issued by Fire Rescue Victoria for the suburbs of Bangholme, Dandenong South and Lyndhurst. 'The fire is not under control. Strong winds are blowing smoke to the south of the fire,' the alert states. 'Anyone located in the industrial estate in Dandenong South surrounding the Hammond Rd area should take shelter indoors immediately.' Superior Dr and Hammond Rd in Dandenong South have both been closed off due to the fire. The alert urges anyone in the area to close exterior doors, windows and vents and ensure heating and cooling systems are turned off. It also said to bring pets indoors and keep roads clear for emergency services. The sister of a head teacher who took her own life after an Ofsted inspection has called for an overhaul to the system grading England's schools and an end to the 'terrible, terrible behaviours' by inspectors carrying out visits. Ruth Perry, 53, had been left 'completely devastated' following an 'intimidating' inspection at Caversham Primary School in Reading last year, which had been prompted by safeguarding concerns. An inquest into her death, held at Reading Town Hall, concluded on Thursday that the inspection 'likely contributed' to her death; it had heard how Mrs Perry had been tearful during the Ofsted visit and kept telling inspectors: 'It's not looking good, is it?' Her sister, Professor Julia Waters, has now called for Ofsted to take action on its inspections, following comments by Senior Coroner Heidi Connor that the Caversham Primary visit 'lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity'. Prof Waters said the results of the inspection had been 'unfair' after the school's leadership was rated as 'inadequate' following the November 2022 visit. The school has since been re-graded as 'outstanding'. Ruth Perry's sister, Professor Julia Waters, called for a complete overhaul of England's education inspections in a BBC interview on Friday Ruth Perry died in January 2023, two months after the 'intimidating' Ofsted inspection at Caversham Primary School Mrs Perry (right) with her sister, who has previously slammed Ofsted and blamed the inspection for her death Ruth Perry 's family say she took her own life after a report from the schools watchdog Ofsted downgraded her Caversham Primary School in Reading Prof Waters told BBC Breakfast on Friday: 'The coroner has made it clear in her conclusion that what happened to Ruth was a direct result of the contact of that inspection, of the system within which that inspection took place, and as a result of the consequences of the outcome - the shame, the humiliation, the danger of Ruth losing her job. 'All those things came together. What I have been saying and my family has been saying all along, whilst clearly there were some really terrible, terrible behaviours in that inspection - it was unfair, the results were unfair. 'Those inspectors work within a system. And it's the system that is the really dangerous element here. It's the system that needs to be changed.' READ MORE: Ruth Perry took her own life after Ofsted downgraded her primary school to 'inadequate' Advertisement Ofsted has reacted quickly to the conclusions of the inquest - announcing that it intends to halt school inspections next week to rollout new training to its staff. The watchdog's chief inspector Amanda Spielman apologised to the family following the conclusion of proceedings. She went on to say inspections will be delayed by one day next week to ensure inspectors know what to do if teachers are showing signs of anxiety, the Telegraph reported. Inspectors will also be trained on what to do if an inspection needs to be paused. But Prof Waters said this was 'not enough'. She added: 'I receive emails every day from teachers and headteachers and their relatives who've been through traumatic inspections. Things absolutely have to change.' Ms Spielman said: 'Ruth Perry's death was a tragedy that deeply affected many people. My thoughts remain with her family, the wider Caversham school community, and everyone else who knew and loved her. 'On behalf of Ofsted, I would like to say sorry to them for the distress that Mrs Perry undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection.' The Ofsted boss had previously claimed there was 'no reason to doubt' that the inspection's findings were 'secure and professional'. Throughout the inquest, Mrs Perry's heartbroken husband Jonathan revealed she worried about the impact of the downgrading on the local community, while Mrs Perry's GP Tom Back said he believed there was a 'link' between the inspection and the headteacher's mental health deterioration and death two months later. Turning to Mrs Perry's emotional family yesterday, the coroner added: 'The composure and dignity you have displayed throughout is remarkable. She is your Ruth, not our Ruth.' Speaking on behalf of Mrs Perry's family after the verdict, Prof Waters said: 'Ruth was more than a victim of an inhumane schools inspection system. She was more than a headteacher. Ruth was a wonderful human being. 'Ruth's death has left a deep void in our lives. We all miss her deeply. We miss her every day.' Prof Waters reads out a statement on behalf of Ruth Perry's family following the conclusion of the inquest at Reading Town Hall Mrs Perry (right) with her sister, Professor Julia Waters, on a family holiday to Italy in 1996 Ruth Perry's husband Jonathan paid tribute to his wife, saying she had been 'the best thing in my life' She continued: 'The Coroner's conclusions validate what our family has known for a long time - that Ruth took her own life as the direct result of the process, outcome and consequences of an Ofsted inspection of the school she led and loved, Caversham Primary School. 'The inquest into Ruth's death has shown the brutal inhumanity of the system of Ofsted inspections. Ofsted likes to judge people with single-word labels. We could judge the current Ofsted system with our own labels: callous, perverse and inhumane. 'Ruth's death, and this inquest, have laid bare the imbalance of power that exists in our education system.' READ MORE: Heartbreaking notes written by headteacher Ruth Perry reveal her despair as Ofsted chief apologises to her family after Advertisement Professor Waters added: 'There are now urgent lessons that must be learnt from Ruth's death. Ofsted has made some changes but these changes do not go anywhere near far enough. 'We have no confidence that Ofsted, under its current leadership and management, is either willing or able to make the widespread, root-and-branch reforms to its system and culture that are so urgently needed.' Her husband Jonathan said Ruth was the 'best thing in his life'. Paying tribute, he said: 'Ruth was a wife. I first met Ruth when I was 12. I said to myself, one day I will marry that girl. And many years later I did. 'I was proud to be Ruth's husband. Marrying Ruth was the best thing I have ever done. She was the best thing in my life.' Caversham Primary School said Mrs Perry will 'ever be in our hearts'. Neil Walne, chairman of the school's board of governors, read out a statement: 'We continue to grieve her loss and to struggle to come to terms with her untimely death, and the circumstances surrounding it,' he said. 'For the sake of our school community, and in tribute to Ruth and her legacy, we must ensure that Caversham Primary School continues to be a place where our vision of educating children to be successful, confident, responsible, and caring citizens is realised. 'The clock in our school playground is our memorial to Ruth. It reminds us every day of her presence and the impact she had on all our lives. She will ever be in our hearts.' A photograph of Ruth Perry attached to a gate at John Rankin Schools in Newbury, Berkshire, which blocked an Ofsted inspection in March in protest following her death Amanda Spielman, chief inspector of Ofsted, has apologised for the distress Mrs Perry 'undoubtedly experienced as a result of our inspection' Concluding her inquest, Senior Coroner Mrs Connor said: 'The evidence is clear in this respect, and I find that Ruth's mental health deterioration and death was likely contributed to by the Ofsted inspection.' She criticised Mr Derry's behaviour and said the inspection 'lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity'. Mrs Connor added: 'The contribution of the Ofsted inspection is a central issue in this case. Ruth Perry was a headteacher at Cavendish Primary School in Reading Berkshire. 'She had no relevant mental health history until after this inspection. She took her own life on 8th January. She was declared dead at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.' The inquest explored the impact of the inspection on Mrs Perry's mental health. Her sister told the inquest that Mrs Perry had experienced the 'worst day of her life' after inspectors reviewed the school. The coroner asked Mrs Perry's GP and her colleagues whether there was a 'direct link' between the Ofsted inspection and her death. All those questioned replied: 'Yes'. Mr Derry, who led the review of the popular primary school, told the court that Mrs Perry had been 'tearful' and kept saying 'it's not looking good, is it?', during his meetings with the headteacher. Mr Perry told the court his wife felt the Ofsted inspector was a 'bully' with an 'agenda'. He said she feared that the lowest Ofsted grading would signal the end of her career. Mrs Connor highlighted the behaviour of the lead Ofsted inspector in causing Mrs Perry distress. She said: 'I find the evidence of [deputy headteacher] Ms Jones-King more convincing than the evidence of [the lead inspector] Mr Derry. I find that the Ofsted inspection was carried out in a manner that lacked fairness, respect and sensitivity. 'It was at times rude and intimidating. Part of the inspection was done to rather than with this school.' Mrs Perry's sister arriving at court on Thursday to hear the inquest's conclusion Ruth Perry (pictured) felt the Ofsted inspector was a 'bully', her husband Jonathan told the inquest into her death The coroner also criticised the whole structure of an Ofsted inspection. She questioned the need for the the 'conduct' of the inspectors, single word judgement, the need for 'confidentiality' and the 'delay' of publication. Mrs Perry's GP, Dr Tom Black said the Ofsted inspection of her school had contributed to her death. He told the court she became worried that she would lose her job and the family ruined financially following the Ofsted inspection, as she was the 'main breadwinner'. Reading Borough Council told the inquest it will more 'proactive' in challenging Ofsted inspections and 'advocate for school leaders' from now on. Education chief Brian Grady told the court he had spent 'a lot of time' considering the events surrounding Mrs Perry's death after the inspection. It emerged this month that more than seven in ten teachers say the pressure of an inspection causes them to have poor mental health. New research by Education Support, a charity which offers people in the profession therapy, showed that 71 per cent of those who took part in the questionnaire blamed the pressure of an inspection on poor mental health. Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders trade union, said the ruling must be a 'catalyst for change'. He said: 'Ofsted must immediately improve its policies and training for inspectors to ensure that inspections are handled sensitively and compassionately, particularly when a headteacher or other staff are traumatised. 'It is also imperative that the inspection system is reformed to reduce stakes which are currently far too high because of the application of one-word or phrase judgments which reduce everything a school or college does to a label. 'The evidence in this inquest has been heartbreaking. The impact of an Ofsted inspection on a woman who dedicated her life to education and who was the much-respected head of a much-valued school is harrowingly clear. This must never happen again.' For help and support contact the Samaritans completely anonymously, and for free from a UK phone, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org. A Boeing 737 passenger jet was forced to make an emergency landing after 'micro-explosions' caused both engines to catch fire during take-off. The S7 airline plane with 175 passengers was flying from Novosibirsk - Russia's third largest city - to capital city Moscow. The fires started as the plane was on the runway taking off, passengers said. The small explosions led to fires in both engines of a Boeing 737, resulting in an emergency landing. A video filmed by a passenger shows the alarming sight of engine fire at around 6.30am on Friday. The flames can be seen flickering violently in the passenger windows during the nighttime blaze. The S7 airline plane with 175 passengers was flying from Novosibirsk - Russia's third largest city - to capital city Moscow. The fires started as the plane was on the runway taking off, passengers said A video filmed by a passenger shows the alarming sight of engine fire at around 6.30am on Friday. The flames can be seen flickering violently in the passenger windows during the nighttime blaze The flames inside the cabin seen through the windows 'While climbing, sparks and flames suddenly flew from both engines,' reported Shot media. 'The right engine, next to which I was sitting, caught fire while still on the runway, several flames burst out,' said one passenger. 'We took off and it flared up once every 10 to 20 seconds. 'Then the second engine caught fire, and they flashed simultaneously.' The pilots immediately called for an emergency landing and brought the aircraft down safely at Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo Airport with no casualties among passengers or crew. The emergency services were on 'high alert' for the landing which came some 20 minutes after take-off, according to those on board. The captain told the passengers on landing that both engines were 'out of order' and the aircraft needed to be towed from the runaway after the brakes overheated. 'During landing, the captain said that the brakes caught fire,' a passenger told ASTRA media. 'All passengers have already got off.' They were bussed to the terminal and told they would have to wait eight hours for a replacement plane to fly them to Moscow. The cause was engine surging - a 'violation of gas-dynamic stability with micro-explosions', reported the Eastern Interregional Investigation Department for Transport of the Russian Investigative Committee. It is the second day in succession that Russia has been hit by such a terrifying incident. A day earlier a Tu-204 cargo aircraft suffered an engine 'explosion' heard from the ground after take-off from Ulan-Ude, also in Siberia. A day earlier a Tu-204 cargo aircraft suffered an engine 'explosion' heard from the ground after take-off from Ulan-Ude, also in Siberia. Flames can be seen during the flight The aircraft on fire on Thursday after take-off from Ulan-Ude in Siberia Footage showed the aircraft ablaze as it jettisoned fuel and made an emergency landing Footage showed the aircraft ablaze as it jettisoned fuel and made an emergency landing. A woman witness Lyubov Pichueva said: 'I heard a powerful explosion coming from above. 'At first I thought it was fireworks, but the sound was too strange.' She said: 'It was very scary.' An investigation is underway by the East Siberian Transport Prosecutor's Office. Russia is suffering an unprecedented spate of air incidents amid signs that Western sanctions are hampering efforts to maintain and service planes, with problems obtaining spare parts. Since the spring of 2022, airlines have been requiring staff not to enter equipment defects in flight log books, said one report. A former Nordwind airline pilot said many pilots are relying on 'Russian luck'. In the first eight months of this year, there were 120 air accidents in Russia involving civil aircraft operated by Russian airlines. This is more than double the number in recent years despite significantly fewer flights as a result of Putin's war against Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told Israeli officials he expects their war in Gaza to be brought to close within a month, sources claimed. Blinken, speaking with officials on his latest diplomatic visit to Israel last week, said the US would continue to support the IDF's efforts to wipe out Hamas in Gaza. But he also warned that President Biden expected the war to be wrapped up within three months of October 7, given the collateral damage to Gaza's civilian population, sources told The Times - giving the IDF until early January to achieve their objectives. The revelation comes as America's top diplomat gave his strongest public criticism of Israel's conduct of the war on Hamas in south Gaza thus far, saying there was a gap between the government's declared intentions to protect civilians and soaring casualties. 'As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south... it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection,' Blinken told a press conference after meeting British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in Washington on Thursday. 'And there does remain a gap between... the intent to protect civilians and the actual results that we're seeing on the ground.' More than 17,170 Palestinians have been killed and 46,000 wounded, according to the Gaza health ministry, since Oct. 7, when Israel began bombarding Gaza in response to a cross-border rampage by Iran-backed Hamas. The Hamas attack killed 1,200 people, with 240 people taken hostage, according to Israel's tally. A total of 92 Israeli soldiers have died amid the ground operation, the IDF reported. 'As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south... it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection,' Blinken said Palestinians wounded in Israeli strikes receive treatment at Nasser hospital, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, December 8, 2023 A man is seen among the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Dec. 7, 2023 Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant (R) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shake hands prior to a meeting in Tel Aviv on November 30, 2023 Smoke rises over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 8, 2023 Israel says it must wipe out the Hamas militant group after its attack on Israel two months ago and is doing everything possible to get civilians out of harm's way, including warnings about military operations. But the IDF has incurred widespread condemnation for what many claim is indiscriminate bombing of civilian centres that have led to massive civilian casualties. U.S. President Joe Biden spoke separately by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan's King Abdullah on Thursday. Biden 'emphasized the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities,' the White House said. Meanwhile, Arab states have renewed their push for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, with United Arab Emirates asking the U.N. Security Council to vote on Friday morning on a draft resolution. The United States and ally Israel oppose a ceasefire, saying it would only benefit Hamas. Blinken is due to meet top diplomats from Arab states, including Egypt, on Friday in Washington. The draft was amended to say both 'the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law' and to 'demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.' A resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the five permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, France or Britain - to be adopted. The U.S. does not support any further action by the council at this time. As pressure mounts on Israel over the civilian toll of its war to destroy Hamas, the Palestinian Authority is working with U.S. officials on a plan to run Gaza after the war is over, Bloomberg News reported. Citing Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh, it said the preferred outcome would be for Hamas to become a junior partner under the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), helping to build a new independent state that includes the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. 'If they (Hamas) are ready to come to an agreement and accept the political platform of the PLO, then there will be room for talk. Palestinians should not be divided,' Shtayyeh said, adding that Israel's aim to fully defeat Hamas is unrealistic. Israeli military's helicopter fires a rocket as it flies over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 8, 2023 A Palestinian collects belongings among the rubble at the site of Israeli strikes on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, December 8, 2023 Palestinians go through a house destroyed during an Israeli bombardment in Rafah, Gaza Strip, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (R) and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron hold a press conference at the State Department in Washington, DC, December 7, 2023 Smoke rises following an Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 In a development that should help smooth the way for more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, Israel agreed to a U.S. request to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing for the inspection of trucks and their cargo, a U.S. official said on Thursday. Egypt, along with the United Nations, has been lobbying Israel to speed up an inspection process, which requires the vehicles to drive to Egypt's border with Israel before looping back to Rafah. The number of trucks crossing daily has dropped to fewer than 100, from nearly 200 during a Nov. 24-Dec. 1 truce, according to the United Nations. Kerem Shalom sits at Gaza's southern border with Israel and Egypt and the crossing was used to carry more than 60% of the truckloads going into Gaza before war erupted two months ago. With no end in sight to the fighting, a top White House national security aide, Jon Finer, said the United States had not given Israel a firm deadline to end major combat operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. There are many 'legitimate military targets' remaining in south Gaza, including 'much if not most' of the Hamas leadership, Finer said at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington. Meanwhile, hostages still held by Hamas have been kept incommunicado in Gaza despite Israel's calls on the Red Cross to arrange visits and verify their wellbeing. Marking two months since Hamas' attack, the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was a solemn moment for many in Israel. Idit Ohel, whose son Alon, 22, was kidnapped by Hamas gunmen from an outdoor music festival where 364 people were killed, said she was hoping for a miracle. 'He doesn't know it's Hanukkah. I don't think he knows the days, what's day, what's night,' said Ohel. 'But he's in our hearts all the time.' 'Suffolk Strangler' Steve Wright murdered five women in 2006, leaving the people of Ipswich terrified. The former QEII steward strangled Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls, before dumping their bodies in the winter of 2006. Now, Wright - who is serving a whole life term for his crimes- has been arrested for the unsolved murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall, who went missing on her way home from a nightclub in September 1999. Her naked body was found in a ditch in Suffolk five days later. Suffolk Police reopened their investigation in 2019 after receiving fresh witness information, which they would not expand upon. Below, MailOnline delves into the lives of Wright's five known victims. 'Suffolk Strangler' Steve Wright murdered five women in 2006, leaving the people of Ipswich terrified. Wright - who is serving a whole life term for his crimes- has been arrested for the unsolved murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall Gemma Adams Wright's first victim, Gemma Adams, 25, grew up with her parents, older sister and younger brother in Kesgrave, a village near Ipswich. Brought up in a large, detached house, she was a keen horse rider, played the piano and was a member of the Brownies. She had told her parents Brian and Gail that she had wanted to join the police. Wright's first victim, Gemma Adams, 25, grew up with her parents, older sister and younger brother in Kesgrave, a village near Ipswich Her parents described her as a 'bright and bubbly' girl who was in the Brownies and whose hobbies included playing the piano and riding horses. 'She was good company - bright and intelligent,' her father said. 'If you asked her to do anything she would do it well. We never had any rows with her at home.' Her downfall was triggered when she was 15 and a pupil at Kesgrave High School. She started dating another pupil, and the pair moved in together after she left school at 16. Friends said the couple dabbled in cannabis before moving on to harder drugs. By the age of 17, she was regularly taking heroin and crack. With the help of her family, she managed to complete a GNVQ at Suffolk College and worked for an insurance company. But she was sacked in 2004 after repeatedly slipping away for long lunch breaks and taking regular sick days. Her desperate parents took her to see doctors and the community drug rehabilitation team. 'It's every parent's worst nightmare. Once your child is involved with hard drugs, your heart is already broken,' Mr Adams said. Ms Adams took up prostitution. She was last seen on November 15, 2006 outside a BMW dealership in West End Road, Ipswich and was reported as missing by her boyfriend after she did not reply to text messages. Her body was found on December 2 in a brook at Hintlesham, seven miles from Ipswich. Mr Adams said his world 'just crumbled' when police revealed Gemma's secret life. Tania Nicol Although she was Wright's second victim, Ms Nicol, 19, was the first of the women to be reported missing. She was last seen on October 30, 2006, when she left the home she shared with her mother Kerry and younger brother Aaron, then 15. Ms Nicol, who had dreamed of fame as a member of a girl band, was believed to have been heading for Ipswich's red-light district. It later emerged she was carrying out sex work to fund a heroin addiction. Although she was Wright's second victim, Ms Nicol, 19, was the first of the women to be reported missing Her distraught mother, who along with her father Jim Duell had fought to save her daughter from the perils of drugs, had not known her daughter was a sex worker until she disappeared. Ms Nicol's father was haunted by the memory of coming across his daughter on a street corner when he was driving through Ipswich. 'I stopped and offered her a lift,' he told the Daily Mail in 2008. 'She was wearing a short skirt and I said, "Aren't you cold?" 'She was smiling and said she was all right thanks, so I drove on.' He realised later that she was 'working', he said. Mr Duell told how his daughter was introduced to cigarettes and then cannabis by her boyfriend when she was 15. Within a year or two, she was addicted to hard drugs. As a younger girl, she had been in the sea cadets - where she met Prince Andrew - and had gotten good grades at school. Her body, naked except for some cheap jewellery, was found in a brook at Copdock Mill, just outside Ipswich, on December 8. Anneli Alderton The turning point in the life of 24-year-old Anneli Alderton was the death of her father Roy, a computer programme who passed away from lung cancer when she was 17. The heartbroken teenager fled from the funeral and moved into a flat, where she fell under the influence of a man her family said was a 'sexual predator' who introduced her to drugs. She slipped into prostitution and was three months pregnant when she died. Ms Alderton had spent five years of her childhood living in Cyprus. The family returned to England in 1997. The turning point in the life of 24-year-old Anneli Alderton was the death of her father Roy, a computer programme who passed away from lung cancer when she was 17 She attended Copleston High School in Ipswich, with her striking green eyes and slim figure making her popular with boys. After she began taking drugs, she spent several years in and out of prison. Her mother last saw her alive on December 3, 2006, when she left to catch a train. 'She shouted, "Goodbye, Mum. I love you". I didn't answer,' Mrs Alderton said. She said she ignored her daughter because she had bleached her brown hair, which her mother had learned from experience indicated she was working as a prostitute to pay for drugs. Like the other victims, she probably died in Wright's bedroom, adorned with giant cuddly toys. They included teddy bears and a 3ft-tall monkey holding a Coca Cola bottle. Her body was found on December 10 in woodland in Nacton, arranged in the shape of a crucifix. Her boyfriend, Sam Jefford, said they had been 'overjoyed' when she became pregnant. The couple had plans to call her son Harry. 'We both wanted to sort our lives out and Harry would have been the reason to do it,' he said. Paula Clennell Paula Clennell, a mother of three, was found dead in Nacton, east Suffolk, in December 2006. Despite knowing that a serial killer was on the loose, she had insisted on continuing to work as a prostitute to fund her drug addiction. Under the assumed name of Kelly, she told a TV interviewer just days before her death that she had been attacked before. Paula Clennell, a mother of three, was found dead in Nacton, east Suffolk, in December 2006 'It makes me sick to the stomach but if you need the money badly, it's better than going out thieving,' she said. Afterwards, Ms Clennell walked back to the red light area. Less than 72 hours later she was dead. She grew up in Berwick-upon-Tweet, Northumberland, with her parents Brian, mother Isabella and sister Alice. Ms Clennell began experimenting with cannabis when she was just 13, after her parents divorced. She moved with her mother to Norwich and later Ipswich before leaving home at the age of 16 to move in with her boyfriend, Elton Norris. The pair started taking crack and Paula began selling her body at the age of 20. Her drug addiction led to her three children being taken into care. In a letter to her mother weeks before she died, she revealed she was dreading Christmas. 'Instead of being a happy day of joy and togetherness it's only a dark, lonely and depressing day,' she wrote. Annette Nicholls At 25 Annette Nicholls had a stable life, a close-knit family, and was a qualified beauty therapist with a long list of loyal clients. But, 'almost overnight' she was transformed by drugs. The eldest of Wright's victims, she had become addicted to heroin. Her cousin Tanya said of her: 'She used to be such an absolutely outstanding person with the most lovely personality. She was stunningly beautiful both inside and out. 'But almost overnight she got into heroin and it changed her. It was like flicking a light switch.' Friends said that Annette, known as Netty, began her descent into drugs after she left her council house to move into a smart new housing association property. At 25 Annette had a stable life, a close-knit family, and was a qualified beauty therapist with a long list of loyal clients Soon, her house was repossessed and she began living with friends and working the streets to pay for hits. Deeply ashamed of what had become of her, she hid the truth from her parents, Rosemary and John. Among those who did know about her lifestyle was her uncle Peter who had a visit from the mother-of-one weeks before her death. 'She came to see me when she heard I was ill,' he said in 2008. 'She rushed up and gave me a big hug. She'd been such a happy little girl - and deep down she still was a lovely girl.' Netty was last seen on December 8 and her body was found four days later a few miles away in Levington. It too had been placed in a crucifix shape, arms outstretched. Phillip Schofield is already being tipped to make a sensational return to broadcasting next year after ITV officially 'drew a line in the sand' over his exit from This Morning, MailOnline can reveal today. The star is being tipped for a job on national radio his 'first love' with Britain's largest commercial stations said to be jostling to bring him in to woo new listeners from rivals, including BBC Radio 2. Yesterday ITV's report cleared bosses of a cover-up and did not mention any further damaging claims about Schofield's relationship with a young runner on the show. Despite claims of a 'whitewash', industry insiders told MailOnline today that it opens the door to the 61-year-old getting a new big-money deal to return to work next year. But a senior British broadcasting source said a return to TV for Mr Schofield is 'unlikely for now'. He said: 'Now that a line has been drawn in the sand by ITV over the Schofield saga, attention will move on. 'Within a period of time there is now a place for Phillip to return, possibly not on TV yet, but there are now a myriad of opportunities for him on commercial radio where he will be offered big money to return to his first love. 'The KC's report gives him a fresh chance but nobody will be surprised at all to see that ITV has found itself in the clear as it tries to save This Morning'. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby are pictured either side of the man with whom he had an affair Schofield was out and about in west London yesterday Schofield has been supported by his family throughout pictured with his wife Stephanie and eldest daughter Molly Schofield quit This Morning after he admitted to a past relationship with a younger male former colleague but neither men spoke to Jane Mulcahy KC, whose report came out yesterday. Ms Mulcahy found that the unnamed runner's promotion from This Morning to Loose Women 'had nothing to do' with Schofield and claimed that also 'only one person' interviewed had knowledge of the affair but 'did not report their knowledge at time'. Schofield started out in local radio in New Zealand as a teenager before joining the BBC, hosting a popular show on Radio 1 while presenting Going Live. It now remains to be seen whether Britain's most popular stations, such as Classic FM, Magic, Virgin, Heart or other giants now swoop. Greatest Hits Radio has also been on a hiring spree, grabbing big names such as Ken Bruce and Simon Mayo to take listeners from Radio 2. But sources have said Schofield could soon be back in work. Furious ITV staff blasted the external report into Schofield's affair with a younger colleague as a 'whitewash'. Bosses at the broadcaster yesterday published the much anticipated review into the scandal and the toxic working culture at This Morning. One employee told the Mail of their 'sheer bewilderment' that only one junior worker was aware of the relationship. The report found that ITV did not cover up the relationship and that station bosses had made 'considerable efforts' to discover the truth in 2019 four years before the affair broke. Furious ITV staff have blasted an external report into Phillip Schofield 's affair with a younger colleague as a 'whitewash'. Pictured: Schofield and Holly Willoughby on This Morning The external review found that the channel was 'unable to uncover the relevant evidence' until Schofield's own admission in May when he told the Mail that he had been having the relationship and later lied about it. ITV bosses have said both Schofield and his former lover, who has never been named publicly, 'repeatedly denied' allegations of a relationship until the star dramatically quit ITV and formally apologised. It added that only one person out of 48 interviewed a junior employee said they knew about the presenter's relationship with the younger male former colleague before he revealed it. Ms Mulcahy revealed that Schofield refused to take part in the review into the circumstances surrounding the his departure because of 'the risk to his health'. She added that she was informed that the host's mental health had since deteriorated. Schofield's former colleague and lover also declined to participate in the report. However, staff at ITV have been left cross, accusing the report of being a 'waste of time'. The findings did reveal that there was a culture of silence at the channel, saying that junior employees at This Morning still fear that speaking out will damage their careers in the industry. One staff member told the Mail: 'There's a chasm between this report and reality. What's clear is that ITV will need more than policies and procedures to address its culture of silence.' Sources at ITV say that they have 'full confidence' in This Morning editor Martin Frizell and its head of daytime, Emma Gormley. There have been calls for chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall and her number two Kevin Lygo to be sacked, though insiders now think that their jobs will also be safe. In a bombshell statement to the Daily Mail in May, Schofield admitted that he and the man began a relationship that was more than a friendship. The ex-TV presenter describes this as 'unwise but not illegal'. Schofield admitted the relationship with a younger male colleague (pictured together) Schofield and Ms Willoughby on the sofa on ITV's This Morning on February 2 In his grovelling apology, Schofield said: 'I am making this statement via the Daily Mail, to whom I have already apologised personally for misleading, through my lawyer who I also misled, about a story [sic] which they wanted to write about me a few days ago. 'The first thing I want to say is: I am deeply sorry for having lied to them, and to many others about a relationship that I had with someone working on This Morning. I did have a consensual on-off relationship with a younger male colleague at This Morning. 'Contrary to speculation, whilst I met the man when he was a teenager and was asked to help him to get into television, it was only after he started to work on the show that it became more than a just a friendship. That relationship was unwise, but not illegal. It is now over... 'I am painfully conscious that I have lied to my employers at ITV, to my colleagues and friends, to my agents, to the media and therefore the public and most importantly of all to my family. I am so very, very sorry, as I am for having been unfaithful to my wife... 'I am resigning from ITV with immediate effect, expressing my immense gratitude to them for all the amazing opportunities that they have given me. 'I will reflect on my very bad judgement in both participating in the relationship and then lying about it.' A chicken farmer has been told to get rid of his roosters because of complaints about them rising too early in the morning. Cheshire West and Chester Council received complaints from Luke Ormond's neighbour that his flock of crowing cockerels and clucking hens wake them up before 7am. In July 2023, he was informed that a neighbour of his home in Antrobus, Northwich had lodged a noise complaint on the grounds that some of his cockerels were crowing too early. Council officers visited his neighbour's home and installed noise monitoring devices, which recorded a cockerel crowing at 6.50am. Cheshire West and Chester Council received complaints from Luke Ormond's neighbour about his flock of crowing cockerels and clucking hens (pictured) The council has the power to make him get rid of the flock by issuing a noise abatement notice and regard 7am as the start of the working day Luke didn't hear anything from the council for a long time, then in September, he got a letter claiming his cockerels constituted a noise nuisance. The letter included several recommendations, including wrapping plastic around his coops to keep out light and also getting rid of some of the 'problem' birds. The council has the power to make him get rid of the flock by issuing a noise abatement notice and regard 7am as the start of the working day. Mr Ormond, 28, said: 'So it appears that if they had crowed just 10 minutes later, at 7am, there would be no problem. 'The working day begins at 7am, according to their rules. 'In my opinion, in the countryside, that's absolutely crackers. 'The council recorded one cockerel crowing at 6.50am in the morning, which they say constitutes a statutory noise nuisance. 'I can't control what noise a living, breathing animal makes, or when it makes it. 'Maybe I'm de-sensitised to it, being a poultry fancier and living in the countryside all my life. Council officers visited his neighbour's home and installed noise monitoring devices, which recorded a cockerel crowing at 6.50am 'I can understand if someone lives in a terrace house with neighbours playing music until one o'clock in the morning, but this is the country. 'We have animals - it's just our way of life.' The farm worker breeds and sells prize chickens as a sideline income and hobby. He keeps up to 100 birds, including cockerels, at any one time at his home. Mr Ormond said he's been caused a lot of stress by the investigation, which has involved him taking five days off work and losing pay to meet with council officials. 'It's all taking a massive emotional toll,' he said. 'One of the things really upsetting me is my neighbours who made the complaint used to keep cockerels themselves. 'We used to be on great terms. We used to exchange gifts at Christmas and swap hatching eggs with each other.' Mr Ormond has started a protest petition which has already got hundreds of signatures from supporters calling for the council to withdraw the threat to his birds. Luke's petition starts reads: 'Protect the Right to Keep Cockerels in Rural Antrobus, Northwich. Mr Ormond has started a protest petition which has already got hundreds of signatures from supporters calling for the council to withdraw the threat to his birds (stock photo) 'I am a local resident of Antrobus, Northwich, UK and for over 14 years, I have been breeding poultry on my agricultural field. 'This is not just my business but also my hobby. 'Recently, a neighbour has complained about the noise made by my cockerels, despite living in a rural location and owning chickens themselves. 'Rural areas are traditionally home to various types of livestock including poultry. The sounds they make are part of the charm and reality of country living. 'It's important to note that according to the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), there are no specific laws against keeping cockerels or noise they make in rural areas. 'This petition seeks support from fellow residents and fellow poultry fanciers to ensure that those who choose countryside living understand and respect its nature and community - which includes the crowing of cockerels. 'Let's protect our right to keep poultry without unnecessary complaints affecting our livelihoods and rural interests. 'Please sign this petition if you believe in preserving rural lifestyles and supporting small businesses, like mine in Antrobus, Northwich.' People lined up to sign, with one person posting: 'Totally agree with this.' Another person said: '6.50 is not early in the countryside, those people complaining should get up earlier or buy earplugs, or even better move if they don't like countryside noise, such as owls in the night, foxes howling, or livestock such as poultry etc etc.' Another said: 'I keep poultry, have done my whole life, always had cockerels - their noise is no different to any other, like dogs barking or babies crying. Cockerels are beautiful birds with personalities to match!' A person added: 'They should move if it's a problem.' Another person said: 'Rural areas should be used for the benefit of those who use the space for nature and all this entails. Not for those who move into an area and want to change it to suit themselves.' And another said: 'This is just part of natural rural life. We love the sounds generated in the countryside.' Cheshire West and Chester Council said: 'Our Public Protection Team is investigating a noise complaint relating to cockerels belonging to Mr Ormond as a possible statutory nuisance case. 'No abatement notice has been served, but Mr Ormond has been advised that if we consider a statutory nuisance is occurring, we are required to serve an abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 'Mr Ormond is aware of the above and officers are working with him to make changes to prevent a nuisance from occurring.' Rishi Sunak was warned that his new Rwanda flights law provided Channel migrants with 'easy' ways to avoid deportation, it was claimed today as the Tory civil war over the scheme deepened. Two senior lawyers told the PM that the hastily drawn-up plan still gave arrivals the ability to individually challenge their removal to Africa in the courts. It came as the Home Office revealed that the cost of the agreement with Kigali has will rise from the initial 140million to 290million by 2025, despite no migrants having yet left the UK. Mr Sunak is facing anger from the right and centre of the Conservatives over the new scheme, which is due to face its first vote in the Commons next Tuesday as he seeks to prevent a repeat of the previous iteration's Supreme Court defeat. Groups dubbed the 'five families' feel that it is either too tough or not tough enough and are threatening not to support it. And despite Tory chairman Richard Holden yesterday warning that replacing Mr Sunak before the general election would be 'insanity', there are reports that some backbenchers want him gone. Two senior lawyers told the PM that the hastily drawn-up plan still gave arrivals the ability to individually challenge their removal to Africa in the courts. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove began No10's attempt to salvage the vote today as he suggested rebels would get an opportunity further down the line to amend it before it becomes law if they back it in the initial second reading vote next week. The cost of the Rwanda scheme has doubled to almost 300million, despite never being used. Former Brexit minister Lord Frost issued what has been seen as a coded message in the Telegraph today , telling rebels that if they feel the 'current path' doesn't lead to a win 'they shouldn't be resigning themselves to it they should be doing something about it'. Former Brexit minister Lord Frost issued what has been seen as a coded message in the Telegraph today, telling rebels that if they feel the 'current path' doesn't lead to a win 'they shouldn't be resigning themselves to it they should be doing something about it'. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove began No10's attempt to salvage the vote today as he suggested rebels would get an opportunity further down the line to amend it before it becomes law if they back it in the initial second reading vote next week. But he was unable to offer a timetable for when the Rwanda legislation would get through Parliament. The 'five families' trying to make Rishi an offer he cannot refuse The New Conservatives A right-wing traditionalist group led by evangelical Christians Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger. Its ranks are drawn mainly from MPs first elected in 2019, with a lot of Red Wall politicians including Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson involved. was only formed in May but has made headlines agitating for a more hardline party that is tough on immigration, pro-traditional families and strong in fighting the culture war. It has called for a hard cap on migrant numbers. European Research Group An older Brexiteeer group on the right of the party which came to the fore during the Brexit years under Jacob Rees-Mogg. It played a key role in organising opposition to Theresa May and has continued to be a thorn in the side of the Government when it wants to be. Led now by Mark Francois it has convened a 'star chamber' led by veteran eurosceptic Bill cash to run the rule over the Rwanda law. Common Sense Group Another informal group on the right led by Suella Braverman ally Sir John Hayes and Sir Edward Leigh. In 2021 it backed a 'Britain Uncancelled' campaign with Sir John launching a blistering attack on statue-toppling, politically correct woke warriors, and demanded to know why Whitehall departments granted 'huge sums of money' to groups that were 'entirely hostile to British values of fairness, open-mindedness, mutual respect and reasonableness'. One Nation Caucus A group of more than 100 MPs on the moderate wing of the party. It has described leaving the ECHR as a red line for its members. It is said to be unhappy at the law giving ministers unilateral plans to brand Rwanda as 'safe' and over-rule human rights laws and may yet refuse to back the new law in Parliament. Northern Research Group A group founded by ex-Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry to represent Conservatives in seats in the north of England, many of which switched from Labour for the first time at the last election. Less openly ideological than some of the other groups, but regards immigration as a key issue for its voters. Advertisement Mr Pursglove was touring broadcast studios on Friday to defend the plan, a day after being appointed minister for legal migration when Robert Jenrick's role was split into two following his resignation in protest at the legislation he believed was doomed to fail. Amid public displays of deep division over the Bill, Mr Pursglove insisted there was a 'unity of purpose on the Conservative benches in Parliament that we need to address this issue' of small boats carrying asylum seekers to UK shores. 'Undoubtedly, there are different views on aspects,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'But I think in terms of that mission, we recognise that these crossings of the Channel are completely unacceptable.' He also tried to play down suggestions that allowing migrants to challenge their individual removal to Rwanda could prove fatal to the plan. He told Sky News: 'The legislation closes off so many of the grounds that people have come forward with in raising claims about being sent to Rwanda previously 'We believe that this is robust ... I believe that this will do the job.' In a letter published late last night the Home Office confirmed ministers had signed off payments totalling a further 100million to Rwanda this year on top of the original 140million cost. A further 50million for next year has already been agreed, taking the total to 290million since the deal was first signed last year. It insisted they were not linked to the signing of a new treaty with Rwanda this week. Millions more are expected to be paid if the Government eventually succeeds in deporting any Channel migrants there. The emergence of the staggering figures is an embarrassment for the Home Office, which told MPs last month it would not provide a 'running commentary' on the cost. Mr Pursglove defended the cost - mocked by Labour's Yvette Cooper as '100million for every Home Secretary who has travelled to Rwanda for a photo opportunity'. He told Times Radio: 'Part of that money is helpful in making sure that we can respond to the issues properly that the Supreme Court raised, making sure that the capacity is in place to administer the partnership at the first possible opportunity. 'And I think it's right that we go about this in the way that we are and when you consider that we're spending 8 million a day currently in the asylum system you have to look at those spends in that context. That is not sustainable.' The original 140million bill comprised 120million for the 'economic development and growth of Rwanda', with 20million to support 'initial set-up costs' for the scheme, including the creation of a reception centre in the capital Kigali in 2022. But a planned deportation flight in June that year was blocked after a last-minute injunction by the European Court of Human Rights. This triggered a wave of legal action which eventually led to the scheme being ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court last month. Despite this, ministers signed off a further 100million payment in April this year for 'economic transformation' in Rwanda. The Home Office confirmed that a further 50million has already been agreed for next year. The Desir Resort Hotel, which is one of the locations which was expected to house some of the asylum-seekers due to be sent from Britain to Rwanda If migrants are eventually sent to Rwanda, the UK Government has agreed to pay an additional per-person fee to cover living and administration costs. Ministers had tried to keep the costs secret in the hope that they would not be revealed until flights have finally started. At an appearance before the Commons Home Affairs Committee last month, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft said figures would only be released in an annual report next summer. 'Ministers have decided the way to update Parliament is annually, rather than by giving a running commentary,' he said. Dame Diana Johnson, Labour chairman of the committee, said secrecy over the policy 'shows a total disregard for the vital role select committees play in holding the government to account'. In his letter last night, sent after the Mail approached the Home Office, Mr Rycroft said 'ministers have agreed that I can disclose now the payments so far'. He denied reports the UK paid Rwanda a further 15million for signing the new treaty, adding: 'The Government of Rwanda did not ask for any payment in order for a treaty to be signed, nor was any offered.' The documentary was broadcast on Thursday evening on the France 2 channel Gerard Depardieu was filmed making sexual comments about a girl aged ten and groped his interpreter's bottom during a visit to North Korea, according to reports about a newly released French documentary. 'Gerard Depardieu, the fall of the Ogre' shows the French actor making several misogynistic remarks and seemingly unwelcome sexual advances during a 2018 tour of the Asian nation, The Telegraph reports. The documentary was broadcast on Thursday evening on Complement d'Enquete, a weekly investigative programme on the France 2 channel. The footage was taken by Yann Moix, a friend of Depardieu's, who accompanied him on his trip to North Korea to mark its 70th anniversary. The documentary begins with the 74-year-old actor ogling a woman and saying: 'Oh la la, tres belle', according to The Telegraph. 'Gerard Depardieu, the fall of the Ogre' shows the 74-year-old French actor making several misogynistic remarks and seemingly unwelcome sexual advances during a 2018 tour, according to a report (File Photo) Depardieu is facing rape and sexual assault charges in his home country. The film also shows a seemingly intoxicated Depardieu making a number of explicit comments to make himself laugh, according to the report. The documentary shows him visiting a horse riding centre, where a 10-year-old girl is upon a horse. As the child is riding around the enclosure, he makes several lewd comments, including that women derive sexual pleasure from riding horses and labelling them 'sluts', the newspaper reports. He is reported to ask his interpreter: 'Why don't you get on a horse? 'It does you good, you know. Generally, women who ride like a lot of other things, there's a life in it.' Depardieu is reported to say at one point in the documentary to the interpreter: 'Pretty little darling. I'm in great shape, I slept a lot. If you only knew the dreams I've had, I know you like the back of my hand. 'You're going to take a nice shower and think of me.' He is also reported to have turned to her after weighing himself in one scene, commenting: '124 kilos, and right now I'm not erect, erect is 126. 'I've got a beam in my pants.' Depardieu pulls the interpreter close to him in another exchange before asking another woman to 'take a picture while I touch her bottom', the newspaper reports. In one scene, Moix is reported to be heard saying to the interpreter: 'You picked the short straw with Gerard.' The documentary also features testimony from French actor Helene Darras, who accuses Depardieu of groping her while they were working together on the film Disco in 2007, according to the newspaper. Darras, who was an extra, was 26 at the time of the alleged incident. Paris prosecutors confirmed on Wednesday that she had filed a sexual assault complaint against Depardieu in September. The footage was taken by Yann Moix, a friend of Depardieu's, who accompanied him on his trip to North Korea to mark its 70th anniversary (File Photo) Investigators were studying the complaint, which likely falls under France's statute of limitations, to decide whether or not to launch a probe. 'It took me a year to go from talking about what happened (in the media) to the criminal complaint,' Darras told AFP. 'Walking through the door of a police station, telling an officer someone touched your intimate parts, it's not easy, you need time to think about it,' she added. Speaking to France 2 about the incident in which Depardieu allegedly groped her when she was aged 26, she said that he 'ran his hand over my thighs and my buttocks' then 'said straight out: "Do you want to come to my dressing room?"' Darras said she rejected his alleged advances, but 'that didn't change anything'. 'He kept groping me between takes,' she said. The actor said she 'couldn't give a damn' if the allegations are too old to be investigated. Darras 'wanted to respond to the defence that plays down our allegations by saying they're "just" witness accounts,' she told AFP. Depardieu in 2020 was charged in Paris after allegations of rapes and sexual assaults following a complaint by actor Charlotte Arnould. Other women have since accused Depardieu of sexual violence in the press. In a letter to conservative newspaper Le Figaro in October, Depardieu insisted that he is 'neither a rapist nor a predator'. 'Never, but never have I abused a woman,' he wrote, saying that he would not be getting involved in 'any projects' given the 'context' of the allegations. Danielle Echeverria is a reporter for The Chronicles Engagement and Breaking News team. She recently completed her Master's degree in journalism at Stanford University, where she won the Nicholas Roosevelt Environmental Journalism Award for her reporting and covered agriculture, climate change and worker safety. She previously interned The Chronicle on the Business desk, as well as at Big Local News, focusing on data journalism. She is originally from Bakersfield, California. She can be reached at danielle.echeverria@sfchronicle.com. Christmas party season kicked off with a bang last night as revellers flocked to Sydney's pubs and bars. Office workers swapped their suits for fancy dress as they headed to the city's watering holes in hilarious costumes - including a cocktail-quaffing Catwoman and a schooner-swilling Wonder Woman. One man was dressed as the iconic Nintendo videogame character Mario while another stepped out as party animal Alan from The Hangover movie series. Another man was seen wearing a bizarre loaf of bread costume while carrying a hand-held fan on the way to a party. By the end of the night, a few people looked like they may have had a little too much Christmas cheer as they stopped for a quick kerb-side siesta. Other partygoers had kicked off their heels as they made their way home or waited for their Ubers to arrive. The parties went on well into the night as revellers celebrated the beginning of the end of the year The footwear was too much for some as many ditched the shoes for the comfort of a barefoot stroll across the streets The late night parties got the better of some as workers hit the city streets earlier on Friday afternoon to kick off a night of Christmas parties Others had planned a long night to the end of the working week with several seen sprawled across the street after the festivities had ended The sweltering heat across Sydney didn't stop many from having a good time This dapper gentleman was seen helping his friend make her way home Can't stop, won't stop: While the night was over for some, for others the party never ends Closing time: It was home time for this young woman who was seen having a chat on the phone Superhero costumes were out in force as one woman (pictured) was seen dressed as Wonderwoman Workers headed out to parties (pictured) despite the blistering heat that baked most of Sydney on Friday One man was seen decked out in a bizarre load of bread costume (pictured) while carrying a hand-held fan on the way to a party A man stepped out in the iconic costume of Nintendo video game character Mario (pictured) One woman was seen dressed as superhero Catwoman (pictured) as many chose to wear costumes to their Christmas parties A man dressed up as party animal Alan from hit movie series The Hangover (pictured centre) as partygoers hit the city streets The Santa hats were out in full swing (pictured) as city dwellers showed off their traditional Christmas colours Some had planned a big night with many set to enjoy a long night out on the town People were seen carrying cases of beverages (pictured) with some coming prepared with bottled water Others opted party attire (pictured) as dozens swarmed the King Street Wharf to party near Sydney harbour Some opted to go for casual wear (pictured) with venues packed with partygoers as celebrations during the festive seasons get's into full swing Bottoms up! These ladies were enjoying a few drinks after a long day at work Four people have been found dead in a mystery shooting in a remote Colorado home, with another man lying injured outside. The shooting was reported shortly before midnight on Wednesday in Peyton, northeast of Colorado Springs. Deputies from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office attended and found a man lying outside the house with non-life-threatening injuries. The SWAT team, hostage negotiators, police dogs as well as robotic assets were gathered at the house as investigators believed one person inside might have been alive and held against their will, Sgt. Marc Miller from the sheriff's office said. When the SWAT team eventually entered the house, four dead adults were found. The shooting was reported shortly before midnight on Wednesday in Peyton, northeast of Colorado Springs (pictured: the scene of the reported shooting) Investigators from the El Paso County Sheriff's Dept. and officers from the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region investigate a house north of Peyton There is no threat to the community after a shelter-in-place order for neighbours was lifted at 2.30am, according to KKTV (pictured: the scene in Peyton) It is unclear how the people were related and what their involvement in the reported shooting was. This information will not be released pending positive identification and notification of next-of-kin, according to a statement by the sheriff's office. While the shooting is still being investigated, officers are not searching for any suspects. 'Everybody that was involved has been accounted for, so we are not looking for any additional people,' Sgt Miller told AP News. He added that the injured man found outside the house was taken to hospital for treatment and has not been arrested. The sheriff's office said initial information reveals that the shooting occurred before the arrival of deputies. There is no threat to the community after a shelter-in-place order for neighbours was lifted at 2.30am, according to KKTV. The El Paso County Coroner's Office will identify the deceased and the cause as well as the manner of their death. Tory MPs opened a new battle in their civil war over immigration last night with a row over an x-rated social media advert featuring a BBC presenter giving viewers the middle finger. Moderates demanded the removal of a post on X using an image of BBC World chief presenter Maryam Moshiri to accuse Labour of having no credible plan to cut migration. It comes at a time when the Conservative Party is itself being torn apart by its own failure to stop small boats crossing the channel, or deport occupants to Rwanda. The post from the Conservatives captioned the image of Ms Moshiri 'flipping the bird' as: 'Labour when you ask for their plans to tackle illegal migration.' It was shared approvingly by some Tories including former minister Jonathan Gullis, who got into a spat with Tory peer Lord Barwell over it. It also attracted criticism from senior Tory MPs, including Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Tobias Ellwood, the former defence minister. Ms Kearns, who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, posted: 'Amazed this has not - despite requests - been taken down, it is beneath us.' Mr Ellwood also posted: 'Please delete this post.' It was shared approvingly by some Tories including former minister Jonathan Gullis, who got into a spat with Tory peer Lord Barwell over it. It also attracted criticism from senior Tory MPs, including Alicia Kearns, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Tobias Ellwood, the former defence minister. Newly-appointed legal migration minister Tom Pursglove defended his party on Friday. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I've not spent an awful amount of time on Twitter in the last 24 hours as you'll imagine, having just been appointed yesterday and trying to immerse myself in all of the detail. 'But the bottom line is it does highlight the fact that the Labour Party doesn't have a credible alternative. 'I'm sure that Alicia and other colleagues will have fed in their views to central office and the party chairman.' In viral footage Ms Moshiri can be seen raising her eyebrows and flipping off the camera as she comes on-screen after the programme's famous musical countdown ends. Ms Moshiri, 46, one of the network's chief presenters, seems to quickly realise she is live and snatches her hand away before beginning to read out the headlines about Boris Johnson. 'Live from London, this is BBC News,' she says, having swiftly adopted a more serious demeanour. Yesterday she issued an apology on social media saying she 'did not realise' the moment would be caught on camera and she is 'sorry if I offended or upset anyone'. Ms Moshiri said: 'Hey everyone, yesterday just before the top of the hour I was joking around a bit with the team in the gallery. 'I was pretending to count down as the director was counting me down from 10-0... including the fingers to show the number. 'So from 10 fingers held up to one. When we got to 1 I turned finger around as a joke and did not realise that this would be caught on camera. 'It was a private joke with the team and I'm so sorry it went out on air! It was not my intention for this to happen and I'm sorry if I offended or upset anyone. 'I wasn't 'flipping the bird' at viewers or even a person really. It was a silly joke that was meant for a small number of my mates.' However in a sign she may have realised her hand gesture was aired, she fluffed the end of the headline, referring to the 'coronaverse' pandemic. A 16-year-old boy has died of internal injuries after a man inserted a compressed air hose into his rectum 'for fun' at an Indian factory. Motilal Sahu, 16, had been joking with factory employee Dheerajsingh Goud, 21, when the worker grabbed the hose pipe of his cleaning machine and shoved it into the teenager's rectum. Police said the sudden burst of air in his rectum severely damaged Motilal's intestines and he collapsed on the floor of the Poona Flour and Foods processing unit in the town of Hadapsar near Pune City, western India. Motilal was rushed to a nearby private hospital where he died of internal injuries on Monday morning, senior inspector Ravindra Shelke told the Times of India. Goud, said to be a distant relative of Motilal's, has been arrested over the teenager's death, police said. A 16-year-old boy has died of internal injuries after a man inserted a compressed air hose into his rectum 'for fun' at an Indian factory (file image) Police said the sudden burst of air in his rectum severely damaged Motilal's intestines and he collapsed on the floor of the Poona Flour and Foods processing unit in the town of Hadapsar near Pune City, western India Motilal had become a regular visitor at the food processing unit after moving to Hadapsar two months ago to live with his uncle Shankardin Sahu, who worked at the factory. Shelke said Motilal and Goud had become 'good friends' over the past few months. On Monday, Goud had been using a compressed air hose to clean the floor and machines in the factory as the processing unit makes various flours which generates a lot of dust. 'Goud was cleaning a machine and the floor using the compressor pipe on Monday, when Motilal went there,' Shelke said. The inspector added: 'They started chatting and teasing each other. Goud got up and put the hose pipe of the running machine into Motilal's rectum. 'As the air entered Motilal's stomach from the rectum, he fainted and fell on the floor. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he died of internal injuries cased by the sudden burst of air in his cavity.' Whilst rare, there have been other cases in India where people have died after workers inserted air compressor hoses into their rectums. In November, a 19-year-old man died after his colleague inserted an air compressor hose into his rectum in Ahmedabad. And in September, a 25-year-old man in Madhya Pradesh died after his friend put a hose into his rectum. A female military veteran said to have mental health issues was filmed trying to set Martin Luther King Jr's childhood home ablaze. The unnamed would-be arsonist, 26, was seen pouring the contents of a five gallon gasoline container onto the wooden porch of the historic Atlanta home on Thursday. In a clip of the incident, a witness twice asks: 'What are you doing?' The woman signals with her hand for him to leave her alone. 'That's gasoline,' he tells her. Those witnesses later said that they stepped in when they saw her attempting to ignite a lighter on the lawn, The New York Times reported. Eyewitness Zach Kempf, 43, who was visiting the federal landmark from Salt Lake City, stepped in after the woman walked to the front yard to get a lighter. The woman was also seen trying to yank the screen door off the front of the property, which was built in 1895 and was MLK Jr's home until he was 12. Kempf said the woman had a 'nervous energy' about her, adding: 'But she wasn't aggressive.' He added 'Obviously, the house is so important, and Im really glad nothing happened to it. But I feel like now Im mostly just concerned for her well-being.' The woman is then said to have relented in her attempts to burn the home and started to walk away. Two cops visiting from New York restrained her, with another part of the video shared showing the woman with a knee on her back. Witnesses said that they initially thought that the suspect was watering the shrubs until she tried to get access to the house Two off-duty NYPD officers stopped the suspect, 26, from leaving the scene as they waited for the Atlanta PD to arrive The property was constructed in 1895 and was MLK Jr's childhood home until he was 12 Martin Luther King Jr's childhood home When Martin Luther King Jr was born in 1929, he lived in a Queen Anne-style frame house at 501 Auburn Ave. in Atlanta. The home was built in 1895 for a white family and bought by Kings maternal grandfather in 1909 for $3,500. The neighborhood was the Sweet Auburn District, a thriving location for black-owned businesses, churches and clubs. Kings mother later inherited the property. The civil rights icon would go on to live there until he was 12 years old. The last members of the family to live in the house was King's younger brother Alfred Daniel King and his family, who passed away in 1969 in a mysterious swimming accident. In 1980, Congress declared the house a National Historic Site and in 1982, the National Park Service began offering tours. The house was bought by the National Park Foundation in 2018. It has been restored with period pieces to the way it would have looked when King lived there in the 1930s and early 40s. In November, it was announced that the house would undergo further renovations and be closed to the public until 2025. Advertisement Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the Good Samaritans had helped 'save an important part of American history tonight.' Shortly after her arrest, the woman's father and sisters arrived at the scene. They said that they had been trying to track her down because they were worried about her and found her through a tracking app on her phone. The home is located in Atlanta's historic Sweet Auburn section and is undergoing renovations and is closed to the public until 2025. Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry echoed the police chief's words, saying that if the witnesses any longer, the home could have been lost forever. 'It could have been a matter of seconds before the house was engulfed in flames,' DeBerry said. 'Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to this historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement,' the King Center said in a statement. 'We thank the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Department, the National Parks Service, and Mayor Andre Dickens for leading the efforts to ensure the safety of our cherished national landmark and its adjacent neighbors. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act,' the press release continued. Congress declared the home a National Historic Site in 1980, and the National Park Service began offering tours of it in 1982. The home was built in 1895 for a white family and bought by King's maternal grandfather in 1909 for $3,500. King's mother inherited it. King's younger brother, A.D. King, and his family were the last of the King line to live there. Two people have been charged in connection with alleged disorder offences after Sir Keir Starmer was accosted by pro-Palestine activists in Glasgow last night. Police Scotland said a man, 33, and a woman, 26, were arrested after the Labour leader was confronted by furious protesters over the Israel-Hamas war as he arrived in the Scottish city. Footage shared on social media showed Sir Keir being surrounded by a group, some holding placards and Palestinian flags, as he was escorted through Glasgow Central Station. As the politician arrived one protester shouted: 'Keir Starmer you are facilitating Israel's genocide in Gaza. Stop the massacre of over 7,000 babies. 'Freedom for Palestine, stop the genocide. You're responsible for killing babies in Gaza.' Footage shared on social media showed the Labour leader being confronted by furious protesters in Glasgow Sir Keir Starmer was surrounded by a group of protesters, some holding placards and Palestinian flags, as he was escorted through Glasgow Central Station War Criminal! Labour leader Keir Starmer is met by protesters as he arrives in Glasgow. pic.twitter.com/HQBFzWCNk5 Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) December 7, 2023 Keir Starmer getting the welcome to Glasgow he deserves. How many more dead children @Keir_Starmer? Ceasefire now!! pic.twitter.com/f9ibhmFTBb fraser (@AFrazzledScot) December 7, 2023 Another questioned: 'Starmer, why did you vote for continued genocide?' Others shouted: 'War criminal' and 'You should be in prison'. After Sir Keir got into a Range Rover, activists surrounded it shouting 'child murderer'. The protest continued outside the Crowne Plaza hotel, where Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also came in for criticism from protesters 'for supporting genocide'. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused weeks of tensions within Labour, with Sir Keir coming under intense pressure to back a full ceasefire. Last month, Sir Keir suffered a huge Labour revolt in the House of Commons as 56 of his MPs defied him and backed calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The Labour leader has also seen many local councillors quit the party across the country in protest at his stance on the Gaza crisis. But Sir Keir has held firm to his position that Israel has a right to self-defence in the wake of Hamas's terror attacks on October 7. Keir Starmer has arrived in Glasgow. Glasgow says no to warmongers. #CeasefireNow @STWuk pic.twitter.com/YAkXXOpfah Glasgow Stop the War (@GlasgowStopWar) December 7, 2023 Footage filmed on a train earlier showed a passenger confronting Sir Keir over the 'slaughter' of 7,000 Palestinian children. In a self-filmed video, a pro-Palestine supporter is seen approaching the Labour leader as he looks at a laptop with an aide in a train carriage. Sir Keir, who remains silent throughout, is then grilled over his refusal to back a full ceasefire He is asked: 'Keir, how many more children in Palestine have to die before you call for a ceasefire? 'Over 7,000 children have died, over 7,000 children have been slaughtered by Israel. 'What happened to human rights? What happened to democracy? We call for peace, we call for democracy. 'We don't see any of that when it comes to the Palestinians - 7,000 children, how many more have to die? 20,000 people, how many more people have to die? 'This is unacceptable, where is your humanity?' As the activist is then ushered away by two men, he says: 'Please don't touch me. I am not doing anything wrong. I've paid for a ticket, I'm on the train.' In the self-filmed video, a pro-Palestine supporter is seen approaching the Labour leader as he looks at a laptop with an aide in a train carriage The protester is then led away from Sir Keir by two men According to Gaza Health Ministry figures, at least 17,177 Palestinians have been killed since October 7. Around 70 per cent of Gaza's dead are estimated by local officials to be women and children under 18. Police Scotland confirmed the two people who were arrested have now been charged. A spokesman said: 'A 33-year-old man and 26-year-old woman have been arrested and charged in connection with disorder offences following a protest in Congress Road, Glasgow, on Thursday, December 7, 2023. 'A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.' British Transport Police said: 'We are aware of videos circulating on social media, which showed incidents on board a train to Glasgow and at Glasgow Central station on December 7. 'Officers were in attendance to ensure the safety of passengers and those using the station. 'There were no reports made to British Transport Police in connection and no arrests were made.' This is the shocking moment an 11-year-old girl was saved from a suspected paedophile, believed to be trying to drag her into his flat in Kazakhstan. The child is seen on security camera footage as the alleged attacker tries to usher her up the steps of his apartment block. Policeman Rymgali Zhibraev then steps in to rescue the girl, freeing her from his grasp. The girl clings on to the officer's hand for safety. Zhibraev and the suspect are then seen wrestling as the officer tries to detain him, before he can 'frogmarch him to the police station'. If convicted of attempted abduction with intent to commit a sex attack, he could face chemical castration under Kazakhstan's strict laws. Policeman Rymgali Zhibraev (centre) saves a child (right) from a suspected sex offender (left) The officer is seen wrestling with the suspect as he tries to apprehend him The police inspector has been hailed a hero in Kazakhstan for acting quickly both to rescue the terrified girl and detain the suspected sex offender. 'Carrying out my daily duties, I heard cries for help from the street,' he recalled. READ MORE: All convicted paedophiles names, pictures and addresses are publicly released in Kazakhstan, prompting fears of vigilante attacks Aldamzhar Abdilov, then the oldest convicted paedophile on the list at 79 Advertisement 'I noticed a man near the entrance who was forcibly holding a girl [aged 11 or 12] trying to take her to his flat. 'It was clear that the child was trying to escape. She was in danger. I snatched her from his grasp The girl was very scared and did not let go of my hand.' The inspector said: 'With my other hand I grabbed him by the clothes and frogmarched him to the police station.' The officer reunited the girl with her mother and was widely praised by the media in his country. 'I do not regard my action as heroic,' he said. 'Any policeman in my place would have done the same.' A pre-trial investigation has been launched under the country's attempted rape laws. If found guilty, the unnamed suspect could face chemical castration, a law in effect since 2018 with the decision left in the hands of the courts. 'It consists of a man being injected with drugs that effectively blunt his sex drive for a period of time,' Radio Free Europe reported in 2016 as the bill was first signed. Interior Ministry official Alexey Milyuk said in 2021 that since the law came into effect, 'the number of offences against the underaged has decreased by 15.4 per cent'. Despite this there has been a 4.8 per cent rise in sex attacks on children, but this may be due to increased reporting of crimes, he said. The Kazakh government believes that use of forced chemical castration to reduce male libido for life among convicted paedopohiles will ultimately slash sex crimes against children. 'Legislation has been significantly tightened to prevent crimes against the sexual integrity of children,' he said. 'Early parole for paedophiles has been prohibited Jail terms for rape and sexual violence against children have been increased from 12 years to life.' Kazakhstan now jails all paedophiles in maximum security prisons, Milyuk said. This year '25 convicts sentenced to forced chemical castration by courts are now in the penitentiary system.' Zhibraev described the ordeal later, saying he does not regard his actions as heroic A suspected sex offender is detained in Kazakhstan after a police officer intervened A pre-trial investigation has been launched under the country's attempted rape laws Korea also introduced chemical castrations on sex offenders in July 2011. Since then, there has been some research around its effectiveness as a deterrent. Researchers in 2013 suggested the causal link between testosterone and sexual offending remains 'uncertain'. Nevertheless, they said it can reduce reoffending rates to just two to five per cent, versus an expected 50 per cent otherwise. However, they write, 'Chemical castration may not guarantee human rights for involuntary cases performed without informed consent of the sexual offender, and thus may be regarded as only punishment and not treatment.' Medicine in South Korea at the time cost $4,650 per person annually to administer leuprolide acetate each three months. A tiny studio flat is on sale for nearly two grand and tenants will need to climb up a flimsy-looking ladder every night to go to bed. The property, in Earl's Court, west London, is on the market for 1,820 per calendar month. The price tag does, however, include electricity, water, heating, and WiFi. Tenants further benefit from free laundry facilities and selected Sky TV channels. It is described as having a 'spacious kitchen equipped with all everyday appliances'. The property comes with a steep ladder that the tenant will have to climb every night to go to bed The property description reads: 'A charming, split-level studio apartment situated within a well-maintained period property in Earls Court, London SW5' Tenants will need to climb up to their 'bunk bed' style sleeping area, described as a separate sleeping area in a gallery. The studio is in a Victorian property but the bathroom looks relatively modern. The property is also advertised as coming with a microwave, oven/hob, fridge freezer, washer/dryer and a balcony. The description on Rightmove reads: 'A charming, split-level studio apartment situated within a well-maintained period property in Earls Court, London SW5. 'The property comprises a spacious kitchen equipped with all everyday appliances, a separate sleeping area in a gallery, and a private bathroom with a shower. But the price tag includes electricity, water, heating, and WiFi as well as a kitchen area The west London property is on the market for 1,820 per calendar month It is in a Victorian property but the bathroom looks relatively modern. You also get Sky channels included 'The rent includes electricity, water, heating, and WiFi. Tenants further benefit from free laundry facilities and free selected Sky channels. Perfect for students and young professionals! 'This unique property is ideally situated in the heart of Earls Court, with easy access to an array of amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. 'For transport links, Earl's Court tube station (District and Piccadilly lines) is located only a stone's throw away from the property. 'High Street Kensington, Holland Park, Gloucester Road, and South Kensington are also only a short stroll away.' Six teenagers accused of involvement in the killing of Samuel Paty will today receive their verdict from a French juvenile court. Paty, a history and geography teacher, was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated near his school in a Paris suburb by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020. The attack came after the teacher showed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo to his class, and his name was circulated on social media. Anzorov was shot dead by police but six teens, all of whom were students at Paty's school, are alleged to have aided the teacher's murderer. Five of the defendants, who were 14 or 15 at the time of the killing, are accused of staking Paty out until he left school that day and identifying him for the attacker in exchange for a few hundred euros. All five face charges of criminal conspiracy with the aim of preparing aggravated violence, and could receive sentences of two-and-a-half years if found guilty. Pedestrians pass by a poster depicting French teacher Samuel Paty on November 3, 2020, following the decapitation of the teacher on October 16 History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris This file photo taken on October 18, 2020, shows a person holding a placard reading "I am Samuel" as people gather on the Place de la Republique in Paris on October 18, 2020, in homage to history teacher Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 The sixth defendant, who was 13 at the time, is accused of wrongly claiming that Paty had asked Muslim students to raise their hands and leave the classroom before he showed the class the prophet cartoons. She was not in the classroom that day, and later told investigators she had lied. She is facing a charge of making false allegations after her father shared the lie in an online video that called for mobilisation against the teacher. He and a radical Islamic activist who helped disseminate virulent messages against Paty that are thought to have encouraged Anzorov to carry out his heinous attack are among eight defendants who will face a separate trial for adults suspected of involvement in the killing, expected late next year. In sometimes tearful testimony, the teenagers on trial said they had no idea the teacher would be killed, according to French media reports. The trial has been held behind closed doors, and the media are not allowed to disclose the defendants' identities according to French law regarding minors. Paty is seen in this undated image FILE: Hundreds of people gather on Republique square during a demonstration Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in Paris in support of freedom of speech and to pay tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded near Paris Flowers and signs reading "I am Samuel Paty' are displayed at a makeshift memorial during a march (marche blanche) in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, northwest of Paris, in tribute to French teacher Samuel Paty The proceedings come weeks after a teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people injured in northern France in October in a school attack by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalisation. That killing occurred in a context of global tensions over the Israel-Hamas war and led French authorities to deploy 7,000 additional soldiers across the country to bolster security and vigilance. Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab, 26, started his bloody rampage in Paris last Saturday night with a kitchen knife and a hammer. He kept screaming 'Allahu Akbar' Arabic for 'God is the greatest' and professing his support for ISIS as he was arrested for targeting a German-Filipino tourist named only as Collin, a British national identified only as Melvyn, 66, and a 60-year-old French man called Thierry. Rajabpour-Miyandoab, who had severe psychiatric problems and who was meant to be under surveillance by France's intelligence services, set upon Collin in front of his wife and another female friend. Both Collin and his partner were nurses, and had worked in a retirement home in Germany since January, said an investigating source. Rajabpour-Miyandoab, left, who had severe psychiatric problems and who was meant to be under surveillance by France 's intelligence services, set upon Collin, right, in front of his wife Armand Rajabpour-Miyandoab shouted 'Allahu Akbar' as he was taken in by Paris police, who immobilised him with a stun gun 'The murder victim was devoted to caring for other people,' he added. 'During his holiday in Paris he had visited the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Disneyland.' Following the attack on Collin, he went after Melvyn, who was on holiday in Paris at the time of the attack. The British father was stabbed in the eye in the attack, and on Monday was recovering from the wound in hospital in central Paris. The terrorist also attacked 60-year-old Thierry, who had been out walking with his wife and child, hitting him with a hammer. He too was still in hospital on Monday. Following a chase, and the intervention of a taxi driver, Rajabpour-Miyandoab was finally disabled by police using tasers. Two 'torture-obsessed' teenagers are on trial accused of the murder of a transgender schoolgirl who was stabbed to death in a 'frenzied' attack in an affluent English village. One of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey's alleged attackers, a girl who was 15 at the time, was obsessed with American serial killers including 'Night Stalker' Richard Ramirez and Jeffrey Dahmer, a jury has been told. She swapped a string of messages with her co-accused, a boy who was then also aged 15, in which they discussed killing four other teenagers before allegedly settling on a plan to lure Brianna to her death in a secluded park. Described as 'strong and fearless' by her family, Brianna had become a social media star in England before her shock killing in February. TikTok videos showing her styling her hair or lip-syncing to pop songs had won her 30,000 followers. Brianna Grey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife on February 11, a court has been told One of Brianna's alleged attackers was obsessed with American serial killers including 'Night Stalker' Richard Ramirez (left) and Jeffrey Dahmer (right), a jury has been told. Neither of the alleged killers both now aged 16 can be named under English law, which entitles defendants to anonymity until they reach the age of 18, although judges have the authority to name and shame juveniles convicted of serious crimes. Click here to listen to the Mail's new podcast The Trial The Trial...takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest trials in the world. The first series 'The Trial of Lucy Letby' was a global hit, with more than 13 million downloads, while season two focused on the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Its third season follows the tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl killed in Warrington, England. Follow the evidence as the jury hears it, in twice-weekly reports from The Daily Mail's Northern Correspondent Liz Hull and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. Advertisement Instead they are being referred to as Girl X and Boy Y. Friends since the age of 11, the pair - said to have been fascinated by torture, violence and death - deny murdering Brianna in Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington, Cheshire on February 11. Instead, 'each blames the other', prosecutor Deanna Heer KC has told Manchester Crown Court. A handwritten alleged 'murder plan' to kill Brianna was later found in the bedroom of Girl X, who jurors have been told had described herself as a 'Satanist'. Police also found notes she had made about serial killers, placing them into categories and in some cases listing how many victims they had, a court heard. A spider diagram with the words 'good' and 'evil' in the middle of it was also found, jurors have been told. The first week of the trial heard a series of WhatsApp messages the pair exchanged in the weeks before the killing in which they discussed murdering four other teenagers. On January 23 three weeks before the killing Girl X told Boy Y that she knew all about Ramirez, who terrorised residents of southern California in 1985, killing at least 13 people. She wrote that she could talk about Ramirez 'for like two hours, including quotes and dates of stuff', the court has heard. Two days later she sent Boy Y what the court was told was a list of Ramirez's 'credentials' over Snapchat. The pair swapped messages discussing trying to kill Brianna with an overdose, including hiding medication in a McDonald's milkshake. Girl X wrote that she had given Brianna pills 'that should have been enough to kill her... but she didn't die'. In response, Boy Y suggested other chemicals which he said were 'very dangerous'. Brianna Grey suffered unsurvivable injuries to her head, neck, chest, back and sides Jurors were told that at around the same time, Brianna's mother Esther found her 'screaming and crying' in her bedroom and saying: 'I think I'm going to die.' But she began to recover after throwing up, with what may have been traces of medication found in her vomit. The pair turned their attention to luring a teenager who can only be referred to as Boy E to his death, jurors have heard. But he 'smelt a rat' after Girl X set up a fake Snapchat account and refused to meet up with her. On January 26, she messaged Boy Y: 'If we can't get [Boy E] tomorrow we can kill Brianna.' He replied 'yeah, it'll be easier and I want to see if it will scream like a man or a girl'. As they allegedly planned the murder, Boy Y wrote: 'Let's have two words: one for getting the knife ready and another to stab.' Girl X replied that she would look at him and cough to tell him it was time to get the knife 'ready', then she would say 'gay' to indicate that he should stab Brianna. In messages the night before Brianna was stabbed, she told the boy she was watching her 'favourite film' Sweeney Todd for the '9,000th time'. 'He kills people with one of the sharpest blades in the world,' she wrote. The 2007 movie stars Johnny Depp as a fictional serial killer and 'demon barber of Fleet Street' in Victorian London. On the same night, girl X asked boy Y which knife he would bring when they met Brianna, to which boy Y responded: 'The hunting knife I showed you in person as well as on the phone.' A dog walker found Brianna's bloodied body face-down in mud just after 3.10pm on February 11 and saw a boy and girl jogging away, the trial has heard. Prosecutors have told the jury that the two youths planned to kill Brianna Grey (pictured) Police and paramedics rushed to the park but Brianna had been stabbed 28 times in a 'sustained and violent assault' and died at the scene. Footage from doorbell and CCTV cameras shows Brianna leaving her home that day and catching a bus to Culcheth where she is met by Girl X and Boy Y before they all walk to the park. Further footage shows Girl X and Boy Y leaving together before going to their respective homes. Following her arrest, notes were also found in her bedroom relating to fellow US serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer as well as Harold Shipman, a British doctor convicted of murdering 15 patients but believed to have killed as many as 250. Other notes referenced John Wayne Gacy, the 'Killer Clown', including the note: 'Serial killer, 33 victims, raped victims.' Brianna Ghey's mother Esther Ghey arrives at Manchester Crown Court on November 27 A further note listed a series of facts about serial killers and their characteristics including 'hedonistic', 'mutilation', 'sexual predatory behaviour' and 'can be superficially charming'. The trial has heard Brianna was stabbed 28 times in a 'frenzied' attack, suffering injuries 'consistent' with Boy Y's 4in (12cm) hunting knife. It was found, with traces of Brianna's blood still on it, in his bedroom following his arrest the following evening. However in a series of police interviews played to the jury this week, Boy Y denies bringing it to the park on the day Brianna was killed. Giving his account of what allegedly happened, Boy Y claimed he had turned away to urinate in a tree, and on looking back saw Girl X stabbing her 'at least three times'. Girl X then 'decided to run', he added, at which he 'panicked', and they both walked back to their homes, leaving Brianna bleeding to death on the ground. A vigil was held for Brianna Ghey outside the Department for Education in London in February Asked by detectives why he hadn't called police, Boy Y said he 'wasn't sure' if Girl X 'would try and come after me or anything'. In Girl X's police interview she said the pair were with Brianna at the park and that she seemed 'very happy', but she then abruptly 'stormed off' to meet 'some lad' from Manchester, who was picking her up in his car. She only learned of Brianna's death in a message from a friend when she returned home from the park, she said 'I burst out crying,' she said. 'I went to my mum straight away.' Giving her account of the last time she saw Brianna, Girl X told police: 'We were sat there chilling for a bit. She looked at her phone. 'She was like 'I need to go and meet this lad'. 'She said he was 17 and from Manchester, he was going to pick her up. 'She started having a go at me, saying 'stop interrogating me'. 'And she just walked off. She ditched me.' She said Boy Y who hadn't met Brianna before had been 'really, really quiet around her, he didn't seem to like Brianna for some reason'. 'He just seemed really cold and wasn't talking much,' she added. People leave flowers near Linear Park in Culcheth in February where Brianna Ghey was found Jurors have now heard all the pair's police interviews, but neither has yet given evidence in court. The pathologist who carried out a post mortem told the court that Brianna suffered stab wounds which would have required 'considerable force' to inflict. Dr Alison Armour was asked by Richard Pratt KC, defending Girl X, as to whether it would be 'fair to say they also required considerable strength?' 'It requires a degree of strength, I accept that,' she answered. An expert has told the court that stains from 'airborne' blood found on the clothing Boy Y was wearing that day contradicted his claim that he turned around to see Girl X stabbing Brianna. No bloodstains were found on Girl X's clothes, although under questioning from Boy Y's lawyer, the expert accepted that it was possible for bloodstains to vanish when clothes are washed. Jurors have been told that the prosecution does not have to prove which of them wielded the knife, and that if they are sure that both 'intentionally participated in the killing in some way' they are both guilty of murder. Boy Y, who is from Leigh, Greater Manchester, had been diagnosed with autism following his arrest, jurors have been told, along with a 'high level of social anxiety'. Girl X, who is from Warrington, has been found to have 'traits of autism and ADHD'. Neither has yet given evidence in their defence. The trial continues. St. John "Sinjin" Barned-Smith joined The San Francisco Chronicle in 2022 and covers City Hall. He previously worked at The Houston Chronicle, where he covered law enforcement. Barned-Smith started his career at the Philadelphia Daily News, served in the Peace Corps, in Paraguay, and worked at the Montgomery Gazette, in Maryland, before joining Hearst Newspapers in 2014. His coverage of floods, mass shootings and police misconduct and other topics has been honored with several state and national awards. Barned-Smith lives in San Francisco, with his newshound, Scoop. He can be reached at stjohn.smith@sfchronicle.com. The Archbishop of Canterbury today launched a fresh salvo at ministers over migration as he lashed out at the Government's toughening of family visa rules. The Most Rev Justin Welby attacked a recent announcement that the minimum income level for family visas will rise to 38,700 from next Spring. The move is part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's new five-point plan for slashing record net migration numbers. But it has prompted claims that poorer Britons will no longer be able to live together with their foreign spouses in the UK. The new threshold will be more than double the current income level of 18,600. Speaking in the House of Lords this morning, the Archbishop warned the new family visa rules will have a 'negative impact' on married and family relationships. The Most Rev Justin Welby attacked a recent announcement that the minimum income level for family visas will rise to 38,700 from next Spring Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week announced a new five-point plan for slashing record net migration numbers Net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022, although it is estimated to have fallen to 672,000 in the year to June 2023 His latest intervention against the Government's migration policies came as he laid out how ministers can promote the 'flourishing' of families and households. 'The first is ensuring that whenever a policy is created in any Government department, its impact on families and households is considered and acted upon,' he told the Lords. 'Does it enable the bonds of love within the family and the household to flourish? Does it support and strengthen relationships? 'This week we hear that many people in this country will be prevented from living together with their spouse, child or children as a result of a big increase in the minimum income requirement for family visas. 'The Government is rightly concerned with bringing down the legal migration figures and I'm not, you'll be relieved to know, going into the politics of that. 'But there is a cost to be paid in terms of the negative impact this will have on married and family relationships for those who live and work and contribute to our life together, particularly in social care.' The Archbishop has become a frequent critic of the Government over migration and has previously blasted the PM's 'immoral' approach to tackling illegal migration. He has also claimed ministers' plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is 'against the judgment of God'. Mr Sunak is under intense pressure from Tory MPs to clampdown on both illegal and legal migration to Britain. As well as trying to salvage the Rwanda scheme from a legal block by the Supreme Court, the PM is also taking new action to try and reduce legal migration. Net migration hit a record 745,000 in 2022, although it is estimated to have fallen to 672,000 in the year to June 2023. Under new plans announced this week, the Government is removing the ability for overseas care workers to bring dependants with them to the UK. They are also raising the minimum earnings for a skilled worker visa to 38,700, scrapping a 20 per cent discount on minimum salary levels for 'shortage occupations', and toughening family visa rules. In action previously announced in May, most overseas students will also be banned from bringing family members to the UK. It has been claimed that hiking the minimum income level for family visas to 38,700 would mean three-quarters of Britons are too poor to marry a foreigner, if they wished to live together in the UK. Median gross annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK was 34,963 in April 2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It has been pointed out how senior Government figures - including Mr Sunak himself and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt - all married foreign spouses. Downing Street this week defended the measure and insisted Britons earning less than 38,700 may still live with foreign spouses in the UK in 'exceptional circumstances'. The Archbishop's comments came during the annual debate he leads in the Lords, with this year's topic 'Love Matters', The Report Of The Archbishops' Commission On Families and Households. A Holocaust survivor who gives educational talks to children has slammed schools for allowing students to skip lessons in order to take part in a pro-Palestinian protest. Dozens of students walked out of the Thomas Hardye School to join a rally in Dorchester, Dorset. They were joined by children from a local primary school and marched through the town centre waving Palestinian flags and placards calling for the state to be free and for a ceasefire. Several protesters gave speeches including Lynne Hubard, a well-known left wing campaigner and co-chair of Stand up to Racism Dorset. The event took place November 29 when many of the students would have normally been in lessons. Holoaust survivor Henry Schachter, 83, criticised Thomas Hardye School for allowing 'brainwashed' students to attend a pro-Palestinian protest One sixth form student claimed teachers at Thomas Hardye School gave them 'permission' to be at the event. In recent weeks thousands of schoolchildren have attended similar marches in different parts of the country. According to the think tank The Policy Exchange, hard-Left Stop the War Coalition has co-ordinated parents and children to strike together during school time. But Henry Schachter, whose Jewish parents were killed by the Nazis in World War Two, criticised the Thomas Hardye School for allowing the 'brainwashed' students to attend. Mr Schachter, 83, from Bournemouth, said: 'It is disgusting. Since when did schools start taking that point of view? 'If students want to do it on Saturdays or Sundays that is fine, but for a school to let them take time out of lessons in order to attend a rally like that is disgraceful. 'What is going to be next? Will they let them attend a Nazi rally? 'The school authorities are just like the universities and encourage it in the mistaken belief they think they are doing it for human rights. 'It is nonsense. There can't be a worse breach of human rights than the Hamas dictatorship throwing people in opposition off the roof of their headquarters. 'Most of the protesters are useful idiots who have been brainwashed and they don't know anything about the background. 'I am just aghast and will write to the secretary of state for education as well as the school. I am going to send a letter to say I find it very disturbing they would allow sixth formers to skip lessons to attend a protest like this. 'When I give a talk to schools I talk about my own experience of the Holocaust, I also give quite a bit of background as to why anti-Semitism took hold. Sixth form students left school at 10.20am to march through Dorchester town centre waving Palestinian flags 'The object of the exercise is to try and stress the importance of living side by side with other cultures and religions. 'Most of these protestors haven't got a clue as to what it is they are demonstrating about, most are clueless.' The Thomas Hardye School students left school at 10.20am to attend the protest. Thomas Hardye sixth-former Harry Hubbard, 17, helped organise the strike. He said: 'It was absolutely fantastic. 'It was part of a national initiative of schools around the country walking out in solidarity with Palestine. 'We got permission from the school; they weren't going to try to stop us. 'At 10.20am around 100 of us gathered outside the school and we marched down Queens Avenue to the Town Pump. 'We then had a few speakers, including myself, some other students and speakers from the Jewish community. 'The point of the march was to show solidarity with Palestine and that even in Dorchester with a small Muslim community and no tradition of protest, even we are going to make our voice heard. 'Movements have got to start somewhere and I think it showed the power of the youth today.' But Mr Schachter, who gives educational talks to children, said that pupils were being encouraged to protest in school time on the mistaken belief that it is for human rights Sarah Barnes was at the protest with her seven-year-old child who attends Beaminster St Mary's Primary School. She said: 'I wanted to gather mums of primary-aged children and I felt like we could have a peaceful protest from younger children to write messages of support to the children of Gaza. 'I was inspired to see the young people of Dorset show their voice 'I think it is incredibly powerful when you see the teenagers and younger people getting involved.' Richard Nicolls, assistant headteacher at Thomas Hardye School said that teachers were unable to stop sixth form students from leaving school grounds during their free periods. He said: 'We have no further comment other than the students told us they were going to march and, since our sixth form students are allowed to leave site during their frees, they did not need permission to walk to the town centre and we were not going to try and stop them.' Pro-Palestine protesters were filmed chanting 'from the river to the sea' while disrupting an exclusive Chanel fashion show in Manchester that police had banned local people from watching from their balconies. The controversial catwalk event took place on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter and whilst celebrities including Hugh Grant and Olivia Atwood were in attendance, there were strict controls on locals. The French fashion house had already requested residents dim their lights and not walk on their balconies during proceedings before police formed a barrier around the event. Whilst the show was going on, protesters were filmed waving flags and chanting 'Free Palestine' in efforts to draw an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza strip. The large crowd could be heard from the exclusive event which was held under a canopy in torrential rain. Pro-Palestine protesters were filmed chanting 'from the river to the sea' while disrupting an exclusive Chanel fashion show in Manchester The large crowd could be heard from the exclusive event which was held under a canopy in torrential rain The controversial catwalk event took place on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter In the nearby Millstone Pub - a short walk away from the event - locals crammed into the establishment pushing back pints and singing karaoke Meanwhile in response to the crackdown on attendance and disruption the event has caused the city Centre, fed up Mancunians blared karaoke from nearby pubs throughout proceedings. Punters were pictured gathered in the nearby Millstone Pub wearing Father Christmas hats and blasting the Lady in Red, pushing back pints while the celebrities watched the models walk. As backlash built against Chanel this week, one resident said: 'We were told not to go on our balconies and to keep our curtains shut during the show. It was more or less: 'We strongly suggest you don't go on your balcony or if you have lights on in your home close the curtain.' He said he began receiving letters about the fashion show around three weeks ago. 'We've had a handful of letters which have been like a drip feed of information because they want to keep it on the down low even though everyone knows it's a Chanel show', he added. Within the letters he says event dates were given and residents were warned the area was set to become 'very active' from Monday, December 4. Thomas Street had been closed to locals for more than a month, while access to other nearby roads, between Nicholas Croft and Copperas Street, were closed today. Hugh Grant took time away from his promotional tour of his latest film Wonka as he attended Chanel's Metiers d'Art show in Manchester on Thursday with his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein Barriers were erected around The Chanel Metiers d'Art Fashion Show Thomas Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter has been closed for two weeks already due to the events Locals have complained about the disruption in the area as works are carried out to prepare for the show The venue and details of the Metiers d'Art catwalk were kept a tightly-guarded secret - but according to local media earlier this month, dozens of boxes with the show's name emblazoned upon were seen in the same area. Business owners on the street expressed concerns over profit after Chanel paid them to shut for the day - but they fear the reimbursement will not cover the losses they will suffer from missing out on a day's custom. Entrepreneurs in the immediate vicinity signed non-disclosure agreements to prevent them speaking about the event. When asked about the transformation of Thomas Street, he said: 'It's a lot of money spent on basically a glorified canopy. 'If they leave it up that will be really good for the businesses during winter time and if there's heating and stuff that would be great. I feel like it's a little over zealous but it's cool it's not happening in London or somewhere like that.' A manager of a bar on nearby High Street, said they have suffered reduced footfall due to people assuming the businesses in the area are shut in the lead up to the event. He said: 'It looks closed unless you're coming from Edge Street. We've had to change our entrance. On Saturday (December 3) I would say we were a couple of grand down.' The manager said the business has been compensated for the days it has been told to close [Wednesday and Thursday] but worries the amount given may not cover the total losses incurred. Chanel's show, which has previously been held in 'fashion capital' cities like London and Paris, is being held in Manchester this year due to its cultural links. The Chanel website describes the city in the north west as, 'one of the most effervescent cities of pop culture and an avant-garde one, whose bands, spanning all genres, have changed the history of music.' Daniel Andrews has delivered a brutal response to his opponents and said he was never bothered by being called a 'dictator' during his time as premier of Victoria. Mr Andrews said he didn't care what people thought of him and said he has faced plenty of 'nasty staff' during his time as Victorian leader. He pulled no punches in his blunt reply to the critics, dubbing it 'after dark bulls**t' in a reference to Sky News Australia's opinion-led evening politics shows. And he insisted he wanted to be remembered for being strong and driven and 'getting s*** done' by making big, hard calls - even if they were unpopular. 'Dictator and all this sort of stuff, that's all fine if that makes people feel better by describing me in those terms...good luck,' he told the Socially Democratic podcast. Daniel Andrews (pictured) took a swipe at his critics in a brutal response to some of his fiercest opponents The former Victorian leader, who resigned in September after nine years in the top job, said people are entitled to their opinion but it never affected how he lead the state. 'You know in Victoria, the haters hate and the rest vote Labor. And that's fine by me,' 'They can call me whatever they want, but what really matters is not that nonsense, that noise, that vitriol, that after-dark bulls***.' 'What really matters and what makes up for all the nonsense is when you sit with families and you listen, and you say, "right, that's the plan. We're gonna get on and do it". And then you do...and you can see the difference.' Mr Andrews was branded 'Dictator Dan' due to Victoria's repeated Covid-19 lockdowns, which stretched on and off for almost two years since the start of the pandemic in 2020. 'There's been some nasty stuff some ugly stuff but...that's life.' The retired politician did test his leadership and it gave his fiercest opponents the spark they needed to go after him. He said the tough call he made to shut Victoria down multiple times helped him to guide the state during one of the most tumultuous period in it's history. 'We made a lot of difficult decisions, we weren't about being popular we were about doing what's right,' he said. Mr Andrews who gave 120 consecutive press conferences during the second stage of the lockdowns said the second last one was a tough one to tell Victorians the lockdowns wouldn't be lifted. 'Everyone had come to the press conference and there was a real sense of anticipation that the lockdown was going to end,' he said. Victoria spent two years on and on in lockdowns after Mr Andrews was forced to shut the state down on multiple occasions, fuelling the fire among his critics to gave after his leadership (pictured Flinders Street Station in Melbourne) Mr Andrews acknowledged that announcing the lockdowns was one of the toughest decisions he had to make as leader of the state (pictured Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne) 'There was just this sense of despondency... it was a brutally difficult time and you knew the decisions you're making was were having...profound impacts on people.' Mr Andrews stepped down as leader of the state after he called a snap press conference to announce he would quit, confessing the 24/7 demands of the job had taken a toll. Just two months earlier, he scrapped the 2026 Commonwealth Games citing a major cost blowout after it was scheduled to be funded for $2.6billion. Putin does use body doubles and has a 'clean zone' where staff have to quarantine before getting close to him, a Russian investigation has claimed. The extent of Putin's distancing is noted in the report by Russian media outlet Proekt. People who constantly accompany the Russian president spend time in the so-called 'clean zone' - a boarding house where only quarantined people live and work, according to the report. They can leave their rooms and are allowed to walk around the allocated area. The Sochi sanatorium 'Rus' was initially used as a 'clean zone', it adds. Since then, the zones have appeared in other regions important to the president. Vladimir Putin's chin pictured (left to right) on February 21, 2023 in Moscow during the address to the Federal Assembly; on 18 March 2023 during his visit to Sevastopol, and on 19 March 2023 on his visit to Mariupol. Kyiv official Anton Gerashchenko posted the images and questioned whether they belonged to the same man A grab from a video promoting the theory that Putin is using doppelgangers for trips he doesn't want to make, noting that a ledge on Putin's earlobe 'constantly changes' in appearance Putin this week insisted on keeping a distance of 70ft between himself and other diplomats at a Kremlin event which saw him accept the diplomatic credentials of several new ambassadors to Russia, including Britain's new man in Moscow Nigel Casey The investigators studied official events that Putin, who on Friday declared he will run for yet another term as president, took part in from November 1 last year to October 31 this year, which amounted to 521. At 43 per cent of them the president was visibly keeping a distance from his interlocutors in one way or another, according to the report. There were 113 video meetings in total for the year, which included almost all Security Council meetings and all meetings with the government, the report noted, adding that when Putin does need to communicate with people in person, the Kremlin resorts to 'wild security measures'. The number of meetings at which Putin did not distance himself, but 'most likely forced other people to quarantine,' was 185 - almost 36 per cent of the total for the year, according to the report. The investigation came as Putin bizarrely refused to stand within 70ft of Britain's new ambassador to Moscow at a diplomatic ceremony this week - blaming 'sanitary reasons'. In awkward scenes that resembled the height of the Covid pandemic, Putin insisted on keeping a huge distance between himself and other diplomats at the Kremlin event which saw him accept the diplomatic credentials of several new ambassadors to Russia, including Britain's new man in Moscow Nigel Casey. There have been several body double reports concerning the Russian president since the start of the invasion of Ukraine. Proekt points out that before the pandemic, the president's schedule contained virtually no events where he would remain at an unnatural distance from those gathered, contrasting this with his behaviour during the dates investigated. Putin, a judo enthusiast who has long cultivated an 'action man' image, turned 71 on October 7 and rumours of his ill health have been swirling for years. In a 2020 interview, Putin denied long-standing rumours that he uses body doubles, although he said he had been offered the chance to use one in the past for security reasons. The Derbent outing in June was seen as a publicity stunt by critics. Putin has not been seen greeting crowds in such a way since before the pandemic But observers have pointed to the Kremlin strongman's changing appearance over the years as possible evidence that he uses someone else to stand in for him on engagements he either does not want to make or considers too dangerous. The speculation ran rife in June when Putin made a surprise visit to the city of Derbent in southern Russia just days after the failed Wagner rebellion, with footage showing how the despot dived into a night-time crowd like a Hollywood actor on a red carpet. Seemingly imbued with fresh energy after averting a small-scale civil war the week earlier, the normally stoic and isolated Putin was uncharacteristically personable, shaking hands and planting kisses on the head of a young teenage girl who gushed over him and pleaded with her mother to snap a photo of her with the president. In another bizarre moment he shook hands with - and appeared to adjust something on the uniform of - an officer carrying what may have been his nuclear briefcase. He has not greeted his security apparatchiks in such a way previously. The scene was markedly different to the extreme measures of the last few years that have enforced strict quarantines for anyone outside of Putin's close circle before meeting him. His transformative behaviour - described as 'astounding' by the Kremlin - has led many, including senior Russian figures, to fuel speculation that the Putin greeting adoring fans in Dagestan was in fact a body double. Russian political analyst Dr Valery Solovey said in October: 'The fact is that the current President Vladimir Putin is living out the last days of his earthly life.' Solovey is former professor at Moscow's prestigious Institute of International Relations [MGIMO], a training academy for spies and diplomats. The head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, has alleged that the real Putin has not been seen since June last year. 'The one, who everyone used to know, was last seen around 26 June 2022,' he said in September. Budanov has claimed a Putin body double may have been used for his arrival at a summit in Iran to meet Turkey's president Erdogan in July last year. While the Russian leader looked awkward as he came down the steps of his presidential plane in Tehran, Ukrainian sources noted that he moved unusually quickly and was more alert than in prior public appearances. In August last year, Budanov appeared on TV to claim to viewers that Putin's height and ears have changed in recent appearances. He said: 'The picture, let's say, of the ears, is different... And it's like a fingerprint, each person's ear picture is unique. It cannot be repeated.' A recent Japanese TV report used AI to analyse Putin's face, walk and voice in multiple appearances, and concluded that he does use one and perhaps two body doubles. A Vladimir Putin body double may have been used for his arrival at a summit in Tehran in July last year, according to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence Putin has made trips to Kyrgyzstan and China, and was unusually active in travelling inside Russia. In October, he visited Perm and held talks with his war commander General Valery Gerasimov in Rostov-on-Don after making a 'detour' to visit the military headquarters. The channel says all these are undertaken by body doubles who underwent plastic surgery and years of training by Russian secret services to perform as Putin stand-ins. In March, Putin was mocked by Ukraine for allegedly sending a lookalike to war-ravaged Mariupol in a high security visit. Kyiv official Anton Gerashchenko posted three images of Putin's chin and questioned whether they belonged to the same man. He taunted: 'What's up with your chin, Putin?' In April, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted that reports were rife about Putin's doppelgangers but claimed the warmonger was 'mega-active'. 'Perhaps you had heard that Putin has multiple doubles, who work instead of him while he is sitting inside a bunker,' he said. 'This is yet more lies. This is one more lie. 'You see our President. He is just as he used to be - mega-active.' Putin has admitted that his aides previously asked him if he wanted to use body doubles, a routine procedure for former Kremlin leaders Stalin and Brezhnev. The Russian president said he had rejected the scheme. The sister of Hana St. Juliana who was murdered by Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley has given an emotional testimony during the killer teen's sentencing hearing. Reina St. Juliana spoke of the impact the death of her sister had on her and her family at the hearing of Crumbley, 17, who is to be sentenced later today after pleading guilty to killing four of his classmates. The 17-year-old could be locked up with no chance of parole, a punishment that is being sought by prosecutors in Oakland County. Students Madisyn Baldwin, 17, Hana St. Juliana, 14, Tate Myre, 16, and Justin Shilling, 17, were killed in the rampage. Six students and a teacher were also wounded. In an emotional statement, St. Juliana told the sentencing hearing how her family dealt with the passing of her sister who died in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting. She told the court: 'Instead of speaking at her wedding, I spoke at her funeral. Instead of fishtailing her hair for a game, I curled her hair in a casket.' Reina St. Juliana spoke of the impact the death of her sister had on her and her family at the hearing of Crumbley The 17-year-old, seen here earlier today, could be locked up with no chance of parole, a punishment that is being sought by prosecutors in Oakland County Students Madisyn Baldwin, top right, Hana St. Juliana, bottom left, Tate Myre, top left, and Justin Shilling, bottom right, were killed in the rampage She added: 'Each day is just going through the motions because apparently we are supposed to go on. I hate it, I never asked for it, I never want to accept. 'Loving Hana shouldn't be this painful, and life shouldn't be so paralyzing. I don't want to wake up in the morning because Hana is not here. 'There is no justice that will ever be enough, however the first step is to ensure that he never has the chance to take away another life and destroy families ever again.' Steve St. Juliana, the father of Hana and Reina, described his daughter as a talented, athletic girl who spoke Japanese, earned straight A's and crafted homemade jewelry. 'I will never think back fondly on her high school and college graduations,' he said tearfully. 'I will never walk her down the aisle as she begins the journey of starting her own family. I am forever denied the chance to hold her or her future children in my arms.' Earlier, the court had heard from Buck Myre, father of Tate Myre, who spoke of how his son's death ruined his family. He said: 'It's been quite the journey I can tell you that, love is absent from our family because there is no joy. When you have joy it is easy to love. 'Me and my wife are trying to figure out how to save our marriage and save our family, and we didn't even do anything to each other. The court had heard from Buck Myre, father of Tate Myre, who spoke of how his son's death ruined his family Crumbley previously pleaded guilty to all 24 charges in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, which included first-degree murder and terrorism 'As we try to navigate these waters, we try to honor Tate. His dad is fighting, his mom is fighting and his brothers are fighting.' Speaking directly to Crumbley, Myre added: 'We want you to spend the rest of your life rotting in your cell, what you stole from us is not replaceable.' Craig Shilling, whose 17-year-old son, Justin, was one of the students killed, echoed the words of Myre and angrily told Crumbley to 'rot' in prison. 'I still find myself waiting up for him to get home from work,' he said of his son. 'It's unbearable to know that he's never going to walk through that door.' Jill Soave, the mother of Justin Shilling, told the shooter that he executed a boy who could have helped him navigate awkward teenage years. 'If you were that lonely, that miserable and lost, and you really needed a friend. Justin would have been your friend - if only you had asked,' Soave said. Nicole Beausoleil recalled seeing the body of her daughter, Madisyn Baldwin, at the medical examiner's office, her hand with blue-painted fingernails sticking out from a covering. 'I looked though the glass. My scream should have shattered it,' Beausoleil said. Madeline Johnson, a close friend of Baldwin, told : 'My life has been a mess for the last two years. I can barely go to malls and concerts. 'I used to be a nicer person, I used to be fearless. The only thing that is now on my mind is those gunshots. Speaking directly to Crumbley, she said: 'I hope it eats away at you and I hope you feel even a fraction of the loneliest that I've felt over these last few years. 'You are never going to know what it is like to be loved, that is why I win. Because of what you did you are alone, completely and totally alone for the rest of your life.' Crumbley previously pleaded guilty to all 24 charges in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, which included first-degree murder and terrorism. Oakland County Judge Kwame Rowe looks towards witness during cross examination, July 27, 2023 Crumbley's parents, James Robert Crumbley and Jennifer Lynn Crumbley, are awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges Jennifer and James Crumbley are seen here in this photo from February 2022 after being charged Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, will have an opportunity to speak in court and possibly explain why he believes he should be spared a life sentence. Judge Kwame Rowe also could order a shorter sentence - anywhere from 25 years to 40 years at a minimum - that would eventually make him eligible for release by the state parole board. Defense attorney Paulette Michel Loftin has argued Crumbley deserves an opportunity for parole after his 'sick brain' is fixed through counseling and rehabilitation. But after listening to testimony from experts, Rowe said in September that he had found only a 'slim' chance that Crumbley could be rehabilitated behind bars. In a journal, the shooter wrote about his desire to watch students suffer and the likelihood that he would spend his life in prison. He made a video on the eve of the shooting, declaring what he would do the next day. Crumbley and his parents met with school staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings. But no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay. Like their son, Jennifer and James Crumbley are locked up in the county jail. They are awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges, accused of making a gun accessible at home and neglecting their son's mental health. Jennifer Crumbley has asked a court in Michigan to exclude evidence of her son's alleged abuse of baby birds from her own criminal trial. Crumbley and his parents met with staff on the day of the shooting after a teacher noticed violent drawings. But no one checked his backpack for a gun and he was allowed to stay Parents walk away with their kids from the Meijer's parking lot in Oxford where many students gathered following the shooting Fox reported that attorney Shannon Smith wrote in a motion on Monday: 'The 'bird evidence' is so extremely disgusting, sickening, and appalling that its admission would certainly inflame the passions of a jury. 'The jury will undoubtedly judge Mrs. Crumbley for the heinous acts of her son, which she knew nothing about.' Court filings have indicated that her son had recorded himself on video torturing and killing animals including a bird. Attorney Ven Johnson claims that Crumbley kept a bird's severed head in a jar and that he brought the head to school in a jar and placed it in the boy's bathroom. Johnson alleges in the federal filing that Oakland County School District staff ignored reports from students who saw the bird's head. Prosecutors say Crumbley expressed 'delight' in killing a family of baby birds and found 'joy' in hearing them squeal as they died. According to Fox, the motion said: 'It is clear that the shooter has mutilated baby birds on more than one occasion, texted a friend details about mutilating birds, video recorded himself doing so, and photographed vile and disgusting video of his actions. 'The evidence makes it clear that the shooter intentionally hid all of the 'bird evidence' from his parents.' James and Jennifer allegedly purchased a gun for their son just before the school shooting, with his mom claiming it was a Christmas present. A memorial to the four victims of Ethan Crumbley's shooting at the high school A parent hugging a child following the active shooter situation at Oxford High School on November 30, 2021 Ahead of the sentencing, Shilling's father Craig told CNN: 'I personally feel that when you do something like that, that you should meet the same fate. 'You can't just pull the trigger on somebody and then walk away like nothing happened. 'I actually, I don't think he's going to get what he deserves to get, but I feel like he's going to be punished for the full extent that they can be, but then in my mind that is not enough.' Shilling's mother Jill Soave added: 'I'm praying for life without parole. That would be the least amount of justice, you know, that I would consider for his actions. 'Nothing is enough. You know, he gets to live, and my son doesn't. So I'm never going to feel satisfied as a parent, but that is the maximum punishment allowed by the law. So I am praying that the judge will make that decision.' In his final moments, Shilling had been hiding in a bathroom with another student Keegan Gregory who watched Crumbley murder the student. Prosecutors say Crumbley expressed 'delight' in killing a family of baby birds and found 'joy' in hearing them squeal as they died Chilling diary entries written by Crumbley include drawings of a gun being held to the head of a girl with the On the day of the shooting, Crumbley and his parents had met with school staff after a teacher was troubled by drawings that included a bloody body and a gun pointing at the words, 'The thoughts won't stop. Help me.' School officials said Crumbley talked his way out of trouble by claiming the drawings were part of plans to create a video game. After the meeting, Crumbley was allowed to stay in school, about 40 miles north of Detroit, though his backpack was not checked for weapons. He later emerged from a bathroom with a pistol and began firing on fellow students. Police say Crumbley's first victim was freshman Phoebe Arthur, who was shot in the face but miraculously survived. A total of 13 people were shot, four of whom died. Prosecutors insisted Crumbleys decisions cant be mitigated by his young age or immaturity. A retired engineer today admitted the murder of his wife found in their burning car at the side of the road after more than 50 years married. Father-of-four David Clarke, 80, and wife Helen, 77, lived in their dream seaside bungalow - but both were pulled from the vehicle after emergency services were called to the burning car last September. The two grandparents seemed like a dream couple living in a beauty spot cottage on the Gower Peninsula. But a court heard he will likely die in prison because of his age and the mandatory life sentence for murder. David Clarke, 80, and wife Helen, 77, were both pulled from the vehicle after emergency services were called to the burning car last September on Sketty Lane, Swansea Helen Clarke died from her injuries two days after the horror car blaze - which happened on a Friday morning on Sketty Lane, Swansea Helen was treated by burns specialists but died from her injuries two days after the horror blaze. Clarke appeared via videolink from a prison medical wing where he had his head and arm heavily wrapped in bandages. The former company director admitted the single charge of murder at Swansea Crown Court following the blaze in September. His sentence was adjourned until February next year, but Clarke was told he would spend life in jail and is likely never to be released due to his age. Judge Paul Thomas KC said: 'Mr Clarke will have already been told there is that there can only one sentence available and that is one of life imprisonment.' Clarke, of Langland, was remanded in custody to be sentenced later once the judge has considered a minimum tariff. Clarke was born in Wolverhampton but moved to Zambia in the 60s prior to settling in Zimbabwe. Around 5 years ago he returned to the UK, eventually setting in the Gower Peninsula. He and wife Helen shared a home in Higher Lane, Langland, less than a mile from where Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas live when in Wales. Police, firefighters, and paramedics were called to the burning Honda Jazz in Sketty, Swansea, on September 22 and the couple were pulled from the car. In a tribute at the time of her death, Helen's family said they wanted to ensure 'responsible parties are sound of mind and held accountable'. A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: 'A man has been charged with murder following an incident on Sketty Lane, Swansea, on Friday morning, 22nd September. 'South Wales Police was called just after 8.20am by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service to a report of a black Honda Jazz car on fire. 'Emergency services attended and a man and woman were taken to hospital with burns. Police, firefighters and paramedics at the scene of the burning Honda Jazz in Swansea where the couple were pulled from the car '77-year-old Helen Clarke died on Sunday evening, 24th September, in Morriston Hospital. Her family are being supported by specialist officers. '80-year-old David Clarke has been charged with murder.' Detective Chief Inspector Paul Raikes said: 'Our thoughts remain with Helen's family at this incredibly painful time. Detectives continue to work alongside other specialists to understand the full circumstances behind this incident.' Helen's family said: 'Our families are trying to come to terms with the tragic passing of a mother, grandmother, and friend in un-characteristic circumstances. 'We are working with the police to ensure that responsible parties are sound of mind and held accountable. 'We request that we are given the privacy to deal with this tragedy as a family.' California coast guards have intercepted more than 18,000lbs of cocaine worth $239million in six separate drug busts in just one month, the largest of which was taken from a narco-submarine. The drugs were offloaded in San Diego this week after they were seized in operations off the coasts of Mexico, Central America and South America by two coast guard ships in November. The largest drug seizure came from a narco-submarine. The cocaine weighed more than 5,500lbs and was seized by coast guard ship Waesche on November 20, according to a USCG statement. 'Our last interdiction of a semi-submersible vessel was noteworthy since it was the first semi-submersible interdicted in the Eastern Pacific in over three years,' said Captain Robert Mohr, the commanding officer of the Waesche. 'I am extremely impressed with the crew's dedication throughout this dynamic patrol. They overcame multiple challenges with collective hard work, ingenuity, and positive attitudes to keep us in pursuit of these cartels and their dangerous drugs. The largest drug seizure came from a narco-submarine. The cocaine weighed more than 5,500lbs and was seized by coast guard ship Waesche on November 20 (pictured above), according to a USCG statement The drugs were offloaded in San Diego this week after they were seized in operations off the coasts of Mexico , Central America and South America by two coast guard ships (one of which is pictured above, the ship Waesche) in November 'A successful patrol like this one is rewarding and leads to better retention and recruiting efforts because everybody feels a sense of accomplishment.' The Waesche is a 418ft-long national security cutter, which is a ship used to support homeland security off the coast. How Europe stole US crown as the world's cocaine superpower Map shows trans-Atlantic drug routes Advertisement The second coast guard ship responsible for the cocaine seizures is called Active, which is primarily assigned to law enforcement and search-and-rescue missions. In two of the six operations, the Active brought home 4,000lbs of drugs. Overall, more than 40 tons of cocaine were seized by the coast guard this year according to official data, which makes it the third most seized drug after marijuana and meth. The ship is one of eight in its class operated by the Coast Guard, and has a home port in Alameda, California. 'I am proud of the unity of effort displayed by US Coast Guard members aboard the US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche and our partners who stopped these narcotics from entering our Nation through the maritime domain,' said Vice Adm. Andrew Tiongson, commander, US Coast Guard Pacific Area. Attorney for the southern District of California, Tara McGrath, also thanked the coast guard. She said: 'The significance of keeping this much cocaine from reaching our shores and streets is, no doubt, life-changing. 'Without these 9 tons of cocaine on American streets, fewer people will have access to this toxic poison, and hundreds of millions of dollars will not make it into cartel coffers. 'The crew of the Waesche and the entire U.S. Coast Guard is to be commended for protecting our nation from the devastation, violence, and addiction that cocaine brings to our communities.' Emhoff is the first Jewish spouse of a nationally elected leaders Second gentleman Doug Emhoff has slammed the presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT for what he called a 'crisis of anti-Semitism' in the US and abroad at a Hanukkah celebration in DC. Emhoff, the husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, said Thursday that American Jews are 'feeling alone' and 'in pain' as he denounced rising antisemitism amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the 'presidents of some of our most elite universities.' Speaking at the lighting ceremony of a massive menorah in front of the White House to mark the first night of Hanukah, Emhoff criticized college presidents who testified on Capitol Hill this week, saying they 'were unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as anti-Semitic.' 'The lack of moral clarity is unacceptable,' he said. 'Let me be clear, when Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or identity, and when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is anti-Semitism and it must be condemned and condemned unequivocally and without context.' Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a nationally elected leader, highlighted fear in the Jewish community, moments before the menorah was lit on the Ellipse, just south of the White House. The national menorah has been lit annually since 1979, with the event sponsored by American Friends of Lubavitch. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff has slammed the presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT for what he called a 'crisis of anti-Semitism' Speaking at the lighting ceremony of a massive menorah in front of the White House, Emhoff criticized college presidents who testified on Capitol Hill this week Emhoff added: 'The common denominator of these conversations is that were feeling alone, we feel hated, were in pain.' Addressing the Jewish community, he said Biden, Harris and the entire administration 'have your back.' The second gentleman's remarks come after billionaire Jewish financier Bill Ackman celebrated what he believed was the impending resignation of the president of the University of Pennsylvania, tweeting: 'One down.' Ackman has been among the fiercest critics of Liz Magill, UPenn's president, Claudine Gay of Harvard and MIT's Dr Sally Kornbluth. The three women all testified before Congress on Tuesday in an education committee hearing on antisemitism on campuses. All three equivocated when asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews was considered hate speech or harassment. Their feeble response sparked widespread uproar, with one UPenn donor threatening to withdraw his $100m gift to the university unless Magill stood down. The board of advisors of Wharton School of business - which is part of UPenn - wrote to Magill demanding an immediate change of leadership. Ackman on Thursday noted a CNN report, in which a source claimed that Scott Bok, the chair of Penn's Board of Trustees, was expected on Friday to talk to Magill about possibly stepping down. Liz Magill, President of the University of Pennsylvania, is facing calls for her to resign after Tuesday's testimony Bill Ackman, who is worth $3.5billion, on Thursday celebrated news Magill may be asked to resign, tweeting: 'One down' Ackman tweeted: 'One down.' He added: 'There is hope for @Penn. I give this a 95% probability. It is not yet a certainty.' But another source denied to CNN that Bok and Magill were meeting, and said the board was not close to calling for Magill to step aside. A spokesperson for Penn said there is no immediate plan for the board to replace Magill. Meanwhile Ross Stevens, the founder and CEO of New York-based Stone Ridge Asset Management, has withdrawn a $100million donation following the school president's lack of response to antisemitism on campus. On Wednesday Magill attempted to clarify her comments, but the damage was done. On Thursday, as the House Education Committee said they were now investigating the issue further, the board of Wharton - the world's first business school, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania - said Magill needed to resign. In a letter addressed to her, they said leadership of the university needed to change 'with immediate effect'. 'As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect.' The board, in a letter first obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, describes their concern about 'dangerous and toxic culture' at Penn that they said the University leadership has allowed to exist. The letter adds that the University leadership 'does not share the values of our Board.' Liz Magill, president of University of Pennsylvania, on Wednesday tried to explain her equivocation when asked if calling for the genocide of Jewish people was hate speech The board, in their letter, said they have held eight sessions since November 16, and drafted a set of resolutions regarding campus conduct and leadership. The 29 business titans that comprise the board - among them the CEO of American Express' U.S. banking operation; the CEO of real estate giant Related Companies, the largest landlord in New York City; and the former chair of Johnson & Johnson - said they felt their proposals were ignored. One of the resolutions they proposed was that Wharton community members will not celebrate murder or genocide, use hate speech, or use language that threatens the physical safety of others. The resolution also said that those who violate these standards will 'be subject to immediate discipline.' Magill on Tuesday was asked a 'yes or no' question on whether calls for the genocide of Jews counted as hate speech, and repeatedly said it depended on the context. Her mealy-mouthed answer - and the equally feeble response from the other two - sparked fury, with one donor withdrawing a $100 million grant and many calling for Magill to resign. The board said in their letter that their suggestions fell on deaf ears. 'We delivered these Resolutions to you more than two weeks ago. Our Resolutions directly addressed the issue, among other matters, that has now become clear to all: our University chooses to maintain policies that do not protect our students and our community.' UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct In their letter, the board write: 'As conrmed in your congressional testimony yesterday, the leadership of the University does not share the values of our Board. 'Nor does it appear to understand the urgency to address the safety of our students on campus and the ongoing reputational damage to the University by the University's policies and actions.' On Wednesday, Magill published a groveling video statement attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. Magill said: 'There was a moment during yesterday's Congressional hearing on antisemitism when I was asked if a call for the genocide of Jewish people on our campus would violate our policies. 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. 'I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. It's evil, plain and simple.' Magill said she hoped to draw a line in the sand, and clarify her position. 'I want to be clear: a call for genocide of Jewish people is threatening, deeply so,' she said. 'It is intentionally meant to terrify a people who have been subjected to pogroms and hatred for centuries, and were the victims of mass genocide in the Holocaust. 'In my view it would be harassment or intimidation.' But, Magill said, it was not officially classed as harassment - a policy she said was outdated and needed review. Magill pledged to work to update the existing rules. 'For decades under multiple Penn presidents and consistent with most universities, Penn's policies have been guided by the Constitution and the law,' she said. 'In today's world, where we are seeing signs of hate proliferating across our campus and our world in a way not seen in years, these policies need to be clarified and evaluated. 'Penn must initiate a serious and careful look at our policies.' She concluded that she was 'committed to a safe, secure and supportive environment so all members of our community can thrive. We can, and we will, get it right.' Harvard also attempted to limit the damage from remarks by their president, Claudine Gay. Claudine Gay, president of Harvard, is seen on Tuesday appearing before the House education committee to discuss antisemitism MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluth was also grilled for her school's response to protests. She too failed to outwardly condemn calls for the genocide of Jews Presidents of @Harvard @MIT and @Penn REFUSE to say whether calling for the genocide of Jews is bullying and harassment according to their codes of conduct. Even going so far to say it needs to turn to action first. As in committing genocide. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND pic.twitter.com/hUY3SgoOOi Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Gay, asked the same question, also equivocated. On Wednesday, the university published a statement from Gay on X. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' she said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' All three said on Tuesday calling for the genocide of Jews was anti-Semitic hate speech but didn't necessarily break their school rules. They would act, they said, if such hate speech crossed over into 'conduct'. An incredulous Elise Stefanik asked: 'Conduct being committing genocide?' Ackman - who gave $26million to Harvard in 2014 - is now calling for the resignation of all three women. Elon Musk agreed that it is time for their departure, and said the hearing crystalizes their liberal bias. Harvard Hillel, the school's leading Jewish organization, said it was 'appalled by the need to state the obvious'. The Harvard Alumni Association and the school's Board of Overseers are yet to address Gay's remarks. The Hillel said: 'President Gay's refusal to draw a line around threatening antisemitic speech as a violation of Harvard's policies is profoundly shocking given explicit provisions within the conduct code prohibiting this kind of bullying and harassment. 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. 'President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus. 'President Gay's testimony fails to reassure us that the University is seriously concerned about the anti-Semitic rhetoric pervasive on campus. 'We call on President Gay to take action against those using threatening speech that violates our community standards.' The three universities have been roiled by a series of pro-Palestine marches on their campuses in the wake of the October 7 attack, with students blaming Israel for Hamas' terrorist outrage, and saying the country deserved it. Some academics have expressed rabidly anti-Israel opinions, and threats have been made against Jewish students on campus. All three presidents have admitted they were slow to distance themselves from student groups justifying the October 7 massacres. But they insisted that they wanted to preserve an environment of free speech - and refused, to Stefanik's fury, to give a 'yes or no' answer to questions about condemning certain rhetoric. 'I am asking, specifically calling for the genocide of Jews, does that constitute bullying or harassment?' asked Stefanik. Gay told her that it depended on the context. Stefanik responded that it was 'the easiest question', then answered for them: 'The answer is yes.' Stefanik pressed Gay over whether Harvard would punish students or applicants who advocate for the murder of Jews. At todays hearing, Harvards President shamefully refused to say whether the calling for the mass violence and genocide of the Jewish people is considered harassment or bullying according to Harvards own code of conduct. Claudine Gay should resign immediately. pic.twitter.com/gjzmTHUcec Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 5, 2023 Elise Stefanik, a Republican representing New York, grilled the three university presidents on Tuesday Bill Ackman said all three women must resign 'in disgrace' after their testimony Ackman said he was receiving calls from Harvard donors and alumni asking if the testimony was fake Outrage: There are growing calls for all three women to resign Gay replied: 'That type of hateful, reckless, offensive speech is personally abhorrent to me.' She said the university had 'robust policies' that hold individuals accountable when speech crosses into conduct, such as bullying, harassment or intimidation. 'We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression even to views that are objectionable, outrageous and offensive,' Gay said. At one point, Gay said: 'I've sought to confront hate while preserving free expression. This is difficult work, and I know that I have not always gotten it right.' But Stefanik said their answers were 'unacceptable', and demanded all three resign. Ackman said he was horrified by the testimony. 'This could be the most extraordinary testimony ever elicited in the Congress, certainly on the topic of genocide,' he wrote on X. 'The presidents' answers reflect the profound educational, moral and ethical failures that pervade certain of our elite educational institutions due in large part to their failed leadership.' He said that the trio's answers would be unacceptable in the business world. 'If a CEO of one of our companies gave a similar answer, he or she would be toast within the hour,' he said. 'Why has antisemitism exploded on campus and around the world? 'Because of leaders like Presidents Gay, Magill and Kornbluth who believe genocide depends on the context. Palestinian supporters gathered at Harvard University to show their support for Gaza, and their hatred for Israel, at a rally in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 14 Harvard's Palestine Solidarity Committee triggered fury by writing - on October 7 - that Israel was 'entirely responsible for all unfolding violence.' President Claudine Gay has been heavily criticized for failing to appropriately condemn the students who backed the statement 'To think that these are the leaders of Ivy League institutions that are charged with the responsibility to educate our best and brightest.' His criticism of Gay comes just days after the billionaire posted an open letter on X accusing Harvard of discriminating against 'straight white men' and railing against the university's equity and inclusion efforts. The Jewish student organization, Harvard Hillel, said that Gay's 'refusal' to 'draw a line' on threatening antisemitic speech is 'profoundly shocking.' Harvard Hillel said that they questioned the president's 'ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus.' 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus,' the Harvard Hillel said. 'Chants to 'globalize the intifada,' an endorsement of violent terrorist attacks against Jewish and Israeli civilians, and 'from the river to the sea,' an eliminationist slogan intended to deprive Jews of their right to self-determination in Israel, have become tragically routine at Harvard.' Newly surfaced video shows a confrontation at a recent demonstration on Harvard University's campus, where pro-Palestinian protesters surrounded a student chanting 'shame' Protesters encircle a man (with arms up), moving through the yard during the October 18 protest at Harvard University, holding up keffiyehs (scarfs) before he slips into a nearby building Magill was questioned over her school's participation in a 'Palestine Writes Festival' in September. A complaint filed with the Education Department against Penn cites the festival as a catalyst for antisemitic incidents on campus. Speakers included several with a history of making antisemitic remarks, such as Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. She said antisemitic speech at the event was 'abhorrent' to her and that the institution put safety precautions into place. 'Why in the world would you host someone like that on your campus?' asked Jim Banks, a Republican congressman for Indiana. 'Antisemitism has no place at Penn,' Magill began to answer. Banks interrupted, and asked: 'Why did you invite Roger Waters?' She concluded: 'I think canceling that conference would have been very inconsistent with academic freedom and free expression despite the fact that the views of some of the people who came to that conference I find very, very objectionable because of their antisemitism.' Vladimir Putin today declared he will run for yet another term as President of the Russian Federation in 2024. Russian state TV captured the moment Putin, 71, announced his intention to secure another six years in the Kremlin in Russia's upcoming March elections. 'I will not hide that I have had different thoughts at different times but it is now time to make a decision,' Putin told decorated soldiers in response to questions during an army awards ceremony at the Kremlin's Georgievsky Hall. 'I will run for the post of president,' he declared. Speaking with state media after the ceremony, Lt Col. Artyom Zhoga told reporters: 'The president has said that he will run for president of the Russian Federation. 'We all - I say this with confidence - in the reunited territories, all of Russia, we support him,' he said, referring to parts of eastern Ukraine that Russia claimed to have annexed late last year. Should Putin make good on his intention to run again, Russia's presidential elections, scheduled to take place between March 15-17 next year, will be seen as a foregone conclusion. Addressing Putin at today's awards ceremony at the Kremlin, Lt. Col. Artyom Zhoga praised the president for annexing the Donbas region of Ukraine and implored him to seek re-election Putin then announced he will run for president yet again, having spent some 24 years in power either as president or prime minister Should Putin make good on his intention to run again, Russia's presidential elections, scheduled to take place between March 15-17 next year, will be seen as a foregone conclusion Putin has been in power in Russia, either as president or prime minister, since 1999, and is Russia's longest serving leader with the exception of one Josef Stalin. Two years ago, he brought in legislation that reset his previous term limits, allowing him to run for two more six-year terms. In theory, this means Putin could remain at the helm of Russia until 2036. It was unclear why Putin chose to make the announcement today, or why he revealed his decision to Lt. Col. Zhoga - commander of the Donbas battalion Sparta which is operating in eastern Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the decision to announce his candidacy today was 'spontaneous'. Addressing Putin at today's awards ceremony at the Kremlin, Zhoga praised the president for annexing the Donbas region of Ukraine and implored him to stand for re-election. 'I, on behalf of all our people, all of Donbas, our embattled lands, would like to ask you to take part in these elections. 'Thanks to your actions, your decision, we have received freedom, the right to choose. And we want you to take part in the elections of the President of the Russian Federation. 'You are our president, we are your team. We need you, Russia needs you,' Zhoga concluded. It was at that moment that Putin chose to reveal his decision to run again. 'We are very glad that the president heard our request for nomination - all of Russia supports him,' Zhoga said after the fact. Speaking on Putin's announcement, the head of Russia's upper house of parliament Valentina Matvienko said: 'Our president has never avoided and does not avoid responsible decisions. 'And today he has once again confirmed this. He confirmed that at the moment of a historic choice and a historic challenge.' File photo dated 17/4/2000 of Vladimir Putin with Tony Blair during his visit to 10 Downing Street, London In this Monday, April 17, 2000 file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, right talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, prior to a private audience at Windsor Castle, on his first visit to the West as Russian President, in Windsor, England Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency in Moscow on November 9, 2022 Putin will not face any major challengers and will likely seek as big a mandate as possible in order to conceal domestic discord over the Ukraine conflict, analysts say. Tatiana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center noted that the announcement was made in a low-key way instead of a live televised speech, probably reflecting the Kremlin's spin effort to emphasise Putin's modesty and his perceived focus on doing his job as opposed to loud campaigning. 'It's not about prosperity, it's about survival,' Stanovaya observed. 'The stakes have been raised to the maximum.' About 80% of the populace approves of Putin's performance, according to the independent pollster Levada Center. That support might come from the heart or it might reflect submission to a leader whose crackdown on any opposition has made even relatively mild criticism perilous. But Putin is expected to face only token opposition on the ballot, irrespective of whether his support is real or coerced. At the time of the amendments that allowed him two more terms, Putin's concern about losing power may have been elevated: Levada polling showed his approval rating significantly lower, hovering around 60%. In the view of some analysts, that dip in popularity could have been a main driver of the war that Putin launched in Ukraine in February 2022. by John P. Ruehl Myanmars stability has eroded significantly since the 2021 military coup. But the coordinated attack by multiple separatist and pro-democracy groups in October and November 2023 has seen military outposts, villages, border crossings, and other infrastructure overrun. While the Tatmadaw, Myanmars military, clings to control in central and coastal regions populated by the countrys ethnic majority, much of the countrys border areas are increasingly slipping into anti-government control. File Photo of the deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi [ Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images ] This current turbulence is not an aberration but deeply rooted in Myanmars history. Since gaining independence from British rule in 1948, the country has grappled with what is commonly described as the worlds longest-running civil war. Initial experiments with democracy witnessed limited clashes between Myanmars central government and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs.) Following a military coup in 1962 that established the junta, more EAOs emerged to challenge government power. Infighting and splintering among EAOs, coupled with their growing antagonism toward the Burma Communist Party (BCP), itself waging a war on the central government, allowed the junta to implement fragile ceasefires in exchange for limited autonomy. By the end of the Cold War, democratic protests in 1988, the collapse of the BCP in 1989, and free elections in 1990 all suggested Myanmar was cautiously embracing a peaceful future. Despite losing the elections in 1990, however, the junta did not relinquish power, drawing international condemnation. EAOs and other groups like the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which split from the BCP, then continued their struggle for two decades until the junta ceded some powers to a civilian administration in 2011. Elections in 2015 and 2020 saw landslide victories for the National League for Democracy (NLD), as well as some progress toward reconciliation. But in 2021, the Tatmadaw reestablished the junta and plunged the country back into destabilization, culminating in the 2023 autumn offensive by anti-junta forces. In addition to EOAs and a reorganized BCP, the junta has also been forced to contend with Peoples Defense Forces (PDFs), loose armed organizations backed by the National Unity Government (NUG), set up by lawmakers and politicians in the aftermath of the coup. Additionally, the role of the Burman ethnic majority and grassroots civil defense forces in opposing the junta has also complicated its response to unrest. The junta has proven adept at managing its restive elements before, and can also rely on its Border Guard Forces (BGFs) and other pro-government militia groups. But the broad swathes of Myanmars society fighting against it have made the juntas traditional policy of divide and rule far less effective. Myanmars Acting President Myint Swe has said the country could split into various parts, prompting Myanmar military officials to retreat to the capital, Naypyidaw, a planned city completed in 2012 that effectively serves as a fortress located near the most restive regions. Chinas role in Myanmar has undergone significant shifts since the latters independence. Despite Chinese support for the BCP and other communist groups, Myanmar grew closer to China after its isolation from the West in the 1990s. Beijing supported the junta to stabilize Myanmar and prevent adversaries from establishing a foothold on Chinas southern border. Other interests included maintaining access to Myanmars raw materials and natural resources, as well as infrastructure development to turn Myanmar into a strategic gateway to the Bay of Bengal through the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China maintained ties to the junta, democracy advocates, and ethnic groups from 2011 to 2021. However, the 2021 coup disrupted development projects and led to attacks on Chinese-run facilities by rebel groups, and the juntas inability to protect infrastructure exacerbated historical tension between it and Beijing. Four Chinese civilians were killed in 2015 after a Myanmar military airstrike hit across the border into Yunnan, while the junta burned down a Chinese-owned factory and killed Chinese and Myanmar civilians in 2021. Chinas ongoing support to some militia groups, such as the United Wa State Army (UWSA) and MNDAA, provides Beijing leverage over the junta and a say in the ceasefire processes. Chinese firms also often work with armed groups in special economic zones near the border, and some of the anti-junta groups regularly cross the border to China to escape the junta and its proxy forces. Beijings tacit approval of their activities may also be partially fueled by wariness that rebel groups were becoming closer to the U.S. prior to the new offensive. Beijing has nonetheless attempted to sustain a balancing act, arresting a UWSA deputy military chief in October 2023 and initially ignoring calls for assistance from the rebels after the launch of their offensive. But following the steady string of defeats suffered by the junta, China has since altered its outlook. Chinas affiliates now form some of the most powerful groups operating in Myanmar, and Chinas foreign ministry has called for a ceasefire. Myanmars porous borders have not only allowed armed groups to flourish but also facilitated the expansion of organized crime networks. Increased cooperation between militant and criminal groups in recent decades, known as the terror-crime nexus, has elevated the power of these groups worldwide. American efforts to counter communism inadvertently helped develop drug networks in Myanmar during the early Cold War, while transnational organized crime in Southeast Asia burgeoned in the 21st Century. The COVID-19 pandemic further established Myanmar as a hub of criminal activity, expanding the funding networks available to the countrys armed groups. Both local and international criminal networks operate in Myanmars special economic zones, engaging in human and wildlife trafficking, slavery, cybercrimes, money laundering, communication fraud, illegal casinos, and online gambling centers. The relationships between these entities and governments are intricate, with shifting alliances commonplace. Beijing and transnational Chinese gangs play central roles in Myanmars heightened criminal activity. The junta has also had close ties to criminal networks for decades, and since the 2021 coup has become increasingly reliant on criminal activity to finance itself and offset international isolation. China, while entangled in Myanmars criminal underworld, has grown steadily more concerned with rising illicit activity on its border with Myanmar and the willing and unwilling participation of Chinese citizens. Chinas signals to the junta to address the forced-labor networks since May 2023 went unheeded, leading to China issuing arrest warrants for junta allies and the UWSA to raid online scam compounds and trafficked labor centers in border regions. However, the resilience of regional criminal groups became evident after the NLD failed to disrupt their activities during the decade of partial democratic rule from 2011 to 2021, and they have only grown financially stronger since. And despite their interweaving with regional elites, criminal networks and their militant partners have developed newfound agency and an ability to act independently from governments since the 2021 coup. Additionally, while the junta styles its current campaign as a counterinsurgency, Myanmars armed groups possess significant military capabilities. Minority groups such as those belonging to the Karen ethnic group were prominent in Myanmars armed forces during the British colonial administration, gaining valuable experience. As in Ethiopia, certain ethnic groups have developed and maintained well-equipped forces capable of both insurgency and conventional warfare. Like other anti-government forces around the world, Myanmar rebel groups have also embraced new technologies and strategies in recent years. This includes crowdfunding initiatives, which have expanded significantly since 2021, to offset the juntas control over the central bank and other national economic levers. Large-scale application of drone warfare has also made a marked difference on the battlefield, even before the current offensive by the rebels. Myanmars militant groups have also worked with European criminal groups to obtain weapons, and groups like the UWSA have proven capable of manufacturing weapons since 2008. The use of 3D-printed guns by Myanmar rebel groups, just ten years after the first 3D-printed gun was produced, also marks a distinctive feature of the current conflict. The NUG has meanwhile been busily setting up local civic administration and public services and Peoples Administrative Teams (PATs) in PDF-controlled or contested areas, indicative of their state-building capabilities. Hindered by international isolation, increasingly powerful rebel groups, and a growing dependence on a Chinese leadership willing to support multiple sides, the juntas outlook appears bleak. But it does maintain some other allies abroad. Russia grew closer to the junta throughout the 2010s and despite being tied down in Ukraine, Moscow has offered more support for Myanmar since the coup, including the first ever Russia-Myanmar joint naval exercise in November 2023. Bordering states Laos and Thailand also maintain friendly ties to the junta, and Laos, holding the chairmanship of ASEAN since September 2023, has shielded Myanmar from greater institutional isolation. Myanmars other neighbors, India and Bangladesh, are also wary of additional instability and the potential emergence of a failed state on their borders. India has already seen tens of thousands of refugees (as well as soldiers from the junta) cross the border since 2021, while Bangladesh has seen close to one million Rohingya refugees enter the country since 2016, and India has recently shown it is still willing to engage with the junta despite its vulnerability. Efforts to further unite anti-government forces meanwhile face obstacles due to differences in strategies, objectives, and allegiances. Several organizations have been set up to encourage greater coordination, but infighting is still common. Some EAOs, like the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), are still open to adhering to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) while others consider a federal system a viable alternative to complete independence. Perceived indifference to the Rohingya crisis in 2017 on behalf of the democratic government at the time also reveals the persistent ethnic tensions among Myanmars population despite alternative leadership. Convincing criminal and militant groups to give up their lucrative illicit networks, as well as untangling their links to the junta-dominated economy, will also prove challenging. And with the U.S. diplomatically tied down in Ukraine and Israel and ASEANs divided approach to the crisis, China enjoys relative freedom to manipulate the situation on its border. Yet despite positive relations across Myanmars political spectrum, Beijings reluctance to intervene more directly only amplifies the persistent uncertainty surrounding Myanmars future. Source: Globetrotter These are the dramatic pictures capturing the moment a hero passer-by jumped into flood water to rescue a woman trapped in her car. Jamie Price, 32, jumped into nearly 4ft of water in Billericay, Essex and waded out to a car that was floating in floodwater. Risking his own life, he managed to pull the unnamed woman from the vehicle. He then picked her up in his arms and carried her to safety. A woman is pictured being rescued from her car in nearly 4ft of water in Essex Jamie Pierce, 32, jumped in and carried her to safety. Her car was floating at the time RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams urged drivers to be wary of flooded roads Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Price, from Thurrock, said: 'So basically I'd come down to the area out of curiosity because I'm local. 'The area was really flooded and I noticed an Audi that was stuck in there. 'I'm not a recovery person or anything, I'm just a member of the public. 'But because I've got a Land Rover, I was pulling the Audi out, this other car came straight into 4ft of water at about 20 miles an hour. 'It doesn't seem like it in the photos, but she was actually floating in the car and she must have floated around 25 metres. 'She was getting pushed against the railing and I was already in waders so I jumped in to get her. 'Over the railing was just about 10ft of water because this was an Irish Bridge, so there was 4ft of water over the bridge as well as another 4ft underneath' Mr Price said the woman was 'very lucky' that she didn't go over the railing and if he didn't intervene, then the emergency services would have been called. The dad-of-four managed to rescue the woman and she was seen smiling as Mr Price carried her away. 'I wouldn't consider myself a hero, I was just there at the right time,' he added. 'When I rescued the lady, she said she was on her way to meet her boyfriend for breakfast. 'He came and picked her up afterwards and they went off and carried on with their day like nothing happened.' It came after Thursday's torrents saw schools opening or closing late with a horse racing event being called off at Wincanton because of the miserable conditions. Parts of Devon and Cornwall were also left underwater with a number of roads being forced closed following the onslaught of showers, with fields across the counties left saturated. RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams urged drivers to be wary of flooded roads, saying that those in the 'worst-affected areas will need to be on their guard for floods and standing water'. He added: 'Anyone tempted to drive through water that is too deep for their vehicle is risking their safety and a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas or, worse still, the prospect of an insurance write-off. 'The best advice is to turn around and go another way if there's any doubt about the water's depth. 'From a road safety perspective, we urge drivers to slow down and leave plenty of stopping distance behind the vehicle in front. Britain was hit with heavy rain and flooding on Thursday as three inches of rain fell within a matter of hours Luckily, the woman seemed unharmed and she was pictured smiling as Mr Pierce carried her away 'It's also important to remember the risk of losing control due to aquaplaning, which is what happens when a layer of water gets between the tyres and the road surface, making it impossible to steer, brake or accelerate.' Britain was hit with heavy rain and flooding on Thursday as three inches of rain fell within a matter of hours. Forecasters say some areas will face 'frequent showers' and even rumbles of thunder through Friday - before a huge bank of rain hits the south-west into Saturday. Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin said of Friday morning's weather: '(It will be) a wet one for Northern Ireland, there will be frequent showers for north Wales, north-west England, much of central and southern Scotland. 'Parts of southern England, East Anglia may stay dry and bright - but it's a bit misty and murky to start the day.' Conditions will worsen into Saturday as the rain creeps up the country into the north of England and southern Scotland - before skies brighten up in the afternoon. But Sunday will also see 'unsettled' weather with bands of rain sweeping north and east across much of the country - paired with high winds, including gales. It has become the norm for restaurant diners to take a quick photo of their meal and post it on social media before tucking in. But for one woman in China, her decision to post a picture of her dinner on the Chinese app WeChat proved disastrous and her lunch date with a friend quickly turned into one of nightmares. When the time came to pay her bill at a hotpot restaurant in Kunming, south-west China, the woman was horrified to find that she had been landed with a bill for 50,000 (430,000 Chinese Yuan). The woman, who has only been identified by her surname Wang, realised with horror that in the photos she had posted online, she had accidentally included the QR code that was stuck to her table, reported the South Morning China Post. Within minutes of her posting the pictures on WeChat and while she was catching up with her friend some of her contacts on the app quickly began scanning the code and ordering an extortionate amount of food to her table. The trolls ordered a staggering 1,850 portions of fresh duck blood, 2,580 portions of squid and 9,990 portions of shrimp paste, according to a screenshot of the bill. When the time came to pay her bill at a hotpot restaurant in Kunming, south-west China, the woman was horrified to find that she had been landed with a bill for 50,000 (431,000 Chinese Yuan) For one woman in China, her decision to post a picture of her dinner on the Chinese app WeChat proved disastrous and her lunch date with a friend quickly turned into one of nightmares (file image) The staff at the restaurant, seeing the huge order, apparently decided to confirm the bill with Ms Wang before they sent out all of the food and that's when she realised her error. She quickly deleted her post but the restaurant continued to be inundated with orders during the incident last month. Thankfully for a flustered Ms Wang, the restaurant did not make her pay the extortionate bill and moved her to a new table while ignoring all the new orders made by the QR code. The staff said they had tried to track down the people who ordered the food to no avail. Ms Wang said it was a learning experience and called for increased awareness of how QR codes can be used maliciously. And the restaurants has since changed its ordering system so that customers are only able to place an order if they are within a certain distance of the building. Lin Xiaoming, a lawyer from Sichuan Yishang Law Firm, told Chinese media outlet Fengmian News that the fake orders were not Ms Wang's original intention, meaning they were invalid. A serial dine and dash conman fled from a gastro pub without paying his bill of 600 for a two night gourmet stay just before he ripped off a historic hotel with the same name. Craig Sharp, 52, made headlines this week after he failed to pay his 452 bill which included three meals and 26 pints during a three-night stay at the Angel hotel in Halesworth, Suffolk. But MailOnline can reveal that just days earlier he conned the Angel pub which is acclaimed for its fine dining around five miles away in the village of Wangford near Southwold, Suffolk. Sharp of Harwich, Essex, tucked into lavish meals at the pub, washed down with numerous beers, and even bought rounds of drinks for locals which he added to his bill. But he slipped away in the morning without settling his bill of 600, and when staff tried to take payment on his debit card, they found that no funds were available. Serial dine and dash conman Craig Sharp (pictured) fled from a hotel without paying his bill of 452 He enjoyed three meals and 26 pints during a three-night stay at the Angel hotel in Halesworth, Suffolk Sharps huge bill at the 16th century Angel Hotel included 15 pints of Birra Moretti It was revealed yesterday that Sharp has a long record of dishonesty, dating back to 1993 and has served at least four prison sentences for fraud including dine and dash offences. Sharp booked one night at The Angel in Wangford in November, using his own name and his real address at his parents home, before arranging to stay a second night Bradley Coote, who works at the pub, said: He ate with us and enjoyed quite a large amount of alcohol. I served him on one night. He was very charismatic. He got himself on first name terms with all the staff members and was buying people drinks at the bar. Funnily enough, he seemed a really nice guy. He was very chatty and friendly, and just really down to earth. He told us he would come down in the morning and pay his bill, which is completely normal for a lot of customers, but it didnt happen. When he disappeared, we tried to charge his card, and it gave us a big No". When we saw the report of him doing the same thing at the Angel in Halesworth, we talked to them and realised he was the same guy who had come to us. Staff at the Angel pub have since reported their dine and dash case to Suffolk Police who are said to be investigating. The website for The Angel at Wangford says it has seven well appointed, comfortable en-suite bedrooms full of character'. It describes itself as perfectly located and a cosy pub where, for centuries, locals have been supping their pints and travellers finding a place to rest their weary heads after a wonderful feast. The website adds: Delicious meals made from the best local seasonal ingredients, brought by our friendly front of house team, ensuring you have a wonderful time while youre with us. He also conned The Angel in Wangford in November after booking a one night stay Sharp has served at least four prison sentences for fraud including dine and dash offences The current menu includes main courses of braised beef short rib with caramelised miso onion, braised sesame potatoes, broccoli and miso juice priced at 20, and venison haunch, celeriac dauphinoise, smoked celeriac puree, charred hispi cabbage and dark chocolate jus at 22. Sharps huge bill at the 16th century Angel Hotel in Halesworth included 15 pints of Birra Moretti, eight pints of Guinness, seven rum and cokes, three pints of Aspall cider, five bags of Mini Cheddars and three meals and other sides. He tried to avoid suspicion by praising staff and buying them chocolates at the family-run hotel. But the owners became worried after he slipped away early on his final day, and sent an email saying he would return later in the morning to pay. When they never heard anything back from him, they realised he had conned them and released CCTV pictures of him inside and outside the hotel. MailOnline revealed yesterday that the thirsty fraudster admits he has a horrendous criminal record including a string of jail sentences for dine and dash scams. In a similar con to his fraud in Wangford, he booked his first 75 night in the hotel online, using his real name and his real address. Mr Sharp did not come to the door when a MailOnline reporter called at his parents semi-detached house on Wednesday afternoon. When the reporter asked to speak to Craig, his father Barry Sharp 77, refused to say if he was in the house, and would not confirm or deny if he was the man on the CCTV. After being shown the CCTV of the man with a distinctive bald patch at the hotel, Mr Sharp said: Im not at liberty to say anything to be honest with you. Im not saying a word. I mean, there is other things that are going on. Thats all I can say. When reminded about how his son had been jailed at least four times for dine and dash offences, he said: It was a long while ago. Mr Sharp agreed when the reporter suggested that his son might be suffering from mental health problems, saying: Exactly.' The father added: Nobody knows the situation do they. Im not condoning what he has done in the past. He has done his time. We dont know whats happened do we. Its a long story. Put it that way. Thats all Im going to say. Sharp admits he has a horrendous criminal record including a string of jail sentences for dine and dash scams MailOnline revealed on Thursday that he has pulled the same trick at a series of other hotels and up-market restaurants. Sharp was already serving a prison sentence when he was jailed for a concurrent two months by magistrates in Colchester, Essex, in May 2017 after he admitted two counts of making off without payment at two glitzy hotels. He pre-paid for a two night stay at the boutique Blue Ivy Hotel in North Hill, Colchester, on January 8 and 9, 2017, before arranging a third night and then leaving without paying the outstanding 202. When police were notified, they realised he had committed a similar offence at the Milsoms Hotel and Restaurant in Dedham, Norfolk, in November 2015, when he left without paying 251.15 for food and drink, and a one night stay. Representing himself in court, he tried to claim that he had tried to make amends to Blue Ivy, saying: I knew I could not pay the bill for the third night. He added: I contacted the owner afterwards and paid 45 but then realised there was no way I could pay the remainder. I told him it would be dribs and drags over many months and the only way forward was for him to go to the police. At Milsoms, I paid a 50 deposit on a card but knew I could not pay the rest. At the time I did not care an awful lot what I was doing or the hurt I was causing myself or other people. When I book in, I give my own details. I knew they would find me and I was burying my head in the sand. I hope I can be in prison, get myself sorted and come out with a clean slate. Sharp went on: I am unhappy with myself and who I am. There was a six year break in my offending when I moved to Scotland which proves I can knuckle down and get on with things. My record is horrendous, but I am drawn towards doing these things. I give all my correct information and know I am going to get caught in the end. Both my parents are 70 and have had health problems but they have said when I am released, I can go back and live with them. It is up to me to get back to how I was six or seven years ago when I was doing well. Sharp was reported to have been jailed for more offences in 2018, before being imprisoned yet again for 48 weeks by Ipswich magistrates in May 2021 after failing to pay bills totalling 2,579.82 at four luxury hotels. The court heard how he booked a two-night stay at the Crown in Bildeston, Suffolk, on February 25, 2020, using his own name and bank details, and charged food and drink to his room. He requested another nights stay, and left behind a bill of 494.85 Sharp headed the same day to the timber-framed 15th century Swan Hotel in Lavenham, Suffolk, where supermodel Claudia Schiffer stayed before her wedding. He gave his own name and bank card, although he gave a false address in London, before fleeing without paying his bill of 887.57. Sharp then arrived on March 2 at the seaside Brudenell Hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where he racked up an unpaid bill of 491.20. Finally, he had another seaside break at the Caley Hall Hotel, in Hunstanton, Norfolk, after asking if he could pay on departure. He told staff he was going out for the day, but when his room was checked, all his belongings had gone, and he had left an outstanding bill of 706.20. The Caley Hall Hotel closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when it reopened in July, attempts were made to contact Sharp and get him to repay the money. He provided bank details to staff but they were rejected. Paul Baker, defending Sharp, said he had been caring for his parents who were not in good health, and things just got on top of him and he needed to get away from home. Companies House records reveal that Sharp set up his own car valet business called CRS Valet Ltd, registered at his parents home in May last year. The firm which has never filed accounts, faced a compulsory strike off notice in August this year after it failed to file a notice confirming that he was still sole director. The notice has since been suspended. Sharp has a string of dishonesty convictions dating back to 1993 Angel Hotel manager William Tennant, 24, said he had alerted Action Fraud after Sharp failed to pay his 210 accommodation bill and 242 for food and drink. Mr Tennant said: Its disappointing. More than anything, we look after people well here all the time, youll find plenty of witnesses of that. Its obviously some sadistic game he likes to play or an addiction hes got if hes been doing it for so long. So thats sad really, to be honest. Hes obviously a sad man. He even bought chocolates for us to thank us for our hospitality. Its not a small amount of money, and turnover wise, you have to earn a significant amount more to get that back, profit-wise. Mr Tennant said Sharp had been very complimentary to staff during his stay and had spent his evenings sinking pints at the bar. But he now believes this was simply a way of ensuring his brazen scheme went unnoticed . He added: He was just businessman-like. He was a middle-aged bloke. He was chatty and friendly. He was polite and very complimentary to our staff, saying how amazing he had been treated, how lovely everything was, how content he is. He originally just booked in for one night. I suppose that was him scouting out how many extras he could put onto his room without paying for them. He sat with his back to the camera in the bar, which looking back must have been an intentional thing. Theres CCTV footage of him everywhere. I thought he was too brazen to be a con man. People tend to be a bit smarter if you actually try not to be caught. He started on Aspall, then he had Moretti and Guinness. It worked out about eight pints a night. Mr Tennant said staff became concerned when the man slipped out during the morning on November 23 before promising to return and pay in an email. When they searched his name online, they found reports of his jail sentences for other dine and dash scams. Mr Tennant said: Its not impossible to leave without anyone seeing you. Its a small hotel so he didnt show up for breakfast. He emailed to say, Sorry I had to leave in a rush, Ill be back in time to check out and settle my bill, can I stay another night? or something. We then thought this is a bit weird now. And then we Googled him and we saw him - and realised this is the guy. We never heard from him again. Two families launched into a wild brawl outside a Mississippi courthouse as they squared off over a woman's mysterious disappearance. The relatives of Derrick Coleman were confronted by the family of his missing wife, Latasha Crump Coleman, at the Hinds County Courthouse on Thursday morning, with it suspected that Coleman knows her whereabouts. Crump Coleman, 46, was reported missing by her family on July 19, when she failed to show up for her job as a corrections officer. Her estranged husband Coleman was in court to appeal a 2022 conviction for violating a protective order to have no contact with his wife, according to WLBT, but tempers spilled over when court adjourned on Thursday morning. Footage captured wild scenes outside a Mississippi courthouse on Thursday morning, where five people were arrested for disorderly conduct The brawl erupted following a hearing for Derrick Coleman (pictured), who was appealing a separate 2022 conviction when the family of a missing woman he is suspected of Latasha Crump Coleman (pictured) was last seen on July 19, and investigators say her husband Derrick is 'high on the radar' of their suspects over her disappearance BRAWL AT THE COURTHOUSE: A fight took place this morning between the families of Latasha Crump and her husband, Derrick Coleman. Latasha went missing in July and hasn't been seen since. https://t.co/JHKONlLipC pic.twitter.com/DywxcB7ZyG WLBT 3 On Your Side (@WLBT) December 7, 2023 Court cameras were on the scene to witness the crazed fighting, which began almost as soon as the two families moved to the lobby of the courthouse. Brief words were exchanged before both men and women began throwing wild punches at each other and shoving in the cramped space inside. The brawl was initially broken up by Hinds County sheriff's deputies, however the two groups again flew into a frenzy as soon as they spilled outside. Officers and bystanders were seen in frantic footage holding several people apart to try and limit any injuries, while one woman was also caught taking off with another woman's wig. Several people were seen being led back inside the courthouse in handcuffs as the violent episode concluded, and officials said five people in total were arrested as a result. The five arrested individuals were all charged with disorderly conduct and were being held in the Raymond Detention Center, Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said. One minor was reportedly injured in the fighting and was left with a bloody nose, however there are no reports of serious injuries in the hostilities. The fighting initially broke out in the lobby of the Hinds County Courthouse, with officials saying Crump Coleman's family may have misunderstood her husband's hearing and believed he was being let out of prison Several people were seen being led back inside the courthouse in handcuffs after the hostilities, and five people were charged with disorderly conduct The hearing that started the raging scenes resulted in Coleman being found to have violated the conditions of his bond and his appeal was dismissed back to municipal court. Court officials told WAPT that Coleman's wife's relatives may have reacted angrily to the judge's ruling if they misunderstood his decision, and thought the dismissal meant Coleman would be released. He is suspected, but has not been charged, with the disappearance of Crump Coleman, and Jackson Police Chief Joe Wade said Coleman is 'high on the radar' of law enforcement. The delay to making an arrest has infuriated her family, who say they immediately suspected something was wrong when the prison corrections officer failed to show up for work on July 19. Her beloved aunt, who she was said to be very close with, had just passed away, but the family said they were unable to tell Crump Coleman and couldn't get hold of her. Crump Coleman was reported missing in July when she failed to show up for her job as a corrections officer, and her family have called for action in the months-long investigation Coleman was appealing a 2022 conviction for breaching his bail, however it was found on Thursday that he had broken the conditions by contacting his wife, and his case was kicked back down to municipal court as he remains behind bars When the prison she works at said she was a no-show, her family panicked when they went to her house to find her dogs and Apple watch were there, which they said she would never leave without. Investigators issued an urgent search alert for her gray Acura vehicle, and Wade said officers have conducted large searches and subpoenaed phone records in the subsequent months to no avail. The FBI has also reportedly been enlisted in the search. However, Crump Coleman's family say they feel her case was 'swept under the rug' and ignored by many as it came only a few days after the scandalous Carlee Russell hoax disappearance in Alabama. A former Labour councillor and Emeritus Professor who called for 'someone to blow up the venue' where the Jewish Labour Movement is hosting its annual conference has had her Honorary status withdrawn. In a now-deleted Tweet, Harriet Bradley, 78, who worked at Bristol University, re-shared a poster advertising the event. The offensive post led to a furious backlash from the Jewish community, with the sociology professor, who studies the 'inequalities of class, gender, ethnicity', being reported to the police and her former employer. The professor has since been reported to the police and had her Emeritus status revoked. Avon and Somerset Police are reportedly investigating the matter as an 'incident of malicious communications'. In a now-deleted Tweet, Harriet Bradley, 78, who worked at Bristol University, called for 'someone to blow up the venue' where the Jewish Labour Movement is hosting its annual conference The Tweet has since been deleted but has led to an outcry from the Jewish community Bristol University was forced to fire another professor in 2021 amid allegations of antisemitism made by students A spokesperson for Bristol University said: 'We can confirm that we have withdrawn the Emeritus and Honorary Status of retired employee Professor Harriet Bradley with immediate effect.' Daniel Sugarman, who is director of public affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, responded: 'I checked to see if this tweet was real. It is. 'I'm currently sitting in the building where Jewish Labour held their conference last year, so you can appreciate this is of some additional concern to me. An Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bristol.' The Campaign Against Antisemitism told MailOnline that it had reported the professor to the police and asked for extra security for the event that is due to take place on January 14 in north London. It also called on Bristol University, who previously fired another professor amid allegations of antisemitism, to 'immediately sever all ties' with the professor. The university said it is 'taking appropriate action' and are 'deeply dismayed by the inflammatory comment'. In 2021, Professor David Miller, a sociologist at the university and well-known anti-Zionist, was sacked after Jewish students repeatedly raised concerns. A spokesperson for the group said: 'Over the last two months, we have been warning repeatedly that calls for violent intifada would not go unheeded by extremists. 'This is an explicit call for a Jewish event to be bombed. Obviously, the University of Bristol and the University of West England must immediately sever all ties to Prof. Bradley if they have any. No ifs or buts.' It added: 'We have reported the case to the police, who must open an urgent investigation, and security must be heightened at the event, lest someone put the Emeritus Professor of Women's Employment's instruction into action.' The Jewish Labour Movement has also written to Bristol University claiming that the professor 'is going out of their way to indulge in anti-Jewish racism'. The letter said: 'This is an opportunity for your University to act with speed and certainty when it comes to dealing with antisemitism amongst its faculty and demonstrating a zero tolerance for antisemitism. In 2021, David Miller, a sociologist at the university and well-known anti-Zionist, was sacked after Jewish students repeatedly raised concerns The Jewish Labour movement has written a letter to Bristol University calling for it 'severe all ties' with the university Daniel Sugarman, who is director of public affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said the tweet was a 'concern' 'Does the University think Professor Bradley's conduct is what one would expect of someone on whom you have bestowed the honour of an Emeritus professorship?' It added: 'Now that Professor Bradley is retired, we understand you have no responsibility for her conduct. 'However, you do have the ability to send a powerful message about the lack of tolerance the faculty has for such hateful, highly dangerous and inflammatory behaviour.' The Union of Jewish Students also called for the university to take urgent action, telling the establishment 'Jewish students are watching'. In a statement the union said: 'This morning, an Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bristol encouraged her followers to 'blow up' a Jewish conference next month. 'After two months of death threats, physical assault, and verbal abuse, Jewish students know all too well that the rot in university faculties runs deep.' Bradley told the Jewish Chronicle that the Tweet was 'only banter! A joke!' adding: 'I do realise now it was in bad taste and would like to apologies to all those offended or frightened by it.' She added that she 'deplored the way that Labour has been taken over by pro-Zionist people and left-wing Jews have been kicked out'. MailOnline has contacted Ms Bradley. The Met Police and Avon and Somerset police forces have also been contacted. A University of Bristol spokesperson said: 'We are deeply dismayed by the inflammatory comment on social media from a former employee who has long retired and are taking appropriate action.' The MIT leader said she has 'not heard calls for genocide of Jews on campus' Kornbluth, Harvard's Claudine Gay, and uPenn's Liz Magill equivocated when asked if calling for genocide of Jews violated their school's codes of conducts MIT is standing behind its president Sally Kornbluth after her disastrous congressional testimony saw her refusing to answer whether calling for the genocide of Jews constitutes harassment. The prestigious school's governing body declared its unwavering support for the academic on Thursday - days after Kornbluth, Harvard's Claudine Gay, and uPenn's Liz Magill said calling for the genocide of Jews was anti-Semitic hate speech but didn't necessarily break their school rules. 'The MIT Corporation chose Sally to be our president for her outstanding academic leadership, her judgment, her integrity, her moral compass, and her ability to unite our community around MITs core values,' the school said in a statement. 'She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support.' Kornbluth, Gay and Magill are all facing calls to resign after their ambiguous answers during the hearing called to address rising anti-Semitism at the nation's top universities amid the Hamas-Israel war. MIT is standing behind its president Sally Kornbluth after her disastrous congressional testimony saw her refusing to answer whether calling for the genocide of Jews is harassment When asked if calling for genocide constituted bullying or harassment by republican rep. Elise Stefanik, the MIT president said: 'If targeted at individuals, not making public statements.' Kornbluth added that she has 'not heard calling for the genocide for Jews on our campus.' However, she conceded she was are of chants at protests on campus that can be anti-Semitic, depending on the context when calling for the elimination of the Jewish people.' Harvard's Gay answered that whether calls for genocide on campus violated the rules would 'depend on the context.' Gay said: 'Anti-Semitic rhetoric, when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation that is actionable conduct. We do take action.' UPenn's Magill, on her part, said: 'If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, yes.' On Wednesday, Magill published a groveling video statement attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. Claudine Gay, president of Harvard, is seen on Tuesday appearing before the House education committee to discuss antisemitism UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. The university presidents' feeble responses sparked widespread uproar, with one UPenn donor threatening to withdraw his $100m gift to the university unless Magill stood down. On Thursday second gentleman Doug Emhoff denounced rising antisemitism amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the 'presidents of some of our most elite universities.' Speaking at the lighting ceremony of a massive menorah in front of the White House to mark the first night of Hanukah, Emhoff criticized college presidents who testified on Capitol Hill this week, saying they 'were unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as anti-Semitic.' 'The lack of moral clarity is unacceptable,' he said. Also on Thursday, the board of Wharton - the world's first business school, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania - said Magill needed to resign. In a letter addressed to her, they said leadership of the university needed to change 'with immediate effect'. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff has slammed the presidents of Harvard, UPenn and MIT for what he called a 'crisis of anti-Semitism' 'As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect.' The board, in a letter first obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, describes their concern about 'dangerous and toxic culture' at Penn that they said the University leadership has allowed to exist. The letter adds that the University leadership 'does not share the values of our Board.' The three universities have been roiled by a series of pro-Palestine marches on their campuses in the wake of the October 7 attack, with students blaming Israel for Hamas' terrorist outrage, and saying the country deserved it. Some academics have expressed rabidly anti-Israel opinions, and threats have been made against Jewish students on campus. All three presidents have admitted they were slow to distance themselves from student groups justifying the October 7 massacres. But they insisted that they wanted to preserve an environment of free speech - and refused, to Stefanik's fury, to give a 'yes or no' answer to questions about condemning certain rhetoric. Billionaire Jewish financier Bill Ackman has been among the fiercest critics of the academics and has called on Magill to resign. Bill Ackman, who is worth $3.5billion and completed his BA and MBA at Harvard University, blamed Gay for the 'blatant' newfound antisemitism, saying the hatred is caused by 'your actions, and inactions' 'This could be the most extraordinary testimony ever elicited in the Congress, certainly on the topic of genocide,' he wrote on X. Ackman - who gave $26million to Harvard in 2014 - is calling for the resignation of all three women. Elon Musk and countless others also think it's time for their departure, and say the hearing crystalizes their liberal bias. The Jewish student organization, Harvard Hillel, said that Gay's 'refusal' to 'draw a line' on threatening antisemitic speech is 'profoundly shocking.' Harvard Hillel said that they questioned the president's 'ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus.' 'We are appalled by the need to state the obvious: A call for genocide against Jews is always a hateful incitement of violence. President Gay's failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvard's campus,' the Harvard Hillel said. Harvard has also attempted to limit the damage from remarks by their president Gay. On Wednesday, the university published a statement from Gay on X. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' she said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' Maryland's Attorney General has reinstated a hate crimes task force member who was suspended for sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media, comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and claiming the babies murdered on October 7 were 'fake.' Zainab Chaudry, Maryland Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), was reinstated by Attorney General Anthony Brown Wednesday morning due to a legal technicality. In a statement, the AG announced the temporary suspension had been lifted because his office lacked the authority to remove or suspend a commissioner during their four-year term. Chaudry was suspended last month after relentlessly sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media that had been deemed 'disruptive to the work and mission of the Commission.' 'Upon further review, it was determined that the law establishing the Commission directs the Attorney General to appoint members to a 4-year fixed term but does not provide the Attorney General the authority to remove a Commissioner before the expiration of their term nor the authority to suspend a Commissioner during their term of service,' a spokesperson for AG Brown announced Wednesday. Zainab Chaudry, Maryland Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), was reinstated by Attorney General Anthony Brown Chaudry was suspended last month after sharing anti-Semitic posts on social media that were deemed 'disruptive to the work and mission of the Commission' On Wednesday, the AG announced the temporary suspension had been lifted because his office lacked the authority to suspend a member of the commission In response to the announcement, deputy director of CAIR's national office Edward Ahmed Mitchell, said, 'We welcome Attorney General Anthony G. Brown's decision to reinstate the appointment.' 'We also appreciate the productive conversations we have held with Attorney General Brown and his staff over the past few weeks. We agree that it is important for the commission to collaboratively develop additional guidelines and we look forward to upholding those guidelines, which must apply consistently to all commissioners.' Maryland Del. Joe Vogel, who helped create the commission, said he plans to introduce new legislation in 2024, that would give the AG the authority to remove and suspend commissioners, like Chaudry, who violate the code of conduct. Vogel also pushed to delay a commission meeting scheduled for next week until this new policy is instituted. 'I don't think we should give a platform for more hate to be espoused through this commission,' he said. Chaudry told the Washington Post, 'Eradicating hate bias requires examining and working to fix injustices and protecting the rights for all our diverse communities. My focus has been to consistently and unapologetically advocate for Maryland's Muslim, Palestinian and Arab communities, and all those who face intolerance, dehumanization, erasure and censorship. That has not changed.' Chaudry has faced widespread backlash since Brown announced her reinstatement. Executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington Ron Halber, called for her resignation, claiming Chaudry 'remains a divisive and polarizing presence on the commission, which dramatically undermines its ability to carry out its critical mission.' Leaders at the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) responded to the news, acknowledging that although it is understood that the AG does not have the authority to remove or suspend a member, Chaudry's 'troubling social media posts still stand.' 'Unfortunately, the past two months we have seen this pattern denying the larger Jewish communities suffering after the brutal massacre on October 7th. This unprovoked war has had a great impact throughout the world, resulting in an over 300 percent rise in anti-Semitic incidents throughout the US, including a number of troubling incidents in Maryland.' Maryland Del. Joe Vogel, who helped create the commission, said he plans to introduce new legislation in 2024, that would give the AG the authority to remove and suspect commissioners, like Chaudry, who violate the code of conduct Vogel also pushed to delay a commission meeting scheduled for next week until this new policy is instituted and AG Brown (pictured) is able to suspend and remove members of the commission ''As commissioners who are supposed to be showing leadership in the fight against hate, it's disappointing and concerning that inflammatory rhetoric is being used instead of finding ways to bring people together,' Meredith Weisel, ADL DC Regional Director and member of the Hate Crimes Commission said. 'We may have disagreements on the policies in Israel and Gaza, but to make posts like 'disrupting the Zionist agenda has become a favorite hobby' or calling Hamas terrorists 'Palestinian Freedom Fighters' and using Holocaust distortion is downright dismissive of the majority of American Jews.' There has been a 300 percent rise in anti-Semitic incidents throughout the US since the October 7 Hamas attack. On Thursday, a man fired shots outside an Albany synagogue while shouting 'Free Palestine' on the first night of Chanukah. Also this week, an Israeli restaurant owner's falafel store was viciously targeted by an anti-Semitic mob on Sunday night. The mob, led by the Philly Palestine Coalition, marched on Goldie's in Center City, screaming and chanting: 'Goldie, Goldie you can't hide, we charge you with genocide.' In France, a tourist was stabbed to death and three others were critically injured after a knifeman screaming 'Allahu Akbar' launched a frenzied attack in central Paris last week. A Jewish man, Paul Kessler, was killed after being struck by a pro-Palestinian protestor in California last month. Chaudry made several Facebook posts following the Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and seized about 240 hostages in the worst attack in the country's history. On October 26 she said, 'I will never be able to understand how the world summoned up rage for 40 fake Israeli babies while completely turning a blind eye to 3,000 real Palestinian babies.' Israel has released images of tiny babies who were murdered and burned by Hamas terrorists during the attack. One appalling image shows the small body of a baby lying on a bloodied white body bag that is too large for it. Other photographs show the blackened and charred bodies of two babies which are so disfigured it's impossible to make out where their arms and legs would have been. Paul Kessler, 69, is seen on Sunday after an incident at dueling pro Israel-pro Palestine rallies in Westlake Village. A Palestinian supporter appears to be helping Kessler after he clashed with other protestors A man has been stabbed to death while a British tourist is reportedly among two others badly injured after a knifeman screaming 'Allahu Akbar' launched a frenzied attack in Paris. Pictured: Police secures the access to the Bir-Hakeim bridge near the Eiffel Tower Senator John Fetterman called the attack 'pathetic and rank antisemitism,' while Governor Shapiro said it was 'hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time' 'If your heart is moved for the loss of Israeli babies but no Palestinian babies, it's because you've been conditioned to dehumanize Palestinian lives,' Chaudry said on October 11. On November 11 she said, 'At this point, only fools and genocide apologist actually believe what the colonizers are claiming.' In an October 17 post she compared Israel to Nazi Germany and shared photos of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin lit up with the Israeli flag after the Hamas attack and a photo from 1936 when it was decorated with the Nazi flag. 'That moment when you become what you hated most,' she said. In a post from November 6 she shared an image that claimed the cause of the war goes back to the founding of Israel in 1948. 'Inconvenient facts,' she said with an image stating 'it all started in 1948.' Chaudry told Fox News Digital that the 'Nazi post' was originally shared by a Jewish friend. 'I strongly and unapologetically condemn Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right, racist government for repeatedly making such genocidal threats towards the Palestinian people and killing over 13,000 Palestinians in Gaza, most of them women and children murdered in their homes,' she said. 'Unlike many of the Israeli government's most extreme supporters, I recognize that killing any civilians is wrong, which is why my office has repeatedly condemned the killing of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.' Zainab Chaudry, Maryland Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, made several Facebook posts following the Hamas attack. Chaudry has faced widespread backlash since Brown announced her reinstatement 'Zainab Chaudry, is an anti-Israel activist. Of course she would say it's fake,' said Twitter user Leo. User Vic Rioli said, 'Sorry, Zainab there were far too many witnesses, videos, & pictures. Your credibility is in the toilet.' Another user tweeted about her posts to Maryland Governor Wes Moore and said 'this is an embarrassment to Maryland!' In August, Chaudry was appointed by Brown to serve on the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention. A spokesperson for Brown told Fox News Digital at the time that 'the views and opinions of any individual Commission member do not reflect those of either the or the Attorney General'. 'We understand that there are many viewpoints regarding current events in the Middle East. 'The Commission will do its best to explore the impact of those events on our community, and to determine how best to address escalations in hate and bias incidents across the state.' An Italian vet who had inferiority issues due to his small manhood has been found guilty of murder after he went to a mother-of-two's flat with flowers and a card to try and save their relationship - before stabbing her to death when she rejected him. Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, knifed Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, six times in the chest and once in the back when she told him they had no future together. Fioletti, a narcissist who the court heard slept with many women to 'validate' himself, then turned the knife on himself, injuring his stomach, before calling 999. He told the operator 'I killed my girlfriend'. Just days before the incident, he told his partner: 'I hope you're happy with yourself...you're gonna have a death on your hands.' Police and paramedics arrived at the flat in Alum Chine, Bournemouth, Dorset, and found Stephanie on the floor next to the breakfast bar in her kitchen. Dr Alberto Fioletti, 31, (pictured) arrived at his girlfriend's house with flowers and a card in an attempt to reconcile their relationship Her injuries were 'non-survivable' with severe injuries to her heart, lungs and great vessels, causing catastrophic bleeding. Fioletti was arrested for murder and taken to hospital for treatment of his wounds. He admitted a charge of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but he denied murder. But following a three-week trial at Bournemouth Crown Court, a jury today found him guilty. The trial heard how he developed a narcissistic personality disorder and had slept with many women to 'validate' himself as he had inferiority issues because of his 'small penis'. He manipulated previous girlfriends by threatening to kill himself to gain sympathy. Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Stephanie, a divorced mum-of-two, had met Fioletti through a dating website and they had been in a relationship since October 2022. He had met her children, she had travelled to Italy to meet his parents and they had planned to buy a house together. Although they were both employed at veterinary practices, their workplace only overlapped for a month when Fioletti worked at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists in Ringwood, Hampshire, in January this year. He was working at Medivet clinic at the time of the murder and she had quit her job to study for a degree in philosophy of art. Steven Perian KC, prosecuting, said he and Stephenie had a heated argument on May 5 this year when she kicked him out of her home. Before he left he told her: 'I hope you're happy with yourself. You're gonna have a death on your hands now.' They agreed to meet to talk on May 12. Stephanie had told her sister she wanted to meet him in a public place to tell him she couldn't see a future together. The court heard the day before the meeting, Fioletti texted his Italian doctor saying: 'If I had to definitely lose her tomorrow night, this time I will have to put an end to it once and for all.' Stephanie Hodgkinson, 34, (pictured) was stabbed six times in the chest and once in the back with a kitchen knife Stephanie had been chopping vegetables in her kitchen when Fioletti arrived. Mr Perian said: 'This tragedy unfolds as an intimate partner killing, ignited by Stephanie Hodgkinson's courageous decision to terminate their relationship. 'She was not prepared to be manipulated by him. The defendant's profound inability to come to terms with her rejection culminated in his relentless, brutal assault, marked by seven merciless and devastating stab wounds. 'Regrettably, despite their best efforts, Stephanie could not be saved, succumbing to the grievous injuries she had received due to the relentless bleeding. 'He was interviewed.. he admitted to punching Stephanie Hodgkinson in the face. He said he was completely out of control. The trigger for his loss of control was because of his breakdown of the relationship with Stephanie Hodgkinson.' Fioletti will be sentenced for murder on January 15. Tory MPs have been told to back Rishi Sunak's Rwanda migrant flight law or face a crushing defeat at the next election. Warring backbenchers in what have been dubbed the 'five families' across the party are currently deciding whether to support the revised legislation on Tuesday designed to get flights to Africa off the ground in the spring. The law, which seeks to sidestep human rights concerns which saw a previous plan struck out by the Supreme Court, has been criticised by both moderates and the Right for being both too tough and not tough enough. Writing for the Conservative Home website today, rightwing backbenchers James Daly and Philip Davies said that MPs should back it. This was despite criticism from ex-home secretary Suella Braverman and former immigration minister Robert Jenrick, who resigned over it this week. 'We don't have long left to prove to our voters that we have regained control of our borders and fulfilled his pledge to break the cycle, deliver a deterrent, remove the incentive and stop the boats,' they wrote. Ahead of the first of a series of votes on the bill next week, No10 distanced itself from a claim by new Legal Immigration Minister Tom Pursglove that rebels could be allowed to later amend the law if they initially back it in its current form. It also defended the cost of the Rwanda scheme after the Home Office last night revealed the cost had soared from 140million to at least 290million. Sources pointed out that the new total equated to paying the hotel bills of current migrants in the UK for just 37 days. And it hit back at claims lawyers had told ministers the new law still provided Channel migrants with 'easy' ways to avoid deportation. Two senior lawyers told the PM that the hastily drawn-up plan still gave arrivals the ability to individually challenge their removal to Africa in the courts. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove began No10's attempt to salvage the vote today as he suggested rebels would get an opportunity further down the line to amend it before it becomes law if they back it in the initial second reading vote next week. The cost of the Rwanda scheme has doubled to almost 300million, despite never being used. Former Brexit minister Lord Frost issued what has been seen as a coded message in the Telegraph today , telling rebels that if they feel the 'current path' doesn't lead to a win 'they shouldn't be resigning themselves to it they should be doing something about it'. Two senior lawyers told the PM that the hastily drawn-up plan still gave arrivals the ability to individually challenge their removal to Africa in the courts, the Times reported. But Number 10 said that the grounds for migrants to launch individual legal challenges to the Rwanda scheme would be 'vanishingly narrow'. It comes amid reports that lawyers have warned that allowing migrants to challenge their individual removal to Rwanda could prove fatal to the plan. The 'five families' trying to make Rishi an offer he cannot refuse The New Conservatives A right-wing traditionalist group led by evangelical Christians Miriam Cates and Danny Kruger. Its ranks are drawn mainly from MPs first elected in 2019, with a lot of Red Wall politicians including Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson involved. was only formed in May but has made headlines agitating for a more hardline party that is tough on immigration, pro-traditional families and strong in fighting the culture war. It has called for a hard cap on migrant numbers. European Research Group An older Brexiteeer group on the right of the party which came to the fore during the Brexit years under Jacob Rees-Mogg. It played a key role in organising opposition to Theresa May and has continued to be a thorn in the side of the Government when it wants to be. Led now by Mark Francois it has convened a 'star chamber' led by veteran eurosceptic Bill cash to run the rule over the Rwanda law. Common Sense Group Another informal group on the right led by Suella Braverman ally Sir John Hayes and Sir Edward Leigh. In 2021 it backed a 'Britain Uncancelled' campaign with Sir John launching a blistering attack on statue-toppling, politically correct woke warriors, and demanded to know why Whitehall departments granted 'huge sums of money' to groups that were 'entirely hostile to British values of fairness, open-mindedness, mutual respect and reasonableness'. One Nation Caucus A group of more than 100 MPs on the moderate wing of the party. It has described leaving the ECHR as a red line for its members. It is said to be unhappy at the law giving ministers unilateral plans to brand Rwanda as 'safe' and over-rule human rights laws and may yet refuse to back the new law in Parliament. Northern Research Group A group founded by ex-Tory chairman Sir Jake Berry to represent Conservatives in seats in the north of England, many of which switched from Labour for the first time at the last election. Less openly ideological than some of the other groups, but regards immigration as a key issue for its voters. Advertisement A Downing Street spokeswoman said: 'We expect that those able to provide compelling evidence about specific individual risks will be vanishingly narrow and that's why we believe that this is the best approach to get flights swiftly off the ground.' She declined to say whether or not ministers might reach compromises with would-be rebels over the Rwanda legislation, adding: 'There will be the usual processes and debate next week. I wouldn't pre-empt that process. But we'll be setting out why we believe our approach is the best and swiftest way to get flights off the ground.' Despite Tory chairman Richard Holden yesterday warning that replacing Mr Sunak before the general election would be 'insanity', there are reports that some backbenchers want him gone. Former Brexit minister Lord Frost issued what has been seen as a coded message in the Telegraph today, telling rebels that if they feel the 'current path' doesn't lead to a win 'they shouldn't be resigning themselves to it they should be doing something about it'. Legal migration minister Tom Pursglove began No10's attempt to salvage the vote today as he suggested rebels would get an opportunity further down the line to amend it before it becomes law if they back it in the initial second reading vote next week. But he was unable to offer a timetable for when the Rwanda legislation would get through Parliament. Mr Pursglove was touring broadcast studios on Friday to defend the plan, a day after being appointed minister for legal migration when Robert Jenrick's role was split into two following his resignation in protest at the legislation he believed was doomed to fail. Amid public displays of deep division over the Bill, Mr Pursglove insisted there was a 'unity of purpose on the Conservative benches in Parliament that we need to address this issue' of small boats carrying asylum seekers to UK shores. 'Undoubtedly, there are different views on aspects,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'But I think in terms of that mission, we recognise that these crossings of the Channel are completely unacceptable.' He also tried to play down suggestions that allowing migrants to challenge their individual removal to Rwanda could prove fatal to the plan. He told Sky News: 'The legislation closes off so many of the grounds that people have come forward with in raising claims about being sent to Rwanda previously 'We believe that this is robust ... I believe that this will do the job.' In a letter published late last night the Home Office confirmed ministers had signed off payments totalling a further 100million to Rwanda this year on top of the original 140million cost. A further 50million for next year has already been agreed, taking the total to 290million since the deal was first signed last year. The Desir Resort Hotel, which is one of the locations which was expected to house some of the asylum-seekers due to be sent from Britain to Rwanda It insisted they were not linked to the signing of a new treaty with Rwanda this week. Millions more are expected to be paid if the Government eventually succeeds in deporting any Channel migrants there. Furious row over soaring cost of flights Rishi Sunak did not mislead MPs over the cost of his troubled Rwanda asylum scheme, Downing Street said, after it emerged the UK paid Kigali an extra 100 million. The policy attracted fresh criticism when it was revealed the additional payment was made this year, while flights remained grounded amid a series of legal setbacks, on top of the 140 million previously paid out. The Government remained tight-lipped on costings as it set out plans to revive the deportation scheme earlier this week, with the further payments only disclosed on Thursday evening in a letter from the Home Office to committee chairs. The Home Office's top civil servant, Sir Matthew Rycroft, also said in the letter that ministers expect to pay 50 million more next year, bringing the total to 290 million. But No 10 rejected any suggestion that the Prime Minister had misled, even inadvertently, parliamentarians over the money for Kigali. A spokeswoman told reporters on Friday that the original memorandum of understanding with Rwanda stated that the deal 'involves subsequent funding'. 'It was always set out that there would be funding attached to what is an economic and migration partnership. And this further funding was part of that,' she said. The official argued that in the long term the Rwanda policy would help bring down the costs of processing and housing asylum seekers in the UK. It would 'put an end to the unacceptable costs that we face in the UK, the 8 million hotel bills that we face every single day', she said. The extra 100 million payment, made in April, was signed off by then-home secretary Suella Braverman, Downing Street said. Opposition parties reacted furiously to the disclosure, with the Liberal Democrats branding it an 'unforgivable waste of taxpayers' money'. Advertisement The emergence of the staggering figures is an embarrassment for the Home Office, which told MPs last month it would not provide a 'running commentary' on the cost. Mr Pursglove defended the cost - mocked by Labour's Yvette Cooper as '100million for every Home Secretary who has travelled to Rwanda for a photo opportunity'. He told Times Radio: 'Part of that money is helpful in making sure that we can respond to the issues properly that the Supreme Court raised, making sure that the capacity is in place to administer the partnership at the first possible opportunity. 'And I think it's right that we go about this in the way that we are and when you consider that we're spending 8 million a day currently in the asylum system you have to look at those spends in that context. That is not sustainable.' The original 140million bill comprised 120million for the 'economic development and growth of Rwanda', with 20million to support 'initial set-up costs' for the scheme, including the creation of a reception centre in the capital Kigali in 2022. But a planned deportation flight in June that year was blocked after a last-minute injunction by the European Court of Human Rights. This triggered a wave of legal action which eventually led to the scheme being ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court last month. Despite this, ministers signed off a further 100million payment in April this year for 'economic transformation' in Rwanda. The Home Office confirmed that a further 50million has already been agreed for next year. If migrants are eventually sent to Rwanda, the UK Government has agreed to pay an additional per-person fee to cover living and administration costs. Ministers had tried to keep the costs secret in the hope that they would not be revealed until flights have finally started. At an appearance before the Commons Home Affairs Committee last month, Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft said figures would only be released in an annual report next summer. 'Ministers have decided the way to update Parliament is annually, rather than by giving a running commentary,' he said. Dame Diana Johnson, Labour chairman of the committee, said secrecy over the policy 'shows a total disregard for the vital role select committees play in holding the government to account'. In his letter last night, sent after the Mail approached the Home Office, Mr Rycroft said 'ministers have agreed that I can disclose now the payments so far'. He denied reports the UK paid Rwanda a further 15million for signing the new treaty, adding: 'The Government of Rwanda did not ask for any payment in order for a treaty to be signed, nor was any offered.' The 27-year-old has been charged with intoxication manslaughter over the deaths of Kristen and Jared Huddleston The alleged drunk driver who has been accused of killing a married couple in a wrong-way crash has been pictured swollen and bruised in his mugshot. Andrew Adamson, 27, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries following the incident on Sunday which killed Kristen and Jared Huddleston. Police in Forth Worth, Texas, say that Adamson was intoxicated at the time, and was charged with vehicular manslaughter while under the influence. In his newly released mugshot, Adamson is pictured with a swollen and bruised face and is currently being held at Lon Evans Corrections on a $200,000 bond. Kristen, 35, and Jared Huddleston, 42, had been driving on Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth when they were hit by a car. Andrew Adamson, seen here, was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries following the incident on Sunday which killed Kristen and Jared Huddleston Kristen Huddleston, 35, and her husband Jared Huddleston, 42, had been driving on Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth on Sunday when they were hit by a car The couple had been on their way home from attending a reunion with other marines when the incident happened WFAA reported that Adamson's vehicle had been driving the wrong way and the couple, who are both Marine veterans, were pronounced dead at the scene. Kristen's father Rafael Ortiz told the outlet that the pair, who both had children from previous relationships, had been on their way home from attending a reunion with other marines when the incident happened. Ortiz told the outlet that the couple had moved to Texas to live closer to him and said his daughter had been dedicated to her children. He said: 'They were a perfect match, she had so much upside, she had so many dreams, so many aspirations. Kristen was an insanely dedicated mom. 'That growing process was great to see, and it was snatched away. It's hard. It still doesn't seem real. I just spoke to her four, five hours before.' Ortiz said that the couple had been traveling home from a reunion with other Marines at the time of the incident. 'The excitement of seeing her become that woman you always want your daughter to become, now knowing there's no more hope for that, is just devastating. You should never have to bury your children', he added. Ortiz described his daughter and son-in-law as soulmates with witty personalities. He said: 'Their love was unmatched. They were happy. That's the happiest I've seen my daughter as an adult. They're still happy together. Couldn't separate them.' Kristen had been working towards becoming a therapist in order to help former Marines make the transition to civilian life. The driver of the suspected wrong-way vehicle, 27-year-old Andrew Adamson, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and police say he was drunk Rafael Ortiz, seen here, told the outlet that the couple had moved to Texas to live closer to him and said his daughter had been dedicated to her children The happy couple both had children from previous relationships, Kristen had two daughters while Jared had a son, all are seen in this picture A GoFundMe page describes Kristen as having 'the most contagious laugh and thrived to make the people around her smile and giggle along. 'Kristen was a beacon in many peoples storms, so please, let's rally around her family and be the beacon for them in this very difficult time.' The post also adds: 'She's a mother of two young girls who absolutely adore her, a daughter to parents who will forever grieve her loss, a sister to a brother who is now missing a piece of his heart and a very loved United States Marine who will be greatly missed by all those she served our country with. 'All contributions are greatly appreciated and will be donated directly to her mother for funeral/emergency relief and her daughters.' The couple had recently moved to Texas to live closer to Kristen's father, who said his daughter had been dedicated to her children So far, two separate fundraisers have raised almost $19,000 since being launched. Stephanie Reynolds, one of Jared's friends, told WFAA: 'It is a tragedy to lose someone like him. 'There are so many memories wrapped up in them for so many of us. Their brothers and sisters in the U.S. Marine Corps love them and are thinking of the family.' Police Officer Jimmy Polozani told NBC 5: '[Adamson]is going to be facing two counts of intoxication manslaughter for the death of the two individuals that were in their vehicle.' 'The victim vehicle was traveling Interstate 30 westbound, attempting to take Chisholm Trail Southbound. 'The suspect vehicle was traveling eastbound on the bridge wrong-way, which resulted in a head-on collision.' EQS-Ad-hoc: Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft: ECB determines SREP P2R capital requirement for Commerzbank for 2024 08-Dec-2023 / 19:21 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc release 08 December 2023 ECB determines SREP P2R capital requirement for Commerzbank for 2024 In the annual Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP) the European Central Bank has determined the bank-specific capital requirements for the Commerzbank Group in 2024. The additional own funds requirement for Pillar 2 (P2R) slightly increases by 25 bp to 2.25% of total capital, of which at least 1.27% must be covered with Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital. The SREP decision replaces the previous SREP decision with effect from 1 January 2024. As of 30 September 2023, the pro forma CET1 requirement for Commerzbank Group amounts to 10.27% of risk weighted assets (MDA threshold) when applying the new SREP decision. The requirement consists of the CET1 minimum requirement of 4.5%, the P2R of 1.27%, the capital conservation buffer of 2.5%, the capital buffer for otherwise systemically important institutions of 1.25%, the countercyclical capital buffer of currently 0.63%, the sectoral systemic risk buffer of currently 0.1% and an AT1 shortfall of currently 0.02%. With a CET1 ratio of 14.6% as of September 2023 Commerzbank is well above the MDA threshold. The requirements are reflected in Commerzbanks strategic planning as well as in the target equity ratio of 13.5%. Disclaimer This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. In this release, these statements concern inter alia the expected future business of Commerzbank, efficiency gains and expected synergies, expected growth prospects and other opportunities for an increase in value of Commerzbank as well as expected future financial results, restructuring costs and other financial developments and information. These forward-looking statements are based on the managements current plans, expectations, estimates and projections. They are subject to a number of assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from any future results and developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include the conditions in the financial markets in Germany, in Europe, in the USA and other regions from which Commerzbank derives a substantial portion of its revenues and in which Commerzbank holds a substantial portion of its assets, the development of asset prices and market volatility, especially due to the ongoing European debt crisis, potential defaults of borrowers or trading counterparties, the implementation of its strategic initiatives to improve its business model, the reliability of its risk management policies, procedures and methods, risks arising as a result of regulatory change and other risks. Forward-looking statements therefore speak only as of the date they are made. Commerzbank has no obligation to update or release any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release. Contact:Christoph WortigHead of Investor RelationsCommerzbank AGInvestor RelationsTel.: +49 69 9353 10080e-mail:ir@commerzbank.com One of Boris Johnson's Partygate inquisitors is being probed by Parliament's standards watchdog, it was revealed today. Sir Bernard Jenkin, who sat on a House of Commons committee that ruled against the ex-PM, is under investigation over 'actions causing significant damage to the reputation' of MPs. It comes after the Metropolitan Police announced they had closed an investigation into an alleged lockdown-busting drinks do in Parliament. An event on 8 December 2020, when strict Covid rules were in place, is claimed to have been held to celebrate the birthday of Sir Bernard's wife, the Tory peer Baroness Anne Jenkin. Scotland Yard announced they would be issuing no fines over the alleged breaches of Covid restrictions and are taking no further action. Sir Bernard Jenkin, who sat on a Commons committee that ruled against Boris Johnson, is under investigation over 'actions causing significant damage to the reputation' of MPs The ex-PM previously called on Sir Bernard to resign from the Privileges Committee over the claims he attended a drinks do for his wife in Parliament in December 2020 An event on 8 December 2020 is claimed to have been held to celebrate the birthday of Sir Bernard's wife, the Tory peer Baroness Anne Jenkin Sir Bernard is a senior Conservative MP and a member of the Commons' Privileges Committee that looked into Mr Johnson's denials of Covid rule-breaking in Downing Street. The former premier previously called on Sir Bernard to resign from the Privileges Committee over the claims he attended a drinks do for his wife in Parliament in December 2020. Dame Eleanor Laing, a Commons' Deputy Speaker, and fellow Tory MP Virginia Crosbie were already being probed by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards over 'actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House as a whole, or of its Members generally'. Sir Bernard has now joined them in being probed over the same allegation by Daniel Greenberg. The Commissioner did not release any further details regarding the probe. The alleged lockdown-busting event in December 2020 is claimed to have been hosted in Dame Eleanor's offices in order to celebrate the birthdays of Ms Crosbie and Baroness Jenkin. The gathering was cited by Mr Johnson in a statement accusing Sir Bernard of 'monstrous hypocrisy'. Sir Bernard allegedly attended the event before he later sat on the cross-party panel which found Mr Johnson had lied to MPs with his Partygate denials. Allies of Mr Johnson dubbed the Privileges Committee a 'kangaroo court', which brought censure from the cross-party group of MPs. Virginia Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, apologised earlier this year for attending an event in Parliament while Covid restrictions were still in place The alleged lockdown-busting event is claimed to have been hosted in Dame Eleanor Laing's offices in order to celebrate the birthdays of Ms Crosbie and Baroness Jenkin Ms Crosbie, MP for Ynys Mon, apologised earlier this year for attending an event in Parliament while Covid restrictions were still in place. Dame Eleanor, MP for Epping Forest, has served as a Deputy Speaker since 2013 under both current Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his predecessor John Bercow. An invite sent by Baroness Jenkin on WhatsApp described the planned bash in December 2020 as a 'birthday drinks' party for 'a few of our favourite people'. The planned event was described as being 'v small and socially distanced'. At the time, lockdown regulations in London made clear that 'you must not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household...or support bubble'. In a statement today, the Met Police said: 'An investigation, which opened in July 2023, into alleged breaches of Covid regulations in Parliament on 8 December 2020, has closed. 'Officers assessed the available information and concluded it did not meet the threshold for the referral of any fixed penalty notices (FPNs). 'Our approach to the assessment of these allegations has been consistent throughout. 'The individuals affected have been told there will be no further action. 'This now concludes all assessments or investigations by the Met into alleged breaches of Covid regulations.' MailOnline has approached Sir Bernard for comment. Hunter Biden's indictment on tax charges in California throws yet another landmine into President Biden's path to reelection as he continues to contend with low poll numbers and concerns within his own base about his age and the economy. For much of the past year, pundits have focused on the extraordinary legal gauntlet Biden's nemesis Donald Trump must contend with including a fraud trial underway in New York that could bring a verdict days before the Iowa Caucuses and a January 6-related trial set to begin the day before Super Tuesday. Trump himself complained Thursday that prosecutors slow walked the investigations into him and said without evidence that the Biden Justice Department was driving his civil trial in New York. Now Biden must contend with his own dose of extaordinaraly bad timing, due in part to a five-year probe of his son's finances that jumped onto a different track after the collapse of Hunter's attempted plea deal last summer. Now Biden, who had just 37 per cent job approval in the latest CNN poll, must contend with a pair of trials involving his son, while House Republicans fire up their impeachment inquiry, with a floor vote set for next week. Hunter Biden's legal problems have dogged his father throughout his presidency. Now that he faces a second indictment on tax charges, it is likely to follow him throughout his reelection campaign His son's trial on a gun charge (he is accused of lying on a form by denying drug use during the purchase of a handgun) continues to unfold in the president's hometown of Wilmington. Hunter's lawyers claim 'incessant, improper, and partisan pressure applied' during the Trump administration in the probe, which began in 2018. That case serves comes amid the president's repeated calls for stricter gun controls, as the nation experiences a record number of mass shootings. The tax case threatens sets up yet another legal headache in a different jurisdiction that will also overlap with Biden's primary and general election campaign. House GOP Rep. Carlos Jimenez (R-Fla.) called the charges 'just the tip of the iceberg,' in comments on Fox Business. George Washington University Law professor Jonathan Turley, a GOP impeachment witness, said the indictment undermines Biden's past claims. 'I mean, basically [Biden is] saying 'I did not have interactions with those people,' he told Fox, drawling a parallel to the Bill Clinton impeachment. 'It didn't work for Clinton. And it's even more insulting here,' he said. House Oversight Chairman Rep. James Comer is moving ahead on impeachment The two Hunter Biden trials will distract with a narrative Democrats were hoping to ride to reelection: Donald Trump's four criminal trials on 91 counts. Trump railed against his New York fraud trial on Thursday. He is set to take the stand on Monday In addition to raising failed tax payment issues and overseas business dealings, the indictment alleges that Hunter spent $188,000 on 'adult entertainment' over four years, along with other tawdry details that are an unhelpful distraction during a presidential campaign Hunter Biden's 'wild' spending has been revealed in a fresh indictment of nine criminal charges The stunning 56-page indictment charges the president's son with willfully dodging taxes while earning millions even as his father makes taxing the rich a centerpiece of his reelection. It also brings back a littany of tawdry details during Hunter's battle with addiction. It includes $683,212 on 'Payments - Various Women,' $10,000 for purchase on membership to a 'sex club,' along with fast cars and luxury hotels like the Chateau Marmont. 'Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the Defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes,' according to the indictment. Although prosecutors went after Hunter on tax charges rather than other forms of financial impropriety alleged by House Republicans, the indictment begins with a recitation of some of his foreign business dealings, including serving on the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma and dealings with China's CEFC Energy Co. Ltd. That comes despite Biden's own comments in 2020 that, 'My son has not made money in terms of this thing about, what are you talking about, China.. He also denied during a September 2020 debate that Hunter made 'a fortune in China, in Moscow and various other places.' Hunter's lawyer Abbe Lowell released a blistering statement that said special counsel David Weiss, a Trump appointee who AG Merrick Garland held over, had 'owed to Republican pressure' and walked away from a plea deal arrangement. 'If Hunters last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought,' he said. House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), who has been driving the impeachment inquiry, continues to probe his theories of political influence, and has arranged new testimony from a pair of IRS whistleblowers. The impeachment resolution the House will vote on next week sets up hearings and a report,' and could boost existing subpoena power with the potential to ferret out new or damaging information. 'The impeachment inquiry strengthens our hand when we go to court against this administration or anyone who refuses our subpoena,' said Comer. A full-on impeachment probe could bring extensive investigations, hearings, a House vote, and a potential trial, all amid the turmoil of a presidential campaing. In earlier months there has been resistance among even some House Republicans, who have warned of the dangers of political overreach. But that could melt away as the elections get closer and if former President Donald Trump, who has campaigned on Hunter's business dealings for years, moves closer to seizing the GOP presidential nomination. The White House declined comment and referred questions to the Justice Department and Hunter Biden's representatives. Biden's only statement Friday morning was about the economy creating 199,000 jobs in November, for a total of 14 million jobs since he took office amid polls still showing Americans are concerned about the economy and inflation. 'Thats more than 14 million additional Americans who know the dignity and peace of mind that comes with a paycheck,' Biden said. Henson was sentenced to 31 months with the Alabama Department of Corrections She had been accused of pretending to be a wedding guest and stealing thousands in cash and gifts from two Alabama weddings in 2019 A Mississippi woman who spent the last six years pretending to be a wedding guest and stealing thousands in cash and gifts has admitted to her crimes. Sandra Lynn Henson, 57, who had been dubbed a 'serial wedding crasher' appeared in Lauderdale County court yesterday for stealing gifts and money from two Alabama weddings in 2019. She had been charged with one count of third-degree Theft of Property and one count of fourth-degree Theft of Property for both weddings. Henson agreed to a plea deal yesterday and confessed to her crimes. 'I am so sorry,' she said. 'I know you don't believe me, but I'm sorry,' She was sentenced to 31 months with the Alabama Department of Corrections to pay restitution and court fines. But much to her attorney's joy, who argued that Henson suffered from severe medical issues, she will not have to serve most of that time in prison. The judge ordered Henson to spend two weekends in jail for a total of 48 hours. 'One for each wedding you crashed,' he said. Sandra Lynn Henson, 57, who had been dubbed a 'serial wedding crasher' appeared in Lauderdale County court yesterday for stealing gifts and money from two Alabama weddings in 2019 She was sentenced to 31 months with the Alabama Department of Corrections to pay restitution and court fines One of the victims of Henson's Alabama heists appeared in court to provide her victim impact statement. Anna Perez Todd had been robbed of the money she and her husband had raised at their wedding to donate to foundations researching cures for FOXG1 Syndrome, a disorder that her daughter suffers from. 'We had asked for donations to be made for the foundations that are researching a cure for FOXG1 Syndrome, because our daughter has a very rare genetic disorder,' Todd said. 'She is only one of about 1,000 people in the world with the disorder that we know of and we had wanted donations to be made in her honor, for our big day and that is what was stolen.' Todd further accused Henson of meticulously planning a route to steal from her and other brides on the same day. The victim said she had a 'spreadsheet of at least 12 weddings' that Henson had stolen from. Todd told News 19 that she doesn't think her wedding was the last that Henson crashed. 'This was not an isolated incident; this was not one moment of temptation,' she said. 'This has been a methodical, thought out process where she has gone for years in multiple states and stolen from families. FOXG1 syndrome is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects young children. Symptoms of FOXG1 syndrome usually begin in infancy and those affected cannot sit or walk independently, talk or feed themselves, and require the use of a wheelchair. Some may have scoliosis, visual impairment, gastrointestinal difficulties such as reflux and constipation, and sleep problems. Anna Perez Todd had been robbed of the money she and her husband had raised at their wedding to donate to foundations researching cures for FOXG1 Syndrome, a disorder that her daughter suffers from The victim said she had a 'spreadsheet of at least 12 weddings' that Henson had stolen from Henson was last caught red-handed stealing money at a September wedding. During the nuptials, the bride's sister first noticed Henson alone during the reception. When the groom's sister entered shortly after, she saw Henson looking through some of the purses that were left behind. When she asked the stranger who she was, Henson replied 'I'm here for Lexi,' but when she grew more suspicious she contacted other family members. Henson eventually confessed to the theft after initially disputing it. While being confronted, Henson allegedly removed $200 from her bra that she had swiped from the wedding planner's purse, according to the groom's other sister, Kristian Joshlin. Henson pleaded with the family not to call the police, saying she didn't want to 'go back to jail'. But the family notified the Pontotoc County police shortly after. Joshlin said she 'apologized' and said she had been 'going to church and doordashing' and doing well lately. Henson is seen dressed in a dress with black sweater wandering around an Alabama wedding reception in 2019. Sandra Lynn Henson, 57, was arrested on September 30 at a wedding ceremony taking place at Lily Creek Farm in Belden, Mississippi. She was charged with petit larceny, trespassing and disturbing the peace. She has since bonded out of jail, Pontotoc Sheriff Leo Mask said The sister believes Henson may have got the information about their wedding from social media. Henson also had a notebook on her that listed seven other weddings in the area. The family was further shocked once they searched her name on the internet and found all the other crimes she committed. The bride's family had kept the incident from her and her new husband until the police arrived on the scene. But, the family was happy about how it all ended. 'The day was about me and Brady getting married and we had the best day ever,' Butler said. According to Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, Henson has been arrested in Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi for crashing weddings and stealing money and cards from purses. In 2021, Henson crashed a wedding in Marshall County, Alabama. She reportedly took the bride and groom's gifts guests had given them, including, money, cards and gifts. The sheriff's department identified her after seeing her steal the items off the gift tables. The devastated bride told WREG that Henson had 'ruined her special day.' During their investigation, Alabama authorities discovered that Henson had stolen items from nine other weddings in their state. Henson was sentenced to prison in 2021 for her thefts, but was free on probation at the time of the latest alleged heist Police say Henson has targeted weddings in Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi for years At one of the ceremonies, Henson was caught on video walking around the party during the reception. She was indicted on a grand larceny charge in Mississippi after she stole wedding gifts, cash and gift cards estimated to be over $1,000 the same year. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, Henson was sentenced to jail in 2021 for burglary and grand larceny before making parole. Henson has not commented on her string of thefts. However, the wedding planner who had $200 allegedly stolen by Henson said she doesn't believe the thief plans to end her ways. The US embassy in Baghdad has been bombarded with 60mm mortar rounds in an attack believed to have been carried out by Iran-aligned militias. Missiles were fired at the diplomatic hub in Iraq in the early hours of Friday morning and they set off the emergency sirens. Staff and residents in the local area were told to 'take cover and await further instruction' as the sound of explosions rung out. Around seven mortar rounds landed within the embassy compound. The US military said there were no casualties or major infrastructure damage but the attack reportedly damaged the headquarters of an Iraqi security agency. The incident marked the first time the US embassy has ever been fired on and comes after dozens of attacks on military bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October. The US embassy in Baghdad has been bombarded with 60mm mortar rounds in an attack believed to have been carried out by Iran-aligned militias Missiles were fired at the diplomatic hub in Iraq in the early hours of Friday morning and they set off the emergency sirens | US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, has been targeted by a barrage of rockets. pic.twitter.com/b5TMuEMtN7 Arya - (@AryJeay) December 8, 2023 Explosions were heard near the embassy in the Iraq capital at 4am on Friday sending people ducking for cover. The emergency sirens were activated and a warning message was played to those nearby. 'Duck and cover. Step away from the windows. Take cover and await further instruction,' it repeatedly said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but it is believed to have been carried out by Iran-aligned militias which have targeted US interests in Syria and Iraq over Washington's backing for Israel in its Gaza war. A senior official in Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said on Friday attacks by Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East aim to apply pressure for a halt to Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip. He did not refer specifically to Friday's attack. Dozens of attacks against US forces in Iraq and Syria have been claimed by a group of Iran-aligned Shi'ite Muslim militias operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The US has responded with a series of strikes that have killed at least 15 militants in Iraq and up to seven in Syria. The attacks pose a challenge for Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who has pledged to protect foreign missions and capitalize on fragile stability to focus on the economy and court foreign investment, including from the United States. Staff and residents in the local area were told to 'take cover and await further instruction' as the sound of explosions rung out The incident marked the first time the US embassy has ever been fired on and comes after dozens of attacks on military bases housing US forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October Sudani directed security agencies to pursue the perpetrators, describing them as 'unruly, lawless groups that do not in any way represent the will of the Iraqi people,' a statement from his office said. He also said that undermining Iraq's stability, reputation and targeting places Iraq has committed to protect were acts of terrorism. The prime minister added that targeting diplomatic compounds is 'unjustified' and is an insult to Iraq and its stability. The US embassy spokesman called on the Iraqi government to do all in its power to protect diplomatic and coalition personnel and facilities. 'We reiterate that we reserve the right to self-defense and to protect our personnel anywhere in the world,' he said. Aside from its diplomatic staff in Iraq, the United States has about 2,500 troops in the country on a mission it says aims to advise and assist local forces trying to prevent a resurgence of Islamic State, which in 2014 seized large swathes of both countries before being defeated. Iran-aligned Houthis have been firing at Israel and ships in the Red Sea in a campaign they say aims to support the Palestinians. US warships have shot down several of their projectiles. Republicans are pushing a new bill that would require kids under 14 to be fingerprinted at the southern border in order to end the 'use and abuse' of children by human traffickers. Single migrant men are 'buying' kids and taking them across the border to appear as if they are a family unit - in order to processed more quickly than if they came across on their own. 'What we're seeing is that these kids are literally being used and abused repeatedly because of President Biden's open border policies,' Rep. Ashley Hinson told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview. Sadly, children are 'caught in the middle' by traffickers and smugglers, she explained. The PRINTS Act would require the fingerprinting of migrants under the age of 14. By allowing Custom and Border Protection (CBP) officials to identify victims of trafficking, it will help stop some of these 'heinous crimes,' said Hinson, R-Iowa. In just one week alone, the Tucson Sector encountered 17,500 migrants - a new record. 'What we're seeing is that these kids are literally being used and abused repeatedly because of President Biden's open border policies,' Hinson told DailyMail.com 'It is truly a humanitarian crisis at the southern border right now and we need to give our border patrol agents every tool possible,' continued Hinson. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., is pushing the companion bill in the Senate. The push comes as House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, subpoenaed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas for information and documents on violent criminal aliens allowed entry into the U.S. The subpoena for information comes after DHS stonewalled the committee's requests for months. In addition, on Wednesday, Republican senators blocked President Biden's request for $110 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan as the GOP demands stricter southern border security measures be included. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, told DailyMail.com that there are ongoing 'political discussions' on how to move a security package forward. He said that although 'each side' has different priorities, border issues are 'top of the list' for Republicans. The senator said aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan is important to move forward and 'we want to get it done,' but 'we need to first and foremost be concerned on our southern border.' 'The reason the whole package hasn't passed is we have not come to an agreement on that part of the package,' he explained. The PRINTS Act would require the fingerprinting of migrants under the age of 14 'What we're seeing is that these kids are literally being used and abused repeatedly because of President Biden's open border policies,' Hinson told DailyMail.com 'It is of the highest priority for us, our border, our national security, our constituents.' He continued: 'nobody ever said the democratic process was easy or smooth or pretty. But we'll get through this.' Hinson echoed Risch's sentiment, saying that there shouldn't be any 'vulnerabilities' at the border. 'This is why we have to absolutely secure our southern and our northern border and give our agents the tools they need to do that.' Russia has threatened to target Western countries with missile strikes if Ukraine's newly-donated F-16 fighters are based in NATO territory. Such an act by Vladimir Putin would also certainly trigger a World War Three scenario between the West and Russia. It comes as the Kremlin warned today that a nuclear world war is closer than at any time since the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Maria Zakharova - spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry - warned the West that the advanced F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine will be a fair target for Russia if they are based in NATO countries. She said that the fourth-generation fighter jets could be based in Poland, Slovakia and Romania, meaning NATO is 'getting deeper' into the Ukrainian conflict. 'There have been many questions asked about the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine,' said Zakharova, 47. She continued: 'I would like to say that NATO member states continue, as you understand, to intensively arm Ukraine and the supply of tactical fighters is next. Russia has threatened to target Western countries with missile strikes if Ukraine's newly-donated F-16 fighters (pictured over Romania in November) are based in NATO territory Maria Zakharova - spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry - warned the West that the advanced F-16 fighters delivered to Ukraine will be a fair target for Russia if they are based in NATO countries Russia has threatened to target Western countries with missile strikes if Ukraine's newly-donated F-16 fighters are based in NATO territory 'Given the fact that a significant part of Ukraine's airfield infrastructure has been destroyed, it is possible that these American fighters will be based outside the country, in Poland, Slovakia and Romania. 'Thus, the North Atlantic Alliance is getting deeper and deeper into the Ukrainian conflict.' In August, the United States approved sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands to defend against Russia. They are expected to arrive in Ukraine next year. Holding the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Zakharova is Russia's most senior woman diplomat and issued a specific threat to NATO countries on behalf of her boss, Putin's hawkish 73-year-old Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Zakharova continued: 'The West is waging a hybrid war against our country under the slogan of saving Ukraine. 'At the same time, they also agreed that their main goal is to prevent confrontation with Russia. 'Funny. In reality, the risks of a direct military clash between Russia and NATO are only increasing. 'For the Russian armed forces, fighters participating in the conflict on the side of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, no matter where they fly from, will be a legitimate target for destruction.' Her blast coincides with a warning from the deputy head of the Russian security council, Dmitry Medvedev, a former Kremlin president and prime minister. 'Never since the Cuban Missile Crisis has the threat of a direct clash between Russia and NATO leading to the Third World War been so real,' he said. More than 21 months into the biggest conflict in Europe since World War Two, fighting rages on in Ukraine with no end in sight and neither side has landed a telling blow on the battlefield. Ukrainian soldiers, living in freezing trenches, acknowledge they are exhausted going into a second winter of full-scale war with a resource-rich, nuclear-armed superpower that has more than triple Ukraine's population. Ukrainian military soldiers fire from the MT-12 or 2A29 gun 'Rapira' is a Soviet smoothbore 100-mm anti-tank gun on December 7 in Avdiivka, Ukraine Ukrainian soldiers exit an Marder Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) on December 7 in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine Ukrainians know they must secure Western military aid to carry on - and that it will be harder with the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza distracting global attention. Russian troops, who occupy about 17.5% of Ukraine, are again on the offensive in the east after largely withstanding a Ukrainian counteroffensive that was unable to punch through sprawling defensive lines in the south and east. The darkening outlook contrasts starkly with Kyiv's buoyant mood a year ago, after Ukrainians defied expectations by beating back Russian troops around their capital before recapturing territory in the northeast and south, including Kherson city. The toll keeps mounting in a war that has already killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of people, destroyed Ukrainian cities, towns and villages, forced millions from their homes and placed hundreds of thousands more under occupation. But the passage of vital military and financial assistance from the West is no longer happening smoothly. Indeed, on Wednesday, the US Senate Republicans gave Putin 'the greatest gift he could hope for' by blocking a 50billion package of wartime funding for Ukraine, President Joe Biden said. Biden had pleaded with Republicans for a fresh infusion of military aid for Ukraine, warning that a victory for Russia over Ukraine would leave Moscow in a position to attack NATO allies and could draw US troops into a war. But hours later, Senate Republicans defiantly voted to block the 50.3billion ($61bn) of funding for Ukraine from advancing, in a devastating blow to Volodymyr Zelensky. That was part of a wider 87billion package ($110bn) of wartime funding for Israel as well as other national security priorities. Biden lashed out at Republicans for the move, saying they are 'willing to literally kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield' and give Putin 'the greatest gift he could hope for'. 'They're willing to literally kneecap Ukraine on the battlefield and damage our national security in the process,' a furious Biden said earlier. He had warned that without the desperately needed aid funding, Ukraine's military could be overrun. 'If Putin takes Ukraine, he won't stop there,' Biden said earlier. Putin will attack a NATO ally, he predicted, and then 'we'll have something that we don't seen and that we don't have today: American troops fighting Russian troops,' Biden added. And within hours of the vote, a smug Kremlin said Russia hopes the US Congress will block future aid to Ukraine. Moscow also accused Biden of playing the Russian threat card in order to secure money. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Biden wanted to 'continue burning taxpayers' money in the furnace of war'. Harvard president Claudine Gay has finally issued an apology for the antisemitic scandal caused by her remarks before Congress on Tuesday, after previous statements were slammed for missing the mark. Gay sparked widespread backlash this week as she claimed that calls for the genocide of Jewish people would only be wrong 'depending on the context'. The comment led to furious outrage as Gay was condemned, including by the White House, leading the educator to issue a groveling apology to The Harvard Crimson on Thursday. 'I am sorry. Words matter,' she said. 'When words amplify distress and pain, I dont know how you could feel anything but regret.' Gay insisted her controversial stance came in the heat of the moment at the end of an hours-long testimony, and she 'got caught up in what had become at that point, an extended, combative exchange about policies and procedures.' 'What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community - threats to our Jewish students - have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged,' she added. Harvard President Claudine Gay at the congressional hearing yesterday where she said calling for the genocide of Jews does not violate the school's code of conduct Gay's remarks before Congress saw her square off with New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik at the end of her hours-long testimony, in a hostile back-and-forth that circulated widely online. Stefanik asked the Harvard president 'does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Harvards rules of bullying and harassment?' at her university. In response, Gay said: 'It can be, depending on the context.' Stefanik continued the line of questioning as she insisted it was a yes or no question. 'Antisemitic speech when it crosses into conduct that amounts to bullying, harassment, intimidation that is actionable conduct and we do take action,' Gay said, with many feeling her stance was not strong enough. Gay then repeated that calls for genocide were only a violation depending on 'the context' several times, leading Stefanik to berate her before the House. 'It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes and this is why you should resign,' the representative said. 'These are unacceptable answers across the board.' The fiery hearing also saw similarly vague stances on antisemitism from University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill and MIT president Sally Kornbluth, who have also faced calls for their resignation as a result of their testimony. Magill faces being told by UPenn's board today that she should step down from her job, after its members held an emergency meeting in the wake of her disastrous appearance. The White House joined the criticism of Gay, Magill and MIT President Sally Kornbluth, with a spokesperson saying calls for genocide are 'monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country.' Gay's testimony also comes amid increasing threats and violent antisemitic incidents on college campuses, with footage shared to social media appearing to show the editor of the Harvard Law review targeting an Israeli student on the Harvard campus last month. U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) calls for Harvard University President Claudine Gay's resignation during a House Education and The Workforce Committee hearing The hearing also saw widely criticized testimony from MIT president Sally Kornbluth (left) and University of Pennsylvania president Liz Magill (right), both of whom have faced calls for their resignation in the aftermath More on Ibrahim Bharmal, EDITOR of the Harvard Law Review at @Harvard_Law & @Kennedy_School. See him physically and verbally assault an Israeli student during an anti-Israel protest on campus. Read his NEW Canary Mission Profile: https://t.co/FhgNNbpME6 pic.twitter.com/C49vYh2m9e Canary Mission (@canarymission) November 1, 2023 Amid national outrage, Gay issued a highly criticized walk-back the day after, where she argued her words were 'confused' and insisted Harvard was intent on combatting antisemitism. 'There are some who have confused a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students,' she said. 'Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.' The Harvard leader has faced mounting calls for her to resign from her lucrative position in the wake of the scandal, and the leadership of the Harvard Hillel - the university's Jewish community - have said they do not trust her to protect Jewish students on campus. She has now said she failed to 'convey what is my truth' during the hearing, and said she regrets her words as they were made in the heat of the moment after her hours-long testimony turned hostile. 'I got caught up in what had become at that point, an extended, combative exchange about policies and procedures,' Gay said. 'What I should have had the presence of mind to do in that moment was return to my guiding truth, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community threats to our Jewish students have no place at Harvard, and will never go unchallenged.' Pro-Palestine protestors pictured on the Harvard campus on October 14, 2023, one of the groups Republicans say have labeled 'morally reprehensible' for apparent support of the Hamas terrorist group Gay added that she 'failed to convey what is my truth', but said she has no regrets at attending the Congressional hearing and offering her stance on the poignant issue of antisemitism. 'When the committee invited me to attend the hearing, I didnt hesitate to agree,' she said. 'It was an opportunity to just convey the depth of both my personal commitment and the institutional commitment to combating antisemitism.' The Harvard Crimson noted that her testimony had the opposite effect on campus, as one of its editorial editors, Harvard Hillel President Jacob Miller, joined Hillel Campus Rabbi Getzel Davis in writing a scathing open letter in response on Tuesday evening. 'President Gays failure to properly condemn this speech calls into question her ability to protect Jewish students on Harvards campus,' the Hillel leadership wrote. 'President Gays testimony fails to reassure us that the University is seriously concerned about the antisemitic rhetoric pervasive on campus.' A 20-year-old Detroit mother allegedly punched and knocked out a female Kroger worker as her one-year-old child watched from a shopping cart. Shelby Parham, from Detroit, Michigan, has been accused of attacking a 49-year-old Kroger worker who lost consciousness and suffered a head injury after the assault. The wild beating was captured on nearby security cameras at a Kroger in St. Clair Shores on Tuesday. In the video, Parham can be seen walking up to the unnamed clerk and punching her in the face, sending her flat to the ground, while her one-year-old baby witnessed the incident from a shopping cart. Parham has been charged with aggravated assault on Wednesday and was released on a $1,000 bond. Shelby Parham, from Detroit, Michigan, has been accused of attacking a 49-year-old Kroger worker who lost consciousness and suffered a head injury after the assault Parham has been charged with aggravated assault on Wednesday and was released on a $1,000 bond The alleged assault unfolded on Tuesday at a St. Clair Shores Kroger, where Parham reportedly did not have enough money to pay for the items she had rung up. She allegedly asked for assistance to deduct some items but was not helped in the moment. She can be seen standing near the self-checkout counter, talking to an employee in the video, moments before abruptly turning back and walking toward the victim. Parham charged toward the 49-year-old Kroger staff member, who has not been named, as other customers, employees, and her one-year-old daughter watched. The surveillance footage captures her forcibly punching the staff, who fell to the ground immediately and hit her head. 'The employee walked away from her. The defendant was upset and followed her and struck her in the face,' St. Clair Shores Police Detective Gordon Carrier told FOX2. One witness said Parham was 'screaming' at the clerk and accusing her of offending her very young child before 'running up and punching her in the face,' according to local reports. Carrier said. 'It's obviously very clear-cut. There's no questions as to who's at fault here.' Officers responded to the alleged assault within minutes and arrested the 20-year-old mother St. Clair Shores Police Detective Gordon Carrier said. 'It's obviously very clear-cut. There's no questions as to who's at fault here' The young mother could spend up to a year behind bars if she's convicted. She has no criminal history The victim lost consciousness for a bit, and was transported to the hospital for treatment of head injury, authorities said. Parham's one-year-old daughter, seated in the shopping cart, witnessed the entire alleged attack. Officers responded to the assault within minutes and arrested the 20-year-old mother. She is scheduled to appear in court on January 30 for a pre-trial and has yet to make a plea. The young mother could spend up to a year behind bars if she's convicted. Parham has no criminal history, according to FOX2. The 49-year-old clerk has been resting at home since the attack, suffering from a black eye and headaches. 'Everybody can be stressed out, right?' Officer Carrier said. 'There's got to be better resolutions than violence.' Trust planned to teach terms such as 'transgender' to children aged four to 11 A school trust has backed down and apologised over plans to introduce a transgender education programme for children as young as four after a huge backlash from parents. The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, which runs nine academies across Dartford and Gravesend, was spearheading the pilot scheme at Meopham Community Academy before rolling it out to other schools in the trust. Youngsters from the ages of four to eleven were set to learn about terms such as transgender, non-binary, and assigned sex when they returned to school after the Christmas break. Children in Years 1 and 2 were to be taught how to combat negative gender stereotypes, while those in Years 5 and 6 were to learn about issues relating to transgenderism and gender identity and look at understanding, identifying, and defining different sexual orientations. But the trailblazing scheme met considerable resistance, with some parents threatening to take their children out of lessons. One parent hailed a decision to back down as a triumph for common sense and parent power. Michele Sowden-Mehta, senior school improvement lead at The Golden Trust Alliance, which announced it had backtracked on plans for a trans education programme after discussions with parents The mother, who spoke to MailOnline on the condition of anonymity, said: This is on the Golden Thread Alliance Trust, not the poor school or the classroom teachers. 'The school is part of our community and we want to love it and nurture it, but felt this was being pushed on us from above against our will, staff, parents and students will by the Trust. At least a hundred parents were against it, if not more. Parents first heard about the plans in a heated online forum between parents and school leaders held over Zoom last Thursday. They were introduced to Pop n Olly, an external provider and one of the UKs leading LGBTQ+ educational resources which was due to come and provide the teaching in the school. The Pop n Olly characters feature in a book which teaches children that a persons sex is assigned to them at birth by a doctor. Copies of What Does LGBT+ Mean? also claims that gender is a sliding scale between male and female and that a doctor or nurse looked at our body and gave us a label based on what they could see. After the forum there was a Q&A session. Apart from one parent who agreed with the scheme, and who was from the LGBT community, all the other parents were strongly against the scheme, said the mother. I dont think Pop n Olly were prepared for the response, they kept reverting to "well its the Government guidelines" and then abruptly ended the meeting even though parents asked for it to continue. She claimed a video link of the meeting intended for parents unable to attend was then edited to remove some of their views. We are not anti anything. We just feel as parents our primary-age children do not need exposure to this. I dont want my child confused and thinking about things that they dont need to worry about. Ultimately I, as a parent, should have the final say on what my children learn. It is not age appropriate to be teaching children about LGBTQ+ matters, my children still play with soft toys and colouring-in, they are not ready for adult matters. This is a form of indoctrination of false gender ideologies and changing the social norms for young children. The material is not based on scientific evidence but presented as fact. Our children are behind due to Covid so they should be putting their energy and resources into helping their academic lessons. I really think the leadership team should resign, their positions are untenable. Meopham Community Academy in Kent planned to introduce terms such as 'transgender' and 'non-binary' to students aged four to 11 The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, headed by Garry Ratcliffe, today retreated and issued a grovelling apology to parents. Through the Parent Forum and the discussions yesterday we have heard many different views both from those strongly in support and from those who have significant concerns. We want to assure you that we are absolutely listening and determined to get this right. To be clear, there will be no further teaching of Sex Education or LGBT+ content within the RSE curriculum at MCA until after the consultation period. I would like to apologise for the upset the pilot has caused. It was absolutely our intention to open the conversation to ensure you, as parents and carers, are part of the decision making process and ensure you are well informed not to cause any anxiety or upset. Prince Harry today lost the latest stage of a libel battle over claims he had attempted to mislead the public. The Duke of Sussex is suing the Mail on Sunday over an article which claimed his PR aides tried to 'spin' a dispute with the Home Office, over its decision to downgrade his taxpayer-funded police protection. He asked the High Court to rule that the newspaper could not use a legal defence of 'honest opinion', and for a judge to rule in his favour without the need for a trial. But the judge ruled that Associated Newspapers - publisher of The Mail on Sunday (TMOS) and the Daily Mail - had a 'real prospect' of demonstrating that statements issued on Harry's behalf were misleading, and refused his requests. Prince Harry today lost the latest stage of a libel battle over claims he had attempted to mislead the public High Court judge Mr Justice Nicklin said the newspaper had 'a real prospect of succeeding in demonstrating also that an honest person could have held the opinion that the Claimant [the Duke] was responsible for attempting to mislead and confuse the public as to the true position'. He refused the Duke's request for the case to be decided without a public trial, and for newspaper's defence of 'honest opinion' to be thrown out. The judge said: 'The honest opinion defence is fundamental to the protection of freedom of expression under English law.' Harry, 39, launched libel action against TMOS over an article published in February 2022, about his legal action against the Home Office. He applied for a judicial review against the Home Office after the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, decided he was no longer entitled to automatic police protection after he and wife Meghan stepped down as working members of the Royal Family. The Duke of Sussex is suing the Mail on Sunday over an article which claimed his PR aides tried to 'spin' a dispute with the Home Office, over its decision to downgrade his taxpayer-funded police protection TMOS published an exclusive article in January 2022 which reported that Harry had threatened the Government with legal action unless his publicly-funded security protection was continued. A Press statement was then issued on his behalf, saying he had offered to pay for police protection for him and his family when they were in Britain, but that the offer was refused. In a February 2022 article, TMOS reported that no such offer to pay had been made to Ravec or included in his lawyers' 'pre-action' letters to the Home Office. The newspaper said Harry's PR advisers had briefed journalists from other media outlets, saying the Duke had offered 'to pay personally for UK police protection' and remained willing to do so. It said his 'spin doctors swung into action' and that his aides had tried to influence coverage of the story, adding that such conduct was 'ironic given the Prince now has a role with a Silicon Valley firm tackling 'misinformation' online.' Harry launched legal action for libel, claiming the article was 'an attack on his honesty and integrity' and could undermine his charity work and his efforts to tackle misinformation online. TMOS contested the claim, and said its article expressed an honest opinion and did not cause 'serious harm' to his reputation. In today's ruling, Mr Justice Nicklin said that Harry claims he raised concerns about security and offered to personally finance the cost of security at a meeting with his grandmother, the late Queen, his father and his brother William at Sandringham in January 2020. But that offer was not included in later correspondence with the Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill, although Harry maintains he raised it with him personally. The judge said TMOS was entitled to seek to prove that Harry had not made an offer to the Government to pay for his own police protection before issuing the judicial review claim. The newspaper has 'a real prospect' of demonstrating that the Press statement and the background briefing given to selected journalists on his behalf were not accurate, he said. He asked the High Court to rule that the newspaper could not use a legal defence of 'honest opinion', and for a judge to rule in his favour without the need for a trial. But the judge ruled that Associated Newspapers - publisher of The Mail on Sunday (TMOS) and the Daily Mail - had a 'real prospect' of demonstrating that statements issued on Harry's behalf were misleading, and refused his requests Mr Justice Nicklin said: 'There is a real prospect that the Defendant [TMOS] will succeed in demonstrating that this was a misleading description of the issues in the JR [judicial review] claim, arguably promoted because it was hoped to show the Claimant's [Harry's] JR claim in a positive light, whereas a portrayal of the JR claim as the Claimant trying to force the Government to reinstate his (taxpayer funded) State security risked his appearing in a negative light. 'I anticipate that, at trial, the Defendant [TMOS] may well submit that this was a masterclass in the art of 'spinning'. 'And, the Defendant argues, it was successful in misleading and/or confusing the public.' He went on: 'Having now seen the sequence of events, in my judgment, the Defendant [TMOS] does have a real prospect of demonstrating that an honest person could have held the view that this was precisely what was being done on the Claimant's [Harry's] behalf.' A hearing dealing with the consequences of Mr Justice Nicklin's ruling is expected to be held next week. The ruling came a day after the High Court finished hearing Harry's judicial review claim that the Ravec decision to downgrade his security was 'unlawful and unfair'. A decision in that case is expected at a later date. Helvetica Property / Key word(s): Funds/Restructure of Company Helvetica Announces Marc Giraudon's Appointment as Co-CEO Starting 1 January 2024, Transitioning to Sole CEO on 1 July 2024 08-Dec-2023 / 18:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR, 8 December 2023 Press release (PDF) Image (JPG) Zurich, 8 December 2023 Helvetica Property Investors AG (Helvetica) is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Giraudon as Co-CEO, effective 1 January 2024. He is set to become the sole Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2024, subject to regulatory approval. The Board of Directors of Helvetica has confirmed Marc Giraudon (55), a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and France, as the incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 July 2024, subsequent to the Annual General Meeting. He joins from being a strategic advisor to Helvetica since late 2022, bringing his extensive knowledge from the real estate investment sector to the firm. He is set to follow Hans R. Holdener, the companys current CEO and Co-founder, who has elected to pass on the mantle of leadership after a distinguished seventeen-year term as CEO. In the interim, Hans R. Holdener will continue to serve as Co-CEO, working with Marc Giraudon to ensure a seamless hand-over and integration. After the six-month transition period, Hans R. Holdener will take on a business development role. In this new capacity, Hans R. Holdeners efforts will be dedicated to leveraging his vast experience to Helvetica's future growth and expansion into new markets and client segments. Marc Giraudon is a real estate asset management expert and has three decades of professional experience in the field of real estate investments. Marc Giraudon`s ten-year tenure with Hines, the US-based global real estate investment and fund management firm, began when he took on the role of Managing Director for European Finance and Control. He was responsible for establishing and overseeing the company's European subsidiaries. Following his tenure there, Marc then founded Langham Hall, an international fund administration and professional services firm based in London, with offices in Jersey, Guernsey, Luxembourg and Hong Kong. Before starting at Helvetica, Marc Giraudon dedicated his efforts to working with private equity and real estate fund teams, enhancing strategic direction, improving efficiency, and increasing investor value. Marc holds the professional designation of a UK Certified Public Accountant and has earned an MBA from London Business School. Hans Ueli Keller, Chairman, says: On behalf of the Board, we express our profound gratitude to Hans R. Holdener for his leadership and dedicated service over seventeen years at the helm of Helvetica. We respect his decision to transition responsibilities and look forward to this new chapter for the business. We are excited to welcome Marc Giraudon to our leadership team. His international experience and proven leadership skills make him exceptionally well-suited to steer our company into the future. Hans R. Holdener, CEO, says: Having worked closely with Marc, I am convinced that his leadership is precisely what Helvetica requires to navigate the changing market conditions. Marc's contributions, particularly his operational enhancements, have already proven to be of significant value to our firm. I firmly believe in his ability to steer our company towards continued success. Marc Giraudon says: It is a great honour to accept the role of CEO at Helvetica, succeeding co-founder Hans R. Holdener. The company's market presence and the strong foundation built over nearly two decades are key factors that attract me to this role. I am eager to use my experience to provide increasing investor value and make further advances in Helvetica's level of institutionalisation. I look forward to driving Helvetica's continued success. Media contact Hans R. Holdener CEO T +41 43 544 70 80 hrholdener@helvetica.com Patricia Neupert Head Marketing & Communications T +41 43 544 70 98 patricia.neupert@helvetica.com About Helvetica Helvetica Property Investors AG is a leading real estate fund management and asset management company. We offer our clients sustainable value through active, long-term ownership of secure and stable real estate investments. With a fully integrated real estate investment platform, we offer standardized investment products as well as customized investment programs. We are proud of our long-standing reputation for excellent customer service and our commitment to responsible business practices. Our firm is licensed and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA. www.helvetica.com Disclaimer This media release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Art. 35 et seq. of the Federal Act on Financial Services or Art. 27 et seq. of the Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd, nor does it constitute a Key Investor Information Document (KID) within the meaning of the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act or a basic information sheet. It does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to subscribe for or redeem fund units but is intended solely for information purposes. This media release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to uncertainties and risks and may change. Historical performance is no guarantee of current or future performance. The performance data do not take into account any commissions and costs charged on the subscription and redemption of units. The documents that are solely relevant for an investment decision, the prospectus with integrated fund contract as well as the current annual report, can be obtained free of charge from the fund management company. This media release is not addressed to persons resident and/or domiciled outside Switzerland. In particular, this media release may not be made available or handed over to US persons within the meaning of the US Securities Act or US tax regulations, nor may it be distributed in the USA. In case of doubt, the German version shall prevail. End of Inside Information A street food vendor has found overnight fame after being filmed serving a 'speciality' dish of grilled ice cubes at a night market in Changsha, southern China. Footage shows the vendor 'cooking' frozen water on a barbecue before dousing it with spicy sauce, brushing it with oil and handing it over to paying customers. A customer looks stunned as she takes a box of ice, which was described as being 'a bit burnt or tender'. In the video, the customer is seen taking the food and asks: 'Should I eat it when it's still hot or later when it has cooled down?' The vendor replies: 'Eat it now while it's still hot.' She described the food as 'so spicy' but followed with 'what a wonderful taste'. A single serving of the icy snack costs just 1.60, according to local media reports. X user Ross wrote : 'Grilled ice cubes just hit different with the sriracha.' Bemused netizens took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their views. One wrote: 'I mean, the way food prices are going you might as well eat seasoned ice.' Another joked: 'As long as they don't burn them. I like my ice cubes medium rare.' Ross wrote: 'Grilled ice cubes just hit different with the sriracha.' Many drew comparisons to the unusual Chinese dish of stir-fried rocks, which also became a viral hit earlier this year. A user wrote: 'Bring back the fried stones.' The dish named Suodiu - meaning to suck and discard - has origins in ancient China. Suodiu allegedly dates back centuries to the Hubei province in central China, where local fishermen would collect the rocks to eat when they ran out food. Stones are heated in a pan before covered in spices and aromatics, including garlic and chilli. The rocks are served with a mix of vegetables once softened enough to eat. They are understood to have a naturally fishy taste, enhancing the flavour of the salad. Local media reported the dish sold for 1.74 a head. Fried ice does not appear to be a regional speciality. The vendor reportedly sells each portion of ice cubes for the equivalent of 1.60 'Should I eat it when it's still hot or later when it has cooled down?' a customer asks The ice is thrown with spicy sauce and flavourings, much like the hot stones earlier in the year Notably, the chef serving Suodiu and the vendor serving grilled ice were both wearing apparel branded with 'Sailing Night Market'. It was unclear whether they worked for the same store. 'What's next?' rounded off one critic. 'Baked air?' The Republican congressman who was caught on camera at a holiday party in Washington, D.C. shouting at a former staffer said he did so because the aide had tried to expose his 27-year old daughter's OnlyFans account. Rep. Brandon Williams, who represents upstate New York, jabbed his finger toward former Chief of Staff Michael Gordon in a heated confrontation outside the International Spy Museum, during a festive gathering hosted by a lobbying firm. Williams told Gordon, 'You f*** with my family, I'll end every relationship you have.' The lawmaker told Politico Friday that two former staffers, Gordon and Ryan Sweeney, who had served as his legislative director, threatened to out his daughter as having an OnlyFans account - where users can produce sexually explicit material - after Williams fired them. Gordon was 'trying to exert some leverage over me,' Williams said, 'and I just simply won't allow that to happen.' Rep. Brandon Williams, a New York Republican, said he got into a heated argument at a D.C. holiday party with a former staffer because the aide had tried to expose his 27-year-old daughter's OnlyFans account Williams said that it was Sweeney who filmed his confrontation with Gordon. Afterward Sweeney told his ex-boss: 'Hey, f*** you! Guess what, b****? All I have to do is pay $7 to watch your daughter shove her phone up her p****!' Gordon told Politico that 'the allegations Congressman Williams has levied against me are categorically false' and declined to comment futher. Sweeney also denied the allegations, telling Politico they are 'completely false.' In the video, Gordon told Williams, 'I didn't do anything.' Williams then pressed closer to Gordon and yelled, 'Do you understand me? You think I don't know?' A spokesperson for Williams initially responded to the release of the video, which was by a student journalist at Syracuse, by saying that the fired aides 'made rude comments about the female members of the Congressman's family.' Williams is seen jabbing his finger at Michael Gordon, his former chief of staff, who he told Politico in an interview published Friday was a 'deeply broken person' During the confrontation, which was being filmed by another fired Williams aide, Gordon said he didn't know why the congressman was upset. The New York Republican said that Gordon had threatened to out his daughter's OnlyFans account and told other Hill aides about it 'These individuals planted stories with the media and one of them physically shoved the Congressman at a holiday event (edited from the video),' the spokesperson said. 'As a former nuclear submarine officer known for his temperament and poise, tonight should be a lesson to all, never go after this Navy Nuke's family.' Speaking to Politico, Williams said that after he gave Gordon 30 days to find new employment, the departing chief of staff contacted a GOP campaign consultant close to the lawmaker. That consultant, Aaron Evans, told the news site that he relayed Gordon's warning to the New York Republican in recent weeks - that he should think about how embarrassing it would be for his family if TMZ found out about his daughter's OnlyFans account. Williams said that several days prior to the Spy Musuem incident he heard from other aides that Gordon was telling congressional staffers about his daughter's OnlyFans account. He was also 'saying really rude things about my wife,' Williams told Politico. Gordon had lived with Williams during part of his congressional campaign and they also lived together when Williams got to Washington. Williams is in his first term. The congressman described his former chief of staff as a 'deeply broken person.' Williams was one of the New York Republican lawmakers who called for Rep. George Santos' ouster. After Santos got expelled from Congress last week, the ex-New York lawmaker called on the House Ethics Committee to investigate Williams over the behavior displayed in the video. Williams represents a key swing district and is one of the Democrats' top targets in 2024 to retake control of the House. A robber has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years after stabbing two officers in London's West End following a police pursuit. Mohamed Rahman, 25, knifed Joseph Gerrard in the neck and chest and Alannah Mulhall in the arm on September 16 last year while he was intoxicated. The officers, who were attached to the Met's unit responsible for policing Westminster, have both told how they experienced enduring pain and extensive changes to their lives after the incident. Rahman, of Notting Hill, west London, was convicted in October after a trial at Kingston Crown Court of the attempted murder of PC Gerrard and grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent against PC Mulhall. He was also convicted of assault occasioning actual bodily harm against PC Richard Ulla, two counts of threatening a person in a public place with a bladed article against two other officers and possession of a bladed article. Mohammed Rahman, 25, knifed a male officer five times to his head, arm and chest three days before the Queen's funeral last September PCs Joseph Gerrard and Alannah Mulhall at Kingston Crown Court today for the sentencing of Mohamed Rahman who stabbed them both in September last year Rahman was further found guilty of robbing a member of the public, Mark Graven, which triggered the police pursuit. He was given a minimum term of 20 years, minus the 449 days he has already spent on remand. The officers he attacked had been dealing with another incident after a woman's drink had been spiked in a nightclub. PC Mulhall, along with another female police officer, approached Rahman who refused to take his hands out of his pockets. 'What are you going to do if I don't?' he said. PC Mulhall and her colleague called for assistance of two male colleagues who were in the nightclub, one of whom was PC Gerrard. Rahman pulled out the knife but police tasers had no effect because of the thick clothes he was wearing. Holding the knife above his head, Rahman began to get closer to the officers and stabbed PC Gerrard in the arm. He then turned towards PC Mulhall and stabbed her in the right arm with the knife cutting through to the bone. Bodycam footage shows the officers covered in blood before bare-footed Rahman is restrained with a Taser Police officers at the scene in the West End following the stabbing hours earlier Bodycam footage shows the officers covered in blood before bare-footed Rahman is finally restrained with a Taser. PC Mulhall said: 'He was holding the knife above his head and Jo is in the road. 'He has gone to create distance, but a taxi has pulled up at the same time. 'Jo has collided with the taxi and from the angle I was standing at, I could not see if he had stabbed Jo or not, so I did not know Jo had been stabbed at the time. 'I remember thinking that the suspect was going to kill Jo at the time, he was not messing around, he was going to stab him, so I have hit him in the back. 'I have turned to run and he has just ran up to me and driven the knife into my arm and I have not had enough time to react. 'That is when you know you have been stabbed and then it is ten seconds of a weird, nothing is happening. 'I remember when I was stabbed, I didn't look at my arm, I knew I had been stabbed because it felt like I had been punched really hard, I knew he had a knife, I saw the blood on the floor and I could feel the blood coming down my arm.' More officers arrived at the scene, and Rahman was once again tasered, this time there was a partial effect, as he hit the floor, with the knife spinning out in front of him. Holding the knife above his head, Rahman began to get closer to the officers and stabbed PC Gerrard in the arm. He then turned towards PC Mulhall and stabbed her in the right arm with the knife cutting through to the bone Police officers at the scene of the stabbing near London's Leicester Square The scene on Shaftesbury Avenue, central London, where two police officers were stabbed In an attempt to get the knife away, PC Gerrard kicked the knife back on two occasions, but the blade flipped over his foot and Rahman got up once again. He knocked PC Gerrard to the ground and began repeatedly stabbing the defenceless officer. In total, he stabbed him between 11 and 12 times, with four of those getting through his stab-proof vest. He was knifed in the back of the neck behind the ear, in the arm for the second time, in the ribs and in the centre of his chest, leaving him with a collapsed lung and losing serious amounts of blood. Paramedics later told him he had just three minutes to survive had officers not began life saving CPR. He said: 'I then broke off and he has got tasered again and he hit the floor. 'I remember a security guard gathering me from behind from one of the nightclubs nearby and at this point I could see blood all over me. 'I have got to the side, I noticed I am really struggling to breathe at this point. 'I just could not get my breath. 'More colleagues at this point just kept turning up and kept turning up, he is now detained on the floor. 'They have cut all my gear off me and they have noticed the amount of stab wounds I had. 'I was looking down at my chest and I could see the blood bubbling and the air coming out of my chest. 'I was struggling to breathe at that time, so I knew how serious it was at that stage. 'Then my colleagues were just all giving me CPR, trying to block the blood coming out of each stab wound and waiting for the ambulance to show up really.' PC Mulhall had five months off work while recovering from her arm injury, before five months of desk work. She is now back on the streets. PC Gerrard was away from work for over a year and is on desk duty only but is desperate to get back on the beat. When asked, both officers did not hesitate to say they wanted to get back into work as soon as possible. PC Mulhall said: 'For me it was a bit like a rollercoaster, there were some days where I could not wait to get back to work and other days. 'I fixate a lot that Jo could have lost his life and even now I have good days and bad days, more good days and bad, I still want to be here.' PC Gerrard said: 'For me, I have been using it as a goal really. 'I have just been setting goals, I'll get over this injury first and then I can do this and then I can get back to work and now I am back doing office duties, well the next stage is to get back out there really.' The homeowner Kara Giugliano captured the dramatic moment on her phone It ended up getting ripped by a streetlight pole and landing on a house in Phoenix, Arizona A hot air balloon was attempting to land when the wind suddenly shifted A hot air balloon carrying nine people crash-landed on a house and covered the entire backyard after becoming tangled on a streetlight in Arizona. A video captured the dramatic moment on Thursday morning as the enormous envelope of the aircraft draped over the backyard of a family house in north Phoenix. Nine people were on board when the unexpected landing happened, and fortunately, no one was hurt. The incident occurred because the wind suddenly shifted when the balloon was attempting to land in an open field nearby, as reported by the local station Arizona Family. Michael England, a pilot with Hot Air Expeditions, told the outlet that the basket had landed on the ground when the balloon became tangled on the streetlamp A hot air balloon carrying nine people crash-landed on a house and covered the entire backyard after becoming tangled on a streetlight in Arizona A video captured the dramatic moment on Thursday morning as the enormous envelope of the aircraft draped over the backyard of a family house in north Phoenix The incident occurred because the wind suddenly shifted when the balloon was attempting to land in an open field nearby, as reported by the local station Arizona Family Nine people were on board when the unexpected landing happened, and fortunately, no one was hurt Kara Giugliano, the owner of the home where the balloon landed, captured the dramatic moment with her phone as the envelope was ripped by the streetlight pole, covering her backyard wall. 'Oh my God, the balloon is coming to us,' she can be heard saying in the video. 'God, this is our house.' 'I don't know what to do. Oh my gosh, what do I do? What the f**k,' she said repeatedly as the balloon draped over the roof, wall, and entire backyard of her house. 'It's the most insane thing I have every watched in my life,' she said before the video stopped rolling. She recounted the incident in an interview: 'The basket was right above that light pole. It was like everything happened in slow motion. And the light pole started to rip the hot air balloon. The Phoenix Fire Department was called and found that none of the nine people on board were hurt. Kara Giugliano, the owner of the home where the balloon landed, captured the dramatic moment with her phone as the envelope was ripped by the streetlight pole, covering her backyard wall Authorities responded by shutting off power to the street light, and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident She recounted the incident in an interview: 'The basket was right above that light pole. It was like everything happened in slow motion. And the light pole started to rip the hot air balloon The Phoenix Fire Department was called and found that none of the nine people on board were hurt The pilot who was on board too said the balloon was low on fuel and changed its trajectory when the wind shifted. 'We were coming in for a landing here in this open lot,' England said. 'It snagged a little bit of the light pole and that caused the fuss.' 'Everyone had fun, and everyone stayed safe,' he added. A person on board the balloon said she enjoyed the ride despite the unexpected landing. 'It was a bucket list and a celebration. Every had a wonderful journey,' she said. 'At the end there was a little wind uplift and there was a little challenge on landing.' 'Just breathe, relax, and trust your pilot,' she said. Authorities responded by shutting off power to the street light, and the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident. In the annals of American Congressional insanity, this weeks block on aid to Ukraine ranks with the attempts by some U.S. politicians to scupper shipments of arms to the UK in 1940, at a moment when this country stood out alone against Hitler. The vote in Congress was an act of pure addlepated myopia. It showed a failure to grasp the essential lesson of the 20th century that you cannot just ignore the actions of faraway dictators. You cannot shut your eyes to the death and destruction they cause, because sooner or later that chaos will be hurled upon your own shores arriving sometimes by the boatload, sometimes by the car bomb. It seems incredible that the U.S. should be faltering in its support for Ukraine and for freedom, when so much has already been achieved, and when victory is still I believe inevitable. The Ukrainians have managed to recapture 50 per cent of the territory once occupied by Putins troops. They have already humiliated a war machine once billed as the second most powerful on Earth, and sent it scuttling. They have given the swaggering Wagner Group such a hiding that its leader went berserk and mutinied obliging Putin to assassinate one of his most egregious and veteran cronies live on global TV. Ukrainian forces are now back on the eastern bank of the Dnipro river. They are contesting Russias ability to control the Black Sea. They have the huge moral advantage that they are fighting for their hearths and homes, while Putins sad conscripts are being fed into the meat grinder of Avdiivka without really believing in the cause that requires them to die. That is why I am certain that Ukraine will eventually win, because all Putins rage is now crashing against the rock of Ukrainian nationhood. Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi shake hands as they begin talks today He has already lost 300,000 men in a pointless, cruel and criminal war against fellow Slavs fellow Russophones, for heavens sake. How many more will he butcher, on either side? All the Ukrainians need to do is hold on, and then to recapture the rest of their home soil. With the right kit and support, they can do it. How sad and incredible, therefore, that the counter-offensive in the south has now been paused, because the Ukrainians are out of 155-calibre shells, and do not have enough of the long-range ATACMS missile systems. How weird, how illogical, that the U.S. should spend $75 billion and now decide to pull the plug. And where, come to that, is the next big tranche of UK support? The MoD put forward another 2.6 billion of military aid in June; and unless it is approved, Britains contribution next year will simply dry up. We are now being outspent by the Dutch, and if Western assistance continues to tail off as it currently is that will be a tragedy. It is not just morally right to help the Ukrainians to protect themselves, and to ensure the freedom and independence of an innocent country. As an investment in the security of the West, the Ukrainian cause makes unimpeachable sense. Look at what the U.S. military are getting for their investment. Those Pentagon billions are driving jobs in the American military-industrial complex. Those arms shipments have enabled the Ukrainians to degrade the armed forces of one of Americas biggest and most long-standing strategic adversaries and all without putting a single pair of U.S. boots on the ground. So why do the Congressional Republicans want to block the spending on Ukraine? Because they insist on tying the Bill to domestic measures: to curb immigration into the U.S. Why should we spend more on foreign wars, they say. Lets fix things at home! Can they not see the irony? Can they not see the connection? The war in Ukraine is about freedom, about the rights of the Ukrainians to repel the raping and murdering Russian army. After almost two years, it is now also about the credibility of the West in standing up to tyrants and autocrats everywhere. Ukrainian soldiers fire towards Russian positions on the front line in the eastern Donbas region Over the past 20 years, Western powers have repeatedly backed away, or decided not to intervene, from Syria to Ukraine, and the resulting wars have led to more disruption and dispersal of people often simply fleeing the disaster area in hope of a better life. Look at the tides of humanity that are approaching the shores of Britain and the U.S., and that are causing such strains in the politics of all Western democracies. Whence do they come? From Africa, the Middle East, Afghanistan, from all the places that we have abandoned when Western powers have decided to cede influence to others. They come from the Sahel, where the French have yielded to Russia, and they pass through Libya, which we left in chaos in 2011, and of course they make their way across the Mediterranean, to Europe, in huge numbers. They come from Iraq, which we abandoned in 2011, and from Afghanistan, which we abandoned in 2021, and from Syria which we left to its fate in 2019. And of course they come from Ukraine, where tens of millions have been displaced. The people causing the chaos are the autocrats and their proxies. It is Putins mercenaries who have been happily driving immigrants out of the Sahel region. It is the Belarusian tyrant Alexander Lukashenko who has adopted a deliberate strategy of sending migrants into Poland. We must thank Iran for fomenting strife across the Middle East, whether in Yemen, Syria, Iraq or Lebanon, and it is Iran that furnishes both Putin and Hamas with weapons. The North Koreans are helping Putin to rebuild his depleted stock of shells. The autocrats of the world are creating this chaos, and driving these tides of humanity, because they know one big thing: those displaced people will not want to go to live and work in an autocracy, not when they have the hope of arriving in a Western liberal democracy, where they have freedom of religion and speech, as well as free healthcare, housing and an extraordinarily generous welfare state. No migrant goes to Russia, China, Iran, North Korea if there is a chance of getting to a Western liberal democracy. So mass migration has become a tool by which the autocrats try to vex and disrupt the democracies. To put it crudely: they dont care if their activities lead to mass movements of humanity because they wont feel it themselves. If Putin wins in Ukraine, it will be yet another spur for the copycat chaos-makers around the world. To those in America who think they can be isolated from all this forget it. What happens if the Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro attacks Guyana? Where will the refugees go? We are engaged now in a huge arm-wrestle between the democracies and the autocracies, and we must be strong. It has been famously said that the U.S. can always be relied upon to do the right thing having exhausted all available alternatives. I am sure that will be the case with Ukraine. Frankly, no President who wants to make America great again can kick off his term by letting Putin win. We need Britain and Europe to rise to the challenge because America cant do it alone. Ukraine must win, not just for the sake of the Ukrainians, though that is reason enough, but for the sake of peace and stability everywhere. A deputy US marshal has appeared in court to deny a charge of drunken behaviour while on a flight to London. Michael Brereton, 39, of New York, was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at Heathrow on Wednesday morning after reports of a man being disruptive on an inbound flight, the force said. On Thursday, Brereton was charged with entering an aircraft whilst drunk. He appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Friday and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea of not guilty. He was given unconditional bail until his trial at the same court on February 1. Michael Brereton, 39, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on Friday and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and address and to enter his plea of not guilty The deputy US marshal was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers at Heathrow on Wednesday morning Another deputy on the plane was briefly detained but has since been released and returned to the US, an official told the Associated Press news agency. Both deputies were on the flight so they could transport a suspect back to the US, the official said. In a statement, the US Marshals Service said it was cooperating with British police and the agency takes allegations of employee misconduct seriously. The service is the countrys federal law enforcement agency which aims to enforce laws and provide support to all areas of the federal justice system. This includes providing security for federal court facilities and their judges, apprehending criminals, transporting prisoners, seizing assets and keeping government witnesses and their families safe. A Brazilian businessman, who went on a trip to Switzerland and spent 13 days missing before he was found in Spain, has finally returned home. Marcio Rodrigues, 44, was reunited with his family on Thursday, his wife, Ana Rodrigues, told online news outlet G1. She declined to provide any specific details regarding her husbands return to their home in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo because European authorities are still investigating. Marcio Rodrigues boarded a flight in Sao Paulo on November 7 and arrived in Barcelona the following day, where he connected to a flight to Zurich to sign off on a deal with local businessmen and mysteriously disappeared. He somehow managed to escape from his captors and was found in Spain on November 22, according to Zurich law enforcement. Marcio Rodrigues returned to Brazil and reunited with his wife and loved ones on Wednesday, nearly one month to the date of his mysterious disappearance in Zurich, Switzerland on November 8 Rodrigues reunited with his wife, Ana Rodrigues, on Wednesday, but details surrounding his mysterious disappearance and return have not been revealed Authorities in Spain and Switzerland have yet to release information indicating how he was released. Marcio Rodrigues reached out to his wife upon landing at Zurich Airport and sent her the first of multiple messages at 5:45 am local time in Brazil. He then contacted her again 11 minutes later to express worries about not being able to speak English the language of choice of his fellow investors. Rodrigues reached out to his wife between 8:11am and 8:32am and showed her a photo of the airplane in the background, one of fellow passengers waiting to walk past the arrival gate and a video of the terminal. Five hours would pass before he contacted his wife to tell her that he had gotten a taxi to his hotel to attempt to recover this passport, which was allegedly taken from him by a group of people whom the businessman went to meet. 'Pray for me, because I think I fell into a trap. My God, in half an hour I'll know what's going to happen to me,' Rodrigues told his wife at 1:32pm. They said that in 15 minutes, half an hour, they will bring me my passport. But I've been waiting here for almost four hours. 'I met with them, they took a photo of my face,' he said. '(They) brought a machine to take my fingerprints and took my passport (to be scanned).' Prior to going missing for 13 days, the Brazilian native sent his wife a photo of passengers waiting to walk out at the arrivals gate after stepping off the airplane in Zurich, Switzerland One of the last photos that Rodrigues sent his wife was of the airplane parked at the Zurich Airport's arrival gate The businessman then sent his wife a message at 1:34 and never responded to any of her messages because his phone was off. His brother-in-law, Carlos Cera, confirmed to DailyMail.com on November 23 that Rodrigues was going to travel to another country for a training session with a group interested in his therapeutic products. Although Rodrigues never mentioned the name of the other country he had planned to visit, his sister had told G1 that her husband was going to travel to Spain. Cera said that they had spoken to Marcio Rodrigues after he was found and that he feared for his life, but did not elaborate further because Interpol had asked them to remain quiet. Tesla has been fined by a California state regulator over an incident earlier this year at its Fremont plant, where a female worker was pinned inside a Model Y during a quality inspection. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health proposed a total of $38,000 in fines over the safety incident, which seriously injured the worker, according to a Bloomberg report citing a public records request. The records show that in April, the worker became trapped after power was not properly cut to a conveyor belt during an inspection, and the open door of the Model Y struck a fixed vertical gate in the plant. California OSHA has proposed fining Tesla $18,000 for the 'serious' violation, plus another $18,000 fine for failing to maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program and two $1,000 fines for 'general' violations. Tesla, which did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com, is contesting the fines and citations, the OSHA records show. Tesla has been fined by a California state regulator over an incident earlier this year at its Fremont plant, where a female worker was pinned inside a Model Y during a quality inspection In April, the worker became trapped after power was not properly cut to a conveyor belt during an inspection, and the open door of the Model Y struck a fixed vertical gate (file photo) The safety incident comes as Tesla, which relies on non-union workers, faces increasing pressure from labor unions both in the US and abroad. The United Auto Workers union is seeking support among Tesla's California factory workers, pushing safe working conditions as a major talking point. The electric vehicle producer also faces a backlash in the Nordic region from unions and some pension funds over its refusal to accept a demand from Swedish mechanics for collective bargaining rights covering wages and other conditions. Norway's $1.5 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's biggest stock market investor, told Reuters on Friday that Tesla should respect fundamental labor rights, including that of collective bargaining by labor unions. 'We expect companies in which we invest to respect fundamental human rights, including labor rights,' NBIM said in a statement to Reuters when asked about Tesla's conflict with its Swedish workers. 'In 2022 we supported a shareholder proposal at Tesla that asked the company to introduce a policy to respect the right to organize,' it added. Tesla has so far managed to avoid collective bargaining agreements with its roughly 127,000 workers, and CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his opposition to unions. Tesla has so far managed to avoid collective bargaining agreements with its roughly 127,000 workers, and CEO Elon Musk has been vocal about his opposition to unions The company says its Swedish employees have as good or better terms than those the union is demanding. Tesla is facing growing pressure in the Nordic countries from powerful employee unions backing Swedish IF Metall's mechanics who went on strike on Oct. 27 demanding a collective agreement with the company. Finnish transport workers' union AKT decided on Thursday to join the sympathy strike against Tesla, saying it would start a blockade of Tesla vehicles destined to Sweden in all Finnish ports from Dec. 20. 'That means Tesla vehicles or components destined to Swedish markets are not loaded by dockers,' AKT said in a statement. AKT's announcement followed similar decisions by Swedish, Danish and Norwegian dockworkers, meaning Tesla will be effectively barred from shipping its cars to Sweden. Two Sarah Lawrence sex cult survivors sued the New York school for failing to protect them from Larry Ray, who was convicted of sex trafficking, conspiracy and extortion. The lawsuit, filed by Daniel Levin and Santos Rosario in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Nov. 21, claims Ray abused several students physically, sexually and emotionally on campus and the school should have done more to protect them. The two victims allege that the school was partly to blame for their ordeal as Sarah Lawrence negligently allowed Ray to live in a dormitory on campus, where the grooming and abuse took place. Ray, 64, was sentenced in January to 60 years in prison by a judge who called him an 'evil genius' who used sadism and psychological torture to control his victims. A college spokesperson said in a statement Thursday that the school had 'deep sympathy' for Ray's victims, but that it wouldn't comment on the litigation 'beyond noting that we believe the facts will tell a different story than the unproven allegations made in the complaint that has been filed.' Two Sarah Lawrence sex cult survivors sued the New York school for failing to protect them from Larry Ray, who was convicted of sex trafficking, conspiracy and extortion The lawsuit, filed by Daniel Levin and Santos Rosario in Federal District Court in Manhattan on Nov. 21, claims Ray abused several students physically, sexually and emotionally on campus and the school should have done more to protect them (Pictured: Dan Levin) The two victims allege that the school was partly to blame for their ordeal as Sarah Lawrence negligently allowed Ray to live in a dormitory on campus, where the grooming and abuse took place (Pictured: Santos Rosario) The plaintiffs said they were abused and manipulated by Ray for years after leaving college in locations including a Manhattan condominium and a home in Piscataway, New Jersey. Ray lived in the dorm for nearly an entire academic year, according to the lawsuit, during which time several students, community members and parents contacted the college to complain about Ray's abusive behavior, yet the college 'did nothing to investigate or intervene to prevent harm to Plaintiffs.' During his time living in the dorm, the suit claims Ray 'committed acts of manipulation, grooming, sexual abuse, food deprivation and sleep deprivation' against the students. The lawsuit says Ray made little attempt to hide the fact that he had moved in with his daughter in 2010 after finishing a prison sentence for securities fraud, and was allowed to remain on the campus 'while he committed acts of manipulation, grooming, sexual abuse, food deprivation and sleep deprivation.' They say college officials ignored the presence of a then-50-year-old man who moved into the dorm and 'immediately integrated himself into the lives of the young people who lived in it.' The suit also alleges that Ray made himself so thoroughly at home that he once set off a fire alarm by cooking a meal. Ray was the only person in the dorm room when firefighters and college security arrived, according to the suit. Despite school staff and fire officials responding and speaking with Ray, they never questioned why he was alone inside a college student's dorm. He also was not monitored after the fire 'to ensure he was not residing at the dormitory with the college students,' according to the lawsuit. Ray's daughter Talia (left) has been named as a co-conspirator along with Ray's so-called 'lieutenant' and co-accused Isabella Pollok, (right) the judge ruled last week Pictured: Victims Claudia Drury (left) Dan Levin (right) in evidence photos submitted to the court Ray ultimately ingratiated himself with his daughter Talia's friends, Santos Rosario (left) Daniel Levin, Felicia Rosario (right) and Isabella Pollok The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for their pain and suffering as well as health care costs and lost potential income. In a statement to Forbes, the school said that Ray 'committed heinous crimes for which he properly has been held responsible, convicted, and sentenced. We hope that sentencing has brought some resolution to Ray's victims, for whom the College has deep sympathy. We will not comment on any aspect of this litigation, beyond noting that we believe the facts will tell a different story than the unproven allegations made in the complaint that has been filed.' Ray was sentenced to 60 years by a judge who labeled his crimes 'pure and simple sadism' in January. He was convicted of sex trafficking, racketeering and extortion in April following a highly publicized trial where prosecutors detailed how he manipulated his daughter's 20-something roommates after moving in with them in at their campus dormitories in 2010. The youngsters were all Sarah Lawrence students who agreed when Ray's daughter Talia asked if he could come and stay with them for a period following a brief incarceration. In another video, a disheveled and at times incoherent Rosario is heard speaking in a childlike voice as she begs Ray to be allowed to remain inside the house In another profoundly disturbing clip, introduced in evidence, Ray can be seen body-slamming Rosario to the floor as she wails and struggles under the weight of his knee which he places on her back to subdue her Rosario's mental and physical decline was disturbingly evident in a 2013 video of her at Ray's stepfather's property in Pinehurst, North Carolina shown in court on Monday Instead of simply crashing at their apartment, he targeted the group of youngsters, separating them from their families and coercing them into degrading acts, before extorting them for his own gain and, eventually, holding some captive. His crimes were first exposed in 2019 by New York Magazine's The Cut. Some of the group remained loyal to him even then, after being cut off from their families by Ray. Today, some gave witness impact statements to tell how Ray destroyed their lives. 'His evil withered us. I feel profoundly violated in a way that I cannot fully communicate,' Claudia Drury, now 31, said. The only sympathy Ray reserves is for himself. Today, he told the judge how the last three years had been 'hard' on him. 'Ive had COVID twice, and I'm in pain all the time. I lost my father, my step-father, and my step-mother all in one week. 'They are gone. I didn't get to say goodbye,' he said. The judge spared no mercy. He sought to take any light from his victims' lives. 'It was sadism. Pure and simple,' said U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who added Ray used his 'evil genius' to control the kids. Among those who took the stand during his trial were victims who'd escaped him. A woman who referred to herself as Sarah Lawrence 'cult leader' Larry Ray's 'wife' and lived with him and his co-accused, 'lieutenant' Isabella Pollok, has told jurors how her 'romantic' relationship descended into abuse and sexual humiliation that destroyed her medical career and left her feeling 'subhuman.' Felicia Rosario, 39, took the stand at the start of week three of the high-profile trial, telling jurors how she was introduced to Ray through her brother, Santos, who was a student at the elite liberal college with 62-year-old Ray's daughter, Talia. Rosario described how she found Ray 'charming' when the young woman, then a 29-year-old medical graduate of Harvard and Columbia and on track to gain her medical license, first met him in the fall of 2011. Rosario was living with Ray and Pollok in a home in Piscataway, New Jersey, when Ray was arrested in February 2020. She said she called him, 'honeybun,' and both she and Pollok considered themselves his 'wife.' Rosario told a now familiar tale of Ray's pattern of charm that swiftly gave way to coercion, sexual humiliation, and physical and psychological abuse. A second-year resident in Los Angeles, Rosario saw Ray only a handful of times on the east coast before he declared himself 'in love' with her and began setting sexual challenges. In testimony that echoed that of alleged cult member Claudia Drury, 31, Rosario told how Ray set her challenges and asked her to have sex with strangers and record it for him. She also told how he would ask her to go to the mall, not wearing underwear with a short skirt and shop for shoes, and to flash the shoe salesman when he assisted her. 'He made these demands basically every weekend. 'Eventually he was so insistent, threatening to break up with me and leave me that I started to comply,' Rosario said. Ray was sentenced in January to 60 years in prison by a judge who called him an 'evil genius' who used sadism and psychological torture to control his victims. (Pictured: Larry Ray outside his stepfather's home in Pinehurst, North Carolina) Ray's alleged campaign of control is said to have escalated during the summer of 2013, when Drury and several others travelled to Pinehurst, North Carolina, to help with yardwork at Ray's stepfather's property (pictured) Rosario said she first had sex with a stranger for Ray in the summer of 2012, by which time she had left the west coast and moved in with Ray at his Upper East Side apartment. She told the court Ray and Pollok shared a bed and that all three slept naked together. Rosario said she 'wasn't happy' but that Ray convinced her he was doing this to 'help' Pollok, just as he was 'helping' the other students overcome their mental and emotional issues. In time, she said, Ray demanded that she perform sex acts on both him and Pollok. 'He called it the BPD Camp', Rosario said, explaining it stood for borderline personality disorder or, 'Bad Parenting Disorder', as Ray called it. The court saw disturbing video in which Ray filmed Rosario apparently asleep and with a black eye. She can be seen wearing her graduation cap, a repeated humiliation tactic of Ray when, she testified, he would make her wear it and mock her as stupid and a failure. In audio played in court, Ray can be heard instructing another student to 'buy a pacifier' for Rosario because she is acting 'like a child' and 'subhuman.' On another occasion, Rosario told jurors he had Pollok buy diapers and put them on her, forcing her to sit on the floor and watch cartoons while wearing only them and a T-shirt. As with Drury, Ray allegedly turned his tactics on Rosario to extort money from her for alleged wrongdoings at one point she 'confessed' to stealing $160,000 from him. She asked friends and family for money, ran up credit card debt, and emptied her 'very small' 401K to 'repay' him, she said. Larry Ray in court today, depicted in a court sketch from inside the federal courthouse Rosario also told how Ray punched her in the face, head, and stomach, kicked her legs, tied her with zip ties, and covered her mouth with duct tape in a campaign to erode her sense of self and reality. Ultimately, she became convinced that her own siblings had poisoned her a feeling she described as 'heartbreaking' and a conviction that destroyed their once close relationship. She said that she herself was 'terrified', 'paranoid', and 'overwhelmed', certain that Ray would make good on threats to send her to jail if she did not comply with his demands. Her stress was such that she once attempted suicide, Rosario said. Ultimately, she told the court, Ray stopped demanding she sleep with strangers and record it in 2017. By then, living with Ray and Pollok, she explained that she had let herself become unkempt, with knotted hair, and dull clothes and was 'unattractive' and 'uninteresting.' 'He wasn't going to get anything if he sent me out the way I was,' she testified The third victim of the shooting at the University of Nevada has been identified as a professor at the institute. Professor Naoko Takemaru, 69, died from multiple gunshot wounds according to officials at Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner. Takemaru was an Associate Professor of Japanese Studies at the University of Nevada and taught all levels of Japanese language. Anthony Polito, 67, died on Wednesday in a shootout with police after murdering Jan 'Jerry' Chang, Patricia Navarro Velez, and Takemaru. Polito had been rejected for a job at the campus, and sent letters filled with white powder to other colleges that turned him down, it has emerged. Professor Naoko Takemaru, pictured here, died from multiple gunshot wounds according to officials at Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner Patricia Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor at the UNLV accounting department, and Jerry Changn (right) were shot dead by Polito on Wednesday Anthony Polito (pictured) has been named as the gunman in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas shooting Before the shooting, Polito mailed 22 letters to university faculty members across the U.S., but the contents of those letters wasn't immediately known, said Sheriff Kevin McMahill on Wednesday. Officials were able to intercept some of the letters sent, and the first opened had an 'unknown white powder substance,' said McMahill. The sheriff said police have contacted everyone on the suspect's target list, except for one person who was on a flight. 'None of the individuals on the target list became a victim,' McMahill said. Investigators searched an apartment in nearby Henderson, Nevada, late Wednesday as part of the investigation and retrieved several electronic devices, including Polito's cellphone, one of the officials said. They also found a 'last will and testament' type document. The sheriff said Polito applied for 'several' jobs at various colleges and universities in Nevada and was denied the job each time. He was a professor in North Carolina from 2001-2017, working at East Carolina University's Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management. He resigned in January 2017 as a tenured associate professor. One of his former students said that Polito spoke frequently of his regular visits to Las Vegas, and loved the casinos. Paul Whittington, now 33, told AP that Polito went on tangents during class about his many trips to Las Vegas. Polito told his students he visited twice yearly, staying in different hotels and going to various clubs, Whittington said. 'He was really, really, really fixated on the city of Las Vegas,' Whittington said. 'I think he just really liked going there.' Whittington also said he was thin-skinned and vindictive. The student union building at the University of Nevada campus is seen with bullet holes in the glass The business school, where Polito carried out his attack Sheriff Kevin McMahill is seen on Wednesday evening addressing a press conference in Las Vegas Polito told Whittington's class that he remembered the faces of students who gave him bad reviews in the annual end-of-year anonymous survey, and would say he was sure who they were and where they sat, pointing at seats in the classroom. 'He always talked about the negative feedback he got,' said Whittington, who took Polito's intro to operations management class in 2014. 'He didn't get a lot of it, but there would always be one student every semester, or at least one student every class, that would give a negative review. And he fixated on those.' On Thursday, the first victims were named as Patricia Navarro-Velez, 39, a member of the university's accounting department, and longtime professor Cha Jan 'Jerry' Chang, 64. Chang's death was from a gunshot wound to the head, the coroner ruled, and Navarro-Velez died from multiple gunshot wounds, according to 8NewsNow. A third victim was also a faculty member and has reportedly been identified. They will not be named until their next of kin is informed. The shooting took place on the fourth floor of the business school. After opening fire, the gunman went to several other floors of the business school before he was killed in a shootout with two university police detectives outside the building, which is next to the university's student union, UNLV Police Chief Adam Garcia said. In a statement, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the mass shooting was 'the most difficult day in the history of our university', and said his 'heart breaks for the families, friends and loved ones of Dr Navarro and Dr Chang.' Navarro-Velez and Chang were killed in a 40-minute rampage carried out by professor Tony Polito, 67, who did not work at UNLV, but reportedly had applied for a job there and was rejected. Navarro-Velez was a mother-of-four, her former professor at the University of Puerto Rico, David Correa, told the Las Vegas Review Journal. She was first identified in an Instagram post shared by the California All-Stars Las Vegas Cheer Gym, which said: 'Our hearts are shattered as we share the devastating news of the loss of a beloved member of our Cali family in yesterday's senseless shooting. 'Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Navarro-Velez family during this unimaginably difficult time,' the post said. According to her university profile, Navarro-Velez achieved a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Central Florida, and focused her research on 'cybersecurity disclosures and assurance, internal control weakness disclosure, and data analytics.' Chang was a business professor who had worked at UNLV for over 20 years, and was a longtime respected educator focusing on management information systems. A former student praised the professor on an education rating site after news of his death, saying they were 'fortunate' to be taught by him and 'wish he wasn't taken away from us so soon.' 'We respect all the hard work and dedication you've put into UNLV and the MIS department, we thank you for all that you have done for us,' they added. A fourth person was also shot in the spree but is in stable condition, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said at a Wednesday night press conference. A local Las Vegas gym shared the news of Navarro-Velez's death, saying the community's 'hearts are shattered' by her passing The associate professor was killed as gunman Tony Polito went on a rampage on the UNLV campus on Wednesday morning. Police are seen on Wednesday at the site of the shooting When the massacre unfolded, a huge police presence including tactical teams were seen scrambling to the college after an alert was issued to students, warning them to 'RUN-HIDE-FIGHT.' Less than an hour after the alert was released, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced the suspect was deceased, and footage showed terrified students being gradually escorted out of buildings across the campus. As of Thursday afternoon, UNLV shuttered all buildings and services, with the exception of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and dining room, and officials say the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. In a statement after Navarro-Velez and Chang were named as the first victims, UNLV President Keith Whitfield said the shooting was 'the most difficult day in the history of our university.' 'Words are still hard to come by as we're only beginning to process the grief, loss, anger, and fear associated with Wednesday's tragic campus shooting that took the lives of three of our cherished faculty members. Another faculty member remains hospitalized,' the statement continued. 'We've now learned that two of the victims who passed away Patricia Navarro-Velez and Cha Jan 'Jerry' Chang were members of our Lee Business School faculty. The third victim, also a UNLV faculty member, will be identified following notification of next of kin. 'Dr. Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor of accounting, had devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants. She joined UNLV nearly five years ago as a professor of accounting, where she primarily focused on teaching accounting information systems. 'Dr. Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, spending more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students. 'My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of Dr. Navarro and Dr. Chang, and for all of the victims of this senseless act of violence that has physically and emotionally affected so many.' Two women are seen making phone calls to say they are OK after Wednesday's shooting Students are seen evacuating the site of Wednesday's shooting at the University of Nevada campus The UNLV campus was placed on urgent lockdown as cops hunted for the gunman, while the Harry Reid International Airport - roughly two miles from the shooting - briefly grounded flights in a security precaution. Student John Harris heard what he later realized was a gunshot as he was getting out of his car in the parking garage of an on-campus apartment complex. In the elevator, Harris said he got an emergency text alert text from the university. 'I wasn't sure what to believe,' said Harris, 21, who ended up sheltering at a friend's dorm. He told AP: 'But as I came down to the street, and I saw there were a bunch of cops in the parking lot at the student union, I knew what I heard was a gunshot and this wasn't a drill.' A witness to Wednesday's attack told Fox News they heard several shots ring out through the campus, before they were evacuated by police. '(I heard) boom, boom, boom, more shots,' she said. 'So I ran into the basement and I heard shots outside, heard police, and then the police just evacuated me out. 'I had my hands over my head and yeah, I was hearing a lot of shots. I did not know how many shooters there were. I did not really know anything.' An English professor at UNLV, Vincent Perez, told MSNBC that he heard seven or eight loud gunshots 'one after another', when he looked out across the campus from the balcony of a building. 'We realized this is a real shooting, and there's an active shooter on campus,' he said. 'It just sounded like a high-powered weapon just echoing, echoing in a way that ... makes you realize this is somebody out to kill people.' In 2022 Ukraine conducted a crowdfunding campaign to raise $25 million so Ukraine could build at least a hundred USVs (Unmanned Surface Vessels). These were used to carry out a series of attacks on Russian warships, ports, and other coastal targets in Black Sea. Ukraine needed to protect its coastal waters and use of the Black Sea for shipping that carried Ukrainian exports and imports. Ukrainian President Zelensky backed the USV program because Ukraine didnt have any warships and the Russian Black Sea Fleet was vulnerable because Turkey has threatened to close the Dardanelles strait to additional Russian warships seeking to enter the Black Sea and reinforce the depleted Russian Black Sea Fleet. The narrow Dardanelles is the only way in or out of the Black Sea and an international treaty allows Turkey to limit warships access to the Dardanelles in wartime. Turkey is more concerned about the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea and the continued movement of ships carrying Ukrainian grain out and commercial cargo for Ukraine coming into the Black Sea. Ukraine did not invent the concept of USVs but did find new ways to use them in wartime. Ukraine, a country without warships, has used UAVs, USVs and guided missile and glide bombs to attack and disable Russian naval bases in the Black Sea and gradually destroy the Russian Black Sea Fleet. This reduced Russian naval activity in the Black Sea and eliminated a major threat to commercial shipping and use of Ukrainian Black Sea ports. The Russian Black Sea Fleet had been a source of attacks on the south by launching Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukrainian cities. Ukraines USVs have also proved effective at destroying or disabling Russian warships in the Black Sea and forcing the surviving warships to move to more distant ports. This includes the primary Russian naval bases in the Black Sea, which were Sevastopol in Crimea and Novorossiysk on the east coast of the Black Sea. Novorossiysk had a small naval base facility added in 2012. Ukrainian UAVs and USVs succeeded in driving the Russian Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol so Novorossiysk is being used to host its surviving remnants. While Novorossiysk is mainly a commercial port, exporting oil and other goods produced in the area and handling most of the imports, most of that has been halted because the Ukrainian USVs make the Black Sea a dangerous place for Russian ships of any type. Even Novorossiysk is not safe from the USVs and now Russia is considering building a naval base and a shipyard in Georgia, a small country over 800 kilometers from Crimea and the port of Sevastopol. Ukraines present USVs normally have a maximum range of 800 kilometers and a top speed of 80 kilometers an hour, so theyll need new ones to hit any new Russian port in Georgia. A teenage girl accused of murdering 16-year-old Brianna Ghey today admitted being fascinated by murder, torture and serial killers. But she insisted that messages she swapped with a teenage boy about killing the schoolgirl who was transgender - and other children were 'fantasy', and maintained she had never attempted to poison her. Giving evidence from behind a curtain to avoid 'distractions', the 16-year-old alleged killer who can only be referred to as Girl X said she had been questioning her own gender at the time, and agreed that she found Brianna 'attractive'. Denying holding 'any anti-transgender views' herself, she told a court her co-accused who the court has heard referred to Brianna as 'it' - 'didn't exactly agree with people who were trans or people who were gay'. Girl X is accused along with the male friend, referred to as Boy Y, of murdering Brianna in Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington, Cheshire on February 11. Girl X is accused along with the male friend, referred to as Boy Y, of murdering Brianna (pictured) in Culcheth Linear Park near Warrington, Cheshire on February 11 Giving evidence from behind a curtain to avoid 'distractions', the 16-year-old alleged killer who can only be referred to as Girl X said she had been questioning her own gender at the time, and agreed that she found Brianna 'attractive' The pair, who were both 15 at the time, are said to have been fascinated by torture, violence and death, while handwritten notes about serial killers were found in her bedroom following her arrest. Click here to follow every detail of the case on The Mails acclaimed podcast The Trial The Trial...takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest trials in the world. The first series 'The Trial of Lucy Letby' was a global hit, with more than 13 million downloads, while season two focused on the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Its third season follows the tragic case of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl killed in Warrington, England. Follow the evidence as the jury hears it, in twice-weekly reports from The Daily Mail's Northern Correspondent Liz Hull and broadcast journalist Caroline Cheetham. Advertisement Both deny Brianna's murder, blaming each other, Manchester Crown Court has heard. Questioned today about her interest in 'dark' material, Girl X said she began fantasising about killing people when she was about 14. Asked by her barrister, Richard Pratt KC, if she ever had 'any intention of putting that fantasy into reality', she answered: 'No.' Girl X said she also found serial killers 'interesting', particularly their 'different personalities' and 'the different ways they would carry things out'. She said she and Boy Y had been friends since the age of 11, swapping messages and playing games online. She agreed that from November 2022 they began discussing her interest in torture and murder. 'He did seem to have similar interests, that's why I started to open up to him about it,' she said. Questioned on what she meant, Girl X said: 'I would share the sort of dark fantasies that I would have. 'Things to do with murdering people and torturing people.' She said Boy Y 'seemed to like that sort of stuff'. Girl X was asked about messages to Boy Y in November 2022 in which she wrote about stabbing a teenager who can only be referred to as Boy M, adding that she might keep 'a couple of teeth and an eye'. She insisted she never had any intention to kill Boy M or remove any body parts. 'Where did you get the idea of taking some body parts?' Mr Pratt asked. 'I'm interested in some serial killer stuff,' she replied. 'It's something some serial killers would do. They keep parts of their victims. 'So I thought I would bring it into the fantasy.' Girl X said she became friends with Brianna last year, saying they would 'hang out' together. Both deny teens Brianna's murder, blaming each other, Manchester Crown Court has heard. Pictured: Brianna Ghey and her mother Esther Esther Ghey (centre), mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, arrives at the Manchester Crown Court in November 'I had a good relationship with her,' she said. She said she found Brianna 'very interesting'. 'Did you find her attractive?' Mr Pratt asked. 'Yeah, I did,' she replied. Asked about Boy Y referring to Brianna who was transgender as 'it', she answered: 'He didn't exactly agree with people who were trans or people who were gay. 'He would refer to Brianna as 'it' rather than 'she'. Asked if she had 'any anti-transgender views' herself, she answered: 'No.' Jurors have been told that on the afternoon of Brianna's killing, Girl X was sending messages to a fictional Instagram account she had set up in the name of Nathan, who she purported was a drug dealer. Asked about the account today, Girl X admitted setting up the account but claimed she had done so because she was questioning her own gender identity. 'I originally made the account because I was questioning my gender,' she said. 'I made that account pretending to be a boy.' Asked by Mr Pratt if she was questioning her 'gender identity', she replied: 'Yes.' 'Were you pretending to be a boy?' he asked. 'Yes,' Girl X said. Jurors have heard that Boy Y and Girl X swapped messages at the end of January discussing trying to kill Brianna with an overdose, including hiding medication in a McDonald's milkshake. Peter Spooner, father of Brianna Ghey arrives at Manchester Crown Court in November Jurors have been told that on the afternoon of Brianna's killing, Girl X was sending messages to a fictional Instagram account she had set up in the name of Nathan, who she purported was a drug dealer Girl X wrote that she had given Brianna pills 'that should have been enough to kill her... but she didn't die'. In response, Boy Y suggested other chemicals which he said were 'very dangerous'. Jurors heard last week that at around the same time, Brianna's mother Esther found her 'screaming and crying' in her bedroom and saying: 'I think I'm going to die.' But she began to recover after throwing up, with what may have been traces of medication found in her vomit. Asked whether she had ever tried to poison Brianna, Girl X said she hadn't. She claimed they had gone to a local Asda supermarket and bought 'random tablets' to see if it would make them feel 'high'. 'I'm not sure what Brianna took,' Girl X said. She said the tablets she took just made her feel 'a bit sick' but that Brianna felt very ill. 'Did you ever give her any medicine without her knowing?' asked Mr Pratt. Brianna Grey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife on February 11, a court has been told 'No,' she answered. Asked why she told Boy Y that she had tried to give Brianna an overdose, Girl X answered: 'To add to the fantasy about killing her.' She added that she'd had 'no intent to do so'. Throughout the hour and a half she spent giving evidence, Girl X played with a multi-coloured stress ball, picking it up and dropping it on the desk of the witness box, or twirling it around. Earlier in the case, trial judge Mrs Justice Yip told jurors that Girl X had been diagnosed with traits of autism following her arrest while Boy Y had been diagnosed with the condition. She also told them that experts have told the court that items such as fidget or tangle toys may help the defendants concentrate. 'Whatever helps to manage conditions I'm perfectly happy with,' she said last week. Today Girl X gave her evidence screened from the public gallery by a curtain, with the judge telling jurors this had been done in response to recommendations to reduce her facing 'distractions'. A vigil was held for Brianna Ghey outside the Department for Education in London in February She was accompanied by an 'intermediary' who has accompanied her during the trial process. Dressed in a dark cardigan and with a dark-coloured pendant around her neck, she was repeatedly asked to keep her voice up so the jury could hear her answers. Barristers in the case have been asked to question Girl X 'in a slightly different way' in recognition of her age, the judge added. She will continue her evidence next week. Earlier this week jurors were played Girl X's police interview during which she was questioned about the day Brianna was killed. She claimed that Brianna had 'stormed off' to meet 'some lad' from Manchester, who was picking her up in his car. She admitted she and Boy Y had been with her in the park that afternoon but said she 'burst out crying' when a friend sent her a message telling her she had been found dead. In a series of police interviews, Boy Y claimed he had turned away to urinate in a tree, and on looking back saw Girl X stabbing her 'at least three times'. People leave flowers near Linear Park in Culcheth in February where Brianna Ghey was found Girl X then 'decided to run', he added, at which he 'panicked', and they both walked back to their homes, leaving Brianna bleeding to death on the ground. Asked by detectives why he hadn't called police, Boy Y said he 'wasn't sure' if Girl X 'would try and come after me or anything'. Yesterday jurors were yesterday shown a handwritten note found in Girl X's room which the prosecution say was 'a plan to kill Brianna Ghey'. Searches of the 15-year-old's home found notes she had made about serial killers, placing them into categories and in some cases listing how many victims they had, a court heard. A spider diagram with the words 'good' and 'evil' in the middle of it, jurors were told. Girl X, now 16, of Warrington, and Boy Y, also 16 and of Leigh, Greater Manchester, deny murder and now blame each other for wielding the hunting knife which allegedly inflicted the fatal wounds. The trial continues. University of Pennsylvania trustees have not called for the resignation of president Liz Magill, but will get together on Sunday to discuss her future after her disastrous congressional testimony, according to a new report. However, between six and eight trustees did urge Magill, who is facing massive backlash after saying calling for the genocide of Jews didn't necessarily break UPenn's rules, to 'think long and hard' about whether she can 'function in her role effectively' by six to eight trustees. The trustees told the academic that 'If the answer is you can't [function], we need to know that, and you ought to resign,' according to the Daily Pennsylvanian. The local outlet's report contradicts a report by CNN that claimed Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok was expected to talk to Magill about stepping down. The university said on Thursday it had no plans to to change leadership and another denied to that Bok and Magill were meeting, and said the board was not close to calling for Magill to step aside. A source told DP there have been at least a dozen 'explicit calls' for Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok to resign. Back in October multiple donors and former trustees called for both Bok and Magill to resign over their handling of anti-Semitism on campus after the Israel-Hamas war broke out. UPenn President Liz Magill is facing massive backlash after saying calling for the genocide of Jews didn't necessarily break UPenn's rules UPenn President Liz Magill is facing massive backlash after saying calling for the genocide of Jews didn't necessarily break UPenn's rules A report claimed Board of Trustees Chair Scott Bok would talk with Magill about resigning DailyMail.com has reached out to UPenn for comment on this story. Magill, MIT's Sally Kornbluth and Harvard President Claudine Gay, who testified at the same hearing this week in Congress - have come under fire from the Jewish communities and others at their schools who believe they have not done enough to stand up against antisemitism. Billionaire investor Bill Ackerman quoted the CNN report and celebrated what he believed was Magill's impending resignation, tweeting: 'One down.' Magill tried to salvage the situation on Wednesday, posting a groveling video statement attempting to explain her failure to condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish people on campuses. She said she was not 'focused' on the issue, and said she wanted to 'be clear' that calls for genocide were 'evil, plain and simple' - although she said the blame lay with her university's policies and the constitution, rather than with her. 'In that moment, I was focused on our university's long-standing policies - aligned with the U.S. Constitution - which say that speech alone is not punishable. It was too late. Billionaire investor Bill Ackerman quoted a report claiming Magill would be asked to step down on Friday, tweeting: 'One down' The university president's feeble responses sparked widespread uproar, with one UPenn donor threatening to withdraw his $100m gift unless Magill stood down. On Thursday, second gentleman Doug Emhoff denounced rising antisemitism amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the 'presidents of some of our most elite universities.' Speaking at the lighting ceremony of a massive menorah in front of the White House to mark the first night of Hanukah, Emhoff criticized college presidents who testified on Capitol Hill this week, saying they 'were unable to denounce calling for the genocide of Jews as anti-Semitic.' 'The lack of moral clarity is unacceptable,' he said. The governing body of the influential Wharton business school at UPenn also joined a growing chorus calling on Penn's president to resign after what they see as her failure to condemn anti-Semitic rhetoric on campus. Claudine Gay, president of Harvard, is seen on Tuesday appearing before the House education committee to discuss antisemitism MIT President Dr. Sally Kornbluth was also grilled for her school's response to protests. She too failed to outwardly condemn calls for the genocide of Jews In an undated letter they called on the university's Board of Trustees and Magill to initiate a change in leadership. 'As a result of the University leaderships stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect,' the letter said. Wharton's Board of Advisors is led by the billionaire CEO of Apollo Global Management, Marc Rowan, who gave $50 million to Wharton in 2018 and has urged donors to refrain from giving to the school until Magill and the Board of Trustees chair resign, according to media reports. UPenn was already under fire over anti-Semitism on campus which has included anti-Jewish slogans being projected onto three of the school's buildings. 'From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,' read one message splashed across the John M Huntsman hall on Wednesday night. The slogan demands the land from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the end of the State of Israel. Harvard's Claudine Gay, on her part, issued an apology on Friday for claiming in her testimony that calls for the genocide of Jewish people would only be wrong 'depending on the context'. UPenn was already under fire over anti-Semitism on campus which has included anti-Jewish slogans being projected onto three of the school's buildings The above slogan demands the land from the River Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning the end of the State of Israel The comment led to furious outrage as Gay was condemned, including by the White House, leading the educator to issue a groveling apology to The Harvard Crimson on Thursday. 'I am sorry. Words matter,' she said. 'When words amplify distress and pain, I dont know how you could feel anything but regret.' Meanwhile, MIT issued a statement on on Thursday saying it is standing by its president Sally Kornbluth following her equally-ambiguous testimony on anti-Semitism on campus. 'The MIT Corporation chose Sally to be our president for her outstanding academic leadership, her judgment, her integrity, her moral compass, and her ability to unite our community around MITs core values,' the school said in a statement. 'She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support.' A Florida plastic surgeon is under investigation after his surgery-obsessed wife suffered a cardiac arrest while on his operating table. Hillary Brown, 33, went under the knife on November 21 at her husband Dr Ben Brown's clinic, Restore Plastic Surgery, in Gulf Breeze Florida, before suffering a medical emergency in the middle of 'several procedures.' A mother of three young children from a previous marriage, Brown spent a week in a coma before she passed away, as she was taken off life support when it was determined her brain had been starved of oxygen. Her husband's clinic is reportedly facing several separate medical malpractice lawsuits, and is being investigated by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office. Hillary Brown, 33, suffered a cardiac arrest on November 21 while undergoing several plastic surgeries carried out by her husband, who is now under investigation Dr Ben Brown, an award-winning plastic surgeon in Florida, married Hillary around two years ago, however her father said she only stayed with him because of her easy access to plastic surgery procedures Brown passed away seven days after the fateful procedure on November 21, when she was rushed to hospital after Ben alerted 911 from his clinic at around 4:15pm. Court records seen by USA Today noted that she was 'in the process of several surgical procedures when she was struck by the cardiac arrest, after being potentially overmedicated. Brown's father, Marty Ellington, told the Pensacola News Journal that he received a frantic phone call from Ben telling them to race to Florida from their home in Texas right away. While saying her relationship with Ben had been volatile, Ellington said she enjoyed being married to a plastic surgeon as he could perform any number of surgeries on her at a whim. 'She was gorgeous. We kept telling her, Why are you doing this? he recalled. An award-winning surgeon, Ben studied at Georgetown University and graduated top of his medical school class, according to his company profile. His specialties include breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation and body contouring. Hillary reportedly married Brown around two years ago, and Ellington said their marriage was 'intense', speculating she may have wanted to leave Ben if her marriage didn't come with the added benefit of frequent plastic surgeries. 'I think that maybe she would want to leave... but she couldn't because the lifestyle was favorable,' he said. Ben (left) graduated at the top of his medical school class at Georgetown University, however his clinic reportedly has several malpractice lawsuits filed against it Hillary appeared to undergo a dramatic plastic surgery transformation in recent years, and her father recalled questioning to her: 'Why are you doing this?' Her social media pages also appear to show the young mother went through a dramatic plastic surgery transformation in recent years, and the frequent procedures led Ellington to question if proper protocols were being followed by Ben. Ellington claimed that the surgeon told them they were 'out of' the medicine they would usually use, 'so he used something different.' He also claims there was no crash cart in the operating room with life-saving equipment such as oxygen and defibrillators. 'With the amount of swelling in her brain that means her brain suffered from lack of oxygen for quite some time,' Ellington said, claiming there was a lack of properly trained staff on hand to help in case of emergency. 'We want answers,' he continued. 'We havent been given answers. If its a mistake, it was a mistake, but it doesnt bring my daughter back, you know. I dont want his money. I dont want anything. All I want is an answer because I think that we owe that to my daughter.' Ellington added that even if Hillary had wanted to leave her husband, she would have delayed because 'she already has one failing marriage.' 'She didn't want to drag the kids through it because she was so giving and caring for her kids. She didn't want to drag the kids through that again.' According to the Pensacola News Journal, deputies previously responded to a call at the couple's $2.1 million Florida mansion in March, 'in reference to a suicide.' In March, officers reportedly visited the couple's $2.1 million Florida mansion (pictured) to reports of a suicide attempt, with it claimed Hillary saying she took Valium to show her plastic surgeon husband 'she was serious' Ben reportedly told dispatcher his wife was 'barely conscious and still unresponsive due to self-medication with an unknown amount of Valium.' Hillary admitted to taking the Valium but denied being suicidal, saying she just wanted her husband to know 'she was serious.' Ben also paid tribute to his wife on social media on November 24, three days after he performed the final surgery on her, as he asked people to 'pray for a miracle'. 'We called 911 and started CPR. Her heart came back but her brain is not doing well,' he wrote at the time. 'Hillary Ellington Brown you are my soulmate, my world, my everything. Please come back. Please!' Brown's Restore Plastic Surgery reportedly has two medical malpractice lawsuits against it, with one listing Ben as a defendant, according to USA Today. That case saw Wendy Carden allege that Ben used 'foreign materials' in a post-mastectomy reconstructive breast surgery in 2018, causing infection and sepsis. Carden also claimed she suffered nerve damage and permanent injury as a result of having her arms positioned above her head, accusing Brown of 'negligently failing to periodically monitor the position of the upper extremities.' The case is being heard in the Escambia County Circuit Court, and is ongoing. With Brown remaining under investigation, his family released a statement condemning allegations of malpractice against the plastic surgeon, saying 'his deep grief and shock is only compounded by many mistruths circulating online and in the media.' 'Ben is completely devastated by the sudden loss of his loving wife Hillary, and is desperately trying to understand how to live one day, never mind a lifetime without her by his side,' the statement read. The statement said the surgery was 'minor and routine' when Hillary suffered her medical emergency, all proper medical protocols were followed, and trained staff were also on the scene. 'Our lives have been permanently upended by the loss of Hillary and we will forever keep her in our hearts,' the family's statement concluded. Footage has emerged showing the emotional moment a Texas man found out he'd become a widower after his wife was gunned down on their driveway. Elizabeth 'Liz' Barraza, 29, was outside her Tomball home on January 25 2019 when a black pickup truck pulled up and parked across the street. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, getting out of the truck and quickly walking toward Barraza's home and shooting her at point-blank rage. In newly surfaced video footage that was posted to YouTube, the moment her husband Sergio Barraza finds out about her demise has been revealed. The footage, from the in-car camera of a Harris County patrol car, shows Barraza wailing in agony and telling officers: 'Oh my God dude. This is crazy.' Sergio Barraza is pictured, right, in newly-released footage showing him sobbing in the back of a police car after finding out his wife had been murdered In newly surfaced video footage that was posted to YouTube, the moment her husband Sergio Barraza, seen here with Liz, finds out about her demise Barraza then questions officers, saying: 'So they just shot her and left?' in the video that was verified by ABC13. He also tells officers: 'I leave, and I just saw on the camera, this vehicle pulls up and turns around. 'I guess right there, and then I don't hear anything for a second. I heard four shots and a scream and then that's it.' Speaking to the outlet, Barraza said: 'It tears me apart to see that. It's hard to watch myself go through that and remember all of that. 'It's really tough re-living all of that. I hate that we haven't had this solved yet.' The previously released surveillance footage shows a person, who is thought to be in disguise approach Elizabeth Barraza, shooting her and fleeing. According to ABC13, the shooter had said 'good morning' to Barraza before using a revolver to kill her so as not to leave any trace behind. The video shows Barraza appearing to freeze at the sight of the shooter and taking a step back when they approach her. Just eight seconds pass before the suspect lifts their arm and shoots her at point-blank rage, firing three times. Barraza falls to the ground and the suspect steps over her body and fires one more shot. Elizabeth 'Liz' Barraza, was horrifically murdered in her driveway while setting up for a garage sale to raise money for her wedding anniversary - and it was all caught on video The pickup truck (pictured) was captured on a surveillance camera nearby shortly before Sergio left for work. Investigators believe the shooter may have been waiting for him to leave to make sure Barraza was alone They are then seen sprinting back to the car and speeding away from the scene. Neighbors called 911 after they heard the gunshots and Barraza was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died from her injuries the next day. Sergio Barraza had just left for work mere minutes before his wife was murdered. 'A coward drove up, approached my daughter, and forever changed our lives,' Barraza's father Bob Nuelle said during a press conference in 2019. 'An unknown assailant shot and killed an unarmed and defenseless woman in a brutal act that demands justice. We never imagined a life without her. We still can't.' Barraza, 29, (pictured) died a day after she was shot outside her Tomball home on January 25 Sergio said he and his wife were active members of Star Wars fan group the 501st Legion and often dressed up in costume to cheer up people in hospitals Barraza's husband Sergio Barraza had just left for work mere minutes before she was murdered. Surveillance footage shows him leaving the house at 6.48am. The shooter's truck pulled up to the home at 6.52am, according to ABC 13. Barraza's family said she planned the garage sale to make extra money for a trip she and Sergio were taking for their fifth wedding anniversary. Barraza was an avid Star Wars and Harry Potter fan. Her family asked mourners to bring wands and lightsabers to her vigil in February 2019. Sergio is now remarried and told ABC13 that he still loves Liz and is hopeful an arrest will come soon. Sergio told the outlet: 'I hope police just have something they're holding onto and getting ready to snap their jaws around it.' The 69-year-old also blasted the Biden administration for constantly promoting the 'liberal woke agenda' He told DailyMail.com the under-fire head of the University of Pennsylvania ignored warnings from donors that a pro-Palestine event had invited alleged antiSemites to speak Vahan Gureghian, a charter school entrepreneur, accused Magill of presiding over culture that fostered a culture of fear among Jewish students The billionaire charter school entrepreneur who quit the board of trustees of the University of Pennsylvania over claims of rampant antisemitism has told DailyMail.com that under-fire president Liz Magill must stand down today. Top businessman Vahan Gureghian resigned from the post, which he held from 2009, a week after the October 7 massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists. He accused Magill of not doing enough to protect Jewish students, including failing to condemn speakers at the Palestine Writes Literature Festival who have spouted hatred against Jews. Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the 69-year-old said Magill's disastrous testimony before Congress this week meant she must go by the end of Friday. Vahan Gureghian, the founder and CEO of education consultancy CSMI, blasted Magill for her failure to tackle antisemitism on campus at UPenn and said she should quit by the end of Friday Magill, a top legal scholar, has come under fire after she failed to confirm if calling for the 'genocide of Jews' violated Penn's rules or code of conduct during questioning from GOP lawmakers. 'She should resign today,' Gureghian said. 'I was appalled at her answers, and it only goes to show that everything I thought all along was correct that she really doesn't belong in this job.' The GOP donor said Magill had presided over a culture on campus where Jewish students were 'fearful to go to class' and scared 'of being ostracized or even attacked' amid a wave of pro-Palestine protests. The Ivy League school hit the headlines two weeks after the Israel massacre after a group of students posted a series of posters appearing to mock Israelis taken hostage by Hamas. They compared the captives to 'missing cows' and purported to offer a reward of 'a box of chalk and a can of beer' if they could be found. 'Everyone is free to demonstrate and say the things that they want as long as it doesn't rise to the level of hate speech,' Gureghian said. UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct One group of UPenn students came under fire for posting a series of posters that mocked the Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists, comparing them to 'missing cows' UPenn President Liz Magill said the school had demonstrated its 'unyielding commitment to combatting antisemitism' but also refused to categorize calls for the genocide of Jews as harassment or a breach of the school's code of conduct Her tepid defense of UPenn's Jewish students has already sparked a backlash, with an array of donors calling on the 57-year-old to quit the post she had held since July 1, 2022. Gureghian also admitted was 'upset' that Magill had ignored two uber-rich UPenn donors, billionaire Ron Lauder and Law & Order creator Dick Wolf, who demanded the Palestine Writes event be axed. They 'had urged President Magill to cancel the festival weeks before it occurred and she had refused to do so,' he said, adding that the decision to stand down had 'not been taken lightly.' The graduate of Villanova University and Delaware Law School had considered his position, which had been appointed to by the state's general assembly, before an October 13 emergency board meeting. But the founder and CEO of CSMI, an education consulting company that operates charter schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, resigned the next day after a promised presentation on how to fix the mess at UPenn never took place. Palestine Writes, the self-styled celebration of Palestinian culture, included disgraced ex-CNN commentator Marc Lamont Hill and Israel-bashing Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters. The event included pro-Palestinian Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters, who has been accused of making antisemitic remarks in the past CNN fired ex-commentator Marc Lamont Hill in 2018 over incendiary remarks that were seen as calling for the destruction of Israel. The former political pundit was listed as a speaker at the Palestine Writes event on campus Lamont Hill was fired from the left-leaning news network in 2018 for calling for 'a free Palestine from the river to sea', a chant that is widely seen as calling for the obliteration of Israel. 'Not only was there antisemitism because of that Palestine festival, and (Magill's) reaction to the attack by Hamas, but also the actions of the Board of Trustees, or lack thereof, in disciplining her or instructing her or being forceful with her,' Gureghian told DailyMail.com. 'It was just a scenario on a board level that has existed the entire time I was on therewhen board members just rubberstamp whatever the chairman (Scott Bok) and the president say,' he added. The Palm Beach resident, who was honored by a local synagogue over his stance against UPenn, also blasted Joe Biden for constantly promoting 'the liberal woke agenda' since taking office three years ago. 'Under that umbrella of that agenda, antisemitism has now clearly been inserted in there. 'It all begins with the administration in Washington and with politics in America today. You have all of these liberal views that are being forced on the general public. 'If you disagree with the view of trans or whatever the case is then you are ostracized. So, you have this silent majority that says nothing. The businessman said it would be a 'betrayal' towards the U.S. Jewish community if he had not spoken up. 'My grandfather was born in Turkey and escaped the genocide (in the early 20th century at the hands of the Ottoman Empire) and escaped to America through Ellis Island. 'I am of Armenian descent, 'he explained. 'I am passionate about that about the fact that we should not let that happen to any people. I feel passionate because it's the right thing to do.' Gureghian said chants such as 'the river to sea' were leaving Jewish students fearful to attend classes because they believed they might be attacked by pro-Palestine protesters The billionaire, who is a GOP donor, said the Biden administration's constant promotion of what he called 'the liberal woke agenda' had allowed antisemitism to flourish on U.S. campuses Gureghian's intervention comes just hours after the influential called for Magill to go after wealthy alumnus withdrew a $100 million donation. Her remarks were roundly condemned by the ADL, the White House and politicians across the board. On Thursday, as the House Education Committee said they were now investigating the issue further , the board of Wharton - the world's first business school, founded in 1881 at the University of Pennsylvania - said Magill needed to resign. In a letter addressed to her, they said leadership of the university needed to change 'with immediate effect'. 'As a result of the University leadership's stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate eect.' The board, in a letter first obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian , describes their concern about 'dangerous and toxic culture' at Penn that they said the University leadership has allowed to exist. The letter adds that the University leadership 'does not share the values of our Board.' DailyMail.com has contacted a spokesman for the University of Pennsylvania for comment. Sam Haskell, the Hollywood super-agents son accused of killing his wife Mei and cutting up her body, made a brief, bare-chested appearance in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Friday. The heavily tattooed 35-year-old who is also charged with murdering Meis parents is on suicide watch in the LAPDs Valley Jail in Van Nuys. The Velcro straps on the special gown he was wearing came undone, allowing it to slip down, a court deputy explained to DailyMail.com after the hearing Haskell was scheduled Friday for arraignment and to enter a guilty or not guilty plea on the three murder charges he is facing. Sam Haskell appeared naked from the waist up in court Friday during an arraignment hearing for the murder of his wife and her parents Haskell, who will now be asked to enter a plea next month, is accused of chopping wife Mei up Sam Haskell (pictured) the son of a Hollywood hotshot of the same name is accused of killing his wife and her parents, then chopping them up But LA Superior Court Judge Kimberley, Baker Guillemet continued the arraignment and plea till January 12 at the request of Haskells new attorney Joseph Weimortz, who has just been hired and said he needed time to familiarize himself with the case. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman objected to the continuance, telling the court, Were opposed to putting this over for another six weeks. He was remanded without bail back to jail. Haskell, who could face the death penalty if convicted, was arrested after the headless torso of a woman believed to be his Chinese-born wife Mei, 37 was found in a dumpster near his office in Encino, northwest of LA, last month. He was charged with murdering Mei and also killing her parents, mother Yanking Wang, 64 and father, Gaoshan Li, 72, who are both still missing. Mei's friends have told DailyMail.com she had wanted to divorce Haskell for at least four years, but feared his powerful agent father would persuade courts to give him custody of their three sons, aged six, eight and 12. Prosecutors allege that on the day following the murders, Haskell hired four day laborers to remove black trash bags from his LA-area home. One worker revealed that he was paid $500 to remove three large trash bags - adding that Haskell claimed they were filled with rocks before later pretending the body parts were 'Halloween props'. 'When we picked up the bags, we could tell they weren't rocks,' he said, noting that the bags were soft and soggy. He and his co-workers looked inside the bags and inside they saw 'body parts, a belly button. Mei, pictured, is said to have wanted to leave Haskell - but feared his powerful father would try to stop her seeing the couple's three children Mei, her mother Yanking Wang, 64 and father, Gaoshan Li, 72, are all pictured. Haskell's in-laws remain missing and are feared to have been murdered by him Police are seen searching the $2.5 million six bedroom house where the young Haskell family lived, with Mei's parents 'I was astonished. Of course, I felt bad. We had been tricked,' he said. The men then returned the bags and the money to Haskell's home, telling him they did not 'want to be involved.' The workers went straight to law enforcement and informed the California Highway Patrol and the police. Prosecutors said that later that day, Haskell 'was allegedly observed and photographed a short distance from his home disposing [of] a large trash bag into a dumpster in the 16000 block of Ventura Boulevard.' Haskell is the son of Samuel Haskell III, a former executive vice-president and worldwide head of television for the talent agency William Morris Endeavor. His clients included Dolly Parton, George Clooney, Kathie Lee Gifford, Whoopi Goldberg and King Charles's brother, Prince Edward. He quit in 2004, and went on to found Magnolia Hill Productions. Haskell senior was also CEO of the Miss America organization from 2015-17, but resigned after he was found to have criticized some of the contestants in private emails, ridiculing one for gaining weight and describing another as promiscuous. Mei's friends have revealed the supposed fear she lived in for years given the family's connections. 'Mei first brought up a divorce when I was getting one in 2019,' one friend named Jenny exclusively told DailyMail.com. 'I told her she could do it, but she just felt like she couldn't risk losing her boys.' 'Mei felt trapped,' said longtime friend Jenny who would only give her first name in fear of retaliation from the prominent Haskell family. 'She said she couldn't leave because of the boys. She was afraid that her husband would take away the kids with the help of his very rich and influential father.' 'She said it wasn't happening. That there was no way she could get a divorce. 'Maybe she brought it up again and then he snapped.' 'There was also physical abuse,' added Jenny. 'She told me that he had hurt her. He had hit her.' Jenny also claimed that Mei had told her that her husband did not get along with her mother Wang and father Li. The parents had moved into their home in Tarzana, 25 miles north of Los Angeles, about five years ago to help look after the couple's three young boys. 'She said he was rude to them and ignored them. That they made him angry,' one friend said. 'They couldn't speak English, but he made no effort to interact with them. 'When Mei's youngest son was born, her parents moved from China to help take care of the baby. They were very helpful with the kids. A bag with a headless torso was found stuffed into a duffel bag and tossed into this dumpster behind Ventura Boulevard and Rubio Avenue, near a family-style restaurant, a hair salon and two banks The LA dumpster where a woman's dismembered torso was found before ex-Hollywood agent Samuel Haskell Snr's son was arrested for murder 'Mei doesn't have any other family here except for her parents.' Mei's friends described her husband as 'weird'. 'He would make these sudden moves with his arms and just blurt things out,' one person, who did not want to be named, said. 'When I first met him, I immediately thought of Jeffrey Dahmer, that same creepy vibe. He would walk really fast with his head down, rarely looking up and never make eye contact. 'We are absolutely devastated. Mei was such a bright light and loved her kids so much. She wanted to create a wonderful world for them and she did. 'Mei was the one we would all go to if we needed help or advice. She was always there for us. She was always so positive. She never complained. Her boys were her everything and the boys loved her so much.' Ironically, despite the horrific nature of the murders hes accused of, unearthed texts from six months ago seem to show Haskell couldnt stomach the sight of blood and gore. In a text to his ex personal trainer Troy Piedade about the seeing the horror film, The Forever Purge, He didn't like the movie because of the dismembered bodies, said Troy. He (Haskell) wrote: 'Fools really be getting chopped up in Mexico for real it's hard for me to enjoy a movie about it, I'm down with purge 2 anarchy.' Troy said he sensed something 'a bit off' with Haskell, whom he met nearly 15 years ago. He added that he felt Sam was 'very troubled' but did not think his former client could be a murderer. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing more pressure to explain the nature of his relationship with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein after a photograph emerged of them together at a swanky New York party. On Tuesday, he admitted he had twice flown on the billionaire's private jet, nicknamed the 'Lolita express.' On Friday, photographs from 1994 surfaced showing RFK Jr. and his second wife Mary Richardson living it up with Epstein at the Pierre Hotel, in Manhattan. They were attending a fundraiser for the New York Academy of Art benefit. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Tuesday night that he'd flown twice on pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's private jet and that his ex-wife was friendly with his infamous madam Ghislaine Maxwell Kennedy, a prominent anti-vaxxer, first announced a White House run in April - saying then that he planned to challenge President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination. In September, he announced plans to run as an independent instead. Speaking to Jesse Watters on Fox News on Tuesday, he admitted his allegedly brief connections to Epstein, a pedophile with extraordinary power and influence that has connected him to politicians in both parties, including former presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. Watters was discussing testimony that day in Washington from FBI Director Christopher Wray, who took questions about Epstein and segued into asking Kennedy if he'd ever been on Epstein's jet. 'I was on Jeffrey Epstein's jet two times,' he replied, adding that his ex-wife - the late Mary Richardson Kennedy, who died by suicide in 2012 - had 'some kind of relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell,' Esptein's notorious madam. 'I was on it in 1993, and I was on it in and I went to Florida with my wife and two children to visit my mom over Easter [inaudible],' he said. Kennedy also claimed, with little explanation, that at one point he'd gone 'fossil hunting' in South Dakota with the notorious pedophile. 'And my wife had some kind of relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell and they offered us a ride to Palm Beach. I went then, and another occasion, I flew again with my family with, I think, four of my children.' He claims that he's been 'very open' about this from the beginning of his campaign and said this was long before Epstein became known for his multitude of sex crimes. 'It was before anybody knew about Jeffrey Epstein's, you know, nefarious issues. And I agree with you that all of this information should be released.' He continued to try and talk tough about the records regarding Epstein's connections to power. 'We should get real answers on what happened to Jeffrey Epstein and any of the high-level political people that he was involved with. All of that should be open to the public.' When asked about the relationship between his ex-wife - who hanged herself in her New York home over a decade ago - a spokesperson clarified to Newsweek. 'Mary, Kennedy's wife, and two of their kids were on the flight,' the representative said. 'Mary knew Epstein's girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who learned that they were going to Palm Beach for Easter and offered their family a ride.' In October, alongside his current actress wife Cheryl Hines, Kennedy announced that he wanted independence from the two political parties. 'I was on Jeffrey Epstein's jet two times,' he said, adding that his ex-wife - the late Mary Richardson Kennedy (pictured left), who died by suicide in 2012 - had 'some kind of relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell' Kennedy claims that he's been 'very open' about this from the beginning of his campaign and said this was long before Epstein became known for his multitude of sex crimes Kennedy seen with ex-wife Mary in a photo with his now-current wife, actress Cheryl Hines (pictured right) 'I'm here to declare myself an independent candidate,' he said in front of several hundred supporters, whose cheers broke up his announcement. 'Candidate for president of the United States of America.' In a speech delivered steps away from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Kennedy said he did not come to the decision 'lightly'. He said: 'It's very painful for me to let go of the party of my uncles, my father, my grandfather and both of my great-grandfathers.' Four members of his family - siblings Rory, Kerry, Joseph P. Kennedy II and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend - issued a joint statement saying they were against his independent bid, calling the move 'dangerous' and 'deeply saddening.' Maxwell, who is now serving time for her role in Epstein's sex abuse ring, is shown in a court rendering Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced an independent presidential bid steps away from Independence Hall in Philadelphia Actress Cheryl Hines introduces her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who announced an independent presidential bid from Philadelphia 'The decision of our brother Bobby to run as a third party candidate against Joe Biden is dangerous to our country,' the statement said. 'Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment. Today's announcement is deeply saddening for us. We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country.' Kennedy is the son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968, and the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. One supporter brought a hand-drawn sign that read, 'I want Camelot!' a reference to the nickname for President John F. Kennedy's administration. Andre Chapeta died Friday morning at a Rio de Janeiro hospital from burns he suffered after he was allegedly set on fire by his wife, Ana Maria Paixao This is the horrifying moment a man's wife allegedly flew into a jealous rage and set him on fire at a fish market she owns in Brazil. Andre Chapeta, 50, died on Friday less than a week after sustaining devastating burn injuries. The incident took place Monday at a store in Rio de Janeiro when Ana Maria Paixao spotted Chapeta sitting at a table. A surveillance camera showed Paixao walking past the counter and appearing to open a bottle before dousing a flammable liquid over his body. The woman allegedly then flicked a lighter and set him on fire. WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT Andre Chapeta (left) died Friday morning, four days after his wife, Ana Maria Paixao (right), doused him with a flammable liquid and set him on fire. Paixao was picked up by police Thursday morning, but was released at night because a court had not signed off on an arrest warrant Ana Maria Paixao stairs at her husband, Andre Chapeta, while he was covered in flames moments after she set him on fire inside her fish market in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Chapeta died Friday from the injuries he suffered Chapeta raced inside the fish market's stock room as he was covered in flames. He was rushed to Getulio Vargas Hospital, where he underwent treatment for burns to 92 percent of his body before he succumbing to his injuries Friday. Paixao was picked up by police Thursday morning, but was released during the night after a judge failed to sign off an arrest warrant. Civil Police chief Flavio Ferreira told Brazilian news outlet G1 that he believes the incident was motivated by the woman's jealousy over her husband. He told channel R7 that the couple's 30-year-old relationship was allegedly marked by bouts of domestic violence. Andre Chapeta suffered burns to 92 percent of his body after his wife set him on fire Monday inside a Rio de Janeiro fish market she owns Ana Maria Paixao walks out of her fish market stock room area with a bottle containing a flammable liquid she used to set her husband on fire. She told police investigators that she was defending herself after he had beaten her, a claim they have rejected Ana Maria Paixao stands near her husband, Andre Chapeta, before she poured a flammable liquid on him and set him on fire Monday night at a fish market she owns in Rio de Janeiro The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police said the couple's 30-year-old relationship was filled with domestic violence incidents Paixao told investigators that she had been beaten prior to setting Chapeta on fire and reacted in self-defense, an allegation which they rejected. 'What she says is not what the image shows. The image shows the victim sitting in a chair. She arrives, coldly, throws the liquid and sets him on fire,' Ferreira said. 'She was not at that moment in a vulnerable situation, she was not in a situation in which she would be imminently attacked. 'On the contrary, as I said, he was sitting and posed no risk to her physical integrity at that moment.' Six teenagers have been found guilty for their roles in the brutal beheading of French teacher Samuel Paty, who was killed close to his school by an Islamic extremist. The death of the history and geography teacher, who was violently stabbed before being decapitated in a Parisian suburb on October 16 2020, sent shockwaves across the country. The murder came after Mr Paty showed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo to his class, and his name was circulated on social media. Mr Paty's killer Abdoullakh Anzorov - an 18-year-old Chechen refugee who had been radicalised - was shot dead by police at the time. But now other youngsters have been convicted over their connection with the horrific ordeal. Today a French Juvenile court found five of the teen defendants - who were 14 and 15 at the time of the attack - guilty of staking out the teacher and identifying him for the attacker. Another defendant, 13 at the time, was found guilty of lying about the classroom debate in a comment that aggravated online anger against the teacher. History and geography teacher Samuel Paty, 47, was decapitated outside a school near Paris Pedestrians pass by a poster depicting French teacher Samuel Paty on November 3, 2020, following the decapitation of the teacher on October 16 This file photo taken on October 18, 2020, shows a person holding a placard reading "I am Samuel" as people gather on the Place de la Republique in Paris on October 18, 2020, in homage to history teacher Paty was violently stabbed to death and then decapitated by 18-year-old Chechen refugee Abdoullakh Anzorov on October 16, 2020 The teenagers - all students at Mr Paty's school - testified that they did not know the teacher would be killed. All were handed brief or suspended prison terms, and required to stay in school or jobs during the duration of their suspended terms with regular medical check-ups. The youngsters left the courtroom without speaking. Some held their heads down as they listened to their verdicts while one appeared to wipe away tears. The attack came after the teacher showed caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad published by the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo to his class, and his name was circulated on social media. The cartoon previously triggered a deadly extremist massacre in the Charlie Hebdo newsroom in 2015, which killed 17 people - including 11 journalists. The five were convicted of involvement in a group preparing aggravated violence today after being said to have identified the teacher to his attacker. The sixth defendant wrongly claimed that Mr Paty had asked Muslim students to raise their hands and leave the classroom before he showed the class the prophet cartoons. She was not in the classroom that day, and later told investigators she had lied. She was convicted of making false allegations. Paty is seen in this undated image FILE: Hundreds of people gather on Republique square during a demonstration Sunday Oct. 18, 2020 in Paris in support of freedom of speech and to pay tribute to a French history teacher who was beheaded near Paris Flowers and signs reading "I am Samuel Paty' are displayed at a makeshift memorial during a march in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, northwest of Paris, in tribute to French teacher Samuel Paty Her father shared the lie in an online video that called for mobilisation against the teacher. He and a radical Islamic activist who helped disseminate virulent messages against Mr Paty are among eight adults who will face a separate trial for adults suspected of involvement in the killing, expected late next year. The trial was held behind closed doors, and the media are not allowed to disclose the defendants' identities according to French law regarding minors. The court outcome came just weeks after another French teacher was fatally stabbed and three other people injured in a school in the north of the country by a former student suspected of Islamic radicalisation. The killing occurred as global tensions continue to rise over the Israel-Hamas war and led French authorities to deploy 7,000 additional soldiers across the country to bolster security and vigilance. Soho House has announced it will stop accepting new members at its clubs in New York City, Los Angeles and London following complaints they have become overcrowded. Founder Nick Jones issued a letter to members on Friday to say he was working on 'making sure our houses dont feel too busy.' It comes after Soho House has faced criticism for accepting too many new members and led to complaints it was losing its exclusivity. The company was launched in 1995 from a townhouse in Soho, London, and has worked on attracting creative clientele instead of the bankers and financiers that have dominated other social clubs. In the United States, it costs around $4,900 a year to become a member of all 42 Soho Houses across the world. The pause in memberships for New York City, Los Angeles and London is expected to last until at least the end of next year. Soho House has announced it will stop accepting new members at its clubs in New York City , Los Angeles and London following complaints they have become overcrowded DUMBO House boasts expansive views of NYC from the rooftop pool, but starting in 2024 it will become more difficult for would-be sunbathers to apply for membership A view of the lobby entrance of Soho House members-only club in West Hollywood An exterior view of the celebrity hotspot SoHo House in the meatpacking district of Manhattan, New York City. Founder Jones issued an email to members following complaints that the city center spaces were overcrowded. 'For that reason, next year were closing the doors to new members across our houses in London, New York and Los Angeles, and will only be accepting members in locations where we have capacity,' he wrote. Between October 2022 and 2023, the company took on 21 percent more people. It had 184,542 members by October 1, which is a huge jump from 118,000 just two years ago. There have been complaints on TikTok about how busy Soho House clubs are, and how poor the service can be. An Instagram account called Soho House Memes has 120,000 followers and it captioned one post: 'Love it when 200 leaves my bank account then Im told to wait four hours for a table at 3pm.' There are three Soho House clubs in New York City, four in Los Angeles and nine in London. The company also has locations in Miami, Austin, Chicago as well as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Barcelona and Paris. Its clubs often include communal areas, restaurants and cafes with some boasting cinemas and swimming pools. Movie stars including Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie have been spotted at Soho Houses. Soho House founder Nick Jones issued a letter to members on Friday to say he was working on 'making sure our houses dont feel too busy'. The company was launched in 1995 from a townhouse in Soho, London, and has worked on attracting creative clientele instead of traditional bankers and financiers There have been complaints on TikTok about how busy and overrated Soho House clubs are Accessing pool beds during peak summer months can be challenging for members, who complain of over-crowding at the clubs The New York location was once featured in an episode of Sex and the City, when Samantha Jones, unable to get off the waiting list, posed as a member to gain pool access for her and her friends. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had their first date at a Soho House restaurant in London in July 2016. Founder Jones stepped down from the day-to-day running of the company late last year as he recovered from cancer. He said he has been 'spending a lot more time in our houses' as he has the 'space to focus more attention on the clubs themselves.' Soho House previously paused new memberships during the coronavirus pandemic to allow people to socially distance at its clubs. There was also an effort to cull some members to capture its founding spirit and attract more creatives. The company announced it was purging 1,000 members in 2010 from its New York house with Jones saying he was 'trying to get the club back to its creative roots.' 'When I went there, it didnt have the right feel anymore. It has always been a creative, friendly place with a relaxed feel,' he said. 'If there are too many corporate types around then that atmosphere doesnt occur.' DailyMail.com has contacted Soho House for comment. OCT 20, 2023 F-35 test pilot Marine Maj. Paul Gucwa from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), flies an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft to the U.K. HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Western Atlantic Oct. 11, 2023. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Dane Wiedmann As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases X Help Keep Us From Drying Up We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling. Each month we count on your contribute. You can support us in the following ways: Christmas cards and cancer scans are piling up in sorting offices as postal workers are told to prioritise money-spinning parcels. Depot managers are accused of telling staff to focus on shifting 'premium products' such as Amazon deliveries 'at the expense of letters', despite it being a breach of the Royal Mail's legal duties, a Mail investigation uncovered. Posties say it means parcels containing trivial items such as buckets and vapes are being delivered more quickly than hospital appointments and cancer screening results. Tens of millions of Christmas cards are due to be sent this month, but insiders warned they will be 'sacrificed in favour of parcels' and sit undelivered in sorting offices. 'Come January, people will be getting Christmas cards,' a postman based in the North of England said. 'They'll have been sitting in the [sorting] frames going nowhere.' Tens of millions of Christmas cards are due to be sent this month, but insiders warned they will be 'sacrificed in favour of parcels' and sit undelivered in sorting offices. Pictured: File photo Posties say it means parcels containing trivial items such as buckets and vapes are being delivered more quickly than hospital appointments and cancer screening results. Pictured: File Photo Last night charities and MPs hit out at the 'immoral' prioritisation of parcels. Royal Mail bosses have long denied that the company which was last year forced to pay 26 million in compensation to customers who experienced poor service put lucrative parcels before letters, and the regulator Ofcom found no evidence of it being a formal policy during a review last month. But the Mail has spoken to staff at depots across the country. They said managers routinely told them to 'ignore' letters in favour of parcels. All spoke on the condition of anonymity out of fear for their jobs. The price of a second-class letter starts at 75p and 1.25 for first-class. But the Royal Mail can charge businesses between 2.99 and 10.99 for a parcel, depending on weight and size. One postman in the South of England said an elderly woman recently asked him where her post was because she was expecting cancer scan results. After waiting for nine days, she had to collect it herself from the local depot. 'If you're waiting for anything important, you're not going to get it, but I can deliver parcels,' the postman said. 'It was a metal bucket this morning to a house next door... because that's tracked, it's more important than [someone] waiting for cancer screening documents.' A postie in South Yorkshire said the service was at 'rock bottom'. An elderly man she serves waited for an NHS referral for six months, but missed the appointment because it didn't arrive on time. One postman in the South of England said an elderly woman recently asked him where her post was because she was expecting cancer scan results. After waiting for nine days, she had to collect it herself from the local depot. Pictured: File photo A colleague based in rural North Wales said it was 'carnage' in her sorting office. 'A person on one delivery got their cancer appointment letter a few days after the appointment and now has to wait until January for another one. It's awful,' she said. An ex-postman, who recently left the Royal Mail after more than 30 years, said: 'Parcels are being prioritised over letters, it's that simple. On a daily basis, we were told to leave letters and take parcels. 'As much as Royal Mail say they don't [prioritise parcels], they do.' One postman said: 'If we don't deliver your parcel and you're a firm, you can say okay, I'm going to use a competitor. There are no competitors for delivering letters. It's a captive market, so it doesn't matter how late your letter is.' Under the Universal Service Obligation, Royal Mail is legally required to deliver letters to every address in the UK, six days a week, and parcels five days a week. But postal workers say the company hasn't been undertaking the obligation for months, with one saying there is 'a constant backlog of letters'. Delivery workers said they got complaints from residents waiting for other important documents such as divorce papers, mortgage paperwork and bank cards. Dennis Reed, from the charity Silver Voices, said he regularly received complaints from elderly people about the Royal Mail's 'erratic' service, which was 'breaking down'. Tory MP Siobhan Baillie, whose Stroud constituents regularly fail to receive mail on time, called stories she had heard 'upsetting' and 'deeply frustrating' 'The experience is terrible, it's not a service we should expect for the cost of a postage stamp. It's a very poor service these days,' he said. 'It's immoral and it's been going on for longer than just recently. It's been obvious that you can get a daily parcel service from the Royal Mail, but not letters.' Tory MP Siobhan Baillie, whose Stroud constituents regularly fail to receive mail on time, said: 'Some stories of missed appointments are really upsetting, deeply frustrating and are countrywide. 'Local posties are still well loved but there is not a lot of faith that things will improve, despite several promises.' A spokesman for Ofcom, which issued the Royal Mail a record fine of 5.6 million last month for failing to meet delivery targets, said: 'We will continue to closely monitor Royal Mail's performance, including following up on our concern about the oversight of local delivery offices. 'Should Royal Mail's poor performance continue, we will consider taking further enforcement action.' The Royal Mail said: 'We do not operate a policy of prioritising parcels. 'At particularly busy times, like this festive period, we will need to prioritise the health and safety of our employees. 'Parcels are large, take up space and restrict movement. For this reason, especially in small delivery offices, it may be necessary to clear parcels first for the safety of our colleagues and keep all mail, including letters, moving efficiently.' 'I am not a crook.' - Richard Nixon 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman.' - Bill Clinton 'I've never discussed my son's business with him.' - Joe Biden Order your commemorative impeachment plates inscribed with your favorite incriminating presidential statements now. They'll soon be flying off the shelves. A federal grand jury's decision to charge the son of the President of the United States with nine counts (including three felonies) of tax evasion and fraud in a 'four-year scheme' to avoid the payment of $1.4 million in taxes is not just more bad news for Hunter. Papa Joe must feel the walls closing in. At long last, the indictment has cracked wide open a corruption scandal and potential cover-up to rival the most notorious in American presidential history. Just consider the journey that the country has been on since Hunter's dirty laundry first spilled out into the public. Presidential candidate Biden told the country in 2020 that his son never made money from China. False. Fifty-one former U.S. intelligence officials warned Americans that Hunter's laptop was likely Russian disinformation. Fake news. 'I am not a crook.' - Richard Nixon (above, left). 'I did not have sexual relations with that woman.' - Bill Clinton (above, right). 'I've never discussed my son's business with him.' - Joe Biden. Order your commemorative impeachment plates inscribed with your favorite incriminating presidential statements now. A federal grand jury's decision to charge the son of the President of the United States with nine counts (including three felonies) of tax evasion and fraud in a 'four-year scheme' to avoid the payment of $1.4 million in taxes is not just more bad news for Hunter. Big Tech, The New York Times, the Washington Post and nearly every outlet in the mainstream media did their darndest to censor, suppress and dismiss the revelations that poured out of Hunter's hard drive. Malpractice. Most ridiculous of all, the President repeatedly promised that he had nothing to do with his son's shady overseas dealings. I'm curious, Joe. What would you call having dinner with Hunter's Ukrainian partners at Georgetown's Cafe Milano in 2015? And why did Hunter's close confidant testify that you called into your son's business meetings 20 times? Confronted on that by a reporter this week, angry Joe lashed out. 'I did not,' he claimed, 'They're lies.' Oh, how our commemorative plates will overflow. Most shocking of all, just about four months ago, Hunter waltzed into a federal courtroom expecting to plead guilty to a sweetheart Justice Department deal and put all of these troubles in the rearview mirror of dad's 1967 Corvette. How times have changed. Thank goodness for the honest Americans holding this country together because a federal judge - Judge Maryellen Noreika - took one look at the document and saw 'corruption' written in big bold letters across the top. Why in the world - the judge asked the federal prosecutors, who wrote the agreement with Hunter's attorneys - would the U.S. government grant Hunter broad immunity and let him off with little more than a slap on the wrist? Likely embarrassed, hopefully ashamed, the Justice Department lawyers conceded that they should not have. The deal was squashed and we find ourselves here today. Most shocking of all, just about four months ago, Hunter waltzed into a federal courtroom expecting to plead guilty to a sweetheart Justice Department deal and put all of these troubles in the rearview mirror of dad's 1967 Corvette. Likely embarrassed, hopefully ashamed, the Justice Department lawyers conceded that they should not have. The deal was squashed and we find ourselves here today. (Above) U.S. Attorney David Weiss It seems impossible that Hunter could go from facing nearly no consequences to a maximum of nearly two decades behind bars if these latest tax charges stick? And if things weren't bad enough for the Biden clan, Thursday's indictment hints at more charges to come. The very first page of the document refers to Hunter as a 'lobbyist' and observes that his clients are from Ukraine, China, and Romania. That leaves open the very real possibility of Hunter being charged for violating the Foreign Agent Registration Act. You see, it's also a crime to advocate on behalf of foreign interests without letting the U.S. government know about it. It is exactly the case laid out by diligent IRS whistleblowers, Gary Shapley and Joe Ziegler, to whom America owes a debt of gratitude. They called out the Department of Justice for ignoring a slew of Hunter's alleged crimes and even claim that the DOJ tipped Hunter off to their investigation. So ask yourself: What could compel President Biden, top U.S. intel officers, the vast majority of the American media and the U.S. Justice Department to beclown themselves so thoroughly? Well folks, we're hopefully about to find out. For on Tuesday, the House will vote on a formal impeachment inquiry into President Biden as they seek to draw a clear line between Hunter's nefarious doings and the dear old dad. What has become completely clear is that Hunter was selling one thing and one thing only to the Chinese Communists and crooked Ukrainian oligarchs - access to his dad. The question is: was Joe taking his cut? Rep. James Comer's House Oversight Committee has released records allegedly showing direct, monthly payments from one of Hunter's many businesses to his father. Seems worthy of looking into, no? Should the House vote to launch the formal impeachment inquiry it will open a trove of legislative tools and subpoena powers that can help investigators pry further into the lurid presidential family finances. Gary Shapley (above, middle-left) and Joe Ziegler (above, far-right), to whom America owes a debt of gratitude. They called out the Department of Justice for ignoring a slew of Hunter's alleged crimes and even claim that the DOJ tipped Hunter off to their investigation. Rep. James Comer's (above) House Oversight Committee has released records allegedly showing direct, monthly payments from one of Hunter's many businesses to his father. What centrist Democrat can stand in front of the American people next week, vote against impeachment and say, with a straight face, there's nothing going on here. Mind you, these are the same Democrats who constantly cackle about the alleged lawlessness of Donald Trump. Americans see that Merrick Garland's Department of Justice and Special Counsel David Weiss tried to do everything in their power to make the case against Hunter disappear, and they would have gotten away with it, too, if not for those pesky judges and IRS whistleblowers. Democrats are caught in a lose-lose situation. If they stick with Joe Biden and vote against an impeachment inquiry, they undermine the case against Trump. If they abandon Joe, they risk a complete electoral meltdown just weeks away from the first votes in the presidential primaries. But, of course, there's more at stake than votes in the House and political postering ahead of 2024. Should a proven liar sit in the Oval Office? Sadly, I suspect their answer is: yes. Israel is facing growing resistance from Hamas as the fighting rages from house to house and 'tunnel shaft to shaft' through Gaza City. The Israel Defence Forces pounded the length of the strip today as it stepped up its strikes, hitting more than 450 targets. Refugees who fled the north at the start of the conflict have now been left with no place to go as operations were launched in the south. Aid agencies warned society in Gaza was 'on the verge of a full-blown collapse' ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a ceasefire today. Despite the impending vote, Israel ploughed ahead with the most strikes it has carried out since the truce collapsed last week. BEIT LAHIA: Israeli forces resumed military strikes on Gaza after a week-long truce BEIT LAHIA: The Israel Defence Forces pounded the length of the strip today Aid agencies warned society in Gaza was 'on the verge of a full-blown collapse' ahead of a UN Security Council vote on a ceasefire today (pictured) Israeli commander Brigadier General Dan Goldfuss said his forces were fighting house to house and 'shaft to shaft' in Khan Younis. READ MORE - Outrage after Australia abstains from United Nations vote calling for ceasefire between Israel and Hamas Advertisement The southern town has seen some of the most severe fighting, with reports that its main hospital is overrun with the dead and wounded. Patients were left sprawled across the blood-smeared tiled floor of the Nasser medical centre today. It comes as the Red Cross was criticised for allegedly telling the family of an Israeli hostage to 'think about the Palestinian side'. Roni and Simons Steinbrecher whose daughter Doron, 30, is held by Hamas have been trying to get vital medication to her through the charity. But they claim representatives called them in for a meeting where they reprimanded them. Ms Steinbrecher claims they told her: 'Think about the Palestinian side. It's hard for the Palestinians, they're being bombed.' The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claimed that another 350 were killed on Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 17,478. Israel's military said 94 Israeli soldiers had been killed in Gaza since its ground invasion began. BEIT LAHIA: More than 16,200 Palestinians and at least 1,200 Israelis have been killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to protect Gaza's civilians Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UNRWAsaid 'stop the carnage' People demonstrate to express solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Pictured on December 8 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who met Arab leaders today urged Israel to protect Gaza's civilians. He said there remained a 'gap' between 'the intent to protect civilians and the results we're seeing on the ground'. Today's UN Security Council voted on a demand for a humanitarian ceasefire failed to pass after the US vetoed it. The US representative blasted the resolution as 'imbalanced' and 'divorced from reality'. READ MORE - UN passes resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza - as Israel launches 'unprecedented' air assault against Hamas Advertisement The UK abstained from the vote, while the remaining 13 other members of the council voted for it. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said: 'We are reaching a point of no return in Gaza where the blatant disregard for international humanitarian law scars our collective conscience'. Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the UNRWA, said: 'States must find the political will to end this tragedy. Failing to act now and stop the carnage will forever stain our credibility as representatives of the international community, and fuel endless cycles of violence that will eventually engulf us all.' The agency says 133 of its workers have been killed since October 7 with 1.9million people displaced. But US deputy ambassador Robert Wood stood by Israel as he indicated his country would veto the UN Security Council 'ceasefire' resolution. He said America did not believe that an immediate ceasefire would lead to 'durable peace, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security' because Hamas would remain in charge. A halt to military action would only 'plant the seeds for the next war' he said, 'because Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace, to see a two-state solution'. From the presents to the fully-stocked fridge, and from turning up the heating to the big work night out Christmas is expensive enough as it is. But anyone thinking of adding a festive meal at a high-end restaurant to that list may need to ask Santa for a winning lottery ticket this December. TV's most celebrated chefs are preparing to serve up Christmas dinner but tucking in could set you back as much as 2,125 per head. Marcus Wareing, Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge all boast Michelin stars on their CVs. But diners can pay anything from 275 per head to 450 for the food alone, while even a festive children's menu could be as much as 185. The pricey dishes from TV's top chefs which could set you back up to 2,125 this Christmas Heston Blumenthal raised the prices of his Christmas menu (pictured) at the Fat Duck And once the chefs' recommended wine pairings are added to the total, the price per person could surge to as much as 2,125. Lovers of tradition should be aware that while these events offer a fabulous array of prestige 'trimmings', turkey and sprouts are not even always on offer. Wareing, who has featured as a judge on the BBC's Masterchef: The Professionals for almost a decade, is set to walk away from his restaurant this year. As a result, he is celebrating with a final six-course Christmas menu at the swanky Michelin-starred Berkeley restaurant in London's Knightsbridge. It is billed as a 'slice of history you won't want to miss' with a price of 450 per head for the food, which includes carefully selected matching wines for each course. A diner looking to treat a family of 16 was quoted 10,000 for the pleasure. This includes a six-course tasting menu with prestige wines from the chef's cellar, bottled water, tea or coffee and a digestif. Menu choices include tea-cured Loch Duart salmon, roast Orkney scallop, winter truffle, and Rhug Estate turkey or Galloway beef fillet. There are also fabulous British and European cheeses as well as a yule log dessert. The Merseyside-born TV chef worked with Ramsay until the pair fell out when Wareing left to launch his first solo restaurant. Ramsay's own Michelin-starred Petrus restaurant, which is close by, is charging a headline price of 290 per head for the food alone. However, adding the recommended 'indulgent' wines costing 875 per head to the dishes would drive the price per head to as much as 1,165. The lavish menu includes a Potimarron sea lettuce tart, lobster raviolo with Oscietra caviar, a confit of Dover sole, Aynhoe Park Deer and a chocolate cremeux. Blumenthal is charging 425 per head for the Christmas menu at his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, which is recognised as one of the best in the world. The nine courses include roast scallops, which are served with chocolate, short rib of beef with a gold carrot, plus King's venison served with sprouts, black truffle and beetroot. And diners will finish off their meal with 'Botrytis Cinerea' which the chef has described as a 'noble rot' that is harvested from certain types of decaying grape. Gordon Ramsay's Petrus restaurant (pictured) is charging a headline price of 290 per head There is also Blumenthal's unique take on a compressed red grape, Jerusalem artichoke, and truffled egg, as well as a langoustine cocktail. The restaurant recommends a series of wine pairing options, including one called myrrh at 170 per person and frankincense at 420 per person. The most expensive wine pairing selection, called gold, is priced at 1,700 per person and would take the total cost to 2,125. For the traditionalist, Kerridge, who has his own collection of Michelin stars, is offering a much more familiar menu. Tom Kerridge's Bar & Grill at London's Corinthia hotel off Whitehall is charging 275 per head, which includes a glass of champagne. There is a game terrine, Cornish crab cake, a spectacular Norfolk roast turkey dinner with every trimming variation, or an option of roast fillet of beef. Blumenthal is charging 425 per head for the Christmas menu at the Fat Duck (pictured) The restaurant recommends a series of wine pairing options, pushing up the cost further There is also the chef's own Christmas pudding, fabulous English cheese and mince pies. There are no wine pairing suggestions, however there is an extensive choice from around the world, with many single bottles costing more than 500. A small glass of white ranges from 9.50 to 50, while red ranges up to 65, and a glass of Laurent-Perrier 'Grand Siecle' N22 champagne is 52. At the top end, a single bottle of the 1997 'Corton Charlemagne' Grand Cru Domaine Leroy is listed at 6,250. This week, retail analysts Kantar put the average cost of a home-cooked Christmas turkey meal for four, including pud and sparkling wine, at 31.71 working out at 7.93 a head. EXCLUSIVE A father whose three-year-old son died when he was accidentally left in a hot car has issued a powerful message to others warning of the dangers of forgotten baby syndrome. Newaz Hasan bundled his two sons into his car in Sydney's west on February 2 for the morning school run, dropping his eldest at primary school and believing he had dropped his youngest to daycare before returning to their Glenfield home to work. But when he returned to his car in the afternoon to pick the boys up, he made a shocking discovery: his youngest son, Arikh, was still strapped in the back seat. Arikh had spent six hours stuck in the scorching car on the 35C day while the vehicle was parked in the driveway. Mr Hasan rushed his unconscious toddler into a nearby store and desperately began CPR until paramedics arrived, but despite their best efforts, it was already too late. Now, Mr Hasan - who was never charged with any offence - has issued a timely warning to other Australians, with NSW, inland South Australia and southern Queensland forecast to bear the brunt of sweltering temperatures on Saturday. Temperatures in Sydney are set to hit 44C, 37C in Canberra, 36C in Adelaide and 31C and in Brisbane. Arikh Hasan (pictured) tragically died in February after accidentally being left in the back of a car. He was three-years-old Mr Hasan is seen being comforted at the scene of the tragedy in February. He and other bystanders tried to save the boy's life - but it was too late 'Hot weather can turn a family upside down like mine,' he said. 'I am nervous and worried. 'I love my kids like any parents do. Kids' safety is always my top priority. 'Before February, if anyone had shared with me what I am sharing with you today, I would have a family now as happy as yours.' Mr Hasan said 'forgotten baby syndrome' refers to accidentally leaving a baby or young child inside a locked car, often with tragic results. Causes include sleep deprivation, stress, change of routine, burnout and fatigue, distractions, changing caregivers or workhours, running late, alternating cars, anxiety and depression or feeling unwell. The best way to prevent forgotten baby syndrome, parents and carers are advised, is to manage stress and adopt good sleeping behaviour, avoid phone calls while driving, hold yourself accountable for your child's safety and always check the front and back seats before leaving the vehicle. The Hasan family are pictured together during happier times Police tape around the car in Glenfield after Arikh was discovered in the back seat READ MORE: Warning for Aussies to take day off work as deadly heatwave hits - and your boss is powerless to stop you A brutal heatwave will spread across Australia this weekend Advertisement Other safety tips include making it a habit to open the back door every time you park, leaving the baby bag in the front passenger's seat and placing the baby's car seat in the middle of the back seat. Parents can also request their childcare provider call if the baby has not been dropped off, be extra alert if your routine changes, keep a stuffed animal in the car, or installing and using prevention devices. Mr Hasan said between February and August this year, 16 children died after being left in hot cars across the United States - leaving their families grief-stricken like his. Psychology professor David Diamond says 'forgotten baby syndrome' is not a problem of negligence, but rather memory. 'The most common response is that only bad or negligent parents forget kids in cars,' he told Consumer Reports. 'It's a matter of circumstances. It can happen to everyone.' According to Dr Diamond's research, disruption of routine - such as holidays typical around summer - is a common factor among these tragedies. At the time of Arikh's death, Mr Hasan told media his little boy was asleep in the car that day and was not chatting to him during the car trip as he usually would. He believes the silence made him forget his son was there. Pictured above is an information poster shared by Mr Hasan to raise awareness about forgotten baby syndrome SATURDAY'S WEATHER FORECAST IN YOUR MAJOR CITY SYDNEY Min 23. Max 44. Sunny. MELBOURNE Min 16. Max 19. Rain. BRISBANE Min 22. Max 30. Partly cloudy. PERTH Min 13. Max 30. Sunny. CANBERRA Min 19. Max 37. Possible shower. ADELAIDE Min 15. Max 17. Rain. Possible heavy falls. HOBART Min 13. Max 18. Shower or two. DARWIN Min 26. Max 34. Shower or two. Possible storm. Advertisement After dropping his eldest son, six, off to school, Mr Hasan forgot to take Arikh to daycare and instead drove back to the house, parked in the driveway, then went back inside to work. In the afternoon, he returned to the car - failing to see his youngest son still in the back behind the driver's seat - and went to pick up his eldest child. It wasn't until he had collected his eldest son and returned to the car that he realised his deadly mistake. However, the incident is far from an isolated case. More than 5000 children are rescued from unattended cars in Australia each year and at least 10 cases over the past five years have been fatal. In January 2023, just one month before little Arikh's death, the NRMA rescued 213 children from hot cars across NSW and the ACT. NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said temperatures in cars doubled compared to outside, meaning figures around the high 30s or 40s could quickly prove fatal. 'It's highly dangerous all year round, regardless of the weather,' Mr Khoury said. 'But it's particularly dangerous during Australian summers. 'That is clearly no place for a child, even for a few minutes. 'It doesn't take long for children to become severely dehydrated before organ failure sets in, followed by potentially catastrophic consequences.' Sick criminals tried to break into her grave on July 30 The body of jailed Melbourne crime lord George Marrogi's sister was to be stolen from her crypt and fed to dogs in a wild attempt to torment the gangster behind bars. Meshilin Marrogi, 30, died in 2021 from complications related to Covid-19. In July, thieves donned gas masks and busted open her coffin in a crypt within Preston General Cemetery, north of the city's CBD. Deranged criminals planned to steal the body of Meshilin Marrogi (pictured) and feed it to wild dogs While the thieves are believed to have stolen a $100,000 diamond ring off the finger of Marrogi's dead sister, they left her corpse in disarray at the scene. It can now be revealed the disturbed criminals had planned not only to rob Meshilin's grave, but steal her body and film it being ripped apart by canines. On Friday, police released images of the men they believe responsible for the depraved crime. CCTV footage captured the thieves wearing gas masks outside the mausoleums doors, dressed in black hoodies and pants. Underworld sources claimed the thieves had actually planned to steal Meshilin's body in order to film it being savaged by dogs, The Age reported. The video was to be delivered to Marrogi and Meshilin's body dumped in another location to further torment his family. The vile plot was only thwarted by a broken lift. Meshilin Marrogi's casket was busted open by two men on July 30 in a sick plot to desecrate her body Photos of George Marrogi and his sister in happier times. They were put on display for her funeral, which Marrogi missed because he was in jail Meshilin had been treated akin to a deity by the Marrogi clan. Marrogi was behind bars when she died and was unable to attend her funeral. Footage of the funeral filmed to share with the jailed Marrogi showed his family wailing over her open casket. A beautician by trade, Meshilin was believed to be intricately involved in Marrogi's group, the Notorious Crime Family. She had been with Marrogi when he travelled to Highpoint Shopping Centre to check-out the kind of hoodie he wanted to wear while murdering rival Kadir Ors in 2016. In May last year Marrogi was sentenced in the Supreme Court of Victoria to a total of 32 years in jail over Ors' murder. Lunar Taskforce Detective Inspector Graham Banks described the attack on Meshilin's grave as 'a new low'. 'I've never seen anything of this nature. It's a new low that's for sure,' he said. 'I generally don't think this will be replicated. 'I think on reflection anyone who is involved with this would think themselves cowardly really ... each of those would have known what they were doing was completely outrageous. 'I think on reflection they would not of done what they did, but didn't have the strength of character to say no.' George Marrogi prepares to murder Kadir Ors. Meshilin Marrogi had helped him choose his murder outfit Meshlin Marrogi (right) with George Marrogi's partner, Antonietta Mannella, who was jailed for helping Marrogi run his criminal empire from behind bars Inspector Banks declined to speculate on what the thieves planned to do with Meshilin's body had they got away with it. 'We don't have clarity of what the purpose was for taking it away was for, but certainly it was to, we believe, to cause friction and hurt to the brother of Meshilin, George Marrogi,' he said. The prime suspect is another feared gang boss who was recently released from jail and deported. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been running his Australian crime enterprise from Dubai until Victoria Police turned-up the heat with local authorities, forcing him to flee to a country without extradition arrangements with Australia. Inspector Banks said Marrogi's rival was heavily involved in the ongoing illicit tobacco war, which has seen multiple outlets go up in flames in recent months. Police made the unusual step of appealing to the criminal underworld in the hope of piecing together the final elements of its investigation. 'It has not been a secret within the criminal fraternity that this offence was committed and who it was by,' Inspector Banks said. Police remain concerned about what might happen to the offenders if Marrogi's henchmen catch them before they do. 'If their identity is known broadly to those opposing them they are at themselves at significant risk because of the type of crime and the anger that has caused,' Inspector Banks said. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Billboars plastered with the phrase 'New York City Welcomes Immigrants' are popping up across El Paso, promising migrants that it's a 'sanctuary city.' The signs have appeared around the Texas border city in the last few days on roadside announcements and on the sides of trucks. A member of 'Concerned Americans,' the group behind the billboards, explained the messages are meant to let border crossers know New York, Chicago and San Francisco are open to having them in their community. 'The cities that we're pointing to are those that welcome undocumented immigrants even if you're homeless or have committed crimes," Will Osbourne told local station KFOX. 'These are cities that have indicated that they're willing to make sacrifices, be that depleting of their resources or outcry from potentially frustrated residents and citizens in their communities.' The misleading billboards on display in El Paso, Texas can be viewed on the website www.sanctuarycities.com Moving advertisements, like this one in downtown El Paso, have been spotted in West Texas in recent days A group calling itself 'Concerned Americans' is behind the misleading billboards in El Paso promoting New York City as a migrant destination Despite these statements, the mysterious organization says their motivation is not political. 'It's more of a blanket statement - just pointing people to the direction of it. These are cities that through their policies and ordinances have indicated that this is the place to be if you're undocumented," Osbourne added. There are already concerns in West Texas that the billboards are misleading, and that false information actually hurts asylum-seekers. 'I don't know if it reflects current activity within those communities,' Deputy Director for El Paso's Opportunity Center for the Homeless John Martin stated. '(New York's) shelter capacity has been exhausted at this point, and so we tell them "If you head that direction you maybe a little bit out of luck.'" Chicago and San Francisco are also targets of the group as migrant destinations Migrants wait in line to board chartered buses traveling to New York and Chicago at a Welcome Center in El Paso, Texas, US, on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. Less than two weeks before the end of the federal fiscal year, encounters between migrants and Border Patrol agents on the U.S.-Mexico border have already surpassed 2 million a new record, In New York, migrants overwhelm the St. Brigid School in the East Village. The mostly African migrants hope to get additional days in the shelters On Friday, the line was mostly composed of West Africans, including from countries such as Mali, Guinea, Sudan and Sierra Leonne. DailyMail.com also saw at least a dozen Chinese migrants In the beleaguered Big Apple, Mayor Eric Adams is begging migrants not to head there anymore, after receiving at least 150,000 asylum-seekers since the migrant crisis began in 2022. By comparison, the El Paso region has seen more than one million migrants, according to federal statistics, since 2021- although the vast majority were just passing through, not looking to make a life there. Texas' sixth largest city is much smaller than Gotham and residents earn far less than New Yorkers. Many migrants from Texas are being bussed to the Big Apple - with Adams greeting them with open arms in September 2022, saying he was proud to be a sanctuary city. But tens of thousands flooding in, Adams has changed his tune and said that the crisis could destroy the city. It is predicted the city will spend approximately $12 billion on the ongoing crisis in the next two years. Adams has also been forced to slash the city's budget, with cuts across all departments - including core services, like the New York City Police Department, Fire Department and Sanitation. Most of the migrants gathered at Saint Brigid in the East Village are single adults from African countries The shelter is offering food, showers and toilets to migrants who have been sleeping on the streets New York City has capped migrant stays at city shelters at 30 days, forcing migrants who have been evicted to sleep on the streets of lower Manhattan The stark reality of migrants flooding in is becoming more evident by the day. On Friday in the East Village, migrants mostly from African countries, including Senegal and Mauritania, crowded along the cold streets in front of St. Brigid School. They stood in line outside the shelter hoping to be granted an additional 30 days of shelter, after already maxing out the first 30 days provided by the local government. The month-long eviction rule put in place by Adams was meant to help mitigate the crisis, but instead has resulted in dozens of migrants sleeping on the street in lower Manhattan. When DailyMail.com previously visited the site on November 28, the migrants outside the registering center were a mix of African and Latin American. On Friday, the line was mostly composed of West Africans, including from countries such as Mali, Guinea, Sudan and Sierra Leonne. DailyMail.com also saw at least a dozen Chinese migrants. There were noticeably less Venezuelans, but three asylum seekers from the socialist nation said they saw tens of thousands more on the way in their journey to the US through the Darien Gap route. At least 150,000 migrants have arrived in New York since the border crisis started in 2021 Some migrants from South American have made the journey through the infamous and dangerous Darien Gap Mayor of New York City Eric Adams speaks with the press after meeting with members of Congress to discuss funding and support for New York City's migrant crisis at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC on Thursday, December 7 All of the migrants in the line on Friday seem to have arrived in the US through the perilous route, which starts in the jungle connecting Colombia to Panama and leads to the US-Mexico border. The three Venezuelans told DailyMail.com they arrived in the US through the Piedras Negras - Eagle Pass border. Axel Elsauz, 25, said he left Venezuela on September 23 and reached the US-Mexico border on October 20, and spent 14 days in immigration detention. From Texas, he and the two other men in his group boarded a free bus to New York City provided by the state government. The group arrived on November 8 - a month before they were evicted from the shelter at The Row hotel near Times Square and found themselves waiting to register to renew their stay on Friday. When asked if they had been deterred by the Biden administration's resuming of deportations back to Venezuela, the group said that was a risk they are willing to take if they asylum claim is denied. 'If that's the case, and we're going to get deported, I'll head to Canada,' Elsauz told DailyMail.com. Migrants stand near the border wall in El Paso during a sandstorm after having crossed the U.S.-Mexico border to turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents, Figures from US Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the US Border Patrol, show over a million migrants have crossed into the El Paso region since 2021 Over the last 24 hours, Del Rio Sector agents have encountered over 3,000 undocumented migrants. Our agents worked steadily throughout the day to secure these individuals and coordinate transportation for all the encounters. Great job! #LawEnforcement #usbp pic.twitter.com/O9XZr7a7qb Acting Chief Patrol Agent Juan G. Bernal (@USBPChiefDRT) December 6, 2023 Homeless shelters in West Texas are also maxed out, forcing officials in El Paso to start paying for hotels to keep migrants families from sleeping out on the streets. While meeting with officials from the Biden Administration in Washington, DC Thursday, Adams said New Yorkers should not have to shoulders the cost of the border crisis. 'This is a national problem that should not fall on the backs of local cities,' Adams said Tuesday. Adams has whined that New York City has not received enough money from the federal government to deal with the migrant crisis. 'FEMA allocated, out of the $350 million, only $30 million went to New York City. So we received the large sum of migrants in our city, but were not getting the funding to match,' Adams told MSNBC in May. 'The plan on our bordering states is simply to use the money from FEMA to bus migrants to New York City. That is just not a workable solution.' Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, has also promised that border cities in his state will not alone carry the burden from the border. Friday morning, his office announced it had bused 27,300 migrants to New York City since last August. It also alleges that he spent $188,000 on 'adult entertainment' in that period Between 2016 and 2020 Hunter allegedly spent more than $683,000 on 'various women' and almost $400,000 on 'clothing and accessories' The new indictment filed Thursday in California alleges Hunter Biden spent millions on 'drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars [and] clothing' while not paying his taxes A Trump-appointed judge is set to oversee Hunter Biden's tax evasion case as the First Son faces nine new charges filed by the Justice Department on Thursday. Judge Mark Scarsi, an appointee of the former President Donald Trump, has been assigned the case which alleges Hunter was involved in a four-year $1.4m tax evasion scheme. All nine charges relate to tax, including two felony charges for filing a false return, a felony charge for tax evasion, four failure to pay charges, and a further two charges for failure to file. The charges span the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 tax years. Prosecutors allege President Joe Biden's son spent millions on an 'extravagant lifestyle' while avoiding paying taxes for years. The Justice Department says Hunter faces up to 17 years in prison. The 53-year-old is also facing up to 25 years in prison on felony gun charges in Delaware in the second trial that could have a devastating impact on his father's 2024 campaign. The indictment states that despite receiving millions in personal income and financial support from a friend, Hunter 'spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes'. Between 2016 and 2020 Hunter allegedly spent more than $683,000 on 'various women' and almost $400,000 on 'clothing and accessories' The Department of Justice filed new criminal charges against Hunter Biden in California on Thursday Judge Mark Scarsi, an appointee of the former President, has been assigned to oversee Hunter's case The scandal-hit first son (left) already faces a weapons charge in Delaware Hunter Biden - seen above with his wife Melissa Cohen - offered to testify in public before Congress in December 'The Defendant engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019,' it reads. These latest allegations come as Biden's son already faces three felony charges that carry a maximum combined 25 years incarceration and $250,000 fine. The first count is for lying on a 2018 gun purchase form that he was not an illicit drug user, and has a top sentence of 10 years. The second count is for lying to the gun store about it, which could net him up to five years. The third is for possessing the firearm while being an addict, which could land him another 10 years. The latest indictment alleges Hunter attempted 'to evade the assessment of taxes for tax year 2018 when he filed false returns in or about February 2020.' As well as failing to file and pay his taxes he has also been accused of including 'false business deductions' in his 2018 returns to reduce his tax bill. Investigators are set to argue that Hunter 'spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle rather than paying his tax bills'. 'The Defendant spent approximately $1 million in 2016, $1.4 million in 2017, $1.8 million in 2018, and $600,000 in 2019' the indictment alleges. Hunter is said to have made more than $7 million in gross income between 2016 and 2020, according to the documents. In addition, prosecutors allege Hunter receives around $1.2 million 'in financial support to fund his extravagant lifestyle' in 2020 alone. The documents argue that none of this financial assistance was used to pay 'any of his federal individual income tax liabilities for 2016-2019.' Nine criminal charges Nine new criminal charges were filed against Hunter Biden in California on Thursday They include: - Two felony charges for filing a false return in 2018, both for Hunter Biden personally and for his company Owasco - One felony charge for tax evasion in 2018 - Four failure to pay charges for tax years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 - Two charges for failure to file for 2017 and 2018 Advertisement Adding: 'Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the Defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes.' Between 2016 and 2020 the indictment argues that Hunter spent more than $683,000 on 'various women' as well as almost $400,000 on 'clothing and accessories'. It also alleges that he spent $188,000 on 'adult entertainment' throughout that period. Hunter Biden's attorney, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement that 'based on the facts and the law, if Hunter's last name was anything other than Biden, the charges in Delaware, and now California, would not have been brought.' 'First, U.S. Attorney Weiss bowed to Republican pressure to file unprecedented and unconstitutional gun charges to renege on a non-prosecution resolution. 'Now, after five years of investigating with no new evidence and two years after Hunter paid his taxes in full the U.S. Attorney has piled on nine new charges when he had agreed just months ago to resolve this matter with a pair of misdemeanors,' he continued. The president's son has spoken publicly about his battle with drug addiction, and how it has affected his decision making. However, prosecutors allege that Hunter continued to evade federal taxes after getting sober. 'Notably, in 2020, well after he had regained his sobriety, and when he finally filed his outstanding 2016, 2017, and 2018 Forms 1040' the indictment reads, 'the Defendant did not direct any payments toward his tax liabilities for each of those years.' House Oversight Chair James Comer claims he's traced some $20 million from foreign actors into Biden family members' bank accounts through a series of complex shell accounts designed to minimize scrutiny Special Counsel David Weiss (pictured) brought those charges against Hunter Biden after an earlier proposed plea deal unraveled under questioning from a judge Melissa Cohen and Hunter Biden with President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in Nantucket over the Thanksgiving holiday Financial support from an unnamed entertainment lawyer is detailed in the indictment. According to the indictment the lawyer, a 'personal friend', provided Hunter with approximately $200,000 to rent a lavish house on a canal in Venice, California; $11,000 in payments for his Porsche; and other individual items.' 'In total, the Defendant had Personal Friend pay over $1.2 million to third parties for the Defendant's benefit from January through October 15, 2020' the indictment reads. Earlier this week an IRS whistleblower claimed Hunter received a staggering $4.9 million from his 'sugar brother' Kevin Morris to help him settle his tax bill. Lawyer Kevin Morris allegedly loaned the president's son millions of dollars after the pair met at a campaign fundraiser in December 2019. IRS agent Joseph Ziegler declared the shocking figure with additional documentation on Tuesday with the House Ways & Means Committee. It comes as House Republicans near an expected vote to authorize an impeachment inquiry into President Biden for his alleged role in Hunter's foreign dealings. IRS agent Joseph Ziegler declared the shocking figure with additional documentation on Tuesday with the House Ways & Means Committee Morris (pictured), a Hollywood lawyer who made a fortune from a South Park TV deal, has been dubbed Hunter's 'sugar brother' Morris pictured alongside celebrity friends actor Courtney Cox and songwriter Johnny McDaid Special Counsel David Weiss has been investigating whether the younger Biden can be charged for tax law violations for months. He employed a grand jury in Los Angeles to seek documents and possible testimony from multiple witnesses as part of the federal investigation of Hunter Bidens business dealings. Hunter Biden in October pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied about his drug use while buying a handgun, in the first criminal prosecution of a sitting U.S. president's child. Weiss brought those charges against Hunter Biden after an earlier proposed plea deal unraveled under questioning from a judge. The fresh indictment filed on Thursday also touched on the two civil lawsuits brought against Hunter, claiming they forced Hunter to disclose his tax returns The cases involved the paternity and child-support case brought by a woman in Arkansas in May 2019, and a case brought by Hunter's ex-wife in DC after he 'stopped making spousal support payments and refused to provide financial records.' Despite hiring top lawyers, they may have a tough time fighting the facts of the case. In Hunter's 2021 memoir, Beautiful Things, he admitted to his continued 'full-blown addiction' to crack cocaine in 2018 the period he bought the Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver. The federally required Firearm Transaction Record for the purchase asks: 'Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?' Hunter ticked the box for 'no' on the form, obtained by DailyMail.com. The charges against him were set to be held over as part of a plea deal Hunter struck with prosecutors, in which he would admit to tax crimes for deliberately failing to file and pay his tax bill on millions of dollars of income. But under scrutiny from a federal judge in July, the plea deal spectacularly fell apart in the courtroom over a controversial clause that would give him blanket immunity for other offenses. Abbe Lowell, Hunter's hotshot DC lawyer, has suggested that he may challenge the charges on constitutional grounds related to the second amendment. More than half of Americans believe Joe Biden is directly implicated in his son Hunter's business dealings, despite the White House's insistent denials, according to a new poll. Sixty percent of respondents said they believed Joe 'helped and participated in Hunter Biden's business,' while 40 percent said they did not think the president helped or participated, according to a new Harvard CAPS-Harris poll. The president claimed he never talked business with his son or his associates - despite Hunter's abandoned laptop and congressional testimony from his former business partner Devon Archer saying otherwise. Archer said that Joe Biden was present at two dinner meetings at Washington, D.C.'s Cafe Milano, along with Hunter's business partners. A note was also found on the laptop from a Burisma executive thanking Hunter for introducing him to his dad at dinner. Archer also testified that Joe Biden 'had coffee' with Jonathan Li, CEO of Chinese-backed BHR partners where Hunter owned a 10 percent stake. Hunter Biden's business dealings have been in the spotlight ever since the first report about the laptop he abandoned at a repair store came out one month ahead of the 2020 election. In September, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy launched an impeachment inquiry into President Biden, saying the family had a 'culture of corruption.' Since then House Republicans have honed in on the family's bank records and testimony of the business dealings. House Oversight Chair James Comer claims he's traced some $20 million from foreign actors into Biden family members' bank accounts through a series of complex shell accounts designed to minimize scrutiny. He has not, however, linked any direct payment to Joe Biden. In uncovered text messages, meanwhile, Hunter complained about having to pay his father's bills. In another unearthed text message, Hunter told a Chinese business associate he was 'sitting' in a room with his father who 'would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled,' referring to a payment. The poll was conducted online November 15-16 with 2,851 registered voters. House Republicans are now closing in on on the Biden impeachment inquiry, with subpoenas fired off to Hunter and James and interview requests to around a dozen others. They will then decide whether or not to move forward with a House vote on whether to impeach the president. Archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery in a remote area of Siberia, unearthing an approximately 8,000-year-old fortress built by hunters and gatherers. The Amnya I and II fortress is believed to be the world's oldest fortified settlement and could cause historians to reassess how complex societies evolved. The Amnya fortress is located on a sandy area alongside the Amnya River, suggesting the hunter-gatherers chose the site to control abundant fishing spots. Archaeologists found evidence that the site was burned to the ground several times from stratigraphy, or the collection of sediment, soil, and debris - and they discovered arrowheads in the outer ditch, indicating violent conflict in the region. Amnya I and Amnya II settlements were discovered on the coast of the Amnya River in Siberia, Russia Archaeologists found structural depressions indicating that it is the site of a long-term dwelling The team discovered wooden palisades indicating a fortified inner area when excavating the site from 1987 to 2000. These things we think about now, like property ownership and social inequalitypeople have been thinking about since we became human, Colin Grier of Washington State University told Science.org. The remains of 10 pit depressions are located within the wall, making up Amnya I. Another 10 huts were found outside the fortified structure, suggesting a hierarchical structure of an inner fortified area and an outer, unprotected section identified as Amnya II. Construction features like central elevated fireplaces indicated the structures were long-term dwellings, contradicting the belief that permanent settlements and defensive structures only emerged in farming societies. In their study, the authors at Freie Universitat Berlin state that the Amnya fort was built 'many centuries before comparable enclosures first appeared in Europe,' adding that although ancient hunter-gatherer groups constructed defenses throughout the world, 'the very early onset of this phenomenon in inland western Siberia is unparalleled.' Researchers and archaeologists previously operated under the assumption that competition and conflict didn't exist in hunter-gatherer societies. However, using radiocarbon dating on collected samples, archaeologists could confirm 'the prehistoric age of the site' and establish it 'as the world's oldest-known fort.' Radiocarbon dating is a technique that looks at the decay of carbon-14 isotope found in samples, which can accurately identify the age of materials dating as old as 60,000 years. 'Through detailed archaeological examinations at Amnya, we collected samples for radiocarbon dating, confirming the prehistoric age of the site and establishing it as the world's oldest-known fort. Our new palaeobotanical and stratigraphical examinations reveal that inhabitants of Western Siberia led a sophisticated lifestyle based on the abundant resources of the taiga environment,' a Freie Universitat Berlin press release said. 'This finding reshapes our understanding of early human societies, challenging the idea that only with the advent of agriculture would people have started to build permanent settlements with monumental architecture and have developed complex social structures,' it added. Two sites were unearthed revealing a settlement surrounded by fortification and a separate, unprotected dwelling site. Archaeologists also uncovered approximately 45 pottery vessels in the Amnya site with both pointed and flat-based forms. The study said the two types of pottery represent two typological traditions, including the 'incised ornament' and the second with a 'comb stamp decoration.' Both types of pottery were found together, revealing an expansion of ceramic use. Preserved bone fragments of elk, reindeer, and beavers were identified. The study said there was evidence of re-occupation in the Amnya I house pits in the Mesolithic phase in the 8th Century and early 6th Century BC. Excavators discovered a fourth possible reoccupation in some of the Amnya II house pits believed to have occurred during the Eneolithic phase in the 4th Century BC. 'The Amnya settlement complex marks the beginning of a unique, long-term phenomenon of hunter-gatherer defensive sites in the north of Eurasia, an almost unbroken tradition that continued for almost eight millennia into the Early Modern period.' These discoveries are shifting the textbook view that permanent settlements containing fortifications could only have occurred from agricultural farmers. 'To many people, this still is not part of what hunter-gatherers are. There's still an element in archaeology that believes complexity develops over time,' University of Oxford archaeologist Rick Schulting, who was not part of the research, told Science.org. 'This is a nice study that demonstrates you can have alternate pathways to complexity.' Tens of millions of people are using AI-powered 'nudify' apps, according to a new analysis that shows the dark side of the technology. More than 24 million people visited nudity AI websites in September, which digitally alter images, primarily women, to make them appear naked in the photo using deep-learning algorithms. These algorithms are trained on existing images of women which allows it to overlay realistic images of nude body parts, regardless of whether the photographed person is clothed. Spam ads across major platforms are also directing people to the sites and apps increased by more than 2,000 percent since the beginning of 2023. The rise in nudity-promoted apps is particularly prevalent on social media, including Google's YouTube, Reddit, and X - and 52 Telegram groups were also found to be used to access non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) services. AI 'nudify' apps are surging in popularity, allowing people to 'undress' women without consent A Telegram spokesperson told Dailymail.com: 'Since its creation, Telegram has actively moderated harmful content on its platform, including nonconsensual pornography. 'Telegram's moderators actively monitor public parts of the platform and accept user reports in order to remove content that breaches our terms of service.' DailyMail.com has contacted X and YouTube for comment. Female students were targeted by deepfake photos at a New Jersey high school last month after AI-generated nude images circulated throughout the school, prompting a mother and her 14-year-old daughter to advocate for better protections from NCII content. A similar incident occurred at a high school in Seattle, Washington, earlier this year, where a teenage boy allegedly used AI deepfake apps to create images of female students. In September, more than 20 girls were victims of deepfake photos using the AI app 'Clothoff' that allows users to undress girls for free. The report was conducted by Graphika - a social network analysis company - which said it identified key tactics, techniques, and procedures used by synthetic NCII providers to understand how the AI-generated nudity websites and apps operate and monetize their activities. Researchers said in the report: 'We assess the increasing prominence and accessibility of these services will very likely lead to further instances of online harm, such as the creation and dissemination of non-consensual nude images, targeted harassment campaigns, sextortion, and the generation of child sexual abuse material.' Graphika found that the apps are operating on what's called a 'freemium model' that offers a small amount of services for free while keeping the more enhanced services locked behind a paywall. To access the additional features, users are often required to purchase additional 'credits' or 'tokens,' with prices ranging from $1.99 per credit to $299. The report also revealed that the advertisements for the NCII apps or sites are overt in their descriptions, stating they offer 'undressing' services or post photos of people they have 'undressed' as proof. Other ads aren't as forward and hide behind the claim that they're an 'AI art service' or a 'web3 photo gallery' but include key terms aligning with NCII in their profiles and attached to their posts. Teenage girls in southern Spain were targeted by people using the Clothoff app YouTube tutorial videos telling viewers exactly how to use 'nudify' apps or advertising which apps to use are still circulating on the platform under a quick 'AI nudity app' search. While several videos have warned about the circulating apps, others include the title 'Make any photo nude with this artificial intelligence' or 'Generate NSFW [Not Safe for Work] AI images.' The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) raised a complaint with the U.S. Copyright Office on Thursday, arguing the need to monitor generative AI's impact to protect consumers. 'The manner in which companies are developing and releasing generative AI tools and other AI products . . . raises concerns about potential harm to consumers, workers, and small businesses,' the comment said. 'The FTC has been exploring the risks associated with AI use, including violations of consumers' privacy, automation of discrimination and bias, and turbocharging of deceptive practices, imposters schemes, and other types of scams,' it added. There are currently no laws banning deepfake pornography. While President Joe Biden issued an executive order on AI regulation that provides guidelines for monitoring and detecting AI-generated content, it does not include a nationwide law banning it altogether. Psychotherapist Lisa Sanfilippo, whose expertise includes sexual trauma, told Business Insider that creating nudity images 'is a major violation' of people's privacy and can cause intense trauma for the victim. She told the outlet that 'seeing images of yourself or images that are falsified to look like you, in acts that you might find reprehensible, scary or that would be only for your personal life can be very destabilizing even traumatizing. 'There is no ability to give consent there.' She added: 'It's abuse when someone takes something from another person that has not been freely given to them.' Dailymail.com has reached out to the FTC and Reddit for comment. Page Content The economic impact of Stellenbosch University on the Stellenbosch region is estimated to be R5 644 million* in 2018. A recent study by the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) at Stellenbosch University (SU) calculated the extent of the Universitys significant impact on the economy of the Stellenbosch region. Some of the core findings are: The SU economic impact on output in the local economy is R5 644* million Contributing to this are students (61%), staff (23%), creditor payments (14%) and diverse payments (2.5%) More than 15% of production (or output) and more than 18% of gross value added generated in the local economy, is stimulated by the presence of the University. SUs expenditure on creditors in local economy is R352,38* million SU sustains 13 406 fulltime job equivalents) in the local economy this equates to SU sustaining more than 21% of the formal work opportunities and 8,7% of the informal opportunities. The presence of SU also generates R1 223.5* million in labour remuneration In summary, almost one fifth of the economic activity in the region can be attributed to the activities of the University and its people. The aim of the study was to give a rigourous and credible assessment and measurement of the economic contribution of the University to the economy of the Stellenbosch Municipal area. Although not quantifiable in monetary terms, SU could also be described as an anchor institution, which stimulates additional benefits in the region. Examples for these include research centre STIAS, the Universitys technology transfer company Innovus, Maties Sport and the US Woordfees. The value of such institutions cannot adequately be expressed in short-term economic terms. Their value spreads much further into broader society and effects the very nature of the environment and peoples lives. There are also considerable intangible benefits of having a university present, such as the the attraction of talent (students, entrpreneurs and professionals) the promotion of spin-off companies as well as other cultural and socio-economic benefits. Overall, the economic benefits of a university stretches beyond the primary role of being a knowledge centre and driving force of innovation within a region. It is clear that the benefit of having an institution such as SU in Stellenbosch is very significant and extends beyond the direct economic benefits and fundamentally uplifts and enhances the Stellenbosch community. Not only is the University labour intensive in that it creates more wealth than its relative size, but it acts as catalyst in luring investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders alike while also actively contributing to Stellenbosch as Knowledge Region. Of equal importance however is that the study reveals that the University is indeed the kind of university SU aspirtes to be: Africas leading research-intensive University, globally recognised as inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society." Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operation Officer of Stellenbosch University * The research was conducted during 2017 using 2016 actual values. To arrive at 2018 Rand values the final consumer price index for 2017 was used plus the BER estimated CPI for 2018. Local Economic Impact by numbers Archaeologists have unearthed a prison in ancient Pompeii that shows the 'most shocking side of ancient slavery.' The ruins of an ash-covered stone structure found at the Italian site were once a bakery where humans and animals were forced to grind grain for bread. Animals walked in circles for hours blindfolded, turning the grinder, while humans continually poured in grains. The prison had only windows near the ceiling to let light in and one doorway that led to a lavish home owned by the enslavers. The remains of three individuals were found inside the ancient prison, suggesting it was operational when Mount Vesuvius exploded. The ruins of an ash-covered stone structure that was once a bakery told a story of humans and animals being forced to grind grain to make bread Two thousand years ago, Pompeii, which lies 14 miles southeast of Naples, was a buzzing city with some 15,000 residents before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed it on August 24, 79AD. The eruption is thought to have killed 16,000 people in Pompeii and surrounding towns, making it one of the most destructive volcanic eruptions in history. Pompeii's director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, said: 'It is the most shocking side of ancient slavery, the one devoid of both trusting relationships and promises of manumission, where we were reduced to brute violence, an impression that is entirely confirmed by the securing of the few windows with iron bars.' The only exit leads into the atrium of the house - not even the stable has direct access to the street. 'It is, in other words, a space in which we have to imagine the presence of people of servile status whose freedom of movement the owner felt the need to restrict,' Zuchtriegel said. The team found several semicircular indentations in the volcanic basalt paving slabs around the millstones that appeared as 'footprints,' but a deeper analysis showed the carvings were deliberately made to prevent animals from slipping The ruins align with the harrowing accounts of second-century AD writer Apuleius, who describes the backbreaking labor endured by men, women and animals at the hands of ancient Romans The room, with no view of the outside world, had small windows high in the wall with iron bars to let the light in and floor indentations to coordinate the movement of the animals, forced to walk around for hours, blindfolded (artist's impression) 'The wear on the various indentations can be attributed to the endless cycles, always the same, carried out according to the pattern laid out on the pavement,' researchers shared. 'More than just a groove, it reminds us of the gears of a clockwork mechanism designed to synchronize the movement around the four tightly packed millstones found in this area.' Archaeologists first discovered the ruins of Pompeii in 1549, when an Italian named Domenico Fontana dug a water channel through Pompeii, but the dead city was left entombed. And they are continually uncovering more from the ash-covered city. Iron bars were found at the site that once covered small windows near the ceiling The team found several semicircular indentations in the volcanic basalt paving slabs around the millstones that appeared as 'footprints,' but a deeper analysis showed the carvings were deliberately made to prevent animals from slipping The remains of three individuals were found inside the ancient prison, suggesting it was operational when Mount Vesuvius exploded Experts have relied on ancient texts to understand what happened in 79AD. Pliny the Younger, an administrator and poet, watched the disaster unfold from a distance, and his letters describing the horrific event were found in the 16th century. His writing suggests the eruption caught the residents of Pompeii by surprise. Pliny said a column of smoke 'like an umbrella pine' rose from the volcano and made the towns around it as black as night. Two thousand years ago, Pompeii, which lies 14 miles southeast of Naples, was a buzzing city with some 15,000 residents before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed it on August 24, 79 AD While the eruption lasted for around 24 hours, the first pyroclastic surges began at midnight, causing the volcano's column to collapse. An avalanche of hot ash, rock and poisonous gas rushed down the side of the volcano at 124 miles per hour, burying victims and remnants of everyday life. Hundreds of refugees sheltering in the vaulted arcades at the seaside in Herculaneum, clutching their jewelry and money, were killed instantly. This event ended the life of the cities but at the same time preserved them until rediscovery by archaeologists nearly 1700 years later. The excavation of Pompeii, the region's industrial hub and Herculaneum, a small beach resort, has given unparalleled insight into Roman life. READ MORE: Fascinating map reveals where the world wants to spend Christmas Another dishes out fines for anyone caught swearing in public One country carries fines of up to $40,000 (31,750) for having a plastic bag Plastic bags. Bikinis. Sex dolls. These are three items that could land you in trouble on your next holiday, along with the act of taking a photo and swearing. How? Read this handy guide to six surprising laws in holiday hotspots around the world to find out... The plastic bag rule Tourists headed to Kenya should avoid bringing plastic bags into the country or risk facing a fine or even prison. Pictured: Turtle Beach in Watamu, Kenya Tourists headed to Kenya should avoid bringing plastic bags into the country. Having one is an offence and could lead to a hefty fine or even a prison sentence. The Kenyan government introduced the law in 2017, banning the sale and use of plastic bags, Reuters reported. Rule breakers risk up to four years in prison or fines of up to $40,000 (31,750). The suitcase rule In Dubrovnik, tourists are asked not to wheel their suitcases through the city's old quarter (above) Tourists jetting off to the Croatian city of Dubrovnik should pay attention to their noise levels on holiday. A local government initiative asks tourists to refrain from wheeling their suitcases through the old quarter and carry them by the handle instead. It is part of a series of new measures announced this year by city mayor Mato Frankovic to regulate and sanction noise. Early reports said that tourists could be lumped with a sizeable 265 (227) fine if caught breaking the rule. A campaign launched by the city's local authority has since clarified that the measures aim to 'raise awareness about the noise regulation in the city' and that 'no financial fines' will be imposed, reports themayor.eu. The blow-up doll rule Last year Malaga city council cracked down on crude party antics, banning nudity and 'erotic items in public' Anyone heading for a stag or hen party in southern Spain should take note of the local laws in Malaga. The city has become a tourist favourite thanks to cheap flights and a buzzing nightlife. But in 2022, the city council cracked down on crude party antics, banning nudity and 'erotic items in public' such as inflatable sex dolls. Malaga City Hall told MailOnline Travel it is 'prohibited' to be naked or wearing only underwear in public, and to carry items including dolls of a sexual nature. Anyone caught breaking this law risks a fine of up to 750 (640). The swearing rule Swearing in public is a punishable offence in parts of Australia, including Sydney (above) Tourists planning to jet off to Australia should be aware of the country's law against swearing in public in certain regions, according to online travel agent eShores. For example, in New South Wales, which includes Sydney, offensive language must not be used 'near a public place or a school', says the NSW Summary Offenses Act 1988. Anyone caught swearing is liable for a fine of up to 342 (660AUD) under this measure. The bikini rule On inhabited islands, home to local Maldivians, local laws apply that ban bikinis. However, some inhabited islands, such as Maafushi (pictured) and Fulidhoo, have designated 'bikini beaches' On inhabited islands in the Maldives, local laws prohibit the wearing of bikinis. Police action can be taken for indecent exposure against those who do not follow the rule. However, some inhabited islands, such as Maafushi and Fulidhoo, have designated 'bikini beaches', where tourists can don their skimpy beachwear. The photo rule The Italian fishing village of Portofino introduced two no-waiting zones, which apply during high season, to prevent tourists from 'lingering' to take pictures Portofino on Italy's Amalfi coast, with its pastel-coloured houses, has Instagram appeal turned up to 11. But visitors have to control their urges to secure snaps for their feeds, because stopping to take a photo could land them a 275 (235) fine. This is because the fishing village has introduced two no-waiting zones that apply during high season to prevent tourists from 'lingering' to take pictures. In a statement shared with The Times earlier this year, the town's mayor Matteo Viacava said: 'The objective is not to make the place more exclusive but to allow everyone to enjoy our beauty. 'We want to avoid dangerous situations caused by overcrowding.' The rule was introduced this year and implemented during peak tourist season, from April to October. The Irwin clan jetted off the the U.S to celebrate Thanksgiving last month. Terri Irwin and son Robert joined Bindi, her husband Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace to reunite with Chandler's family who reside in Florida. Chandler is American and was born in Seffner, Florida, and his parents Chris and Shannan Powell live just outside of Tampa. The crew spent a day at Walt Disney World where they all posed for a photo in front of the park's famous Cinderella castle. 'Visiting Chandlers incredible family for Thanksgiving and spending time in the most magical place together,' Bindi, 25, captioned her photo, which was posted on Friday. Terri Irwin and son Robert joined Bindi, her husband Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace to reunite with Chandler's family who reside in Florida 'Cherishing these moments forever.' Elsewhere, Bindi shared a wholesome photo to her Instagram Story of herself holding Grace, two, alongside Minnie Mouse. 'Grace's happiness,' she wrote beside the smiling snap. Last month, the Irwins celebrated Thanksgiving in the US with Chandler's family. Bindi shared a wholesome photo to her Instagram Story of herself holding Grace, two, alongside Minnie Mouse Instagram post by Bindi, the family were seen posing happily beneath the caption, 'Happy Thanksgiving'. Grace was adorably clad in an orange tartan dress for the occasion. Bindi and Chandler tied the knot on March 25, 2020, before welcoming their daughter exactly one year later on their wedding anniversary. Grace Warrior, two, acknowledged her US lineage in November by celebrating Thanksgiving with mum Bindi and dad Chandler Powell. All pictured Meanwhile, Bindi's brother Robert, 20, is in a relationship with girlfriend Rorie Buckey. It comes amid reports he's planning to pop the question to Rorie after less than a year of dating. According to New Idea magazine, the 19-year-old could propose when his girlfriend, 18, visits him in Africa while he films I'm A Celebrity in the coming months. 'Everyone is convinced he is aiming to pop the question when they're in Africa,' an insider said. Bindi's brother Robert, 20, is in a relationship with girlfriend Rorie Buckey. Both pictured 'Robert is crazy about her and is planning something unforgettable when he formally proposes. They both know it is part of their plans so he's been dreaming up special ways to make it a surprise.' The source went on to say Robert and Rorie are taking their relationship 'very serious' and have been planning a future together. 'They have talked about where to live and even how big they want their family to be,' they added. Robert and Rorie went Instagram official in August, after months of rumours they were dating. Robert is reportedly planning to pop the question to Rorie after less than a year of dating Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple. Woman's Day claimed last month Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature. The pair are currently in a long-distance relationship, with Robert based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie is in Perth. Robert and Rorie, who is the niece of legendary Australian actor Heath Ledger, have plenty in common and both grew up in the public eye after suffering the devastating loss of a family member. Heath was at the top of his Hollywood career when he was found dead in January 2008 following an accidental prescription drug overdose. Robert's father Steve Irwin, known to the world as the 'Crocodile Hunter', died aged 44 on September 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a stingray. Larry Emdur and wife Sylvie celebrated their 29th anniversary on Monday. The loved-up couple looked just as infatuated with one another as they did when they first met in a sweet photo shared to Instagram. Holding his wife's hand as the pair lounged back and looked out over a gorgeous beach, The Morning Show star, 58, penned a lengthy and emotional tribute to his love. '29 years today. 29 years of holding hands and watching sunsets, 29 years of love and laughs, 29 years of ups and downs but mainly ups,' he began. 'And 29 years of me loving you more than anything... Happy Anniversary, Sylvie. Apparently the present for 29 years is furniture.' Larry Emdur, 58, (left) and wife Sylvie (right) celebrated their 29th anniversary on Monday He went on to joke that he 'was going to take you out for a fancy nice dinner, but lets go to IKEA instead'. Larry and Sylvie's famous friends flocked to the comments section of his heartfelt post and wished the pair congratulations on their milestone achievement. Sunrise weatherman Sam Mac said: 'Congratulations to two of the absolute greats. P.S. beautiful photo, but I preferred your original idea of recreating the skyridge kangaroo valley statue.' The loved-up couple looked just as infatuated with one another as they did when they first met in a sweet photo shared to Instagram Guy Sebastian's wife Jules chimed in with, 'Love youzzzzz!' while Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine added: 'Congratulations lovers.' The Bachelor star Matty 'J' Johnson simply shared a series of heart emojis to congratulate the lovebirds. Anna and Tim Robards also shared in the joyous occasion as they wrote, 'Only 19 years behind you! Congratulations,' and, 'Very romantic lovers,' respectively. Holding his wife's hand as the pair lounged back and looked out over a gorgeous beach, The Morning Show star penned a lengthy, emotional tribute to his love Larry and Sylvie's famous friends flocked to the comments section of his sweet post to wish the pair congratulations on such a huge achievement Larry and Sylvie met in the 1990s on a plane while she was working as a flight attendant. They tied the knot in 1995 and went on to have two children, son Jye, 28 and daughter Tia, 23 Meanwhile, Real Housewives of Sydney star Sally Obermeder and Today Extra presenter Belinda Russell both wished Larry and Sylvie a 'Happy anniversary'. Larry and Sylvie met in the 1990s on a plane while she was working as a flight attendant. They tied the knot in 1995 and went on to have two children, son Jye, 28 and daughter Tia, 23. In an interview for The Sunday Telegraph's Body+Soul, the couple revealed they have a pact to create memories by doing something crazy every year while they can. Laura Byrne has confessed to 'cheating' on her husband Matty 'J' Johnson during mortifying ordeal which occurred at an event she attended this week. The 37-year-old former Bachelor star, who married Matt five years after meeting on the Channel 10 dating show, revealed she lovingly rubbed another man's back. Speaking on the Life Uncut podcast, Laura's co-host Brittany Hockley outed her for the act. 'You cheated on Matt... You tried to cheat on Matt,' Brittany, 36, said. Laura explained the moment was purely accidental and assured her listeners that she truly believed she was touching her husband. Laura Byrne has confessed to 'cheating' on her husband Matty 'J' Johnson during mortifying ordeal which occurred at an event she attended this week 'We're standing there, Matt was wearing a grey suit. He looked sharp, he looked handsome,' she recalled. 'I was in the middle of a conversation with someone and I reached out and there was Matt and I was rubbing Matt's back. 'Anyway, then I could feel that Matt was looking at me... But looking at me in a way that didn't feel, from my periphery, like it was normal.' Laura said when she finally turned around, she discovered she hadn't been rubbing Matt's back at all, but in fact another Bachelor star who was wearing a very similar suit. The 37-year-old former Bachelor star, who married Matt five years after meeting on the Channel 10 dating show, revealed she lovingly rubbed another man's back 'I was rubbing Tim Robards' back!' she exclaimed. 'Just coincidentally, the wrong Bachelor was standing next to me and I was just rubbing him.' Laura said she doesn't know the fellow Bachelor star 'very well' - Tim starred on the first season of The Bachelor Australia in 2013 and married his chosen suitor Anna Heinrich five years later. 'I've only met him twice,' Laura continued. 'And I was just rubbing in circles... For more than a minute. It was an uncomfortably long time. Laura's co-host Brittany Hockley outed her for the act: 'You cheated on Matt... You tried to cheat on Matt' When Laura turned around, she discovered she hadn't been rubbing Matt's back at all, but another Bachelor star who was wearing a very similar suit. Pictured: Tim Robards and Matt Laura and Matt tied the knot last year in a stunning ceremony at Cupitt's Estate near Mollymook, on the New South Wales South Coast 'I think he thought I was doing it on purpose. And then he kind of looked at me like, "Are you right?"' Bachelor fans will remember Laura and Matty met back in 2017, before becoming engaged in 2019. Two years later the loved-up couple started their family when they welcomed their first child, daughter Marlie Mae. Laura gave birth to their second daughter, Lola Ellis, in February 2021. The couple wed in November last year in a stunning ceremony at Cupitt's Estate near Mollymook, on the New South Wales South Coast. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Jon Hamm put on a star-studded show of support for their hit series The Morning Show on Thursday. The A-listers were spotted arriving to a special screening of their show in Hollywood, where they took part in a Q&A on stage. Jennifer, 54, looked stunning as usual in a black tank top, fitted skirt with beaded embellishments, and sexy knee-high leather boots. The Friends alum rocked a head full of glam waves and accessorized with bracelets and elegant rings. Reese, 47, looked incredible in a pale blue custom-made dress with semi-puffed sleeves and a cinched waist by Lafayette 148. Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Jon Hamm put on a star-studded show of support for their hit series The Morning Show on Thursday Like Aniston, she opted for loose ringlets. Her feet were slipped into taupe heels. Jon, 52, was looking dashing as usual in a grey blazer paired with a maroon top and slick sunglasses. Jennifer and Reese sat beside one another on stage, where they flashed a smile as they shared their thoughts on the show. Season three of The Morning Show debuted just a few months ago but is already one of the biggest contenders in television at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards, leading the pack with six nominations. In addition to Best Drama Series, the show earned several acting nominations including Best Actress in a Drama Series for both Jennifer and Reese. Billy Crudup was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, while Nicole Beharie and Karen Pittman both earned nods for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Succession followed close behind with five nominations overall. Tying for four nominations are A Small Light, Abbott Elementary, Beef, Lessons In Chemistry, Loki, Reservation Dogs, and The Bear. Reese attended the event in a pale blue dress custom designed by Lafayette 148 and head full of loose ringlets Jon Hamm was looking smart in a crisp grey blazer teamed with a maroon shirt and cool sunglasses Aniston and Reese sat beside one another on stage, where they flashed a smile as they shared their thoughts on the show Season three of The Morning Show debuted just a few months ago but is already one of the biggest contenders in television at the upcoming Critics Choice Awards, leading the pack with six nominations The winners will be revealed at the Critics Choice Awards gala hosted by Chelsea Handler, which will broadcast LIVE on The CW on Sunday, January 14. The latest season starred Jennifer as Alex Levy, Reese as Bradley Jackson, and Jon Hamm as Paul Marks. Speaking about the relationship between rivals Alex and Bradley, showrunner Charlotte Stoudt recently told The Hollywood Reporter: 'Theyre from utterly different worlds; they start off yin and yang. One is from nowhere in West Virginia, and one has always been in that Manhattan world. So its that opposites-attract thing. 'But we all have someone in our lives, if we are lucky, the person who pushes us to become who we may want to become or are afraid to become, who holds us accountable, who challenges us. 'The relationship does have that spark to it. Theyre neither catfighting nor just braiding each others hair.' Tom Sandoval rehashed details of his scandalous relationship with Rachel Leviss on the latest episode of his Everybody Loves Tom podcast. The 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules star insisted he 'fought so hard for Rachel' on Thursday's show. Tom said he is still recovering from the breakup, following their split earlier this year after their affair came to light when his then-girlfriend Ariana Madix uncovered inappropriate photos of Rachel, 29, on his phone. He and Leviss are no longer in contact, he confirmed. 'I stopped drinking. I stopped smoking cigarettes because she went away to a facility. Im like, "She cant drink, she cant smoke. Im gonna quit."' Tom Sandoval rehashed details of his scandalous relationship with Rachel Leviss on the latest episode of his Everybody Loves Tom podcast The 40-year-old Vanderpump Rules star insisted he 'fought so hard for Rachel' on Thursday's show Elsewhere in the episode he noted, 'I was there in any way that she needed.' 'We were best friends. Its heartbreaking to go through. I was fully in love with her. Shes not just some hot girl. I was a model for 15 years its deeper than that,' he explained. Sandoval added, 'The way she just shooed me away... I dont know, Im not in her head.' When he was asked if he thinks Leviss truly loved him, he answered, 'I hope she did.' Rachel opted not to continue appearing on the Bravo TV series after completing a stint in a mental health facility. Tom said that he also wanted to seek mental health treatment, but instead had to fulfill a prior commitment to go on tour with his band. 'I had to make money,' he shared. 'Every single month, all the bills come out of my accounts. The mortgage comes out of my account every month. So, while Arianas shooting all these ads, shes six months behind in bills,' revealed about his 38-year-old ex. Tom said he is still dealing with the fallout from the breakup, following their split earlier this year after their affair came to light when his then-girlfriend Ariana Madix uncovered inappropriate photos of Rachel, 29, on his phone 'Every single month, all the bills come out of my accounts. The mortgage comes out of my account every month. So, while Arianas shooting all these ads, shes six months behind in bills,' revealed about his 38-year-old ex Providing an update on his and Ariana's living arrangements, he dished, 'Shes currently staying in some place. 'We dont talk. We have a go-between, whether its my assistant or a friend.' In October Rachel revealed she told some 'triggering' items from Sandoval and raised $14,800 to donate to the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Meanwhile, Madix has been tapped to play Roxie Hart in the musical Chicago on Broadway next year. It comes after she came in third place on the latest season of Dancing With the Stars. Schapelle Corby made a shocking admission about her imprisonment in Bali after she was famously incarcerated for nine years for attempting to smuggle in cannabis. Schapelle, 46, was released from Kerobokan Prison in 2014 and deported from Indonesia in 2017, with many believing she received a lifetime ban from the entering the country. However, the convicted drug smuggler shocked her Instagram followers on Thursday when she revealed she was only given a six month ban from the tropical paradise. Posting a throwback picture of herself on a Bali beach, Schapelle shared a news quote which said 'she was given a lifetime ban from Indonesia'. 'Not true,' she clarified in her own caption. 'I was given a 6 month ban.' Schapelle Corby made a shocking admission about her imprisonment in Bali after she was famously incarcerated for nine years for attempting to smuggle in cannabis She then shared another picture of herself happily drinking on a boat with friends, juxtaposed with an image of herself behind prison bars. It was here Schapelle revealed whether she would ever go back to the tropical island now that she's allowed to return. 'Although Bali is an ideal place to holiday. I have no yearning desire to go back there. Yet, I can travel and enter,' she wrote. Schapelle, 46, was released from Kerobokan Prison in 2014 and deported from Indonesia in 2017, with many believing she received a lifetime ban from the entering the country Schapelle has been working as a clockmaker and influencer since being deported from Indonesia in 2017, after serving a reduced prison sentence and parole. She was infamously convicted of smuggling cannabis into Indonesia before being incarcerated for nine years at Bali's Kerobokan Prison. Following her arrest at Bali airport in October 2004, Schapelle said she did not know anything about the drugs that were found in her boogie board bag. However, the convicted drug smuggler shocked her Instagram followers on Thursday when she revealed she was only given a six month ban from the tropical paradise Schapelle also revealed whether she would ever go back to the tropical island now that she's allowed to return After a series of sentence reductions, she was released on parole in 2014 and three years later was deported to Australia. Last year, it was reported that Schapelle split from her Indonesian boyfriend Ben Panangian after 16 years together. She announced on Instagram that her long-distance relationship with Ben was over and that she was looking for her Prince Charming. The couple met in a Bali prison in 2006 when they were both serving time for drug-related offences, but hadn't seen each other in person since 2019. Real Housewives of Sydney star Dr Kate Adams has hit back at criticism she doesn't fit the bill of a traditional housewife. Kate, 41, is the only cast member this season who is childless and has never been married. During an appearance on The Morning Show with Terry Biviano on Thursday, the veterinarian insisted the franchise has evolved from the early days to include women who have become 'successful in their own right'. 'It started out in the early 2000s, it was very much housewives, and as society has changed, so have the franchises,' she explained. 'And around the world there is now lots of unmarried, childless women on the show, including myself,' she continued. Real Housewives of Sydney star Dr Kate Adams has hit back at criticism that she doesn't fit the bill of a traditional housewife because she's unmarried and childless 'It's probably the biggest question I get asked. "How are you a housewife?" 'My answer is, "I have a house, I have animals, I have children - they just have fur!"' Kate has been at the centre of several fights on the show - locking horns with Krissy Marsh and with Victoria Montana over the fashion & lifestyle consultant's penchant for fur. Last week, she discussed a potential return to the show next season on the TV Reload podcast. 'About coming back next year, there seems to be a clear divide between the girls. When the show picks up again will we see more of a divide between you?' host Benjamin Norris asked her. During an appearance on The Morning Show with Terry Biviano on Thursday, the veterinarian insisted that the franchise has evolved from the early days to include women who have become 'successful in their own right' 'When alliances start to form the show starts to not work. You see that in season one fairly clearly,' she replied. 'Everyone says that someone is a s**t and I'm like it is Housewives, we are not going to sit around and have a cup of tea.' Dr Adams began her career by appearing on Bondi Vet and made her debut on season two of RHOS earlier this year. The rest of the Real Housewives of Sydney cast are either married, have children, or both In October, the veterinarian revealed while she has enjoyed her time on RHOS she has no plans to give up her day job, as she loves animals too much to even consider it. 'I go from having my hair and makeup done with a glam squad and cameras around me to then putting on scrubs to fix a dog's anal glands!' she told Perth Now. 'I always said I would never, ever lose my time with my animals. It's certainly been a wild ride.' Arabella Chi left little to the imagination on Thursday evening as she attended the launch party of Dear Darling in Mayfair. The Love Island star, 32, ensured all eyes were on her as she donned a black corset style minidress, showing off her long legs. The bodice of her dress was completely see-through allowing a glimpse at her black bra underneath and ample cleavage. Arabella layered a black blazer over the top of her revealing outfit and a pair of coordinating knee high boots. She toted her essentials in a black handbag and completed her daring look with a delicate gold necklace, a matching bracelet and several chunky rings. Arabella Chi left little to the imagination on Thursday evening as she attended the launch party of Dear Darling in Mayfair The Love Island star, 32, ensured all eyes were on her as she donned a black corset style minidress, showing off her long legs Her outing comes after Arabella suffered a terrifying robbery ordeal last month while travelling abroad. The reality star was dragged from her car and attacked by two men from an organised crime group in the scary incident. She was travelling back from Ibiza with her father Paul when the incident happened after they took a ferry to Barcelona. The men slashed the tyres of her 60,000 car and took her designer handbag, purse and passports. She told The Sun of the terrifying experience: 'Reliving it all I feel physically sick. It was so scary and I've been having nightmares about being dragged out of bed, just like I was from the car... 'I was petrified when it happened, but now I know they'd been watching us and waiting to attack us, it is even more horrible to think about.' She said the criminals slashed the tyres while they were waiting at traffic lights after exiting the ferry and when they got out with an electric pump four men approached them. Arabella thought they were being kind but they were actually checking out the car to see if there was anything valuable in it. The bodice of her dress was completely see-through allowing a glimpse at her black bra underneath and ample cleavage Mary Charteris DJ'd the event and looked sensational in a satin cami as she hyped up the room Lady Mary posed alongside Skepta who was the surprise musical guest on the night After the pumping failed her dad went off to get help and she stayed in the car when the attackers approached, unlocked the car with a device and dragged her out. Arabella said: 'Hearing the doors unlock makes me feel sick. I was terrified. This man was grabbing my arm and pulling me out.' She then made so much of a fuss and noise that they left but she was left fearing they would return with more people. 'I rang my dad and was screaming and crying my eyes out. I was petrified. That is what I find so scary, I don't know what they would have done if they'd have come back.' Once her dad returned they realised Arabella's bag containing their passports and cash had been stolen by the second man while the one grabbing her had distracted her. She says she's since had nightmares and trouble sleeping and told how she won't ever do that drive again and if she does she will take a different route. The reality star was dragged from her car and attacked by two men from an organised crime group in the scary incident last month while travelling abroad "Toilet revolution" delivers healthier lifestyle, novel ideas to China's western plateau 13:11, December 08, 2023 By Bai Xu ( Xinhua XINING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- It was winter and the surrounding mountains were already capped with snow, but inside the clean school toilet, it was warm. Deqencog, a 12-year-old student at the Tibetan language boarding school of Huashixia Township, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China's Qinghai Province, was envious of the younger students at her school, who are now exempt from the problems she used to face. "Our former school toilet was dirty and smelly, with lots of mosquitos in summer. There was no light at night, and the pits were too broad. We were afraid of falling into the pits and had to go with classmates," Deqencog said. The shabby toilet was not equipped with partitions. During their periods of menstruation, girls would ask friends to shelter them in the toilet. Some even chose to go during classes when the toilet was likely to be empty. In this town with an altitude of more than 4,000 meters and an average temperature of 4 degrees Celsius below zero, the toilet floor was often slippery due to ice. "Many of us fell over," recalled Deqencog, which meant having to wear dirty clothes until the end of the school day. In rural China, she was not an exception. China launched the "toilet revolution" in 2015 to increase both the number and sanitation levels of toilets at tourist sites. The campaign expanded to also focus on improving public toilets in cities and building better private toilets in rural areas. In 2021, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) collaborated with China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) to explore ways of improving toilet conditions in rural areas. Qinghai was selected for a trial. "China's central and western regions were originally the focus of the 'toilet revolution.' It is especially difficult in Qinghai where many areas are remote and under-developed, and the weather is cold and dry," said Xu Qing, program officer on climate, environment and sanitation with UNICEF. "So we believe that if we can succeed in Qinghai, the experience could be borrowed by other places as well," she added. The new water-flushing toilet at Deqencog's school was completed in 2022, and was equipped not only with partitions, but also with a heater using solar power and hand-washing facilities. In the toilet, which is now available to more than 500 students and 70 staffers, the flushing system functions automatically at pre-set times, saving a lot of water. Thanks to enhanced education concerning hygiene, Deqencog and her schoolmates now all have better habits. "Everyone knows that they should wash hands after going to the toilet and before having meals," she said. Students are also changing the habits of their families. For instance, Deqencog always tells her parents and younger sister to wash their hands. Wang Huihui, a senior engineer with the Academy of Agricultural Planning and Engineering under the MARA, noted that in the countryside of western China, many people were reluctant to have a toilet inside their house. However, when Deqencog's family is relocated, the girl hopes to move into an apartment "with a clean toilet." In fact, in addition to hygiene habits, people's preconceived notions are also being changed in the course of this "toilet revolution." At the central school of Taizi Township, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, the new toilet uses a new model called "micro-water flushing." Wang said this is because the school has not yet been connected to the water and sewage networks. Zheng Wanxian, 40, is head of the education bureau of Huzhu and has been working in the education sector for about 20 years. He has heard lots of complaints from local people about dry toilets. "There was a primary school with a strong smell due to its dry toilet, and farmers living nearby complained to us," he recalled. "We spent more than 10,000 yuan (about 1,397 U.S. dollars) on building a fence and planting trees, but the farmers were not satisfied." The "micro-water flushing" model devised by experts utilizes rainwater and melted snow. The amount of water per flush is about 500 ml, which is equivalent to a bottle of mineral water and one-sixth of that of an ordinary water closet. Each pit also features a high-pressure water spray gun for cleaning. To minimize the impact on the environment, the new toilets are connected to a septic tank that converts the faeces into farm manure. "Huzhu is an agricultural county, and the fertilizer could help subsidize the cost of septic tank cleaning," Wang explained. Li Shengye, principal of the central school, has noticed that cases of abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by poor hygiene habits among students have decreased since the development of new toilet facilities, while the number of students taking sick leave has also dropped. The new toilet model has been adopted not only at schools, but also in some local clinics and community centers. Now that the percentage of rural residents in China using flush-equipped toilets had exceeded 70, the "toilet revolution" has a long way to go, as more than 80 percent of rural schools in Qinghai are still using traditional dry toilets. Meanwhile, Wang Huihui has the additional task of exploring other convenient toilet options. Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai was ravaged by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in 2010, while a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Golog in 2021. Experts have responded by creating a foldable "box toilet" that can be used temporarily in the event of disasters. Qinghai is home to many nomadic herdsmen, and Wang hopes that this "box toilet" can also provide convenience for them. A Xinhua reporter witnessed that it took just about 10 minutes for a "box toilet" to open or fold, while the folded toilet is only around 0.4 cubic meters in size. "Such new models could play a role in South-South cooperation," said Xu Qing. In fact, she disclosed that while many other countries have expressed their interest, UNICEF China is now working with South Africa and Cambodia to duplicate these new technology models, and help them achieve their climate-resilient sanitation goals. "With the advancement of the 'toilet revolution,' various innovative technologies and products have been born in the Chinese market, which are not only easy to use but also affordable, and are thus welcomed by other countries," Xu said. Perhaps inspired by the new toilet, Deqencog said she wanted to become a doctor or scientist in the future. "I think their jobs could be very helpful to others," the girl said with a smile on her face. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) . : Julianne Moore cut a sophisticated figure in a muted ensemble as she attended a screening of her film May December at Soho House in London on Thursday. The actress, 63, stars in the film alongside Natalie Portman which is inspired by a woman named Mary Kay Letourneau, who was arrested in 1997 after pleading guilty to two counts of rape. For the screening, Julianna showed off her age-defying beauty in a chic understated outfit. The actress wore a tan jumper and a gold sparkly midi skirt which she teamed with silver heels and hoop earrings. Julianne Moore cut a sophisticated figure in a muted ensemble as she attended a screening of her film May December at Soho House in London on Thursday For the screening, Julianna showed off her age-defying beauty in a chic understated outfit Charles Melton, who also stars in the film, attended the screening and the cast members took to the stage to answer questions before the film. May December sees Natalie playing the role of actress Elizabeth Berry, who researches sex offender-turned-baker Gracie Atherton-Yoo, played by Julianne, in order to more authentically play her in an indie film. The woman is infamous for her 23-year-old relationship with her husband Joe, played by Charles, whom she first met as a minor. Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, the married couple buckles under pressure when the actress arrives to do research. Julianne's character is a thinly-veiled version of Mary Kay Letourneau, who served six years in prison for felony second-degree rape of her 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau. The controversial couple reunited after she was released and they welcomed two daughters and eventually married. They were married for 14 years before they separated in 2019 and Mary then passed away, at the age of 58, from colorectal cancer the following year. May December was released on November 17 before streaming on Netflix on December 1 in the US and on Sky Cinema from 8 December in the UK. The American movie was directed by Todd Haynes from a screenplay by Samy Burch and premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. The actress wore a tan jumper and a gold sparkly midi skirt which she teamed with silver heels and hoop earrings. Charles Melton, who also stars in the film, attended the screening After the screening, the flame haired star returned to The Corinthia Hotel Fans have been going wild for the drama and have taken to Twitter to praise the acting and storyline and in particular Charles' performance The cast members took to the stage to answer questions before the film Julianne's character is a thinly-veiled version of Mary Kay Letourneau, who served six years in prison for felony second-degree rape of her 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau Fans have been going wild for the drama and have taken to Twitter to praise the acting and storyline and in particular Charles' performance. One fan said: 'It's the next morning after seeing may December (2023) and I can't get Charles Melton's performance out of my head. 'He's just so good and the film itself is a freaking masterpiece dude.' Another said: 'They don't make movies like may December anymore!' Sofia Boutella looked glamorous as she attended the Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire premiere at the BFI IMAX Waterloo, London on Thursday night. The actress, 41, - who plays Kora in the sci-fi adventure film - wowed in a sequin black gown that had a sexy cut-out at the back. In the film - from director Zack Snyder - Sofia stars as Kora, a former member of the Imperium who rallies warriors from across the galaxy to fight against the Motherworld. Meanwhile Charlie Hunnam stars as Kai, a mercenary and starship pilot hired by Kora. At the premiere actor Charlie, 43, looked dapper in a navy three-piece suit with a white shirt. Sofia Boutella looked glamorous as she attended the Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire premiere at the BFI IMAX Waterloo, London on Thursday night Meanwhile her co-star Charlie Hunnam looked dapper in a navy three-piece suit with a white shirt The actress, 41, - who plays Kora in the sci-fi adventure film - wowed in a sequin black gown that had a sexy cut-out at the back The synopsis reads: 'When a colony on the edge of the galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of the tyrannical Regent Balisarius, they dispatch a young woman with a mysterious past to seek out warriors from neighbouring planets to help them take a stand.' Sofia posed up a storm in the stunning dress as she took to the red carpet for the glitzy event. She wore her brunette tresses slicked back and opted for a glamorous makeup look. The highly-anticipated film is the first of a two-part project, with Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver - slated for release on April 19, 2024. Snyder has indicated in past interviews that he's been working on this story for the past 20 years, and at one point it was a pitch for a new Star Wars movie. The trailer released last month begins with Hagen (Ingvar Sigurdsson) telling Kora (Sofia), 'When I first found you in the wreckage of that ship, I considered leaving you. I was afraid you could bring trouble to us.' Kora is talking to another woman when she sees a massive ship landing and immediately takes off running. Another man (Corey Stoll) asks, 'What do you think they want?' A distraught Kora answers, 'Everything.' In the film - from director Zack Snyder - Sofia stars as Kora, a former member of the Imperium who rallies warriors from across the galaxy to fight against the Motherworld Actress Sofia posed up a storm in the stunning dress as she took to the red carpet for the glitzy event The highly-anticipated film is the first of a two-part project, with Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver - slated for release on April 19, 2024 She wore her brunette tresses slicked back and opted for a glamorous makeup look on the night (L-R) Charlie Hunnam, Sofia Boutella and Ed Skrein attend the London Premiere of Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child Of Fire Meanwhile Charlie stars as Kai, a mercenary and starship pilot hired by Kora More ships follow as the nefarious Admiral Atticus Noble (Ed Skrein) walks off one of the ships, as Kora watches carefully from a distance. Gunnar (Michiel Huisman) insists, 'We're just farmers. We're not a threat,' while later around a campfire Gunnar asks Kora, 'They won't just kill us, will they?' Admiral Atticus shows off his rather brutal side, causing many women to shriek, while Kora tells Hagen, 'You're delusional. You think those soldiers will show them mercy?' Later Kora tells one of the soldiers to stop... but when he doesn't, she dispatches several soldiers with ease, stunning the townsfolk. 'We're gonna have to fight,' Kora tells them, as we see flashbacks to a younger Kora in battle, as she tells Hagen, 'I am a child of war. If we find warriors to fight with us...' as Hagen finishes, 'We might stand a chance.' Later, Kora is seen trying to recruit more to her cause, telling someone, 'We're searching for soldiers to fight against the Motherworld. Kai (Charlie Hunnam) tells her, 'I could help you. For a small fee, obviously,' as he cracks a smile. They fly to another land as she finds General Titus (Djimon Hounsou), as Kora says, 'I'm here to make you an offer. To give you a chance at redemption.' The trailer released last month begins with Hagen (Ingvar Sigurdsson) telling Kora (Sofia), 'When I first found you in the wreckage of that ship, I considered leaving you. I was afraid you could bring trouble to us' Snyder has indicated in past interviews that he's been working on this story for the past 20 years , and at one point it was a pitch for a new Star Wars movie Kora is talking to another woman when she sees a massive ship landing and immediately takes off running Another man (Corey Stoll) asks, 'What do you think they want?' A distraught Kora answers, 'Everything' Titus insists, 'We are beyond redemption,' but she tries another approach that seems to intrigue him: 'What about revenge?' Kora adds, 'This isn't just pursuit of revolution,' as it's revealed that Kora is, 'the most wanted fugitive in the known universe.' The trailer winds down with a number of action-packed shots showing off the massive scope of the film. 'It's a new age for the universe,' says Jimmy (Anthony Hopkins), as the trailer comes to an end. Sydney Sweeney has been Down Under filming the thriller Eden in Brisbane with her fiance Jonathan Davino by her side. And on Thursday, the couple put on a PDA as they strolled through the Gold Coast Airport to catch a flight back to U.S for the holidays. Sydney, 26, and Jonathan, 40, held hands and smiled as they made their way through the terminal together. The Euphoria actress looked chic in a cream coloured tank top which she partially tucked into a pair of matching pants. Jonathan kept things casual in a white T-shirt, black jeans, and stylish sunglasses. Sydney Sweeney and fiance Jonathan Davino put on a united front as they strolled through the Gold Coast Airport to catch a flight back to America for the holidays Sydney, 26, and Jonathan, 40, were all smiles as they rode the escalator together It comes after Sydney and her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell were forced to shut down rumours of an on-set romance. Rumours began to swirl at the beginning of the year during filming, and quickly gained traction after Glen quietly split with his model girlfriend Gigi Paris in April. Sydney finally shot down the rumours during a tell-all interview with Variety, saying 'It's a rom-com. That's what people want!' She added: 'Glen and I don't really care.' The Euphoria actress spun around and gazed up at her adoring fiance The pair held hands and smiled as they made their way through the terminal together They appeared to be having a wonderful time together as they laughed 'We have so much fun together, and we respect each other so much; he's such a hard worker, and I'm a hard worker,' she continued. 'We're excited for the press tour, and I literally just left ADR with him. We talk all the time like,' the blonde beauty quipped. Despite the pair continually denying any possibility of a romance, fans of the two Hollywood heavyweights found such statements hard to believe after the rom-com co-stars were spotted spending a lot of time together in Australia... when they weren't filming scenes. The actress looked chic in a cream coloured tank top which she partially tucked into a pair of matching pants A production member on the film even relayed that many of the workers on set 'thought they were already a couple.' They continued, 'I knew him from Top Gun. But I just assumed they were a couple in real life. That's what it looked like to most of us. And to some of the extras as well.' Although the 6ft heartthrob did break up with his girlfriend while filming Anyone But You, with Gigi even unfollowing the White Lotus star, Sweeney is still very much together with her fiance, Jonathan Davino, 38, who has also joined her in Sydney as she does her reshoots. It comes after Sydney and her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell were forced to shut down rumours of an on-set romance The pair have looked more loved up than ever recently, with Sydney and Jonathan even joining Riverdale star Lili Reinhart on a double date with her boyfriend Jack Martin while the foursome were vacationing in Venice back in September. A source told TMZ back in April that the curvaceous beauty was 'still engaged,' to the Chicago restaurateur and that Powell and Sweeney were 'not dating.' The same insider verified that Jonathan and his sex symbol fiancee were still living together as well, despite theories to the contrary. Natalie Portman has a unique connection to Britney Spears as she revealed this week that they share the same first acting job. The Oscar-winner, 42, and the pop superstar, 42, both worked as understudies for child star Laura Bell Bundy in the Off-Broadway musical Ruthless back in 1992. 'Britney was [Laura's first] understudy and then when Britney left to do the Mickey Mouse Club or whatever, I was the understudy,' she explained on LIVE with Kelly and Mark. Though Natalie took over the role from the Toxic hitmaker, they never actually crossed paths. 'So we actually didn't meet but we, like, knew of each other. Like I knew I was taking over for her.' Natalie Portman has a unique connection to Britney Spears as she revealed this week that they share the same first acting job The Oscar-winner, 42, and the pop superstar, 42, both worked as understudies for child star Laura Bell Bundy in the Off-Broadway musical Ruthless back in 1992 They were 10-years-old when the all-female stage show premiered in New York City. It ran from March 1992 to January 1993. Though she's known as the bonafide 'Princes Of Pop,' it was Britney's two season stint on the Mickey Mouse Club that helped make her a household name. She starred on the Disney series with fellow future A-listers Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling and Christina Aguilera from 1993 to 1994. Meanwhile, Natalie gained critical acclaim at age 13 for her riveting performance in the action-thriller Leon (1994). She has since starred in over 70 films and has won an Academy Award and two Golden Globes over the span of her over 30-year career. Natalie appeared on Thursday's episode of LIVE to promote her latest film May December in which she plays the role of actress Elizabeth Berry, who researches sex offender-turned-baker Gracie Atherton-Yoo, played by Julianne, in order to more authentically play her in an indie film. The woman is infamous for her 23-year-old relationship with her husband Joe, played by Charles, whom she first met as a minor. Twenty years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, the married couple buckles under pressure when the actress arrives to do research. Julianne's character is a thinly-veiled version of Mary Kay Letourneau, who served six years in prison for felony second-degree rape of her 12-year-old student Vili Fualaau, who she later married and welcomed two children with. They split in 2019. The film premiered in theaters in November and it is now available to stream on Netflix. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Natalie wasn't wearing her wedding ring as she spoke to co-hosts Mark Conseulos and Kelly Ripa. @pagesix Spilling the beans on 'Live with Kelly and Mark' turns out Britney Spears and Natalie Portman kicked off their careers with the same first job! original sound - Pagesix | Celebrity Gossip Though Natalie took over the role from the Toxic hitmaker, they never actually crossed paths; Natalie seen in 1993 'So we actually didn't meet but we, like, knew of each other. Like I knew I was taking over for her,' she told the show hosts It comes amid rumors that she split from her longtime husband Benjamin Millepied over allegations of cheating. In June, the couple's marriage was rocked by a report in a French magazine Voici, which claimed that Millepied, 46, had cheated on his wife of 11 years with a 25-year-old climate activist named Camille Etienne. In August, Us Weekly claimed the couple had gone their separate ways following the affair reports. The outlet claimed that the couple had separated after they attempted to repair their relationship following claims Millepied had been unfaithful. However, a source close to the actress told DailyMail at the time that the reports of separation are just 'rumours' and 'speculation' and there has been no firm decision made. 'After news of his affair came out, they've been trying to work on their marriage but are currently on the outs,' a source told Us Weekly. However, People reported that an insider claimed the alleged affair with Etienne was 'short-lived' and is now 'over.' She was seen wearing her wedding ring shortly after the infidelity news broke, but has been seen without the ring in recent outings. According to Page Six, Portman learned of her husband's cheating in early March, and that the couple had separated last year but were able to work through their relationship problems. After this alleged transgression, they had been taking steps to do what they could to save the marriage. Though she's known as the bonafide 'Princes Of Pop,' it was Britney's (bottom right) two season stint on the Mickey Mouse Club that helped make her a household name Meanwhile, Natalie gained critical acclaim at age 13 for her riveting performance in the action-thriller Leon (1994) A source previously confirmed to DailyMail.com that the couple were still together after the affair claims emerged. 'He knows he made an enormous mistake and he is doing all he can to get Natalie to forgive him and keep their family together,' a source revealed to People. 'Natalie is incredibly private and has no intention of playing this out in the media. Her biggest priority is protecting her children and their privacy.' Despite the rumors of a separation, the couple have been spotted out together in the last few months as they parent their two kids. During a sighting in September, they were not wearing their wedding rings. A source close to the actress previously shut down rumors they had separated when speaking to DailyMail.com, insisting she still 'doesn't know' if she will walk away from her marriage, despite feeling 'powerless' as a result of the infidelity. '[Natalie] hates that [Benjamin's] infidelity has made her feel powerless,' the insider told DailyMail.com. 'She doesn't know if she can regain her power by staying with him or leaving him. 'It is really a struggle to have to continue to deal with it.' But, the source insisted that 'deep down', Portman and Millepied are still 'really in love' and are trying to work out what went wrong in their marriage. 'They are really taking it day by day because deep down they are really in love, and they are trying to figure out what has caused the distance between them,' the source continued. 'She wants to stay with him, and he really wants to be with her. 'They both know that breaking up and staying together forever are still on the table and only time will tell what direction they will actually take.' Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Natalie wasn't wearing her wedding ring as she spoke to co-hosts Mark Conseulos and Kelly Ripa It comes amid rumors that she split from her longtime husband Benjamin Millepied over allegations of cheating; seen in 2022 In June, the couple's marriage was rocked by a report in a French magazine Voici, which claimed that Millepied, 46, had cheated on his wife of 11 years with a 25-year-old climate activist named Camille Etienne; the couple seen in 2022 Portman, a native of Jerusalem, Israel, and Millepied, who's from Bordeaux, France, share two children together: son Aleph, 12, and daughter Amalia, six. They met back in 2009 on the set of her psychological horror film Black Swan, for which he did the choreography, that resulted in her winning the Best Actress Oscar for her riveting performance. The lovebirds got engaged in 2010 and were married in 2012 at Big Sur, California. Millepied again worked on choreography for Portman's dark musical drama film Vox Lux in 2018, in which she played a woman who survives a school shooting, only to become a pop star. Oliver! (Playhouse, Leeds) Verdict: Pick a pocket for a ticket if you must Rating: Pacific Overtures (Menier Chocolate Factory, London) Verdict: So-so Sondheim Rating: What is the greatest British musical of all time? The cascading Les Mis? The haunting Phantom? Or maybe the saucy, evergreen Rocky Horror Show? Matilda has been raking in cash for a dozen years in the West End, and Mamma Mia! may never let us go. And if you're thinking My Fair Lady or The Sound Of Music, you may like to sit down before you learn they are in fact American. For me, however, there's no contest. It's got to be Oliver! I'd take Lionel Bart's Sixties knees-up eight or even nine days a week. It's a show that's chock full of pre-loaded ear-worms from the heart-melting Where Is Love, to the Oom-Pah-Pah, everyone knows. The secret of its success is surely that it's driven by universal appetites: love, justice and food ('glorious food: hot sausage and mustard!'). Oliver! is the greatest British musical of all time. I'd take Lionel Bart's Sixties knees-up eight or even nine days a week. Pictured: Carter-J Murphy as Oliver The upshot? Another glorious outing for the greatest British musical of all time. Consider yourself well in. Pictured: Jenny Fitzpatrick as Nancy But it's still an absolute whopper of a show that needs to rise to the occasion night after night and that's just what James Brining's revival ensures in Leeds. Staged in the round, the show is garlanded with Victorian industrial trappings of iron girders and gangways, plus laundry and lanterns hanging overhead to create a gothic and grubby Dickensian London. But it's the characters that make it, sharply drawn and bursting with life. At the show I saw this week, this hearty Yorkshire iteration was blessed with a phenomenal performance by nine-year-old Carter-J Murphy as Oliver. And Hughie Higginson as the Artful Dodger is no slouch of a vagabond either. They've got a fabulous Fagin too, in Steve Furst. He's a pleasingly uninhibited crook wearing a tassel cap, goatee and floor-length coat. There's only one villain, and that is Chris Bennett's Bill Sikes, who looks like he's stepped in from a Spaghetti Western. And Jenny Fitzpatrick as his brassy girlfriend Nancy has a voice sharp enough to slice onions. The upshot? Another glorious outing for the greatest British musical of all time. Consider yourself well in. Staged in the round, the show is garlanded with Victorian industrial trappings of iron girders and gangways, plus laundry and lanterns hanging overhead to create a gothic and grubby Dickensian London Stephen Sondheim's musical Pacific Overtures is a potted history of Japan. Despite sometimes feeling like a Horrible Histories for kids, it's a harmless confection which intends to lament and lampoon the opening up of Japan to global trade in 1853. This revival's finest feature is a set by Paul Farnsworth. Even at this 11th hour, it could win design of the year, by setting the audience either side of a gold catwalk with 'rising sun' doors at one end, plus sliding panels, sumptuous kimonos and origami boats. Largely cod-Japanese, the score ranges from reed recorder and percussion, to corny kitsch and lots of outright parody. The characters are wall to wall caricatures, with the Japanese presented as autocratic control freaks or submissive automata. None of this is taken very seriously it's a musical, after all. So, running at an hour and 45 minutes without interval, the greatest test is less to your brain than to your posterior. Aladdin (Hackney Empire, London) Verdict: Hail the Dame Rating: Potted Panto (Wilton's Music Hall, London) Verdict: Fast fun Rating: Clive Rowe, the grandest Dame of his generation, again dons false bosoms to play Widow Twankey in his 16th panto at the Hackney Empire. Rowe, who also directs, appears in some spectacular Cleo Pettitt costumes, pictured, as the laundress who has to multi-task in these straitened times in her laundry/spot-welding shop/cocktail bar. There's much to enjoy, but Aladdin's energy dips noticeably when Rowe and Kat B (the Genie), are not on stage Fred Double is her son Aladdin, and the object of his affections is Jazz (Isabella Mason), whose father Mildew Funk (George Heyworth, who appears to be in a different production) wants to marry her off to some rich bloke. Abby-Na-Zaaar! (Natasha Lewis, an excellent baddie) sees an easy victim in the innocent Aladdin as she lures him to the treasure cave to retrieve the magic lamp. There's much to enjoy, but the show's energy dips noticeably when Rowe and Kat B (the Genie), are not on stage. Until December 31 (hackneyempire.co.uk) If you'd like to see a few pantomimes, but time is scarce, Potted Panto should suffice. It's a daft, 80-minute sprint through seven pantos, devised and performed by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, who play off each other nicely. Until December 30 (wiltons.org.uk) VERONICA LEE Like Steptoe and Son won the pools The Homecoming (Young Vic, London) Verdict: Long way from home Rating: Harold Pinter's 1965 drama The Homecoming has been fitted up like an edgy French Sixties Art-house film. But at least there's no need for subtitles in Matthew Dunster's more or less black-and-white staging starring Chernobyl's Jared Harris and Peaky Blinders' Joe Cole. Yet this new production also contrives to look like an episode of Steptoe and Son... after Albert and Harold have won a few bob on the pools. Dunster has clearly spotted there's something surreal going on in Pinter's seemingly humdrum drama about a professor of philosophy, returning from the U.S. to his East End roots with his attractive young wife in tow only to be taken down by his menacing old man and dodgy brothers. Clamorous jazz of shrieking trumpet and rattling snare drum slice and hammer through the action; and the actors are picked out by angular lighting on a greyed-out stage. Harold Pinter's 1965 drama The Homecoming has been fitted up like an edgy French Sixties Art-house film. Pictured: Jared Harris What's missing in the wide-open spaces of Moi Tran's set design, though, is the claustrophobic threat and tension that needs to underpin Pinter's dialogue to stop it lapsing into gibberish. Sadly, Harris is unable to dominate the stage as the self-mythologising father. Robert Emms, as Teddy, is like a good-natured, peace-making Gareth Southgate and hence a pushover for the buff brothers who move in on his wife. More seriously, Dunster's production fails to illuminate the play's grim misogyny, which sees Lisa Diveney cast as a Madonna-whore figure wearing a Mary Quant-style mini-dress and patent thigh boots. It may look and sound slick, but this show feels like an impenetrable historical throwback. PATRICK MARMION Infinite Life (National Theatre, Dorfman) Verdict: Weird and great Rating: A row of sun-loungers is arranged in front of an ugly wall of decorative breeze blocks. We can't see the view, but Sofi (Christina Kirk), the newest and youngest (at 47) arrival at this motel-turned-cultish-residential 'clinic' in California, where the 'treatment' is starvation, tells us it is a parking lot and a bakery, issuing smells of baking bread, surely pretty punishing for the hungry inmates. Sofi is trying to read George Eliot's Daniel Deronda, but frail Eileen (Marylouise Burke) keeps interrupting. She asks about the novel. It's 'weird and great', says Sofi. As is Annie Baker's latest play, Infinite Life. There are echoes of Pinter and Caryl Churchill in the naturalistic, inconsequential dialogue, the extensive pauses and sudden stabs of absurdity and hilarity, but Baker's weirdness and greatness are all her own. The play lines up on the loungers five feeble women, variously diseased, all in chronic pain and desperate to take charge of, or find peace with, their torturing bodies. Over 105 minutes, covering several days during which darkness falls and another day dawns (exquisitely created by lighting designer Isabella Byrd), the fasting women shuffle in and out, becoming increasingly unsteady. This is a portrayal of humanity at its most fundamental: the relationship between our flesh and our spirit and, in particular, where desire fits in sagging, failing, aging bodies. Director James MacDonald's superbly calibrated production and mesmerising performances could not be more painstaking. GEORGINA BROWN Diplo was seen out after a woman filed a police report against him, accusing the DJ of distributing nude photographs of her without consent, on Thursday... though he claims it's a 'smear campaign.' Despite the gravity of the allegations made against him earlier in the day, the 45-year-old songwriter appeared in good spirits as he attended Delilah Miami's grand opening, which was also attended by Shakira, Leonardo DiCaprio, DJ Khaled, Tyga and Janelle Monae. For the occasion, he wore a yellow button-down, olive green trousers, two gold necklaces layered on top of each other and a pair of patterned sneakers. At one point, he stripped down to just a black tank top and displayed his extensive tattoo collection as he posed for a photo with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Shaking it off: Diplo was seen out for the first time since a woman filed a police report against him, accusing him of distributing nude photographs without her consent, on Thursday His latest sighting comes after a woman claims he distributed naked photographs of a woman in what the American DJ's lawyer insists is an 'ongoing smear campaign' against him. The woman, Shelly Auguste, went to Los Angeles Police in August, 'to report that she was the victim of Revenge Porn,' with her report currently under review at the city's attorney's office. Auguste claimed she was contacted by a woman on Instagram, who said she had six nude photos of her which were either, 'the photographs that either [Diplo] took or that she had given to him,' adding she went to the police the day the woman contacted her. The report reads that Auguste, 'believes that [Diplo] is distributing the nude photographs because he is mad at her for recently filing legal action against him. She stated that he wants to harass and embarrass her.' Auguste was granted a new temporary restraning order against Diplo on September 18, though the musician had his own restraining order request denied. Auguste said in a statement, 'I think its time the music industry stops enabling the perpetual abuse that occurs.' 'I have been silenced for far too long. I hope that with this restraining order I can finally gain peace and protection. I hope that with the criminal investigation, the justice system gets it right this time,' she said. Diplo's attorney Bryan Friedman argued Auguste has been 'orchestrating an ongoing smear campaign against [Diplo]' for more than three years. Bryan Freedman said in a statement: 'Ms. Auguste has already been the subject of a restraining order, the violation of which resulted in an arbitrators ruling and a court judgment of more than $1.2 million in damages because of her misconduct.' 'Her recent attempt to enlist a co-conspirator to shake down [Diplo] in a bogus lawsuit fell apart within days when indisputable evidence disproved her story, and the case was dismissed,' he added. 'Now, Ms. Auguste is at it yet again. But [Diplo] will defend himself, and, just as he has done every time Ms. Auguste has defamed, harassed and attacked him and his family, he will win,' he contended. Auguste, 27, previously accused the Mississippi music artist, 45, of sexual battery, assault, defamation and fraud in a lawsuit filed in 2021. Diplo, born Thomas Wesley Pentz, went on to sue Auguste in Los Angeles Superior Court and win $1.2 million after claiming she had threatened to release revenge porn and repeatedly made unwanted contact with his child's mother and other family members. Now in her new case, which was brought to the Los Angeles city attorney's office in November by the LAPD, Auguste is suing the musician for an extensive list of alleged offenses. The charges include sexual battery, gender violence, intentional intrusion into private affairs, battery, assault, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and fraud, as well as violation of the Ralph Civil Rights Act and violation of the Tom Bane Civil Rights Act. Diplo's lawyer, Attorney Bryan J. Freedman, didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment - but told Pitchfork: 'For more than three years, Shelly Auguste has been orchestrating an ongoing smear campaign against Wes and this is just more of the same. 'Now, Ms. Auguste is at it yet again. But Wes will defend himself, and, just as he has done every time Ms. Auguste has defamed, harassed and attacked him and his family, he will win.' In 2020 - Diplo previously fired back against Auguste when she filed for a restraining order and accused him of distributing revenge porn by seeking an injunction of his own, claiming it's actually her who's leaking his nudes. Party time: Despite the gravity of the allegations made against him earlier in the day, the 45-year-old songwriter appeared in good spirits as he attended Delilah Miami's grand opening, which was also attended by Shakira , Leonardo DiCaprio , DJ Khaled, Tyga and Janelle Monae The DJ claimed his accuser was publishing nude images of him across social media, in addition to sending them some of his ex-lovers, including the mother of his children. Auguste first published the accusations on Twitter in October 2020. Shortly afterwards, a nude image of her appeared on the site that was published by a user she believes was acting on behalf of the DJ in an attempt to 'humiliate' and silence her. Auguste successfully obtained a restraining order to stop the artist from distributing any more 'revenge porn'. A judge also instructed Diplo to identify anyone he may have sent the images to and to get 'express written permission' from his accuser to further distribute any images. Attorney Lisa Bloom, who previously advised Harvey Weinstein, represented the accuser back in 2020. Bloom said: 'We are pleased to announce that by an order dated November 16, 2020, the Court ordered our requests "all granted" and the restraining order issued.' His sighting comes after Diplo was accused of distributing naked photographs of a woman - Shelly Auguste - in what the American DJ's lawyer insists is an 'ongoing smear campaign' against him Thomas Wesley Pentz, known professionally as Diplo, went on to sue Auguste in Los Angeles Superior Court and win $1.2 million after claiming she had threatened to release revenge porn and repeatedly made unwanted contact with his child's mother and other family members In 2020 - Diplo fired back against Auguste when she filed for a restraining order and accused him of distributing revenge porn by seeking an injunctio n of his own, claiming it's actually her who's leaking his nudes Freedman has represented the celebrity since 2020 - at the time of the restraining order the attorney said: 'To be clear, in no way has my client violated any law. In fact, he has repeatedly made it clear that he wants nothing whatsoever to do with this person.' The initial accusations from Auguste claimed Diplo 'preyed' on her after the two first made contact when she was 17-years-old and he was 36. Court paper state: 'Respondent messaged me on Twitter. I was shocked and excited because Respondent is a well-known DJ, record producer, and songwriter. 'After communicating via Twitter, we exchanged phone numbers and Snapchat usernames. I was 17 years old when we met and Respondent was 36 years old.' They did not meet until March of 2018 but 'regularly exchanged sexually explicit photos, videos, and messages', according to the filing. They are said to have had sex for the first time time April 2019. Attorney Lisa Bloom represented Diplo's accuser The current charges against Diplo include sexual battery, gender violence, intentional intrusion into private affairs, battery, assault, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress and fraud (seen last month) In the documents, the woman adds: 'I was caught off guard and shocked when Respondent sent me unsolicited videos of him engaging in sex with other females in or about October of 2018. 'I sternly told Respondent that I did not want him to ever record us engaging in sexual activities.' After claiming to have been contacted by a private investigator hired by the DJ, the woman says she felt 'threatened and intimidated'. In her Twitter thread on October 26, Auguste alleged that Diplo took explicit footage of her without her consent, writing: 'I SPECIFICALLY asked him not too & his reply was 'f*** it. I'm recording this.'' The initial accusations from Auguste claimed Diplo 'preyed' on her after the two first made contact when she was 17-years-old and he was 36 When Auguste was initially seeking the restraining order against Diplo, she identified herself only as 'Shelly' on her Twitter profile The thread Shelly posted about Diplo on October 26 2020 is shown in full above She also claimed he hired a private investigator to contact her after they got in an argument - saying that he wanted to 'scare' her so she wouldn't share the 'disgusting details' she knew about him. 'The private investigator stated to me that he knew my address, he knew my parents address, he knew my place of work as well as my parents place to work,' she tweeted. 'Take that as you may but most people will take that as a threat.' In another tweet Auguste wrote: 'I never had the will or intention to expose Diplo being that I did not want all the years I invested into speaking & hanging out with him to go in vain.or end nasty. 'But I slowly started to realize he is a huge manipulating liar / gaslighter who PREYS young women of ALL races (to be honest) but primarily young naive women of color.' Olivia Molly Rogers recently underwent a colonoscopy after having a bowel cancer scare. And now the former Miss Universe Australia, 31, has shared a health update after discovering a worrying genetic condition. She reassured her Instagram followers she is 'in the clear', but said she was told she has familial adenomatous polyposis, which means she will need an annual colonoscopy to remain cancer-free. 'I got my results back from the biopsy (from my colonoscopy last week) and I'm in the clear,' she explained in her lengthy post. 'I am so relieved and grateful. I've been anxiously waiting all week trying not to overthink what could have been.' Olivia Molly Rogers, 31, has shared a health update after worrying bowel cancer scare She continued: 'Turns out I have polyposis and I will need to have yearly colonoscopies for the foreseeable future, as it significantly increases my risk of developing bowel cancer. 'It is just something I need to stay on top of and I am grateful to be able to do so.' According to Mayo Clinic, polyposis is a rare condition caused by a gene defect with most patients inheriting the gene from a parent. She reassured her Instagram followers she is 'in the clear', but said she was told she has familial adenomatous polyposis, which means she will need an annual colonoscopy to remain cancer-free About 25-30% of people with the diagnosis develop the condition spontaneously. Polyposis causes extra tissue (polyps) to form in your large intestine (colon) and rectum. It can also occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract, especially the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). 'I got my results back from the biopsy (from my colonoscopy last week) and I'm in the clear,' she explained in her lengthy post. 'I am so relieved and grateful. I've been anxiously waiting all week trying not to overthink what could have been' If untreated, the polyps in the colon and rectum are likely to become cancerous when you are in your 40s. Most people with polyposis eventually need surgery to remove the large intestine to prevent cancer. It's not the first time Olivia has had to receive a colonoscopy due to health issues, with the beauty posting about her first experience last year. She opened up about her first experience 'because its a bit of a taboo topic when I think it really shouldnt be'. Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann has announced a big career move, three years after being cleared of sex charges. The 39-year-old bodybuilder and executive chef revealed he will be opening a new restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, called Ben's Italian. 'EXCITING NEWS... my new restaurant is coming!' Ungermann wrote on Instagram on Thursday. 'A fun fact about me, I make really great Italian food,' he added. Ungermann then revealed he'll be opening a pop-up restaurant, which will be launching on Friday. Former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann announced a big career move, three years after being cleared of sex charges Ungermann was spared a criminal conviction in 2021 for physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a Melbourne hotel room. The chef was instead placed on a diversion program, allowing him to avoid a criminal record, for the Docklands assault in February 2020. Three sexual assault charges against Ungermann over the same incident were struck out in Melbourne Magistrates Court. They were replaced with one charge of common law assault, with the consent of prosecutors and the girl. Ungermann admitted to physically grabbing the girl and pulling her towards him in his hotel room for a few seconds. At the time, he had travelled to Melbourne for filming for the Channel 10 cooking show MasterChef: Back to Win. The 39-year-old bodybuilder and executive chef revealed he will be opening a new restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, called Ben's Italian He and the girl had dinner, drunk sake and spoke about Ungermann's relationship breakdown before the assault. Ungermann said he was going to get 's**tfaced' before returning to the hotel room, asking the girl for a hug and pulling her onto his chest. His barrister, Abbie Roodenburg, said Ungermann took responsibility for what happened. 'This was a one-off brief touch,' the barrister also said, adding that it was 'out of character'. Ungermann agreed to write an letter of apology, make a $1,000 donation to charity and undergo mental health treatment as part of the diversion. The girl wanted to read a statement about the effects of the assault to the court. Ungermann was spared a criminal conviction in 2021 for physically assaulting a 16-year-old girl in a Melbourne hotel room Magistrate Mia Stylianou did not allow it, saying the wording was inconsistent with the charge Ungermann ultimately admitted to. 'I've read that and I'm saddened by it,' the magistrate also said of the statement. Ms Stylianou emphasised the stress the victim had gone through, particularly as she had prepared to give evidence against Ungermann before the case resolved. Ms Roodenburg said the 'public personality' lost his reputation and sponsorships gained through his first appearance on MasterChef in 2017, when he was runner-up. 'He understands that this process is stressful for everybody,' the barrister added. 'But certainly for Mr Ungermann, the way in which these charges have come about and the media attention has caused significant extra-curial punishment.' The chef was instead placed on a diversion program, allowing him to avoid a criminal record, for the Docklands assault in February 2020 Ms Roodenburg also said a criminal conviction would have made it hard for Ungermann to move forward and pursue work overseas. He was also represented by Western Australian-based solicitor and fellow 2017 MasterChef contestant Benjamin Bullock. Outside court, Mr Bullock said: 'We welcome the opportunity for Benny to clear his name. It's really just about him going forward now and moving on with his life.' The magistrate acknowledged Ungermann had endured public opprobrium through media coverage of his case. Paris Hilton's ex-fiance Chris Zylka only has good things to say about the heiress. The 38-year-old actor and model who covered his 'Paris' tattoo in 2019 was a guest on the Ned's Declassified Podcast Survival Guide and he looked back at his time dating the mogul, 42. The Leftovers star revealed that he misses Hilton's family, but admitted he couldn't divulge many details about their romance due to an NDA. 'I have nothing bad to say, and anyone that does have anything bad to say about her, is probably a bad person, to be honest with you,' he declared. Getting candid, he noted, 'I miss her family. I miss her mom and dad and her brothers and sister. I miss driving from her house to Bel Air to hangout with them.' Paris Hilton's ex-fiance Chris Zylka only has good things to say about the heiress The Leftovers star revealed that he misses Hilton's family, but admitted he couldn't divulge many details about their romance due to an NDA As for regrets, Zylka said, 'I've never been able to apologize to her for just like, not being grateful for the experience and all that she did for me.' Continuing to praise the entrepreneur, he added, 'She's the one relationship that I've ever had that there was no take, it was all give. It was all give. And it was really lovely.' The couple dated for three years before their romance ended in a called-off engagement five years ago. He dished, 'I'm not supposed to say anything because when we did finalize everything and breakup I know about past breakups with her, so I did sign an NDA saying that I won't write a book or say anything like that, but there was never anything negative that I could say.' Chris referred to Paris as a 'rockstar' for her musical accomplishments as a DJ. The two ultimately went their separate ways so he could focus on work, which he had not doing during their time together. 'My work was just really important to me. And I obviously chose her over work, and I don't regret it. It was at the peak of my career,' he explained. 'We were going into the final season of The Leftovers. And my time with her, I didn't work, which was just two, three years, but the overall experiences and just the people, the people that you would meet. Just such lovely people.' 'I have nothing bad to say, and anyone that does have anything bad to say about her, is probably a bad person, to be honest with you,' he declared Paris is now married to Carter Reum and the two welcomed son Phoenix in January The television personality announced on Thanksgiving that she also welcomed a baby girl named London her second child with husband Carter via surrogate Last December Zylka proposed to then-girlfriend Hailee Lautenbach, but it's unclear if the two are still together. Hilton moved on with husband Carter Reum, whom she wed in November 2021 with a lavish ceremony and celebration. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Phoenix, in January after opting for surrogacy. Then, on Thanksgiving, Paris shocked fans when she announced she and Carter now have a newborn daughter named London, who was also welcomed via surrogate. Following Selena Gomez's reveal that she's dating music producer Benny Blanco, Dailymail.com is taking a closer look at the music professional. Gomez, 31, on Thursday took to Instagram liking a post from the account @popfactions that reported the 'rumored' romance; after the account published another post that read, 'Selena Gomez Seemingly Confirms That She Is In A Relationship,' Gomez wrote, 'Facts.' Gomez subsequently took to Instagram Stories with a black-and-white image of herself in which she appeared to be cuddling with Blanco, and later tangled with fans who said he had spoken negatively of her more than three years ago. Blanco, a 35-year-old native of Reston, Virginia, has been involved in the industry for more than 15 years as a musical artist, producer, and songwriter. Blanco has collaborated with a bevy of big name artists - including Gomez herself, on tracks such as this year's Single Soon, and his 2019 song I Cant Get Enough. Following Selena Gomez's reveal that she's dating music producer Benny Blanco , Dailymail.com is taking a closer look at the music professional. Gomez, 31, was pictured earlier this week in LA, while Blanco, 35, was pictured at an event in LA last month Gomez subsequently took to Instagram Stories with a black-and-white image of herself in which she appeared to be cuddling with Blanco Blanco has also worked with Gomez's ex Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lizzo, Britney Spears, Katy Perry, SZA, Ed Sheeran and Keith Urban, according to Harper's Bazaar. Blanco established himself earlier in his career working for Dr. Luke's Kasz Money Productions. He has been a songwriter on a number of hit tracks, including Rihanna's Diamonds, Maroon 5's Moves Like Jagger, Spears' Circus, and Ke$ha's TiK ToK, among others. As a solo artist, he released his first album Friends Keep Secrets in December of 2018. The record, which topped out at 41 on the Billboard 200, included contributions from Bieber, Halsey, Calvin Harris, Omar Apollo and Gracie Abrams. He has had six singles hit the Billboard Hot 100 over the last five years, including 2018's Eastside (with Halsey & Khalid); as well as 2019's Roses (with the late Juice WRLD and Brendon Urie) and I Can't Get Enough (with Gomez, Tainy and J Balvin). In recent years, he's charted with the 2020 tracks Lonely (with Bieber) and Real S*** (with Juice WRLD) and 2022's Bad Decisions (with BTS & Snoop Dogg). Blanco chat with The New York Times in 2018 about his skillset when it comes to making music. 'I couldn't sit down and play a concert for you or really wow you on any instrument,' he said. 'What I can do is meet an artist, know what type of song I think we should make and be their therapist, make everyone feel comfortable.' Blanco was pictured bidding during a charity auction Gomez hosted in LA in October Gomez hosted the Inaugural Rare Impact Fund Benefit supporting youth mental health Blanco, who has been a songwriter on a number of hit tracks, was pictured at the Grammys earlier this year in LA Blanco, a musical artist, producer, and songwriter, was pictured at the Grammys last year in Las Vegas Blanco was past rumored to be in a romance with Elsie Hewitt, a 27-year-old model-actress from London. Pictured in LA in January of 2020 Aside from his musical endeavors, Blanco has also taken in interest in culinary arts, as he's set to release a cookbook in April titled Open Wide Blanco was past rumored to be in a romance with Elsie Hewitt, a 27-year-old model-actress from London. Gomez has past been in high-profile relationships with stars such as Bieber, The Weeknd, Zedd, Nick Jonas, and Taylor Lautner. Aside from his musical endeavors, Blanco has also taken in interest in culinary arts, as he's set to release a cookbook in April titled Open Wide. He announced the forthcoming project in an Instagram post last month, saying he's been into cooking since he was 13, when a friend of his got a George Foreman grill. 'We would invite friends over, get high and make the most elaborate sandwiches our prepubescent minds could fathom,' Blanco said. 'I know what you are going to say cooking is scary. You dont know where to begin. It can be overwhelming. 'And cooking for a group of people, f*** that.. but i'm telling u, once you get into it, itll be ur new addiction, its like meditating. Slicing an onion is like taking a Xanax to me.' Gomez commented on the post 'Finally' with an emoji of raised hands. Dina Broadhurst was the envy of all the other mums as she stepped out in style at her son's Year 12 formal. The nude artist, 46, shared a series of images to Instagram of herself and her family as they prepared to attend the milestone celebration. Dina was dressed in a slinky black dress with eye-popping cleavage and wore white pumps from Ferragamo, which retail for about $1490. She completed her look with a Prada satin mini-bag with crystals priced at $3250. Son Leo looked smart and dapper in a classic fit suit, and in a sweet video Dina also shared, gave his date a decorative corsage. Dina Broadhurst (pictured) was the envy of all the other mums as she stepped out in style at her son's Year 12 formal The nude artist, 46, shared a series of images to Instagram of herself and her family as they prepared to attend the milestone celebration Dina was dressed in a slinky black dress with eye-popping cleavage and wore white pumps from Ferragamo, which retail for about $1490. She completed her look with a Prada satin mini-bag with crystals priced at $3250 It comes as the socialite was recently linked to millionaire property investor, Tony Benjamin. Back in October, she appeared to soft launch a new beau on Instagram by posting a very revealing beachside snap. The photo in question showed a bikini-clad Dina lying on a towel at a scenic beach. A mystery man's hands were seen caressing her back, however his face was notably cut out of the frame. Son Leo (pictured right) looked smart and dapper in a classic fit suit, and in a sweet video Dina also shared, gave his date (pictured centre) a decorative corsage 'Long weekend heat,' she wrote next to the photo and added a scorching sun emoji. It is unclear if the man in the picture is Benjamin. In August, Dina was thrust into a public love scandal after she was spotted canoodling with Benjamin in the Eastern Suburbs. The pair were photographed kissing during a stroll along the famous Bondi to Bronte walk. Benjamin is said to have previously been in a professional and romantic relationship with Potts Point jeweller Chrissi James. Well-placed eastern suburbs sources say silver-haired fox Benjamin has in the past been referred to as 'Mr Sexy Time' and has dated several local socialites over the years. Broadhurst appeared to soft launch a new beau on Instagram by posting a very revealing beachside snap on Tuesday It comes as the socialite was recently linked to millionaire property investor, Tony Benjamin. Benjamin is said to have previously been in a professional and romantic relationship with Potts Point jeweller Chrissi James (pictured) Along with having been romantically involved, Chrissi and Benjamin are the brains behind III Rooms Sydney - a holiday rental of three apartments in an iconic three-storey building in Sydney's Potts Point. This comes after Dina split from her longtime partner Max Shepherd in June. Max, 31, recently moved into Michael Clarke's bachelor pad in Vaucluse, and he nursed his heartbreak with a trip overseas. During his trip, he shared several videos on Instagram of himself enjoying time on a luxury yacht with his genetically blessed pals - with Dina noticeably missing from the celebrations. It remains unclear if he is now back from Europe or not. The couple, who had been building a new home together in Sydney, were in a relationship since 2018. Max last appeared on Dina's feed back in February and he most recently posted a loved-up picture of the couple in December last year. Nicki Minaj has revealed that nearly spilling out of her 2022 Met Gala look is what 'cemented' her choice to undergo a breast reduction. The 40-year-old rapper unveiled her reasoning while appearing in Vogue magazine's Life In Looks segment. 'I just realized just this moment that actually there was something good that came out of this,' she noted as she was shown a photo from fashion's biggest night. 'Its what really cemented the fact for me that I had to get my breast reduction,' the New Yorker explained. Minaj also noted that she 'loved' the look at the time of her fitting, but predicted that her bosom would cause an issue. Nicki Minaj has revealed that nearly spilling out of her 2022 Met Gala look is what 'cemented' her choice to undergo a breast reduction The 40-year-old rapper unveiled her reasoning while appearing in Vogue magazine's Life In Looks segment Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, was dressed in a pink and purple patterned cardigan with slicked back wet and wavy black hair in the Vogue clip. She wore a matching purple beaded necklace as she explained about her black Burberry Met Gala look, 'I said, "You guys, listen, look these boobs are gonna be spilling out."' The mother-of-one continued, 'And by the time we were ready to go, I looked in the mirror, I said, "Guys, my boobs are still spilling out."' The songwriter also noted that she 'knew before we even left the room that the boobs were about to have a night of their own.' While doing a red carpet interview that night, she even commented on them as she cautiously kept her hands over her voluptuous chest. The star quipped, 'The only unplanned thing about my look is my boobs popping out, because they made my cup size a little small.' She added jokingly, 'Enjoy these ti****s, cause yall aint gonna see that ever again.' This past June the Bronx-bred entertainer proudly revealed her 'new boobs' in a social media clip promoting her collaboration with Ice Spice. 'I just realized just this moment that actually there was something good that came out of this,' she noted as she was shown a photo from fashion's biggest night This past June the Bronx-bred entertainer proudly revealed her 'new boobs' in a social media clip It came after a May 2022 Instagram Live in which the Starships hitmaker voiced her interest in breast reduction surgery. 'Im not gonna lie, somebody did tell me to get my boobs taken off, like a female in the industry,' she dished at the time. In her November 2023 cover interview with Vogue, she spoke about her cosmetic surgery stating, 'Actually, I love it.' She continued, 'I used to want a bigger butt, and now I look back and realize how silly that was. So love your curves, and love your non-curves. Theres nothing wrong with any of it.' Alessandra Ambrosio draped her supermodel figure in a clinging sequined minidress for a sizzling appearance in Miami. Defying the dropping temperatures amid the progressing holiday season, she made her presence felt at the city's historic Fontainebleau. The 42-year-old Brazilian bombshell was at the iconic hotel for an Art Of The Party bash in her honor thrown by Ocean Drive magazine. Indicating the credentials that catapulted her to fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel, the smoldering sensation opted for a figure-hugging ensemble. Her off-white cocktail dress fell flatteringly over her enviably svelte frame and was cut high enough to put her statuesque legs on display. Alessandra Ambrosio draped her supermodel figure in a clinging sequined minidress for a sizzling appearance in Miami Defying the dropping temperatures amid the progressing holiday season, she made her presence felt at the city's historic Fontainebleau Amplifying the effect, the Erechim-born clotheshorse strutted her stuff across the red carpet while balancing expertly on a towering pair of gleaming stilettos. She wore her curtains of silky dark hair down and sharpened her pinup features with makeup including a slick of blood-red lipstick. Adding an extra splash of glitz to an already shimmering look, 'Ale,' as her fans affectionately called her, accessorized with a bracelet. Her latest public appearance comes about three months after it emerged that she had parted ways with her model boyfriend Richard Lee. Alessandra confirmed her romance with Richard when they were spotted on a romantic dinner date in February 2021. However, by the beginning of this September an insider informed DailyMail.com: 'They have not been spending much time together this summer.' Further, the insider spilled: 'She has been with pals and kids, and he has been working so they have drifted apart and have not been dating for a while.' The source added: 'She has always been really fond of him so maybe they will work it out, but who knows? They have been apart for months now, so it's not likely.' Indicating the credentials that catapulted her to fame as a Victoria's Secret Angel, the smoldering sensation opted for a figure-hugging ensemble Her off-white cocktail dress fell flatteringly over her enviably svelte frame and was cut high enough to put her statuesque legs on display She was previously involved with Italian fashion designer Nicolo Oddi, who founded the brand Alanui with his sister Carlotta. Alessandra shares her two children Anja, 15, and Noah, 11 with her ex-fiance Jamie Mazur, who co-founded RE/DONE. Jamie and Alessandra were together for a grand total of 13 years and were even engaged before their eventual split in 2018. Alessandra gave birth to both of her children in Florianopolis and frequently takes trips there, making sure to post jealousy-inducing snaps to her Instagram. A few years ago she, her sister Aline and their close friend Gisele Coria founded a swimwear line called GAL Floripa, which the second part of its title from a popular local nickname for Florianopolis. In an interview with the Telegraph a few years ago, she revealed that she keeps a summer home in Florianopolis, which she named as her favorite place in Brazil. 'My entire family congregates there for the holidays,' shared Alessandra, who enjoys a warm relationship with her parents and sister. Braith Anasta has struck up a new romance. The former NRL player, 41, has lately been spending time with mother-of-two Evie Tziomakis. The pair headed out to Sydney's Coogee beach on Friday to have some fun in the sun. Braith showed off his fit physique in a pair of blue boardshorts while also wearing a cap and sunglasses. Evie flaunted her fit figure in a muti-coloured bikini, paired with designer sunglasses and a white bucket hat. Braith Anasta has struck up a new romance. The former NRL player, 41, has lately been spending time with mother-of-two Evie Tziomakis. Both pictured The pair headed out to Sydney's Coogee beach on Friday to have some fun in the sun Braith showed off his fit physique in a pair of blue boardshorts The young mum, who is of Australian-Greek heritage like Braith, relaxed on a beach towel as the pair soaked up the rays. Braith was earlier spotted enjoying a romantic night out with Evie at the Coogee Pavilion in Sydney last Friday evening. The footy player-turned-television presenter split from his fiancee, personal trainer Rachael Lee, last November. He and Rachael share daughter Gigi, five, while Braith also shares his eldest daughter Aleeia, nine, with his ex-wife actor Jodi Gordon. Evie flaunted her fit figure in a muti-coloured bikini, paired with designer sunglasses and a white bucket hat He was also wearing a cap and sunglasses Rachael also has a son, Addison, 13, from a previous relationship. At the time of their split, the rugby league pundit confirmed the couple was going through a hard time. 'Like many couples, we are going through a tough period,' he said on Instagram. He added they were 'trying to work through this for us and more importantly for our beautiful family and our amazing children'. Not long after their split Rachael confirmed her relationship with hunky bricklayer Blake Hillen - an amateur boxer from the Sutherland Shire. The young mum, who is of Australian-Greek heritage like Braith, relaxed on a beach towel as the pair soaked up the rays Braith was earlier spotted enjoying a romantic night out with Evie at the Coogee Pavilion in Sydney last Friday evening A source told Daily Mail Australia last year that Rachael and Blake were 'inseparable', but they now appear to now be off - with both unfollowing each other on Instagram. Earlier this year, reports circulated that Braith enjoyed a brief fling with P.E Nation co-founder Pip Edwards which ended after a couple months. An insider told the Daily Telegraph: 'Pip and Braith know one another from both being a part of Sydneys social scene. 'After spending a little more time together recently, they hit it off and started dating. 'They were hot and heavy for a short period of time, but it just didnt work and ended up being over before it began.' Strictly Come Dancing stars Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell were seen larking around after rehearsals on Thursday evening. The EastEnders star, 20, could not stop laughing as he stepped out with the Australian beauty, 34, ahead of Saturday night's live show. He was sporting a bold neon green jacket with navy Tottenham Hot Spurs tracksuit bottoms and shearling slippers, while acting the gentleman by holding Dianne's bag and holding on to a huge dinosaur teddy bear. The pro dancer meanwhile wore a cosy Christmas jumper while holding on to a tiger teddy bear herself during her giggling display with the partner. It comes after former Strictly dance professional Brendan Cole said the pair are being 'overmarked' after they received a 34 out of 40 for their salsa to (I've Had) The Time Of My Life from the hit 1987 movie Dirty Dancing last week. Strictly Come Dancing stars Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell were seen larking around after rehearsals on Thursday evening The EastEnders star, 20, could not stop laughing as he stepped out with the Australian beauty, 34, ahead of Saturday night's live show He was sporting a bold neon green jacket with navy Tottenham Hot Spurs tracksuit bottoms and shearling slippers, while acting the gentleman by holding Dianne's bag and holding on to a huge dinosaur teddy bear Brendan revealed that what the judges see compared to what the viewers see are two very different things, and he didn't agree with the couple's scores. The dancer, who starred on the show between 2004 to 2018, told Sky Bingo: 'Bobby shouldn't have had anywhere near 34, but that's the nature of the beast. What the judges see and what we see on television is often different... 'It's not always that easy to compare the two. In the studio you get a hyped audience, you get the audiences' reaction, you get different lighting effects that we don't see at home, plus [the judges] tend to really like him as a personality on the show.' Dianne sparked concern from fans after revealing she's got 'a lot going on in her personal life'. Dianne has faced heartache behind-the-scenes of this year's series, with her previously breaking down in tears on the show back in October after her father Mark was diagnosed with cancer. In a new interview, Dianne spoke about the difficulty of not being in Australia with her family as her dad goes through chemotherapy. Dianne told Heat Magazine: ' I am such a hard-working, crazy dancer that it's been a really nice balance, where Bobby has brought a lot of calmness into my life. 'There has been quite a lot of going on in my personal life over these past few months, and Bobby has been really realistic and supportive, telling me everything's going to be OK. The pro dancer meanwhile wore a cosy Christmas jumper while holding on to a tiger teddy bear herself during her giggling display with the partner Brendan revealed that what the judges see compared to what the viewers see are two very different things, and he didn't agree with the couple's scores 'It's crazy that such a young guy can have such a good mind on him.' Bobby lost his mother, Big Brother star Jade Goody when he was aged 5. Jade died aged 27 from cervical cancer on Mother's Day in March 2009. Last month, Dianne's father Mark, who lives in Dianne's native Australia with her mum Rina, started chemotherapy in his battle against cancer. Dianne hasn't specified what cancer her has father has, but shared a photo of him on his first day of chemotherapy. She said: 'Im so proud of you dad. First round of chemotherapy today! I wish I could be there to hold your hand and support you in person but I do know that Im making you so proud over here in my concert every week. The couple had a laugh while heading out of the rehearsals 'The Australian nurses and drs are now very aware of strictly come dancing as my dad wont stop talking about it you can do this daddy xxx Go mark'. Dianne posted another photo of her father to her Instagram Story, with the Maxwell song she will dance to on Saturday in the background. The story featured texts from herself and texts from her father. She wrote in several texts: 'be strong daddy', 'you are brave and stronger than you think', 'that where I get my bravery from', 'it will pass the feeling', 'and you will get better soon', 'I know you will'. Dianne's father wrote back: 'Hi Dot, All the very best for tonight's concert for you and BOBBY I know you can do it 8, 9, 9, 10 love you more daddy'. Bobby was holding on to Dianne's bag as he left the studio Dianne has faced heartache behind-the-scenes of this year's series after her father Mark was diagnosed with cancer It was back in October that Dianne admitted her father was not doing well after she broke down in tears on Strictly Kimberley Garner looked typically chic as she enjoyed some drinks with her pal at the exclusive club Loulou's in Mayfair on Thursday. The Made In Chelsea star, 32, couldn't stop cuddling her friend's little pooch as she was captured cradling it and looking after the dog. The actress boosted her slender figure in a pair of white tight trousers teamed with a black turtleneck top, towering herself in a pair of trim-fur beige boots. Her make-up choice was lightning, enhancing her already stunning looks as she finished with a peachy gloss. Kimberley looked joyous flashing a grin and kept her blonde locks loose - as the TV star seemed to be enjoying her time out with her close pal. Kimberley Garner, 32, looked typically chic as she enjoyed some drinks with her pal at exclusive club Loulou's in Mayfair, London, on Thursday The Made In Chelsea star couldn't stop cuddling her friend's little pooch as she was captured cradling it and looking after the dog The actress is currently dating Andreas Anthis, as they were seen for the first time together in July packed on the PDA while walking her dog Sasha in London. The former Made In Chelsea star cut a chic figure in all black as she strolled hand-in-hand with the hunk. The reality star previously dated her MIC co-star Richard Dinan. While not much is known about the handsome chap, the couple appeared happier than ever as they made their way through the busy city and stopped numerous times to enjoy a kiss. Kimberley first found fame on Made In Chelsea and has made a name for herself as a successful swimsuit brand entrepreneur. She recently spoke about how she used to pretend to be an intern when she first started the business as nobody took her seriously. She told MailOnline: 'I think people sometimes think that Im only the face, but I am responsible for every bit of the business.' 'I was 18 when I started my first company - I came up with an idea, stayed up for days learning how to register the company and teaching myself. It became very successful overnight.' Kimberley is currently dating Andreas Anthis, after the duo were seen for the first time together in July packed on the PDA while walking her dog Sasha in London She explained: 'However, as I was only 18, no one ever imagined it was mine. I was a young blonde girl with a soft voice. 'No one would take me seriously or realise it was my company. So, I pretended to be the Intern! 'I handled all the meetings, phone calls, and emails for the company. 'When it became a success, I put all the revenues into starting Kimberley London.' In September, the English star sent temperatures soaring as she posed for a sizzling new swimsuit shoot in Capri, Italy while promoting her new mens swimwear range. The star displayed her jaw-dropping figure as she slipped into a white one-piece while posing in front of a picturesque sea view. Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Kimberley accentuated her natural beauty with a light palette of makeup. In another look, the model sizzled in a skimpy red two-piece that highlighted her sun-kissed tan. The media personality showcased her figure further as she donned a bright yellow bikini while perched over a piano. She also slipped into a navy swimsuit while posing on the edge of a cliff against a blue and white beach chair. Kimberley discussed her new men's range with MailOnline, saying she knows how to make men look good. She said: 'Uniquely I'm a women designing for men. I know how I want a man to look - I know how a women wants a man to look. 'I'm designing for the opposite sex. Men's swimwear that will make her think, wow he looks hot. 'I tried many different fabrics but this was the one. It falls tailored and luxury to look at, but is total comfort as it's very stretchy, enough to play sport in. 'They are so soft, nearly as comfortable as being naked. I have worked for 3 years with my London based team, I'm actually producing in London as keeping it British is important to me.' However, the property heiress insisted she's more than just the face of her line Kimberley London and is involved with every aspect of creating her sell-out swimwear range. Adrien Brody cosied up to his girlfriend Georgina Chapman at the Red Sea International Film Festival's closing ceremony in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The actor, 50, has been dating designer Georgina, 47, since early 2020 and the pair looked overjoyed as they attended the last night of the annual film event in Jeddah. Georgina - who was previously married to the disgraced film producer and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein from 2007 to 2021 - beamed while she posed with the iconic actor on the red carpet. She was dressed to impress in a gold silk dress with beaded detailing and an off-the-shoulder design paired with a slashed split rising to near her hip. Meanwhile, The Pianist star Adrien looked dapper in a tuxedo and kept his dark locks slicked back in a stylish manner. Adrien Brody cosied up to his girlfriend Georgina Chapman at the Red Sea International Film Festival's closing ceremony in Saudi Arabia on Thursday The actor, 50, has been dating designer Georgina, 47, since early 2020 and the pair looked overjoyed as they attended the last night of the annual film event in Jeddah Georgina - who was previously married to the disgraced film producer and convicted rapist Harvey Weinstein - beamed while she posed with the icon Adrien and Georgina looked cosy together as they cuddled up on the plush blue seats once inside the event. The glamorous pair were then seen chatting to Indian actress and jury member Freida Pinto, who wowed in a striking red gown complete with a host of jewellery. The Oscar-winning actor and the fashion designer were set up by Danish model Helena Christensen in April 2019, according to The Sun. The two, who had initially met through Weinstein, were introduced 'properly' at a swimwear launch in Puerto Rico where they 'bonded over cocktails,' according to an insider. The source said: 'Helena had invited them both to her swimwear launch in Puerto Rico, and they bonded over cocktails against a backdrop of various beautiful beaches. 'Obviously it's still quite a new thing, but Adrien is smitten and Georgina is the happiest she's been in ages. 'She has had a torrid past couple of years, and finally feels ready to move on with her life. Her kids and family are all aware, and everyone whole-heartedly approves.' The glamorous pair were seen chatting to The Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto (right) during the glitzy occasion Adrien and Georgina also posed for a picture with jury member Freida, who stunned in a festive red dress Gwyneth Paltrow stood out from the crowd as she joined Halle Berry at the closing night of the Red Sea International Film Festival 2023 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Thursday Halle Berry wowed show-stopping outfit which boasted long sleeves, structured shoulder-pads and was covered in intricate embroidered sequin patterns Other A-listers to arrive at the star-studded event included Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, who turned heads in a bold yellow dress with voluminous sleeves and a draped skirt. Meanwhile, Halle Berry, 57, ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived in an ornate gold and black high-necked gown. Professional boxer Amir Khan was also in attendance at the event with his wife Faryal Makhdoom. He looked sharp in a black double breasted blazer, teamed with a coordinating shirt and trousers and a blue spotted tie. Professional boxer Amir Khan was also in attendance at the event with his wife Faryal Makhdoom Victoria Beckham and her daughter Harper enjoyed some quality time together at a Vogue event in Miami on Thursday. The fashion designer, 49, beamed as she shared a sweet snap with Harper, 12, who donned a black dress for the event. Victoria looked sensational as she donned a chic white suit from her upcoming Spring/Summer collection. Pairing the suit with a simple black leather belt, her and Harper perfectly complimented each other, as her daughter donned an all black floor-length dress. The youngest of the Beckham brood smiled in the snap with her mum, while Victoria also shared it on her story with the caption: 'Love u so much #Harper Seven!!!' Victoria Beckham looked sensational in a white suit as she posed alongside daughter Harper, 12 at Vogue event in Miami on Thursday The former Spice Girl looked sensational as she donned a chic white suit for the event from her Spring Summer collection launching next year Meanwhile she captioned her main post: 'Special day with #HarperSeven and the #Vogue100 ladies @TheWebster!! Thank you @VogueMagazine, my friends and @lhd!! Kisses from Miami xx 'I'm wearing my #VBSS24 white suit, coming soon to VictoriaBeckham.com and 36 Dover Street!!' Victoria also shared snaps with her friends at the event as she thanked Vogue for the lunch. 'Thank you @voguemagazine, @thewebster and my friends for an amazing lunch and talk today! So thrilled for my fashion, #VBFragrance and #VBEyewear to be here in Miami. 'Loved meeting all of the #Vogue100 ladies and thank you @lhd for hosting us and @lilahramzi for our wonderful talk. Kisses from Miami xx'. Sharing clips from the lunch on her story, Victoria addressed the group and shared her excitement for their collaboration. She said: 'I'd like to thank the lovely ladies at Vogue 100, thank you for coming. Look I am really excited about what we are going to be doing together. 'This is just the beginning of something really really exciting so thank you for believing in me.' Victoria paid special thanks to CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, Anastasia Soare who cut a fashionable figure in a beige shirt, green trousers and red boots. Pairing the suit with a simple black leather belt, her and Harper perfectly complimented each other, as her daughter donned an all black floor length dress (pictured with hairdresser Ken Paves) Victoria enjoyed some quality time with her youngest child Victoria also shared snaps with her friends at the event as she thanked Vogue for the lunch (pictured with Antonela Roccuzzo and Elena Galera L-R) Pictured with Features editor at Vogue Lilah Ramzi Victoria paid special thanks to CEO of Anastasia Beverly Hills, Anastasia Soare who cut a fashionable figure in a beige shirt, green trousers and red boots Victoria gave a speech during the lunch as she expressed her excitement for the future 'This is just the beginning of something really really exciting so thank you for believing in me' Victoria pictured with Amber Ridinger, Loren Ridinger and Nadia Ferreira (L-R) It comes after Victoria's eldest son Brooklyn was caught by surprise when he found himself tagged in his mother Victoria's unusual social media post on Tuesday. The 24-year-old awkwardly brushed-off his mother after she publicly asked him whether he wanted his baby tooth back. Victoria took to Instagram to share that she discovered Brooklyn's baby tooth that she kept when it feel out years ago. Alongside a photo of the grimy tooth on the kitchen counter, Victoria wrote: 'Found this old baby tooth.... Do you want it back???? @brooklynpeltzbeckham @davidbeckham'. Unsurprisingly, Brooklyn politely declined his mother's offer to have his nearly 20-year-old tooth back. Reposting the original post, Brooklyn joked: 'No thank you hahah'. Brooklyn was caught by surprise when he found himself tagged in his mother's unusual social media post on Tuesday The former Spice Girl took to Instagram to share that she discovered Brooklyn's baby tooth that she kept when it feel out years ago He announced his engagement to his long-time sweetheart only days ago. And AFL star Brodie Grundy seems eager to share his excitement over the joyful news with his fans. The 29-year-old Swans recruit posted to Instagram on Thursday to post a loved up pic with his bride-to-be Rachael Wertheim. The cute couple, holding each other close, can be seen posing against Sydney's Harbour bridge in the photo, Meanwhile, Rachael, a physiotherapist, is prominently displaying her impressive new engagement ring as rests her left hand on Brodie's shoulder. AFL star Brodie Grundy posted to Instagram on Thursday to post a loved up pic with his bride-to-be Rachael Wertheim only days after announcing their engagement. Both pictured It comes after Brodie let slip the couple's exciting wedding news during a press conference on Monday, as he was discussing relocating from Melbourne to Sydney for the AFL. 'I was just so impressed with the Swans' pitch and the first meeting I had, I walked out with my now fiancee and we were just blown away,' he told the media. 'We walked out and we thought that would be amazing to land up in Sydney.' The lovebirds grew up together in Adelaide and after they began dating Rachael moved to Melbourne with Brodie as he was signed to Collingwood FC. They have lived together for several years and share two dogs, Ava and Sam. They have lived together for several years and share two dogs, Ava and Sam (pictured) Brodie also revealed they would be living in scenic North Bondi upon finalising their move. 'We came up in the pre-season bye and were actually sitting up on the North Bondi patch of grass daydreaming about what it would be like to live here. Funnily enough it manifested itself,' he began. 'We've found a place in North Bondi and second day in I've gone for a surf. It's just those added little bonuses.' The Adelaide born athlete began his career with the Collingwood Magpies, who he played for from 2013 - 2022. He signed with the Melbourne Dees last year and played for them throughout 2023 before announcing he was moving to the Sydney Swans. Gwyneth Paltrow attended the closing ceremony of The Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday after she was drawn into the centre of an arts-washing row. The 51-year-old Oscar-winning actress dazzled onlookers in a voluminous yellow dress as she posed alongside CEO of the Red Sea Film Foundation, Mohammed Al Turki. But critics have condemned wellness guru and Goop founder Paltrow for ignoring the countrys egregious human rights record while attending the prestigious event. Human rights campaigners have said that The Red Sea Film Festival is another example of the regimes arts-washing and sports-washing campaign, whereby glamorous international events are hosted in a country to distract from its immoral behaviour. Inside the oil-rich kingdom homosexuality remains a crime punishable by death and women still do not have equal rights and are considered the property of their fathers or husbands. Gwyneth Paltrow, 51, posed alongside Red Sea International Film Festival CEO Mohammed Al Turki for the festival's closing night on Thursday, despite finding herself at centre of Saudi Arabia 'arts-washing' row Critics of the regime are regularly imprisoned and in 2018 dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed by agents of the Saudi Government at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Paltrows attendance was especially surprising as, outside of her role as Pepper Potts in Marvel films, she has not had a leading role in a film since Mortdecai in 2015. But it is rumoured that A-list celebrities including Johnny Depp and Will Smith were offered around $1 million to walk the red carpet in Jeddah. Puck news website claimed that: $1 million was the standing offer that went around the talent agencies for major stars to walk the carpet Will Smith may even have gotten more than that. Fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to criticise Paltrow's involvement, with one sharing: 'Can see Will because he is toast in Hollywood, but Paltrow does she need the million dollars or Sharon Stone what about support for LGBTQ community'. A second penned: 'I like each of these actors, for different reasons, including projects they've done. But personally would have nothing to do with Saudis in any form for cruelty & brutality they do to women and men who oppose them.' A third chimed: 'More like a true reflection on these people who will do anything for money. Have no principles.' Another added: 'On brand I guess...' While the star essentially retired from the film business over a decade ago, she agreed to fly to the Middle East alongside fellow stars Will Smith , Sharon Stone and Johnny Depp for the controversial film festival Her brightly coloured number boasted a central slit to give a peek at her long legs and matching strappy yellow high heels Yet her appearance didn't go unnoticed as fans took to Twitter to express their opinions on the star's attendance A spokesman for Paltrow did not respond to requests for comment about her specific fee for attending. Paltrow was joined on Thursdays red carpet at the festivals closing ceremony by a number of other A-list celebrities. James Bond star Halle Berry, 57, stunned in an ornate gold and black high-necked gown with a keyhole cut out. Meanwhile Spiderman actor Andrew Garfield, 40 looked suave in a white open collared shirt and black suit as he ironically made a peace sign with his fingers in front of photographers. A spokesperson for Human Rights Watch earlier this year said: The Saudi government has been using this high-profile Festival as a means by which to draw attention from its egregious human rights record. The human rights record in the country is only getting worse. It is deeply concerning that this Festival is engaging powerful artists and performers and celebrities who have made use of freedom of expression through their art and yet are participating in a Festival which is hosted by the government which does not tolerate freedom. The chair of the jury this year is the Elvis and Moulin Rouge! Director Baz Luhrmann who has also spoken warmly about Saudi Arabia. Luhrmann said he came to Saudi before accepting the role. 'I came in a quiet way to do my own investigation For 30 years there was no cinema and then, all of a sudden, movies are being seen. 'I got to know the studios but what I was really struck by was the young, emerging filmmakers and how hungry they are to tell their story. That's why I am here. At a time when politics fails us, storytellers have to be heard and that's what we're here to support.' Speaking at the festival last week Will Smith rebuilding his reputation after the Oscars slap in 2022, said he was keen to work in the Kingdom, saying he had ambitions to make: 'A movie with Denzel yes! A movie with Denzel Washington in Saudi!' He added: 'You know, I think that right now the thing I'm really excited about is the transfer of knowledge. I really want to teach. I really want to teach filmmaking. I want to work with people on big movies. 'And so what's exciting to me about Saudi is it's a it's a brand new film community. So it's brand new filmmakers. And there's a style of global storytelling that I've traveled the world and I understand tiny little adjustments that make things global - to be able to take local stories and make them global. For the closing night she joined Halle Berry and Andrew Garfield on the carpet Andrew Garfield looked typically dashing in a white open collared shirt and a black suit as he threw up a peace sign for the photographers Halle Berry also attended the event in a dazzling dress Joel Kinnaman cut a stylish figure in a brown blazer with embroidered patterns stitched into it as he attended the event Georgina Chapman joined by her boyfriend Adrien Brody, who looked dashing in a black blazer and trousers Adrien and Georgina also posed for photograph with Saudi Arabian film producer Mohammed Jason Statham put on a debonair display in a classic black suit with a collared shirt and black bow tie 'So I'm excited to travel the world and collaborate and be able to teach and build build global storytelling community. I have a deep faith in the power of sharing our stories with one another, to help heal wounds; to help learn about each other. 'I feel like this next phase of my life is going to be working in global collaboration to create an exchange of our stories that creates bridges. I just don't feel like politics will necessarily create the change so I'm putting the burden on myself and on global artists. Absolutely. I love it here. Someone tell me where my house needs to be!' This film festival has been organised by a foundation chaired by the Saudi culture minister. Cinema had been banned in the kingdom until six years ago. Now the country is investing millions into the film industry as part of its strategy to move the economy away from oil dependency. MBABANE - SwaziPharm Wholesalers (PTY) Limited has reinstituted the summons wherein it is demanding E52 million from government. Government will now be required to file a fresh request for further particulars, which SwaziPharm must respond to. In the fresh summons, the particulars of claim are still the same, save for the number of days within which government is expected to file its notice to defend. In the withdrawn summons, SwaziPharm had given government 14 days to file its notice to defend. In the reinstituted one, it (SwaziPharm) has given government 21 days to file its notice to defend. SwaziPharm Wholesalers (PTY) Limited, which offers various products, services, pharmaceuticals, disposables and devices, has taken government to court, demanding a sum of E52 901 377.13. Demands Government filed a request for further particulars, which contained the five demands to SwaziPharm. In respect of the monies demanded by SwaziPharm, government requested a copy of the tender certificate or approval to supply the medical goods to the Ministry of Health, amounting to E12 857 896.56 and E39 797 095.59, respectively. Government also requested copies of the delivery invoices duly signed by a representative of the Ministry of Health and purchase orders for the medical goods. It is further governments demand to SwaziPharm that it should provide proof of payment of monies towards the settlement of goods procured under the two claims if any relating to the tender approval of such goods. Lastly, SwaziPharm was called upon to provide proof of a bank guarantee to perform in terms of the tender. Claims SwaziPharm Wholesalers has made two claims. In the first claim, it was demanding payment in the sum of E12 857 896.56. The plaintiff averred that it had a contract with government so it supplied in terms of it (contract). The plaintiff claims that the aforementioned amount was in respect of the balance owing on medical goods and supplies purportedly sold and delivered by the company to various medical facilities under government at the latters special instance and request between June 2016 and December 2020. The amount, according to SwaziPharm Wholesalers, was now due, owing and payable at nine per cent interest per annum. Demanding In the second claim, SwaziPharm Wholesalers is demanding a sum of E39 797 095.59 from government. The money, according to the company, was for goods it sold and delivered at governments special instance and requests between June 2016 and December 2020. The veracity of these allegations is still to be tested in court. Government will file its answering papers in due course. In total, the amount being demanded by SwaziPharm Wholesalers from government is E52 654 992.15. SwaziPharm Wholesalers is represented by attorneys from Robinson Bertram in the matter. Helen Flanagan has hit back after being once again cruelly mum-shamed by trolls. The former Coronation Street star, 33, came under fire after she posted a snap in her racy outfit from The British Fashion Awards, with one vile comment reading: 'Think more of flashing your t*ts than your kids.' Yet Helen hit back as she took to Instagram on Thursday to discuss her 'bond' with daughter Delilah, sharing a snap of the pair after heading out to watch the Jack And The Beanstalk pantomime. The mother-daughter dup beamed for the camera as they enjoyed quality time in Manchester, where they also treated themselves at a fancy restaurant for dinner. 'She brings me so much happiness, very lucky to be her mama,' Helen penned and added: 'Our bond', accompanied by sparkling and a butterfly emoji. Helen Flanagan broke her silence after being mum shamed as she shared a sweet Instagram story with her daughter Delilah, five, on Thursday The former Coronation Street star, 33, came under fire after she posted a snap in her racy outfit from The British Fashion Awards, with one vile comment reading: 'Think more of flashing your t*ts than your kids' The actress - who had a boob job earlier this year - was mum-shamed by trolls after she turned up the heat in a daring look for the British Fashion Awards 2023 The former I'm A Celebrity star shares Mathilda as well as Delilah, four, and Charlie, one, with ex-husband Scott Sinclair. The doting mum didn't have a care in the world about the backlash she received after her racy Instagram clip. The actress - who had a boob job earlier this year - was mum-shamed by trolls after she turned up the heat in a daring look for the British Fashion Awards 2023. Helen shared the jaw-dropping look on Wednesday, as she dazzled in a plunging black lace corset with an attached maxi skirt. The glamorous number boosted her surgically-enhanced cleavage, as she oozed confidence while striking a slew of poses both inside her house and on the red carpet of the annual fashion event. Some people disapproved her look as one person criticised: 'Think more of flashing your t*ts than your kids.' 'Why do we have to be half naked now to get attention? What happened to being classy? Looks like she has a lingerie set on, forgot the time then put on a skirt in a hurry,' wrote another. Another user said of her ensemble: 'Beautiful, but your skirt looks like its falling down ( would look better over the hips ) & it looks like youve forgotten half of your outfit you need a better stylist Helen, theyre doing you no favors, & youre a stunning girl.' But some other fans rushed into Helen's defence, including some of her celebrity pals as they gushed over the actress Helen looked incredible at the British Fashion Awards as she dazzled in a plunging black lace corset with an attached maxi skirt The star is known for displaying very sultry looks on her Instagram page, often modelling Ann Summers, as she is an ambassador of the lingerie brand But some other fans rushed into Helen's defence, including some of her celebrity pals as they gushed over the actress. 'So this is what perfection looks like,' commented one user. Love Island star Molly Smith gushed: 'Beautiful.' 'Purrrfect,' said Carol Vorderman. During the glitzy event which took place at Royal Albert Hall on Monday night, Helen reunited with her former Corrie co-star Michelle Keegan. Helen and Michelle, 36, posed for a selfie outside the female toilets as they beamed happily. Helen posted the sweet snap to her Instagram story with the caption 'Love you @michkeegan' and a pink heart. Michelle first appeared in Coronation Street as Tina McIntyre in 2008 before being killed off in 2014 by the brother of Carla Connor. Helen starred as Rosie Webster, daughter of longtime characters Sally and Kevin Webster from 2000 to 2012, before the character returned in 2017 and left again in 2018 to star on a Japanese game show. During the glitzy event which took place at Royal Albert Hall on Monday night, Helen reunited with her former Corrie co-star Michelle Keegan, 36 Danielle Harold became the fifth celebrity to leave the I'm A Celebrity jungle on Thursday evening. And as the EastEnders actor, 31, leaves behind Tony Bellew, Nigel Farage, Sam Thompson and Josie Gibson to fight for the jungle crown, the star has opened up about her most unlikely friendship from her time Down Under. Speaking to Lorraine live from Australia on Friday morning she opened up about her friendship with the former UKIP leader, referring to him as her 'craziest new mate'. Despite his strong controversial political views, the campmates have enjoyed getting to know the 'real' Nigel underneath his political persona. Danielle said: 'Nigel is like the dad of camp, he just gets on with it. He's been a big part of my jungle experience and the craziest new mate that I've made. I'm A Celebrity's Danielle Harold, 31, has revealed Nigel Farage is the 'dad of the camp' and describes the politician as he 'craziest new mate' in an interview with Lorraine on Friday Despite his strong controversial political views, the campmates have enjoyed getting to know the 'real' Nigel Farage underneath his political persona 'We've all spoke about the WhatsApp group, we can't wait to make the WhatsApp group when everyone's out.' Revealing her most memorable camp moments, she continued: 'One of my highlights was washing Nigel Farage's pants I have to say.' Danielle left the camp after losing out to Tony Bellew in the public vote after they came in the bottom two in the latest elimination. Asked by Ant and Dec who she thinks deserves to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle, she revealed: 'Sam, please vote for Sam... he's such a trooper, he's such a great guy. '[Sam's] literally become a brother to me. We're both a bit crazy, bubbly and loud, probably got on everyone's nerves down there... he made me laugh so much,' she went on. 'I thought [his energy] was brilliant, I'm egging it on. You need someone down there with energy constant, when you dip, you need someone to bring you back up, and that's Sam.' Continuing her support for the Made In Chelsea star she told Lorraine: 'He definitely deserves to be king of the jungle. He's my king of the jungle.' She added: 'The campmates they are the best bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure to spend time with. We just laughed the whole way through. Danielle told Lorraine: 'Nigel is like the dad of camp, he just gets on with it. He's been a big part of my jungle experience and the craziest new mate that I've made' Danielle left the camp after losing out to Tony Bellew in the public vote after they came in the bottom two in the latest elimination Danielle revealed she is rooting for Sam Thompson to win King of the Jungle as she said: 'He definitely deserves to be king of the jungle. He's my king of the jungle.' Danielle became the fifth celebrity to leave the I'm A Celebrity jungle on Thursday evening Danielle is also rooting for Josie Gibson, the only woman remaining in the camp: 'Josie is my girl, standing strong for the girls so I'm definitely rooting for her' 'It's so hard to choose who do you want to win. Josie is my girl, standing strong for the girls so I'm definitely rooting for her.' Danielle was reunited with Nella Rose, Frankie Dettori, Fred Sirieix and Nick Pickard as she caught up with her old campmates outside of the jungle. According to The Mirror, Danielle screamed with delight as she was greeted with rapturous applause from her friends and family and the other celebrities loved ones who have made the journey to Australia. One of the first people who greeted Danielle was Nick who was sent packing from the jungle the day before her. All of the eliminated celebrities so far have backed Sam to win the 2023 series, and Danielle joined them in urging viewers to vote for him in the coming days. Frankie was the first campmate to be eliminated in the public vote and admitted he thinks Sam will take home the top prize this year. He said: 'My bet would be Sam. He brings a lot to the table, hes entertaining, he is silly, he sings, he is happy and I think what people is going to like about him is all of that. That to me is the winner.' Nella was the next star to be voted out of the jungle, and she too said: 'I think Sam should be King of the Jungle, he has wanted to do this since he was a kid.' Fred left camp on Tuesday after the third public vote and once again bet on Sam to make it all the way in this year's series. Moviegoers have not been disappointed by Wonka after its theatre release on Friday which tells the origin story of Roald Dahl's famous chocolatier. Those who made the trip to see the film, which stars Timothee Chalamet as its title character, emerged with glowing references about an 'amazing', 'glorious' and 'whimsical' adventure. One viewer even admitted that they had been brought to tears by the experience. They said: 'I'm probably the first to say this but there was sobbing in the movie theater and Timothee singing pure imagination was the perfect bow to tie that heartfelt moment all together.' Wonka also features Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, and newcomer Calah Lane. Cinema goers have hailed the new Wonka movie after its full theatre release telling the origin story of Roald Dahl 's famous chocolatier, played by Timothee Chalamet Countless X users joined in praising the new release, saying: 'Wonka is a sweet and fun ride that'll sure leave you in a sugar rush!... 'It is an absolute delight! So full of whimsy and charm, music and colour - I smiled from start to finish... Wonka is an absolute delight. LOVED IT.' Others were encouraged to 'definitely go watch it if you get the chance'. Unsurprisingly, the lead came in for particular praise. Fans of the Dune actor's display added: 'I went to see Wonka today and it was amazing! I loved it so much, and Timothee was AMAZING!... 'I had so much fun with Wonka - it is delightfully wholesome and the songs were incredibly catchy. 'Also enjoyed Chalamet's turn as the chocolatier - the dude can sing AND dance!' Other members of the cast were also singled out, including Hugh Grant despite controversy surrounding his selection for the role as an Oompah-Loompah. George Coppen, whose father played an Ewok in Star Wars, argued the part should have been offered to an actor with dwarfism. But one viewer of the film on its opening day - December 8 in the UK - said: 'Hugh Grant nailed the Oompa-Loompa!' And there were also questions about whether the spin-off was necessary, but one viewer admitted that they were pleasantly surprised by the prequel. 'Wonka was the biggest surprise of the year for me,' they said. 'My expectations were low for a prequel that I felt was unnecessary and unwanted. I was wrong. It was a whimsical, charming and overwhelmingly entertaining experience.' The lead came in for huge praise, as did Hugh Grand despite his role as an Oompah-Loompah being criticised in the movie's build-up Those who didn't make the trip to watch Wonka on its opening day were encouraged to do so if they had the chance The director also drew praise. Paul King has enjoyed success previously with the two Paddington films, and Wonka seems to have followed their lead when it comes to whimsical fun. 'Paul King surprised me with Wonka as it's sugar coated goodness left me smiling from head to toe,' one X user posted. 'It does enter familiar territory but it can easily be excused because of its wonderful nature. 'Timothee Chalamet is just so fun. I was swept up in the world of imagination.' The Daily Mail's Brian Viner awarded the film two stars out of five, he said: 'Chalamet was an understandable choice as the youthful Wonka, not least because there are multitudes of young people who practically swoon at the mere mention of his name. 'Chalamet is too wholesome for this role, and never quite finds the charisma he needs to fully engage us as a song-and-dance man, in a film that also feels too derivative by half. 'Poor but cheerfully ambitious, Willy sets out to make his fortune in a city that is a kind of hybrid of Dickensian London and Belle Epoque Paris. 'Sadly, his plans to set up a fabulous chocolate shop with skills taught to him by his late beloved mother (Sally Hawkins, seen in flashback) soon go awry, as he finds himself imprisoned in a workhouse run by nasty Mrs Scrubbit (Olivia Colman, channelling Catherine Tate's ill-tempered 'nan'). 'Another prisoner in the workhouse laundry is Abacus Crunch (Jim Carter), genial former accountant to the city's unscrupulous chocolate-making cartel, Slugworth (Patterson Joseph), Fickelgruber (Matthew Baynton) and Prodnose (Matt Lucas). 'This dastardly trio have the chocolate-addicted chief of police (Keegan-Michael Key) on their payroll, not to mention a conniving cleric (Rowan Atkinson). So even when Willy breaks out of the laundry with the help of his feisty young accomplice Noodle (newcomer Calah Lane), the odds are stacked against him. 'The cartel, grudgingly recognising his genius, must do all they can to stop him. And he has another apparent enemy a rascally Oompa Loompa (Hugh Grant, bizarrely shrunken by CGI). He added: 'There are some nice moments as all this unfolds, and a few good jokes and a couple others that are downright whiskery. When Willy needs to milk a giraffe (to make his giraffe milk macaroons, obviously), it turns out that he's milked one before, in Africa.' The origin tale on Willy Wonka - based on Roald Dahl's 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - is still yet to hit U.S. theaters, with it arriving on the other side of the Atlantic on December 15. The director, Paul King, also earned praise as the movie followed on from his similarly fun Paddington films Chalamet earned $9M to portray the titular character, according to Variety, beating Tom Holland, Donald Glover, Ezra Miller and Ryan Gosling to the position. The eccentric genius, who delighted in punishing naughty children, was memorably originated by Gene Wilder in Mel Stuart's 1971 beloved classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Wonka's absence of an explanation for its star's more sinister character traits is one area which has drawn criticism, or at least disappointment. Dahl's depiction of his famous Oompa-Loompas in the first edition of the book described them as almost black-skinned pygmies 'imported direct from Africa!' Fast forward nearly 60 years, and Chapter 16 of the latest edition of the book is significantly changed, with Wonka telling the children that the Oompa-Loompas were in fact 'Imported direct from Loompaland.' At the Roald Dahl museum and Story Centre, in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, a sign went up in the summer at its entrance declaring that the racism of the writer was undeniable and indelible. He is best known for his harsh critique and disparaging comments. And this dancing superstar graces our screens each week as part of the nation's favourite show Strictly Come Dancing. Yet when he isn't judging Foxtrots and Charlestons the star is taking to the stage himself in his latest pantomime role, starring in Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre. The star was seen in heavy drag make-up while taking a puff on his e-cigarette and wearing a dressing gown and slippers as he took a break by the stage door on Friday. But can you guess who it is? A TV star looked unrecognisable as he vaped in heavy drag make-up, a dressing gown and slippers in Wimbledon on Friday - but can you guess who it is? That's right, it's Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood - who is starring as the Wicked Stepmother in a Cinderella pantomime That's right, it's Craig Revel Horwood. The legendary dancer and choreographer, 58, is currently starring as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Craig stars alongside Pete Firman comedy-magician as Buttons, Britains Got Talent's Alison Jiear's as the Fairy Godmother and Small Island's Daniel Norford as Dandini. Craig was snapped taking a break from rehearsals as he puffed on his E-cigarette outside the theatre. The star had transformed into drag as he donned bright pink eyeshadow, high-arched brows and dramatic eyelash extensions. As opening night commences on December 8, the pantomime will run until January 7 as Craig juggles his role alongside the remaining two weeks of Strictly. This Saturday sees remaining couples Bobby Brazier and Dianne Buswell, Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola and Annabel Croft and Johannes Radebe dance twice for a place in the final. It comes after Nigel Harman and Katya Jones were forced to withdraw from the competition on medical grounds. Nigel suffered a rib injury while rehearsing for his Charleston last Saturday and had to drop out of the quarter final just hours before the live show. Craig has since spoken out about how the atmosphere has changed behind-the-scenes ahead of the semi-final. The legendary dancer and choreographer is currently starring as the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre The star rocked his flamboyant makeup while taking a puff on his e-cigarette Craig is best known as the bad cop Strictly Come Dancing judge The star had transformed into drag as he donned bright pink eyeshadow, high-arched brows and dramatic eyelash extensions Craig was seen heading back in after a break from rehearsals After Nigel's exit - which comes amid claims he had a furious row with his wife over his disappointing Blackpool score - Craig said it is now 'very quiet' backstage. The judge, 50, spoke of how hosts Claudia Winkleman, 51, and Tess Daly, 54, are doing their best to quash the nerves as the competition ramps up with two weeks till the final. Craig told Best Magazine: 'Claudias like The Mothership right now, making the celebs laugh and giving out hugs. 'Tess, too - but shes more calming. They work well to prepare the nervous couples before they go on. Its also gone quiet, backstage there arent many pairs left, everyones focused on the prize.' Katie Holmes looked happy as she bundled up for the crisp New York City weather in New York City on Friday. The Dawson's Creek alum, 44, wore a long, tan, double-breasted coat and had her hands shoved deep into the pockets. Under the coat wore a pair of jeans and a grey crew neck sweater over a white t-shirt. The Batman Begins actress completed her look with white boots from newly-launched brand Partlow, large sunglasses and a black handbag over one shoulder. Katie's long brown hair was tousled as if she had let it air dry after showering. This sighting comes after DailyMail.com reported the daughter she shares with Tom Cruise - 17-year-old Suri Cruise - will graduate from high school in June and plans on going to college in the fall of 2024. Katie Holmes looked relaxed and happy as she bundled up for the crisp New York City on Friday afternoon The Batman Begins actress added large sunglasses and a black handbag over one shoulder as she was photobombed by a man on the right The Alone Together writer, director and star had been a single mother to Suri. Suri's father is Katie's ex-husband Tom Cruise, 61. The Mission: Impossible star hasn't had anything to do with his youngest child since he and Katie split in 2012 after six years of marriage. The First Daughter star has been receiving roughly $33,000 a month in child support from her ex since their divorce. All of that will stop in April when Suri turns 18. However, the Top Gun actor will pay for his daughter's college tuition, DailyMail.com has learned. Suri is 'leaning towards' studying fashion in New York rather than attending a traditional college. 'Suri is applying to schools all over the place. [Katie] really does want her to stay in New York so they can be close to each other,' a source told Daily Mail exclusively earlier this year. 'Katie takes great pride in her but is also extremely overprotective,' the insider shared, adding that Katie is 'overwhelmed' by the idea of her daughter going off to college.' When the Rare Objects star divorced Tom, it was reportedly over his commitment to the Church of Scientology. The Dawson's Creek alum, 44, wore a long, tan, double-breasted coat and had her hands shoved deep into the pockets; she finished the look off with white boots from Partlow This sighting comes after DailyMail.com reported the daughter she shares with Tom Cruise - 17-year-old Suri Cruise - will graduate from high school in June and plans on going to college in the fall of 2024. Seen in 2018 According to the former couple's divorce documents, Tom agreed to pay Katie $400,000 a year until Suri turns 18 years old. The documents also state that Tom agreed to pay all of Suri's expenses, including 'medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.' 'Tom has always maintained his responsibilities when it comes to financial obligations to Katie and Suri,' the source told DailyMail.com. However, other than helping out financially, the Jerry Maguire actor hasn't had anything to do with Suri since 2013, a year after he and Katie split. Timothee Chalamet has revealed he thinks the Hull accent is the sexiest British dialect during a hilarious appearance on LADBible TV. The Wonka actor, 27, was asked by his co-star Keegan-Michael Key about which accents he is attracted to, guessing it would be French, but Timothee quickly answered: 'I like Hull.' Keegan-Michael, 52, echoed visibly surprised: 'You like Hull?' 'Yeah, why's everyone cracking up? Hull is sexy,' the Dune favourite replied as the actors played the Agree To Disagree game which sees them discuss the 'internet's biggest debates'. 'I like Hull and Essex is in my top three,' said Timothee as his 52-year-old co-star agreed: 'Everybody likes Essex.' Timothee Chalamet has revealed he thinks the Hull accent is the sexiest British dialect during a hilarious appearance on LADBible TV The Wonka sensation, 27, was asked by his fellow co-star Keegan-Michael Key if he thought French was the sexiest language - but Timothee promptly answered: 'I like Hull' 'I like a middle-aged Northern accent,' Timothee added as Keegan-Michael tried to contain his laughter and asked: 'So middle-aged Yorkshire?' The audience was left in stitches while the duo couldn't stop laughing as they poked fun by imitating the accents. Hull residents were delighted by the admission, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share: 'Okay so Im honestly obsessed with award-winning superstar actor Timothee Chalamet randomly saying HULL has the UKs sexiest accent. He speaks nothing but facts'; ' Timothee Chalamet declaring his love of the Hull accent feels like a fever dream'; 'Timothee Chalamet here saying the Hull accent is the sexiest accent, 100% agree, about time my rough northern accent was recognised'; how the hell does timothee chalamet know what a hull accent sounds like'; 'Timothee Chalamet doing more to put Hull on the map with one sentence than anything in 2017 ever did'; 'everyone from back home sharing that video of Timothee Chalamet saying he likes a hull accent on their insta story'. In the same clip, the Call Me By Your Name sensation branded Tom Holland the 'ultimate rizz master'. Timothee - who starred alongside Tom's actress girlfriend Zendaya in Dune - also declared the star to be 'better looking than him' during the candid chat. Timothee and Keegan-Michael were asked if the Oscar nominee was better looking than Tom to which Timothee responded: 'Oh, man. Y'all going for the South!'' 'I'm going to strongly disagree on that, Tom is the ultimate rizz master. Internet knows this, Zendaya knows this, everyone knows this. Ultimate rizz master.' The pair were shown a past clip of Tom saying Timothee was better looking than him, declaring: 'It's gonna be Timothee Chalamet. I bet you've put him up there. No? 'Cause he's double handsome, and I'd lose that one!' 'I like a middle-aged Northern accent,' Timothee added as Keegan-Michael tried to contain his laughter and asked: 'So middle-aged Yorkshire?' Hull residents were delighted by the admission, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share the news Timothee spent a 'joyous' five months living in London while filming the much-anticipated Wonka prequel, where he stars as a younger incarnation of the iconic Willy Wonka. He has been praised by critics for his 'charming, pitch-perfect performance' as the titular character. '#Wonka is a super charming delight powered by an exceptional & pitch-perfect performance from Timothee Chalamet,' Collider senior producer Perri Nemiroff wrote. 'It can get quite silly and there's a few plot points that are a tad on the thin side, but that couldn't stop such an impossibly sweet film with a hefty & very effective dose of sincerity from warming my heart.' Gizmodo senior reporter Germain Lussier wrote that the 27-year-old Oscar nominee was 'reason alone to see' Paul King's $125M-budget musical fantasy. 'He's infinitely charming [and] a blast to watch,' Lussier tweeted. Timothee also branded Tom Holland the 'ultimate rizz master' after he starred alongside Tom's actress girlfriend Zendaya in Dune (Tom and Zendaya pictured in 2019) Bradley Cooper kept his hoodie up as he stepped out in New York City on Friday. The new food truck owner made his way down a sidewalk while wearing a pair of gray, white and charcoal camo cargo pants with a black pullover hoodie and gray sneakers. The actor, 48, put his hands into the top's front pocket in the cool morning temperatures. The I Am Groot voice actor wore square framed glasses and was spotted briefly chatting and smiling with a passerby who had exited a nearby shop with her arms laden with items. The award-winning actor and director is receiving rave reviews for his latest project Maestro, about the life and times of famed composter and conductor Leonard Bernstein. Bradley Cooper kept his hoodie up as he talked to a stranger in New York City on Friday The Oscar nominee put his hands into the top's front pocket in the cool morning temperatures as he shared a brief chat and a smile with a passerby who had exited a nearby shop with her arms laden with items The film has received an 82-percent rating from critics and a 91-percent rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. In an interview with Deadline, the multi-hyphenate who stars in, co-wrote the script and directed the film, admitted his love for classical music began with Bugs Bunny cartoons. 'Growing up, there was always classical music playing in the house,' he told the outlet. 'So, because of the cartoons I was watching, I used to wave my hands about and pretend that I was creating the music that I was hearing. One Christmas I asked Santa, and all of a sudden I had a baton that I was able to wield.' It's uncertain if his young daughter, Lea, six, whom he shares with ex-partner Irina Shayk, 37, will receive a similar stocking stuffer over the holidays, but he credits his youth with inspiring his work in the Oscar winning A Star is Born. 'So, I always knew that, in a way, Ive been prepping this character since I was little. I guess it was the same thing with my last movie, A Star is Born: Id been playing air guitar since I was a kid.' It was his directorial debut that convinced him to look for other projects such as Maestro. 'What I really love,' he explained, 'is to write and direct movies and spend a lot of time on a piece of art.' After Steven Spielberg passed on making a project about Bernstein in 2018, Bradley asked the Academy Award winner for his okay to take the reins. The actor, 48, made his way wearing a pair of gray, white and charcoal camo cargo pants with a black pullover hoodie and gray sneakers The West Side Story director gave him the go-ahead, but warned him he would have to get hold of the music rights, which were about to lapse, and the okay of the conductor's family. After sifting through Bernstein's letters, private papers and home movies, Bradley said he'd decided the heart of the film should focus on the marriage between the conductor, who was known to be bi-sexual, and his wife, Felicia Montealegre, a classically trained actress. 'That really stunned them,' he said of the Bernstein kids' reaction to his suggestion. The actor, writer and director is receiving accolades for his latest film, Maestro, based on the life of famed composer Leonard Bernstein The actor began working on the project in 2018, after Steven Spielberg passed on it, he told Deadline. The film is currently in theaters and will begin streaming on Netflix December 20 'They didnt quite believe I was actually going to focus on their mother too. But thats all I was interested in.' 'It was always Lenny and Felicia, always unsolicited,' he said of the couple's bond. 'Thats how it was spoken about, the two of them, two alphas, two worthy adversaries. So that was always clear.' 'Hes the antagonist. She's the protagonist. Shes the one who sort of comes to this realization about how shes lived her life and who she is and what her choices really have meant to her.' Maestro is currently playing in select theaters. It will begin streaming on Netflix December 20. Cindy Crawford looked very youthful as she joined husband of 25 years, Rande Gerber, on a casual date night during Art Basel in Miami on Thursday. The iconic supermodel, 57 - who recently enjoyed a romantic stroll with the businessman, 61, in Los Angeles - sweetly held hands with Gerber as they headed to a party in the heart of the city. Art Basel at Miami Beach is 'said to be North America's most comprehensive international contemporary art fair,' per the official website. Along with galleries, the event is also known for hosting star-studded bashes. The beauty put on a leggy display wearing a fitted, black minidress that contained sheer, long sleeves as well as a ruched skirt. She slipped into a pair of open-toed, black pumps that were secured with thin straps that tied around her ankles. Cindy Crawford, 57, looked very youthful as she joined husband of 25 years, Rande Gerber, 61, on a casual date night during Art Basel in Miami on Thursday Her voluminous locks were parted to the side, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in bouncy curls. Crawford easily held a small, black crocodile-embossed clutch in her left hand to hold items she needed during the nighttime excursion. The star opted for minimal accessories, and added a pair of gold-hooped earrings for a flashy flare as well as a bracelet on her left wrist. Rande was stylishly casual donning a blue button that was partially unfastened towards the collar as well as dark navy trousers. He slipped into a pair of black sneakers that were secured with laces and added a black watch on his left wrist to complete the look. While discussing staying fit and beauty hacks with The Cut in March, Cindy expressed, 'Setting realistic goals and having consistency over time is what you notice over the years.' 'With food, I try to be 80 percent good, 80 percent of the time. I'm not going to say I work out every day,' she admitted to the outlet. 'I try to work out three to four days a week, and some weeks I don't even get that.' Crawford then revealed a piece of advice she follows and also gives to her own children. 'Start with one small thing, and when you do that, that gives you the confidence to tackle the next thing. I do that in all areas of my life.' The beauty put on a leggy display wearing a fitted, black minidress that contained sheer, long sleeves as well as a ruched skirt Both Cindy and her husband - who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in May - lovingly held hands as Gerber guided her inside the venue Late last month in November, while at the Planet Omega exhibition in NYC, Kaia praised her mother but jokingly added that the star still 'embarrasses' her Both Cindy and her husband - who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in May - lovingly held hands as Gerber guided her inside the venue at the Miami party. After tying the knot in 1998, the lovebirds welcomed son Presley, 24, and daughter Kaia, 22 - who has followed in her mother's supermodel footsteps. Late last month in November, while at the Planet Omega exhibition in NYC, Kaia praised her mother but jokingly added that the star still 'embarrasses' her. 'She is a cool mom and she still embarrasses me constantly,' the budding model humorously told People. 'But it's good! It brings me back down to earth...I probably embarrass her constantly as well.' 'I do feel like we've established a really strong bond and friendship outside of just a mother-daughter dynamic, which has been so fun for me over the last few years,' Kaia expressed. Cindy also joined in on the interview at the event, and Gerber told her mother, 'But, maybe I would complain a little bit more to you than I would to another person, but I wouldn't say anything different than that.' The star replied, 'But I think when we work together, it's really no different than if I was working with another professional.' 'I feel like when I'm at work with you, it's not like, "Oh, I am with my daughter. She's also Kaia and she has her own place in the world."' After tying the knot in 1998, the lovebirds welcomed son Presley, 24, and daughter Kaia, 22 - who has followed in her mother's supermodel footsteps Shortly before the couple's date night in Miami, Cindy took to Instagram and uploaded a series of images while posing in bed at The Georgian Hotel located in Santa Monica A white comforter was wrapped around her upper body as she held an old-fashioned telephone in her hand Shortly before the couple's date night in Miami during Art Basel - which officially kicks off on Friday, December 8 - Cindy took to Instagram and uploaded a series of images while posing in bed at The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. A white comforter was wrapped around her upper body as she held an old-fashioned telephone in her hand. 'Wake-up call,' the model penned in the caption to her 8.1 million followers. Her locks were swept up in a messy up do as she had a blast during the spontaneous photo shoot. Social media users jumped to the comment section, including fellow supermodel Naomi Campbell, who added three red heart emojis. Nick Pickard has revealed the first thing he did after leaving the Jungle on Wednesday was confront Pete Wicks over his whereabouts. The Hollyoaks icon became the fourth celebrity to leave the jungle this week, however, while the soap star had been eating rice and beans, his girlfriend Sarah Corrin had been out on the town with TOWIE star Pete Wicks. Appearing on Hits Radio Breakfast Show on Friday, Nick chatted to host Fleur East as he revealed how he spent his first day of freedom from the jungle. After ordering a cheeseburger, the star joked that the second thing he did was talk to his partner about the amount of time shed been spending with Pete. Joking around he said: 'She thinks she's a celebrity now' before revealing he also had a word with the reality star. I'm A Celeb's Nick Pickard, 48, revealed he confronted Pete Wicks after he spent a night out with his girlfriend Sarah Corrin: 'have you been running off with my bird you cheeky b****r?!' While the soapstar had been eating rice and beans his girlfriend Sarah Corrin had been out on the town with TOWIE star Pete Wicks, 35 He laughed: The first thing I said to Pete was "have you been running off with my bird you cheeky b****r?!"' The TOWIE star is currently Down Under supporting his best mate and Staying Relevant podcast co-host, Sam Thompson. Nick continued: 'Luckily I know him and obviously through meeting Sam I know what a lovely bloke he is so its all fine! Pete and Sarah had been spotted on a night out together in Surfer's Paradise on the Gold Coast earlier this week, alongside Danielle Harold's parents. Nick also opened up about the camp bromance between boxer Tony Bellow and Sam and revealed that it might be on shaky ground once Tony leaves camp and sees some of the footage. I don't know if you saw but there was a time where Sam was throwing these berries at Tony and Marvin said to him "Mate, you've got a death wish, right?" And I just turned my head. 'When Tony comes out I think there might be a stewards enquiry about that one. But they are great together although I think Marvins feeling a bit left out because there was an original bromance with him.' As with all the other jungle campmates Nick is tipping Sam to be crowned King of the Jungle. Nick joked that the second thing he did after leaving the Jungle, after ordering a cheeseburger, was talk to his partner about the amount of time shed been spending with Pete Pete is in Australia to support his bestie Sam Thompson during his jungle stint He told Fleur: As much as I think they all deserve to win it, Sam's my favourite too. I'd like him to win it because there's not one person in there that he hasn't picked up. 'And when you're low, you just watch him and you go "ahh, you're in here with him and thank God for that".' EastEnder's star Danielle Harold is also backing Sam for the win as she told Ant and Dec: 'Sam, please vote for Sam... he's such a trooper, he's such a great guy.' First evictee Frankie Dettori also said in his exit interview: 'My bet would be Sam. He brings a lot to the table, hes entertaining, he is silly, he sings, he is happy and I think what people is going to like about him is all of that. That to me is the winner.' Nella Rose was the next star to be voted out of the jungle, and she too said: 'I think Sam should be King of the Jungle, he has wanted to do this since he was a kid.' While Fred Sirieix left camp on Tuesday after the third public vote and once again bet on Sam to make it all the way in this year's series. Will Smith was spotted with a mystery woman at the Art Basel event in Miami on Friday. The 55-year-old Oscar winner flashed his megawatt smile as he exited the international art fair with the woman close behind before they departed the location together in the same limousine, according to onlookers. Smith was later spotted with the woman and other friends at famed pizza restaurant Lucali - a favorite of Jay-Z and Beyonce, as well as the Beckhams. Wearing a casual ensemble of a grey striped polo and matching cargo pants, the actor appeared in good spirits making his way through the parking lot, while his acquaintance followed suit in a simple white tee and jeans. She added a set of open-toed heels and a designer handbag to the mix as she rocked a closely-shaven hair style. The outing comes after Will recently admitted he made 'a ton of mistakes' amid the public issues in his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith, who revealed that they have been living apart since 2016. Will Smith was spotted with a mystery woman as they left the Art Basel event in Miami together on Friday The 55-year-old Oscar winner flashed his megawatt smile as he exited the international art fair with the unidentified female close behind The pair reportedly departed the location in the same limousine The outing comes after Will recently admitted he made 'a ton of mistakes' amid the public issues in his marriage to Jada Pinkett Smith , who revealed that they have been living apart since 2016; seen in 2022 At the Red Sea International Film Festival in in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the King Richard star opened about about his personal life, including his many publicized ups and downs in recent years, along with some insight into his career. He seemed to be at ease talking about his 'many adversities' over the past couple years and how he's tried to learn from his mistakes to move forward. 'I have made tons of mistakes,' Smith admitted to the lively crowd at the film festival, appearing to allude to the marriage issues as well as his now infamous Oscars slap of host Chris Rock during the 94th Academy Awards. 'Fame is a unique monster and I've had to be really careful,' he added. Last month Jada confirmed she has no plans to divorce Will after recently revealing they've been secretly separated since 2016. One month after making the shocking revelation about their marriage in her memoir, Worthy, the actress, 52, revealed she and the Oscar winner plan on upholding their lifelong commitment to another. While appearing on The Drew Barrymore show, the titular host, 48, told Jada that it seemed like she and Will were planning on 'staying together forever.' 'We're staying together forever,' Jada answered. 'I tried. We tried,' alluding to her and Will's years-long separation that they kept tightly under wraps from the public. Wearing a casual ensemble of a grey striped polo and matching cargo pants, the actor appeared in good spirits making his way through the parking lot Will beamed with happiness as he walked by a security guard At the Red Sea International Film Festival in in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday, the King Richard star opened about about his personal life He seemed to be at ease talking about his 'many adversities' over the past couple years and how he's tried to learn from his mistakes to move forward at Sunday's event Previously, at a publicity event for her tell-all, Jada revealed that she was 'not leaving Will's side' and he's 'not going to leave' hers. Meanwhile, Will admitted he and his wife have 'had a very, very long and tumultuous [relationship]' in front of a large audience at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. 'We call it 'brutiful.' It was brutal and beautiful at the same time,' he said, according to the Baltimore Sun. In October, Jada admitted that she decided to stay by Will's side, the moment he slapped Chris Rock at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022. 'I knew it was going to be an intense reaction. And that was the moment that I decided that I was going to stay by his side,' she said on The One Show. 'You know, it's funny how intense situations can amplify love, and it was a pretty difficult time, but it definitely drew us closer. So yeah, it's, crazy how things work.' Will took in the sight of a woman doing the splits on the sidewalk Meanwhile, Will admitted he and his wife have 'had a very, very long and tumultuous [relationship]' in front of a large audience at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore In the explosive memoir, she has revealed how the dynamics of her marriage with famous actor and Will changed after the Oscars. The pair had secretly separated six years prior to the incident, with Jada confessing: 'I'm not thinking in a million years he's getting up on stage and it has anything to do with me!' Speaking to Red magazine, she added: 'That's when your relationship gets deeper than romance or all the c**p that comes with marriage. 'I was just really concerned about Will. And I realised in that moment that, as challenging as our relationship can be, I'm always going to be by his side, no matter what.' LOBAMBA Members of Parliament (MPs) have advised their newly sworn-in colleagues not to compete with them, gossip or cause conflict among members of the House. The four regional women MPs took the oath of allegiance, which was officiated by the Clerk to Parliament, Benedict Xaba. Manzini Region MP Thandeka Mavuso, Shiselweni Region MP Lindiwe Mamba, Hhohho Region MP Tanele Magagula and Lubombo Region MP Futhi Ngcamphalala, were sworn in in this order, in the presence of their colleagues in the House of Assembly. Speaker Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, the Speaker, Jabulani Mabuza, gave three MPs an opportunity to welcome the new members of the House. Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, was the first to jump onto this opportunity and he shared words of advice to the legislators. Maseko said the regional women MPs, should not have a mentality of competing with the constituency MPs but should strive to work collaboratively with them, for the benefit of emaSwati. You are not here to compete with the MPs, but to complement them and work collaboratively with them and you are expected to go to all the constituencies in your region and assist where you can in development. Coming last does not mean you are less important in the House but we are all equal here and should treat each other as equals, he said. Maseko further cautioned the regional women MPs not to gossip in Parliament or cause conflict among the members, but maintain a high level of respect for everybody, put the supreme law of the country and the Parliament Standing Orders first. He said the election of the regional women MPs had resulted in a significant increase as far as women representation in the House was concerned. This goes to show that the Tinkhundla System of Government does not discriminate in any way, he said. Democracy Mtsambama MP, Sibongile Mamba, said it was good to see democracy at play in the election of the regional women MPs and she was hopeful that the presence of women would be felt in the 12th Parliament. She also emphasised that the MPs should not compete with their colleagues but work in collaboration with them. Mhlangatane MP, Madala Mhlanga, submitted that he was hopeful that the regional women MPs would also be inducted on Parliament procedures, just like the rest of the parliamentarians had been in the last few days. It is of utmost importance that you appreciate how Parliament business is conducted and you familiarise yourselves with the Standing Orders, he said. Dean Gaffney insisted 'karma will work its magic' after his car was broken into in London on Thursday. The actor, 45, took to his Instagram Stories to share a clip of his Audi after the window was smashed, with shattered glass scattered across the driver's seat. A number of different objects were left on the seat and floor, suggesting his belongings had been rifled through while the former EastEnders star was enjoying a night out. Ex I'm a Celebrity... South Africa campmate Dean said he would remain calm and hope whoever broke in would get their comeuppance. He wrote on Instagram: 'I could get angry but what's the point. Let karma work its magic. Dean Gaffney insisted 'karma will work its magic' after his car was broken into in London on Thursday The actor, 45, took to his Instagram Stories to share a clip of his Audi after the window was smashed, with shattered glass scattered across the driver's seat 'Xmas time in London, definitely a headache I could do without.' It comes after Dean was left heartbroken by the death of his mother earlier this year. The former soap star paid an emotional tribute to his parent on Instagram after she tragically passed away in August. Sharing a photo of her funeral order of service on social media in September, Dean said he would 'miss and love' her forever. He wrote: 'Gone but NEVER forgotten Sunrise: 23/12/53. Sunset: 13/08/23. I miss and love you Mum, today, tomorrow and forever. X.' Dean took to Instagram to break the news after finding his mother 'asleep' in August, but no cause of death has been given. Alongside a photo of himself and his mum, he wrote: 'I am simply broken to share that my beautiful selfless mother Marian has sadly passed away. 'I was, am and always will be a mummy's boy so this news has completely floored me. Ex I'm a Celebrity... South Africa campmate Dean said he would remain calm and hope whoever broke in would get their comeuppance A number of different objects were left on the seat and floor, suggesting his belongings had been rifled through while the former EastEnders star was enjoying a night out 'I spoke to her every day and in some ways I'm glad I'm the one that found her asleep. Dean continued: 'I will retain all the amazing memories that we shared and whilst I understand the circle of life means everyone will feel this pain at some point in their lives, life can be very cruel at times. 'To know I will never be able to physically see or speak to her ever again is beyond any pain I've ever experienced in my life. 'We all tell our parents and loved ones we love them flippantly at the end of a phone call but please tell them you actually really love them put down that phone when you're with them, as my mums only criticism of me was that I would be on my phone when in her company. Dean took to Instagram to break the news of his mother's death after finding her 'asleep' in August Dean paid an emotional tribute to his mother on Instagram in September after her funeral 'Life really does change from one minute to the next. He added: 'I truly love you Mum, you don't only hold a special place in my heart, you are my heart. 'For anyone that knew her, I don't need to remind you of who my mum was as a person for others that don't, she was the most amazing selfless, caring, generous soul to ever walk the earth. 'Mum, I truly love you.' The Young and the Restless alum Matthew Atkinson revealed on Friday that he married his longtime love Brytnee Ratledge over a month ago. Matthew and Brytnee, an actress, walked down the aisle in an intimate ceremony in Lake Tahoe, California on November 8. The actor is loving every minute of being a married man, he told People on Friday. The 34-year-old, who stars as Thomas Forrester on the long running soap opera, shared some of the highlights of the big day. 'We'd been to Tahoe before while camping up and down Highway 395,' the star revealed about their wedding location, saying it was the first 'we visited after a short search. It seemed like God told both of us it was the right place.' The actors announced their engagement over the summer after he filmed scenes for The Bold and the Beautiful in Rome. Matthew Atkinson is dishing on his November 8 'fairy tale' wedding to longtime love Brytnee Ratledge The pair said their wedding, which took place at Tahoe Blue Estate, was 'a dream come true, spiritual, intimate, magical, and altogether lovely.' The couple, who met while working out at their local gym, seemed to have that confirmed during their rehearsal for the outdoor ceremony. In video shared on their social media, the affianced duo are seen shivering as a light snow falls as they practice their vows. Brytnee donned a white wool coat over a white suit and shoes for the walk through, while Matthew looked dapper in a black suit, white shirt and white shoes. 'Probably in prayer,' the Everyone is Doing Great actor wrote next to the video on Instagram describing the scene. 'This was during our wedding rehearsal, while it was snowing, something my wife asked for before we got there.' It appears their prayers were answered on their wedding day as well, when the sun came out and they were surrounded by beautiful green pine trees and colorful shrubs in shades of gold and red, which also happened to match the colors of the bridesmaid's gowns. In an interview withe People, the 34-year-old The Bold and the Beautiful star described it as 'a dream come true, spiritual, intimate, magical, and altogether lovely.' Guests included co-stars Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones Brytnee, an actress, looked stunning in a satin halter fit and flair dress with a plunging back. Matthew wore a dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie as he said 'I do' The groomsmen were styled in tans suits for the ceremony. Matthew wore a dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie as he said 'I do.' Brytnee looked stunning in a satin halter fit and flair dress with a plunging back. The Frankie Meets Jack actress styled her dark blonde hair in a half ponytail with a clasp featuring garland and baby's breath. 'We didn't want to see each other until she walked down the aisle,' the Sisters of the Groom actor said. However they did connect before the music began to play. 'We did a first touch that included a prayer for the ceremony, and then during the ceremony we stepped away for our first prayer united, with all our friends and family praying over us.' After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their 50 guests dined on a buffet-style barbecue and later enjoyed slices of smores cake. The couple traveled to Rome, where Matthew was shooting The Bold and the Beautiful in the weeks before announcing their engagement June 9 Brytnee donned a white wool coat over a white suit and shoes for rehearsal, while Matthew looked dapper in a black suit, white shirt and white shoes Next to a video of the rehearsal Matthew wrote the two were probably 'in prayer' while standing there. 'This was during our wedding rehearsal, while it was snowing, something my wife asked for before we got there' 'It was important to Brytnee and me for it to be a small, intimate gathering to celebrate our beloved union with all our closest friends and family,' the Happily Ever After actor explained. 'We had our dinner at a pub where we could play corn hole and other games,' he added. 'Fortunately we were able to stay with some of our closest friends and the whole week was like a friends vacation trip. Video of their first dance shows them circling the dance floor to Fall on Me by Needtobreathe as their family and friend, including Matthew's co-stars Katherine Kelly Lang and Ashley Jones looked on. Hollywood megastars Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone had a meeting of the minds as they joined forces for Variety's Actors on Actors. The duo talked shop as they discussed their critically-acclaimed new movies, with Cooper playing legendary composer Leonard Bernstein in the Netflix biopic Maestro and Emma starring in the black comedy Poor Things. Bradley, 48, and Emma, 35, praised one another's work in the films as they talked making the flicks, with Cooper briefly discussing using prosthetics to embody Bernstein. Stone, who watched a cut of Maestro at Cooper's home with her mother, gushed about the film: 'My mother and I were an absolute wreck by the middle of the film, and so in awe of what you were doing, what Carey was doing, your direction. That conducting scene, which I was in full body chills for how long was that?' Cooper revealed the scene was six-minutes long and was done after praying to 'Lenny' for support. Hollywood megastars Bradley Cooper and Emma Stone had a meeting of the minds as they joined forces for Variety's Actors on Actors segment 'I messed up the whole first day. The minute I was behind tempo, it was over. So I woke up in the morning, walked into that church, and it was empty were not supposed to shoot there that day. 'I was like, I got to give it one more shot. I brought everybody back in, and I actually said a prayer to Lenny in front of everybody, like, "Thank you for this opportunity. Were going to do it again." Thats whats in the movie. It was one take.' Cooper directs, stars and co-write the script for Maestro - a responsibility he ultimately found liberating. 'I knew that if Maestro was going to mess up, it was all on me. I was not beholden to anybody else. There was a freedom in that, as well as a huge burden,' he explained. 'But thats why this kind of thing to me feels completely different. Ill carry it with me the rest of my life. It has changed who I am as an artist. And when I watch your performance in that film, theres no version where I dont think thats the same case for you. Cooper then discussed using prosthetics to film Maestro: 'Even though Im not physically naked, I was completely naked putting on this prosthetic and being him and the way he talked. I would direct the movie that way, just because it was easier. But I felt so vulnerable,' he explained. Bradley then asked Emma if she had experienced the same 'level of abandon' he did when filming Poor Things. The Hollywood A-listers shared the spotlight Stone was looking smart in a pinstripe button down worn beneath a black blazer Cooper posed for a stunning portrait for the magazine Cooper directs, stars and co-write the script for Maestro - a responsibility he ultimately found liberating Stone pictured at the premiere of Poor Things earlier this week 'Just watching your performance, you had to give yourself permission, which I had to do as well, to just jump off the cliff every day, in terms of giving over to I dont know people laughing at us on set, quite honestly. Did you feel that there was that level of abandon that you had to have?' Poor Things, which reunites Stone with The Favourite's director Yorgos Lanthimos, is a fantastical black comedy in which the actress plays a young child whose brain has been implanted in the body of a grown woman by a disfigured scientist (played by Willem Dafoe). Stone said she too had to let go of her inhibitions to film Poor Things - before revealing her director had the same attitude as Bradley about the outcome of their movie. 'I did. But to your point, Yorgos says all the time that the final product is on him. Theres a captain of the ship that I fully trust and have such admiration and immense respect for. In that circumstance, people did laugh at me he would laugh at me.' She also described the bare-bones crew they had when filming nude scenes. 'Hed be like, "That one was crazy." But that was the best because theres no eggshells. We can fight, we can laugh, all of that is totally free. And when it comes to any of the legitimate nudity, we had this tiny, tiny crew. 'Robbie Ryan, our cinematographer, looks at me like Im a table or a lamp. It was amazing. He was just like, Whatever. ' Cate Blanchett looked as stylish as ever as she attended a special screening of Shayda at The Soho Hotel in London on Friday. The actress, 54, nailed business chic in a plunging tweed blazer and a quirky oversized pair of glasses for the event. She teamed her look with a matching pair of peg leg trousers and some patent black brogues. Posing for photos at the event, Cate was joined by film producer Coco Francini, with whom she owns independent production company, Dirty Films. Shayda, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival in January, follows the story of an Iranian immigrant woman in Australia. Cate Blanchett, 54, looked as stylish as ever as she attended a special screening of Shayda at The Soho Hotel in London on Friday The actress nailed business chic in a plunging tweed blazer and a quirky oversized pair of glasses for the event It comes after Cate slammed her home country's hardline anti-migration policies. Blanchett, who is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Goodwill Ambassador, gave an emotional speech to the European Parliament in Brussels, presenting insights into the plight of refugees and stateless people around the world. The Australian actress on the European Union to provide $600 million in support for the protection of displaced refugees, and to help dispel 'dangerous myths' about migration. 'I am not denying that this is complex,' she told the European Parliament. During her address, the Academy Award winner drew attention to Australia's refugee policy, which for years has seen asylum-seekers sent to detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru. The mother-of-four said she felt 'shame and regret' about Australia's policy, noting the psychological impact experienced by many detained refugees. 'As an Australian, I can tell you that we learnt the hard way; the devastating physical and mental torment that refugees experienced while corralled offshore.' 'The psychological damage to those guarding them. The billions of dollars of taxpayers money wasted on a now discredited and largely abandoned approach.' Posing for photos at the event, Cate was joined by film producer Coco Francini, with whom she owns independent production company, Dirty Films She added: 'And, may I say, the resultant shame and regret many of us feel surrounding these ineffective and inhumane policies,' Blanchett added. Blanchett however did not take aim at any EU countries, despite the recent stiffening of refugee policies by the likes of Italy, Poland and Hungary. Her speech was capped with a standing ovation. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is a United Nations agency created to protect and aid refugees. Blanchett was announced as Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR in 2006. Nick Cannon and Zeus Network have been slammed over a competition which pitted 'dark skin' and 'light skin' women against each other. Cannon, 43, and Zeus Network collaborated on a live show, Bad vs. Wild Las Vegas, on Thursday which saw Wild 'N Out stars from the host's side take on 'Baddies' from Zeus' side. However, one of the promotional posters touted one of the competitions as 'dark skin vs light skin' - with the post igniting fury, branded 'colorist' and fans begging for Cannon and the network 'to be canceled' before it was swiftly deleted, edited and reuploaded as 'chocolate goddesses vs caramel goddesses'. One fan wrote: 'Yall can reword it all you want, try to sell it however you want, its still the same colorist bs. Not only is ts detrimental to the black community but yall are opening a door for other races to feed into the colorism as well. As a black network, yall should be ashamed.' Another typed: 'The switch up without even addressing what yall did before is crazy' while a third wrote: 'This is still colorist yall are sad,' Nick Cannon and Zeus Network have been slammed over a competition which pitted 'dark skin' and 'light skin' women against each other Nick Cannon and Zeus Network have been slammed over a competition which pitted 'dark skin' and 'light skin' women against each other After backlash the post was swiftly deleted, edited and reuploaded as 'chocolate goddesses vs caramel goddesses' Others wrote: 'This is ignorant AFStill! Its the colorism for me!', ;'This is just as bad as lightskin vs dark skin, y'all didn't do anything but try to put a positive spin on colorism and it's not working out for y'all' and 'I will not condone comparing any of my queens by color. We are all greatness.' Zeus Network was founded in 2018 by social media personalities DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, King Bach, and television producer Lemuel Plummer, who serves as president and CEO. The network is home to shows including Bad Boys, Baddies and Bad Girls Club. DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Nick Cannon and Zeus Network for comment. This comes after Cannon admitted he spends a lot of money taking all of his children to Disneyland every year. The television host revealed the whopping number of cash he drops annually just to take his 12 kids to the amusement park on The Breakfast Club radio show for Power 105.1. During the episode released on Friday, he told the host, Charlamagne tha God, that he goes to Disneyland 'at least once a month' due to all the birthdays and holidays. The actor whose baby mama, Bre Tiesi, 'suffered a miscarriage' after being rear-ended in her car two years ago explained that he used to get a series of 'perks' and free admission for himself as well as his family when he hosted the iconic Christmas morning parade from 2009 to 2019 The post ignited fury and was branded 'colorist' by fans who begged for Cannon and the network 'to be canceled' Zeus Network was founded in 2018 by social media personalities DeStorm Power, Amanda Cerny, King Bach, and television producer Lemuel Plummer, who serves as president and CEO (Plummer is seen with Cannon this week) Since then, however, he admitted it is 'no longer free' and that was back when he only had two kids his eldest children whom he shares with his ex-wife, Mariah Carey. Before confessing how much he spends, he asked the radio host to guess the number: 'Do you know how much money I spend at Disneyland a year?' 'A lot,' Charlamagne tha God retorted. 'It's no longer free and I only had two kids then,' he said about when his family only included his twins Moroccan and Monroe, now 12. After fathering many more children in recent years, he explained he goes to the theme park pretty often every year. 'Every birthday and Christmas I'm literally at Disneyland at least once a month and to move around Disney, like, I'm probably spending $200,000 a year at Disneyland,' he revealed. The father of 12 recently revealed how much he spends taking his kids to Disneyland (seen with ex Mariah Carey and twins Moroccan and Monroe) He shares twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, two, and a 12-month-old daughter named Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; seen in June 2022 He explained that he also pays for a chaperone, hotel rooms, and other add-ons in addition to tickets for the theme park. 'Disneyland is expensive already off [the] top if you trying to stay in the hotel,' he said before noting that the amusement park has changed a lot over the years. 'It's not how it used to be,' he continued. 'You gotta make reservations.' In total, Cannon has welcomed 12 children eight sons and four daughters with six different women. With model Alyssa Scott, Cannon had welcomed a son named Zen, who passed away in December 2021 from a brain tumor at just five-months-old. In December 2022, Scott announced that she gave birth to her and Cannon's second child: a baby girl named Halo Marie Cannon. Cannon shares fraternal twins, Monroe and Moroccan, with his ex-wife, Mariah Carey with whom he was married from 2008 to 2016. He also has two sons Golden Sagon, six, and Rise Messiah, 14-months and one daughter Powerful Queen, two with Brittany Bell. He shares twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, two, and a 12-month-old daughter named Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa. Cannon also has son Legendary Love, 17 months, with Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi. He shares Powerful Queen and Golden Saigon with Brittany Bell; seen in December 2022 Cannon also has son Legendary Love, 17 months, with Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi He shares daughter Onyx Ice, 14 months, with LaNisha Cole. He also welcomed a second child, an 11-month-old daughter Halo Marie, with Scott after the tragic loss of their son Zen. Last year alone, Cannon welcomed a total of five different children. Former Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton is pursuing legal action after her home was raided by federal police. The 30-year-old was woken by Australian Federal Police officers who had a search warrant around 6.30am on September 20, according to Adelaide Now. In documents filed to the Federal Court of Australia, Ms Hampton said the search was in relation to an Australian Tax Office review she is currently undergoing. She claimed the search was an 'abuse of power' and left her son Kosta, 8, 'shaken up' as he was home at the time of the operation. Ms Hampton also claimed police had searched through her children's 'private and confidential medical files'. Former Married At First Sight star Stacey Hampton is pursuing legal action after her home was raided by federal police She also claimed they prevented her from accessing a mobile phone to contact her son Kosta as he made his way to school. Ms Hampton said AFP officers seized a social media 'ring light', two iPhones, an iMac computer and 'notes of paper which detailed monies NDIS owed me' during the eight-hour search. She said she complied to an interview with a representative from Services Australia as AFP searched the home. Ms Hampton has not been charged with any offences. The 30-year-old was woken by Australian Federal Police officers who had a search warrant around 6.30am on September 20, according to Adelaide Now The operation came just days after the reality star's two sons marked one year since the death of their father. Rebels boss Shane Smith was killed in a motorbike crash in Adelaide's northeastern suburbs on September 13, 2022. Ms Hampton dated the Rebels' Adelaide president from the age of 19 until she split with him in July 2017, one month before he was convicted of bashing two nightclub bouncers. Tori Spelling made quite a fashion statement amid her relationship woes with estranged husband Dean McDermott on Friday. The Beverly Hills, 90210 alum, 50, took to her Instagram on to share an incredibly glam photo of herself wearing an off-the-shoulder shirt emblazoned with a fiery phrase. 'Women don't owe you s***,' read the message. The mother of five added oversized designer shades and a few gold necklaces to the mix, as she kept her trademark platinum blonde tresses long and loose. The stunning actress quipped in the caption, 'Its not you its me. Disclosure : no men were hurt {much}in the making of this post'. Tori Spelling made quite a fashion statement amid her relationship woes with estranged husband Dean McDermott on Friday. The stunning actress quipped in the caption, 'Its not you its me. Disclosure : no men were hurt {much}in the making of this post'; Dean seen in 2018 Just days earlier, Tori was seen for the first time since Dean revealed that he did not spend Thanksgiving with Spelling and their kids as he celebrated the holiday at a sober living facility. He revealed he completed a 40-day stint in rehab over the summer and now lives in a sober living home with eight other men. It also comes shortly after his bombshell tell-all interview with DailyMail.com. In the interview, Dean described how their marriage imploded as he and Tori grew apart - with their problems made worse by his addiction to booze and prescription drugs. 'All Tori's ever done to this day is want me to be happy and healthy and I inflicted a lot of damage and pain on that woman,' he told DailyMail.com. 'I'm taking accountability for that today. And it's the biggest amend that I'm ever going to have to make.' By the time he hit rock bottom, Dean says the duo were living like 'roommates' and plagued by money worries and paparazzi while he was deeply depressed, mainlining tequila and drugs alone each night and flying into alcohol-fueled rages that 'petrified' his wife and children. He told how he would pass out, leaving a worried Tori frantically checking on him to make sure he was still alive. Just days earlier, Tori was seen for the first time since Dean revealed that he did not spend Thanksgiving with Spelling and their kids as he celebrated the holiday at a sober living facility; seen in November The estranged couple split in June of this year after 17 years of marriage and share five children: Liam, 16, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and Beau, six; seen in November Dean completed a 40-day stint in rehab over the summer and now lives in a sober living home with eight other men; seen in 2013 Now sober after a summer spent in rehab, Dean, 56, told DailyMail.com of his battle to get clean and how his addiction struggle helped ruin one of Hollywood's most famous marriages. Dean, who has not seen Tori since he moved her and the children out of their rented home due to a mold problem at the end of June, says he is beginning to communicate with his wife again via text and is desperate to see his children. Despite that and his new relationship with Texan Lily Calo, 32, Dean says he still loves Tori and has no regrets about their life together. He said: 'It was a total fairytale. I mean, it was a beautiful love story. Love at first sight and getting married in the most beautiful way possible.' The estranged couple have been married since May 2006 and split in June of this year after 17 years of marriage. They share five children: Liam, 16, Stella, 15, Hattie, 12, Finn, 11, and Beau, six. Anne Hathaway looked simply heavenly as she stepped out in New York City on Friday. The star, who recently reunited with her Devil Wears Prada co-star Emily Blunt, bundled up in style in an exquisite white coat teamed with glittering silver heels. Her footwear wasn't the only dazzling accessory - Anne also wore glam earrings and an array of rings. She looked stunning as usual with her silky brunette tresses styled into loose waves and her famous complexion touched up with blush and lipstick. The Princess Diaries star, 41, looked gorgeous with long lashes and a touch of eye shadow. Anne Hathaway looked simply heavenly as she stepped out in New York City on Friday The outing comes after Anne reunited with Emily Blunt, her co-star on The Devil Wears Prada, for Variety's Actors on Actors. In the issue, the stars realized it had been nearly two decades since they they lit up the screen playing arch enemy assistants Andrea and Emily, respectively, in the iconic 2006 comedy that catapulted them into megastardom. 'You are one of the people Ive known longest. Weve known each other for 18 years,' Blunt incredulously told Hathaway, to which she replied, 'What? Our relationship is the age of an adult.' Blunt hilariously added, 'Thats drinking age in England,' as Hathaway quipped, 'We are so drunk in England right now.' The stars then took a walk down memory lane to reveal the details of their very first interaction before the cameras rolled on the $325 million blockbuster. 'Did we meet before the table read?' Blunt asked as she hilariously noted her memory is not her greatest asset. 'This is so embarrassing because I remember every second of the first time I met you,' Hathaway replied, before joking, 'Im so much more into you than you are into me. Its fine. Its fine.' She continued: 'I was hearing that your name came up, and they said, Its this amazing girl out of England and shes so funny. And I remember walking into the room and turning and meeting you. In my head instant thought I was like, What a movie star! The Devil Wears Prada star, 41, bundled up in style in an exquisite white coat teamed with glittering silver heels The Princess Diaries star looked gorgeous with long lashes and a touch of eye shadow Anne and Emily Blunt reunited for the Actors on Actors issue of Variety The Hollywood actresses revealed how they met on the set of 2006's Devil Wears Prada Hathaway and Blunt played arch enemy assistants Andrea and Emily, respectively, in the iconic comedy that catapulted them to megastardom. 'You were shedding stardust.' Hathaway continued. 'Then we went for coffee. I took you for a walk around where I live [in New York]' Blunt responded: 'I was so green coming into that situation. And you were like the warmest embrace. Even though you were a colossal movie star at that time, you treated me like a complete equal.' The British beauty, 40, went on to say that the pair had a 'joy bomb' making the film, although neither actress could foresee it becoming a huge part of pop culture. 'Its quoted to me every week,' Blunt added. 'It will be the movie that changed my life.' The David Frankel-directed film was based on Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel of the same name and revolves around the character Andy Sachs (played by Hathaway), a recent college graduate aspiring to be a journalist. 'You are one of the people Ive known longest. Weve known each other for 18 years,' Blunt incredulously told Hathaway, to which she replied, 'What? Our relationship is the age of an adult' 'This is so embarrassing because I remember every second of the first time I met you,' Hathaway replied, before joking, 'Im so much more into you than you are into me. Its fine. Its fine' She lands a job as the assistant to the powerful Miranda Priestly (played by Meryl Streep), the editor-in-chief of the prestigious fashion magazine Runway, who also employs aloof lead assistant Emily Charlton (Blunt). During their reunion for Variety, Hathaway and Blunt had a blast reciting iconic quotes from the movie and revealed that Streep and Stanley Tucci (who played art director Nigel Kipling) would often improvise their lines. They also dished on the fun they had on set, which they said was often lost on Streep as she stayed in character as the demanding boss. 'You know, I think [Meryl] always wanted to join in on the fun with us. She kept herself so in character,' Hathaway said. 'Do you know shes never done Method acting since?' Blunt chimed in. The stars dished on the fun they had on set, which they said was often lost on Streep as she stayed in character as the demanding boss 'Do you know shes never done Method acting since?' Blunt said of Streep 'She said it made her so miserable on this one, because we were all having a party on the other side of the set. And she was like, I wont do this again.' 'She said it made her so miserable on this one, because we were all having a party on the other side of the set. And she was like, I wont do this again.' The actresses also dished on the scene where Hathaway's character is complaining about her boss to her boyfriend (played by Adrian Grenier). 'Fun fact: I am wearing my cousins headband in that scene,' Hathaway revealed. 'Do you know what I loved about that headband? Your little bangs would stick out. It was just so cute. It was just so nerdy. And I wanted that grilled cheese so badly,' Blunt hilariously added. Read about Hathaway's take on a possible sequel to Devil Wears Prada here. Barbra Streisand and Mia Farrow paid emotional tributes Ryan O'Neal following his death aged 82. The iconic Hollywood star's death was confirmed by his son Patrick on Friday afternoon in a heartbreaking Instagram post. Streisand, 81, who starred with O'Neal in What's Up Doc? in 1972 and The Main Event in 1975 shared a throwback snap of the pair and lauded the 'charming star.' She wrote: 'So sad to hear the news of Ryan ONeals passing. 'We made two films together, Whats Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered.' Barbra Streisand has paid an emotional tribute to her two-time co-star Ryan O'Neal following his death aged 82 Hollywood actor O'Neal's passing was confirmed by son Patrick on Friday afternoon; seen in 2000 O'Neal's Peyton Place costar Mia Farrow, 78, shared sweet throwback snaps of the pair Actor David Boreanaz was among the list of celebrities who paid their respects with a social media post Frank Marshall recalled, 'We made five pictures together. Ryan O'Neal was a wonderful actor who never got the credit he deserved' The official X account of The Andy Warhol Museum wrote online, 'We're saddened to hear of actor Ryan O'Neal's passing,' and shared a photo of the late star taken by Warhol in 1971 Sharon Stone also paid tribute with a black-and-white photo of O'Neal from his later years. 'It's w deep sadness I post this. RIP Ryan O'Neal,' she wrote, adding a heart emoji. Lee Grant, who also starred on Peyton Place with O'Neal, referenced how he and the series helped to revive her career after she had been blacklisted. 'Impossible to believe that Ryan O'Neal is gone,' she began. 'I felt so welcomed by his Peyton Place, the first big production brave enough to welcome me back from the blacklist. 'An incredible talent, and incredible beauty. A gift of an artist we're lucky to have so much of captured forever,' the Oscar winner wrote. In his post announcing his father's death, Patrick wrote: 'So this is the toughest thing Ive ever had to say but here we go,' he began. 'My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us.' O'Neal's Peyton Place costar Mia Farrow, 78, shared sweet throwback snaps of the pair and wrote: 'Rest in peace dear Ryan.' O'Neal was last seen being aided into his vehicle from a wheelchair by a helper in Brentwood, California on November 6, 2023. Ryan was wheeled down the sidewalk and had two caretakers got him into the front seat of his car, lifting him from under his arm. O'Neal was best known for his movies in the 1970s, which included Paper Moon that co-starred his daughter Tatum O'Neal. He also worked with some of the top female stars of his day such as Barbra Streisand on What's Up, Doc, and also The Main Event, and Marisa Berenson on Barry Lyndon. The official Stanley Kubrick X account paid tribute with a black and white photo of O'Neal Streisand, 81, starred with O'Neal in What's Up Doc? in 1972 She wrote: 'So sad to hear the news of Ryan ONeals passing. We made two films together, Whats Up, Doc? and The Main Event. He was funny and charming, and he will be remembered' O'Neal and Farrow are seen in 1964 in season one of Peyton Place Sharon Stone also paid tribute with a black-and-white photo of O'Neal from his later years. 'It's w deep sadness I post this. RIP Ryan O'Neal,' she wrote, adding a heart emoji Lee Grant, who also starred on Peyton Place with O'Neal, referenced how he and the series helped to revive her career after she had been blacklisted His son Patrick shared the sad news on social media on Friday afternoon. 'So this is the toughest thing Ive ever had to say but here we go,' he began. 'My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us' O'Neal was last seen being aided into his vehicle from a wheelchair by helper in Brentwood, California on November 6, 2023 Ryan was wheeled down the sidewalk and had two caretakers that aided him into the front seat of his car, lifting him from under his arm The star looked slender as he wore sunglasses and a green T-shirt Ryan was nominated in 1970 for a Best Actor Oscar for his blockbuster film Love Story with Ali MacGraw. Ryan was also known for his high-profile relationship to Charlie's Angels actress Farrah Fawcett which lasted decades; they never wed. The two were partners from 1979 to 1997 after he stole the bubbly blonde beauty away from her husband, Lee Majors of The Six Million Dollar Man fame. Together they had a son named Redmond, 38, who had trouble with the law, even serving time in jail. O'Neal was jailed in 2009 after he was found in possession of heroin during a routine security check at the Pitchess Detention Center, California. He was behind bars when his mother died from cancer in June, 2009. Redmond has acted in the films Love Don't Cost a Thing (2003), The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars (1998) and Johnny Bravo (1997), but is not often seen these days. Ryan also romanced Ursula Andress, Bianca Jagger, Jacqueline Bisset, Streisand, Joan Collins and Diana Ross. Ryan is survived by four children: Tatum O'Neal and Griffin O'Neal with Joanna Moore, Patrick O'Neal with Leigh Taylor-Young, and Redmond James Fawcett O'Neal with Fawcett. And the star has five grandchildren. His son posted a lengthy note with the photo a beach at sunset. 'This is very difficult for my wife Summer and I, but I will share some feelings to give you an idea of how great a man he is,' he wrote. 'My father Ryan ONeal has always been my hero. I looked up to him and he was always bigger than life. When I was born in 1967 my dad was already a TV star on Peyton Place. Ryan was nominated in 1970 for a Best Actor Oscar for his blockbuster film Love Story with Ali MacGraw The film was a massive hit thanks to the chemistry between Ryan and Ali He also worked with some of the top female stars of the day like Barbra Streisand on What's Up, Doc (seen here in 1972) Streisand and O'Neal also starred in the 1979 film The Main Event Ryan was also known for his high-profile relationship to Charlie's Angels actress Farrah Fawcett which lasted decades; they never wed. The two were partners from 1979 to 1997. Seen in 2004 They were the power couple of their day; seen in NYC in 1983 Together they had a son named Redmond, 38, who had trouble with the law, even serving time in jail. O'Neal was jailed in 2009 after he was found in possession of heroin during a routine security check at the Pitchess Detention Center, California. He was behind bars when his mother died from cancer in June 2009 O'Neal attends the Farrah Fawcett 5th Anniversary Reception at the Farrah Fawcett Foundation on June 25, 2014 in Beverly Hills 'Thats where he met my mom Leigh Taylor-Young, and about 9 months later (give or take a date night or two) I was born,' he added. 'My dad became an international movie star with Love Story at the beginning of the 1970s, a decade he absolutely crushed by starring in movies like Whats Up, Doc?, Paper Moon, Barry Lyndon, A Bridge Too Far, The Main Event, and The Driver. 'He is a Hollywood legend. Full stop. The growth spurt of the first name Ryan can be traced back to my dad. Thats a fact. 'He was Rodney Harrington on Peyton Place 3 days a week (he starred in 500 shows over 5 years) and then of course the name Ryan peaked after Love Story (the film that saved Paramount Studios and earned my dad a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame).' Marvel star Jonathan Majors' former girlfriend Grace Jabbari sobbed on the stand while defense attorneys played police bodycam footage during her third day of testimony in the assault trial of the actor. Jabbari, a 30-year-old British choreographer, has accused Majors of striking her on the side of the head and squeezing her hand until her middle finger fractured amid a dispute that began after she read a romantic text on his phone sent by another woman. During cross examination, defense attorney Priya Chaudhry played grainy security footage from a Manhattan nightclub in efforts to cast doubt on the accuser's claim she suffered excruciating pain and injuries following an alleged assault by the actor last spring. While playing police body camera footage from her initial conversation with police, Jabbari broke down in tears and fled from the witness stand, reported The Daily Beast. She could be heard sobbing while Majors sat at the defense table. A few moments later the 30-year-old returned to the New York City courtroom, apologized for her outburst and begged not to watch anymore. Grace Jabbari appears in Manhattan Criminal Court on December 7 for the Jonathan Majors assault trial. She broke down on the stand during cross examination Jonathan Majors and his new girlfriend Meagan Goode appear in court. Majors has pleaded not guilty to the assault charges Majors (center) with his mother (left) and new girlfriend (right) on December 7. Defense attorneys have called the case against Majors a 'witch hunt' Jabbari was peppered with questions by Majors' attorney about video clips that showed her using her injured hand for tasks like lifting a champagne glass, rifling through her bag, or brushing locks of hair behind her ear. Chaudhry honed in on the fact that Jabbari went to a nightclub with three strangers she met on the street after the alleged attack. In surveillance videos, one of the bystanders can be seen confronting Majors, who briefly returned to the scene and gestured for Jabbari to get back in the car, before leaving again. Feeling distraught and not wanting to be alone, Jabbari said she accompanied the three strangers to a nightclub called Loosie's, where she ordered a bottle of champagne and a round of shots with her new friends. Chaudhry said, 'You picked up the lime with your right hand? And you put the lime in your mouth? You sucked on the lime and then you put the rest of the lime rind back on the bar with your right hand, correct?' Jabbari responded that she was running on adrenaline and shock following the assault and did not realize the extent of her injuries until she woke up the next morning and 'felt like I got hit by a bus.' 'I wasnt focusing on pain. I was just trying to have a nice time,' she said. 'There were these lovely people there and I felt safe with them.' Chaudhry has suggested that Jabbari would not have gone to the club if she was as hurt as she claimed, at points implying that the accuser may have injured herself later in the night while intoxicated. Prior to the start of the trial, the defense attorney circulated video footage of Jabbari at the nightclub to the press, claiming it provided 'irrefutable' evidence that the case against Majors was a 'witch hunt.' Prosecutors have accused Majors of directing a 'cruel and manipulative' pattern of abuse against Jabbari, culminating with the assault in the backseat of the car. Grace Jabbari left court in New York City on December 5 after recounting in public the 'excruciating assault' she alleges she suffered at the hands of Marvel star Jonathan Majors Jonathan Majors, left, and his girlfriend Meagan Good held hands as they entered court on December 4 On Wednesday Jabbari testified about the 'substantial' pain she suffered after the actor allegedly assaulted her in the backseat of a cab this spring, as photos of the woman's injuries were shared with a Manhattan jury for the first time. Jabbari said that Majors became 'full of rage and aggression' while training for the part last summer, at times throwing objects at the wall during their frequent arguments. She said she was conditioned to accept fault in order to ease his 'violent temper' during their relationship. Regarding her injuries, she revealed - 'when I was trying to sleep, I was very aware that I couldn't lie on the right side of my head,' she said. 'It was an everything hurts situation.' The actor was arrested last March following a dispute with his girlfriend in the backseat of a chauffeured car that began when Jabbari read a 'romantic' text message sent to Majors by another woman. After Jabbari snatched his phone, Majors allegedly grabbed her finger, twisted her arm behind her back, and struck her hard on the back of the head in an effort to wrestle away the device. Majors is accused of grabbing Jabbari (pictured right) and twisting her arm on the way home from a night out after she spotted a flirty text from another woman. He denies the allegations Once the driver pulled over and the couple exited the vehicle, Majors picked her up and threw her back in the car, Jabbari testified, slamming her head on the doorframe of the SUV. Majors has pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and harassment. His attorney has claimed that Jabbari was the instigator, telling a jury on Wednesday that he emerged from the car scratched and bloodied. The arrest has upended Majors fast-rising career, throwing his future as a lynchpin of the Marvel multiverse into doubt. Majors was previously set to reprise his role as the supervillain Kang the Conqueror in two upcoming Avengers films. The release of 'Magazine Dreams,' in which Majors earned critical accolades for his role as an aspiring body-builder, was also postponed from its scheduled opening this week. MBABANE A man, who is a treasurer of a certain stokvel, was arrested and charged after allegedly lying to the police that he was robbed of money amounting to E48 000 belonging to the society. A stokvel is an informal society made up of interested members who from a group with a common purpose of collecting funds, normally monthly, which are then distributed at the end of the year. Bongani Tsela (42), of Vusweni under Chief Senzangakhona, is alleged to have committed the offence at Mncitsini, where he stole money worth E48 620, while under the lawful possession of Elmond Tsabedze. Deceive Information gathered is that the accused person allegedly came up with some tricks on how he would purportedly deceive the stokvel members as they were expected to distribute the money they had been saving since January among themselves tomorrow. According to sources close to the matter, Tsela is believed to have used the money for his personal gain. It has been gathered from the sources that Tselas first trick of trying to come out innocent in the matter was making attempts to injure himself, so that it looked as if he had been attacked by certain people, who later walked away with the stokvel money. The accused person also went further to tie both his hands and feet. We really dont know how he came up with such a plan. As if that was not enough, Tsela was found with socks stuffed inside his mouth, while also covered in a blanket. He then put the money bag next to the door, which was wide open, alleged the source. Misappropriated The source further alleged that members of the stokvel were not aware that their treasurer allegedly misappropriated all the funds for his personal gain. According to the source, members of the stokvel were under the assumption that thieves came and took away their money a few days before it was to be distributed. What is painful is that members of the stokvel came to his rented flat after hearing of the alleged robbery and sympathised with him. They even took him, with the blanket in which he was covered, close to the road for ease of ferrying him to hospital. He pretended to have been assaulted during the robbery incident, further alleged the source. It has also been gathered that the police took him to hospital for a medical check-up. After he was discharged from the hospital, the accused person is said to have reported the robbery claims at the Mbabane Police Post. The police are said to have had some suspicions why the money went missing at this time of the year. The source said they could not arrest him after reporting the matter. Narrated The accused person later came and narrated how he makes use of the stokvel money for personal gain. He then handed himself over to the police, the source further alleged. When appearing before Senior Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati yesterday, his right to legal representation was explained to him and he elected to conduct his own defence. The accused person was then remanded in custody until December 15, 2023, pending trial on January 15, 2023. The Crown did not oppose his bail application. While mitigating on the bail application, he promised to repay the money before the trial commenced in January. He was granted bail fixed at E3 000, accompanied with conditions. The bail conditions included that he was not to commit a similar offence while out on bail, not interfere with State witnesses and should come to court whenever ordered to do so. . American banks filed to close 18 branches last week - and to open 8 - as part of an ongoing elimination of costly brick and mortar locations across the country. Midwest-based Associated Bank filed to close eight locations - five in Wisconsin and three in Illinois, according to a weekly bulletin published by regulator the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Bank of America filed to close three branches between November 26 and December 2 - in Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Valley Bank had two locations on the chopping board, while First American Trust, JPMorgan Chase and US bank filed to shutter one branch each. It is the latest spate of planned closures amid an increasing move toward online banking - which leaves some Americans without access to vital services. Midwest-based Associated Bank filed to close eight locations - five in Wisconsin and three in Illinois, according to a weekly bulletin published by regulator the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Associated Bank has more than 200 branches throughout Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. The bank filed to close eight branches - and did not reveal plans to open any. DailyMail.com approached Associated Bank for comment but did not immediately hear back. JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America, however, led in terms of branch openings, notifying the OCC of four and two respectively. Bank First and Citizens each said they planned on opening a single new branch. Bank of America also filed to shutter seven branches in the week between November 19 and November 25, according to the OCC. The company had 5,400 branches in 2013 and around 3,800 this year, according to BankRegData. A spokesperson for Bank of America told DailyMail.com that it was closing certain branches in response to diminishing customer traffic. 'What we're seeing across the industry is that our clients are using digital banking for more of their everyday needs. They only come into our financial centers when they want to have a conversation about their finances or something that's a little more complex,' they said. As the habits of consumers are changing, so too are the way banks are set out, said the spokesperson. In the past, Bank of America branches were arranged in such a way that the teller line was at the front. That line is now often at the back of the branch to make space for customers to meet with bank employees privately nearer to the entrance. Although the majority of consumer banks have been closing branches in recent years, the extent of the downscaling could begin to level off, the spokesperson suggested. Bank of America filed to close three branches between November 26 and December 2 - in Florida , Georgia and Pennsylvania Bank of America had 5,400 branches in 2013 and around 3,800 this year, also according to BankRegData In the first half the year - between January 1 and July 31 - a total of 1,144 national and regional banks were closed, according to data from S&P reviewed by DailyMail.com. An exclusive poll by DailyMail.com earlier this year revealed 51 percent of consumers said they were very or somewhat concerned about the declining number of bank branches. It also found that brick and mortar services were less accessible to black Americans. While 14 percent of black Americans said they did not have a local branch, that was only the case for 8 percent of white Americans. Have bank branch closures been affecting you, or are you able to manage your financial affairs online? Write us an email at money@dailymail.com. Spin-off store appears to be emulating Starbucks with its range of colorful drinks McDonald's superfans lined up to try the new food and drinks at its new CosMc restaurant this morning - and DailyMail.com tested some of the brand new items. The much-anticipated spin-off store, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, opened its doors Thursday to welcome in local Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta. But eagle-eyed locals spotted it was open and joined the line at the drive-thru only restaurant. The new brand - named after the chain's alien mascot in the 1980s and early 90s - appears to be emulating Starbucks with its range of colorful drinks including a Churro Frappe, Popping Pear Slush and a Berry Hibiscus sour-ade. Food items include the spicy queso sandwich and creamy avocado tomatillo sandwich. DailyMail.com went to the outlet to try the new food and drinks where the wait time was between ten and 20 minutes. Our photographer tasted the $4.99 creamy avocado tomatillo sandwich. He said: 'The sandwiches were OK for fast food. If I had to choose between this and the sausage McMuffin I would go for this instead. It is tastier for sure, and maybe a bit healthier. McDonald's superfans lined up for the opening of its new CosMc restaurant this morning after details of its menu were unveiled yesterday The new brand - named after the chain's alien mascot in the 1980s and early 90s - appears to be emulating Starbucks with its range of colorful drinks DailyMail.com went to the outlet to try the new food and drinks - including the $4.99 Spicy Queso Sandwich, pictured 'It was also a good size. Normally sandwiches from fast food outlets are smaller and quite sad looking in real life compared to the pictures. But not in this case. 'I tried the sour cherry drink. I wouldnt normally drink one of those colorful drinks but I liked it. II had the blueberry ginger boost - I can see that being nice and refreshing in the summer.' Yesterday, retail experts speculated that the chain appears to be targeting the 'TikTok' generation - who regularly help Starbucks' seasonal drinks to go viral. Retail expert Neil Saunders, from the consulting firm GlobalData, told DailyMail.com: 'McDonald's is certainly targeting the TikTok generation. The marketing is all very social media friendly - it's very wacky and colorful. And it's very different to the traditional old McDonald's brand.' He added: 'Starbucks is definitely one of the chains it is taking aim at. The CosMc offers a bigger opportunity for McDonald's in that beverage and snacking-on-the-go market.' CosMc's creamy avocado tomatillo sandwich had 'a lot of egg', according to the DailyMail.com photographer who tested it Our photographer tasted the $4.99 creamy avocado tomatillo sandwich. He said: 'The sandwiches were OK for fast food. If I had to choose between McDonalds sausage McMuffin I would go for this instead.' Yesterday, retail experts speculated that the chain appears to be targeting the ' TikTok ' generation - who regularly help Starbucks' seasonal drinks to go viral. Pictured: the Spicy Queso sandwich Retail expert Neil Saunders, from the consulting firm GlobalData, told DailyMail.com: 'McDonald's is certainly targeting the TikTok generation. The marketing is all very social media friendly - it's very wacky and colorful. And it's very different to the traditional old McDonald's brand.' Pictured: the Sour Cherry Energy Slush CosMc's customers waiting in line in their cars to order at a booth. Eager fans were happy to wait in line to order drinks such as $5.89 Siour Cherry Burst CosMc's is drive thru-only. Customers pick up at a window just like this one as they do in McDonald's - after first ordering at a booth and waiting for a window number The wait today was ten to 20 minutes for food and drinks - but McDonalds pointed out the cafe wasnt actually open. A source said: We werent actually open today funnily enough. We had opened up to let the local mayor try it along with some staff. But we decided - we wont turn curious customers away.' In fact, there is only a so-called soft opening on Friday where CosMcs will still be testing how it serves customers as it finetunes things. The current CosMcs is drive-thru only. It has four ordering stations, where customers say their order, wait for a window to drive to and then head over to that to pick it up. McDonald's is currently plotting its fastest period of growth in its more than 60-year history, with 10,000 new restaurants planned globally by 2027. It comes after a period of strong growth for the company which saw same-store sales rise by nearly 9 percent worldwide in the third financial quarter of 2023. The wait today was ten to 20 minutes for food and drinks - but McDonalds pointed out the cafe wasnt actually open. Pictured: part of the new CosMc menu The store is having a so-called soft opening on Friday where CosMcs will still be testing how it services customers as it finetunes things McDonald's spin-off CosMc's, in Bolingbrook, Illinois, opened its doors Thursday to welcome in local Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta It mirrors the mass expansion of Starbucks which last month announced it expected to have 55,000 stores around the world by 2030, up from 38,000 today. McDonald's made a host of other sweeping announcements on Wednesday, including a partnership with Google Cloud intended to improve its automated services. It also has ambitions to have 250 million active loyalty program users by 2027, up from 150 million today. Meanwhile its McCrispy chicken sandwich is set to land in nearly all of the chain's markets by the end of 2025. McDonald's saw its earnings shoot up by almost 17 percent to $2.32 billion in the third financial quarter of 2023. Executives said profits were bolstered by 'strategic menu price increases.' Sunsure Energy on Thursday said it will supply 31 million units of green power to Sandoz India for a period of 25 years. The company will supply power to the facility of the pharma player in Maharashtra, Sunsure Energy said in a statement. Sunsure Energy partners with Sandoz India for the supply of renewable energy from a 20 MW solar power plant. It will supply over 31 million units of green energy annually for the next 25 years, the statement said. The partnership will enable Sandoz India to offset 26 million kg of Co2 annually. Sunsure will set up this captive renewable energy plant with Sandoz India as the sole user of power. This green power commitment will be fulfilled through Open Access supply of power to Sandoz Indias facilities in Maharashtra, the statement said. Shashank Sharma, Founder-Chairman and CEO, Sunsure Energy, said, This partnership stands as a significant stride towards advancing the adoption of green energy in the pharmaceutical sector in India and globally. SAARC Charter Day is observed on December 8 by eight member countries. It is time to analyse its journey; what has been achieved and where it is headed The South Asian Regional Cooperation also known as SAARC, is a regional cooperation comprising eight countries i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. When SAARC was initially constituted in 1985, there were only seven member states however in 2007, Afghanistan was added to this regional grouping. The SAARC was set up in order to ensure that economic, social and cultural development occurred in the region. However, over the last few years, we have seen a decline in any kind of engagement on these fronts. Further the major objective of ensuring that the living standards of the people has gone downhill and there have been blatant human rights violations in the region which has caused individuals to lose their dignity in a myriad of ways. Regional integrity which was the founding idea behind SAARC has faced a serious blow with the skirmishes and standoff between India and Pakistan. These conflicts have spilt over into other avenues as well, which has effectively brought the SAARC functionalities to a grinding halt. Thus, also putting the peace and harmony of the region in jeopardy. The conflicts have prevented states from being able to build sustainable cooperation to promote economic, social or cultural development as a regional block. However, one must note that despite the fact that the regional block is not functioning as it was envisioned, states continue to have individual interactions with each other on various fronts of cooperation. The major driving factor behind the creation of SAARC was the acceleration of the process of economic growth. Further in order to realize this the SAARC states created an institutionalised regional economic cooperation through the Committee on Economic Cooperation. The agenda for this committee was to promote various methods and ways through which economic and trade relations could be intensified. The biggest step undertaken by the committee towards helping realize this goal was the creation of the SAARC Preferential Trading Agreement (SAPTA) in 1993. The SAPTA came into force in 1995 with the sole goal of promoting free trade among the member states in the region. To a large extent, this Agreement can be credited for reducing the trade barriers in the region to a large extent and for kindling the fire of free trade in the region. The SAPTA was replaced by the South Asian Free Trade Area at the twelfth SAARC meeting which was held in Islamabad. The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) though signed in 2004 was operationalized in 2006 and for a while, it was able to promote trade in the region but has fallen flat at the present due to political conflicts that exist between the two nuclear power states of the South Asian region. Over the years both the SAPTA and the SAFTA have failed to achieve their goals of accelerated economic growth in the region. Further, the incapacitation of Afghanistan to act as a state the Taliban has ruined the economy of the state. However, there is a need to strengthen the SAFTA and create a more durable structure like that of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Drawing a parallel with recreating the same possibilities through SAFTA that the AfCFTA is set to bring to the region. According to a recent World Bank report the AfCFTA is set to boost the regional income by 7% which when converted to dollars amounts to $450bn. Thus, impacting the quality of life of women, daily wage labourers and unskilled. This in turn enables the region to lift around 30 million people out of extreme poverty by 2035. The AfCFTA will be able to achieve this goal by diversifying exports, accelerating growth, competitively integrating into the global economy and increasing foreign direct investment. If the SAARC could implement the SAFTA in a much more aggressive manner it would aid in the upliftment of around 736 million people living in extreme poverty in the South Asian Region. Terrorism is not something that is new to the region and is however something that is overlooked to a large extent. States in the region tend to engage and counter-terrorism as individual actors rather than work together collectively as a block to prevent this from escalating in the region. Terrorism and politically instigated violence is not something that is new to the region and has persisted from before the inception of the SAARC. There is a need for SAARC to contribute to the strengthening of practical and implementable counter-terrorism cooperation. The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is a permanent organ of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and it aims at the promotion of cooperation between member states against three identified tents of counter-terrorism i.e. terrorism, separatism and extremism. If the SAARC could create something similar to the RATS it would greatly benefit their current individualistic fight against terrorism. From the perspective of India, why does SAARC play an important role in the foreign policy of India? If the SAFTA is properly operationalized it would be able to achieve its goal which is to reduce the customs duties to zero in the region. Thus, enabling India to boost its economic growth not just in the region but internationally as well. Further, the framework agreement on energy cooperation in the South Asian Region would enable India to mitigate the shortage faced in electricity production. Further, it would allow all member states to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Accord as the electricity created under this Agreement leans towards green energy sourced from renewable sources. SAARC as an organisation had come up with a Visa exemption scheme wherein certain categories of dignitaries were exempted from Visas. If this idea is to see fruition there is a need for states to set aside their differences and work together. India has always been the forerunner of Space development initiatives and it would be an added feather to the cap of India if we could launch the SAARC regional satellite. It would also help boost the amity between the respective member states. Further, the revitalization of SAARC would play an important role in enabling India to curb the rampant spread of Chinese influence in the region. With the Chinese influence becoming stronger in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, it is imperative for India to show these states that India can do for them what China offers as with the political tilt of various governments of the member states of SAARC the influence of China waxes and wanes. India needs to capitalise on this before it is too late and the damage is done. SAARC as a regional grouping is still of incredible importance. It is true that SAARC as a regional grouping is dormant now. However, we must not lose hope as the revitalisation of SAARC is in our best interest and could change the way we are perceived on international platforms. (The writer is a professor at Puducherry University, views are personal) Technology is at the heart of future geo-political arrangements Much of the discourse in Delhi this week was focused on the use of technology and its impact on society. This happened at a time when most of India was discussing the impact of the crucial state election results on the upcoming national elections next year. The conspiracy narrative that finally emerged after the last votes had been counted was that somehow, the winning team managed to technologically hack the electronic voting machines, at a mass level, which resulted in an outcome that wasnt expected! The techno-political challenges apart, there were many parallel conversations that pointed to the centrality of technology in modern geopolitical equations. External affairs minister was addressing a global technology summit that discussed in detail the role technology, is likely to play in the wake of expected higher decibels on the political front (with the two largest democracies India and the US getting in the election mode next year and the overall impact on future of the planet. External affairs minister S Jaishankar said We all intuitively know that the march of technology is really the history of human progress and actually pretty much every era has its particular sets of technological advancements which have defined it. We also know that the history of the world, the balances of power, the making and unmaking of nations, of civilizations are all in one way or another a reflection of how technology has grown. Now, in terms of the policy challenges that it presents, one of course is the need to regulate technology because many technologies also come with downsides and we have seen that expressed in world affairs through regimes and treaties and rules. In one of the most candid admissions, the minister highlighted the pitfalls of India following an ideological (to be read as non-aligned) blinder-induced foreign policy approach for nearly three decades. The obvious reference was to the opt-out from the US block on nuclear technology cooperation back in the 1960s when the then US president had offered India to build a nuclear weapon of its own. India had refused on ideological high grounds and the prevailing foreign policy mindset. Some of these drained onto the national psyche, where India beyond a point, was content with importing most finished goods while sticking to being a monsoon-dependent agrarian economy. Keeping to the context Mr Jaishankar said Where India is concerned, I think today we are, in many areas, very clearly playing catch-up. We're playing catch-up because while our era of reform started three decades ago, the era of reform was not necessarily the era of technology, and we conceptualised reform in much narrower terms. If I were today to sum up the last decade because I think we are now very clearly at the tail end of what is the second term of the Modi government, perhaps one major difference has been the centrality of technology in approaching public policy and to approach governance and towards national security. So, if one looks today at the domestic direction, the push on manufacturing, and this itself is a debate in this country, there are people who believe that it is not our competence, I would say even our karma, to do manufacturing, and that we would be wasting our time, energy and resources embarking on that path. But here's a common-sense proposition. You're not going to be able to do R&D if you don't have competitive manufacturing. You can't encourage people to be at the cutting edge if you are not at the middle level of the same business. This focus on technology at the heart of future geo-political arrangements is one dominant theme getting into 2024. (The writer is a policy analyst, views are personal) The European nations are abandoning liberalism and using nationalism to prevent immigration from Asia and Africa There is no doubt that Europe is leaning Right. National elections held in the Continent are bringing forth governments one by one, which can be called right-wing, but not fascist. The Netherlands has all but elected Geert Wilders, an unapologetic opponent of Islam. Giorgia Meloni, Italys rightwing and nationalist Prime Minister, is going strong; She has thrown out Chinas BRI project and refuses to toe the European Unions line on immigration. Emmanuel Macron of France, who began as a centrist is turning right, much to the consternation of that countrys socialists and leftists, while indications are that the far-right, anti-immigrant and anti-Islam Marine Le Pen might win Frances next elections. President Emmanuel Macron has often spoken of the need to build a Europe that protects''. In a landmark 2017 Sorbonne speech, he had also called for a sovereign, united and democratic Europe. Finland has a strong right-wing prime minister, Petteri Orpo, who is no friend of unrestricted immigration. Hungary under Viktor Orban has already called the European Union a dysfunctional arrangement and no longer obeys its diktats. Now Greece is throwing up rightwing politicians, who have opened their doors to Indian investments, but more importantly, Greece has stated that it will never be friends with Indias enemies. Much to everyones horror, the Alternative Fur Deutschland (AFD), a nationalist and right-wing German party is gaining ground in that country and might soon rule Deutschland. The AFD is reportedly a hard-right party opposed to the liberal and green environmentalist agendas of Germanys conventional political parties, and also their liberal stance on immigrants coming into Germany. The days of former German Chancellor Angela Merkels welkuming policies towards Turkish and Middle Eastern migrants are now more or less over. Whether the new rulers admit and say it or not, they have been elected in response to a dread of Islam. The fascists had captured power between the two World Wars, which itself had been a fearful response to the threat of communism. In the context of World War II, Fascism/Nazism or class collaboration were conceptually appropriate to the growth of ideologies that propagated and promoted class conflict. Logically, the antidote to the fear of Islam should have been more and more influence of Christianity. Unfortunately, however, the grip of Christianity over the minds and hearts of Europeans, with the march of modernity and the progress of advanced learning and education, has dissipated. Education encourages thinking, and a thinking individual does not accept any assertion without research or survey, preferably of an empirical nature. Over and above this difficulty, three religions have competed with the same claim. To start with, Judaism, then Christianity and thereafter Islam have the same contention and beliefs. To worship without being allowed to pursue spirituality or seeking an opportunity to see or feel the divine is a very limiting and constraining experience. This can seem harsh to the thinking person. Experts in Europe say that currently, only about 25 per cent of people in West Europe declare themselves as Christians, and only a small minority of even these people are church-goers. In other words, Christianity is in no position to help to keep Muslims out of the Continent. Between the two world wars, waging class conflict was seen as something normal until it was countered with class collaboration. In its heyday, Christianity could have helped combat Islam. Today, the Europeans are abandoning their liberation and using nationalism to prevent further immigration from Asia and Africa. In a way, this is an about-turn, because, after WWII, nationalism had become unwelcome. Books were written to show that fascism was nothing but an intensification of nationalism and therefore, was unwelcome any longer. The coming together of Europe under the banner of the European Union (EU) was a demonstration of the post-WWII European opposition to nationalism. The European far Right has been often accused by its Leftist and liberal critics of representing the worst things in European ideological traditions. These are; namely, exclusive nationalist essentialism, dogmatism that runs counter to the values that were bequeathed by the Enlightenment and political authoritarianism, which the Right is accused of re-energizing. But the European Right today conveys a simple but powerful message today, based on three core ideas: rediscovery of the nation and national identities; warning of the dangers of unrestrained immigration, particularly from Islamic countries, which is derided as xenophobia; and anti-politician, anti-establishment populism. In this regard, the far Right offers its followers an exclusive identity. The European Right has identified conventional politicians, i.e., the establishment as the culprits and advocates simple and now increasingly unavoidable solutions like throwing out unwanted foreigners and overthrowing the traditional political class. Right or wrong, good or bad, this seems to be catching on in todays Europe. The Soviet Union was a superpower inhabiting a part of Europes geography, to which also the European Union was an answer. An ideologically non-descript Russia, with its fifteen republics having seceded is no longer seen as an almighty threat. As a result, quite a few European experts may begin to consult crystal gazers to check up on the future of the European Union. (The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cited poll data for Assembly elections over the decades to assert that the BJP has become peoples most preferred choice for governance as its record of retaining power is better than the Congress and other parties. Speaking at the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting, he said not any leader but team spirit should be credited for the partys big win in the recent Assembly polls, noting that besides winning in three States, the partys strength has also grown in Telangana and Mizoram, sources said. The Prime Minister also asked party leaders to use the language preferred by the masses in their interaction with them. While giving an example, he said they should use Modi ki guarantee instead of Modi ji ki guarantee. Quoting Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi told reporters that the Congress faced Assembly polls 40 times while in power in those States and could win only seven of them, having a dismal success rate of 18 per cent. The corresponding figures for the BJP are 22 out of 39 times, a success rate of 56 per cent, Modi noted. Regional parties have fared better than the Congress but not the BJP as they won 18 of 36 times when in power, notching up a success rate of 50 per cent. It shows that the BJP is the most preferred party for running the Government, he said. In the case of a party in power in a State for two terms facing Assembly elections, the Congress success rate is only 14 per cent compared to the BJPs 59 per cent, he added. The Prime Minister reiterated that the four biggest castes for him are the poor, youth, women and farmers, and party leaders should work for their development. He asked MPs to participate in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, a Government exercise aimed at saturation coverage of various welfare schemes. Modi later wrote on X, Earlier today, attended the BJP Parliamentary Party meeting. Our party karyakartas are buoyed by the partys performance in the recent Assembly elections and are looking forward to working even harder in the times to come, spreading the message of development among people of all walks of life. We will continue to fulfil peoples aspirations and empower the poorest, downtrodden and marginalised, he added. Earlier, Modi was given a standing ovation at the meeting following the partys stupendous win in three Assembly polls. Party MPs raised slogans lauding his leadership as senior leaders, including BJP president JP Nadda, felicitated Modi at the first meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Party in Parliaments Winter Session. The BJP scored a thumping win over the Congress in the Assembly polls in three States of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Modis leadership has been cited as the primary reason for its big win. Even as the Congress snatched power from the BRS in Telangana, the BJPs vote share and tally rose. The BJP Parliamentary Party, which includes all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members, generally meets every week during sessions. In the meetings, its leaders, including Modi, speak on different issues relevant to the agenda in Parliament and also to its organisational and political campaigns. Modi greeted with slogans by treasury benches in the Rajya Sabha. Modi was greeted with the thumping of desks and slogans by Treasury Benches as he entered the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour on Thursday. He attends the Question Hour proceedings every Thursday, the day when queries related to the departments he handles are listed. This is the first time he entered the Rajya Sabha during the Winter Session of Parliament that started on December 4. Soon after the Prime Minister entered the Upper House, some members also started raising slogans like BJP guarantee, Modi guarantee and Teesri baar, Modi Sarkar as he assumed his seat next to the Leader of the House Piyush Goyal. BJP president J P Nadda was also present in the House. In a separate event during the day, the Prime Minister urged people to become Viksit Bharat Ambassadors, saying it is an ideal way to spread the development agenda and utilise our energies to fulfill our mission to make India a developed nation. Modi said 140 crore Indians have shown the world what people-powered development is. Let us join in this mass movement by signing up on NaMo App, and accepting the 100 day challenge of performing simple but highly impactful tasks in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador module, he said. Modi said he looks forward to personally meeting some of the most energetic and bright ambassadors from all walks of life. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to release in advance the second installment of the Centres contribution to the SDRF of `493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and `450 crore to Tamil Nadu in view of the floods caused by cyclone Michaung, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said. Meanwhile in Chennai, following an aerial survey and a high-level meeting with Chief Minister MK Stalin at the Secretariat, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the first installment of `450 crore had been released earlier to the State. PM Modi is distressed by loss of lives in TN due to rains, flood, he said. In a post on X, Shah said the Prime Minister has also approved the first urban flood mitigation project of `561.29 crore for Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), which also includes Central assistance of `500 crore. The severe cyclonic storm Michaung has affected Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Though the extent of damage is varied, many areas of these States have been inundated, affecting standing crops, the Home Minister said. To help the State Governments with the management of relief necessitated by the cyclonic storm, PM @narendramodi directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to release in advance the Central share of the 2nd instalment of SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund) of `493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and `450 crore to Tamil Nadu, he said. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected. We stand with them in this crucial hour and will ensure the situation normalises at the earliest, Shah said. Michaung left behind a trail of destruction in Andhra Pradesh, damaging 770-kilometre roads, uprooting trees and killing livestock. According to data shared by the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), nearly 40 lakh people from 194 villages and two towns were affected by Michaungs impact. EZULWINI Children and the youth stumbled on an opportunity to ask hard questions from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane, including his views on police brutality. This was during the commemoration of the 75th United Nation Declaration of Human Rights that was held at SibaneSami Hotel in Ezulwini. During the commemoration, the youth and children who are part of the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) youth Board, made presentations on issues inhibiting them from enjoying their rights to the fullest. The first issue that was raised was access to education and the outdated curriculum in schools. This topic was addressed by Inaki Shongwe, from St Michaels High School. Shongwe said there was a need for the curriculum to be revised, since children were taught an outdated syllabus that wasnt aligned with the current times. Highlighted She highlighted that there were talks that the country was looking at agriculture as being the sector that was meant to improve the economy. The learner stated that it was surprising that the agriculture that was taught in schools was not aligned with the market demands and climate. As the leaner was presenting, all eyes were on the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, who was present. Therafter two speakers, Bayabonga Masuku and Ziyanda Msibi, gave Prince Simelane and all the other stakeholders, who included UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira and other UN agencies, first-hand impression of freedom of expression. Msibi, from Endzingeni High School, was the first to come hard on the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Msibi was presenting on sexual violation as another stumbling block between children and access to human rights. She mentioned that some believed that sexual violation meant rape, yet it was more than that. Msibi said it was not only girls who were sexually violated, but boys as well. Dlamini said it was a challenge for the boy child to report such violations. I want to ask from Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Babe Prince Simelane what his ministry is doing to ensure a conducive environment for the boy child to report abuse? she asked. As everyone was still trying to digest where the 16-year-old got the confidence to directly ask the minister, Masuku, a first-year student at the University of Eswatini, highlighted a number of issues that led children, more especially orphans, to commit crime. He highlighted that socio-economic issues had led some children, more especially those from child-headed households, to resort to crime in order to get food and provide for their needs. Masuku also decried how law enforcers ill-treated suspects. Suspects It is not a secret that children became suspects in crimes that are committed around communities. It is paining to see how children who are suspected to be in conflict with the law are treated by law enforcers. Children are beaten during interrogation and even when they are taken for questioning, they are beaten in front of people by police, he said. Masuku said the way law enforcers dealt with children who were suspected to be in conflict with the law, looked as if the notion of innocent until proven guilty did not apply when it came to children who were suspects. The young person said they noted that the same treatment that was given to children and the youth was not given to people of influence who were suspected to be in conflict with the law. It is at whose expense that we are assaulted by police? If we are all equal before the eyes of the law, why are the high and mighty not beaten when they are investigated by police? Masuku asked. The young person further revealed that children also committed crimes in order to protect their right to education. Masuku said due to the challenges faced by young people when it came to accessing education, some deliberately committed crimes to be admitted to Vulamasango School, which was meant for juveniles. The Minister of Education and Training, Nxumalo, stated that every child should have access to education and that was one of the basic rights of young people. Programmes To ensure that education aligned with the times, the minister said the ministry had programmes in place to consult with stakeholders to revise the curriculum. Meanwhile, the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said as a commitment to ensure the enjoyment of human rights for emaSwati, including the rights of children, the country had domesticated the UDHR by adopting the Constitution, enacting laws and putting in place some institutions that would ensure the respect of the rights of the people in the country. These institutions include the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration and Integrity, the Law Reform Unit; the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up and the Legal Aid, he said. He acknowledged the partnership between the commission, the Ministry of Education, the UN and other stakeholders, in commemorating the existence of the UDHR. Coming to the presentations that were made by the children, he said; These presentations are eye-opening and insightful and as duty bearers, there are lessons learnt from the children and issues which we may need to engage on and find a way to address, so as to end the violations of the rights of children. Children are the future, therefore, if we want to have a bright future as a country, we need to invest in our children, by enacting laws and strengthening institutions that promote and protect human rights. Amidst the ongoing huddle, the BJP is likely to name Central observers for electing the leaders of its legislature parties in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan on Friday amid indications that new Chief Ministers may be named over the weekend. The ruling party at the Centre, which secured an immense mandate in the Hindi heartland States, came under severe criticism from Opposition parties led by the Congress. They questioned the delay in naming the Chief Ministers, even as the grand old party was swift in appointing the Chief Minister in its winning State of Telangana on the same day. A senior BJP leader said the observers for all the three States are expected to be named on Friday. They will then travel to the respective States to oversee the meetings of newly elected MLAs where the future Chief Ministers will be named. He said no decision has been taken yet on the choices of the Chief Minister and the party will keep in mind social, regional, governance and organisational interests in picking the three CMs. Leaders from three States have been meeting the top party brass, including Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda, but sources played down their significance, saying such meetings are routine. So many State leaders have been meeting our national leadership. There can be only three Chief Ministers. One should not be reading too much into it, party source said, noting that many of the probables include MPs who have resigned from Parliament and are meeting national leaders as courtesy. As per agency reports, amid the suspense over whom the BJP will pick for the Chief Ministers post in Rajasthan, a visit by five BJP MLAs to a resort on the outskirts of Jaipur city created a buzz. The father of MLA Lalit Meena claimed the newly elected legislator from Kishanganj had been confined there by the other four. After his father informed the party office, Meena was brought there on Wednesday morning. It was not immediately clear whether the other four stayed back at the resort on Sikar Road. BJPs Rajasthan unit president CP Joshi said, There is no badabandi. The MLAs are in their constituencies, he said, adding that any decision on who will the Chief Minister will be taken after the legislature party meeting. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, a seasoned BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh, and Baba Balaknath, who is from Rajasthan, met Shah on Thursday. Both quit Lok Sabha after becoming members of Assemblies of their States. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, whose meeting with many newly-elected MLAs have raised a few eyebrows, is also in the national Capital. She may also meet senior party leaders, sources said. Tomar and Union Minister Prahlad Singh Patel, who comes from politically significant Other Backward Classes, are seen as possible chief ministerial choices in Madhya Pradesh along with the incumbent Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Patel and Tomar are among 12 BJP MPs who have been elected to three State Assemblies and have quit their parliamentary memberships. Chhattisgarh BJP president Arun Sao, an OBC, Union Minister Gomati Sai and Lata Usendi, both of whom come from Scheduled Tribes, are seen as serious contenders for the top seat in the State due to their social background, image and relatively young profile. Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), RJD all members of INDIA Bloc took a swipe at the BJP over it not announcing the Chief Ministers in the three States it won in the recent Assembly polls and asked why the party was not being called out for what is actually a delay. Congress chief spokesman Jairam Ramesh said less than 24 hours after the election results were out on December 3, his party was being criticised in the media by all and sundry for a so-called delay in appointing a Chief Minister for Telangana. Well, our CM was announced a day before and took oath today, he said referring to A Revanth Reddy being named as the chief minister of Telangana. But three days have gone by and the BJP has been unable to even announce its Chief Ministers for Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, he said. Why is the BJP not being called out for what is actually a delay? Ramesh said. While Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi too questioned the delay and particularly the media which used to run campaign against Opposition parties when there were delays in naming a CM for the winning sides, RJD leader and also a Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha quipped let the largest political party with mega arrogance cheer the beauty of democracy in their way. Why to celebrate the huge mandate when it takes time to decided who will lead the show now, Jha said. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said there was no question of equitable treatment of the United States and Canada in relation to the allegations that Indian officials were involved in the targeting of Khalistan separatists in the two countries, as one had provided inputs to India and the other had not. Making this assertion in the Rajya Sabha, he also informed the Rajya Sabha that India has constituted an inquiry committee to look into the inputs received from the US as these have a bearing on the countrys national security. He made this assertion days after Washington alleged an Indian link to a foiled plot to kill Sikh separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on its soil. Replying to a supplementary question on the US charges, the Minister said it is not directly connected to the original question which was on the foreign visits of Union Ministers. Insofar as the US is concerned, certain inputs were given to us as part of our security cooperation with the United States. Those inputs were of concern to us because they (were) related to the nexus of organised crime, trafficking and other matters. Because they have a bearing on our own national security, it was decided to institute an enquiry into the matter and an inquiry committee has been constituted, he said. The Minister was also asked why there was no equitable treatment with regard to charges made by the Canadian Government. In response, he said, Insofar as Canada is concerned, no specific evidence or inputs were provided to us. So, the question of equitable treatment to two countries, one of whom has provided input and one of whom has not, does not arise. Last month, US federal prosecutors charged Indian national Nikhil Gupta with working with an Indian Government employee in the foiled plot to kill Pannun, who holds dual citizenship of the US and Canada. Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on September 18 made an explosive allegation of the potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, on Canadian soil on June 18. India has strongly rejected Trudeaus allegations as absurd and motivated. Incidentally, the Delhi Police are on alert after the US-based Pannun released a video message threatening to shake the very foundation of Parliament on December 13 -- the anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament. Last month, United States federal prosecutors accused an Indian intelligence official of planning and directing a plot, from India, to allegedly kill Pannun in New York. The plot allegedly involved another Indian citizen and two individuals, a source and a hitman, who turned out to be undercover US officers. Taking note of the allegations, the Ministry of External Affairs said India has launched a high-level probe and that its matter of concern. The United States said it takes the matter very seriously and will wait to see the results Indias investigation into it. They told us they would conduct an investigation. They have publicly announced an investigation. And now well wait to see the results of the investigation, but its something we take very seriously, US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller told the reporters on Tuesday. We are looking forward to seeing the results of that investigation, and Im not going to make any assessments, obviously, before the investigation itself is completed, he added. US Principal Deputy National Security Advisor(NSa) Jonathan Finer conveyed to New Delhi the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible in the probe announced by India to investigate an alleged Indian link to a foiled plot to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil. As Finer wrapped up his high-profile visit to India on Tuesday, the White House said Finer acknowledged Indias establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate the lethal plotting and underlined the need for holding accountable those responsible. Finer acknowledged Indias establishment of a committee of enquiry to investigate lethal plotting in the United States and the importance of holding accountable anyone found responsible, it said in a readout while referring to his meetings in the national capital. Finer also discussed with his Indian interlocutors the plans for a post-conflict Gaza and a pathway toward a two-state solution, it said. The senior White House official met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and held extensive talks with Deputy NSA Vikram Misri. His visit to New Delhi came days after American prosecutors linked an Indian official to a man charged with conspiring to assassinate Pannun. The Government on Thursday told the Parliament that Assams Charaideo Moidams, or royal burial mounds of the Ahom dynasty is Indias nomination for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List for the year 2023-24. The unique burial mounds, represented by pyramid-like structures known as moidams, were used by the Tai-Ahom dynasty which ruled for around 600 years in Assam, from the 13th century to the 19th century, said Union Minister for Culture and Tourism G Kishan Reddy in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha. He was asked whether the Government has finalised Indias nomination for consideration as World Heritage site for 2023-24 and the rationale behind the selection of sites for nominations. In his written reply to the question, Reddy said, The nomination dossier of Group of Moidams-The Mound Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty has been submitted as Indias nomination for the year 2023-24. Selection of sites or properties for World Heritage nomination depends upon its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), Authenticity and Integrity. These sites must fulfil one of the criteria of OUV as mentioned in the UNESCO Operational Guidelines, 2023, the Minister added. The Moidams contain the remains of Ahom dynasty royalty. Previously, the Ahoms were buried, but after the 18th century, they adopted the Hindu mode of cremation, and bones and ashes were enclosed in a moidam which is an earthen pyramid. These moidams are commonly known as the pyramids of Assam. According to the UNESCO website, Moidams are vaulted chambers (chow-chali), often double storied, that have an arched passage for entry. Atop the hemispherical mud-mounds, layers of bricks and earth are laid. The base of the mound is reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west, Eventually, the mound would be covered by a layer of vegetation, reminiscent of a group of hillocks, transforming the area into an undulating landscape, the description of moidams added. Excavation shows that each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised platform where the body was laid. Several objects used by the deceased during his life, like royal insignia, objects made in wood or ivory or iron, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes to the extent of human beings (only from the Luk-kha-khun clan) were buried with their king, according to the website. The Tai-Ahom clan, upon their migration from China, established their capital in different parts of the Brahmaputra River Valley between 12th and 18th CE, it added. Last year, on the 400th anniversary of 17th century Ahom general, Lachit Borphukan, hailed as a Hindu hero, and the Central Government had organised a three-day celebration in Delhi. The State celebrates 24 November as Lachit Diwas. 386 Moidams have been explored so far, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, representative, and most complete examples of this tradition, Sarma said in a letter to the PM on 16 January. Charaideo, or the shining town on a hill top, was the first capital established by King Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of the dynasty, in 1229 CE. Through the 600 years of the Ahom rule, the capital was shifted several times. Yet, Charaideo remained the symbolic centre of power. Arup Kumar Dutta, author of the book The Ahoms has been quoted in the media as saying, The Ahoms reportedly represented a time when the Assamese race was united and able to fight an alien, formidable force such as the Mughals The British reduced a brave race to an abject stateEven in free India, we had to fight for everything, The Ahoms, who were non-Hindus, adopted the local religion, Hinduism, during the reign of Sudangpha (1397-1407). It was the first time that Hinduism, which was the predominant religion outside the Ahom realm, penetrated into it right at the very top. Hindu rituals, including worship of Laxmi-Narayan Shaligram in addition to the Shan idol Somdeo, began to be performed at the royal palace. Later, the Hindu God Indra supplanted Lengdon (the ruler of heaven) in Ahom and Ahom kings began to adopt Hindu names in addition to the Shan titles, Dutta wrote in the book. As the Uttar Pradesh government gears up for the first phase of groundbreaking ceremony (GBC), 10 major industrial houses are likely to invest Rs 1.11 lakh crores to set up their units in the state, honouring the memorandums of understanding signed by them with the UP government during Global Investors Summit held in February last. It is worth mentioning that the UP government received investment proposals totaling Rs 40 lakh crores during UP GIS-2023. In the first phase of the GBC, preparations are being made to implement proposals worth Rs 13 lakh crore on the ground, which include proposals of Rs 1.1 lakh crore from industrial giants, including Tata, Hiranandani, Tusco and Greenko among others. The top industrial houses have expressed their readiness to invest substantially in key sectors such as data centres, retail markets, skill development and energy within the state. In the first phase, the focus will be on implementing projects related to Data Centre Park to be set up in Gautam Buddha Nagar by NIDP Developers Private Limited (Hiranandani Group). The company has proposed investment of Rs 30,000 crore for setting up of the park in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority area. Similarly, an investment of over Rs 27,000 crore is to be made by NTPC Limited to establish two power plants in Jhansi and Sonbhadra. The UP State Electricity Production Corporation Limited Board has already approved the establishment of a super thermal power plant in Obra, Sonbhadra. Besides, a project worth more than Rs 17,000 crore by Greenko is set to be established in Sonbhadra. The land acquisition process for the Off-Stream Close Loop Pump Storage Project is progressing rapidly. Similarly, a project worth Rs 8,000 crore by Sify Infinite Space Limited is being brought on the ground, focusing on information technology (IT) and electronics, with the establishment of a data centre in Noida. This project is currently under construction. Moreover, a real estate project worth Rs 7,500 crore by M3M India Pvt Ltd is set for launch in Noida. For this, 52,000 square metres of land has been allotted in Sector 94 of Noida and approval has also been received from Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). Furthermore, Tusco Limited is ready to establish a 1,000-megawatt Matatila Floating Solar Power Plant with an investment of Rs 6,500 crore. The establishment of this park is planned in Lalitpur. All necessary approvals have been obtained for the implementation of the project and significant progress has been made towards its launch during the GBC. Additionally, Bundelkhand Solar Energy Limited is initiating a project worth Rs 6,000 crore in Jalaun. It has also received approval under the MNRE National Solar Park Scheme of the Government of India. In Prayagraj and Mirzapur, ACME Cleantech Solutions Pvt Ltd is planning to implement Off-Stream Close Loop Pump Storage Project worth Rs 6,000 crore. The Yogi Adityanath government has provided approval for this project and the land acquisition process is underway. Meanwhile, the construction of a retail mart by IKEA in Noida with an investment of Rs 4,300 crore has begun after receiving environmental clearance. Tata Technologies is also set to spend Rs 4,174 crore to upgrade 150 ITIs in the state. The MoU for this was signed in front of the chief minister a few months ago. A 55-year-old woman in Bareilly seeking a passport to visit Bangladesh was arrested for living illegally in India for the past 35 years. The womans nationality issue was exposed during the passport verification process. Anita Devi, 55, and Mangal Sen, 60, were living a happy married life in Bareilly for over three decades and have five children. Last month, Anita decided to visit her home to see her ailing mother. Sub-Inspector Rehmat Ali of Deorania police station, said, I had suspicion over her nationality when we cross-checked the details mentioned in her application form. She had mentioned her native place as Narainpur Nazran under Saharsa police station of Jessore district of Bangladesh. Anita Devis original name was Anita Das, daughter of late Keshav Das. Ali said he informed his seniors and lodged an FIR against the woman for violation of Foreigners Act, 1946, after getting a report against her from the local intelligence unit. The S-I is the complainant in the FIR lodged in the case at Deorania police station. The S-I mentioned in the FIR that the woman entered Indian territory through the porous India-Bangladesh border in 1988 when she was 20 years old. She did this with the help of some human traffickers to work as domestic help and reached Bareilly while travelling through different states. She fell in love with one Mangal Sen, who worked as a labourer, and stayed back in India after marrying him, Ali added. In the FIR, the S-I also alleged that the woman was living illegally in India for the last 35 years. A resident of Udaipur village said Anita was a simple woman and lived here for many years. After the arrest of the woman, the entire family her husband and children is disturbed and running from pillar to post to resolve the issue. They could not imagine her languishing in jail, he said. A senior official of Bareilly local intelligence unit said there was a set protocol in such cases to arrest illegal immigrant and alert the Intelligence Bureau about her stay in Bareilly Further investigation in the case is going on while legal opinion is being sought on whether Anita should be deported back to her native country despite being married to an Indian national or she be allowed to stay here if she is not found to be involved in any kind of illegal or anti-national activity, disclosed Devendra Singh Dhama, Inspector of Deorania police station. According to legal experts, Article 21 of the Indian Constitution allows her to apply for Indian citizenship while she would also be covered under Commonwealth Citizenship as she has been staying in India since before 2004. The stage is all set for the grand opening of the Global Investors Summit-2023- Destination Uttarakhand today. In presence of a galaxy of dignitaries that includes ambassadors of many countries, Union ministers and prominent industrialists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the two-day summit at the imposing campus of Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun. More than one thousand investors, delegates and representatives of the industry will take part in the summit for which the Uttarakhand government has taken a target to attract investments worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore. One of the key features of the event is that the State has already signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 2.5 lakh crore and the State government is now endeavouring for grounding of these agreements. In the inaugural session, PM Modi will initiate grounding of projects worth Rs 44,000 crore. Grounding of 16 projects of infrastructure and tourism will be done on the day one of the summit. After attending the inaugural programme the PM will return to New Delhi. The State government has kept the theme peace to prosperity for the summit. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that all preparations for the Global Investors Summit have been completed. He said that the summit is being organised to establish Uttarakhand as the new destination of investment. The CM said that the government had taken an investment target of Rs 2.5 lakh crore from the summit and this target has already been achieved. He said that the process of more MoUs with representatives of the industry is in progress. The CM said that the State government is working diligently for creating employment opportunities by attracting investment and promoting local products. The inaugural ceremony is expected to be attended by three union ministers, seven cabinet ministers of Uttarakhand, former CMs, MPs, MLAs and many other dignitaries. The inaugural session will be addressed by eight prominent industrialists. The session will also be attended by ambassadors/ head of missions of Spain, Slovenia, Nepal, Cuba, Greece, Austria, Japan and Saudi Arabia. As part of the preparations for the summit, the State government organised four international road shows in London, Birmingham, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Apart from it five domestic road shows in Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Mumbai were also held to woo the investors. MoUs worth Rs 26,575 crore were signed in the Delhi road show while MoUs of Rs 12,500 Crore were inked in Britain. In the road shows held in UAE, MoU of Rs 15,475 crore were inked. The government signed MoU of Rs 10,150 crore in Chennai, Rs 4600 crore in Bengaluru, Rs 24000 crore in Ahmedabad and Rs 30,200 crore in Mumbai. The government also organised regional conclaves in Haridwar and Rudrapur while district level mini conclaves were organised in all the 13 districts. The government is focusing on tourism and hospitality, Ayush and wellness, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, real estate, pump and storage sector, green and renewable energy and automobile sectors in the summit. A 55-year-old farmer died after he jumped into a pond to escape a bulls attack in Salempur village of Deoria on Wednesday evening. The incident took place when the deceased, Shivdayal, was going to guard his crop from stray cattle. According to the brother of the deceased, Shivdayal was on his way to the field when a bull attacked him and to dodge the bull, he jumped into a nearby pond. Dataganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dharmendra Singh said that a team was sent to the spot to probe the matter. The body was recovered from the pond and sent for post-mortem. An ex gratia payment will be given to the family of the deceased after receiving the report, the SDM added. Extending his tribute to the valiant individuals serving on water, land, and air on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday said that these dedicated soldiers consistently exhibit invincible bravery in various challenging circumstances to safeguard the country's borders. We owe our gratitude to those warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, he added. The Chief Minister further said that the State Government is committed to the welfare of ex-servicemen and dependents of martyrs and is continuously making efforts for their upliftment. In observance of Armed Forces Flag Day, the Chief Minister also contributed to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Emphasizing the importance of collective support, he urged all citizens to generously contribute to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Such contributions would be instrumental in aiding the rehabilitation and resettlement of the dependents of brave soldiers who have either sacrificed their lives or incurred physical disabilities while in service. Khattar expressed his pride in contributing on Armed Forces Flag Day, underscoring the significance of honoring the indomitable courage and bravery of soldiers. He highlighted Haryana's rich tradition of valor and sacrifice, emphasizing the crucial role played by the state's warriors in the defense of the nation both before and after independence. The Chief Minister particularly commended the extraordinary bravery displayed by Haryana's soldiers during the Kargil war, noting that their actions resonated globally and showcased the strength of the Indian Army. In another event, Haryana, Home Minister Anil Vij commemorated the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland on the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day. On this occasion, the Home Minister voluntarily contributed to the fund, stating that the funds collected on this day are utilised for the welfare of the dependents of the martyrs. He also encouraged the residents to contribute willingly to the donation boxes placed by Zila Sainik Board on the occasion of Flag Day. PGI Director inaugurates Skin Bank and CME on "Advances in Burn Care and Skin Banking Chandigarh: Prof Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh inaugurated Skin Bank at the Department of Plastic Surgery on Thursday. Atul Parashar, Head Department of Plastic Surgery, PGIMER Chandigarh informed that it is one of the first Skin Banks in the Northern Region. Skin Bank facility will be very useful for patients with major burn injuries. The Director also inaugurated a CME on "Advances in Burn Care and Skin Banking." In a statement, the leading experts in the field of burn injuries shared their insights on the latest developments in burn management, ranging from innovative surgical techniques to advancements in post-burn rehabilitation. Skin is the largest organ of the human body with crucial protective function, and skin lost due to burns must be replaced by skin from elsewhere. This process is called skin grafting, and uses skin harvested from either the patients own body, or donated skin from deceased individuals, they added. Hooda demands independent inquiry into Hooch tragedy in Hry Chandigarh: Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Thursday demanded an independent inquiry to probe the hooch tragedy in the State. Deaths due to poisonous liquor are not stopping in the State. Within 3 years, incidents like Sonipat, Panipat, Ambala and Yamunanagar have taken place in Haryana in which dozens of people died due to poisonous liquor. This is not possible without protection. Despite major incidents, the government did not take action against any big players, he alleged. Commenting on the election results of five states, Hooda told the reporters in Chandigarh that the party is reviewing the reasons for the defeat. However, if we look at the results in depth, Congress has got about 10 lakh more votes than BJP in four states. Even in Haryana's neighboring Rajasthan, the difference in votes between BJP and Congress was only two percent. Congress has won 29 out of 34 seats adjoining Haryana, he stated. Every month citizens will receive electricity bills: Hry Power Minister Chandigarh: Haryana Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister Ranjit Singh on Thursday said that every consumer will get their electricity bill each month. He said this while attending the Bijli Panchayat organised by the Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam at the Public Works Department Rest House in Hisar. On the occasion, he addressed the concerns of urban and rural consumers. Representatives from 20 Gram Panchayats of four districts and various villages presented their concerns before the Energy Minister during the Bijli Panchayat. Addressing the issue of delayed billing, he stated that a meeting would be held soon to quickly make decisions so that citizens could receive their electricity bills every month. Govt forms Gurugram Metro Rail Limited to implement metro connectivity project from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City Gurugram Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal, who is also the Chairman of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation, on Thursday said that it has been decided to form a new company, Gurugram Metro Rail Limited, to implement the metro connectivity project from Millennium City Centre to Cyber City Gurugram. This will provide a circular mobility corridor connecting Millennium city centre to Subhash Chowk to Railway station, Rezangla Chowk to Cyber city coming full circle. Further, this will be taken up by the new company which will be headed by the Union Secretary for urban Development with Joint venture of 50% each of the Government of India and Haryana Government. While all upcoming projects will be implemented by the new company, the existing Rapid metro project will be dealt by HMRTC. Kaushal said this while presiding over the 54th meeting of Haryana Mass Rapid Transport Corporation (HMRTC) here in Chandigarh. Over 110,000 Govt jobs offered to youths purely based on their merit: Hry Min Chandigarh: Haryana School Education, Forest, and Environment Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar on Thursday said that in Haryana, over 110,000 government jobs have been offered to youths purely based on their merit without any cost or bias, significantly uplifting their morale. More than one lakh youth have been trained under the Haryana Skill Development Corporation, which provides education and training in employment-related subjects to the youth. Gujjar formally inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra-Jan Samvad Programme in Sankhera and Jatheri villages of Jagadhri. Participating as the chief guest, the Minister encouraged the villagers to avail themselves of the government's welfare schemes, listened to their concerns, and provided immediate directives for solutions. Himachal CM attends Oath taking ceremony of new CM of Telangana Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu congratulated Revanth Reddy on assuming the office of Chief Minister of Telangana State and also attended the oath-taking ceremony of Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet at Hyderabad. In a statement issued in Shimla, Sukhu expressed hope that Telangana State will progress leaps and bounds under the newly formed congress government as the people have bestowed their faith in the leadership of Reddy and the Congress party. India needs a proportional representation (PR) system or proportionate electoral system(PES) of election in place of the current First Past The Post (FPTP) in practice to represent the mandate of all the voters in governance. The ongoing practice in India does not reflect the correct proportion between the percentage of votes and the percentage of seats captured by political parties in State Assemblies and Parliament. The recent election results in the four States of Chhatishgarh, MP, Rajasthan and Telengana have reflected such imbalances in the percentage of votes and seats in their respective State assemblies which is not a good sign of representation in democracy. A very insignificant difference in vote share and visible difference in seats won by the parties is a matter of concern in representation. The Rajasthan State result shows a mere difference of 2 percent of votes between Congress and BJP but BJP has got 46 more seats than Congress. The BJP has 41.7 percent of votes with 115 seats and Congress has 39.5 percent of votes with 69 seats. Among others, the BSP got 1.8 percent, RLP got 2.3 percent and BTP got 2.25 percent. In the case of Chhatisgarh, with a 4 percent of vote difference, BJP got 19 seats more than Congress. The BJP with 46.3 percent of the vote share got 54 seats and Congress with 42.3 percent of the vote share got 35 seats . Similarly, in the case of Telengana with only 2 percent of the votes, Congress got 15 more seats than the BRS. Among others, BJP got 13.8 percent and AIMIM got 2.1 percent. MP has also had similar results, as the BJP got 48.8 percent of the votes and 163 seats and Congress got 42.19 percent of the votes with only 66 seats, which is less than half of the seats gained by the BJP. Among others, BSP got 3.2 percent of the votes. The question is why all votes are not being converted into seats and the winners were not represented by 51 percent of voters? The winners are not really enjoying the popular mandate in terms of vote share; rather with less votes they got elected in majority of seats to govern. In a multi-party system with a highly polarised division of votes, the votes of different political parties must be converted into seats. As a result, even political parties with a sizeable vote percentage are under represented in Assemblies and Parliaments. The national parties are also have disproportionate representation in Lok Sabha. Their votes have not been converted into seats. The electoral system for India was debated in the Constituent Assembly of Independent India and both Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr Amedekar were in favour of PR but the proposal was withheld on the grounds of low literacy rate among voters and national unification as a major concern those days. It was perceived that PR may encourage smaller parties and bring threat to stability of Government and national interest and unity. The FPTP system is mostly followed by former British colonies and best suit to bi-party system. The countries including, India, Canada, USA and UK have adopted FPTP system. The countries moving to multi- party system are seriously looking for more representative character of their electoral systems for inclusive governance. The issues of representation are vital to democracy and world wide many varieties of PR system have been well accepted in about 90 democratic countries. Many are trying to shift from FPTP to PR for better representation and to avoid waste of votes. It is found that countries with PR have better women participation as well as good human development index. Because representation has a link with development that facilitates participation and decision-making process. There has been a demand by political parties in India, especially the Left parties and other regional parties such as DMK, to shift to PR system but national parties such as Congress and BJP have not paid much attention to the demand. The appropriate bodies such as the Law Commission and the Election Commission of India have also recommended for PR system. The neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Sri Lanka have adopted PR system to give representation to more parties and socio-ethnic groups who are politically marginalised as minorities. Nepal has PR system with reservation to ensure better representation of the socially marginalised sections. The country has changed from monarchy as a theocratic country and from FPTP system to a secular country with parallel system without threshold in the Parliament election. The debate of representation took place in the first Round Table Conference in 1931 in London followed by communal award but not much into the system of elections. Post independence, India enacted the Representation of Peoples Act 1951, and started with universal adult franchise, multi-member constituency and reserve seats for SCs and STs but women and religious minorities were not included in the system. It led to insignificant representation of women, minorities and others in the Parliament and State Assemblies. The constituency based elections in a huge socio-religious diverse society mostly reflect the mandate of the polarised communal majorities as political majority and the representatives of smaller parties, ethnic and religious minorities are not getting adequately represented in the present system though they have support of the a sizeable voters because their votes are not converted into seats. The minority leaders in the Constituent Assembly such as Kaji Sayedi Karimudin raised these issues. In modern democratic governance, political representation of citizens is vital to the public policy making process. Every citizen /voter must have the right to be represented in legislative bodies that frame policies for their citizens' development, distribution of power and resources. But India being the largest democracy has not yet giving representation to a major section of political parties contesting elections. In order to widen our democracy we need to change our electoral system to make it more inclusive of a major section of voters. (manasbbsr15@gmail.com) MBABANE EmaSwati who will require emergency services in public health facilities during the festive holidays are in for a shock. This follows a threat by doctors in these hospitals to down tools over their unpaid on-call allowances. The doctors said they would not be available to be on-call and standby, meaning they would work normal working hours. The country has four major hospitals; Mbabane Government Hospital, Hlatikhulu Government Hospital, Mankayane Government Hospital and Piggs Peak Government Hospital. Claims for the allowances were submitted by the doctors about three months ago, but to date, they are still being processed by government, something that the doctors viewed as a deliberate move to frustrate them. Payment Following a minute from the Ministry of Health Principal Secretary (PS), Khanya Mabuza, informing them about the delay in the payment of on-call and standby allowances, the doctors have responded in anger. The memorandum written by the PS and directed to the senior medical officers was issued on Wednesday. In a letter leaked to this publication, the healthcare workers stated that they did not accept the minutes contents. The correspondence in part reads; All medical personnel participating in on-call and standby duties do not accept the contents of this minute. The healthcare workers stated that payment of the on-call and standby allowances for April to September 2023 period was expected to be paid together with their December salaries. The doctors said failure to honour the aforementioned would force all medical personnel to immediately cease all on-call and standby duties in all affected facilities. The on-call committee, acting under the instruction of the healthcare personnel, further requested a meeting with the PSs office, before the end of business yesterday. The meeting was granted. In an interview, a source who preferred to remain anonymous, said the director of health, under secretary, financial controller, chief nursing officer and others, met with the on-call committee. The source stated that it was reported that claim forms were currently stuck with the Ministry of Public Service, which was causing delays in the payment of their allowances. According to the source, they were also told by the Ministry of Health authorities that confirmation was received that consent to pay the on-call and standby allowances would be out today. Furthermore, they were told that the claims needed to be returned to the Ministry of Health, before they could be dispatched to the Treasury Department for payment. However, the source mentioned that they were informed that a request would be sent to the PS to ask the accountant general (AG) that the team processing the claims should work overtime, so they can be paid the allowances on time. The allowances, however, would not be paid with the December salaries next week. The source said the director and her team promised to give further feedback today regarding the processing of the claims, in particular on the request to be made to the AG. Allowances Some of the doctors told this newspaper that they received a memo from the PS yesterday, that the allowances would be delayed. They said the reason behind the delay was not explained. According to the doctors, although the memo was authentic, it had a typo, which noted that the allowances would be ready by January 2023, hence they were not taking it seriously. For now we are treating the news as a rumour, the doctors said. The doctors said the memo was written; Due to unforeseen circumstances, the allowances will be delayed. They stated that, for now, they were still deliberating on the contents of the communication and would take a decision once they were done with the discussions. We are hoping that we will come up with an amicable solution. Furthermore, the doctors said the communique was issued very late and they were not okay with the timing, as the salaries would be paid next week and were told a week before. Director of Health Services Dr Velephi Okello confirmed the meeting with the on-call committee. She said the situation was an unfortunate one, adding that the ministry was still engaging on the matter. n The results of Madhya Pradesh Assembly Elections 2023 have surprised everyone, besides the results there are some names who surprised everyone by winning the elections. One of such names is Kamlesh Dodiyar, who surprised everyone by winning from Sailana seat of Ratlam. Kamlesh while contesting the elections from Bharat Adivasi Party, has defeated Congress candidate Harsh Vijay. The special thing is that Kamlesh contested the assembly elections by taking a loan of Rs 12 lakh and both his parents are laborers. Due to weak financial conditions, MLA Kamlesh had to travel from Ratlam to Bhopal by bike. Kamlesh reached Bhopal Legislative Assembly building from Ratlam with a bike. Bharat Adivasi Party MLA Kamlesh Dodiar, who reached the capital Bhopal Assembly building on Thursday, said that he has no income tax and he contested the elections by taking a loan, hence his financial condition is weak. It takes a lot of time for him to travel by bus and train, so he traveled 350 kilometers by bike. He reached Bhopal to submit his documents in the Assembly, the employees of the Assembly building were surprised to see him. The employees were surprised to see the MLA coming on a bike. MLA was written in English on Kamlesh's bike. Had contested elections by taking loan. It sounds strange to hear and see, but Kamlesh had borrowed Rs. 12 lakhs. Having contested the election by taking a loan, he defeated Congress candidate Harsh Vijay Gehlot by 4618 votes. Kamlesh got 71,219 votes and Harsh Vijay got 66,601 votes. BJP's Sangeeta Charel stood third. The highest turnout in the state was recorded on this seat which was 90.08 percent. A 25-year-old man who was returning home with a female friend was allegedly stabbed near Dhirpur area of Delhis north, police said on Thursday. The victim, Saurav, who worked as a graphic designer at a company in Gurugram, succumbed to stab wounds at a hospital here on Thursday, they said. According to police, the incident took place around 8.30 pm on Monday, following an altercation Saurav had with some men. Saurav was returning home with his friend at around 8.30 pm when he had some altercation with some unknown people near the Timarpur nala and he sustained injuries. That day, Saurav in a written submission said he did not want any legal action, Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) Manoj Kumar Meena said. The DCP said Saurav had undergone a surgery on Wednesday, but his condition deteriorated on Thursday and he eventually died. According to his brother, Saurav was stabbed by some people who tried to rob him. On December 4, my brother was returning home to Burari from Mukherjee Nagar. He took a short-cut. When he reached near Dhirpur area, three men wearing monkey caps stopped his bike and asked him at gunpoint to give them all the money he had, Gaurav told PTI. Gaurav said the three stabbed his brother even after he offered them everything he had and requested them not to hurt him. He got a stab injury in stomach and another under his left thumb. I was working, when I got a call from my brother. He told me that he was fine and was being taken to a hospital and that he was robbed and stabbed by three men, Gaurav said. According to him, his brother was stable after the surgery on Tuesday and was talking with the family members too. I dont know what happened to him today and he died, he said. Meena said police have registered an FIR under the charges of murder on the basis of the testimony of Sauravs female friend who was with him when he was stabbed. Multiple teams have been formed to nab the accused and investigation has been taken up, he said. Open spaces and green cover provide the much needed breathing zones for people when they are grappling with the hazardous scenario of ever increasing pollution and the move to lock the gates of a public park is totally unacceptable, the Delhi High Court has said while directing the citys civic body to take over two parks next to the Jama Masjid in Old Delhi. The high court questioned the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for not taking possession of the two public parks and asked it to take action in accordance with law to assume their control so they are available for use by the general public. It said if any police assistance is asked for, the same shall be provided. After all, a statutory authority cannot lose possession of the public parks, the court said. The high court said parks are like an oasis in the concrete jungle that exists in cities and the public at large, including the young and the old, need green spaces for playing, walking and exercising, and denial of this right will be infringement of Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. The importance of maintenance of green cover in the present milieu needs no emphasis. The open spaces and green cover provide the much needed breathing zones for the people when the society as a whole is grappling with the hazardous scenario of ever increasing pollution. The parks are like an oasis in the concrete jungle that exists in cities. The move to lock the gates of a public park and denying access to the public is totally unacceptable. The public at large, including the young and the old, need green spaces for playing, walking, exercising etc. Denial of this right would be infringement of Right to Life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna said. The bench directed the MCD to file a fresh status report and listed the matter for further hearing on December 21. The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha police has arrested one more accused involved in the mule bank account racket taking the total arrests to four. The accused was identified as Samim Islam of Gudhia village under Murshidabad district in West Bengal. Islam was arrested on December 4 and was produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Lalbag, Murshidabad. Later, he was brought to Bhubaneswar on a three-day transit remand. He was produced before the court of SDJM, Bhubaneswar. Islam was one of the key members of the racket with links mainly in West Bengal and Bihar. Earlier, the STF had arrested three persons for their alleged involvement in running an inter-State racket of mule bank accounts. The accused were identified as Sheikh Hapizul , Sheikh Jahangir of Olamara in Baleswaer district and Sheikh Jamaluddin of Rampura of West Medinapur in West Bengal. The accused were running mule bank accounts and sold these bank accounts along with the connected mobile numbers to various cyber, cyber-financial, sextortion scammers and other criminals based in Kolkata and other parts of the country. This racket operated mainly in the tri-junction area of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, especially in the districts of Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, East Midnapore, West Midnapore, East Sighbhoom, West Singhbhoom, and Saraikela, said the STF. This racket was headed by Sk Jamiruddin of West Midnapore. He had employed around 10 to15 people at a salary of 15,000 per month to open bank accounts. These members visited various interior areas of these districts targeting mainly poor villagers ORtribal and luring them into opening bank accounts. Villagers were generally paid Rs 2,000 per account for giving their documents and opening bank accounts. However, the mobile numbers linked with bank accounts were provided by gang members. SVKM's NMIMS Indore's School of Technology Management and Engineering (STME) recently hosted an educational and informative National Level Workshop on "Grant Writing, IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) and Publication Strategy". The week-long workshop was designed for faculty members, research scholars and professionals from research organizations and industry. The event garnered an overwhelming response with over 220 registrations received from top faculty members and zealous research scholars from across prominent national educational institutions from 18 cities. The workshop was graced by guest speakers from renowned National Universities and National Research Centres, who included, Adv. Praneetha K Rasbag, Founder-Prasa IP; Dr. Rajeev Sharma, Scientist, F Frontier and Futuristic Technologies (FFT) Division, Department of Science & Technology; Dr. Uma Shankar Sharma, Head Department of Physics Registrar, Rustamji Institute of Technology BSF Tekanpur, Gwalior; Sanjivini Kaul Raina, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi and Dr. Sandeep Atre Founder & Managing Director, Socialigence. The workshop was specifically designed to delve into four critical areas of academia - exploring research grant opportunities, honing the craft of effective grant proposal writing, understanding the nuances of managing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) concerning research outputs, and adopting strategic publication methods aimed at augmenting research visibility. At the engrossing event, the distinguished attendees shared their vast experiences on several critical aspects related to techniques and strategies for writing successful grant proposals, an overview of intellectual property rights including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets and ethical considerations and guidelines for publishing research work. The diverse backgrounds of the speakers brought a comprehensive perspective on various aspects and methodologies of research and its overall impact. Four Delhi-based men were arrested by the Noida Police on Thursday in connection with its investigation into a GST fraud case, taking the number of those held to 29, officials said. The police have found a list of 250 bogus companies which were used to claim tax benefits under GST and have got Rs 3 crore of ill-gotten money frozen in eight bank accounts linked to the arrestees, they said. Among the bogus firms found, some had even shown import-export business with companies based abroad like Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Thailand and the Phillipines, the police said. As part of investigation into the case, four more people have been arrested today by officials of the Sector 20 police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Noida) Harish Chander told reporters. Data of 250 bogus companies which were used to fraudulently claim input tax credit have been recovered from them, while around Rs 3 crore in eight bank accounts linked to these accused have been frozen so far, Chander, who was joined by Additional DCP Shakti Mohan Avasthy and ACP Rajneesh Verma, said. Those held have been identified as Rahul Nigam (29), Piyush Kumar Gupta (36), both residents of Shahdara in Delhi, Dilip Sharma (29) from Indralok and Rakesh Kumar (47) from Peetampura, the police said. Known as the GST fraud scam, the case pertains to thousands of bogus companies being floated on the basis of forged Aadhaar cards, fake invoices being raised by them and input tax credit (ITC) being claimed on their behalf, according to the police. DCP Chander said previously tax benefits worth Rs 4,000 crore claimed in behalf of bogus companies linked to the case have been frozen by police and GST department. Over 10 lakh people from across the globe will participate in the 74th Aalmi Tablighi Ijtema from December 8 at Ghasipura in Eithkhedi of Bhopal. Jamats (religious groups) have reached to witness the one of the world's largest religious congregations of the Muslim community. In the Ijtema, Muslim religious leaders will deliver sermons and religious preaching. There will be no political talk from the stage. The Ijtema will start after the Namaz and will end with the Namaz itself. Around 10 lakh people will gather in Ijtima in four days and preparations are also being made accordingly. Big pandals have been made in an area of more than 300 acres where the congregation will take place. The tent is being waterproofed to avoid rain. At the same time, bonfires will also be lit to get relief from the cold. Many Jamaats came to Bhopal a week in advance for the Ijtema , which is staying in mosques. Jamaats started coming to the Ijtema from Wednesday itself, but most of the Jamaats will reach by Thursday evening. This time there will also be non-veg food for Muslims. Alami Tablighi Ijtima in Bhopal is one of the world's largest religious congregationsof the Muslim community. It is said that Ijtima takes place only in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Foreign groups have also been participating in the Ijtima of Bhopal. Last year, due to Corona, foreign congregations did not come, but this time the congregations are expected to come. She will participate in the religious discussions to be held here for four days. Muslim religious leaders will deliver sermons. Jamaats from all over the world participate in the Alami Tablighi Ijtima. These include countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Jordan, Afghanistan, Canada, America etc., but due to bad relations with Pakistan, the Jamaats here have been banned for the last several years. Aalmi Tablighi Ijtima spokesperson Atiq ul Islam said that this restriction will continue this year also. Non-veg food will be prepared, so cleanliness will also be maintained. This time non-veg food will also be available. Therefore, cleaning arrangements will also be made accordingly. For this the drainage system has been repaired. Big chambers have been built as per requirement. Besides, duty has also been imposed on the employees of the corporation. In view of the incident of arson, the corporation has also made arrangements. 10 fire brigades and more than 50 personnel will be deployed 24 hours. A 17 kilometer long water pipeline has been laid. Four and a half thousand toilets have been built for the Jamaats. In a significant development, 600 kilograms of pure desi ghee has arrived at Kar Sevak Puram in Ayodhya, all the way from Jodhpurs famous Goshala. This ghee will be used in the auspicious aarti during the consecration of Ram Lallas idol. The uniqueness of this ghee lies in its origin as it is derived from the milk of cows that were protected from slaughter in Jodhpur back in 2017. These cows underwent a special nine-month ritual where they were dedicatedly fed and cared for, with the recitation of Ramcharitmanas for the entire duration. The ghee produced from their milk has now completed a 1,200-kilometre journey to reach Kar Sevak Puram in Ayodhya. This sacred offering symbolises not only the reverence for Lord Ram but also the devotion and meticulous care bestowed upon the cows, considered sacred in the Hindu tradition. The journey itself becomes a testimony to the lengths undertaken to ensure the sanctity of the ingredients used in religious ceremonies, said Kamlesh Srivastava, the city president of Bharatiya Janata Party in Ayodhya. The Goshala authorities expressed their joy in contributing to the spiritual proceedings of Ayodhya and emphasised the sacredness of the ghee, linking it to the purity of the cows lives and the spiritual chants that accompanied their nurturing. The arrival of this unique ghee has sparked anticipation among the devotees, who are eagerly awaiting the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, marking a union of devotion, tradition and the essence of sacred rituals in the holy city of Ayodhya. The Union Health Ministry on Thursday dismissed media reports as ill-informed and misleading that said that AIIMS Delhi has detected seven bacterial cases linked to the recent surge in pneumonia cases in China. The news report is ill-informed and provides misleading information, the ministry said in a statement. It said that seven bacterial cases were detected at AIIMS Delhi between April and September but they have no link whatsoever to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children reported from some parts of the world, including China. The seven cases were detected as part of an ongoing study at AIIMS Delhi during the six-month period (April to September) and there is no cause for worry. It is clarified that these seven cases have no link whatsoever to the recent surge in respiratory infections in children reported from some parts of the world, including China, it said. So far this year, Mycoplasma pneumonia has not been detected in any of the 611 samples tested at the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS Delhi as part of the Indian Council of Medical Researchs (ICMR) multiple respiratory pathogen surveillance, which included mainly severe acute respiratory illness (SARI, which comprised about 95 per cent of these cases) by real-time PCR. Mycoplasma pneumonia is the commonest bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia. It is the reason for nearly 15-30 per cent of all such infections. Such a surge has not been reported from any part of India. The Union health ministry is in touch with state health authorities and is keeping a close watch on the situation on an everyday basis, the statement said. Meanwhile, a global surveillance study published in The Lancet Microbe journal too said that the seven samples tested positive for infection caused by the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria at AIIMS Delhi between April and September this year, while Singapore recorded the highest 172 cases in Asia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae has been linked to the recent surge in respiratory ailments among children in China, it said but stopped short of connecting the cases with those reported from India and Singapore. In the first global prospective surveillance study of M pneumoniae initiated in April 2022, data were obtained from 45 sites in 24 countries from the four UN regions: Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Incidences of M pneumoniae as detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were significantly higher in Europe and Asia than in America and Oceania and higher than those observed in previous testing periods in the same UN regions since the start of the prospective surveillance, the study found. Overall, M pneumoniae was detected by PCR in 1,067 of 1,49 980 (1.49 lakh) tests during the 6-month period from April to September this year. The most frequent detections in Europe were from Denmark (436), Sweden (145), Switzerland (132), Wales (49), and Slovenia (41), and in Asia from Singapore (172). From a total of 67 tests conducted at AIIMS Delhi as part of the study, seven samples tested positive. Of these samples that tested positive, one case was detected through PCR test while six cases were detected through IgM Elisa test. These global prospective surveillance data show the re-emergence of M. Pneumoniae in Europe and Asia more than three years after the introduction of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the authors of the study noted. This delayed re-emergence is striking because it occurred long after non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were discontinued, and because it is, to our knowledge, a phenomenon unique to this pathogen, they said. / Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya on Thursday inaugurated the Saras and Crafts fair by lighting the ceremonial lamp on the holy banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra to mark the beginning of the International Gita Mahotsav 2023 amid the resonating sound of conch shells. The festivities began with Saras and Crafts Fair, which featured artists and craftsmen from 24 states, showcasing the cultural richness of their respective regions and contributing to making the inauguration ceremony memorable. On the occasion, the Governor expressed his reverence by offering a floral tribute to the revered scripture, Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, signifying his deep reverence. Dattatreya expressed his views while interacting with artisans from various states, calling this event a historic occasion for everyone involved. He expressed confidence that the Saras and Crafts Fair, a spectacular start, would be meaningful for the artisans. While emphasizing the historic significance of commencement of the International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav, he recalled the divine teachings of Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the land of Kurukshetra thousands of years ago, asserting that the message of the Gita would resonate through the ages. He highlighted that the Gita Mahotsav isn't just a celebration confined to Kurukshetra but is being observed at an international level, attracting millions from across the country and abroad. In another event, the Governor also inaugurated the media centre established for the International Gita Mahotsav-2023. Dattatreya praised both the central and state governments for their collaborative efforts in effectively disseminating the teachings of the holy book, the Bhagavad Gita, to the masses. He said that the Mahotsav, now held in various countries, is facilitated by the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, which plays a crucial role in spreading its message and also highlighted Kurukshetra's significance as a spiritual, religious, and educational centre. The governor stated that the development of the pilgrimage sites on the 48 Kos Kurukshetra land began after the formation of the Kurukshetra Development Board. According to ancient beliefs, there are hundreds of pilgrimage sites spread throughout this area, of which the Board has documented approximately one hundred and sixty-four (164) pilgrimage sites so far. Kurukshetra, often regarded as a city of religion, karma, righteousness, and salvation, is currently educating students about the profound teachings of the Holy book Bhagavad Gita, he added. The Royal Commission for AlUlas (RCU) action plan to conserve the Arabian Leopard has taken a major stride with the arrival of a new male leopard at RCUs Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre in Taif, Saudi Arabia. This is the centres second founder leopard, known by the name as it adds to the genetic diversity of the existing population, and thereby increases the viability of the breeding programme. The leopard arrived at a one-year loan from the Royal Court of Oman as part of a regional agreement under which RCU works in collaboration with conservation partners across the Gulf. In exchange, RCU will be lending a male leopard to Oman. The leopard, which arrived at the Breeding Centre, by air from Oman to Saudi Arabia, is in healthy condition, and is settling down in its new environment, said Abdulaziz Alenzy, RCU Conservation Breeding Centre Manager. As part of a breeding loan agreement, RCU has agreed to the future transfers of descendants to wider centres across the peninsula, alongside knowledge transfer of the breeding process. This is the second founder leopard to arrive at Taif this year. The first, AlAin, arrived from the Al Bustan Zoological Centre in the UAE in April. He was integrated into the Taif centres population in July and has already fathered two cubs out of seven born in 2023. On the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List, the Arabian Leopard is classified as critically endangered. The remaining wild leopards on the Arabian Peninsula are believed to be less than 200. This year, a study, supported by RCU in partnership with the big-cat conservation group Panthera, and based on extensive evidence such as camera traps and scat analysis, concluded there probably are no surviving, sustainable populations of Arabian Leopards in the wild in Saudi Arabia. As part of RCUs long-term efforts, a full renovation of the Arabian Leopard Conservation Breeding Centre has also been completed this year, expanding enclosures for the leopards to roam around, and providing improved facilities for leopards where keepers and experts can provide necessary care. Alenzy said: The Arabian Leopard is a powerful symbol of our efforts to conserve AlUlas natural environment by unleashing the power of natures balance. The arrival of a new founder, which increases the genetic diversity of our breeding population, is a testament to the role of international collaboration in saving the species from extinction in the wild. In the long run, RCUs plan is to eventually return the Arabian Leopard to its ancestral habitat in the wilds of AlUla County. To make this possible, RCU experts are sustainably restoring the essential balance to AlUla's ecosystems, in line with Saudi Vision 2030. These efforts include the reintroduction of native species of plants and animals into nature reserves. The ancestors of the Arabian Leopard arrived in the Arabian Peninsula from Africa almost 500,000 years ago. The smallest members of the leopard family, they thrived for millennia by stalking their prey amid the mountainous terrain of north-west Arabia. But in recent decades the population in the wild has been decimated by habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, loss of prey species and illegal trade. In June, the UN General Assembly adopted 10 February as International Day of the Arabian Leopard. This global recognition for the pressing need to conserve the species builds on RCUs leadership in expanding Arabian Leopard Day from its regional roots. TradeArabia News Service With the national Capital witnessing a sharp increase in cybercrime cases over the years, the Delhi Police has identified top five methods adopted by cyber criminals and cautioned people against them. According to the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations, or Cyber Crime Unit, of the Delhi Police, these crime methods are fake TRAI or FedEx courier company callers, home job or Telegram fraud, sextortion, fake family member or friend in distress, and OTP or link-based cheating. The latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data showed that Delhi registered 685 cybercrime cases in 2022 as against 345 in 2021 and 166 in 2020. Here are brief details of modus operandi followed by cyber criminals: 1) Fake TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) or FedEx (courier) company callers: Under this modus operandi, a person gets a recorded call from an unknown number and is told by the caller that his or her mobile number will be soon discarded. The caller will then ask the person to click 9, that will be linked to a fake call centre which is set up by the fraudsters in a room. The potential victim is then told that the mobile number has been detected to have terror links and some money has been deposited into the persons account via hawala operators. When questioned for authenticity, the caller asks the target to come on a Skype call and informs that he or she will be digitally arrested. Soon after, the target receives a fake notice from security agencies such as the CBI and the Income Tax. Thereafter, the fraudsters show sympathy towards the target and promise help. If the target seeks their help, they take bank details in the garb of verification and ask the person to put some money into a fake government account number shared by them with the promise of returning the amount in two-three days. According to police, a similar modus operandi is used by fraudsters posing as courier company agents from FedEx. This kind of cases of cheating is being reported for the past six months, an official said. In these cases, a fake courier company agent usually tells a potential target that the parcel sent to them contains drugs. The agent then offers help to protect the person from any potential action by a security agency and take money. 2) Home job or Telegram fraud: In this, the potential target will get a message on his or her WhatsApp number with a part-time job offer. The target is told to open an account in Telegram and an organiser then adds the number in a group. The organiser then give some tasks, usually to follow certain social media accounts or like videos on social media platforms. The potential target is promised thousands of rupees for a days work. Initially, the person gets the promised money, starting from Rs 150 to Rs 300, for just clicks. Once a person starts working on a daily basis, he or she is asked deposit some money for certain tasks. Though initially a person gets some refund, once the prepaid amount is high, the fraudsters dupe the person. In this method, an official said, other members in the group usually encourage the potential target to invest more by stating that they have already done so. According to the officials, the accounts of other members in the group are actually handled by one person. 3) Sextortion: Under this modus operandi, the potential target gets a random video call on mobile phone. When the person attends the video call, he finds a woman engaging in obscene act. By the time the person disconnects the call, the fraudsters either record the video or take a screenshot of the video chat. The person then receives a phone call from a person posing as a police officer and is informed that the woman on the call has lodged a complain against him. The person posing as a police officer then sends the screenshot of the video chat to the target and extorts money from him under the garb of settling the matter. 4) Fake family member or friend in distress: In this method, a potential target receives a call from an anonymous number and the caller claims to be an old friend or relative. The fraudsters may even use artificial intelligence (AI) to emulate the voice of someone known to the person. The caller will tell the other person that he is in distress and needs money. The caller will ask the target to send the money to his account but the sender will find out later that the caller was lying. In this category, the fraudsters dupe women by creating profiles on matrimonial websites and once they gain a womans trust, they ask her to deposit money on some pretext. The fraudsters stop taking calls after getting the money. 5) OTP or link-based cheating: This the most commonly used modus operandi by cyber criminals for years. Under this, a person usually gets a message of offers and links of prizes on mail. The person is asked to open the link and follow the procedure to get the money. People who are less tech savvy still get trapped in such operations. The fraudsters also send message about a courier and asks the potential target to deposit money in the account number shared by them. In a strategic move aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and positioning Uttar Pradesh as the premier investment destination in the country, the Yogi Adityanath government is set to participate in the World Economic Forum meeting (WEF-2023) in Davos, Switzerland. A high-powered delegation, comprising Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner (IIDC) Manoj Kumar Singh and Secretary to the chief minister, Amit Singh, will represent the state at the WEF event scheduled to take place from January 15 to 19 next year. The Yogi government is working towards achieving a one-trillion dollar economy by 2027. In pursuit of this goal, the government is not only fostering entrepreneurship but is also actively seeking the attention of global industry leaders. Emphasising the state as the most attractive investment destination in the country, the Yogi government has recently unveiled a new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Scheme. This initiative is specifically designed to bolster investments from Fortune 500 companies on the global stage. Notably, 14 Fortune 500 listed companies have their presence in the state. Now extensive efforts are being made in Uttar Pradesh to increase this number. Recently, Japans Fuji Silvertech Concrete Pvt Ltd became the first company to make a planned investment of more than Rs 1 billion after the implementation of the new FDI policy. Fuji Silvertech has been allotted 20 acres of land at 75 per cent concessional rates in Sector 32 of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region to set up manufacturing facilities. This location is near the upcoming Jewar international airport. Another noteworthy Fortune 500 company, Sify Infinit Space, is anticipated to receive subsidised land for the establishment of a data centre in Sector 28. Concurrently, during the upcoming World Economic Forum meet in Davos, Switzerland, Yogis delegation is set to engage with leaders of Fortune 500 companies, seeking extensive investments in the state through FDI. Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable strides in attracting foreign investment in recent years, experiencing a substantial increase compared to the preceding years. Between 2019 and 2023, the state witnessed nearly four times more foreign investment than in the 17 years from 2001 to 2017. According to data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Reserve Bank of India, the influx of foreign investment in Uttar Pradesh was a mere Rs 3,000 crore from 2000 to 2017. In contrast, direct investment surged to approximately Rs 11,000 crore between 2019 and June 2023. Notably, Uttar Pradesh secured the 11th position in the FDI rankings among Indian states from October 2019 to June 2023. States ahead of Uttar Pradesh include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Telangana, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and West Bengal. Uttar Pradesh surpassed 22 other states, including Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Goa and Chhattisgarh. Looking at this economic growth, Uttar Pradesh will soon be included in the top 10 states of the country. However, this was only 0.7 per cent of the total FDI that came into the country. Foreign investment was Rs 679 crore in 2014-15, Rs 524 crore in 2015-16 and Rs 50 crore in 2016-17. Recognising the pivotal role of FDI in achieving its target of a one-trillion dollar economy, Uttar Pradesh continues to prioritise and focus on attracting foreign investments to bridge this economic gap. The Supreme Court on Friday strongly criticised a Calcutta High Court judgment which advised young girls to "control sexual urges", saying the observations are highly objectionable and unwarranted. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal said the observations are completely in violation of the rights of adolescents under Article 21 of the Constitution. "Prima facie, we are of the view that the judges are not expected to express personal views or preach," the bench said while issuing notice to the West Bengal government and other parties in the case. The top court appointed senior advocate Madhavi Divan as amicus curiae to assist the court and advocate Liz Mathew to assist the amicus. The apex court took note of the October 18, 2023, judgement of the Calcutta High Court, which observed that adolescent girls should control sexual urges and not give into two minutes of pleasure. Opposition INDIA bloc leaders on Friday questioned the Lok Sabha Ethics Panel recommendation for expelling Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, and accused the BJP-led government of doing "vendetta politics". The report was tabled in the Lok Sabha on Friday amid an uproar by opposition MPs who questioned the procedure followed by the panel and demanded a discussion on the report. "It is a new black day in the new House. A new black chapter is starting today," Congress' leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali, who is a member of the ethics panel and was among those who staged a walkout protesting the nature of questions that were asked to Moitra by panel chief Vinod Kumar Sonkar, said the report was incomplete. "We believe the report is incomplete, because the deposition was not completed. Five MPs walked out and the report was adopted in two-and-a-half minutes. We want a discussion on this. The walkout by MPs was because they were asking filthy questions. It is there in the minutes (of the meeting)," he said. Rajya Sabha MP from the Communist Party of India Binoy Viswam called it political vendetta. "The way in which the Ethics Committee was behaving one should feel it is a politically motivated scenario with absolute vendetta. The vendetta was against a critic of the government," he said. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the report is an "inadequate document". "This report is a deeply inadequate document. It fails to meet the basic standards of any report that can come up with such a dramatic recommendation of expulsion. It has also been apparently adopted in two-and-a-half minutes without any serious discussion," Tharoor said. "...No cross-examination of those who made the accusations and no fair chance for the person who is being expelled to be heard in her own defence. For INDIA parties this is a travesty of justice," he said. On similar lines, Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT) said, "The affidavit on which it is based, the witness was not even called. His statement is golden...What he says is right, what Mahua says is wrong." "Even when she was called they were indulging in character assassination instead of asking issue-based questions. Expulsion will set a very wrong precedent that you can misuse power to throw any MP out of Parliament because they ask sharp questions," she said. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, meanwhile, took a jibe at the ruling BJP and said, "This is yet another misadventure on part of BJP. All I can say is if they indulge in this misadventure they will add an extra 50,000 votes to her re-election from her constituency in 2024." Businessman Darshan Hiranandani, who allegedly paid Moitra to raise questions in Parliament about the Adani Group, had claimed in a signed affidavit that the TMC MP from Krishnanagar targeted industrialist Gautam Adani to "malign and embarrass" Prime Minister Narendra Modi. At a meeting on November 9, the committee adopted its report recommending Moitra's expulsion from the Lok Sabha over the "cash-for-query" allegation. Six members of the panel, including suspended Congress member Preneet Kaur, voted in favour of the report. Four members of the panel belonging to opposition parties submitted dissent notes. Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday that India's time has arrived and it is for the youth to spearhead the country's transformation as it emerges as a global leader. Addressing the 69th national conference of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, in Burari here, he said the youth are the backbone of the country and it is their strength which takes the country and society to its peak. "This is India's time and the work of taking this transformation forward has to be done by the youth," the minister said. He said a golden future awaits the country's youth as corruption, nepotism and casteism have been replaced with growth and development in the last 10 years under the Narendra Modi government. "This is India's time. Today the world is looking towards India with hope for the solution to every problem. It is up to you, the youth, to lead this change," he said. Addressing the student leaders, Shah said the true sense of education is to contribute to individual development alongside the country's development. He emphasised that conservation of cultural heritage and development are not contradictory while inviting students to visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Lauding the ABVP, Shah said he is a product of the Vidyarthi Parishad himself and that the organisation has neither lost its vision nor did it allow the governments to lose their way. The ABVP's 69th national conference began on Thursday and will conclude on Sunday. Nearly 10,000 student representatives are attending the conference from across the country. The conference venue was named 'Indraprasth Nagar'. Shah also launched the theme song of the conference and released five books on national consciousness. The event was also attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh and key RSS officials, including its joint general secretary Mukund and national executive member Suresh Soni, among others. A top European Union official told Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday that China and the EU must address both the imbalances in their trading relationship and Russian aggression against Ukraine. The two are divided on both issues. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meeting Xi in the Chinese capital, said they need to manage their differences responsibly. China is the EUs most important trading partner, von der Leyen said in opening remarks posted on the commissions website. But there are clear imbalances and differences that we must address. Xi said that China and the EU should handle their differences through dialogue, and pushed back against what his government sees as a shift in European policy on China toward a more strident and competitive approach. The two sides should not regard each other as rivals because of different systems, reduce cooperation because of competition, and confront each other because of differences, he said, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The meeting comes a day after EU member Italy announced it was withdrawing from Xis signature Belt and Road initiative that aims to build a global network of Chinese-financed roads, ports and power plants. Italy became the first G7 country to sign on to the initiative in 2019, when the government at the time promoted it as a way of increasing trade with China while getting investments in major infrastructure projects. Neither outcome materialized. In the intervening years, Italys trade deficit with China has ballooned from 20 billion euros to 48 billion euros (USD 21.5 billion to USD 51.8 billion.) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin defended the initiative and appeared to imply that Italy had been influenced by forces hostile to China. China firmly opposes smearing and undermining cooperation in building the Belt and Road and opposes stoking bloc confrontation and divisions Wang said at a daily briefing on Thursday. After nearly three years of self-imposed isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic that took a heavy toll on its economy, and having adopted an assertive foreign policy that seeks to challenge the US-led world order, China now appears to be taking a slightly more moderate tone. Xi held four hours of talks with US President Joe Biden last month in California in their first face-to-face meeting in a year, with the leaders vowing to stabilise their fraught relationship. Von der Leyen and Charles Michel, the president of the EU Council, met Xi in the morning and were meeting with Chinas No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang, later in the day. Von der Leyen, as commission president, heads the day-to-day business of the EU, while Michel chairs the summits of EU leaders. The talks were candid, frank, in-depth and constructive, Wang Lutong, director general of the Foreign Ministrys European Department, told reporters following the meetings. He repeated Chinas call for an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine and the opening of talks between Western leaders and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Dialogue on human rights, economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, open trade, the environment, food security and Chinas claim to Taiwan were also discussed, Wang said. The European Union is calling on China to improve market access for products from its 27 member countries to address an annual trade imbalance of more than USD 200 billion. China exported USD 458.5 billion worth of goods to the EU in the first 11 months of this year and imported USD 257.8 billion, according to Chinese customs data released on Thursday. The EU has angered China by launching an investigation into the latters subsidies for electric vehicles to determine whether they give manufacturers in China an unfair competitive advantage in European markets. China has never deliberately pursued a trade surplus, spokesperson Wang said ahead of the summit. He noted recent import and supply chain expos that he said encourage foreign companies to sell to the Chinese market of 1.4 billion people. Wang also took aim at possible EU restrictions on technology exports to China. Im afraid its unreasonable if the EU imposes strict restrictions on the export of high-tech products to China while expecting a significant increase in exports to China, he said. The EU is looking for better market access for a range of products including cosmetics, infant formula, wine and other alcoholic beverages. China has angered the EU by taking a neutral stance in what most European countries see as a Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The EU is calling on China to use its influence with Russia to end the invasion, ensure that exports from or via China are not aiding Russias war effort and support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys peace formula. Von der Leyen said the EU and China have global responsibilities as major powers and a shared interest in peace and security. That is why it is essential to put an end to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and establish a just and lasting peace consistent with the UN Charter, she said. Xi said China and the EU should promote political settlements of international hot-spot issues, according to CCTV, which did not include any specific mention of the wars in Ukraine or Gaza. Fire destroys 11 homes in central Myanmar Yangon, Dec 8 (UNI) Eleven houses were destroyed after a fire broke out in Madaya Township of Mandalay region, according to the state-run media Myanma Alinn newspaper on Friday. The fire broke out at Taungpyone Gyi Village in Madaya Township of Mandalay region at 11:30 a.m. local time on Thursday, and it was extinguished about one hour later. Manila, Dec 8 (UNI) Philippine troops have arrested a suspect related to a university gym bombing on Sunday that killed four and injured 50 others, a military spokesperson said on Friday. Xerxes Trinidad, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' public affairs chief, called the male suspect "one of the accomplices." He did not elaborate on the details of the suspect's arrest. Authorities earlier identified two people of interest who allegedly planted the improvised explosive under a seat inside the gym of Mindanao State University in Marawi City on Mindanao island. The blast targeted hundreds of students and teachers who attended a Catholic service. UNI/XINHUA ARN Theres a very good reason why the French president Emmanuel Macron is always on the line to Moscow its because he knows how Putin will practically walk through Europe. Naturally, the French are clever in these matters and would like to secure their future under a Russian Putin regime when the time comes. Those precious Haussmann boulevards and beautiful museums must be preserved and not turned to rubble. Basically, it is the same deal the French made when Hitler walked through Europe. Putin is prepared for war, and even though the West watches from afar it is caught in the headlights, it is almost waiting for its own demise by being totally ill-prepared. The British Chancellor of the Exchequer is cutting funding to the Ministry of Defence, and Britains forces are in need of huge investment. Jeremy Hunt is therefore leaving Britain defenceless, a wreck of years of underfunding with even more underfunding proposed. The failed Ukraine counterattack is a sign that Ukraine is on the back foot, especially as Putin increases production of military arms and munitions. Russia is also receiving military assistance from China, N. Korea and Iran. What can the poor Ukrainians do as hordes of drugged-up Russian conscripts come at them wave after wave with unlimited supplies of bullets and convicts from Russias jails? The Americans are now moaning about continuing to arm and fund the poor Ukrainians. Putin has been playing the long-game all along, and now that is paying off as the beleaguered, tired West is faltering under a malaise of disenchantment and apathy. The West, is not only being beaten on the battlefields of Ukraine, but decades of demoralisation by the leftists (who aid our enemies) are taking a serious toll. Unless the West and NATO buckle the fuck up, then there will be no chance. Western nations need to either wake up or be defeated once and for all. This means a huge increase in military defence capabilities and a complete deletion of woke culture, which is being pushed by the WEF. In essence, the WEF is working for the rise of totalitarian China and Russia to take over the West and this can be thus labelled as a Western problem that must ultimately be solved from within. In war, the weak do not survive. IMF reiterates upward revision of China's growth forecast Xinhua) 13:36, December 08, 2023 WASHINGTON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Thursday reiterated its upward revision of China's economic growth forecast for 2023 and 2024. Based on the latest forecast, the IMF expects the Chinese economy "to meet the government's 2023 growth target of around 5 percent, and this reflects the post COVID recovery," IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said at a press briefing in response to a question from Xinhua. After an IMF team conducted discussions with Chinese officials on the 2023 Article IV Consultation, the agency announced in early November to upgrade its forecast for the Chinese economy for 2023 to 5.4 percent from 5.0 percent, and for 2024 to 4.6 percent from 4.2 percent, as compared with its World Economic Outlook released in October. She noted that over the medium term, the IMF expects growth in China to further slow, reflecting an aging population as well as slowing productivity growth. "We also see that China has the potential to raise this medium-term growth through structural reforms to boost productivity and improve labor force participation," she added. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Fort Johnson, LA (71446) Today Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible late. High 71F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Scattered thunderstorms this evening becoming more widespread overnight. A few storms may be severe. Low 54F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 90%. BRS Working President KT Rama Rao and Rajya Sabha MP Santosh Kumar and others visit former CM K Chandrasekhar Rao, hospitalised at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad (PTI Photo) HYDERABAD: Former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Friday underwent a successful total hip (left) replacement surgery, following a fall at his farmhouse in Erravalli village late on Thursday night. According to a health bulletin issued by Yashoda Hospital, where Rao was admitted and underwent the surgery, the former chief minister "tolerated the surgery well and was stable haemodynamically throughout the procedure." The hospital said that Rao had since been shifted to a room where he is recuperating. He was receiving routine post-operative care, including IV fluids, prophylactic antibiotics and pain medication. His condition will be assessed again on Saturday, the hospital said, adding that the "usual course of recovery is expected to be six to eight weeks." Earlier, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed health secretary S.A.M. Rizvi to visit the hospital and ensure that Rao received the best possible treatment and sought updates. Raos family, including wife Shobha, children K.T. Rama Rao, K. Kavitha, nephew T. Harish Rao and others were at the hospital. It is reported that Rao slipped and fell in the bathroom of his farmhouse after midnight and was immediately brought by his family to the hospital where he was admitted. After assessment, the doctors decided to conduct the surgery on Friday afternoon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted "distressed to know that former Telagnana CM KCR Garu has suffered an injury. I pray for his speedy recovery and good health." Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan said she was "anguished" to know of the incident and pray for his early recovery and good health. Many others wished him a speedy recovery, including Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, AP Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, his predecessor N. Chandrababu Naidu, Congress leader K. Jana Reddy and BRS leaders. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy interacts with the people and receives applications regarding their grievances during the first Praja Darbar at the CM Camp Office on Friday. (DC Image) Hyderabad: Thousands of people lined up with hope at the first-ever Praja Darbar in Telangana state held by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who on Friday threw open the gates of Praja Bhavan, formerly the Pragathi Bhavan to the public, and received their petitions and heard their concerns. For almost all of them, it was their first visit inside the complex, many of them had previously sought entry but had failed. Most of the complaints and grievances were on mistakes in the Dharani portal entries, lack of ration cards, pensions, houses. Complaints also poured in against BRS leaders encroaching their land and restricting the benefits of government schemes to party faithful. For a long time, Revanth Reddy personally took the petitions and assured that their concerns would be resolved at the earliest. People expressed gratitude to Revanth Reddy for launching Praja Darbar, enabling them to meet the Chief Minister directly, just a day after taking oath, and said they did not get such an opportunity in the last nine years. Fifteen desks have been opened for grievance registration at Praja Bhavan. A mechanism has been developed to register the petitions online and issue an grievance Number (ID generated) to each petition. A printed acknowledgment was given to the applicant along with SMS acknowledgement. Officials had arranged 320 seats inside the Praja Darbar hall. Queue lines were set up outside. Drinking water and other facilities were provided to those who are waiting at the entrance and in the Praja Darbar hall. People were overjoyed to see the dismantling of iron barricades at Pragathi Bhavan, the official camp office cum residence of Chief Minister, that were set up during the BRS government. The dismantling of fencing also resolved traffic snarls as the fencing created a bottleneck on the busy Begumpet road. They hailed the decision of Revanth Reddy to rename Pragathi Bhavan as Praja Bhavan and keeping doors open for common people. A significant number of physically challenged persons arrived at Praja Bhavan. Revanth Reddy paid special attention to them and instructed officials to resolve their issues on the spot. Their major complaints were BRS government cancelling their ration cards and rejecting their applications for 2BHK housing scheme. A. Appa Rao, 60-year old physically challenged person from Yapral, had suffered a spine injury in 2005 when he was working in a pharma company. The then Congress government had sanctioned him a ration card and pension. "When BRS government came to power in 2014, it cancelled all old ration cards and sought fresh applications. I applied for fresh ration card in 2015 but it was not sanctioned. I am running around revenue and civil supplies offices for the last nine years. I tried to meet KCR several times in Pragathi Bhavan to bring my plight to his notice. But police officials did not allow me inside saying that there is no permission to enter the premises or meet CM. Now, I am happy to enter the premises, meet CM and handed over petition to him," he said. "Our new CM issued instructions to officials on the spot to issue me ration card," said a beaming Appa Rao. A 70-year old tribal woman, Sukhya, who came all the way from Kandukur in Rangareddy district, said she was the victim of Dharani portal as her one acre allotted by the previous Congress government was missing from the portal. "My land disappeared from the Dharani portal in 2019. A few BRS leaders took illegal possession of my land. I met all revenue officials right from VRO to district collector and submitted petitions. No one helped me. It tried to meet KCR several times in Pragathi Bhavan but there was no entry. Today, I am happy that I could enter this building, meet CM and submitted by representation. The CM received my complaint and gave me acknowledgement with a promise that the issue will be resolve once Dharani will be abolished soon. At this age, I can't run around offices and officials and I am confident that CM Revanth Reddy will resolve my issue." People from districts submitted complaints on how BRS leaders misused Dalit Bandhu, BC Bandhu, Minority Bandhu schemes to benefit their party activists and supporters. Fareeduddin from Mahabubnagar complained to CM that BRS leaders sanctioned five 2BHK houses to members of the same family while denying them to genuine beneficiaries like him. Revanth Reddy received petitions along with ministers Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka). After receiving petitions for one hours, the CM left for Secretariat to attend review meeting on power situation. Later, Seethakka received grievance applications from everyone. The state government made elaborate arrangements for the conduct of Praja Darbar. CMO principal secretary V. Sheshadri, DGP Ravi Gupta, HMWS&SB MD Dana Kishore, GHMC commissioner Ronald Rose, Hyderabad collector Anudeep, IAS officer Musharraf Ali and other officials coordinated the conduct of Praja Darbar. Four Corners Property Trust (NYSE:FCPT) pays an annual dividend of $1.38 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 5.45%. FCPT has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The company has been increasing its dividend for 7 consecutive years, indicating the company has a new, but growing committment to grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio is 127.78%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on EPS estimates, FCPT will have a dividend payout ratio of 84.66% in the coming year. This indicates that the company may not be able to sustain their current dividend. Read our dividend analysis for FCPT. Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE:PDM) pays an annual dividend of $0.50 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 6.88%. PDM has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The dividend payout ratio is 113.64%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, PDM will have a dividend payout ratio of 32.89% next year. This indicates that the company will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. Read our dividend analysis for PDM. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. A man who came into contact with police for driving a scrambler ended up assaulting officers Derry Magistrate's Court heard today. David Gerard McCloskey (33) of Dungiven Road in Derry admitted a series of offences that occurred on May 30. The court heard that police were called to a report of someone driving a scrambler in the Corrody Road area. They attended and saw McCloskey on a scrambler and he came over to police and stopped. In the ensuing discussion McCloskey said he would burn the scrambler and police moved to arrest him. He resisted police and force had to be used to get handcuffs on him. While in a police vehicle he tried to headbutt an officer's hand that was resting against a window. Defence counsel Michael Donaghey said his client had 'reacted very badly' when he came into contact with police. He said that the attitude displayed to police was 'totally at odds' with his attitude towards probation. McCloskey was sentenced to 200 hours community service and disqualified from driving for six weeks. Shadow secretary of state Hilary Benn has said politicians in Northern Ireland have a duty to make the institutions work. Mr Benn also said that now is the time for powersharing to return. Devolved government at Stormont has not been operational for nearly two years due to the DUPs ongoing refusal to nominate a speaker in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements. The shadow secretary of state addressed the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) at an event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk on Thursday evening. The event was opened by Justin McCamphill, president of Ictu, followed by a panel discussion of politicians from the five major Stormont parties. Speaking on the panel was Declan Kearney representing Sinn Fein, Jonathan Buckley for the DUP, Eoin Tennyson for Alliance, Tom Elliot for the UUP and Matthew OToole from the SDLP. Jacquie White, general secretary of the Ulster Teachers Union (Utu) introduced Mr Benn who gave his perspective as a Labour MP on the agreement and the peace process. Mr Benn said now is time for the people of Northern Ireland to get their government back. Those entrusted with political responsibility in Northern Ireland have a duty to make the institutions work, he said. And therefore, the single most urgent priority and the biggest responsibility on all of us is to redouble our efforts to get democracy in Northern Ireland up and running again so that politicians can get back to work and be held to account by the people who elected them. Theres a lot of speculation about where the talks have got to. My message is simple. Now is the time to get this done. Bracing and supportive contributions from @hilarybennmp @UKLabour and Daniel Holder @CAJNi Both calling for the implementation of B/GFA with a strong role for Trade Unions pic.twitter.com/i946aqXQj7 NIC ICTU (@NIC_ICTU) December 7, 2023 Also at the event, senior trade union officials reflected on the impact of the Good Friday Agreement with a panel discussion. Paddy Mackel, chairperson of Nic-Ictu, introduced and chaired the discussion with panellists Patricia McKeown, Gerry McCormack and Carmel Gates. There has been a total failure by the Government in recent months to address unionist issues of concern around post-Brexit trading arrangements, DUP deputy leader Gavin Robinson has said. Mr Robinson said the Government knows what is needed to strike a deal that could end the powersharing impasse in Northern Ireland. But Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy repeated his partys call for the DUP to return to the Stormont Assembly, saying it is decision time for the party. On Monday, representatives from the main parties in the region will gather at Hillsborough Castle for a meeting with Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris on how to address the regions finances. However, the talks will be overshadowed by the ongoing political stalemate at Stormont. The DUP has been blocking powersharing for more than a year and a half in protest against the internal UK trade barriers created by Brexits Northern Ireland Protocol. The party has been involved in negotiations with the Government about the Windsor Framework, which reformed the protocol, and is seeking further assurances by way of legislation over Northern Irelands place in the UK internal market. Speculation has been growing in recent weeks that the DUP could be closing in on an agreement with the Government that could restore the Assembly at Stormont, with Mr Heaton-Harris saying negotiations are in their final, final phase. But Mr Robinson told the BBC Good Morning Ulster programme that while his party will attend Mondays talks, it does not indicate a deal to restore devolution is any closer. He said: Jeffrey Donaldson said a number of weeks ago that we will not be calendar-led. The issues that we are raising with the Government have been long in fruition. It is a matter for the Government whether they are prepared to recognise the harm that they caused to Northern Ireland, recognise that the Windsor Framework was significant progress in that endeavour, but there is still more work to be done. Mr Robinson said the prize for achieving a deal with the Government would be beneficial for public services in Northern Ireland. He added: That is the opportunity that we need to seize. What we have seen over the last number of months is a total failure by the Government to seize that opportunity on resolving the issues of the Windsor Framework and fail to seize the opportunity to recognise that without a significant change to the way Northern Ireland is funded our public services are going to falter. To my mind, that is not good enough for our people. Mr Murphy said he hopes the DUP will go to Mondays meeting prepared and ready to go back into government. He said: I hope they do the right thing and join the rest of us in powersharing. They have left us without a government here for almost two years now. The consequences of that have been very dire for our public services and to say to people they are not in any hurry to fix this, I think, is absolutely reprehensible. It is very clear to all of us that the patience which had run out some time ago among all of the parties and the public generally has now run out with the British Government, so I think the DUP are at decision time and they need to do the right thing over the next couple of days and come to the meeting on Monday prepared and ready to go back into the Executive. Mr Heaton-Harris has asked all Stormont departments to launch public consultations on potential revenue-raising measures for the region. On Thursday, the department for infrastructure launched a consultation on introducing water and sewerage charges in Northern Ireland. HIGHLIGHTS The Google Pixel 8 is powered by the Tensor G3 chipset. While playing games like Genshin Impact, the Pixel phones struggled to keep up. Post the update, a Pixel 8 user noticed while playing Genshin Impact that the smartphones frame rate has increased. The highly anticipated flagship series, the Google Pixel 8 was introduced in October this year. Even though the smartphone was highly anticipated by everyone, it didnt meet expectations and users had to deal with some disappointments. People had a love-hate relationship with the smartphone as there were many performance issues with the smartphones and the two Pixel smartphones even faced heating issues, especially during gaming minutes. When it came to the Pixel 8 series, the smartphones came with an almost similar performance when compared to their predecessors. The smartphones pack the in-house Tensor G3 chipset. While playing games like Genshin Impact, the Pixel phones struggled to keep up and faced serious heating troubles. Also read: Google Pixel 8 review: Too many tricks, too little refinement Well, Google did take the issue and everyones feedback into consideration and came up with a solution for this. With the arrival of the Mountain View giant in the December 2023 Pixel Feature drop, it is hoped that we will find some relief from the issue. It is expected that this update will upgrade and boost the CPUs performance substantially. The latest update upgrades Googles ARM Mali kernel driver to bring out a more recent one. This kernel has been upgraded to r44p1, the one released on October 11th, 2023, from the previous r38p1 that came out on August 18, 2022. From what we hear, this update has substantially improved the Pixel 8 smartphones gaming performance. Also read: Google Pixel 8 Major issues explained: Check out Pixel 8 users reaction The December 2023 Feature Drop update brings a much newer Arm Mali GPU kernel driver to Tensor Pixels, which users report significantly improves performance in games like Genshin Impact and Fortnite! The GPU kernel driver has been upgraded from r38p1 released on August 18, 2022 pic.twitter.com/uG8DXrLmUw Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) December 6, 2023 Post the update, a Pixel 8 user, Mishaal Rahman said that while playing Genshin Impacts Fontaine City the smartphones frame rate increased from ~20-25fps to 45+fps, and there was no excessive heating either. Google Pixel 8 Massive performance boost after updating to Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1.1. Fortnite now runs at a stable 60fps on maximum graphics settings. Pixel 8 Pro Stable Android 14 Pixel 8 Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1.1 pic.twitter.com/KedAjBOt7h TechDroider (@techdroider) December 1, 2023 Even YouTuber TechDroider said that after the update Fortnite is running at a stable 60fps on the highest graphics settings. Well, this could be called a decent performance boost even though the GPU performance doesnt match the Adreno GPU inside the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. Further, to make the performance even better, Google is pairing this new ARM Driver with Android 14 QPR2 Beta 1.1 too. HIGHLIGHTS The Oppo Find X7 series smartphones have made their appearance on Chinas 3C certification website. The upcoming devices are expected to support 100W wired fast charging tech. The Find X7 Pro model could feature a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 2K resolution. Oppo is expected to launch the Oppo Find X7 series early next year. This upcoming series will likely include two smartphone models: Find X7 and Find X7 Pro. Recently, a popular tipster shared a schematic render of the Find X7 Pro model which revealed that the handset might feature a circular camera module. Now, the Find X7 series smartphones have made their appearance on Chinas 3C certification platform. The Oppo Find X7 series smartphones are on the 3C certification website with the PHZ110 and PHY110 model numbers, reports MySmartPrice. Also read: Oppo Find X7 Pro schematic & display specs leaked: Heres what to expect Credit: MySmartPrice The 3C listing revealed that the upcoming smartphone models are expected to support 100W wired fast charging tech. Also read: Oppo Find X7 Pro leak reveals exceptional camera details: Dual Periscope Telephoto and more The listing also revealed that the company will likely equip the upcoming Find X7 series smartphones with power adaptors bearing the model numbers VCBAJACH and VCBAOBCH. According to the 3C listing, the forthcoming handsets will likely support 5G mobile connectivity. Apart from the charging and connectivity details, the 3C listing doesnt reveal any other details of the Oppo Find X7 lineup. Rumours suggest that the Oppo Find X7 Pro handset is expected to feature the alert slider from the OnePlus smartphones. Also, it might come with a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 2K resolution. The device will likely be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Meanwhile, the standard Find X7 model is expected to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset. For photography, the Find X7 Pro smartphone is expected to house a quad camera setup consisting of a 50MP primary lens, 50MP ultrawide lens, 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 2.7x optical zoom, and 50MP periscope telephoto sensor with 6x optical zoom. HIGHLIGHTS The Poco X6 Pro 5G smartphone has been spotted on the FCC certification website. It is expected to be available in two storage options: 8GB RAM paired with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. The device will likely support 67W fast charging. For quite some time, we have been hearing about the Poco X6 series. Recently, the Poco X6 Pro model was spotted on the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certification platform. Now, this handset has made its appearance on the FCC certification website. On the FCC certification website, the Poco X6 Pro 5G smartphone model carries the model number 2311DRK48G, reports MySmartPrice. Also read: Poco X6 Pro spotted on BIS certification website, hinting at imminent launch: Know more Credit: MySmartPrice The FCC listing revealed that the upcoming X6 Pro handset is expected to be available in two storage options: 8GB RAM paired with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM with 512GB storage. Also read: Coming Soon: Poco X6 and Poco X6 Pro appeared on the IMEI database Credit: MySmartPrice The listing also revealed that the Poco X6 Pro device will likely come with 5G and NFC support. Moreover, it might run on Xiaomi HyperOS 1.0. Based on the listing, we can expect that the forthcoming handset will likely support 67W fast charging. Although details about the Poco X6 Pro 5G are limited, it is anticipated to be a rebranded variant of the Redmi K70e, which was recently launched in China. Lets take a look at the Redmi K70e smartphones specs. This handset features a 6.67-inch 120Hz OLED display that offers 1,800 nits peak brightness. It is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 8300 Ultra SoC paired with Mali G615-MC6 GPU. For photography, the Redmi K70e smartphone model houses a 64MP + 8MP + 2MP triple rear camera setup. On the front, it features a 16MP camera. Also, the device comes in three storage options: 256GB+12GB RAM, 512GB+12GB RAM, and 1TB+16GB RAM. The Redmi K70e handset packs a 5,000mAh battery with 90W fast charging support. Also, this handset comes in three colour options: Black, White and Mint. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. ASUS Handheld Ultrasound LU700 series: lightweight, high resolution and long battery life solution for mobile healthcare Providing health workers with light and handy portable devices is becoming a key strategy for service improvement in the healthcare industry. ASUS has already developed a complete product roadmap in this field through its longstanding investment in smart healthcare. The recently released LU700/LU710 series of handheld ultrasound products in particular realizes the vision of mobile healthcare providing physicians with a lightweight, high resolution, and long battery life scanning solution suitable for a wide range of scenarios. Ultrasound is an indispensable medical imaging instrument for hospitals. The ASUS LU700/LU710 handheld ultrasound is a light, compact, wireless, and full-featured solution with 5 different probes that make Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) a reality. Health workers can now perform an ultrasound examination on patients in different medical scenarios such as the ambulance, emergency room, outpatient clinic, disaster area, or rural area to ensure they receive the best care. The improvement in treatment efficiency allows for the optimization of medical resources. Joe Hsieh, ASUS COO and Global Senior VP, said that medical resources and the time of people seeking treatment are both very valuable. In most outpatient clinics, patients must queue separately for an ultrasound exam. If every physician conducting outpatient clinics is equipped with an ASUS handheld ultrasound unit, they can be scanned during the consultation. This translates into great savings in treatment time and optimization of medical resources. The rapidly aging population of Taiwan means that ASUS handheld ultrasound units can also be in rural scenarios such as medical treatment, home care, and community care. The ASUS LU700/LU710 handheld wireless ultrasound unit incorporates several features designed for the requirements of the above healthcare scenarios including wireless lightweight design, long endurance, as well as support for the four major operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows, ChromeOS). The five probe types (Convex, Linear, Microconvex, Phased Array, Endocavity) satisfy the scanning requirements for most parts of the body. The product's innovative design has lent itself to a variety of applications. For example, ASUS partnered with the Yun-Lin Branch of National Taiwan University Hospital and the Yunlin County Government to make improvements to the first-aid process. Paramedics can now use the ASUS handheld ultrasound device to examine patients as they are being transported by ambulance to the emergency room. The ultrasound imagery is transmitted over 5G to the remote emergency room so that a physician can oversee the first-aid treatment. Once the patient arrives at the hospital, the physicians already have a full picture of the patient's condition. The seamless transfer of the patient greatly improves their chances of recovery. Another example is the regional healthcare services of the South-Link Medical Foundation. Rural physicians can now use the ASUS handheld ultrasound solution to provide local people with better treatment and diagnosis. Home visits and tele-consultations have been conducted by physicians working with the Foundation to improve the quality of rural care. Large hospitals have also used ASUS handheld ultrasound units to provide rural healthcare services. Shuang Ho Hospital and the Bureau of Health and Welfare, Lienchiang County formed a strategic alliance this year to dispatch health teams to Matsu. The lightweight and convenience of ASUS handheld ultrasound units were exploited by physicians to conduct carotid artery screening for local residents and safeguard public health. Hsieh noted that rural regions, islands, and ambulances are just some of the application scenarios for ASUS handheld ultrasound units. The convenience and high-quality imagery provided by the conduct meet the clinical requirements of many other scenarios as well. He then emphasized that ASUS handheld ultrasound units complement rather than replace large ultrasound instruments. Providing health workers with more options and more suitable tools has always been the goal of ASUS investment in the healthcare sector. ASUS has now completed development on the second generation of handheld ultrasound products. The 128-channel design of the new product will provide better image quality. The advanced AI-assistance function will be an invaluable aid for health workers. The product will allow hospitals to make further improvements to their mobile healthcare services. ASUS Handheld Ultrasound LU700 Series combines wireless portability with long battery life and supports multiple operating systems. It has been applied in various fields, including ambulance services and healthcare in remote areas. Innolux introduces smart shopping cart in collaboration with FamilyMart, eyes Japanese market in 2024 Taiwan-based display giant Innolux has teamed up with the renowned convenience store chain FamilyMart to introduce its groundbreaking "Smart Shopping Cart" at one of the FamiSuper stores. Developed in-house by Innolux, the cart incorporates proprietary technology featuring automatic sensing and checkout capabilities, offering shoppers a seamless and efficient experience. CEO James Yang revealed Innolux's intentions to validate the system in convenience stores and aspirations to penetrate the Japanese market by 2024, setting sights on a substantial share of the global retail checkout cart market. The AI-powered smart supermarket by Innolux boasts four key features. Firstly, it enables customers to shop and checkout on the go, eliminating the need to wait in queues. Users can conveniently use FamilyMart's My FamiPay for self-checkout. Secondly, to address peak times at the deli counter, Innolux has introduced a dual-sided, slim, and integrated self-checkout machine called Kiosk. This innovation aims to alleviate staff workload during busy hours. Thirdly, the supermarket introduces a pioneering AI-driven transparent display for alcohol promotions, targeting the takeout market. Lastly, precise marketing is realized through facial recognition coupled with AM miniLED curved advertising displays. The AI innovations in the retail sector The current deployment of the smart shopping cart, self-checkout Kiosk, AI-driven transparent wine cabinet, and facial recognition advertising screens at FamilyMart's ETMall store are practical validations of these technologies. Hung-Wu Peng, General Manager of ETMall, expressed optimism about the cost-effective nature of self-checkout, especially for supermarket setups with food streets. With cost control and AI-assisted shopping guidance, the technology is expected to increase revenue by over 20%. Guo-Xuan Chen, Head of the Industrial Development Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs, highlighted the flourishing landscape of AI technologies in the retail sector. The focus on creating personalized shopping experiences through analysis, prediction, and generative AI technologies optimizes sales services. Innolux's AIoT supermarket solution is expected to play a significant role in the international smart retail industry. According to Research & Markets, the global smart shopping cart market is projected to reach US$9.74 billion by 2030, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 27.48% from 2023 to 2030. Major international retail outlets are increasingly eyeing smart shopping carts to reduce labor costs and boost revenue. Credit: Innolux Innolux tech revolutionizes retail efficiency Innolux emphasized the cost-effectiveness of its smart shopping cart compared to competitors' unmanned stores, which often require substantial investment in camera equipment and store renovations. The AI-driven cart employs computer vision algorithms and sensor fusion technology, using AI-powered cameras to identify items in the cart. With a 10.1-inch interactive tablet screen, customers can use self-checkout, saving time by eliminating the need to wait in queues. Innolux anticipates further validation in convenience store settings, with plans to enter the Japanese market in the coming year and aggressively target the checkout cart market in Europe and North America. In addition, the dual-sided self-checkout Kiosk was developed to tackle the high traffic in deli areas, a high revenue share area for FamilyMart. It is said to feature an exclusive 32-inch slim dual-sided backlight technology and a machine body thickness of only 22mm. It combines dual-sided display functionality for checkout and advertising, suitable for the limited space within convenience stores. The P0.75 AM miniLED transparent display screen was developed by Innolux in collaboration with GIO Optoelectronics. This screen, featuring splicing capabilities and millisecond-level rapid dynamic dimming technology (with a brightness range from 1% to 60%), is the first to be introduced into chain convenience stores. The screen integrates generative AI advertising with transparent display interactive wine cabinets, aiming to significantly assist marketing personnel in saving at least 5 hours per week. This innovation not only alleviates creative fatigue but also enhances efficiency and effectiveness. Its application in promoting alcoholic beverages is expected to contribute towards increased revenue in the liquor category. Finally, Innolux has implemented crowd monitoring and facial recognition features using its exclusive AM miniLED flexible technology. This creates a 29.6-inch dual-sided curved Mini LED advertising display that is "ultra-thin," "flexible," and "cleverly interactive," with a minimal distance of 1.2mm between each Mini LED. With a single-unit weight of only 300 grams, the display allows customized content for applications such as crowd guidance and advertising promotions based on specific venue requirements. Subscriber content preview SEATTLE The King County Council is reviewing proposed updates to its 2024 Comprehensive Plan, which guides county policies on services, land use and development for the next 20 years. In a press release yesterday, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that he has sent proposed updates to the council, which will review the plan through next year. The updates represent a two-year planning process, which involved an equity work group to center community input. . . . Subscriber content preview By THALIA BEATY Associated Press In recent years, city leaders in Grand Island, Nebraska, observed that many workers and students were walking or biking long distances to their jobs or schools. So when city administrator Laura McAloon learned of an opportunity to study the development of a bus system to meet those transportation needs, she jumped at it. The opportunity was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the International City/County Management Association, a network of local government administrators. And it sent McAloon to Washington along with other local leaders to learn about strategies and policies to lift people in their community out of poverty. . . . Subscriber content preview Rendering by Miller Hull [enlarge] The replacement Fire Station 31 will have a mural designed by local artist Damon Brown. The city of Seattle has issued a notice of intent to award a $26.75 million contract to Spee West Construction Co. for the new Fire Station 31, at 11302 Meridian Ave. N. in the Northgate neighborhood. . . . A few questions: How many greyhound meetings have there been at Dundalk Stadium since the first was run 20 years ago? In the period from 2007 to the present day, how many horse meetings were there? And how many races? Answer to the first question: Greyhounds have come together 2,371 times at the venue, which opened three years after the closure of the old track at The Ramparts, in 2000. And if you want to establish how many races there were in that time, just multiply the figure above by nine. That will give you a figure as close as makes no difference. It was 16 years ago when the first horse meeting was held, and in the meantime there have been 589 gatherings, including last Wednesdays. The spot-on number of races is 4,497. Just wondering, is there anyone who hasnt missed a horse meeting? Maybe security staff member, David Crosby, is the only one. He might have been on duty in the worst days of Covid, when the doors were closed to punters and bookmaker, and huge restrictions were placed on trainers and their employees. Davids been with the track from the very beginning, and at last weeks special 20th anniversary meeting, which had racing in both codes, he was one of seven employees who were made a presentation to mark their unbroken service. The others were, Gerry Kerley, Sean Gamble, Nuala Munsdow, Aisling McKenna, Joanne Hazzard and Elizabeth Smith. The man who made the presentations, Stadium CEO, Jim Martin, is another whos been there for the two decades. Both tracks have attracted the best runners in the country. The greyhound International, a one-off carrying a first prize of 20,000, is usually contested not only the best here, but also in England, while the Bar One Irish Sprint is a Classic with nationwide appeal. A number of gallopers on the outside track have gone on to win major races at the Breeders Cup in America. Mastercraftsman is one of them. He showed his paces at Dowdallshill before giving trainer, Aidan OBrien, one his many wins on the other side of the Atlantic. While there are as many horses in training as ever, the vast number trainers keen to have runners at the countrys only all-weather track, the ranks of greyhound owners have thinned in recent year, markedly around this town and district. But there are still kennels, which were in operation in the early days of the new track, continuing to have runners. The Jones kennel in Carrick is one. Indeed, it was as far back as the early days at The Ramparts when runners came from there, many of them carrying the Farney prefix. The one, however, that is best remembered had the name of Jemmy John. This lightweight won the aforementioned International when the big race was still in its infancy. Corduff Spiral was a winner for John and Leonard Jones on Wednesday night, the lads maintaining a fine family tradition. A link with the first Dowdallshill meeting and last weeks was provided by two trainers. Meaths Martin Lanney had a winner on opening night with Persevere, and was on the mark this time with Follom Fleet. Fraser Black also had a winner in 2003, We Get Results, running in the name of then Bord na gCon chairman, Paschal Taggart, and Cathal Curley; but the Kildare-based handler was out of luck in his bid for the double with first race favourite, Great Time Pal. There are now just two bookmakers operating at the track, which compares with the 16 taking bets on the opening night. And did they take bets. The sixteens take amounted to 171,000, while another 40,000 was bet on the Tote. That sort of money wouldnt be taken nowadays on Derby final night at Shelbourne Park. It was estimated the attendance was upwards on 3,000, going way beyond what had been anticipated. The print order was for 2,000 racecards, but they quickly sold out, and such was the pressure on the turnstiles, several hundred were given free admission. We will never see the likes again; but its a resilient game and tracks will keep racing as long as there are runners available to them. Facilities for patrons, as well as owners and trainers, need to be the best, and in this regard Dundalk is not lacking. Above: Minister of State for Transport, Mr Jack Chambers TD is pictured at the Journey to Vehicle Electrification event held at the Ballymascanlon Hotel in Dundalk to celebrate the successful delivery of the 6.4 million INTERREG VA FASTER Project. Also pictured is Paul Beattie, Director of Programmes, SEUPB, Pamela Arthurs, Chief Executive, East Border Region Ltd, Councillor Terry Andrews, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Senator Erin McGreehan. East Border Region Ltd and FASTER Project partners yesterday announced the completion of a two-year programme of works with the installation and commissioning of 75 new rapid electric vehicle charging stations in Northern Ireland, Ireland (Border Region) and in rural areas along Scotlands west coast and western isles. These new chargers have been installed with the support of just over 6.4 million of European Union funding from the INTERREG VA programme which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match funding for the project has been provided by the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and the Department for Transport (Ireland) and Transport Scotland. This funding has been critical in supporting the transition to electric vehicles and sustainable transport use across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland (Border Region). Motorists living in or driving through each of the three project regions will be able to avail of the new charging infrastructure within the coming days as the remaining charging stations are energised and this is a very welcome boost for those with electric vehicles in the region and who may not have access to off-street parking or charging facilities at home. In the border region the number of new electric vehicles registered has increased by 138% since 2021. Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Transport and Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland commented: Accelerating the transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) relies significantly on an effective and dependable charging network. Initiatives such as the FASTER project play a critical role in supplementing public charging stations and supporting the widespread adoption of EVs. "They also serve as an excellent example of the efficiencies that can be achievable through collaborative efforts. We are making progress on rolling out a national EV charging network, which will further support the decarbonisation of our road transport and the transition to fully electric transport for people throughout the country Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State at the Departments of Transport and of Environment, Climate and Communications in Ireland, said: The provision of adequate charging infrastructure is key to combatting range anxiety, and projects such as FASTER will go a long way towards encouraging a greater shift towards increased EV use. "FASTER has been a clear success in terms of cooperation across borders by officials at Government level, as well as the project leads South West College, Louth County Council and HiTrans, and shows how we can work together to achieve goals that we may not be able to reach when working alone A recent survey carried out by South West College on behalf of the project reveals that 80% of motorists living in the UK and Ireland believe that public supports for EV use are still insufficient with the purchase price of new vehicles, battery range and availability of charging infrastructure remaining the key barriers to making the switch. Gina McIntrye, Chief Executive, SEUPB Ltd, said: The FASTER project is a tremendous example of how cross-border collaboration can be utilised to deliver effective solutions to those challenges which are common to all regions. "This complex and ambitious project has substantially increased the availability of EV charging infrastructure across Northern Ireland, Ireland and western Scotland helping to support the de-carbonisation of our roads and the transition to fully electric transport. The SEUPB is proud to have supported the FASTER project through INTERREG VA Programme and we congratulate the project partners on their success. Councillor Terry Andrews, Chairman of East Border Region Ltd, said: East Border Region as Lead Partner on this innovative project are delighted to see the project come to fruition with much needed EV charging infrastructure now installed across the three jurisdictions. "The project clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border collaboration between a range of key stakeholders, and the benefits to be gained by adopting a strategic approach to sustainable infrastructure development. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our project partners and delivery partners who all have worked tirelessly to ensure the project has achieved all outputs as set out at the beginning of the project. Following a site selection process and competitive public procurement exercise conducted by Louth County Council, Weev was selected to deliver the new charging infrastructure at 14 locations stretching from Drogheda in County Louth to Buncrana in County Donegal. These 150 kW chargers will be invaluable to motorists commuting in the region. Philip Rainey, Chief Executive Officer, Weev, said: Weev was delighted to win the bid for the provision of the rapid electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the border counties in Ireland. "Whilst the project had its challenges with respect to complexity and completion deadlines, the preliminary work that had been carried out by both EBR and Louth CC ensured that the Weev / M&M consortium was able to deliver the project on time. "Weev believe the project is not only a launch pad to provide EV infrastructure and charging facilities to the underserved local communities within each county but will also provide a much needed EV charging facility to support travel and tourism within both NI and Ireland. "Our Congratulations go to EBR and Louth CC for taking this initiative forward and ensuring the effective delivery of this key infrastructure project. The complete list of locations served by FASTER Project electric vehicle charging stations is available at https://www.fasterevcharge.com and charger availability information will also be available on each of the major EV charging apps and websites. Members of Co. Louth based community group, Friends of Ardee Bog Group joined Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcom Noonon TD and over 60 delegates at the historic launch of the Community Wetlands Forum CLG in Athlone earlier this week. The Community Wetlands Forum (CWF) is a member-based forum dedicated to community-led conservation and the wise use of wetlands. Anne Lennon of Friends of Ardee Bog addressed delegates outlining community efforts to promote, protect and conserve Ardee Bog, as well as the support and knowledge they have received from fellow community groups in the Community Wetlands Forum. Friends of Ardee Bog Group say they have been to the fore in pioneering a new wave approach to bottom up sustainable management and conservation of the island's wetlands under the first wave of the Community Wetlands Forum, which was initially formed as a special interest group under Irish Rural Link. They along with community groups nationwide are part of the network of 2250 hectares of wetlands with 20 walking trails and 58 conservation measures making up some of Irelands most significant wetlands on the first wave of this new departure. Initially operating as a special interest group under the auspices of Irish Rural Link the forum now has a membership of over 40 community and not for profit groups across Ireland leading projects to promote and protect their local wetlands. Focusing on promoting awareness, understanding, and collaborative action to empower communities to safeguard wetland habitats across Ireland, the CWF has actively engaged local communities, environmental organisations, government agencies, and academic institutions in its efforts to support the protection, management, and wise use of wetlands for a sustainable future.Innovative projects across 23 protected or designated sites, covering over 2275 Hectares of wetlands are already underway supported in a cross-alliance manner from various state agencies. Voluntary members also engage in sustainable management and conservation - maintaining walkways on or near wetland sites using 58 conservation measures, with 20 walking trails at various sites, providing great physical and mental well-being benefits. This is one of the most transformative and innovative policy changes in environmental management and landscape preservation, in enabling bottom of management and development of our wetlands in Europe. "Its great to see the Community Wetlands Forum go from strength to strength in its ambition for community-led wetland management. Communities have a vital role to play in protecting nature. Initiatives such as this Forum bring communities together and enable them to play a leading role in the protection and safeguarding of our wetland habitats, stated Minister Noonan T.D. The launch of the new CLG was attended by over 60 delegates, from the membership, the pioneer Project Steering Group, Enthusiasts and Environmentalists at the Hudon Bay Hotel, Athlone earlier this week. The Community Wetlands Forum invites everyone with an interest in wetland conservation and rural community development to join in celebrating its establishment as a newly independent CLG. For more information about the Community Wetlands Forum, its initiatives, and upcoming visit www.communitywetlandsforum.ie British shadow secretary of state Hilary Benn has said politicians in Northern Ireland have a duty to make the institutions work at an event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement at the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk on Thursday evening. Mr Benn also said that now is the time for powersharing to return. Devolved government at Stormont has not been operational for nearly two years due to the DUPs ongoing refusal to nominate a speaker in protest against post-Brexit trading arrangements. The shadow secretary of state addressed the event held by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu). The event was opened by Justin McCamphill, president of Ictu, followed by a panel discussion of politicians from the five major Stormont parties. Speaking on the panel was Declan Kearney representing Sinn Fein, Jonathan Buckley for the DUP, Eoin Tennyson for Alliance, Tom Elliot for the UUP and Matthew OToole from the SDLP. Jacquie White, general secretary of the Ulster Teachers Union (Utu) introduced Mr Benn who gave his perspective as a Labour MP on the agreement and the peace process. Mr Benn said now is time for the people of Northern Ireland to get their government back. Those entrusted with political responsibility in Northern Ireland have a duty to make the institutions work, he said. And therefore, the single most urgent priority and the biggest responsibility on all of us is to redouble our efforts to get democracy in Northern Ireland up and running again so that politicians can get back to work and be held to account by the people who elected them. Theres a lot of speculation about where the talks have got to. My message is simple. Now is the time to get this done. Also at the event, senior trade union officials reflected on the impact of the Good Friday Agreement with a panel discussion. Paddy Mackel, chairperson of Nic-Ictu, introduced and chaired the discussion with panellists Patricia McKeown, Gerry McCormack and Carmel Gates. Minister for Local Government and Planning, Kieran ODonnell T.D. today announced funding of 7,450 to Louth County Council to support the local authority and one regional womens caucus in their activities to encourage the increased participation of women and diversity in the 2024 Local Elections. The funding is part of 205,568 allocated nationally to support 26 local authorities. This year, the scheme for local authorities focused on proposals that clearly set out a strategic timeline towards the 2024 elections, including proposals that support and encourage the increased participation of women and diverse candidacy in the 2024 local elections along with proposals that actively support the retention of existing female councillors post 2024. Included among the projects selected for funding this year were informational workshops for community groups, training and capacity building on online harassment for current women councillors, International Womens Day events and an information seminar aimed at women from different migrant backgrounds. The scheme also includes funding for local and regional-level womens caucuses. Research has shown that local level caucuses strengthen cooperation between women in political life across party and ideological lines and also strengthen their capacity to affect change. Announcing the funding the Minister said: I am delighted to be in a position to approve this grant funding which will support 26 local authorities and one regional womens caucus in carrying out activities which will encourage the participation of women and diversity in the 2024 Local Elections, local government structures and decision making more generally. Council chambers all around this country are places where the voices of our communities can both be heard and help to shape the places in which we live - it is crucially important, therefore, that our council chambers are fully reflective of the communities that they represent. The funding announced today is an integral part of a broader programme of initiatives aimed at encouraging gender balance and diversity at local government level. This scheme is now in its fifth year, with this year seeing the highest level of funding made available to date. To conclude, the Minister said: As the 2024 local elections draw closer, a significant effort is crucial to encourage women and people from diverse backgrounds to run for election, and to support those who have already decided to run. Local authorities rightly recognise the importance of diversity and gender balance at local level - in that regard, I am very pleased my Department is able to assist them as we work towards our shared goal of making the role of Councillor more accessible and sustainable for all. WuXi Biologics Ireland Hosts Dundalk Chamber Members for Site Tour, Celebrates Remarkable Growth WuXi Biologics Ireland welcomed 30 members of the Dundalk Chamber for an exclusive site tour, showcasing the strides made since the construction of its state-of-the-art facility in 2019. The building of the site initially created more than 7,000 construction jobs during the building phase. Today, the company employees over 800 full-time professionals across the two entities on the campus. The company says that despite the challenges posed by the global landscape, their commitment to excellence and innovation led to the successful completion of its advanced facility. This culminated in the Facility of the Year Award from the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). Una McGoey, President of Dundalk Chamber, expressed her enthusiasm about the visit, stating: "WuXi Biologics Ireland's contributions to our community and the region have been invaluable. Their growth story is a testament to the opportunities they provide and the collaborative spirit that drives their success." Brendan McGrath, Site Head and VP of WuXi Biologics Ireland, shared his thoughts on the occasion, saying: "We are proud to have reached this significant milestone. Our growth reflects the dedication and commitment of our team, as well as the unwavering support from the local community, including the Dundalk Chamber. We deeply appreciate the Chamber's support and look forward to further engaging with our local community." He also emphasised the strategic location of Dundalk quoting from the Chambers affiliated website www.m1corridor.ie. He explained that WuXi Biologics located in Dundalk, in part because of the population hinterland of over 2,000,000; 4 deep seaports, 3 airports and critically third level higher education, including DkIT, Queens and the Dublin universities. Met Eireann has issued a series of weather warnings for Ireland on Saturday with severe winds to rip across the country from the northwest. The warnings cover much of the country with the south the only area to escape the clutches of the stormy conditions. The Status Yellow wind warnings come into force at different time for different areas but warn of "strong and gusty west to northwest winds with the potential for wave overtoppping." The warning for Clare, Tipperary and all of Connacht is valid from 8am on Saturday until 6pm on Saturday. It is valid in Leinster, Cavan and Monaghan from 10am until 8pm on Saturday. Strong and gusty west to northwest winds will "cause disruption and travelling difficulties" in these counties, according to Met Eireann. An individual wind warning for Donegal is valid from 12 noon until 8pm on Saturday. Met Eireann has also issued a Status Yellow gale warning from Mizen Head to Erris Head to Belfast Lough from 5am Saturday to 2am on Sunday. Wind warning for Clare, Tipperary, Connacht Valid: 08:00 to 18:00 Sat 09/12/2023 Wind warning for Leinster, Cavan,Monaghan Valid: 10:00 to 20:00 Sat 09/12/2023 Wind warning for Donegal Valid:12:00 to 20:00 Sat 09/12/2023 See warning detailshttps://t.co/l8JdKfwZt9 pic.twitter.com/NQ0yTYj1Qd Met Eireann (@MetEireann) December 8, 2023 "Westerly winds will increase to gale force 8 or higher," Met Eireann said. In their general outlook for Saturday, Met Eireann said: "Becoming very windy on Saturday. On Saturday morning, rain will continue to push northeastwards over Ireland, becoming confined to north Ulster by the afternoon. Sunny spells and blustery showers will follow across the rest of the country, some of the showers will be heavy and with hail. "Showers may merge to give longer spells of rain, especially across the northern half of the country. Maximum temperatures of 7 to 11 degrees in strong and gusty southwest winds, which will veer westerly during the day, reaching gale force at the coast. "Winds will gradually ease on Saturday night as showers become isolated and mostly restricted to north Ulster. However, later in the night, a further spell of rain will push in across Munster and Connacht, extending across the rest of the country by dawn on Sunday. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees with fresh and gusty westerly winds, backing southerly and moderating." A man in his 20s has been arrested after gardai in Tipperary discovered a huge drugs haul during a search. Gardai seized the suspected cocaine with an estimated value of approximately 100,000 during a search at a location in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, a Garda statement confirmed. Drugs paraphernalia was also seized in the course of the search which was conducted as part of Operation Thor by Gardai from the Divisional Task Force assisted by Divisional Drugs Unit, the Garda Dog Unit and Gardai from Nenagh District. Gardai also confirmed a man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the search, and is currently detained at a Garda station in the Tipperary area under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. The drugs will be sent for analysis by Forensic Science Ireland. Garda investigations are ongoing. Gardai say Operation Thor, launched in November 2015, is designed to tackle the anticipated increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity that usually occur in winter months by undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity. The initiative has successfully reduced the rate of winter burglaries, leading to a significant decline in property related crime since its introduction in 2015, gardai say. The winter phase of Operation Thor commenced on October 1, 2023 and will run until the end of March 2024. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has denied seeking to limit the role of part-time officers following legal claims when he held a senior role within the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He appeared at an industrial tribunal in Belfast on Friday to give evidence in a claim by part-time police officers that they had been discriminated against in terms of how they were treated compared with full-time colleagues. A group of more than 200 current and former part-time officers are involved in the claim. Mr Harris served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI from October 2014 under then Chief Constable George Hamilton. He described management of resources, which included cuts and budget management, as being among his responsibilities. In 2010, a group of 230 part-time police officers took an industrial tribunal case against the PSNI, claiming they were receiving less favourable treatment on the grounds of part-time status, entitlement to sick pay and holiday pay. Fridays hearing was told that in February 2015, the leadership of the PSNI was informed of a settlement offer and in the aftermath there was concern that more claims could be made by other part-time officers who had not been part of the action known as the Marks proceedings. At that time there were around 462 part-time police officers in Northern Ireland who were required to do a minimum of 144 hours of service a year. It was put to Mr Harris that it was then suggested part-time officers not be detailed for three months. Mr Harris said a discussion of that is recorded in the minutes of a meeting on February 20 2015, but he was not sure if he led that discussion. He also said that did not happen due to the operational requirement. He described a review of part-time officers at that time as due to budget and efficient use of resources as well as the Marks case and other litigation. We had to consider all options, all options on the table in terms of managing this situation, he said. Describing his role as being concerned with the effective and efficient use of resources, he said the part-time officers were effective to a point. The job description for the last recruitment of part time officers, which took place in 2004 and 2006, was read to the hearing, and included duties of full-time officers including patrolling, making arrests and processing, interviewing victims and witnesses. Mr Harris said there were many developments in policing in the 2000s, and recommendations for improvements from bodies such as the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Police Ombudsman. Among these included training to create specialist officers to attend incidents of domestic violence. There was a lack of uniformity and consistency around how POPT (police officers part time) were being utilised, he said. Im aware that some POPT were performing minimum duties or no duties. It was put to Mr Harris that the cost of 462 part-time officers was the equivalent of 27 full-time officers. Mr Harris said that was purely based on salary costs, and did not take into account support costs. A further hearing is set to take place in January. IN a world where people are often defined by their roots, Cork city northsider Paul Deasy is a refreshing reminder that we can also be defined by our wanderlust. The 58-year-old adventurer, who hails from Cahergal in Mayfield, has spent the last 35 years exploring different corners of the globe, leaving behind a trail of fascinating tales and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of London to the dusty deserts of Saudi Arabia, and from the vibrant markets of south-east Asia to the wild plains of Uganda, Deasy has lived a life that most of us can only dream of. Yet, despite his travels, theres one thing that never left him: his unmistakable Cork accent. Sitting on top of a sunny rooftop in Kampala, as we both desperately try (and fail) to swat away the incessant mosquitos, Paul, a former UCC student of Civil Engineering, tells me he left Ireland when he finished his studies back in 1986. I did what everybody did. Everyone was leaving. And everyone was going to London. So I went there. But then I took a construction job in Saudi Arabia, which, of course, is half a world away - both in terms of distance but also in terms of culture, said Paul. After some time in Saudi, I started taking contract work, most of it being in south-east Asia. I spent the next 20 years in Asia, going from place to place, contract to contract - Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore, among other countries. In 2020, as we all know, the global coronavirus pandemic saw work grind to a halt right across the world. The situation in south-east Asia was looking particularly bleak for Paul at the time, so he decided his next adventure would be on a different continent entirely. Paul Deasy, a former UCC student of Civil Engineering, works on building prokects in Uganda He packed his bags and took a job with Irish business The Lagan Group in Uganda - the Pearl of Africa. It was my first time in Africa, so I was excited and a little nervous to be coming here, said Paul. But the Lagan Group is great to work for. They were in charge of the new runway at Cork Airport, you know? And they needed people here to do the infrastructure for an industrial estate on the east side of town. Before I arrived, I asked a few buddies who had worked in different places around Africa what they thought. They said Uganda would be a great placement because its relatively safe, the people are friendly, its English-speaking, and theres a lot to do in terms of tourism. Though Paul has enjoyed the time hes spent in Uganda, he intends to move once more - back to Vietnam to be closer to family. Ten years ago, I was going from job to job, place to place, but Im actually married with kids now so I have to be a little more settled, he explains. Due to Covid, Paul was unable to bring his family with him to Uganda from south-east Asia, and was also unable to see them for two whole years. Yes, it was a long stint, he says. We relied very heavily on Whatsapp messages and video calls to keep in touch. It was very tough but it had to be done. Unfortunately, it is not the only expat heartbreak Paul has had to endure. After finishing the Middle Eastern part of his adventures, he attempted to move back home to Cork. I went back and worked with my dad for a short spell, building extensions but it was no longer enough for me. I had been working on mega-projects - high rise buildings, projects that take four or five years to complete. Then suddenly I was back doing footpaths and small things. It wasnt the type of work I wanted to do anymore, said Paul. So, I got a job with a construction company. I had between 10 and 15 years of experience at that stage - doing large projects abroad - but the company said that because I hadnt done the job in Ireland, Id be starting at entry level. Paul Deasy with Kelly O'Brien in Uganda. Paul took his time to consider the job offer, but he just couldnt take the hit. Hed been doing more challenging and interesting work abroad, and was getting paid good money for it. He felt like if he stayed in Ireland, it would be many more years before he would work back up to the level he had already been performing at. He felt he had no choice. Reluctantly, Paul left the country once more. This time, it was for good. No, I dont have any regrets, he says. How could you regret seeing the world? And working in different places its different from being a tourist because people treat you differently. They dont treat you like a tourist. You get to see whats real. But yes, I do miss Ireland sometimes. My family, of course. But also brown sauce Tanora and a dirty big pint of Murphys. A SHOPLIFTER who targeted the same store three times in one day, and a fourth time on another day, has been jailed for four months. Ian OSullivan, of Cork Simon Community, was sentenced by Judge Mary Dorgan at Cork District Court. The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to several counts of shoplifting and being so drunk that he was a danger to himself or others on the streets. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said Boots pharmacy, on Half Moon St, had goods stolen by the defendant four times three of those being on one day last month. On November 5, the accused went to the Boots premises, entering it three times in the course of the day and picking up a 45 perfume set each time, causing a loss on that day of 135. The thefts continued on November 20, when he went back to Half Moon St at lunchtime that day and stole 250 worth of toiletries. He also committed further offences on other dates last month. He was found on Clontarf St in a highly intoxicated condition, where he was a danger to himself and others. He was found slumped against a wall on Robert St another day, in a similar condition. On November 22, he was stopped in Cork city centre with another bag of stolen toiletries. He admitted stealing them from Dealz, at Grand Parade, earlier. The accused had six previous burglary convictions and 53 for theft. Solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said: Unfortunately, Mr OSullivan has had an ongoing difficulty with alcohol. There was a plea forthcoming at the earliest opportunity. He is a man of quite considerable potential. He brought in Gamblers Anonymous to the prison. That is still there, and has helped many prisoners. Judge Dorgan said: I am really impressed that he has brought Gamblers Anonymous into the prison, it is really helpful. It would be really good if he could get his life back together again. But it is very hard for store owners four thefts from Boots. It is very difficult for shops to manage on an ongoing basis. He has a lot of previous convictions. The HSE has issued an extreme risk drug warning after a strong synthetic opioid sold as heroin has been linked with a number of serious overdoses in Cork city. In a statement issued on Thursday night on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the HSEs national drug information source said that following the overdoses, analysis conducted by Forensic Science Ireland had confirmed a nitazene type substance identified in a light brown/sandy coloured powder. Nitazenes were developed in the 1950s as synthetic opioid analgesics and an alternative to morphine, but were never approved for the medical market. The HSEs statement on Thursday night described nitazene as a strong synthetic opioid that can cause serious overdoses, hospitalisations, and drug related deaths. The warning follows dozens of serious overdoses in Dublin in the past month. The HSE has issued a warning regarding a number of overdoses in the Cork City. Analysis conducted by Forensic Science Ireland confirms a nitazene type substance identified in a light brown/sandy coloured powder. We ask people to take extra care and follow #harmreduction pic.twitter.com/hpBtluzY5D HSE Drugs.ie (@drugsdotie) December 7, 2023 The drug, the HSE said, can be found in pills or powder with current overdoses being linked to powder. In a list of recommendations, the HSE urged drug users to treat all substances with caution, warning (y)ou cant be sure of whats in it or its strength. Urging extra caution at the moment, the HSE recommended that drug users not buy new types of drugs, or new batches, or purchase drugs from new sources. The HSE also urged drug users to always carry naloxone, a medicine used to rapidly reverse or reduce the effects of an opioid overdose. For further information, support and harm reduction, go to drugs.ie or contact the HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 1800 459 459 or email helpline@hse.ie Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm. St Vincent's GAA has announced a series of events to mark the 80th anniversary of the northside club, with an open invitation to members, supporters and the wider community to come and celebrate the milestone occasion. Commencing this evening, the club will screen a documentary it commissioned to honour the Ballycannon Boys. It was something that the club commissioned Unity Media to do, club public relations officer Mick Nugent told The Echo. We showed the film originally in the Firkin Crane and it was a packed house and a lot of people missed out. Its a good opportunity for people who havent seen the film to catch it this time around. The Ballycannon Boys were members of the Blarney Street Company of the IRA who were killed on March 23, 1921, by a large force of RIC members and the Black and Tans. The documentary commemorating the story of the Ballycannon Boys includes interviews with family members, local historians, and club members. It will be screened at 7.30pm this evening at Hollymount House, St Vincents club house on Blarney Rd. All are welcome to attend the free event. The events to commemorate the clubs 80th anniversary will continue on Sunday where Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, will raise the flag at Pairc Uinsinn at the clubs complex on Kilmore Rd. This will be followed by a Mass in honour of deceased members of the club at 11.30am in St Marys on the Hill church. Sundays events will conclude with a tree planting at Hollymount House by the clubs president William Leahy, after Mass. We had major events for the clubs 75th, but the 80th is another big anniversary, said Mr Nugent. Its an open invitation to members, supporters, parents, former players, and the wider community to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the club this weekend. Its nice to look back and also look forward and plan for the future of the club. German automation company Pilz celebrated 75 years of Pilz and 25 years of Pilz in Ireland in Cork on Friday December 8 with Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney, German Ambassador to Ireland Cord Meier-Klodt and the owner families. As a symbol of sustainability and growth, together they all planted a tree on the Pilz Campus, with Pilz Ireland also donating 25 trees to the city of Cork for planting in public green spaces. Simon Coveney congratulated the Pilz Group, saying: It is a great success story for Cork and indeed the Southwest region. He continued: For 25 years, Pilz have been providing highly skilled positions in Software Development, Automation, Robotics, and Safety Systems, providing essential automation and automated solutions across a range of sectors of strategic importance to Ireland. Thomas Pilz, Managing Partner of Pilz said in his keynote speech: The successful development of our entire company over the last 25 years would not have been possible without our Irish subsidiary. Whether in software, services or automation solutions - the team here performs important key tasks for the entire Pilz Group. Here in Cork, I can feel the curiosity that drives us, the joy of innovation, combined with our constant endeavours - a team like this here in Ireland is the greatest gift a company could wish for on its 75th birthday. He added: Pilz Cork will build on its culture of dynamism, flexibility and innovation and more so on the knowledge of its teams to enable Pilz strengthen its core business and shape a future as a supplier of safe and secure industrial automation solutions. Executive Director of IDA Ireland Mary Buckley said: Since its establishment in Ireland in 1998, Pilz has grown from strength to strength through transformation. Indeed, in 2002 Pilz chose Cork as the location of its Software Development and Professional Engineering Services, and 16 years later, Pilz expanded the facility further with the construction of the Renate Pilz Software Development Centre in 2002. John McAuliffe, Managing Director of Pilz Ireland and Vice President International Services Group at Pilz added: We in Pilz Ireland are proud to draw from the talent and high technology ECO system of the Cork region to not only serve Pilz customers in Ireland but to support the development and growth of Pilz offering for our customers world-wide! Eimear Dodd Defence counsel for former solicitor Michael Lynn has told his multi-million euro theft trial that his client's solicitor was deputised by the Law Society to change locks at the office of his legal practice in October 2007. Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006, and April 20th, 2007. It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS). Simon Treanor of the Law Society confirmed to Karl Finnegan SC, prosecuting, that the society's records state Mr Lynn set up his legal practice in 1996 with its name changing to Capel Law during 2007. He also agreed that there are no disciplinary records against Fiona McAleenan. Mr Treanor agreed with Mr Finnegan that if the Law Society has concerns about a solicitor's practice, it will act to try to protect the firm's clients. The jury heard that the Law Society appointed an accountant to audit Mr Lynn's legal practice around September 2006. The society obtained a High Court order in relation to Michael Lynn and Co solicitors on October 15th, 2007, and its personnel went to the practice at the Capel Building on the same day. Files from Mr Lynn's legal practices were seized by the Law Society's practice closure unit and IT equipment was removed from the office in early November. Changing the locks Mr Treanor told Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, that he could not find any reports to confirm if the Law Society changed the locks of the Michael Lynn and Co office. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe said his instructions are that once a High Court order is made, one of the first things to happen is that the Law Society secure the practice by changing locks. He said Mr Lynn's then-solicitor was deputised by the Law Society to arrange for the locks to be changed. One set of keys were given to an individual working for the organisation, with the other two sets retained by Mr Lynn's then-solicitor. He said his client's position is that he did not have a set of keys and did not have access to the Michael Lynn and Co offices after this point. Mr Treanor said he did not find any records of this nature. He told defence counsel that he is aware the practice closure unit secure premises, but added, I dont believe, as a matter, of course, they would change the locks. He was taken through several emails and agreed that the Law Society's head of IT was among those who went to the offices of Michael Lynn and Co. An IT expert was also brought in to assist. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe put it to the witness that the Law Society also secured the firm's former office in Blanchardstown, where an old server was stored. Mr Treanor said he had no information on this or if this server was examined. He said he was not aware if the Law Society held a separate file about Kendar and had no information about whether the society took custody of Kendar's servers. Mr Treanor agreed that he provided gardai with a copy of an inventory of computers taken by the Law Society from the offices of Michael Lynn and Co, but could not be sure if it was a complete inventory. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe said his instructions were that there was a server room in the basement of the Capel Building, which could only be accessed through the practice's office. Mr Treanor said he could only provide information based on the files. Glenlion Andrew Snow, former relationship manager with Bank of Scotland Ireland, confirmed that Mr Lynn and his wife made a home loan application to the bank for 3.85 million to buy Glenlion House in Howth in December 2006. Mr Snow told the jury it was his understanding that this was a joint home loan application to buy a private personal residence. He said the bank would not have approved the loan if they had been aware that other financial institutions had also provided finance to purchase the same property. He was taken through a mixture of documents, including letters, internal credit memos and application forms. Mr Snow agreed that the bank sought a first legal charge over the property as security for the loan. He confirmed the loan of 3.85 million was drawn down on April 19th, 2007. Mr Snow said it was never suggested to him that this money would be used for overseas investment. Mr Snow told Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe that he did not accept that he, his colleagues or the bank were negligent in dealings with Mr Lynn. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe asked Mr Snow if he'd seen a document from Kendar Portugal which confirmed Mr Lynn had provided it with a loan of 3 million. Mr Snow said he was familiar with the front page, which was submitted as part of the application. He said he had never seen other pages from the document. Defence counsel suggested to Mr Snow that this was not a consumer loan as certain statutory information was not included in the loan offer. Mr Snow rejected this, saying he only worked with consumer loans. The trial continues before Judge Martin Nolan and the jury. Claire Henry A complainant has told the trial of a man accused of sexually assaulting six young men that he was frozen solid in the bed, during the alleged encounter with the defendant. The accused man has pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted anal rape and eight counts of sexual assault in relation to six complainants on dates between March 1991 and November 1997 at locations in Co Dublin. The man was in his 30s at the time of the alleged offences, while the six complainants were then aged between 17 and 24. The sixth complainant in the case, now aged 48, began giving his evidence. The accused faces one count of attempted anal rape and one count of sexual assault in relation to this complainant. The sixth complainant told the jury that he developed a close friendship with his teacher when he was in transition year. I completely and utterly trusted him [the accused]. I would have trusted him with my life. I had nothing to fear; he was a great school teacher, and I had no issue spending the night in his house. He told the jury that he had been to the accuseds house on two previous occasions, but on this particular occasion, he was due to stay the night as it was late. The witness said he was in fifth year at the time. Asked by Ann Marie Lawlor SC, prosecuting, where he believed he would be sleeping, he said in the spare room of the accuseds house. The witness said the accused told him there was no need, and to jump in here, and the young man got into the opposite side of the accuseds bed. He told the jury that he was uncomfortable with this and planned to go into the spare room once the accused fell asleep. Ms Lawlor asked the witness if he fell asleep, and he said he did. He then told the trial: I woke up to his head down on my crotch giving me a blowjob. In my head, I kept saying stop, stop, stop. Counsel asked him to describe this as best he could. He said he was scared sh**less and frozen solid in the bed. He continued: In my head, I kept saying stop, stop, stop. Asked by counsel if he had consented to this, he said, absolutely not. The witness said he was unsure how long this went on for and turned around to lie on his stomach. He said he believed that by lying on his stomach, this would stop what was happening. He then told the court that the accused climbed up on top of my back. He described feeling the accuseds head on his shoulders and his stubble, and said the accused was trying to manoeuvre himself into a position to do something. The witness said his face was in the pillow, my heart was racing, and I was frozen. The witness was asked if he had given consent to any part of what had happened when he turned onto his stomach, and he replied, no. He said he did not know if it went on for three minutes or three hours, and had no memory of leaving the house. 'Blocking it out' Earlier on Thursday, during his cross-examination, defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC said to the fifth complainant that he had made a reference in his evidence to blocking it out and asked what he meant by this. He replied: I said yesterday that I blocked it out, and this is probably not the correct term. I had nothing else to do with him. I was going to college and in my head, I just drew a line in the sand. Mr O'Higgins put it to the witness that in his first statement, he had not mentioned being pinned against a wall. The witness explained that his first account was a summary of what happened, and later in his statement to gardai, he gave a detailed account of what he alleges happened. Counsel read from the complainant's statement, which said, more and more, it is coming back to me now, and suggested that the witness's memory was only coming back during this interview with gardai. The witness replied: I do remember giving this interview and how emotionally wreaked I was. Im sure I dont communicate perfectly all of the time, especially under stress. Mr O'Higgins put it to the witness that the account he had given to gardai was not reliable and that there was no sexual contact between him and the accused, to which the witness replied: You are wrong. The trial continues before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and the jury. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. By PA Reporter Friday's front pages focus on a range of stories from a record surge in child respiratory cases to an 8 per cent increase in domestic violence reports in 2023. The Irish Times reports record levels of a common respiratory illness that particularly affects babies is putting childrens hospitals under unprecedented pressure. The Irish Examiner lead with a piece about an 8 per cent rise in domestic violence reports this year compared to 2022, with 54,000 complaints made to date in 2023. The Echo reports a 'predator' in Cork has been found guilty of trespassing with intent to rape a woman in her early 20s. Here is the front page of today's Irish Independent. pic.twitter.com/lQipB9sB2k Irish Independent (@Independent_ie) December 8, 2023 Friday's front page pic.twitter.com/Nu06zpmUSv The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) December 7, 2023 Today's front page of The Irish Sun. pic.twitter.com/VQrD1dXcu6 The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) December 8, 2023 Morning readers. Here's the front page of today's Belfast Telegraph And you can read today's front page story in full here: Man charged over 4y/o's death: https://t.co/YefRq6UB9F Odhran Kelly murder latest: https://t.co/UglVkL3z5Z pic.twitter.com/ReUTkbaxKZ Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) December 8, 2023 In the UK, the front pages on Friday cover various topics, including Rishi Sunaks revised Rwanda plan and the related Conservative Party fallout. The Times leads with a story on the new version of the Governments Rwanda plan, with top lawyers warning the British Prime Minister the new legislation still risks failing despite Mr Sunak touting that it blocks every single reason for legal challenges against migrant flights. The Guardian splashes with a story on Mr Sunak, who is understood to be fighting to hold his party together as party unity fractures in the wake of the newly announced updated legislation. Fridays GUARDIAN: Sunak fights to hold Tories together over Rwanda plan #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/mZilNjY7X0 Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 7, 2023 The i and The Independent focus on the growing rebellion within the Conservatives, as Mr Sunak pleads with his party to form a united front. The Daily Mirror runs with a somewhat similar lead story, one that tells of an imploding party on the brink of civil war, 18 no-confidence letters from raging right-wingers, and a Prime Minister fighting for his job. Friday's Front Page Tories are imploding Sunak fighting for job as immigration row sparks civil war 18 no confidence letters submitted by raging right-wingers Read more: https://t.co/Nri4NMfOaE#TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/nHov9ueQ4w The Mirror (@DailyMirror) December 7, 2023 The Daily Telegraph runs with a Friday headline that takes the Conservative civil unrest one step further, as the Tory chairman has labelled the possible axing of Mr Sunak as insanity. The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph: 'Ousting PM would be insanity, says Tory chairman'#TomorrowsPapersToday Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4OoUh6 pic.twitter.com/9hnYOefv10 The Telegraph (@Telegraph) December 7, 2023 The Daily Mail leads with a headline on the increase of the BBC licence fee, which is set to rise by 10.50. The paper also called the possibility of sending defaulters to prison indefensible. Fridays Daily MAIL: Minister: Immoral To Threaten Jail Over Licence Fee #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/9Jr8JaEvxL Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 7, 2023 The Sun also runs with a front page that centres around British TV, instead placing its focus on the staff of Channel 4s This Morning and the fallout after former host Philip Schofields affair. The Metro leads with a piece on the callous and perverse inhumanity of Ofsted in the wake of the death by suicide of headteacher Ruth Perry, aged 53. The Financial Times splashes with a front on Labours shadow City minister, who says her party stopped sneering at business by appointing 10 new City advisers. Fridays FINANCIAL Times: Labour enlists 10 City advisers to help cement confidence of business sector #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/UOKvqESzXP Allie Hodgkins-Brown (@AllieHBNews) December 7, 2023 And the Daily Star carries a piece on an airport smuggler who stuffed a prairie dog and two otters down their pants while attempting to thwart border officials. James Cox A row between two ministers over the health budget will be a "threat to patient safety", a Sinn Fein TD has claimed. Documents released to the Irish Daily Mail found the Department of Public Expenditure described the running of the health budget as a "threat to our public finances". The Department of Health has projected an overspend of between 1.1 and 1.7 billion this year. The documents also showed Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe describing dealings with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly's department over the issue as "exceptionally frustrating". Sinn Fein's health spokesperson David Cullinane said it shows a clear breakdown in trust between respective Ministers Donohoe and Donnelly. Mr Cullinane told Newstalk: "The people who are getting caught up in all of this are the patients, those who are on the frontline in healthcare. "They're the ones who will suffer because of this bickering, because of the rows... which in my view are unseemly, and because of the fact that those two departments and ministers can't get their act together and agree on what is a realistic budget for the Department of Health." Isabel Hayes and Eimear Dodd Former solicitor Michael Lynn had ample opportunity to give gardai any information that would help disprove the allegations against him, the lead investigator has told his multi-million euro theft trial. Gardai arranged to interview Mr Lynn in Portugal in 2011, but the interview never took place after they learned he had moved to Brazil, retired Garda Inspector Patrick Linehan told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Friday. Mr Lynn (55), of Millbrook Court, Redcross, Co Wicklow is on trial accused of the theft of around 27 million from seven financial institutions. He has pleaded not guilty to 21 counts of theft in Dublin between October 23rd, 2006 and April 20th, 2007. It is the prosecutions case that Mr Lynn obtained multiple mortgages on the same properties, in a situation where banks were unaware that other institutions were also providing finance. The financial institutions involved are Bank of Ireland, National Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Ulster Bank, ACC Bank, Bank of Scotland Ireland, and Irish Nationwide Building Society (INBS). Ret Insp Patrick Linehan told the jury that he was in charge of the investigation from the start. Portugal He told the court that Mr Lynns solicitor, Robert Eager, contacted gardai in early 2008 and indicated his clients willingness to meet them. It was initially agreed that gardai would interview Mr Lynn in London in November 2008; however, this meeting could not go ahead. There was further correspondence between Mr Lynns solicitors and gardai, which led to another date being agreed for an interview - this time in Portugal in June 2011. Gardai made an application to the Portuguese authorities for assistance in relation to this, the court heard. This interview was subsequently cancelled as Mr Lynn wished his Irish, English and Portuguese solicitors to be present, but not all were available on the agreed date, the court heard. Ret Insp Linehan said the interview in Portugal was rearranged for October 2011. However, he said they were formally advised that Mr Lynn would not be attending shortly beforehand, and they subsequently became aware that Mr Lynn was in Brazil. When asked by Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, defending, when gardai decided not to interview Mr Lynn, Ret Insp Linehan said it became apparent to gardai in October 2011 that we didn't believe Michael Lynn was going to attend for interview. He told the court that gardai were planning to meet Mr Lynn in Portugal, but it subsequently transpired he had left the jurisdiction and was in Brazil. We weren't aware he left and moved to Brazil, he said, adding it was quite a strange move given they had arranged to meet for interview. The clear thing is he had every opportunity to tell his story to us, he said. ...He had ample opportunity to give us any evidence that would help us disprove the allegations. 'No common sense' Defence counsel put it to Ret Insp Linehan that gardai refused to provide Mr Lynn's solicitor with a list of questions. Ret Insp Linehan replied that in a criminal investigation, there would be no common sense in doing so. It's like telling someone we're going to search your house and getting a warrant in two weeks' time, he said. They clear the house. Ret Insp Linehan agreed gardai were monitoring Mr Lynn's movements via Interpol and were aware he entered and left Brazil eight times between 2007 and 2011. Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe put it to Ret Insp Linehan that gardai were given assurances that Mr Lynn could be extradited from Brazil at any time. Ret Insp Linehan said Ireland had no extradition treaty with Brazil at the time, and that gardai raised their concerns with Brazilian authorities. It's no guarantee, there was no treaty, he said, adding: It might be a reason why someone might move there. Ret Insp Linehan told Mr Comiskey OKeeffe that he could not recall the name of the garda who carried out a technical examination of servers taken by the Law Society. He said he had no concerns about the chain of evidence before gardai seized the devices. He agreed with defence counsel that some of the witnesses for the seven banks had indicated there may be other documents beyond what was provided to gardai. He said gardai served court orders and expected the banks would in good faith supply the requested information, but gardai cant do a trawling exercise. He agreed that gardai did not receive a direction from the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge Mr Lynn while he was in Portugal. He told the court that most fraud investigations take a long time. Garda questioning Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked if the investigation found evidence of a practice between Mr Lynn and banks of undertaking-only loans. He replied: Absolutely not. He was brought through a list of bank officials that gardai did not question, including former bank officials Michael Fingleton and Sean Fitzpatrick. He agreed gardai did not question either of these men. Mr Comiskey OKeeffe asked about the gardas investigations into Kendar and if a fundamental part of the investigation was to follow the money. It's not necessary to follow the money. It would be ideal, but its not a fundamental requirement if we can prove money was taken, the witness replied. Re-examining Ret Insp Linehan, Karl Finnegan SC, said the garda investigation has been impugned by Mr Comiskey O'Keeffe, who says gardai could have gone searching for information which would have exonerated Mr Lynn. Ret Insp Linehan said that Mr Lynn could have contacted them at any stage, but that never happened. The jury was told that prior to the first trial, Mr Lynn's legal team applied for disclosure of Kendar material, but Judge Martin Nolan deemed the Kendar investigation to be irrelevant to the matters before this court. The court heard that the Kendar investigation related to complaints from several disappointed people in relation to property transactions. The jury was told inquiries were made, and the case was closed, from an Irish point of view. The prosecution case is now closed. The trial resumes on Monday before Judge Nolan and the jury. Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. Aerial photo of an illegal mining camp during an operation by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) against Amazon deforestation at the Yanomami territory in Roraima State, Brazil on Feb. 24, 2023. ALAN CHAVES / AFP via Getty Images Brazil and Colombia have blown up 19 illegal gold mining operations in the Amazon rainforest. Colombias armed forces said the mines were producing about $1.5 million worth of the rare metal every month and polluting the rainforests rivers with mercury, reported the BBC and Reuters. The unlawful activity was producing 50.71 pounds of gold a month, authorities said, as Reuters reported. The mining operation became a source of financing for weapons and explosives and the acquisition of chemical inputs by the criminal structure known as the Familia del Norte, Colombias armed forces stated in a press release, as reported by Reuters. The mission was backed by the United States and targeted the infrastructure of the operation. Authorities said the illegal mining polluted 18 million gallons of water each month with 114,000 grams of mercury. Gold mining causes deforestation, which converts forests to polluted ponds and mobilizes large amounts of sediment from river bottoms. The burning of the gold-mercury amalgam also emits enormous quantities of mercury into the atmosphere. Artisanal gold mining currently contributes more than 35 percent of all global mercury emissions created by people, more so than any industrial activity, said Jacqueline Gerson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, in an opinion piece published by Scientific American last year. More than half of Brazil and Colombia are rainforests, making them two of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Rainforests are essential to the environmental health of the planet in many ways their astounding array of plant diversity removes carbon dioxide from the air through photosynthesis, while they lower air and surface temperatures through evapotranspiration and provide ample shade. Once mercury is emitted into the atmosphere, it can enter a forest via three different pathways. First, mercury can dissolve in rainwater and then fall to the forest floor during rain events. Second, mercury can stick to the surface of small particles in the atmosphere. These particles can be intercepted by leaves, creating a coating of mercury on the leaves that can be washed to the forest floor during rain events in a process known as throughfall. And third, mercury can be taken up by leaves when their stomata are open for photosynthetic exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This mercury can then enter the forest floor when the leaves drop, Gerson wrote. Mercury pollution can wreak havoc on the delicately balanced rainforest ecosystem, poisoning its inhabitants. Once mercury enters the environment, it can cause neurological damage in both people and wildlife. In fact, numerous studies have found that people especially indigenous communities consuming fish caught near gold mining have elevated levels of mercury, Gerson added. Twelve vessels on the Purete and Pure rivers in Colombia were destroyed by authorities, Reuters reported. The vessels contained engine rooms, accommodations and sediment storage. Seven of the vessels were blown up in Brazil. Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have both worked to protect and reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, which the two nations share. We are witnessing a historic bi-national operation against the illegal extraction of mineral deposits, aimed at protecting the lungs of the world, said William Rene Salamanca, director of the national police in Colombia, in a statement, as reported by Reuters. Hong Kong: CS attends passing-out parade Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki today inspected 79 probationary inspectors and 94 probationary officers on parade at the Hong Kong Customs College. Among the officers passing out, six probationary inspectors were members of the Customs Youth Leader Corps. Together with the Guards of Honour, the officers passing out adopted the Chinese-style foot drill to form a bauhinia pattern representing the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as a symbol of their allegiance to it. They then formed a pattern representing the planet in a demonstration of their support of customs activities relating to the Belt & Road Initiative. The performance concluded with a pattern symbolising the District Council election by way of an appeal to electors to cast their votes. Mr Chan said that with staunch support at a national level, Hong Kong has been focused on fully implementing the National Security Law and embarking on a new journey from stability to prosperity in the wake of the pandemic. He added that the Customs & Excise Department shoulders four important missions: safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability; capitalising on Hong Kongs advantages of enjoying the motherlands support and close connections with the rest of the world; work to benefit peoples livelihoods; and promotion of youth development. The Chief Secretary urged the officers passing out to fufil the departments ideal of connectivity towards security and prosperity, and to provide a quality service. This story has been published on: 2023-12-08. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Beijing releases guideline on improving care for elderly 14:37, December 08, 2023 By Du Juan ( China Daily Elderly people rehearse a dance routine at a residential community in Beijing's Chaoyang district in May. Chaoyang's Balizhuang subdistrict organized various canteens and elderly care centers among its communities to enrich elderly residents' lives. LI XIN/XINHUA Authorities in Beijing released a guideline on Thursday, pledging to improve services for the capital's elderly population in line with the broader national strategy. The guidance introduced "new patterns" and "complementary forms" of senior care, including community care at home, institutional care and travel-based care. The care at home will cater to meeting the demands of seniors with mobility issues, such as those with disabilities and those with dementia. Higher quality and concentrated care services for institutional care will also be provided, said Guo Hanqiao, deputy director of the city's civil affairs bureau, during a news conference on Thursday. "In terms of the travel-based elderly care, the authority will make good use of the cooperation mechanism with neighboring Tianjin municipality and Hebei province, as well as cooperation between Beijing and Hainan province, to meet the diverse needs of seniors," he said. The measure will encourage seniors to spend their winters in Hainan where it is warmer and the summer in northern regions such as Hebei and Inner Mongolia where it's cooler. Seniors will also be encouraged to stay in nursing homes in Tianjin and Hebei because they are cheaper than in Beijing. According to the bureau, by the end of last year, there were 4.65 million people over the age of 60 in Beijing, accounting for 21.3 percent of the permanent population, which means Beijing has entered a stage of moderate aging with an accelerating trend. The city is also working on improving elderly care services in rural areas. Seniors in rural areas who are eligible for basic guarantees such as those living alone, left behind or with disabilities will be given "special care", the bureau said, adding service points will be established in villages and equipped with one or more aid workers. The government is encouraging districts to utilize unused buildings such as schools, factories and village halls in rural areas for community-based elderly service points. A pilot program for the elderly has been carried out in Beijing's Miyun district since 2020. In 2021, the program expanded to Huairou and Yanqing districts. Wang Xiao'e, a spokeswoman for the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, said that the government is taking measures such as early prevention and intervention to maintain the good health of the elderly and strengthen their health management. Last year, Beijing established health records for around 4.18 million people aged 60 and above in the city. Additionally, 579,000 free medical examinations were conducted for elderly people in Beijing, Wang said. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Unless customers inform the company that they don't agree to the new terms in writing, they will be automatically be opted in. Genetic testing company 23andMe changed its terms of service to prevent customers from filing class action lawsuits or participating in a jury trial days after reports revealing that attackers accessed personal information of nearly 7 million people half of the companys user base in an October hack. In an email sent to customers earlier this week viewed by Engadget, the company announced that it had made updates to the Dispute Resolution and Arbitration section of its terms to include procedures that will encourage a prompt resolution of any disputes and to streamline arbitration proceedings where multiple similar claims are filed. Clicking through leads customers to the newest version of the companys terms of service that essentially disallow customers from filing class action lawsuits, something that more people are likely to do now that the scale of the hack is clearer. To the fullest extent allowed by applicable law, you and we agree that each party may bring disputes against the other party only in an individual capacity and not as a class action or collective action or class arbitration, the updated terms say. Notably, 23andMe will automatically opt customers into the new terms unless they specifically inform the company that they disagree by sending an email within 30 days of receiving the firms notice. Unless they do that, they will be deemed to have agreed to the new terms, the companys email tells customers. 23andMe did not respond to a request for comment from Engadget. In October, the San Francisco-based genetic testing company headed by Anne Wojcicki announced that hackers had accessed sensitive user information including photos, full names, geographical location, information related to ancestry trees, and even names of related family members. The company said that no genetic material or DNA records were exposed. Days after that attack, the hackers put up profiles of hundreds of thousands of Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese people for sale on the internet. But until last week, it wasnt clear how many people were impacted. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, 23andMe said that multiple class action claims have already been against the company in both federal and state court in California and state court in Illinois, as well as in Canadian courts. Forbidding people from filing class action lawsuit, as Axios notes, hides information about the proceedings from the public since affected parties typically attempt to resolve disputes with arbitrators in private. Experts, such as Chicago-Kent College of Law professor Nancy Kim, an online contractor expert, told Axios that changing its terms wouldnt be enough to protect 23andMe in court. The companys new terms are sparking outrage online. Wow they first screw up and then they try to screw their users by being shady, a user who goes by Daniel Arroyo posted on X. Seems like theyre really trying to cover their asses, wrote another user called Paul Duke, and head off lawsuits after announcing hackers got personal data about customers. Apple built more iPhone 15s in India than any past model and it plans to continue that trend. The company will shift a quarter of its iPhone production more than 50 million phones to the nation within the next two to three years, The Wall Street Journal reported. China would still remain the largest iPhone supplier by a good margin, though. Foxconn and other Apple suppliers reportedly believe that the push into India has been proceeding well, so they're setting the stage for future expansion. The company proceeded slowly at first due to infrastructure problems and powerful unions that have helped set more restrictive labor rules pushing back against 12-hour work days, for example. India's commerce minister said at the beginning of 2023 that Apple planned to build 25 percent of its phones in the nation, but there was never any timeframe attached to that. Two to three years would represent a fairly dramatic ramp-up, considering that the iPhone 15 marked the first time it had released a model made in India on launch day. It's also been known that Apple contractor Foxconn would manufacture more iPhone 15s than past models its facility in Tamil Nadu, India. It's part of Apple's plan to diversify manufacturing in the face of supply chain risks due to tensions between the US and China. Foxconn is currently building a plant in the southern Karnataka state expected to open in April 2024, and has another megaplant on the drawing board as well, according to the WSJ's sources. To date, Apple has only built a small percentage of its iPhones in India, and production previously lagged behind China by up to nine months. That changed with the iPhone 14, which started manufacturing the same month as in China, and iPhone 15s built in India were available in stores at launch. Relations between US and China are delicate at the moment, with the US recently taking measures to block access to advanced technology in the nation. Apple continues to stress the nation's importance, though, with CEO Tim Cook having traveled there twice in 2023. Apple also sells a large number of phones in China, accounting for about 19 percent of its total revenue while stressing that all phones in sold China through authorized channels are also built in China and use local suppliers. This article contains affilate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. The UK's competition regulator is reviewing Microsoft's links to OpenAI The CMA wants to see if the partnership is a 'merger situation' that impacts competition. The UK is considering an investigation into Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI to decide if it has resulted in an "acquisition of control" that's subject to antitrust law, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) wrote today. The regulator said it's considering "recent developments," no doubt referring to the Sam Altman CEO ouster drama in which Microsoft played a large role. "The CMA is now issuing an ITC to determine whether the Microsoft/OpenAI partnership, including recent developments, has resulted in a relevant merger situation and, if so, the potential impact on competition," it said in a news release. "The CMA will review whether the partnership has resulted in an acquisition of control that is, where it results in one party having material influence, de facto control or more than 50% of the voting rights over another entity." The regulator noted that the "close and multifaceted" partnership includes a multi-billion dollar investment by Microsoft, technology development cooperation and cloud services. It added that both firms have significant activities in financial and related markets, meaning their business dealings directly affect investors. It added that Microsoft was recently involved in developments related to OpenAI's governance. When Sam Altman was fired by OpenAI's board, Microsoft stepped in to hire him, and a majority of OpenAI's staff threatened to bolt to Microsoft as well. OpenAI's board relented soon after and Altman returned as CEO. "Microsoft executives have since concluded that the current situation [with Altman back in charge] is the best possible outcome," according to a New Yorker expose on the drama. In a statement, Microsoft told Engadget that its relationship with OpenAI keeps both companies independent. "Since 2019, weve forged a partnership with OpenAI that has fostered more AI innovation and competition, while preserving independence for both companies," said Microsoft's vice-chairman and president, Brand Smith, in a statement. "The only thing that has changed is that Microsoft will now have a non-voting observer on OpenAIs Board, which is very different from an acquisition such as Googles purchase of DeepMind in the UK. We will work closely with the CMA to provide all the information it needs. The CMA is now seeking views on whether the partnership creates a relevant merger situation and how it impacts competition in the UK. If an investigation is launched, it would be the second one involving Microsoft in the last year, following the company's Activision Blizzard acquisition. The UK's probe had material effects on that merger, as Microsoft agreed to sell Activision Blizzard game streaming rights to Ubisoft to satisfy the CMA. After much speculation and waiting, Threads is finally launching in Europe. Metas social media app will likely release in the EU on December 14, just in time to post photos of holiday dinners or whatever. Theres no official announcement by Zuck and the gang, but there is a countdown timer on Instagram appearing for EU users. These users will find a ticket within the app that advertises the pending release for the Twitter-like platform. The timer is also available on the Threads website, but only for those clicking from EU-based IP addresses, as reported by The Verge. Finally, European Instagram users can simply search for ticket to find a scannable QR code that announces the forthcoming launch. We dont know, however, which countries in the EU will get the app on December 14. Engadget reached out to Meta and will update this story if we hear back. So whats been the holdup? Meta has had trouble complying with the EUs Digital Markets Act (DMA). Meta and other tech giants were designated as platform gatekeepers back in July, forcing stricter rules regarding user consent and data protection. It looks like the company worked everything out in time for this release, though it remains unclear if the app itself would change to accommodate the regulations. Well find out next week. The prevalence of caste-based inequalities in contemporary Assam is examined in this article. Although scholars in the context of North East India in general have examined castetribe relations and racial discrimination, caste-based disparities and discrimination in Assam are yet to be explored in the academic discourse. It is argued that caste hierarchies are firmly embedded in the everyday life of Assamese society. An intersectional approach is necessary to re-examine the relation between caste inequalities and gender, tribe, and class in Assam. The Essex Reporter is a daily digital news website covering the Town of Essex and City of Essex Junction, Vermont. Our beat reporters are on the ground every day covering local government, schools, sports, business and culture. Friday, December 8, 2023 On November 22, as a globally emerging financial fund platform, HedgeFundBank established a branch in South Africa for its financial fund business, bringing new employment and investment models to the local area. This is expected to enhance the capabilities of local enterprises and drive a transformation in local employment and investment methods. According to a data report from HedgeFundBank, the Southern African region experienced a slowdown in economic growth in the past year. In 2022, the GDP growth in Southern Africa was only 2.7%, much lower than the global and African averages of 3.4% and 3.8%, respectively. South Africa, its largest economy, faced multiple challenges. The economic growth in Southern Africa further slowed down to 1.6% in 2023. However, with the entry and assistance of HedgeFundBank, the economic situation in South Africa is expected to improve slightly in 2024, with GDP rising to 3.1%. More and more countries consider the development of the digital financial economy as a key to enhancing their economic competitiveness and achieving economic transformation. African countries are no exception, as evidenced by market performance. HedgeFundBank's entry into South Africa will benefit the entire African continent. The platform is expected to reap considerable returns from Africa's vast economic potential and calls for expanding partnerships and increasing investments to promote sustainable and inclusive growth on the continent. HedgeFundBank is also very willing to employ locals. As the industry matures, more platforms and tools support digital creators in various ways, from simplifying content distribution to providing profit opportunities. The growing online work mode will create more job opportunities, and the potential of the online economy in creating employment and driving economic growth will be further explored. For HedgeFundBank, conducting business in South Africa, a market with vast potential, will also be a new point of business growth. As an industry leader, HedgeFundBank provides top-notch services and has been rated as investment-grade BBB by Standard & Poor's. It serves over 200 banks and brokerage firms and more than 400 financial intermediary institutions in over 80 countries and regions, offering trading investment services and solutions. Its successful entry into Africa will enable HedgeFundBank to explore and execute important partnerships in the region and continue to strengthen inclusive financial exchanges and cooperation with other national fund institutions. For South Africa, HedgeFundBank will help shape a pro-poor economic growth model, drive local industrial upgrading, and assist the local economy and workers with employment needs. From HedgeFundBank's corporate culture, the company is also willing to provide local users with good development opportunities. Disclaimer: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Friday, December 8, 2023 Interview Click Unveils Revolutionary Journalist-to-Expert Question System WASHINGTON, D.C. In a development for the world of journalism and public relations, Interview Click has launched a state-of-the-art system that connects journalists directly with industry experts. Described as the "Dating Service of PR," by PRWeek his platform promises to revolutionize how news stories are sourced and reported. Founded by Mitchell P. Davis, a Georgetown University Bunn Award winner for Excellence in Journalism, Interview Click leverages the expertise and experience of Mr. Davis, who has been at the forefront of public relations since 1984. His initial venture, the Talk Show Guest Directory, laid the groundwork for what would become an invaluable resource for journalists worldwide the Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons. Now in its 42nd annual edition, the Yearbook of Experts, Authorities & Spokespersons has become a staple in newsrooms, requested by tens of thousands of journalists seeking authoritative voices for their stories. This yearbook, available for free at www.ExpertBook.com, exemplifies Mr. Davis's commitment to bridging the gap between media and experts. The platform, www.ExpertClick.com, hosts a comprehensive database of expert profiles and an extensive archive of news releases. This resource has been embraced enthusiastically by new media, earning accolades from prestigious outlets. The New York Times hailed it as "Dial-an-Expert," while The Associated Press praised it as "An Encyclopedia of Sources." PRWEEK aptly described it as "a dating service of PR," highlighting its role in seamlessly connecting journalists with relevant experts. Furthermore, Mr. Davis's establishment of The News Council exemplifies his dedication to supporting non-profit groups. The Council leverages the power of his extensive networking system, aiding organizations in effectively communicating their messages and missions. The introduction of Interview Click's journalist-to-expert question system marks a new chapter in media relations. By simplifying and streamlining the process of finding and interviewing authoritative sources, this innovation stands to significantly enhance the quality and accuracy of news reporting. For more information on Interview Click and to explore the wealth of resources available, visit www.ExpertClick.com. Contact Mr. Davis at 202-333-5000 Phone & Text or Mitchell.Davis@ExpertClick.com December 8, 2023 Americans are rushing to Portugal to get ahead of changes in tax policy that will eliminate financial benefits for expats who relocate to the country. An end to tax breaks for so-called non-habitual residents in Portugal, announced by the prime minister in October as part of a broader push to address the countrys housing crisis, has led to a surge of Americans filing for tax residency. Portugal attracted a flood of expats in the pandemic, thanks to cheaper property prices, a warm climate and beneficial tax and visa programs. But political pressure tied to rising housing prices has fueled a recent crackdown on perks for foreigners. And the looming elimination of the tax breaks has many scrambling to file paperwork to make sure they qualify for the program, which can save people hundreds of thousands of euros over 10 years. People are panicking, rushing, trying to see how they get in before it all goes away, said Daniela Lopes Costa, a tax lawyer in Lisbon. Worth It Boise, Idaho-based Matt Booth hurried to secure his tax benefits. Initially planning to move in January to the Algarve, where he and his wife bought a townhouse for 380,000 in 2021, the 51-year-old physical therapist pushed up his relocation date by a few weeks to make sure he qualifies. He spent about $1,800 (1,668) on flights, close to $3,000 on tax experts and lost four days of work to fly to Portugal in early October and file his business application in person. He estimates he will save about half a million euros in the coming 10 years under the existing program. It was very stressful and chaotic but in the long term its obviously worth it, he said. Americans living abroad still pay US taxes. But the non-habitual resident tax system allows expats relocating to Portugal to pay a flat 20% tax on income and 10% levy on pensions for 10 years. Thats less than the progressive tax regime for locals, which requires residents with annual incomes surpassing about 79,000 to pay a 48% tax. The generous system for non-residents was set up in 2009 in a bid to attract foreign capital. It has proved successful: The government said in July that a total of 89,000 people had benefitted from the system so far. And last year alone, expats in the program paid 1.4 billion in taxes. In recent years, the program has come under fire. Some politicians and locals have blamed the tax regime, in addition to so-called golden visas, for fueling the countrys housing problems, arguing that wealthy foreigners have driven up home prices. The United Nations Security Council met behind closed doors on Friday to discuss the fast-escalating row between South American neighbors Venezuela and Guyana over a disputed oil-rich region. World leaders called for calm as Venezuela decried joint US-Guyana military exercises as a "provocation" and vowed to push ahead with its "recovery" of the Essequibo region, which both neighbors claim as their own. Guyana says Venezuela's move on Essequibo, disputed for more than a century, "threatens international peace and security". Delegates left Friday's meeting -- which took place at Guyana's request -- with roses offered by Ecuador, chair of the Council this month. None made statements to reporters. Fears of the conflict blowing up have deepened after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government held a controversial referendum Sunday on the fate of Essequibo. Two days after the vote, Maduro proposed a bill to create a Venezuelan province in Essequibo and ordered the state oil company to issue licenses for extracting crude in the region. The region has been administered by Guyana for more than a century and is the subject of border litigation before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. It makes up about two-thirds of Guyanese territory and is home to 125,000 of the country's 800,000 citizens, but is also claimed by Venezuela. Controversy has simmered since 2015 when US oil giant ExxonMobil, operating under licenses from Guyana, discovered vast oil reserves in the area. "Guyana and ExxonMobil will have to sit down with us face-to-face sooner rather than later," Maduro said Friday during a ceremony in front of the Miraflores presidential palace, where he showed a map of Venezuela that included Essequibo as official territory. Washington provoked an angry response from Caracas on Thursday by announcing via the embassy in Georgetown that it would hold joint "flight operations within Guyana" as part of "routine engagement and operations to enhance security partnership" with its ally. "This unfortunate provocation by the United States in favor... of ExxonMobil in Guyana is another step in the wrong direction," Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on social media. In response, Guyanese Vice-President Bharrat Jagdeo said Venezuela "is not going to succeed, now or ever" at taking the region. "Every single movement that Venezuelans make, particularly in the proximity of our borders, is tracked, every single one of them," he said. - 'Unwavering support' - In Brazil, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced "growing concern" Thursday about the tensions on his country's northern border. Lula told a summit of South America's Mercosur bloc: "If there's one thing we don't want here in South America, it's war." The Brazilian army said Wednesday it was reinforcing its presence in two northern cities. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also warned Venezuela not to take "unilateral action" in the dispute. Guyana is an English-speaking former colony of Britain and the Netherlands. Russia, a close ally of Venezuela's Maduro, added its voice Friday, urging a "peaceful solution." The 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) also called for a "de-escalation of the conflict and appropriate dialogue" as well as the "avoidance of the use or threat of force". Guyana insists Essequibo's frontier was determined by an arbitration panel in 1899. But Venezuela claims the Essequibo River to the region's east forms a natural border recognized as far back as 1777. In Sunday's referendum, Venezuelans were asked whether citizenship should be granted to the English-speaking people of a new "Guyana Esequiba State" and "consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory." Officials in Caracas said 95 percent of voters supported the measures. Analysts say the referendum and the rise in nationalist rhetoric is an attempt to distract attention ahead of elections in 2024 when Maduro will seek a new term amid an economic crisis and dwindling oil production at home. "It was like a kind of trial balloon ahead of the presidential elections" to measure the "capacity to mobilize and try to fine-tune their strategy for 2024," said Mariano de Alba, an advisor to the International Crisis Group. burs-mlr/acb/dhw/dva French President Emmanuel Macron met Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Thursday in a bid to break the deadlock ahead of an EU summit after the Hungarian leader threatened to block further backing for Ukraine. Macron welcomed Orban at the Elysee Palace for a working dinner to discuss, according to the French presidency, "several subjects" on the agenda for the EU summit next week, including "various aspects of European support for Ukraine". The EU wants to agree new financial aid and starting EU membership talks with Kyiv at next week's summit but fears Orban could stand in the way. The dinner marks a rare welcome by a major Western European leader for the Hungarian strongman, who has retained closer ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin than any other EU leader, even after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. But it comes as concern grows that Orban could torpedo the chance to take key decisions concerning Ukraine at the EU summit on December 14-15, with Macron intervening in his position as one of Europe's most powerful figures. In a letter sent to EU chief Charles Michel on Monday, Orban demanded the postponement of key decisions on Ukraine, including additional financial aid and the possibility of beginning EU membership negotiations. - 'For the sake of unity' - The European Commission last month recommended that membership talks begin with Ukraine and Moldova. It is also proposing a 50-billion-euro ($54 billion) financial lifeline for Kyiv as part of a revision of the bloc's long-term budget. But Orban suggested dropping these matters from the agenda of the Brussels summit "as the obvious lack of consensus would inevitably lead to failure." Referring to his previous letter urging a "strategic discussion" on the EU's approach to Ukraine, Orban warned EU leaders would not be "in a position to take key decisions unless a consensus on our future strategy towards Ukraine is found". "For the sake of unity," he said, the EU should drop Ukraine from the summit agenda. As most EU decisions require unanimity, Hungary can potentially veto both proposals. Angering fellow EU leaders, Orban met for bilateral face-to-face talks with Putin in China in October. Critics accuse Orban of trying to blackmail Brussels to gain access to billions of euros in EU funding. The European Commission is withholding nearly 22 billion euros from Hungary over concerns about corruption and perceived backsliding of democratic norms. In November, Brussels said it may release up to 10 billion euros of those funds, saying that Hungary has improved judicial independence. Orban has only reluctantly gone along with previous EU decisions to support Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's full-scale invasion, and sought to water down sanctions on Moscow. bur-sjw/bc An annual competition which aims to champion farmers who lead the way in improving soil health has launched for 2024. The Soil Farmer of the Year 2024 competition, run by Farm Carbon Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture, is now open for farmers to apply. Running since 2015, it now supports a network of farmers and growers passionate about their soil. The competition is open to all farmers in the UK, regardless of system, enterprise or farm size. Emma Adams, senior soils advisor at Farm Carbon Toolkit, has urged any farmer who is prioritising the management of soil to apply. If the impact on soil is at the heart of your decision making, with implemented practices driving improving soil health as part of a fully functioning farm ecosystem, this is the competition for you. Online application forms are available via the Farm Carbon Toolkit website, with applications open until 5 March 2024. Winners will be announced at Groundswell 2024, with the top three farms hosting farm walks to share ideas alongside demonstrating their practices and approaches. Deborah Crossan, head of soils at Innovation for Agriculture, explains that farm walks are a key part of the competition, as it gives others the opportunity to see how each winner has approached soil management. Nothing beats digging a hole and looking at the soil in the field while hearing directly from the farmer how that field has been managed and seeing the impact its had on the soil structure over time. This competition champions farmers who understand the importance of soil and are using management practices to protect and improve it. "Crucially, it also enables others to learn from what theyre doing via the farm walks." The calving season is approaching for many grazing-based producers and the new ranking for spring calving index (SCI), published by AHDB, is where theyre advised to look for their service sires. New at the top of this across-breed ranking is the high health and fertility Jersey sire, VJ Groenbjerg Lobo Lobster who has 94 UK daughters contributing to his excellent milk solids figures and earns an SCI of 583. He also has the highest daughter lifespan of the top 20 sires and high daughter fertility. Equally impressive on daughter fertility is the Holstein sire, Progenesis Wimbledon (SCI 582), who ranks second. A higher kg milk transmitter than the number one placed Jersey, he also rates well for udder health. Holstein sire, Denovo Invictus, stands third and is on a par with Wimbledon for daughter fertility. Just tipping Wimbledon for SCC improvement, he earns an SCI of 571. In fourth place is the next Jersey sire, VJ Hoeholt Jern James, who transmits a very favourable low maintenance feed index, and good milk components (both fat and protein) and earns an SCI of 559. Westcoast Guarantee ranks fifth (SCI 544), with impressive udder health ratings and the best index for Calf Survival in the top 20. High fat and daughter fertility are amongst the qualities of the sixth ranking, Holstein-bred Denovo 7921 Atrium, who now has 3718 UK milking daughters contributing to his SCI, which stands at 539. In seventh place, VJ Haugstedgaard Choko Chief (SCI 533), rates well amongst his Jersey peers for kg fat, but the New Zealand-bred Jersey, Shelby Integ Labyrinth, has the highest milk quality figures of the top 20 sires (fat and protein percent). A favourable mastitis rating help earn him eighth place, and an SCI of 530. The final two sires in the SCI top 10 are the Holsteins, FB Kenobi Targaryen (SCI 528), and Aardema Pistolero (SCI 526), Targaryen transmitting the highest production of the top 20 leading sires. ACI Producers calving in a block in autumn can refer to the Autumn Calving Index (ACI) to shortlist their sires, where, retaining his position as leader, is Progenesis Wimledon (ACI 678). This Holstein bull also has the highest combination of fat and protein percentages of the top 20, and leads for Lameness Advantage across this group. Westcoast River climbs a few places to reach second position (ACI 677), and stands out for his good udder health traits and daughter fertility. A new entry in third is FB Kenobi Targaryen (ACI 664), who becomes the highest protein transmitter of the group. In fourth place, Westcoast Guarantee also transmits excellent udder health as well as calf survival, and has an ACI of 660. Calving ease sire, Aardema Pistolero now ranks fifth (ACI 657), and is followed by the favourable low maintenance feed index sire, Denovo Invictus (ACI 651), who also transmits excellent daughter fertility. Seventh ranking Denovo 14744 Ginetta offers tremendous fat and protein production and an ACI of 646 while the number one proven PLI sire, Genosource Captain, ranks in eighth position (ACI 644). Also a long-term feature of the PLI rankings is Pine-Tree CW Legacy, who led the young genomic sires five years ago and now ranks ninth for ACI at 635. Legacy transmits the best lifespan of the top-ranking sires, as well as all-round strong ratings for health and fertility. He stands ahead of high daughter fertility bull, Peak Mauney, who, at 626, rounds off the ACI top 10. Marco Winters, head of animal genetics with AHDB, says: These block calving indexes have been formulated specifically to meet the needs of producers calving in tight blocks in either spring or autumn respectively. Some of these herds particularly those calving in spring will be using more than one breed, all of which can be compared on these seasonal calving rankings. For spring calvers, they will find bulls which tend to transmit less stature, higher milk quality and better fertility, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, durability and ease of management. Meanwhile, ACI is formulated around the higher production generally required of an autumn block calving herd and takes account of the cost of winter feed. For this reason, we recommend producers choose the index to suit their farming system to maximise their profitability. The government has been urged not to allow new legislation banning live exports for slaughter to stall efforts in resuming exports of breeding livestock to the EU. Following the introduction of the new Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill this week, the National Sheep Association (NSA) has called for clarity on the issue. The bill, which is currently being debated in parliament, delivers on a Conservative Party commitment to ban the export of live animals including cattle, sheep and pigs for slaughter and fattening only. Live exports in other specific circumstances, for example, for breeding and competitions, will still be allowed. However, the ability to export stock destined for slaughter to the EU was halted following Brexit, and farmers have also faced a barrier in their ability to export breeding stock. This is due to the absence of a live animal Border Control Post (BCP) at Calais, meaning any movements have had to go far further via Scotland, Northern Ireland and through the Republic of Ireland. The NSA has called on the government to urgently explore ways to overcome the absence of any live animal facility over the short straights. The body said the government must also be clear in communications that they are not only continuing to allow the export of live breeding animals, but actively supporting this trade. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: NSA has accepted that we will no longer see exports of live sheep for slaughter, even though we know a strong case could be made for this to be done in high welfare conditions and with journey times no longer than on British mainland. "We have now had two years where no slaughter lambs have been exported live but the trade in carcasses and cuts has been strong adding value here and arguably protecting our international reputation. However, we cannot allow this to continue to muddy the water relating to the export of animals destined for breeding." The sector has been in a situation for two years where live breeding animals can enter the UK from the EU but very few are able to go out to meet the strong demand for the UK's high-quality genetics from EU sheep farmers. The NSA has also pointed to significant potential interest from Ukraine when they start to rebuild their farming sectors following Russia's invasion of the country. Mr Stocker added: "We are concerned that the current noise is doing nothing to build confidence in the investment in live animal facilities at Calais, or in negotiations over those live animal checks being done at new facilities in GB." SEA LIFE London Aquarium has honoured Olympic diving legend Tom Daley with a penguin tribute. A penguin has been named after Olympic legend Tom Daley The aquarium's newest penguin resident has been named Daley in celebration of the remarkable accomplishments of the Olympic gold medallist. To commemorate Daley's fifth Olympics at Paris 2024, the penguin will proudly sport a gold fixed-wing bird to mirror his golden achievements of the athlete. Tom himself has given his seal of approval by commenting, 'Omg I want to meet the little guy', on SEA LIFE London's Instagram post. He also shared a picture of his penguin namesake on his own Instagram Stories. Daley was also presented with a knitted penguin toy in homage to Tom's passion for the hobby that was ignited during the pandemic. SEA LIFE London Aquarium's General Manager, Catherine Pritchard, said: "From the podium to Penguin Point, we're thrilled to honour Tom Daley's incredible achievements with our newest resident, Daley the penguin. This is our special way of celebrating his inspiring spirit and unwavering dedication as he prepares for Paris 2024. "We look forward to our visitors spotting Daley the penguin splashing about and diving at the London Aquarium, while also wanting to take the opportunity to extend an invite to Tom Daley himself to meet his namesake!" When I set out to write the story of Tinas life in Because You Were There, I wanted to achieve two things. I not only wanted to inform as many readers as possible about the Windrush scandal, I also wanted to make them care. To that purpose I had to write an entertaining and gripping story with characters that captured their emotions. Author Joan Lewis But my story also had to be credible. Two things I knew for certain. My actual pupil, whom I named Tina, had come to live in England from somewhere in the Caribbean. Moreover she was bright and rebellious, and although she had been placed in a school for so called educationally subnormal pupils she was able to write poetry that moved me. In order to embroider her life, I needed more facts. I read stories about Windrush immigrants and from that I was able to establish a likely pattern. Many children joined their parent(s) at a later date, after they had become established in Britain, as did Floella Benjamin. And so, I described Tinas flight from Jamaica, ten years old and alone on an aircraft, stopping to refuel in Bermuda, and finally arriving to meet her mother, an NHS nurse, at Gatwick airport. All these facts and likelihoods I checked out to make my story authentic and credible. There are a number of personal accounts from members of the Windrush generation about how it felt to arrive in Britain, and about the ongoing treatment they received. And so I was able to weave some of these experiences into the life and attitudes of Tina, both as a child and as an adult. But I was acutely aware that I am white. How can I possibly understand what it feels like to be subject to racism? At the time I was writing, there was no shortage of distressing reports in the media about detention, enforced deportations, threats and even the unjustified removal of free health care from people who were seriously ill. I had to trust in my powers of empathy to translate this to the page. After all isnt that what writers do? But I felt another element at work too. As I began to build the characters in Tinas family, notably her daughter Gloria, granddaughter Alice and son in law Joseph, I swear that they took on a life of their own, and told me exactly how it was. It was also important to have a second protagonist too, Tinas ex teacher Felicity, through whom we can observe the same events. In a way she represents those of us who are not black, and makes a strong case for interracial friendship and mutual support. Moreover, because she has travelled widely and was once settled in France, she questions her own loyalty to Britain. How could her country of birth behave in such a cruel way? This contrasts sharply with Tina who is staunchly loyal to Britain, in spite of everything. The question of belonging lies at the heart of this novel. As my story evolved, I was able to use all the characters in Tinas family to illustrate the ongoing effects of racism on subsequent generations. I also wanted to inform my readers why Tina had an absolute right to stay in Britain. After researching the facts, I was able to use Joseph, a well-informed man with strong political convictions, to explain this. Whats more the Royal Visit of then Prince William and his wife to the Caribbean could not have occurred at a better time. As the novel ends with an update in 2022, Joseph is watching their progress on the television, and berates them for their ongoing exploitation. Thus I was able to explain Britains involvement in slave trading. Joseph explained to Alice the nature of her heritage, and the need for reparation. He also explained this to us all when he addressed a belligerent drunk in the pub, who told Tina and her family to go back to where they came from, as they definitely werent British. Joseph simply replied. We are here, because you were there. Finally , I wanted to relay a message of hope. As the novel ends, Alice is the same age as Tina was when she arrived in Britain. She is bright and ambitious. Maybe one day, she thinks, she should become an M.P. like Dawn Butler. Through Alice I offer a symbol of hope for the future, whereby Britain can slough off the hatred and discrimination of the Windrush years. About the Author JOAN LEWIS was born a Geordie, growing up in Newcastle and Durham. She began teaching in Carlisle, then moved to Cheltenham and then Bath. Her experiences of teaching at a special school, and living amongst the magnificent architecture of Bath, inspired this novel. Joan subsequently lived in Germany before returning to Britain London - and then to a small holding in Pembrokeshire, where she and her husband practised self-sufficiency. They kept a Jersey cow, sheep, goats and chickens while she taught in Milford Haven, followed by headship in Pembroke Dock. After many years they moved to Marlborough, Wiltshire , where she became head of the infant school In 2002, Joan took early retirement and moved to France. For the past 21 years they have lived in an amazing spot in the hills of Languedoc. She now feels that she belongs more in France than Britain. The Book Because You Were There Joan Lewis' latest novel Because You Were There is a powerful novel about the treatment of Windrush immigrants in Britain, complicity and what it really means to belong. A stirring and compelling novel about the scandalous treatment of Windrush immigrants. In the 1960s and 70s and beyond. BECAUSE YOU WERE THERE is available in paperback (7.99) and ebook (2.49). Read our preview click here by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on America Ferrera couldn't afford to have lunch when she was at school. America Ferrera reflects on growing up poor The 39-year-old actress grew up as one of six children with a single mother and recalled that while she "didn't know the facts" about her family's poverty at the time, she feels as if she was "shaped" by having to get through the school day hungry. Speaking on BBC Radio 4 show 'Woman's Hour', she said: "One of the most vulnerable memories of childhood is that my mother was a single mother, for the majority of my childhood, and I was the youngest of six kids. It was touch-and-go and we struggled. I remember in fifth grade, "I didn't even really know the facts, and I was too ashamed to ask but I basically spent all of fifth grade going to school with no lunch and getting through the school day hungry. "That is an experience that shapes you as a child when you're so personally acquainted with what it means to be in a different circumstance to people around you." The 'Barbie' star is the daughter of Honduran immigrants and went on to add that she ended up "confused" growing up in a time where the American dream had promised her "equality and freedom" and yet having to go through an experience that didn't match up with what she had been promised. "To feel that you don't feel necessarily like a different species but it's what is happening nonetheless. Being taught that there is equality and freedom, I deeply believed in the American dream and in the promise of America because that is what I had been taught to believe, not only by my immigrant parents but from my education. "But it wasn't long before it started to feel confusing. I was in, I believe, in third grade when there was a proposition on the Californian ballot that would basically take away public services from undocumented families including children in public elementary schools. I remember my mom pulling me to one side before school and say 'If somebody comes and asks you where you're from, you did nothing wrong, you don't need to be afraid. you were born in this country.' I was so young and I didn't understand!" "I was quite young when I realised I had a sense of my identity and I hold onto the feeling that there is justice and equality but I was having an experience that didn't reconcile and so I became aware of things because I had to." Santa told King Charles he's on the "very good boy" list this year. Santa told King Charles he had been a 'very good boy' The 75-year-old British monarch surprised shoppers at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre in West London on Tuesday (07.12.23) as he attended the Christmas Market and met with Santa himself at the grotto. Santa impersonator, Keith Flaherty, revealed his conversation with the sovereign, who he was pictured placing his arm on as Charles beamed, including the king confirming he will be at Sandringham over the festive period as his family has been for years. Keith said: "I told him he's on Santa's 'very good boy' list and he replied, 'Really?' I also said to him if he was at Sandringham this year and when he said he was, I asked him if there was room for my sleigh to park?" Charles witnessed a festive carol performance by the local Polish choir. Earlier in the day, the king met with the various charities awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service. The king's festive fun comes amid headlines surrounding whether or not the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend Christmas with the royal family. Prince Harry, 39, and his 42-year-old wife Meghan are said to have broken an alleged six-month silence with the monarch earlier this month when Harry called him to wish him a happy 75th birthday. A source has since told The Times about how the couple may be prepared to come to Britain from their home in Los Angeles for the festive season but only with heightened security. They said: I cant imagine the Sussexes would decline an invitation to spend time with His Majesty. The insider added: As of yet, there have not been any invitations for the holidays. It was also suggested the Sussexes, who have son Archie, four, and two-year-old daughter Lilibet, would also be willing to accept an invitation to Balmoral, in Scotland, during the summer. The apparent thawing of the relationship between the Sussexes and Charles comes as a source told the Mail on Sunday the king wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren. Harry and Meghan last spent Christmas at Sandringham in 2018, and sources told The Times they would both need heightened protection to be able to make any UK visit happen. Harry no longer benefits from police protection while he is in the UK, following a decision by the Home Office to withdraw his minders. He has had a frosty relationship with the royals in the wake of the publication of his bombshell memoir Spare and his and Meghans tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey after they left Britain for a new life in America. Harrys book contained a string of allegations about his life with the royals, including secrets about his relationship with his father and a claim his older brother Prince William, 41, brawled with him in a fight as their relationship fell apart over the younger princes marriage to Meghan. Radiance Films is set to release its latest must-have Limited Edition Box Set World Noir Vol.1, This new collection features three landmark 1950s films of global note that portray the noir style while expertly a lining to that their home genre and hallmarks. World Noir Vol 1 From Japan theres Koreyoshi Kuraharas enthralling I Am Waiting, the tension-filled French thriller Witness in the City from Edouard Molinaro and the gripping Italian feature The Facts of Murder directed by and starring Pietro Germi. Widely considered an American filmmaking style, film noir was first applied by French critics to the visual and thematic darkness of the flood of American films in the post-War period. Those films, often by European emigre filmmakers, were influenced by European filmmaking modes, notably French poetic realism and Weimar cinema. The American noirs that flourished in the 1940s and 1950s in turn influenced cinema around the world. Now World Noir Vol.1, the first in a new series, aims to capture the trail of noir influence from around the world, from the pre-War period to the emergence of neo-noir, and expand our understanding and availability of this rich filmmaking tradition. I Am Waiting (1957), directed by master of the genre Koreyoshi Kurahara, is the story of a failed boxer who meets a waitress with a dark past who has run afoul of an underworld syndicate that seeks to exploit her to its own ends. With dreams of escaping to Brazil, the boxer agrees to help, but neither the past nor the future turns out to be exactly what it seems. This foundational film from the pioneering studio of post-war Japanese noir, Nikkatsu, stars real life couple Yujiro Ishihara and Mie Kitahara, who ruled Japanese popular cinema of the 1950s both on and off-screen. The film is presented in a new restoration and gets its first ever Blu-ray release. Witness in the City (1959), the French feature from director Edouard Molinaro, is adapted from the novel by celebrated writers Boileau and Narcejac (Vertigo, Les Diaboliques). When a wealthy industrialist throws his lover from a train, to make her murder look like suicide, her husband, Ancelin (Lino Ventura The Valachi Papers), learns the truth and seeks vengeance. But theres a witness to his bid for revenge and he becomes embroiled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, that thrillingly plays out the streets of Paris. Molinaro wrings every ounce of tension from the narrative, focusing on evocative shadows and Parisian nightlife shot by Henri Decae (Le Samourai) The film is presented in a new 2K restoration and gets its first ever Blu-ray release in the UK. The Facts of Murder (1959) is an Italian feature helmed by Pietro Germi (The Railroad Man) who also plays the lead. Inspector Ingravallo (Germi) is called to a Roman apartment building to investigate a robbery, but as he questions the tenants, he soon realises something is amiss. As the investigation progresses, what appears to be a simple robbery soon becomes a murder case. Loosely based on celebrated author Carlo Emilio Gaddas novel, the film is shot with inky shadows reminiscent of film noir, while the mystery element prefigures Giallo films. Featuring a cast of wonderful supporting actors including Claudia Cardinale (The Day of the Owl) and Claudio Gora (Il Sorpasso), the film won multiple awards on its release including the Italian Golden Globe for Best Film (1960). Experience this film like never before in a brand new 4K restoration thats presented in Blu-ray format for the first time. Special Features BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION BOX SET SPECIAL FEATURES: New 4K restoration of The Facts of Murder carried out by LImmagine Ritrovata at the Cineteca di Bologna, presented on Blu-ray for the first time in the world 2K restoration of Witness in the City, on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK High-Definition digital transfer of I Am Waiting, on Blu-ray for the first time in the world Original uncompressed mono PCM audio for all films Optional English subtitles for all films Newly designed artwork based on original posters Limited edition 80-page perfect bound booklet featuring new writing on the films by critics and experts including Barry Forshaw on noir represented outside the US, William Carroll on post-war occupation period in Japanese cinema, Hayley Scanlon on Japanese noir, an interview with Edouard Molinaro, Roberto Curti on the hybrid nature of Italian cinema, and Sam Wigley on 50s world noir from other countries Limited Edition of 3000 copies, presented in a rigid box with full-height Scanavo cases for each film and removable OBI strip, leaving packaging free of certificates and markings I AM WAITING Audio commentary by Japanese cinema expert Jasper Sharp Yujiro's Travel Diary a documentary on star Yujiro Ishihara during location shooting in Europe (1959, 42 mins) The Yujiro Effect a visual essay by Mark Schilling Trailer Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork WITNESS IN THE CITY Introduction by critic Tony Rayns Interview with Philippe Durant, biographer of Lino Ventura, who speaks about the film and the iconic actor French noir critic and author Ginette Vincendeau provides an overview of noir in France during the 1950s Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork THE FACTS OF MURDER New interview with Pietro Germi expert Mario Sesti (2023) The Man With the Cigar in His Mouth a documentary about Pietro Germi featuring interviews with his colleagues and collaborators including Mario Monicelli, Claudia Cardinale, Stefania Sandrelli, Giuseppe Tornatore among others (Mario Sesti, 1997, 41 mins) What's Black and Yellow All Over? All Shades of Italian Film Noir visual essay by Paul A. J. Lewis on the presence of noir trends in Italian cinema and the evolution of the genre (2023) Newly translated English subtitles Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork Title: World Noir Vol.1 Release Date: 18 December 2023 Cat.No.: RAD033BDLE RRP: 45.36 Cert: 15 Region: B Running Time (films) : I Am Waiting 90 Mins Witness In The City 89 Mins The Facts Of Murder 115 Mins Available to pre-order: here by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Culinary maestro Chef Gaggan Anand will engage food enthusiasts at a unique pop-up at Vintage Asia, JW Marriott Kolkata His eponymous restaurant in Bangkok has put Indian food firmly in the spotlight and has been consistently listed on the Worlds Best and Asias Best Restaurants lists, rising steadily each year. Now Kolkata-born Chef Gaggan Anand is coming back to the City of Joy, in a homecoming celebration presented by JW Marriott Kolkata. The Eat, Cook, Play With Chef Gaggan Anand pop-up at the Vintage Asia restaurant at JW Marriott Kolkata will allow food enthusiasts to participate in a never-before opportunity to engage with Chef Gaggan. Scheduled for December 10, 2023, the pop-up by the maestro promises to be a celebration of flavours, emotions and the joyous spirit of Kolkata, all infused by the culinary vision of Chef Gaggan. Participants can expect a multi-sensory journey that engages all the five senses and offers surprise as a sixth element. They will also have the opportunity to appreciate Chef Gaggans innovative approach to Progressive Indian Cuisine via his signature preparations in a masterclass. A Chef On A Unique Culinary Journey Chef Gaggan thinks of himself as much more than a chef; he is a romantic, a dreamer, a rebel and, importantly, a musician and a conductor of the chaos in the kitchen. Often spoken of as the Conductor of the Food Opera, he has had an interesting journey with food. His food playground has been the city of Bangkok in Thailand, where he first pushed the boundaries of perceptions about Indian food, by revolutionising the cuisine and taking it into the realm of fine dining. In 2010, his restaurant Gaggan showcased his approach to Progressive Indian Cuisine. In 2019, he set up the Gaggan Anand Restaurant, which, this year, has secured the fifth spot on the Asias 50 Best List and the 17th position on the Worlds 50 Best list. Since 2022, post the pandemic, he has offered diners an exclusive chefs table at The G Spot within the restaurant, and Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh, his casual eatery that combines Mexican and Indian food, is also making waves, both among diners and critics. And more is to come to delight Bangkok (see interview below). Ready To Floor Kolkata With Food Kolkata has Chef Gaggans heart. This return-to-his-roots for the culinary pop-up at Vintage Asia (above) evokes strong emotions. We spoke to Chef Gaggan about this culinary homecoming celebration. Coming back to cook in the city of your childhood: What are the big memories of food you have growing up? Chef Gaggan: Returning to cook in my hometown brings back memories of the flavours that defined my childhood. The age-old debate of whether the golgappa, the pani puri, or the puchka is superior always comes up. For me, the puchka takes the crown, thanks to my upbringing and fond recollections. Growing up in Kolkata has left a lasting imprint on my taste buds. Bengali cuisine, in particular, holds a special place. What makes it stand out is the unique tradition of starting meals with bitters to awaken the taste buds a practice that greatly shapes my cooking preferences. Eating fish in Kolkata is a distinct experience. I remember my school days, catching the bus at 7.30 in the morning, and overhearing two Bengali gentlemen discussing their morning purchase of live fish for the day. The memories, the excitement of the cooking process, and the cultural aspects have all significantly influenced how I cook today. Kolkata remains a significant source of inspiration for me. What have been the defining moments or influences related to food from Kolkata? Kolkata has been a major influence. The culinary essence of this city has profoundly shaped my cooking journey. For example in my restaurants, we have incorporated Bengali mustard oil, kasundi and bitters while avoiding garam masala. The entire concept of my cooking is heavily influenced by Bengali cuisine, and my personal memories have played a pivotal role in constructing the foundation of my culinary style. For instance, when I substitute Bengali mustard for wasabi, it adds a unique twist. A Japanese diner might perceive the dish as having wasabi, creating a connection with something that has existed in India but remained largely unexposed to them. Similarly, comparing a Dilli chaatwala chutney to a Bengali chutney reveals striking differences that serve as a continual source of inspiration for our creations. How do you plan to approach the food scene in Kolkata once again on this trip? On this trip to Kolkata, Im thrilled to bring a unique and immersive experience to the citys food scene. At JW Marriott Kolkata, were introducing a first-of-its-kind concept in India a masterclass with me. Its more than just dining; its an opportunity for patrons to engage in a once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey. In this exclusive experience, guests are not just observers but active participants. Theyll have the chance to cook and play alongside me, delving into the art of culinary creation in a truly theatrical setting. Its a fresh approach to sharing the joy and creativity that goes into crafting each dish, and Im excited to connect with the vibrant food culture of Kolkata in this dynamic and interactive way. What has been your approach when curating the items in this eat-play-cook event? Crafting the items for this eat-play-cook experience is an artistic expression for me. Cooking is not a chore but a passion, and each dish I create is a blend of memories, nostalgia, textures, taste, timings, surprise, play, and fun. Why be overly serious when theres so much joy to be found in the art of cooking? Congratulations on your continued success with your eponymous restaurant and also the inclusion of Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh on the lists. Tell us what we can expect in the future from Chef Gaggan Anand? Thank you, but stay tuned: I will be opening a very, very luxurious restaurant in Bangkok in 2024. I cant tell you more details at the moment, but this will be one of the biggest things I have ever done in my life. Also Read: Masala Library Marks 10 Years And Jiggs Kalras Legacy With A Special Menu To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. EURATEX has welcomed the unanimous vote in support of the new rules of origin under the PEM Convention, as a historic achievement. Facilitating trade and investments in the PanEuroMed region (covering 27 EU member states and 24 partner countries in the neighbourhood region) is top priority region for the EU, as trade with these countries accounted for 677 billion in 2023. For the EU textile and clothing sector, the region represents 35 per cent of its exports and 21 per cent of its imports. In 2013 the European Commission adopted a package of proposals aimed at increasing trade between the European Union and neighbouring countries in the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean (PEM) region. The proposal introduced modernised rules of origin of the PEM convention, lifting the prohibition of duty-drawback and introducing the principle of full cumulation. EURATEX celebrates the unanimous approval of new PEM Convention rules, marking a major advance in trade within the PanEuroMed region, which is vital for the EU's textile and clothing sector. This agreement is expected to enhance textile manufacturing and trade, offering a significant boost to the region's economic integration and industry's recovery. After ten years of intense negotiations which EURATEX supported, the European Commission reached a full and final agreement with all PEM partners. This is a landmark achievement that will unlock the full potential of the Euro-Mediterranean area as the biggest and most integrated region of advanced manufacturing and trading of sustainable textiles and clothing. The rules will accelerate the integration of T&C supply chains and boost T&C production and trade within the region, both in the East and Southern borders of the EU. In a moment when companies are looking at moving their production from Asia to nearby, like-minded and more reliable countries, it is very timely to have the PEM Convention implemented, EURATEX said in a media release. EURATEXs president, Alberto Paccanelli, commented: This is a strategic trade deal that can help European companies recover from the multiple crisis which we face since 2020. We call on the European Union to not stop here, but keep up the efforts to secure trade deals that are good for European companies and their competitive position in the world. The next objective should be the adoption of the EU-Mercosur Agreement and a conclusive settlement of all trade disputes with the United States. According to director general Dirk Vantyghem, The unanimous vote in favour of the modernised PEM rules is good news for our industry. We should now engage with these partner countries to fully exploit the potential of these new rules. EURATEX is ready to engage in an industrial dialogue with the companies from the PEM Countries to facilitate their transition to the new framework. The PanEuroMed contracting parties are the EU, the EFTA States (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein), the Faroe Islands, the participants in the Barcelona Process (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the territories of West Bank and Gaza, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey), the participants in the EU's Stabilisation and Association Process (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo), the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD) This is Devashish Makhijas third collaboration with Manoj Bajpayee, after Taandav and Bhonsle. The director has a yen for portraying the lives of the underdog. In Joram, he tackles the issue of how the so-called development is going to be the death of the common man.Our main protagonist, Dasru (Manoj Bajpayee), ran away from his tribal village in Jharkhand as he was tired of the violence. He was a member of a naxal organisation and couldn't tolerate the cycle of armed retribution that his outfit perpetuated. He hardly makes ends meet as a construction worker in Mumbai but is at least free from the harsh reality of his village. A chance encounter with a woman from his village unleashes another wave of violence. His wife is mysteriously killed, and branded as a terrorist by the media, he's on the run. He plans to go back to Jharkhand with his infant daughter only to find that he isn't safe there as well. Meanwhile, inspector Ratnakar (Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub), of the Mumbai police, who is after Dasru, is dispatched to Jharkhand. He finds that the cops there serve as henchmen for the local politician and nothing is what it seems. While the cops have been ordered to shoot Dasru on sight, Ratnakar wants to capture him alive. Their worlds collide in an explosive afternoon set in a mine.There's no respite for any of the characters present in the film. Everyone is experiencing a bleak existence. The tribals are being squeezed out of their land, in the name of progress. They're losing their jungles, their rivers, their way of life. No one, including their own elected representatives, care for them. If Dasru is on the run, then so is the politician Phulo Karma (Smita Tambe), who is running after revenge. Ratnakar sees his fellow policemen behaving worse than goons. In one harrowing scene, a constable, who has dressed up as a woman for a dance, is almost molested by his drunken colleagues. Ratnakar feels totally disoriented by the level of the moral corruption around him and doesn't know who he's anymore. Dasru is alive only because he has to look after his infant daughter, Joram. That keeps him motivated, keeps him running. But there's an end to everyone's endurance. How much can he run, and how far?Director Makhija utilises stark cinematography to get his point across. Unfinished buildings, gaunt faces, depleted trees are his points of reference. There's a sense of unreality in the film because it showcases an India we've willingly chosen to ignore. It's the India of the unwashed masses who are devoid of dreams. Who are happy if they can earn enough to fill their belly during the night. Who've come to terms with their meagre existence and have no hopes ever of coming out of this morass. The police, judiciary, politics our entire system refuses to even acknowledge their existence. The background score and editing too contribute much to the film.What can we say about Manoj Bajpayee? He's one actor who's always been hungry for more, even after achieving it all time and again. He makes the character his own yet again. He totally looks the part and his accent is down pat. He has relied more on silences to get his point across. His haunting eyes, his brooding expression, efficiently convey his suffering and hopelessness. Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub too has given his best. He too looks every inch a straightforward cop who sees circumstances spiralling outside his control and is unable to put a stop to them.Watch the film for its grim glimpses of hidden India and for Manoj Bajpayees masterclass in acting. Dhaval Roy, December 7, 2023, 4:33 PM IST critic's rating: 4.0/5 Story: When a construction site workers wife is brutally murdered, and his life is in danger, he flees the scene with his three-month-old daughter. Thereon, he fights for survival while escaping a violent past, as well as a system and a powerful person who wants to crush him. Review: Heres a movie where you need just a few minutes of viewing to know that youre in for an intriguing and intense watch along with a stellar performance by its lead, Manoj Bajpayee, who plays Dasru Karketta/Bala. The first instance he appears on the screen, squatting on the floor under the open sky, you are convinced hes a tribal rooted in culture. He gets the look (with face tattoos) and the demeanour perfectly and has a tight grip on it until the end and through the different phases of his rich character arc. The opening sequence sets the movies tone, with a tribal couple from Jhinpindi, Jharkhand, singing a folk song about nature as the wife sways on a rope swing. As the frame freezes, the swing and the couple have vanished. The unnerving stillness warns you of a storm about to unleash on the screen. Throughout the 121 minutes, the movie consistently builds intrigue, beginning with how the couple ended up in a cramped shanty in Mumbai five years later, or why Bala is unnerved when he comes face to face with MLA Phulo Karma (Smita Tambe D Dwivedi). The film unravels the mystery gradually while serving edge-of-the-seat drama, as Dasru is on the run trying to save himself and his baby, Joram. The chase sequence on a train when he tries to skip the city will totally draw your attention. Writer-director Devashish Makhija excels in presenting a layered narrative the super-tense survival scenes, the stark reality of the tribals and rebels, or the man versus nature conflict thats destroying the ecology. It also depicts how the politicians and authorities are in cahoots with mining companies that relentlessly exploit the tribals. While some of these themes arent new, the storytelling is enticing, and although non-linear, the taut screenplay is not once confusing or fragmented. However, the initial thrill tapers off as the latter half of the film, the focus shifts to the socio-political side of the story. Makhija handles the films political aspect well and refrains from overtly taking sides. While he shows how the tribals are being shortchanged and the environment is being destroyed in the name of development, he reveals another perspective, too. The MLA wants her community to enjoy every facility that urban people do, and one of the constables says that rebels and soldiers both wear uniforms for different reasons, but one cannot judge whos right or wrong. The narrative also throws light on how those on the fence have it toiugh, too, as they are labelled sympathisers of rebels or supporters of oppressors. Cinematographer Piyush Puty enhances the drama with his outstanding camerawork, whether depicting tribal life, a father on the run, cranes and diggers marauding nature, or what the verdant land will soon look like. The film is also loaded with symbolism and meaning, whether Dasru s wife Vaano (Tannishtha Chatterjee) swaying in the great wide open or the swing made of a saree inside the hut. While trying to escape Mumbai, an onlooker asks him, Kuchh dhoondh rahe ho kya? (Are you looking for something?). When he reaches Jharkhand, a tribal asks, Kisiko dhoondh rahe ho (Are you looking for someone?)? indicating Dasru is running but has nowhere to go. The dialogues are also heartrending. Manoj Bajpayee is outstanding as the helpless and hapless father running from his dark past and bleak present. Scenes of him bonding with and caring for his baby will tug at your heartstrings. Smita Tambe Dwivedi steals the scene as the coldhearted MLA. She delivers a nuanced performance as an emotionally wounded but conversely unfeeling woman. Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub is excellent, too, as a conflicted Sub-Inspector Ratnakar Bangul tasked to capture Dasru. Tannishtha Chatterjee plays her part well in the special appearance. Joram is a gritty tale that will stay with you for a long time. Although it strays from being a survival drama as the socio-political facet overpowers the narrative, its a must-watch for its intense storytelling and performances. The poignant movie will also make you think about what we are doing to Mother Nature in the name of development and progress. It deserves to be watched on the big screen. In what came as a heartbreaking news from the Bollywood industry, actor Naeem Sayyed, popularly known as Junior Mehmood, has passed away today. He was 67. The news of his unfortunate demise came days after he was diagnosed with cancer. According to the media reports, Junior Mehmood breathed his last at his residence in Mumbai. The media reports suggested that he was diagnosed with stomach cancer in November and which was in the fourth stage. The news of Junior Mehmood's demise was confirmed by his family to indianexpress.com and stated, "Junior Mehmood passed away at 2:15 am at his residence. He was suffering from stomach cancer. May his eternal soul rest in peace" According to media reports, Junior Mehmood's funeral will be held today at 12 pm at the Juhu Muslim Cemetery in Santacruz west. To note, as the news of Junior Mehmood's health condition had surfaced, actors like Johnny Lever, Jeetendra, Sachin Pilgaonkar etc were seen paying a visit to him. In fact, Jeetendra, reportedly got emotional on seeing Junior Mehmood in pain. He told the Hindustan Times, "He is in so much pain, he is unable to open his eyes. To see him in this state breaks my heart". Meanwhile, Junior Mehmood's old frend Sachin Pilgaonkar took to social media and urged fans to pray for him. He wrote, "I request you all to pray for my childhood friend Jr Mehmood who's suffering from a fatal illness. I had a video conversation with him a couple of days ago and went to see him today but he was sleeping as he was under medication. I am in touch with his son and Johny Lever regarding his health. May god bless him" For the uninitiated, Junior Mehmood has worked in several films like Caravan, Haathi Mere Saathi, Mera Naam Joker, Kati Patang etc. Junior Mehmood also worked as a child artist in movies like Mohabbat Zindagi Hai (1966) and Naunihal (1967). Vijay Varma is one of such versatile actors of our generation who has always left an indelible mark on the minds of the audience with his performance. Be it in Mirzapur, Darlings, Gully Boy, Or Dahaad, his performance always stood out. Apart from this, he has also been a remarkable personality for his amazing fashion sense for which he has also been awarded several times. Now, adding yet another feature to his cap, Vijay Varma took home the award for the Best Actor In Leading Role for Dahaad. Vijay Varma has added yet another victory to his journey as an actor. His versatility in acting has made him shine at the Asian Academy Creative Award 2023 in Singapore where the actor won the award for the Best Actor In Leading Role for his 2023 released web series Dahaad. Looking absolutely stunning as always, Vijay was seen donning an all-black attire, at the award ceremony. He shared a heartwarming note post his win and wrote, "It's always amazing when you win an award but this time it was more special because your win is your country's win. I had the honour of receiving the coveted Asian Academy Best Actor in leading role for Dahaad! I was nominated alongside 10 other acting talents across Asia-Pacific and it was quite a Power packed room.. but happy to say to my countrymen.. we are the best in Asia-Pacific, baby! Thank you so much @asianacademycreativeawards for the honour. Couldn't have done this without my #dahaad team". Vijay truly deserves this honor for his incredible performance in Dahaad. As Anand Swarnakar, very brilliantly he slipped into the character of a college lecturer with a wife and son, teaches underprivileged children, who is involved in the murder of 27 women. This is indeed a very difficult role that the actor has grabbed yet nailed it with his amazing performance. Moreover, he has also won Filmfare OTT Awards, in the category of Best Actor in a Series (Critics) Drama. On the work front, the actor will be next seen in the much anticipated, 'Mirzapur 3', and Murder Mubarak opposite Sara Ali Khan. Who Is The Director Behind Yash's Upcoming 'Toxic': After the blockbuster success of "KGF 2" by Prashanth Neel, Kannada superstar Yash is set to appear in a film directed by Geethu Mohandas. The official title and director's name were unveiled on December 8, delighting the fans of the beloved Rocking star. Kaiva X Review: Dhanveerah And Megha Shetty Star In A Film Based On A Real Incident Titled "Toxic," this film falls into the action thriller genre, carrying the tagline 'A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups.' Yash has kept silent about his future projects for more than a year, following the immense triumph of KGF Chapter 2. Speculations circulated about a potential reunion with Prashanth Neel or a collaboration with writer-director Narthan for a project starring the Kannada star. The unveiling of Yash 19 thrilled fans across the country. After the release of KGF Chapter 2, Yash dedicated time to his family and enjoyed a few vacations. He took considerable time before officially revealing his next project, carefully considering multiple offers. Yash patiently listened to numerous scripts and met with directors proposing diverse roles. Yash, carrying the legacy of KGF's remarkable success, carefully deliberated before greenlighting a new project. Toxic, directed by Geethu Mohandas, promises another thrilling action flick. Yash exudes confidence in this venture, and additional details about Toxic will be unveiled in due course. Sharing a teaser of the movie's title on his social media, Yash quoted Rumi, saying, 'What you seek is seeking you.' There's word that the film Toxic features three key female roles, with names such as Shraddha Kapoor, Mrunal Thakur, and Sai Pallavi in consideration. An official announcement detailing the cast and the rest of the crew is expected soon. Who Is Geethu Mohandas, Director Of Toxic? Geethu Mohandas is a prominent Indian film actress and director recognised for her contributions in Malayalam cinema and Bollywood. Her directorial venture in 2013, "Liar's Dice," a socio-political film, earned acclaim with two National Film Awards and was showcased at the Sundance Film Festival. Geethu began her cinematic journey as a child actor in the 1986 film "Onnu Muthal Poojyam Vare," alongside Mohanlal. She featured in significant roles in movies like "En Bommukutty Ammavukku" and "Life is Beautiful." Her standout performance in "Akale," directed by Shyamaprasad, earned her the Kerala State Award for Best Actress in 2004 and a Filmfare Award for her role as Rose. Conjuring Kannappan OTT Release Date And Platform: When And Where To Watch Sathish's Horror Comedy Movie Geethu's directorial, "Moothon," was acknowledged at the Sundance Film Lab and won her the Global Filmmaker Award. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2019 and was the opening film at MAMI 2019. Geethu Mohandas is married to cinematographer Rajeev Ravi. Photo Credit: Extra Ordinary Man X (Twitter) Review: Actor Nithiin's latest romantic comedy-drama titled Extra Ordinary Man is all ready to light up the silver screen on December 8. The movie which stars Sreeleela as the female lead is carrying decent pre-release buzz due to the trailer. Expectations are high for this film as the content excited many fans and film buffs. Extra Ordinary Man Premise In the movie Extra Ordinary Man, Nithiin plays the role of an aspiring youngster, working as a junior artist. His father is a typical person and believes his son is good for nothing. What does the protagonist do to win his father's appreciation? His life struggles and goals are described in a narrative using loads of comedy. Extra Ordinary Man X Review As soon as Nithiin's Extra Ordinary Man hit the screens, Telugu movie lovers thronged the theatres to catch FDFS to review the movie in their style. They shared their opinions through posts on social media platforms. Check out some of them below. Extra Ordinary Man Cast The movie stars Nithiin, Sreeleela, Rajasekhar, Sudev Nair, Rao Ramesh, Rohini, Brahmaji, Ajay, Harsha Vardhan, Annapurnamma, Pavithra Lokesh, Hyper Aadi, Ravi Varma, and Jagadeesh Prathap Bandari among others in key roles. Extra Ordinary Man Crew Produced by Nithiin's father and sister Nalla Sudhakar Reddy and Nikitha Reddy under the Shresth Movies banner, the movie is written and directed by Vakkantham Vamsi. Harris Jayaraj composed the film's songs and background score. Prawin Pudi worked as the editor. Sai Sriram, Arthur A Wilson, and H Yuvaraaj worked as cinematographers. LONDON, Dec. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Px HealthCare (Px), the digital health company behind the clinically-validated OWise cancer patient support app, announced today the presentation of a first-of-its-kind Real World Evidence (RWE) study at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). The study, which is part of a collaboration between Px and AstraZeneca UK, is a nationwide RWE initiative enabling any breast cancer patient in the UK to take part in the study when prescribed with trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDX-d, Enhertu) or olaparib (Lynparza) using the OWise app. For this study two new tailored treatment-specific versions of OWise have been developed to support UK patients recently prescribed with one of the two treatments within their licenced indications. The study, called RELATE-2, evaluates the experience of patients treated with TDX-d or olaparib while using the OWise treatment-specific modules. Being led by an international team of clinical researchers, the study's Principal Investigator Dr. Sophie McGrath, a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Marsden Foundation Trust, commented, "RELATE-2 represents a new way to assess patient experiences in the real world, using a widely available, clinically-validated, cancer patient support app. I'm looking forward to gaining a detailed understanding of how patients experience the use of new treatment-specific support apps countrywide and within specific patient groups." Founder & CEO of Px, Dr. Anne Bruinvels, said, "The RELATE-2 study is an exciting novel way to conduct patient-centred Real World Evidence research. With the freely available OWise breast cancer app patients prescribed with TDX-d or olaparib can find personalized support. Also, OWise enables patients to directly consent and contribute to clinical research all within the app. OWise is designed to empower patients whilst delivering insights that can help reshape patient care." The RELATE-2 poster presented by Principal Investigator Dr. Sophie McGrath at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium can be accessed here: https://pxhealthcare.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/RELATE-2-SABCS-POSTER.pdf For more information about OWise please visit https://owise.uk Access Notes here: https://pxhealthcare.com/relate-2-notes View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/px-healthcare-unveils-first-of-its-kind-real-world-evidence-study-using-owise-breast-cancer-patient-support-app-302009479.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 7, 2023) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQX: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed the final tranche of a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of $544,633. The Company issued 4,951,209 flow-through common shares (each, an "FT Share") at a price of $0.11 per FT Share. The net proceeds received from the Offering will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" ("CEE") that are "flow-through mining expenditures" (as such term is defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company's mining projects. The Company paid finders fees in the amount of $29,880 and all FT Shares issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring April 6, 2024 in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act. The Company is pleased to announce the results of its Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on December 6, 2023. Jeff Swinoga, Rod Husband, Larry Short, Siri Genik and Doug Cater were re-elected as Directors. Davison & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, were re-appointed as the Company's auditor. Following the AGM, the Board reconstituted all Committees and the following Officers were re-appointed: Jeff Swinoga (President and CEO), Fiona Fitzmaurice (CFO), Ken Tylee (VP, Exploration), Shanda Kilborn (VP, Corporate Development and Investor Relations) and Jacqueline Collins (Corporate Secretary). The Company also announces that, in accordance with the Company's stock option plan, it has granted to certain of its directors, officers, employees and consultants incentive stock options to purchase up to an aggregate of 3,400,000 common shares exercisable on or before December 7, 2028 at a price of $0.11 per share. About Exploits Discovery Corp. Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company is focused on discovering high-grade structurally hosted epizonal gold similar to New Found Gold's success along the Appleton Fault zone and parallel structures within the Exploits Subzone. Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented local team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada. On Behalf of the Board /s/ "Jeff Swinoga" President and CEO For more information, please contact: Shanda Kilborn VP, Investor Relations +1 (778) 819-2708 investors@exploits.gold https://exploitsdiscovery.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. Acknowledgments Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Not for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190314 ~ King's University College and UEL sign MoU to unite for a Five-Year Partnership ~ HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- King's University College (King's) in London, Canada, a leader in global education, has solidified a significant partnership with the University of Economics and Law (UEL) at Viet Nam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The signing of a new MoU follows productive meetings and collaboration between the institutions in Vietnam earlier this year. The five-year agreement marks the beginning of a collaborative venture that includes student exchange programs for study abroad initiatives. King's and UEL are exploring the possibility of a 2+2 pathway or dual degree options, providing students with enhanced educational opportunities. Moreover, the partnership encourages the exchange of faculty and staff for workshops, seminars, lectures, joint research projects, and potential co-authored publications. Reflecting on the partnership, Dr. David Malloy, President of King's University College, expressed enthusiasmand said, "Upon meeting in-person with UEL faculty and administration in Ho Chi Minh City, we quickly realized our shared synergies of cultural, ethical, and academic standards." He went on to add, "I was honored to have spent time with Professor Le Vu Nam, Vice President of UEL, in Vietnam, and I am so thrilled that we were able to finalize our partnership upon my return to Canada. I know our students, faculty, and staff would find UEL to be a perfect place for a global exchange, and we can't wait to welcome UEL students, faculty, and staff to King's." This partnership exemplifies a commitment to fostering global perspectives, academic excellence, and cultural understanding for the benefit of students and faculty from both institutions. The collaboration is poised to create meaningful opportunities for cross-cultural learning and research collaboration. Associate Professor Le Vu Nam, Vice President of the University of Economics and Law of UEL extended his sincerest wishes for success and prosperity for both universities in their work together to make the new cooperation successful. "I strongly believe that our cooperation is an important step that contributes to improving the quality of education and training for both of us. As an educator, I am deeply concerned about my responsibility of nurturing our new generation of citizens, in particular how to make the students of the University of Economics and Law have the opportunity to approach new knowledge, expand their horizons, and integrate with the world education, so that they can develop their inherent qualities of intelligence, dynamism, and diligence. Therefore, our cooperation program on student exchange, as well as the upcoming 2+2 Degree program is absolutely a great opportunity for them. Besides, I also hope that the joint teaching and scientific research activities, as well as the exchange of faculty and staff between UEL and King's will bring positive results for our educational activities, leading to the cultural and social development in Vietnam and Canada." This MoU marks another milestone of growth in Vietnam for King's following two new partnerships signed in October 2023 and signifies Vietnam's growth in the international higher education market. Both the institutes believe that these partnerships will benefit the exchange of students, faculty, staff, and researchers involved as an opportunity to develop new perspectives, ideas, and knowledge. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2295645/UEL_Campus.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/canada-based-kings-university-college-and-university-of-economics-and-law-uel-forge-transformative-educational-alliance-302009399.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 7, 2023) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to announce the results of voting at its Annual General and Special Shareholder Meeting held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 10am (AWST) in Perth, Australia (the Meeting). All matters submitted to shareholders for approval as set out in the company's Notice of Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders and Information Circular dated November 3, 2023, were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting. A total of 37,708,798 common shares were voted at the Meeting, representing approximately 22.29% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the record date of the Meeting. As required under ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2, we advise details of resolutions and the proxies as set out at Appendix 1. This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Benz Mining Corp. For more information please contact: Mark Lynch-Staunton Chief Development Officer Benz Mining Corp. mstaunton@benzmining.com +61 8 6143 6702 Dannika Warburton Principal Investability Partners dannika@investability.com.au +61 401 094 261 About Benz Mining Corp. Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) brings together an experienced team of geoscientists and finance professionals with a focused strategy to unlock the immense mineral potential of the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Northern Quebec, which is prospective for gold, lithium, nickel, copper, and other high-value minerals. Benz is earning a 100% interest in the former producing high grade Eastmain gold mine, Ruby Hill West and Ruby Hill East projects in Quebec and owns 100% of the Windy Mountain project. At the Eastmain Gold Project, Benz has identified a combination of over 380 modelled in-hole and off-hole DHEM conductors over a strike length of 6km which is open in all directions (final interpretation of some of the conductors still pending). In 2021, Benz confirmed the presence of visible spodumene in a pegmatite at the Ruby Hill West Project, indicating lithium mineralisation which Benz intends to further explore in 2022. Benz tenure over Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt on simplified geology. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/190360_6c04349cd44acb48_001full.jpg About Eastmain Gold Project The Eastmain Gold Project, situated on the Upper Eastmain Greenstone Belt in Quebec, Canada, currently hosts a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant resource of 1Moz at 6.1g/t gold (Indicated: 384koz at 9.0g/t gold, Inferred: 621koz at 5.1g/t gold). The existing gold mineralisation is associated with 15-20% semi-massive to massive pyrrhotite, pyrite and chalcopyrite in highly deformed and altered rocks making it amenable to detection using electromagnetic techniques. Multiple gold occurrences have been identified by previous explorers over a 12km long zone along strike from the Eastmain Mine with very limited but highly encouraging testing outside the existing resource area. About Ruby Hill West Lithium Project The Ruby Hill West Lithium project is a surface occurrence of spodumene bearing pegmatite within the Ruby Hill West project, located 50km due west of the Eastmain exploration camp. The occurrence was first sampled in 2016 by Eastmain Resources and then by Quebec government geologists in 2018. Only limited sampling was conducted by both groups. In March 2022 Benz conducted a drilling program at the Ruby Hill West lithium pegmatite prospect and reported a 31.2m at 0.9% Li2O interval of visible spodumene rich pegmatite in the drilling (ASX & TSX-V releases dated 29 April 2022 "Multiple spodumene pegmatites intersected at Ruby Hill West"). Competent Person's Statement: The information in this announcement that relates to historical exploration results was first reported to the ASX in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.7. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements. The mineral resource estimate in this announcement was reported by the Company in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 5.8 on 24 May 2023. The Company confirms it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the previous announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the previous announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Forward-Looking Information: Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change because of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains regulatory approval. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE. Appendix 1: The following information is provided in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2 and shows the number of proxy votes received prior to the Meeting. The Company notes no additional votes were cast directly in the Meeting. Resolution Resolution Result Voting Method Number of votes cast in Meeting Instructions given to validly appointed proxies For Against Withheld/ Abstained* For Against Withheld/ Abstained* Discretion 1. To set the number of Directors at four (4) Passed Poll 37,705,648 99.99% 3,150 0.01% - 37,705,648 99.99% 3,150 0.01% - - 2.1 Election of Director - Evan Cranston Passed Poll 33,203,298 88.05% N/A 4,505,500 11.95% 33,203,298 88.05% N/A 4,505,500 11.95% - 2.2 Election of Director - Mathew O'Hara Passed Poll 33,205,798 88.06% N/A 4,503,000 11.94% 33,205,798 88.06% N/A 4,503,000 11.94% - 2.3 Election of Director - Nicholas Tintor Passed Poll 33,205,798 88.06% N/A 4,503,000 11.94% 33,205,798 88.06% N/A 4,503,000 11.94% - 2.4 Election of Director - Peter Williams Passed Poll 32,566,222 86.36% N/A 5,142,576 13.64% 32,566,222 86.36% N/A 5,142,576 13.64% - 3. Appointment of Auditors Passed Poll 37,705,798 99.99% N/A 3,000 0.01% 37,705,798 99.99% N/A 3,000 0.01% - 4. Remuneration of Auditors Passed Poll 37,705,648 99.99% 3,150 0.01% - 37,705,648 99.99% 3,150 0.01% - - 5. Re-Approval of Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan Passed Poll 27,851,458 85.97% 4,543,864 14.03% 5,313,476 27,851,458 85.97% 4,543,864 14.03% 5,313,476 - 6. Approval of 10% Placement Facility Passed Poll 37,690,126 99.95% 18,022 0.05% 650 37,690,126 99.95% 18,022 0.05% 650 - 7. Ratification of prior issue of 1,237,216 Shares to Fury Gold Mines Ltd Passed Poll 37,688,776 99.95% 20,022 0.05% - 37,688,776 99.95% 20,022 0.05% - - *Votes cast by a person who abstains on an item are not counted in calculating the required majority on a poll. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190360 Consumer champion and former Citizens Advice executive, Justin Gutmann is bringing the case against the UK's four largest mobile phone network operators: Vodafone, EE, Three, and O2, and their respective parent companies. The 3bn plus claim alleges that the companies used their market dominance to overcharge on up to 28.2 million UK mobile phone contracts. The class action is the first to target the Major Network Operators' practice of charging "loyalty penalties" - charging existing customers more than new customers for the same services. LONDON, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer rights champion Justin Gutmann and the law firm Charles Lyndon have today announced that class action proceedings have been launched against Vodafone, EE, Three, and O2 (the "Loyalty Penalty Claim"). The Loyalty Penalty Claim alleges the companies have been abusing their dominant positions in the UK mobile industry by charging a 'loyalty penalty,' in which long standing customers were overcharged for handsets beyond the end of their contractual term. Mr Gutmann alleges the mobile operators have overcharged on up to 28.2 million contracts and, as a result, is seeking damages of at least 3.285 billion. If successful, someone who held a contract with just one of the mobile operators could receive as much as 1,823. Many consumers are expected to have claims against more than one mobile operator and so could receive even more compensation. The class actions have been filed in the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London, United Kingdom. The Loyalty Penalty Claim is being brought on behalf of consumers who have purchased mobile contracts made up of a mobile phone and airtime services such as data, minutes and calls. When these contracts are agreed, their price during the minimum term of the contract includes both the mobile and the use of airtime services. The Loyalty Penalty Claim alleges that the mobile network operators failed to reduce the amount charged once the minimum contractual term expired, despite the fact that consumers had already paid for their mobiles. This resulted in existing customers being charged more than a new customer would be if they were just paying for airtime services. A typical example would be someone who agreed a two-year contract combined contract for a mobile phone and a SIM airtime services deal, paid off their mobile phone during the course of their contract, but then continued to be charged the same amount once the minimum contract term had expired, resulting in them paying far more than they would if they were a new customer on a SIM only deal. Most customers of these mobile network operators who made payments after the expiry of their contractual minimum term are included in the Loyalty Penalty Claim, which is being conducted on an "opt-out" basis. This means that the claim is brought on behalf of a defined group of people, but those people do not have to be personally identified. All qualifying consumers will be automatically included in the Claim for free unless they follow specific steps to opt out. Mr Gutmann is encouraging consumers to visit the dedicated Loyalty Penalty Claim website so they can be kept updated on the progress of the claim. The Loyalty Penalty Claim follows a rare super-complaint from Citizens Advice to the Competition and Markets Authority ("CMA") in September 2018. The CMA found that: "We do not consider that providers should continue to charge customers the same rate once they have effectively paid off their handsets at the end of the minimum contract period. This is unfair and must be stopped." They also added that customers "rightly feel ripped off, let down and frustrated". Justin Gutmann said: "I'm launching this class action because I believe these four mobile phone companies have systematically exploited millions of loyal customers across the UK through loyalty penalties - taking over 3 billion out of the pockets of hard working people and their families. These companies kept taking advantage of customers despite the financial crisis of 2008, Covid and now the cost of living crisis. It's time they were held to account." Justin added: "If our claim is successful, it will finally stop these firms from taking advantage of their loyal customers and stop the immoral practice of loyalty penalties." To learn more or to opt-out of the Loyalty Penalty Claim class action, visit www.LoyaltyPenaltyClaim.com ABOUT JUSTIN GUTMANN Justin Gutmann is the former Head of Research and Insight at the UK's statutory consumer champion Citizens Advice. He is still committed to representing consumers and protecting their rights. He has been authorised by the Competition Appeal Tribunal as class representative to represent rail users who he believes have been overcharged by a number of rail companies. This case is proceeding to a full trial where, with the help of Charles Lyndon, he will argue that millions of rail users should be compensated. ABOUT CHARLES LYNDON Charles Lyndon is a litigation firm based in London. Charles Lyndon's specialist litigation lawyers are experienced in representing claimants in high profile claims before the Competition Appeal Tribunal. They have acted in a broad range of class action and competition law cases and are at the forefront of the collective proceedings regime. NOTES TO EDITORS The estimated loss across all mobile network operators since 2007 is estimated at 3.285 billion including simple interest. If distributed evenly, contract holders from the mobile network operators listed below are estimated to receive the following amounts: Vodafone - up to 1,823 (including simple interest) EE (BT Group Plc) - up to 1,101 (including simple interest) Three (Hutchinson 3G UK Limited) - up to 1,817 (including simple interest) O2 (Telefonica UK Limited) - up to 1,178 (including simple interest) Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2294358/Charles_Lyndon_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/consumer-champion-justin-gutmann-announces-3-billion-plus-loyalty-penalty-class-action-claim-against-uks-largest-mobile-network-operators-302009478.html JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, graced the inauguration of BRI's UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2023, held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on December 7, 2023. This event, also part of the bank's 128th anniversary celebrations, served as a platform for Indonesian MSMEs to engage with international buyers, and nurturing MSME growth. Under the theme "Crafting Global Connection," 700 MSMEs participated in the three-day event, marking the prestigious 5th edition of this expo. The President commended BRI's commitment to empowering Indonesian MSME saying, "Our MSMEs must continue to elevate their status, to Go Digital, Go International, and dominate our local market because our market is tremendously large, but also without neglecting the export and global markets." Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Erick Thohir, also praised BRI's programs, highlighting the success of initiatives like this event in stimulating the economy, stating "This is an economic cornerstone. With BRI's support, MSMEs displaying strong performance reflect positively on real business activities within society, fostering economic growth. Additionally, BRI exhibits commendable banking performance." BRI's President Director, Sunarso, underscored the institution's responsibility in advancing Indonesian MSMEs. "BRI sees significant opportunities for Indonesian products in the global market. Our nation's creations are deemed competitive in quality compared to products from other countries, and the agreements' value through BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR's business matching continues to rise annually." Over the years, the expo's business agreements have shown remarkable growth: from US$33.5 million in 2019 to US$57.5 million in 2020, escalating further to US$72.1 million in 2021 and reaching US$76.7 million in 2022. This year's target is to secure contracts totaling US$80 million. Featuring 700 curated MSMEs from across the country in five categories: Home Decor & Craft, Food & Beverage, Accessories & Beauty, Fashion & Textiles, and Healthcare/Wellness. The BRI UMKM EXPO(RT) BRILIANPRENEUR 2023 endeavors to connect Indonesian MSMEs with global markets, nurturing their expansion and bolstering national exports. It underscores BRI's commitment to elevating MSMEs and showcasing the competitiveness of Indonesian products on the global stage. To support the empowerment of Indonesian MSMEs, visit the ongoing exhibition until December 10. For comprehensive information about the exhibition, MSMEs, or to register as a buyer, please visit: www.brilianpreneur.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296207/Opcer_2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/inaugurating-the-umkm-export-brilianpreneur-2023-president-joko-widodo-applauds-bris-support-in-advancing-msmes-302009804.html HONG KONG, Dec 8, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - On December 6, 2023, Global New Material International Holdings Limited (the "Company", or "GNMI", Stock Code: 06616.HK) disclosed the latest progress of the Capital Increase Agreement in Chesir Luzhai. The Board is pleased to announce that, as at the date hereof, all of the conditions precedent to the Capital Increase Agreement have been fulfilled, and the total consideration for the Capital Increase in the amount of RMB1 billion in cash has been received by Chesir Luzhai from the Investor. According to the announcement of GNMI dated 20 November 2023 (the "Announcement"), Chesir Luzhai, an indirect non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Investor entered into the Capital Increase Agreement, pursuant to which the Investor has conditionally agreed to inject RMB1 billion in cash into Chesir Luzhai. Upon Completion, Chesir Luzhai will remain as the core subsidiary of the Company and its financial results will continue to be consolidated in the Group's accounts. GNMI has made significant progress towards its goals and maintained a steady momentum of business development. Simultaneously, the Company has been actively seeking international acquisition opportunities with strong foundations and advanced technology to further enhance its core competitiveness. In August 2023, GNMI successfully completed the acquisition of CQV, a famous pearlescent pigment manufacturer in Korea and a renowned brand in the global pearlescent pigment industry, which marks a milestone in the Group's international expansion plans. The Company has also announced its intention to seize opportunities and expand its business presence in the international pearlescent pigments industry. It will continue to follow the strategy of "Endogenous Development and Outward Expansion" to accelerate the Group's various strategic plans. The completion of the Capital Increase Agreement will provide the Company with additional working capital for future developments. About Global New Material International Holdings Limited Global New Material International specializes in the manufacturing and sale of pearlescent pigment products and synthetic mica. Leveraging the unique materials, the Company offers an expansive range of over 1000 distinct product variations catering to diverse industrial, exterior, and cosmetic applications. The company is known as the largest pearlescent pigment producer in China and the third largest globally. About the Investor The Investor is wholly-owned by Tonglu Technology and Innovation Industry Development and Investment Company Limited, which in turn is wholly-owned by Tonglu County State-owned Asset Management Committee, being the ultimate beneficial owner of the Investor. Copyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Vehicle Tires Market size is projected to grow from USD 2.8 billion in 2023 to USD 11.2 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 21.7%, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The rise in focus towards e-mobility is expected to increase the demand for electric vehicle tires. Also, the strong policies set by the regulatory bodies and governments to combat carbon effluents from passenger and commercial vehicles is anticipated to promote the revenue growth of electric vehicle tires market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Electric Vehicle Tires Market". 247 - Tables 49 - Figures 262 - Pages Electric Vehicle Tires Market Scope: Report Coverage Details Market Size USD 11.2 billion by 2030 Growth Rate CAGR of 21.7% Largest Market Europe Market Dynamics Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities & Challenges Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast Units Value (USD Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered Propulsion, Vehicle Type, Load Index, Application, Rim Size, Sales Channel, and Region Geographies Covered Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America Report Highlights Updated financial information / product portfolio of players Key Market Opportunities Increasing demand for replacement tires Key Market Drivers Growing demand for better fuel efficiency Passenger Cars segment is expected to have largest share in the global electric vehicle tires market The passenger cars segment is expected to hold the largest share of the electric vehicle tires industry during the forecast period. The demand for electric vehicle tires among several automotive manufacturers is rising to help increase EV sales due to the focus on reducing CO2 emissions from passenger cars. Tire manufacturers are working closely with the automakers to develop and provide EV tires for passenger cars. In June 2022, Hyundai Motor Group and Michelin announced a collaboration up to 2025 to develop the next-generation tires for premium electric vehicles. In January 2023, Pirelli & C. SpA announced that it would be supplying P Zero Elect tires for the BMW i4 M50. In addition, vehicle utilization is on the rise in developing economies due to increasing cab-sharing facilities, which will create growth opportunities for the market. Off-road application segment is estimated to exhibit the fastest growth in global electric vehicle tires market The Off-road segment is expected to have the fastest growth in the electric vehicle tires market by 2030. The off-road application of electric vehicle tires includes heavy-duty trucks and construction. There has been a rapid growth of the construction industry in developing economies, which has catalysed the demand for off-road tires. North America is the largest market for pick-up trucks for transporting goods and passengers. Many vehicle manufacturers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Rivian, Tesla, and more are releasing electric pick-up trucks. Ford has offered F-150 lightning since 2022. The Rivian R1T pick-up truck was released in September 2021. Chevrolet will offer the next-generation Silverado EV pick-up truck from 2024, while Tesla will deliver the Cybertruck in November 2023 for off-road applications. The growing availability of electric trucks will increase the demand for off-road electric vehicle tires. Many fleet owners that provide vehicles at construction and mining sites are being educated regarding the long-term economic benefits of using electric vehicles and, in turn, electric vehicle tires. Hindustan Zinc Limited, an Indian mining and resource production company, has added Normet Agitator SmartDrive EV into its underground mining operations. Off-road vehicles must operate in harsh environments. There is an increasing need for high-quality electric vehicle tires that have excellent durability and better grip for all terrains. Many key tire manufacturers are investing heavily in this segment and launching off-road capable tires. In October 2023, Toyo Tires (Japan) introduced its new line of all-terrain off-road replacement tire Open Country A/T III EV for electric off-road light trucks in North America. It features a sidewall AeroWing technology to improve rolling resistance. It was first fitted in February 2024 for Ford F-150 Lightning and subsequently will be made available for other electric trucks such as Rivian R1S and GMC Hummer EV. Germany to lead the electric vehicle tires market in Europe Germany is expected to be the largest market in Europe for electric vehicle tires during the forecast period. Germany is considered the hub of the automotive industry and the largest producer of passenger cars. Increasing sales of electric passenger cars is the key driving factor for electric vehicle tires in Germany. The advancement of the automotive industry in Europe is another key factor impacting the growth of the electric vehicle tires market in the region. This contributes to the high growth of the electric vehicle tires market in the region. Increasing government initiatives regarding controlling carbon emissions are boosting the sales of electric vehicles in Europe, which will boost the electric vehicle tires market in the region. In March 2023, Norway became the first country in the world to announce a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2025. Other European countries, such as the UK, Denmark, and Sweden, have also announced plans to ban the sale of new ICE vehicles by 2030 or earlier. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=219022969 Key Market Players: The major players in Electric Vehicle Tires Companies include Michelin (France), Bridgestone Corporation (Japan), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Corporation (US), Continental AG (Germany), and Pirelli & C. SpA (Italy), Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (Japan), among others. Recent Developments In October 2023, Pirelli & C. SpA. started a joint venture with Saudi Arabia PIF (Public Investment Fund) to build a tire manufacturing facility In Saudi Arabia. The plant is expected to start in 2026, with the manufacturing of high-quality tires for passenger cars. In September 2023, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. announced an all-weather touring tire called Aklimate. The tire features 4D Nano Design technology for better wet handling and snow traction. In August 2023, Continental AG announced that Alfa Romeo will be factory fitting EcoContact 6 to the new compact SUV Tonale, which especially will be beneficial for the hybrid variant of the vehicle. In June 2023, Michelin announced an investment of USD 27.8 million to expand car tire production capacity at its Shenyang, China factory by 1.3 million tires. In June 2023, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company released the Urban Max BSA tires. The tire features lower rolling resistance compared to conventional transit tires from the company. In February 2023, Bridgestone Corporation announced an investment of USD 72.4 million by 2025 to expand production capacity and upgrade technology at its Pune-based plant. It will improve the plant's capability in terms of technologies and capacities for the manufacture of tires for the passenger car segment. Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=219022969 Browse Adjacent Market: Automotive and Transportation Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Automotive Green Tires Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Automotive Tires Market - Global Forecast to 2028 OTR Tires Market - Global Forecast to 2027 Connected Tires Market - Global Forecast to 2028 About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/electric-vehicle-tires-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/electric-vehicle-tires.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/electric-vehicle-tires-market-worth-11-2-billion-by-2030---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302009794.html Studio is Led by Industry Veteran Steve C. Martin, Best Known for Work on Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption Series IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightspeed LA , a division under LightSpeed Studios, a global game development studio with teams across the world, focused on creating expansive open-world AAA titles, is proud to unveil its debut game: Last Sentinel . Last Sentinel puts the spotlight on protagonist Hiromi Shoda and takes place in a futuristic world centered in what remains of Tokyo, Japan. Featuring an utterly unique environment, cast, narrative, and gameplay experience, Last Sentinel is soaked in the written, graphic, and theatrical history of dystopian science fiction. View the Last Sentinel Announcement Trailer Lightspeed LA is the emerging studio led by Steve C. Martin, an industry veteran with over 25 years experience creating groundbreaking games and leading diverse, global teams. Martin is previously known for his work on critically-acclaimed and top selling titles such as Grand Theft Auto V, Red Dead Redemption 1 and 2, Need for Speed: Underground 1+2, and Bully. The Lightspeed LA team is a global development group filled with deep experience and expertise that includes work on AAA, leading titles like The Last of Us, Jedi: Fallen Order, Uncharted, Grand Theft Auto and God of War. "Last Sentinel is our massively ambitious debut title and showcases the Lightspeed LA vision to prioritize the player's experience and immersion above all else," said Steve C. Martin, general manager at Lightspeed LA. "Lightspeed LA is laser focused on a developer-led approach that fosters creativity and delivers original, interactive narrative art while leveraging our ample resources, extensive experience, and state-of-the-art facilities to build the richest and most rewarding experiences for our players." "LightSpeed Studios is proud to support Lightspeed LA, the AAA game development studio operating independently in our globally coordinated model, in crafting Last Sentinel, our exciting new AAA open-world game," said Jerry Chen, President of LightSpeed Studios. "The deeply developed experience brought by Last Sentinel reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the gaming industry that will captivate gaming enthusiasts worldwide." Download the latest assets for Last Sentinel here . http://www.lastsentinelgame.com/ YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok About Lightspeed LA Lightspeed LA is a world class development studio focused on building open-world games that emphasize an ambitious living world, sophisticated player-driven gameplay, and mature, thoughtful storytelling. The studio seeks to craft engaging, provocative, and emotive games while being dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, committed to upholding a no-crunch philosophy to ensure the most creative and sustainable environment for all its employees. Located in Irvine, California, Lightspeed LA is a flagship studio under LightSpeed Studios, a global game development group with teams across the world. More information can be found at https://lightspeed.la/en About LightSpeed Studios LightSpeed Studios is a leading global game developer with teams across China, United States, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and United Arab Emirates. LightSpeed Studios has created over 50 games across multiple platforms and genres for over 4 billion registered users. LightSpeed Studios is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices. More information about LightSpeed Studios please visit www.lightspeed-studios.com, and follow us on Twitter , Facebook and YouTube . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296241/Img_5.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lightspeed-la-unveils-studios-debut-game-last-sentinel-new-aaa-open-world-experience-set-in-a-futuristic-tokyo-302009816.html CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Furfural Market by Raw Material (Sugarcane Bagasse, Corncob, Rice Husk), Application (Derivatives, Solvents), End-Use Industry (Agriculture, Paint & Coatings, Pharmaceuticals, Food & Beverages, Refineries), and Region - Global Forecast to 2028", size is projected to grow from USD 662 million in 2023 to USD 767 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2023 to 2028. Furfural is a versatile chemical compound derived from agricultural by-products like corncobs and sugarcane bagasse. Its multifaceted end-use industries include pharmaceuticals, agriculture, paints & coatings etc. The furfural market, a comprehensive ecosystem from production to end-use, is influenced by various factors. A key driver is the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives, propelling the market forward. However, raw material price fluctuations serve as a market restraint. The challenge lies in overcoming constraints related to low productivity and feedstock concentration. On the brighter side, the market presents an opportunity for technological innovations to enhance productivity and capitalize on the rising demand for eco-friendly solutions. In the broader landscape of bio-based chemicals, the furfural market symbolizes a collective stride towards greener and more sustainable industrial practices. Browse in-depth TOC on "Furfural Market" 304 - Tables 40 - Figures 242 - Pages Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=101056456 The corncob raw material segment dominated the furfural market in 2022. Corncob emerges as the predominant raw material segment. This prominence is attributed to the extensive use of corncob in furfural production, primarily owing to its rich content of xylose and pentosan. These essential components play a pivotal role in the synthesis process, undergoing conversion into furfural. The high presence of xylose and pentosan in corncob not only makes it a preferred raw material but also underscores its significance in contributing to the overall production and availability of furfural within the market. The derivatives segment is estimated to be the largest application segment in the furfural market in forecast period. The derivatives application is poised to experience accelerated growth in the upcoming forecast period, primarily propelled by robust demand from diverse end-use industries. Furfuryl Alcohol (FA) emerges as a key derivative within this application, serving as a major consumer and accounting for a substantial portion of the global furfural production. The high demand from various sectors underscores the increasing significance of derivatives, particularly Furfuryl Alcohol, in driving the overall expansion of the furfural market. The agriculture segment is estimated to be the largest end-use industry segment in the furfural market in the forecast period. Agriculture stands as the largest end-use industry in the furfural market, and this dominance can be attributed to the versatile applications of furfural-derived products in the agricultural sector. Furfural serves as a vital component in the synthesis of agrochemicals and pesticides, playing a crucial role in enhancing crop protection and yield. The agricultural industry's reliance on furfural underscores its efficacy in addressing various agricultural challenges, making it an indispensable element for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. Asia Pacific is projected to account for the largest share of the furfural market during the forecast period. In 2022, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region led the global furfural market, with China playing a pivotal role as the primary driver of growth. China holds the majority share in both the production and consumption of furfural on a global scale. This surge in demand can be primarily attributed to the burgeoning foundry and pharmaceutical industries within the country. The robust growth in these sectors has propelled the need for furfural, given its versatile applications. Notably, Thailand has also emerged as a significant player. The dynamic industrial landscape and increasing demand for furfural-based products in these key nations underscore the region's leadership in the overall furfural market. Key Players Central Romana Corporation (Dominican Republic), Pennakem (US), Silvateam (Italy), Illovo Sugar (South Africa), Hongye Holding Group Corporation Limited (China), KRBL Limited (India), Lenzing AG(Austria), and Merck KGaA (Germany), amongst others, are the key players operating in the furfural market. Expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and new product developments are some of the major strategies adopted by these key players to enhance their positions in the furfural market. Browse Adjacent Market: Advanced Materials Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Tetrahydrofuran (THF) Market - Global Forecast to 2022 Bioplastics & Biopolymers Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/furfural-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/furfural.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/furfural-market-worth-767-million-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302009811.html BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or CPSC has announced recalls including 2.7 million bottles of Wet & Forget stain removers, as well as certain Utility-Terrain Vehicles, string lights, vacuums, mattresses, strollers, and plush toys, among others, for various reasons. In most of the recalls, consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled product, and contact the respective firm for either a free repair, replacement or refund, depending on each product. Stain Remover Elgin, Illinois-based Wet & Forget (USA) Inc. is recalling 2.7 million bottles of 'Xtreme Reach' Outdoor Mold & Mildew stain remover with hose end nozzle due to risk of skin and eye irritation. The recall involves the nozzles on 48 oz. and 68 oz. bottles with UPCs 879288000077 and 879288000084, respectively. The hose end nozzle clip can dislodge and allow the cleaning solution to spray on users. The firm received 3,188 reports of dislodgement of the nozzle insert, including 157 reports of exposure to the cleaning solution and 28 reports of complaints of skin or eye irritation. The product, manufactured in New Zealand, was sold at Ace Hardware, Costco, Home Depot, Lowes, True Value, Walmart, and other home goods stores nationwide and online from February 2018 through November 2023 for between $30 and $35. String Lights Elmhurst, Illinois-based DM Merchandising Inc. is recalling about 34,600 units of Bunkhouse and Lotsa LITES! mini string lights citing risks of burn and fire. The products, manufactured in China, were sold at Gift stores and boutiques nationwide and online from August 2023 through September 2023 for between $10 and $13. The bulbs can overheat when the string lights are plugged directly into an outlet, presenting burn and fire hazards. The firm has received three reports of string lights overheating. But, no injuries have been reported to date. Mattresses China's Moonseasleep is recalling about 11,000 units of Moonsea Pack and Play Mattresses due to suffocation hazard for infants. The recalled mattresses violate multiple provisions of the federal safety regulation for crib mattresses, including the thickness test and missing warnings and labels. The product poses a suffocation hazard to infants, but no reports were received as of now. The products, manufactured in China, were sold exclusively on Amazon.com from January 2023 through August 2023 for about $40. About 2,000 units of Vibe Bear Playyard mattresses sold exclusively on Amazon.com also were recalled for the same concern. They were sold from January 2023 through June 2023 for about $34. Further, Missouri City, Texas-based Adven Group LLC called back about 1,540 units of Nap Queen Maxima Hybrid mattresses citing fire hazard as they fail to meet the mandatory federal flammability standard. No reports of incidents have been received to date. Nap Queen mattresses were manufactured in Kosovo, and sold at Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Overstock.com from February 2023 through May 2023 for between $170 and $350. Vacuums Royal Appliance Mfg. Co., d/b/a TTI Floor Care North America is recalling about 6,200 units of Oreck Discover Upright Vacuums of models UK30500 and UK30500PC, citing electrical shock hazard. The vacuum's electric cord plug prong can detach and remain in an electrical outlet when the vacuum is unplugged. The firm has received 41 reports of a prong detaching from its plug. No injuries have been reported to date. They were sold at Independent Oreck dealers nationwide and online from September 2022 through September 2023 for about $600. Plush Toys Townshend, Vermont-based Mary Meyer Corp. is recalling about 1,950 units of Bubba Bull Plush Toys as the eyes of the plush toys can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children. The firm has received one report of an eye detaching from the plush toy. No injuries have been reported. The Style 45541 Bubba Bull toys with date code 1945 were sold at Independent specialty toy stores nationwide and only at www.MaryMeyer.com from December 2022 through October 2023 for about $24. Xtrabed Anaheim, California-based SourceOne Ventures Inc. is calling back about 12,000 units of Windsor Queen Xtrabed Mobile Murphy Beds citing injury and tip over hazards. The products, manufactured in Vietnam, were sold exclusively at Wayfair from November 2016 through April 2023 for between $1,500 and $1,860. The firm has received 19 reports of the Xtrabed's outer case breaking and falling when opened from the front, resulting in 11 injuries. There was also one report of a tip-over resulting in bruising to the arm. Baby Rattles Boston-based Primark U.S. Corp. is recalling about 1,380 units of baby rattles citing risk of choking and ingestion hazards. The recall involves 'Wooden Music Shaker' and 'DTR M&M Maracas' baby rattles. The products, manufactured in China, were sold at Primark U.S. stores located in the northeast region, Florida, Maryland and Chicago from March 2021 through August 2023 for between $3.50 and $4.50. The bottom portion of the recalled baby rattles can detach, posing choking and/or ingestion hazards. The firm has received five reports of the rattles breaking apart in the United Kingdom. No injuries have been reported. Strollers New York-based Bugaboo North America Inc. about 1,000 units Dragonfly seat strollers citing risk of injury as an unrestrained infant could tumble from the seat. The recall involves only the seat sold with the Bugaboo Dragonfly Seat Strollers. They were sold at children's specialty stores nationwide and online at www.bugaboo.com from May 2023 through June 2023 for about $900 for seat strollers only, and about $1,100 for bassinet strollers with seats. Bugaboo has received one report in the United States and seven reports in South Korea of the backrest of the seat moving downward during use when in parent-facing mode. No injuries have been reported in the U.S. Screw Gate Tool Tails Tenacious Holdings Inc., dba Ergodyne called back about 16,570 units of Squids Wire Tool Attachments with Screw Gate Tool Tails due to injury risk. The wire tool attachment can break when dropped while tethered to a tool exceeding two pounds, posing an injury hazard to bystanders. Manufactured in Taiwan, the products were sold at Industrial and safety product distributors nationwide and online from September 2018 through July 2023 for about $20 (pack of six) or up to about $400 (when sold as part of the kits). Utility-Terrain Vehicles McKinney, Texas-based Segway Powersports Inc. called back about 1,100 units of model year 2022 Fugleman Utility -Terrain Vehicles or UTVs with model numbers UT10E or UT10X for fire risk. They were made in China and sold at Segway Powersports authorized dealers from December 2021 through July 2023 for between $14,400 and $16,700. The ignition coil can fail to ignite one of the engine cylinders, allowing uncombusted fuel to enter the exhaust pipe where it could ignite. This could pose a fire hazard. The firm has received one report of a vehicle fire with property damage. No injuries have been reported. Canisters Fenton, Missouri-based Security Equipment Corp. is recalling about 4,000 units of SABRE Aim & Fire Pepper Gel Spray with Training Canisters with model number SDP-G-03 citing failure to operate in an emergency. The Spray canisters do not contain the red nozzle on top of the valve stem that is needed to deploy the product and will not deploy pepper gel spray when it is triggered. Also, the canisters can fail to spray in the defense of the individual during an emergency. The firm has received two reports of the red nozzle missing. No injuries have been reported. Manufactured domestically, the products were sold at Sporting goods stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from July 2023 through August 2023 for about $50. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - The Netherlands' industrial production continued to decline sharply in October and at the fastest pace in six months, largely due to weak performances in the chemical, electrical, and electronic equipment segments, figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed on Friday. Industrial production dropped 11.1 percent year-on-year in October, almost in line with the 11.0 percent decline in September. Production has been falling since January. Further, this was the steepest rate of decline since April, when production had decreased 11.9 percent. Among sectors, chemical industry output logged the biggest annual decline of 8.7 percent. This was followed by the electrical and electronic equipment segment with a 7.6 percent fall. Producer confidence in the industry was less negative in November than in October. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - HerdWhistle Technologies Inc., a precision livestock monitoring company that offers cutting-edge solutions for the beef industry, announced today that it has signed a distribution partnership with BlockTrust Network, a web3 strategy, beef supply chain transparency, and communications partner. Under the partnership, HerdWhistle Technologies Inc. will expand its market reach and customer base by leveraging BlockTrust Network's expertise and network in the web3 space. BlockTrust Network will distribute HerdWhistle's products, including HerdWhistle Ultra High Frequency RFID ear tags and the HerdWhistle BigEye, a multispectral camera and RFID device that provides accurate identification, efficient monitoring, and crucial insights into animal health. The HerdWhistle BigEye is paired with HerdWhistle UHF RFID ear tags, which offer superior performance and custom markings for traceability and identification up to 100 ft away. "We are excited to work with BlockTrust Network and bring our innovative solutions to their clients in the web3 space," said Braden Bjornson, CXO of HerdWhistle. "BlockTrust Network's network of customers are a perfect fit for our UHF RFID ear tags and the HerdWhistle BigEye, which offers a comprehensive solution for real-time phenotypic evaluation. Together, we can provide a unique value proposition for the livestock sector and help beef producers improve their herd performance." "We are delighted to partner with HerdWhistle and support their mission of improving operations and protecting beef quality," said Gregg Barfield of BlockTrust Network. "HerdWhistle's products enable data-driven decisions and remote herd management, which aligns with our vision of empowering our customers with technology that improves their efficiency" About HerdWhistle Technologies Inc. HerdWhistle Technologies Inc., based in Calgary, Alberta, is a precision livestock monitoring company working with cattle feedlots and cow-calf operations to improve operations and protect beef quality. The HerdWhistle System is a proprietary RFID technology that has been in development since 2019, and the Company is building distribution in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit https://www.herdwhistle.com About BlockTrust Network Blocktrust Network is an API-based, blockchain-powered transparency and communications platform for the beef supply chain. Through the platform, producers can share data in a secure and convenient environment while communicating key performance indicators of their cattle throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit https://blocktrustnetwork.com. Investor Inquiries: HerdWhistle Technologies Inc. investors@herdwhistle.com (587) 943-4404 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190257 Chalhoub Group to work with Schneider Electric to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2032 and pave the way to net zero by 2040 Chalhoub Group suppliers will be provided a host of essential sustainability tools and trainings from Schneider Electric DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Chalhoub Group, partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East, has initiated a sustainability services agreement with Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation to transform its suppliers' carbon footprint roadmap across the region. The announcement was made amid the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), being held at Expo City Dubai. The agreement represents the second phase in Chalhoub Group's journey to attaining Net Zero by 2040. "The Middle East is among one of the biggest luxury markets globally and has demonstrated growth and resilience despite supply chain disruptions and worldwide affairs. Our partnership with Schneider Electric is testament to our commitment to a more sustainable future for this sector. We recognize the challenges posed by reducing Scope 1, 2 and especially Scope 3 emissions, and this partnership is poised to accelerate our sustainability journey and meet our net-zero commitments," said Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer, Chalhoub Group. "Incorporating climate action into core business strategies is no longer an option; it's a necessity. We are proud to play an integral role in Chalhoub Group's sustainability journey and are confident that we can set new benchmarks in decarbonization and sustainability, not just for the company, but for the entire industry," said Farrukh Shad, Head of APAC/MEA, Schneider Electric's Sustainability Business. Chalhoub Group aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50.4% by 2032 from a 2021 base year*. The company also commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transport and distribution, upstream leased assets and investments by 30% within the same timeframe. These include emissions associated with activities such as purchasing goods and services, transportation and distribution (both upstream and downstream), waste generated, business travel, employee commuting, and the end-of-life treatment of sold products. The collaboration with Schneider Electric will primarily target selected suppliers in the 'Purchased Goods and Services' category, who account for most of the Group's Scope 3 emissions. In 2023, a diagnostic mapping of Chalhoub Group's suppliers was conducted to identify those with high emissions that had yet to establish science-based carbon reduction targets. After categorising the supplier base, a service agreement was signed to mark the next major milestone, the launch of a supplier engagement programme. Schneider Electric's decarbonization consultancy services will include monthly training sessions for selected suppliers, data collection and gathering through extensive surveying, a tool to track Scope 3 emissions, as well as guidelines to complement suppliers' decarbonization journeys. According to a survey issued by Boston Consulting Group, the Middle Eastern luxury goods market, estimated at nearly $15.85 billion in 2023, is expected to double in size by 2030 and grow to $32-$37 billion, driven by the UAE and especially Saudi Arabia. However, the sector is responsible for over $2 billion in greenhouse gas emissions annually, which amounts to approximately 4% of the world's total output, according to a report by McKinsey. Countries across the Gulf region have set ambitious targets for developing more sustainable economies. In 2021, Schneider Electric launched a new range of decarbonization and sustainability consulting services for companies based in the Gulf. These services include the identification of energy efficiency savings, carbon offset programs, offsite renewable energy sourcing, electric mobility advising, and supply chain optimization. About Schneider Electric Schneider's purpose is to empower all to make the most of our energy and resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all. We call this Life Is On. Our mission is to be your digital partner for Sustainability and Efficiency. We drive digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies, end-point to cloud connecting products, controls, software and services, across the entire lifecycle, enabling integrated company management, for homes, buildings, data centers, infrastructure and industries. We are the most local of global companies. We are advocates of open standards and partnership ecosystems that are passionate about our shared Meaningful Purpose, Inclusive and Empowered values. For more information please visit: https://www.se.com/ae/en/ Follow us on: Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Blog About Chalhoub Group For over six decades, Chalhoub Group has been a partner and creator of luxury experiences in the Middle East. The Group, in its endeavour to excel as a hybrid retailer, has reinforced its distribution and marketing services with a portfolio of eight owned brands and over 300 international brands in the luxury, beauty, fashion, and art de vivre categories. More recently, the Group expanded its expertise into new categories of luxury watches, jewellery, and eyewear. Every step at Chalhoub Group is taken with the customer at heart. Be it constantly reinventing itself or focusing on innovation to provide luxury experiences at over 750+ experiential retail stores, online and through mobile apps, each touch point leads to delighting the customer. Today, Chalhoub Group stands for 15,000 skilled and talented professionals across eight countries, whose cohesive efforts have resulted in the Group being certified as a Great Place to Work in several countries. To keep the innovation journey going, the Group has set up "The Greenhouse", which is not just an innovation hub, but also an incubator space and accelerator for start-ups and small businesses in the region and internationally. This is just one of the several initiatives taken by the Group to reinvent itself, catalysed by forward thinking and future proofing. The Group has also been embedding sustainability at the core of its business strategy with a clear commitment towards people, partners and the planet, and by being a member of the United Nations Global Compact Community and signatory of the Women's Empowerment Principles. For more information, visit https://www.chalhoubgroup.com/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296312/Chalhoub_Group_Appoints_Schneider_Electric.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chalhoub-group--schneider-electric-to-drive-climate-action-in-the-middle-easts-luxury-retail-sector-302009931.html KBENHAVN, DK / ACCESSWIRE / December 08, 2023 / FluoGuide A/S (STO:FLUO) Copenhagen, Denmark - FluoGuide A/S ("FluoGuide" or the "Company"), a pioneer in the cutting-edge field of precision cancer surgery, today announced the status of the exercised warrants, issued in connection with the directed share issue in July this year, raising SEK 12 million. On August 28, 2023, a total of 211,389 warrants were issued as part of the directed share issue completed on July 5, 2023. The exercise price of SEK 66.04 was determined as the VWAP calculated in the period November 10-24, 2023. A total of 182,495 warrants have been exercised at the exercise price of SEK 66.04, resulting in gross proceeds of SEK 12,051,969.80. The shares will be open for trading at the latest Friday December 8, 2023. "We are thankful to the investors exercising their warrants. As per December 7, 2023, we have a cash position of DKK 25 million including the gross proceeds." says Morten Albrechtsen, CEO of FluoGuide and continues: " Combined with our low burn rate we feel well positioned in the planning to fully utilize our three sets of excellent clinical results in aggressive brain cancer, head and neck, and lung cancer." For further information, please contact: Morten Albrechtsen, CEO, FluoGuide A/S +45 24 25 62 66, ma@fluoguide.com About FluoGuide FluoGuide takes precision surgery to the next level improving the outcome for cancer patients. The Company's lead product, FG001, is designed to improve surgical precision by illuminating cancer intraoperatively. This improved precision enabled by FluoGuide's products is expected to have a dual benefit - it reduces both the frequency of local recurrence post-surgery and lessens surgical sequelae. Ultimately, this improved precision will improve a patient's chance of achieving a complete cure and will lower system-wide healthcare costs. The Company has published key results on the efficacy of FG001 as well as showing it was well tolerated and safe from clinical trials in patients with aggressive brain cancer (high-grade glioma) that undergo surgery. In addition, FluoGuide has demonstrated the effect of FG001 in lung and head & neck cancers. For more information on the Company, please visit www.fluoguide.com This information is information that FluoGuide A/S is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2023-12-08 09:55 CET. Attachments FluoGuide raises SEK 12 million through exercise of warrants SOURCE: FluoGuide A/S View the original press release on accesswire.com A joint partnership by Charoen Pokphand Group (C.P. Group), Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) announced the successful pilot project for biogas-derived hydrogen production in Thailand. C.P. Group plans to use such biogas-derived hydrogen for their truck fleet for long-haul logistics for its supply chains, further accelerating Thailand's decarbonization process. Successful test of new drone technology designed for agriculture use at scale Adoption of smart logistics and date to drive efficiencies in fleet management DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- During the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference hosted in Dubai, UAE, Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. (C.P. Group), along with Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) announced progress in their pilot project to produce one of Thailand's first bio-hydrogen supply of an initial volume of 2kg/day. The Thai-Japanese partnership announced that they have completed their first trial of using poultry waste to produce bio-hydrogen, marking an important milestone in their journey towards decarbonizing the transportation sector. Backed by state-of-the-art equipment, biogas derived from poultry waste provided by C.P. Group's farms is used to produce the bio-hydrogen. This collaborative effort demonstrates C.P. Group and Toyota/CJPT's commitment to innovation and dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this initiative, Toyota has also established Thailand's first Biogas-Derived Hydrogen Production Equipment at its Asia headquarters in Samut Prakan province, south of Bangkok. To showcase the potential of bio-hydrogen as a clean energy source, the team will now embark on its next phase to trial the fuel for long-haul transportation. This trial will test the viability and performance of bio-hydrogen as an alternative energy source for the transportation sector. Together, the companies hope to eventually adopt bio-hydrogen for C.P. Group's long-haul logistics, including the powering of delivery trucks for parts of its operations in Thailand. Speaking at the Thailand Pavilion at the COP28 UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, C.P. Group Chairman Soopakij Chearavanont shared, "We are all in a race against climate change. COP28 presents a great opportunity for us all to come together, share ideas, and find innovative solutions. It is a privilege to unite with Toyota and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation to find revolutionary renewable energy solutions and pioneering approaches. Together, we aspire to create a world where sustainability becomes a way of life." Bio-hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in Thailand's decarbonization journey, and in addition to poultry waste to biogas, the partnership is also exploring broader mobility solutions, and is pleased to announce the successful completion of a second test project into the role that drones can play in supporting agriculture in Thailand. Toyota created a fuel cell powered drone that has successfully been used across a number of CP farms in support of seeding, the fertilization of crops as well as other agricultural tasks. Masahiko Maeda, CEO of Asia Region of Toyota Motor Corporation noted, "I am excited to see actual implementation progress with C.P. Group. We are achieving good results for CO2 reduction and considering how we can contribute further to the happiness of the 67 million Thai citizens under the concept of 'doing what can be done now', together with partners who share the same view. With the country's agriculture resources combined with the extensive and strong value chain of C.P. Group along with Toyota/CJPT's mobility business expertise, Thailand's first trial for producing hydrogen from poultry farm's biogas can be utilized for greener logistics. We would like to expand the scope of our collaboration to promote initiatives for carbon neutrality suited to Thailand in the three areas of energy, data and mobility." C.P. Group, through its subsidiaries, operates a large fleet of commercial vehicles. The partnership is actively exploring how different types of electric vehicles, including HEVs (hybrid electric), BEVs (battery electric) and FCEVs (fuel cell electric), can be optimized for both urban logistics and agricultural transportation, as well as how data can be effectively used to optimize loading processes and route planning to minimize fuel consumption and emissions associated with transportation. C.P. Group Member of Executive Committee, Kachorn Chiaravanont said, "C.P. Group and Toyota have shared a common interest since the start of our relationship 25 years ago to support decarbonisation. We are excited about investing in new technologies and are ambitious in our combined ambition to find new ways to support the energy transition, for Thailand. Our aim is to explore the potential of producing, transporting and using bio-gas hydrogen across C.P. Group's business, starting with trials in some of Thailand's special economic zones and then deploying at scale in due time. We invite more partners and communities to join us in our mission and journey." By combining their expertise and resources, Charoen Pokphand Group, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies are committed to driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future. About C.P. Group For over a century, Charoen Pokphand Group (or C.P. Group) has strived to provide quality products and services to serve rising demand throughout the world. C.P. Group's strong commitment to the '3-Benefit' principle has contributed towards the organization's sustainable growth with the aim to benefit the country and its people wherever it invests. Currently, the Group's core businesses cover the agri-food, retail, and telecommunications industries with operations in 21 countries and employs more than 450,000 people worldwide. C.P. Group is recognized as a major contributor in the development of the Thai economy and society as well as those of all countries it operates in. Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move. SDGs Initiatives https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT) In April 2021, Isuzu Motors Limited, Hino Motors, Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation established Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies (CJPT), a new company, with the aim to accelerate the implementation and spread of CASE in society to help address various difficulties facing the transportation industry as well as help achieve a carbon-neutral society. Suzuki Motor Corporation and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. joined the partnership in July 2021. Among the many lessons at real logistics sites since CJPT was established, there has been a renewed awareness of both the magnitude of the challenges facing the transportation industry, such as the social cost of carbon neutrality and increased burden on workers and drivers, as well as the importance of working together with society to address these issues. Together with its partners, CJPT will accelerate its efforts with a focus on logistics efficiency and electrification. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296348/DSC05632.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cp-group-and-toyotacommercial-japan-partnership-technologies-achieved-new-milestones-towards-decarbonization-with-multi-faceted-solutions-across-energy-data-and-mobility-302009949.html CUPERTINO (dpa-AFX) - Indian conglomerate Tata Group is planning to construct a new assembly plant for Apple Inc.'s iPhones in India, Blommberg reported. The move is said to be inline with the tech major's strategy to expand its manufacturing activities beyond China, to India, which is one of its largest emerging market. The new plant, deemed to be one of India's largest iPhone assembly plants, will be built in Hosur, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. The facility is anticipated to accommodate around 20 assembly lines, and to employ around 50,000 workers within the next two years. The site is likely to be operational within 12-18 months. Tata already has a facility in Hosur, where it manufactures iPhone enclosures. Apple, has been eyeing to localise its supply chain and diversify operations away from China amid increased tensions between the US and China. With the latest move, the company aims to strengthen its collaboration with Tata, which already owns an iPhone factory in the nearby state of Karnataka that was acquired from Wistron Corp. Apple has also engaged in partnerships in India, Thailand, Malaysia, and other locations. Foxconn, Apple's key iPhone assembler and supplier with major operations in China, has been moving some manufacturing and supply chains out of China. It already started building multiple factory sites across India, including one in Telangana and another in Karnataka state. Foxconn, which operates the world's biggest iPhone factory in the Zhengzhou city, called iPhone City, already manufactures iPhones at its Sriperumbudur factory on the outskirts of Chennai, India. In the prior year, Apple assembled over $7 billion worth of iPhones in India, who's share in the device's production now stands at around 7%. As per a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple and its suppliers aim to manufacture over 50 million iPhones annually in India over the next two to three years. In the following periods, tens of millions of additional units will be produced. While announcing its fourth-quarter results, Apple Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri in October had stated that India reported very strong double-digit growth and a new all-time revenue record. The company is seeing very strong double-digit growth in places like India. In India, Apple recently opened two stores with plans for three more. Meanwhile, Tata recently announced plans to launch 100 retail stores focused on Apple products. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Product ingredients that are natural and sustainable are gaining demand. It is expected of brands to spend money on environment-friendly packaging and moral sourcing. WILMINGTON, Del., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Cosmetics Market by Category (Skin & Sun Care Products, Hair Care Products, Deodorants & Fragrances, Makeup & Color Cosmetics, and Others), Gender (Men, Women, and Unisex), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies, Online Sales Channel, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global cosmetics market size was valued at $429.2 billion in 2022, and is projected to reach $864.6 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2023 to 2032. Request Sample Copy of Report: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/651 Prime determinants of growth The rise in the need for skin care products is driving the growth of the cosmetics market. However, the market for cosmetics is significantly constrained by regulatory compliance. On the other hand, the growth in demand for organic cosmetics is creating lucrative opportunities for the growth of the global cosmetics market. Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $429.2 billion Market Size in 2032 $864.6 billion CAGR 7.1 % No. of Pages in Report 250 Segments Covered Category, Gender, Distribution Channel, and Region. Drivers Rise in need for skin care products Increase in demand for natural ingredients in cosmetic products Change in packaging styles and attractive marketing strategies Opportunities Growth in demand for organic cosmetics Social media marketing Restraints Rise in awareness regarding the side effects of chemical-based cosmetics Regulatory compliance Procure Complete Report (250 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/a124809c0b37ccdd8eb25f7f8e820f84 The skin and sun care products segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By category, the skin and sun care products segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global cosmetics market revenue and is estimated to remain dominant throughout the forecast period. Skin care products play a major role in the daily healthcare regime of individuals. Moreover, a rise in awareness about natural and organic skin care products is anticipated to fuel the growth of the cosmetics market. The deodorants and fragrances segment, however, exhibits the fastest CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period. The market for deodorants is filled with intense competition with giant players, all focused on increasing their market share and position. The women segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By gender, the women segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global cosmetics market share and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. The cosmetics market across the globe has witnessed continuous and sustained growth over the years, owing to the rise in the beauty-conscious female population. The unisex segment is projected to showcase the fastest CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. Unisex perfumes from fragrance companies are being introduced, defying conventional gender stereotypes. The specialty stores segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period By distribution channel, the specialty stores segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fifths of the global cosmetics market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. Specialty cosmetic retailers are evolving to meet changing consumer trends and tastes. The online sales channel segment, however, exhibits the fastest CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period. The rise in penetration of various online portals in developing regions and the increase in the number of offers and discounts attract consumers to purchase cosmetic products through online channels. Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. In addition, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2032. Many companies are operating in the Asia-Pacific cosmetics market to increase their customer base and expand their operating areas across various countries. Major renowned brands such as The Procter & Gamble Company, L'Oreal, Avon, and Estee Launder offer a range of cosmetic products in this region, where L'Oreal leads the cosmetics market in Asia-Pacific. Enquire before buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/651 Leading Market Players: - Unilever PLC Avon Products, Inc. Kao Corporation Revlon, Inc. Shiseido Company Limited Skin Food Co., Ltd The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. The Procter & Gamble Company LOREAL S.A. Oriflame Cosmetics Global SA The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global cosmetics market. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Read More Trending "AMR Exclusive Insights: Vegan Cosmetics Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Halal Cosmetics Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2031 Cosmetics Face Serum Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 Cosmetics Bottle Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Dead Sea Mud Cosmetics Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2031 About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com/consumer-goods Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cosmetics-market-to-reach-864-6-billion-globally-by-2032-at-7-1-cagr-allied-market-research-302009954.html Tokyo and Denver, Dec 8, 2023 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Palantir Technologies Japan KK (Palantir Japan) today announced that they have signed an agreement to develop a strategic global partnership, with the support of Palantir Technologies Inc. (Palantir Technologies), focusing on the solution of societal issues and the acceleration of business transformation. Under this partnership, Fujitsu, together with Palantir, will incorporate Palantir's AI and data integration capabilities as a key element in the data infrastructure for Fujitsu Uvance, a portfolio of global solutions that address business challenges and solve societal issues, and will begin providing services in the Japan market in the 2023 fiscal year and markets including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific in fiscal 2024.Fujistu and Palantir initially entered a strategic collaboration to strengthen the digital transformation (DX) sector in the Japanese market in June 2020. Since then, Fujitsu has been Palantir Japan's exclusive flagship technology partner in Japan, helping customers achieve DX in the manufacturing, utility, financial services , and public sectors. As a Strategic Alliance Partner, Fujitsu will expand the scope of this collaboration beyond the Japanese market to North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The partnership will leverage Fujitsu's know-how developed through in-house implementation and case studies for customers in Japan, and Fujitsu and Palantir's extensive customer base in the global markets.Fujitsu will develop a services that incorporates the capabilities of Palantir Foundry, which integrates and manages large-scale data distributed across Palantir's various systems, into the data infrastructure for Fujitsu Uvance. Palantir AIP, which securely activates LLMs and other AI on customers' private networks, will also be integrated and provided to customers. This will empower customers to connect and leverage processes and data that are fragmented across organizations and enterprises, and invigorate cross-industry collaboration to provide unprecedented solutions and insights. Fujitsu will first work to deliver services in the ESG management and SCM areas that contribute to solving societal issues and business transformation and gradually expand the target areas.Fujitsu and Palantir will take full advantage of their respective capabilities to rapidly bring to market new services that meet the diverse needs of our customers, helping them transform their businesses and organizations and build resilient supply chains around the world when they need to respond to rapid changes in their business environments.Yoshinami Takahashi, SEVP of Global Business Solutions Business Group and Head of Uvance Business at Fujitsu Limited commented: "Fujitsu has been working closely with Palantir Technologies Japan and Palantir to develop highly specialized engineers in data integration and utilization, and to solve various business problems at the data origin as an internal practice using Palantir's industry-leading solutions. I'm confident that Palantir's world-class data integration and AI capabilities alongside Fujitsu's top-class computing and simulation technologies will play an important role in contributing to the realization of SX and DX and the promotion of ESG management under our vision for Fujitsu Uvance."Koichi Narasaki, Chief Executive Officer at Palantir Technologies Japan KK commented: "Since our founding in November 2019, we have used Palantir's best technology to support DX in companies and society, but in recent years we feel that the role of DX promotion through platforms such as Palantir AIP and Palantir Foundry has become even greater. Since we welcomed Fujitsu as our Flagship Technology Partner in 2020, we are pleased that this relationship has evolved into a strategic global partnership."Kevin Kawasaki, Global Head of Business Development at Palantir Technologies Inc. commented: "We are deeply proud of our work with Fujitsu, and have already jointly supported customers in every major industry in Japan with Foundry - from government, to manufacturing, utility , financial services and more. We are pleased to jointly bring AIP into our most rapidly growing geographies, including the United States, and look forward to the continued partnership with Fujitsu's talented engineers."Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030. Fujitsu's purpose - "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation" - is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu's purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$28 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About Palantir Technologies Japan K.K.Co-founded by Sompo Holdings Inc. and Palantir Technologies Inc., Palantir Japan enables the digital transformation of Japanese government and commercial institutions by providing the Palantir platforms and enabling the security of real operational data. For more information, please see https://www.palantir.com/jp/.About Palantir Technologies Inc.Foundational software of tomorrow. Delivered today. Additional information is available at https://www.palantir.com.Press Contacts:Fujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSource: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2023 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. JERSEY CITY, N.J., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. announces the release of the market assessment report on "Global Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Software and Hardware), By Type (Imaging, ECG-based, Cardiac Monitoring, and Others), By Application (Cardiac Arrhythmias, Cardiac Stroke, Ischemic Heart Disease/CAD, and Others), By End Users (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, and Other End Users) Market Outlook And Industry Analysis 2031" According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market size is valued at US$ 1.04 Bn in 2022, and it is expected to reach US$ 7.78 Bn in 2031, recording a promising CAGR of 25.24% during the forecast period of 2023-2031. Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Report Scope Report Attribute Specifications Market Size Value In 2022 USD 1.04 Bn Revenue Forecast In 2031 USD 7.78 Bn Growth Rate CAGR CAGR of 25.24 % from 2023 to 2031 Quantitative Units Representation of revenue in US$ Bn and CAGR from 2023 to 2031 Historic Year 2019 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023-2031 Report Coverage The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends Segments Covered By Product, By Type, By Application, By End Users Regional Scope North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa Country Scope U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; South East Asia; South Korea; South East Asia Competitive Landscape Aidoc, Tempus Labs, Canon, Inc., Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc., General Electric Company, HeartFlow, Inc., iRhythm Technologies, Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Siemens Healthineers AG, Viz.ai, Ultromics, Ltd., Ultromics, Ltd., Cathworks, Boston Scientific Corporation, and others. Request for Sample Pages: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/request-sample/1952 The future of cardiology will depend on many new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), precision medicine and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI/ML has increasingly been used to detect and diagnose cardiac diseases. Cardiac AI monitoring and diagnosis include using artificial intelligence (AI) technology in cardiology to help diagnose and monitor various heart diseases. Incorporating advanced AI technologies will offer complete, reliable and accessible care, which can identify patients at an earlier stage of disease and offer the proper care to help save patients' lives. In addition, technology can improve clinical decision-making through real-time data analysis. Cardiac AI diagnostic solutions include AI-integrated hardware solutions, AI-based software solutions, AI-based cardiac monitoring solutions, AI-based ECG devices, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for Artificial intelligence (Al) in Cardiology and has accelerated its adoption in hospitals. The impact has also surged the demand for AI solutions to improve the management of patients with cardiovascular disease. Some of the prominent players in the Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market are: Aidoc Tempus Labs Canon, Inc. Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc. General Electric Company HeartFlow, Inc. iRhythm Technologies, Inc. Koninklijke Philips N.V. Siemens Healthineers AG Viz.ai Ultromics, Ltd. Cathworks Boston Scientific Corporation Other Prominent Players Curious about this latest version of the report? Enquiry Before Buying:https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/enquiry-before-buying/1952 Market Dynamics: Drivers: The high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases globally, the growing need to improve accuracy in diagnosing heart diseases, the rising demand for effective and cutting-edge devices, and the adoption of advanced technologies in cardiac monitoring & diagnosis are some of the major factors contributing to the growth of the cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market. The increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases increases the demand for early detection & diagnosis of cardiac diseases, which will propel business growth in the upcoming years. In addition, launching novel products with new features is expected to support market growth. Furthermore, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular devices enhances patient care and reduces cardiac patient mortality. Moreover, product innovations & launches, partnerships, collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and funding are key strategies that players in the cardiac AI monitoring and diagnostics market adopt to improve their overall position in the market. Challenges: Maintaining data privacy is a big challenge in this field. Data protection involves properly handling sensitive data, including personal information or other non-personal data. There is still a lack of regulations on using patient health information generated from consumer devices by third-party companies. Confidentiality is critical to information transfer and sharing. Thus, data protection & privacy concerns are predicted to hamper the business expansion during the forecast period. Regional Trends: North America held the highest Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market revenue share in 2022 and is expected to continue its growth over the projection period. This is due to the fast adoption of cutting-edge technologies, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and the region's rising regulatory approvals of AI-based systems. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to rise fastest during the forecast period (2023 to 2031). This growth is due to various factors such as the growing heart diseases, the high demand for early disease diagnosis, developing healthcare infrastructure, and the growing collaborations & partnerships activities in this region. Key Developments In The Market: In March 2023, Aidoc, the leading provider of healthcare AI solutions, introduced its premier, first-of-its-kind cardiovascular AI solutions package. Aidoc's cardiovascular solutions automatically consolidate data, utilize AI to generate clinical insights for more effective diagnosis, and help prevent patients from being lost to follow-up, enabling a possible increase in downstream procedures. Aidoc, the leading provider of healthcare AI solutions, introduced its premier, first-of-its-kind cardiovascular AI solutions package. Aidoc's cardiovascular solutions automatically consolidate data, utilize AI to generate clinical insights for more effective diagnosis, and help prevent patients from being lost to follow-up, enabling a possible increase in downstream procedures. In March 2023, Canon Medical Systems supplied two Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted, spectral, wide-detector CT scanners to Craigavon Area Hospital, stake of Southern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland, to improve stroke, cancer and cardiac imaging services. Canon Medical Systems supplied two Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted, spectral, wide-detector CT scanners to Craigavon Area Hospital, stake of Southern Health and Social Care Trust in Northern Ireland, to improve stroke, cancer and cardiac imaging services. In October 2022, Aidoc partnered with Us2.ai to bring its FDA-cleared and CE Marked AI algorithm to analyze and interpret echocardiograms (echo) into its proprietary aiOS. Aidoc partnered with Us2.ai to bring its FDA-cleared and CE Marked AI algorithm to analyze and interpret echocardiograms (echo) into its proprietary aiOS. In July 2022, Medtronic plc partnered with CathWorks to invest in innovative technologies that support physicians and patients from diagnosis to treatment. Medtronic plc partnered with CathWorks to invest in innovative technologies that support physicians and patients from diagnosis to treatment. In July 2021, Canon Medical Systems collaborated with Cleerly to facilitate the simple and efficient use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) to offer a new standard of care for heart disease. Market Segments Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Product Software Hardware Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Type Cardiac Diagnostics Imaging Electrocardiography-Based (ECG-Based) Others Cardiac Monitoring Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Application Ischemic Heart Diseases/CAD Cardiac Arrhythmias Ischemic Stroke Others Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on End users Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Other End Users Market Size (Value US$ Mn) & Forecasts and Trend Analyses, 2023 to 2031 based on Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa North America Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031 U.S. Canada Europe Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031 Germany France Italy Spain Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031 India China Japan South Korea Australia & New Zealand Latin America Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031 Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market Revenue (US$ Bn) by Country, 2023 to 2031 GCC Countries South Africa Rest of Middle East & Africa Obtain Report Customization Details @https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/customisation/1952 Why should buy this report: To receive a comprehensive analysis of the prospects for the global Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market To receive an industry overview and future trends in the global Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market To analyze the Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market drivers and challenges To get information on the Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market size value (US$ Mn) forecast till 2031 Major Investments, Mergers & Acquisitions in the global Cardiac AI Monitoring and Diagnostics Market industry Other Related Reports Published by InsightAce Analytic: https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/ai-in-vitro-diagnostics-market/1773 https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/global-cardiac-assist-devices-market/1236 https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/global-cardiac-rhythm-management-devices-market-/1106 About Us: InsightAce Analytic is a market research and consulting firm that enables clients to make strategic decisions. Our qualitative and quantitative market intelligence solutions inform the need for market and competitive intelligence to expand businesses. We help clients gain a competitive advantage by identifying untapped markets, exploring new and competing technologies, segmenting potential markets, and repositioning products. Our expertise is in providing syndicated and custom market intelligence reports with an in-depth analysis of key market insights in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact Us: InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd. Tel.: +1 551 226 6109 Email: info@insightaceanalytic.com Site Visit: www.insightaceanalytic.com Follow Us on LinkedIn @ bit.ly/2tBXsgS Follow Us On Facebook @ bit.ly/2H9jnDZ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1729637/InsightAce_Analytic_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cardiac-ai-monitoring-and-diagnostics-market-size-to-expand-lucratively-and-reach-7-78-bn-to-2031---explained-details--updated-insightace-study-302009963.html Scientists have assessed the performance of Italy's first publicly funded BIPV project, which was installed in 2001. Their analysis shows that only one of the 10%-efficient panels in the 11 kW array experienced a severe fault that caused the complete loss of functionality.A group of researchers from the Polytechnic University of Milan has conducted a long-term reliability assessment on the solar modules of the country's first publicly-funded building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) project. The 11 kW system was installed in December 2001 on a building of the Polytechnic University of Milan, and ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden says it was Hamas's refusal to release young women civilian hostages that led to a breakdown in the humanitarian pause in fighting agreed by Israel and the Gaza militant outfit. Biden made this remark when he spoke with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over phone Thursday to discuss developments in Gaza. The President expressed his deep concern for the hostages that remain in the custody of Hamas, and reiterated that the Red Cross officials must be permitted to access them. Biden's allegation comes in the wake of media reports citing evidence of rape, sexual violence and abuse of Israeli civilians, both men and women, carried out by Hamas while they were in captivity. The victims and their families testified the harrowing experiences in a tensed meeting of the Israeli War Cabinet in the presence of Prime Minister Netanyahu on Tuesday. Also, there were reports of sexual assault by the militants during their cross-border attacks in Israeli cities on October 7. The U.S., Israeli leaders agreed to remain deeply engaged to pursue every possible opportunity to free the remaining hostages, the White House said. Biden emphasized the critical need to protect civilians from Israeli forces' operations and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities. Meanwhile, hosting UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron at the U.S. State Department, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, 'It remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection, and there does remain a gap between exactly what I said when I was there, the intent to protect civilians, and the actual results that we're seeing on the ground.' He told reporters that Israel has an obligation to do everything possible to put a premium on protecting civilians and maximizing humanitarian assistance. UN officials said there is no safe place left for aid agencies in southern Gaza amid the widespread Israeli military attacks targeting Hamas. Israel resumed combat operations in the thickly populated enclave after seven days of truce expired without renewal on December 1. Tens of thousands of people who have fled war-ravaged Khan Younis have sought refuge at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX BEIJING, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Lianyungang City in east China's Jiangsu Province launched this year a media campaign called "New Era, New Engine, New Journey to the West" to showcase its industrial development, investment cooperation, logistics trade, and cultural exchange achievements under the BRI. The campaign involves research interviews conducted both at home and abroad with countries and regions participating in the BRI. From May to September this year, media from Lianyungang interviewed domestic cities including Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Xi'an, and Horgos, as well as Kazakh cities of Zharkent, Almaty and Astana. From October 9 to November 17 this year, media published some articles about Lianyungang's collaboration with these cities in the construction of the new Eurasian land-sea multimodal "transportation artery" and exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, and education. The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) logistics cooperation base, launched in 2014, is the first entity project under the BRI. Acting as a dry port in the Horgos-Eastern Gate special economic zone and the West China-West Europe international transport corridor, it has become an important platform for products from Central Asian countries to reach seaports. Over the past decade, Lianyungang has mulled efforts in cultural exchanges. This August, a library in Almaty set up a special bookshelf dedicated to the culture of Lianyungang, promoting dialogue between different civilizations through mutual learning and understanding. Lianyungang also held a international youth talent exchange event this August to promote university cooperation with Kazakhstan. Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/337601.html View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-echinas-lianyungang-launches-media-campaign-to-demonstrate-fruitful-results-under-bri-302009992.html THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On 7 December 2023, the international youth organization 'World's Youth for Climate Justice' was awarded the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize at the Peace Palace. The global youth movement received the prize for its dedicated efforts in fighting climate change by means of international law and for advocating climate justice. "The link between climate change and peace might not be the first one that comes to mind. However, it is a strong one. Consequences of climate change include an increase in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, more frequent floods, wildfires and drought, that can lead to food insecurity, destruction of land and livelihood, and increased displacement - factors that foster conflict." With this explanation, Quint van Velthoven and Marijn Vodegel from World's Youth for Climate Justice opened their winner's speech. In the Great Hall of Justice, normally used as courtroom for the United Nations International Court of Justice, more than 120 students, diplomats and representatives of international organizations gathered to honor this global youth-led organization as winner of the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize. Youth Carnegie Peace Prize The Carnegie Foundation, owner and manager of the Peace Palace, and the Youth Peace Initiative award the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize every two years in order to garner best practices from young individuals or youth-led organizations and to put them in the spotlight. The prize recognizes the work of young peacebuilders and aims to encourage others to start their own projects. Motivation Prize Committee Applications for the prize were received from all over the world and the jury was impressed by the commitment of young peacebuilders. After reviewing all the video submissions, World's Youth for Climate Justice was selected as the winner of the 2023 Youth Carnegie Peace Prize. The jury explains: "It is very impressive that this youth movement is advocating climate justice and fighting climate change by means of international law. They are a great example of how young people can cooperate internationally to make a difference. That the work of these young peacebuilders consists of well thought out actions and strategies based on international law is shown in their publications. Their Youth Climate Justice Handbook presents legal arguments to help parties make submissions to the ICJ and ensures that young people's voices are taken into account during the hearings." World's Youth for Climate Justice World's Youth for Climate Justice is the global sister organization of the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change (PISFCC), founded in 2019 by 27 law students, to raise awareness for the rising sea level and the threat to Pacific Islands like Vanuatu. The youth movement is known worldwide for promoting the request for an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding states' obligations in respect of climate change. On 29 March 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted this historic resolution requesting an ICJ advisory opinion on climate justice. Importance of global youth initiatives Piet Hein Donner, president of the Carnegie Foundation - Peace Palace pointed out the importance of global youth initiatives: "This year the award of the Peace Prize takes place at a moment that not only days are darkening but the world outside seems to darken as well with war, violence, atrocities and the looming threat of more to come. The initiatives we are reviewing here, and innumerable similar initiatives around the world, are like many candles lit to chase away the impending darkness and as an expression of the spirit that it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. They are also an expression of hope, hope for a coming dawn, as it is said: the night is darkest just before dawn." Spoken word by Zaire Krieger During the award ceremony, spoken word artist Zaire Krieger combined international law, climate activism and youth participation in a piece she especially wrote for this occasion. Her performance ended with the verse: "If water is plenty, let a dam set energy in motion, to allow all seemingly tired drops to become an ocean. " Closing remarks Jan van Zanen, mayor of The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, concluded the ceremony by underlining how important it is for young people's voices to be heard: "Especially on a topic directly related to the future of today's young people and generations to come. Young people should be at the table, locally, nationally and internationally." The recording of the 2023 Youth Carnegie Peace Prize can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSd3BxicJ8A Note for editors: More information: www.peacepalace.org/youthprize hwww.youtube.com/watch?v=hSd3BxicJ8A Photo 1: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296397/Carnegie_Peace_Prize_1.jpg Photo 2: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296398/Carnegie_Peace_Prize__2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worlds-youth-for-climate-justice-received-youth-peace-prize-at-the-peace-palace-302009997.html IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / Quest International, a global aftermarket service support partner for Healthcare and Life Science OEMs, and Clinical Laserthermia Systems Americas, Inc. (CLS), a leading provider of office-based, focal laser ablation (FLA) systems for urologists, have announced a strategic partnership. Quest International logo Quest will supply a suite of end-to-end technical services allowing CLS to rapidly commercialize and maintain its install base to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. The partnership will give CLS access to trained field services technicians, an accredited depot repair operation, full warehousing/logistics capabilities, and customer service for CLS's TRANBERG Laser Ablation System - a 510(k) medical device for soft tissue ablation. CLS selected Quest International as their preferred technical service delivery partner thanks to their world-class technical service infrastructure and stringent quality standards, including four ISO registrations and ANSI-ESD certification. "CLS Americas is very pleased to partner with Quest International and its excellent reputation and expertise in all aspects of logistics operations," stated Michael Magnani, president of CLS Americas. "Our company is experiencing strong growth and interest in the U.S. urology market, and Quest will enable us to maximize our operational efficiencies during this time of expansion." "Quest is excited to provide aftermarket technical service and logistics operations to CLS Americas while they focus on continued market expansion and commercialization of their TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System and minimally invasive prostate cancer treatment," said Shawn Arshadi, President & CEO of Quest International. CLS plans to leverage Quest's capabilities to accelerate its commercial efforts and technical service capabilities while expanding its geographic footprint. With this partnership, CLS will be able to focus on rapidly expanding the adoption of its innovative TRANBERG Laser Ablation System throughout the U.S. About Quest International Quest International is the leading global aftermarket service support partner for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across multiple industries, as well as an IT-managed services provider for businesses both large and small. Having served Fortune 500 companies since 1982, Quest is dedicated to meeting the needs of its customers with a comprehensive suite of services and solutions. Go to www.questinc.com, for more information. About CLS Americas, Inc. Clinical Laserthermia Systems Americas Inc., based in Los Angeles, CA, is responsible for the sales, commercial development, operations, and clinical support for the TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System and accessories for the U.S. urology market. The powerful system provides minimally invasive, focal laser ablation treatments using MR or MR US Fusion for image guidance and has received FDA 510(k) clearance in the US for soft tissue ablation, such as prostate tumors. CLS Americas is a subsidiary of Clinical Laserthermia Systems AB (publ) headquartered in Lund, Sweden, which has subsidiaries in Germany, the U.S., and Singapore. For more information about CLS, please visit the Company's website: www.clinicallaser.com. CLS Americas Contact: Phone: +1 (949) 504-5440, Email: contact-us@clinicallaser.com. Quest Contact: Aaron Schmidt Marketing Manager communications@questinc.com Contact Information Aaron Schmidt Marketing Manager communications@questinc.com 949-581-9900 SOURCE: Quest International View the original press release on accesswire.com RIO HONDO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / Trans American Aquaculture (TAA), a pioneering leader in shrimp genetics, is delighted to announce its official approval as a preferred broodstock supplier for the shrimp aquaculture industry in India. This prestigious recognition comes because of TAA's unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable practices in shrimp genetics. With a rich history of excellence and a focus on cutting-edge research, TAA has emerged as a frontrunner in the global shrimp genetics market. The approval as a preferred broodstock supplier for India marks a significant milestone for the company, underscoring its dedication to supporting the growth and development of the aquaculture sector in the region. TAA boasts a state-of-the-art broodstock center at it facilities in Texas, dedicated to shrimp genetics, research and development. Leveraging advanced technologies and a team of expert geneticists, the company has consistently delivered superior broodstock that enhances the overall health, productivity, and disease resistance of shrimp populations. "We are honored and thrilled to be recognized as a preferred broodstock supplier for the dynamic aquaculture industry in India," said Adam Thomas, CEO of TAA "We specifically want to thank the Coastal Aquaculture Authority for their faith in our company to be able to provide our Indian partners with world class animals and genetics. This approval underscores our commitment to advancing the field of shrimp genetics and contributing to the sustainable growth of aquaculture in the region. We look forward to collaborating with our Indian partners to elevate shrimp farming practices and contribute to the overall success of the industry." As a preferred broodstock supplier, TAA is well-positioned to provide Indian aquaculture businesses with access to superior genetics that can optimize production efficiency, increase yield, and ensure the long-term viability of shrimp farming operations. For more information about Trans American Aquaculture and its sustainable aquaculture practices, please visit www.transamaqua.com. Follow their updates and progress on Twitter @TransAmAqua. About Trans American Aquaculture: Trans American Aquaculture (OTC PINK:GRPS) is a leading sustainable aquaculture company committed to meeting the increasing global demand for responsibly sourced seafood. With advanced technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dedication to environmental sustainability, the company is revolutionizing the shrimp farming industry. Trans American Aquaculture strives to provide high-quality, eco-friendly shrimp to consumers while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and ethical practices. SOURCE: Trans American Aquaculture View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - Eureka Lithium Corp. (CSE: ERKA) (OTCQB: UREKF) (FSE: S580) ("Eureka Lithium" or "Eureka" or the "Company") is please to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent ("Letter of Intent") with respect to an option ("Option") to acquire from Medaro Mining Corp. ("Optionor") a 100% undivided interest in and to the mineral claims comprising the Optionor's Lac La Motte Project in the mining area of Abitibi, Quebec ("Property"), subject to a 1% net smelter returns royalty in favor of the Underlying Owner (as defined below) ("NSR"). Figure 1: Lac La Motte Drill Hole Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9639/190361_164bef8864da581e_002full.jpg Eureka's President & CEO, Jeffrey Wilson stated, "We are pleased to enter into this letter of intent. We remain committed to our highly prospective assets in the Nunavik region of Quebec, however this new acquisition balances out the Company's project portfolio with a lithium project that can be drilled during the winter months, has good access and infrastructure and is road accessible, is drill ready and drill permitted, and is situated in a mining-friendly and active lithium district. Prior work at Lac La Motte includes significant pegmatite showings and reported spodumene, as well as encouraging prior drill intercepts including Drill Hole MD22-08 which Intersected two pegmatites: Upper 1.33 m wide with 1.49% Li2O at 36 m depth; and lower 0.93 m wide at 0.88% Li2O at 41.2 m depth. Upon satisfaction of the due diligence period and completion of the definitive agreement, Eureka's will be positioned with data, field crews, and access to a drill to immediately commence work." Under the Letter of Intent, Eureka will have an exclusive dealing period of 30 days during which it may conduct due diligence with a view to negotiating and entering into a definitive agreement ("Definitive Agreement") with the Optionor pursuant to which it would acquire the Option to acquire a 100% undivided interest in and to the Property, subject to the NSR, by satisfying each of the following conditions: Issuing to the Optionor 200,000 common shares of Eureka (" Common Shares ") on the effective date of the Definitive Agreement (" Effective Date "); Incurring exploration expenses in respect of the Property totalling $500,000 by the date that is 12 months from the Effective Date; Paying, on behalf of the Optionor, $45,000 in cash to the underlying owner (" Underlying Owner ") of the Property by May 6, 2024; Issuing to the Optionor 300,000 Common Shares by the date that is 12 months from the Effective Date; Incurring additional exploration expenses in respect of the Property totalling $500,000 by the date that is 24 months from the Effective Date; Paying, on behalf of the Optionor, $50,000 in cash to the Underlying Owner by May 6, 2025; and Issuing to the Optionor 1,000,000 Common Shares by the date that is 24 months from the Effective Date. The issuance of any Common Shares will be made pursuant to applicable exemptions from the registration and prospectus requirements under Canadian securities and corporate laws, and such Common Shares will be subject to a hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the date of issuance. The Letter of Intent is non-binding, except for provisions relating to the exclusive period of dealing and the right of Eureka to conduct a due diligence review, as well as certain other customary provisions. About Lac La Motte The Lac La Motte Property is located in the prolific mining area of Abitibi, Quebec, 40 kilometers Northwest of the city of Val-d'Or. There are several active lithium prospects/mines at various stages of exploration and development located approximately 5 km to 20 km from the Property. Recent Highlights from 2022 Drill Program: Drill Hole MD22-02 Intersected a 0.7 m wide pegmatite with 0.89% lithium oxide (Li2O) at 72.7 m drilled depth. Drill Hole MD22-05 Intersected three pegmatites: top 0.79 m wide with 1.34% Li2O at 13.18 m depth; middle 0.7 m wide with 0.5% Li2O at 20 m depth; lower 0.81 m wide at 0.78% Li2O at 22.92 m depth. Drill Hole MD22-06 Intersected three pegmatites: top 0.11 m wide with 1.10% Li2O at 31.95 m depth; middle 0.87 m wide with 1.01% Li2O at 34.53 m depth; lower 0.80 m wide at 0.55% Li2O at 37.58 m depth. Drill Hole MD22-07 Intersected 1.76 m wide pegmatite with average 4,375 ppm Li / 0.94% Li2O. Drill Hole MD22-08 Intersected two pegmatites: Upper 1.33 m wide with 1.49% Li2O at 36 m depth; and lower 0.93 m wide at 0.88% Li2O at 41.2 m depth. Drill Hole MD22-17 Intersected03 m wide pegmatite with 1,080 ppm Li at 46.9 m depth. Corporate Video To view a new Eureka Lithium corporate video, visit www.EurekaLithiumCorp.com (https://eurekalithiumcorp.com) or the following URL: Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vvm0zfNFp4 Corporate Presentation Visit the Eureka Lithium homepage or click on the following URL to view the Company's Corporate Presentation: https://eurekalithiumcorp.com/EurekaLithium_Q3_2023.pdf About Eureka Lithium Corp. Eureka Lithium is the largest lithium-focused landowner in the northern third of Quebec, known as the Nunavik region, with 100% ownership of three projects comprising 1,408 sq. km in the emerging Raglan West, Raglan South and New Leaf Lithium Camps. These claims were acquired from legendary prospector Shawn Ryan and are located in a region that hosts two operating nickel mines with deep-sea port access. For more information please contact: Jeffrey Wilson Chief Executive Officer Email: info@eurekalithiumcorp.com Cautionary Statement Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, such as statements regarding the Option, including whether the parties will enter into the Definitive Agreement, and if so, on what terms, the payments and expenditures required to exercise the Option and the timing thereof, and statements contained within the Corporate Video and Corporate Presentation. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's expectations and are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, nor that the Definitive Agreement will be entered into or that the Option will be acquired or exercised as contemplated, or at all. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190361 The Company updated the Acquisition Date to November 30, 2023, for full ownership of Alchemy Prime Ltd. (Alchemy UK) and the remaining 49.90% stake in Alchemy Markets Ltd. (Alchemy Malta) for Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.41 per share. The Company will receive $2,500,000 in direct investment from Alchemy Prime Holdings Shareholder for Series A Preferred Stock, valued at $1.00 per share. The Company will receive $5,500,000 in direct investment from Alchemy Prime Holdings Shareholder for Common Stock valued at $0.11 per share. Irvine, CA, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FDCTech, Inc. ("FDC" or the "Company," OTCQB: FDCT ), a fintech-driven company specializing in buying and integrating small to mid-size legacy financial services companies, today announced that the Company's Directors have approved the shareholders' actions ("Actions") from holders of approximately 89.01% of the 333,584,729 shares of Company stock issued and outstanding. The Board of Directors of the Company approved and authorized the Actions, which include the following: Amended Acquisition Date: The acquisition or definitive agreement date is November 30, 2023. The acquisition or definitive agreement date is November 30, 2023. Series B Preferred Stock Issuance - Alchemy UK: To acquire 100% of Alchemy Prime Limited (Alchemy UK), the Company will issue 966,379 Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.41 per share based on its net financial assets as of June 30, 2022, per audited financial statements. To acquire 100% of Alchemy Prime Limited (Alchemy UK), the Company will issue 966,379 Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.41 per share based on its net financial assets as of June 30, 2022, per audited financial statements. Series B Preferred Stock Issuance - Alchemy Malta: For the remaining 49.90% stake in Alchemy Market Limited (Alchemy Malta), the Company will issue 833,621 Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.41 per share based on its net financial assets as of November 30, 2022, per audited financial statements. For the remaining 49.90% stake in Alchemy Market Limited (Alchemy Malta), the Company will issue 833,621 Series B Preferred Stock, valued at $1.41 per share based on its net financial assets as of November 30, 2022, per audited financial statements. Series A Preferred Investment: Alchemy Prime Holdings shareholders will provide the Company $2,500,000 in direct investment for Series A preferred shares, valued at $1.00 per share, totaling 2,500,000 shares. Alchemy Prime Holdings shareholders will provide the Company $2,500,000 in direct investment for Series A preferred shares, valued at $1.00 per share, totaling 2,500,000 shares. Common Stock Investment: The Company will secure $5,500,000 in direct investment from Alchemy Prime Holdings Shareholder for Common Stock valued at $0.11 per share, totaling 50 million shares, a significant premium to the current market price. The Company will secure $5,500,000 in direct investment from Alchemy Prime Holdings Shareholder for Common Stock valued at $0.11 per share, totaling 50 million shares, a significant premium to the current market price. Streamlining Margin Brokerage Business: In a strategic move to streamline its margin brokerage operations, the Company has decided not to acquire Alchemy Markets DMCC (Alchemy UAE). Instead, all margin brokerage activities previously conducted by Alchemy UAE will be transferred to Alchemy Malta. The Company's acquisition involves purchasing shares of Alchemy UK and Alchemy Malta from Alchemy Prime Holdings Limited and its sole shareholder, Gope S. Kundnani. Mr. Kundnani is a related and affiliated party with a controlling interest in the Company, Alchemy UK and Alchemy Malta. As a result, the Company foresees a smooth and timely regulatory approval process for the change of ownership by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA UK) and the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Maintaining its position as a premier online trading and investment platform, the Company focuses on serving the European, Asian, and Australian markets. This strategic acquisition approach represents a significant milestone in the Company's operational history. The Company's management is dedicated to seamlessly integrating recent acquisitions into its proprietary technology infrastructure. This effort aims to realize cost synergies and elevate operational efficiencies. Please visit our SEC filings or the Company's website for more information on the full results, management's plan, and the binding letter of intent. Alchemy Markets Ltd. (previously known as NSFX Ltd.) Alchemy Markets (the "Company") is a limited liability company registered under the Companies Act, Cap - 386 of the Laws of Malta, with registration number C 56519. The Malta Financial Services Authority regulates Alchemy Markets with a License Number IS/56519. Alchemy Markets is authorized to deal on its account as a Category 3 licensed entity by the MFSA, receive and transmit orders for retail and professional clients, and hold and control clients' money and assets. Alchemy Markets offers trading platform services in English, French, German, Italian, and Arabic, allowing customers to trade currencies, commodities, equities, and other derivatives in real time. Alchemy Prime Limited Alchemy Prime Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, reference number 612233, in the UK. As an award-winning broker, Alchemy Prime has spent years building a deep liquidity network and investing in its pricing technology. Alchemy Prime's experience and vast network of counterparties position it to deliver customized services to brokers, hedge funds, and other institutional clients in an efficient, low-cost environment. Alchemy Prime offers strong liquidity pools, global reach, exceptionally competitive commission rates, and leverage terms. The trading and registered address is Unit 1, 74 Back Church Lane, London E1 1LX, a company registered in England and Wales with Companies House, reference number 08698974. AD Advisory Services Pty Ltd. AD Advisory Services Pty Ltd. - AFSL No. 237058, an independent specialist dealer group, provides licensing solutions for select education and compliance-focused financial advisors & accountants. ADS' dedicated management team is made up of qualified financial planners who service metro and regional practices around Australia. FDCTech, Inc. FDCTech, Inc. ("FDC") is a leading developer of regulatory-grade financial technology infrastructure designed to serve the future financial markets. Our clients include regulated and OTC brokerages and prop and algo trading firms of all sizes in forex, stocks, CFDs, commodities, indices, ETFs, precious metals, and other asset classes. Our growth strategy involves acquiring and integrating small to mid-size legacy financial services companies, leveraging our proprietary trading technology and liquidity solutions to deliver exceptional value to our clients. Press Release Disclaimer This press release's statements may be forward-looking statements or future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets, and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. The Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such forward-looking statements or information provided by the third party. Therefore, in no case will the Company and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or any related damages. ZHUZHOU, China, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- During December 8-10, the 2023 China International Rail Transit & Equipment Manufacturing Industry Exposition (the "Expo") is held in Zhuzhou International Convention & Exhibition Center, releasing the "Xiangjiang Declaration on Double-Carbon Action in Rail Transit Industry". The Expo is the only national-level international professional exhibition in the field of rail transit equipment manufacturing in China, according to the Publicity Department of Zhuzhou City. This year, the Expo, themed "intelligent rail connecting the future" and joined by 447 companies, with an exhibition area of 54,000 square meters, consists of 5 thematic exhibitions, namely rail transit equipment manufacturing, key parts and raw materials for rail transit, Hunan rail transit achievement demonstration and future rail transit, intelligent system operation & maintenance, and design consulting. More than 1,200 important guests from domestic and foreign rail transit upstream and downstream enterprises, scientific research institutions, universities and colleges will be invited to the Expo, an event to be visited by about 60,000 person-time. Important participants include Caterpillar, Corning, CRRC and other international and domestic industry leaders, as well as over 300 enterprises in the key links of rail transit who will showcase their new technology, products, and services. Zhuzhou, located in the middle east of Hunan Province, is the only pilot city both for the strategic emerging industrial agglomeration development of rail transit equipment and for the regional brand construction of national industrial cluster in China. In recent years, thanks to its vigorous efforts of developing rail transit equipment industrial cluster, it has formed an aggregation effect of "getting ready tens of thousands of parts of an electric locomotive within the time of drinking a cup of coffee". Many made-in-Zhuzhou products, including electric locomotive, intercity EMU, urban rail vehicles, intelligent rail, and rail transit equipment derivative products, sell well in more than 100 countries and regions in Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia, accounting for 27% of the global market and ranking first in the world in market share. Image Attachments Links: Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=443672 Caption: 2023 China International Rail Transit & Equipment Manufacturing Industry Exposition unveils in Zhuzhou on December 8. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296436/Exposition.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/2023-china-international-rail-transit--equipment-manufacturing-industry-exposition-unveils-in-zhuzhou-302010042.html Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. HONG KONG, Dec 8, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - InnoClub, a platform co-created by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Hang Seng Bank for start-ups and SMEs in Hong Kong and the wider Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), is pleased to announce the three winners of the inaugural InnoClub Awards.Hong Kong's leading online medical platform iMeddy, F&B industry game changer DimOrder and fast-growing biotech start-up Decode Cure have been recognised for their ground-breaking achievements in healthcare, F&B and biotech, respectively, with the awards given on the final day of HKTDC's annual Entrepreneur Day.Established in 2021, InnoClub supports more than 1,000 start-ups and SMEs in Hong Kong and the GBA with their digital transformation and competitiveness, while promoting Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation and technology (I&T) development. Aside from business matching, InnoClub organises gatherings, seminars and innovation showcases to facilitate the exchange of ideas and collaboration among its members. Coinciding with the platform's second anniversary, the Awards recognise the achievements of InnoClub members.Mr Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of HKTDC, said, "The HKTDC provides comprehensive year-round support to SMEs and start-ups, helping them transform and grow and seize arising opportunities. InnoClub recognises the tremendous advances Hong Kong has been making in I&T and contributes to the sector's continued growth. The inaugural InnoClub Awards recipients iMeddy, DimOrder and Decode Cure represent the latest generation of innovators in Hong Kong, reflecting our city's status as a regional I&T hub."Mr Gilbert Lee, Head of Strategy & Planning and Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank said: "With our long-standing presence in the local market and a strong network in the GBA, Hang Seng Bank is dedicated to supporting the growth of start-ups and SMEs. InnoClub, which we established in partnership with HKTDC, provides a unique platform to drive the growth of its members. We offer comprehensive support, including networking, business matching, tailored banking services and marketing. The award winners exemplify the ways in which InnoClub enables their growth. We aspire to further enhance InnoClub and drive more success stories, similar to those of the award winners."Spotlighting rising talentiMeddy has been awarded the InnoClub GBA Innovator Award, which recognises a start-up that has made significant contributions to I&T in the GBA, developing new and innovative products, services or technologies positively impacting the region.As more young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong venture into the GBA, which has seen an increasing number of retirees choose to spend their retirement in the region, iMeddy seized the opportunity to address their medical needs.The company has launched an online hospital in Nansha, Guangzhou. Their innovative digital platform enables Hong Kong doctors to serve as paramedics at their hospital. It also enables the seamless transport of medicine that are legally registered in Hong Kong to the GBA, providing reassurance and familiarity to patients accustomed to receiving care from Hong Kong doctors. With the Hong Kong SAR Government's robust support of GBA entrepreneurs, iMeddy aims to expand its services to include Chinese medicine.Mr Stephen Tsoi, Co-Founder and Marketing Director of iMeddy, said, "We are grateful to have benefited from InnoClub's hands-on and direct support, which sets it apart from other start-up organisations. With InnoClub's sponsorship and network, iMeddy was able to provide online Chinese medicine consultations to assist the elderly through community organisations. In the coming years, we aspire to expand our services in the GBA and extend our reach to Southeast Asia, with the continued support of InnoClub."The second winner DimOrder is the recipient of the InnoClub Industry Impact Award. This recognition is given to a start-up that has made significant contributions to an industry through their innovations, demonstrating leadership, creativity and expertise in their field.DimOrder has developed a system that covers everything from meal ordering and check-out to restaurant management and ingredient procurement. With the support of AI and big data, it is helping restaurants realise their business expansion plans, automate their marketing strategies and supply chain management.Mr Tim Lee, Co-Founder of DimOrder, said, "As the F&B industry is indispensable to our daily lives, it is crucial for us to address persistent pain-points that are common among many restaurants, so that the F&B industry can level up collectively. DimOrder is excited to create noticeable social impact in Hong Kong with over 1,500 customers currently. In addition, we hope to expand to Southeast Asia's emerging markets, with the aim to not only be a service provider, but also build a landmark F&B ecosystem."The third and final award, InnoClub Rising Star Award, recognises an up-and-coming start-up that has shown exceptional promise and the makings of a future leader in their field by demonstrating creativity, leadership and a commitment to innovation.Award recipient Decode Cure aims to develop a precise, rapid and user-friendly diagnostic solution to identify pathogens, using combined techniques of bioinformatic and big data analytics. Nearing the end of its four-year R&D phase, the biotech firm's advanced technology detects pathogens causing complex disease, such as pneumonia and Alzheimer's in under 24 hours. During the pandemic, it contributed to the Hong Kong SAR Government's sewage surveillance programme, a cost-effective measure that allows the monitoring of variants, leading to the lowest possible impact on the community. The technology shortens the time to get results by 10 days, compared with clinical data.Dr Bin Ye, Founder of Decode Cure, said: "In InnoClub, there are a lot of companies in the early development stages. They have great technologies and I believe our company can utilise some of the techniques of these companies for our commercial and marketing use. As we are pushing our product to the market, we can reach out directly to more potential customers thanks to InnoClub and Hang Seng's large membership and clientele, which make this a great vehicle and opportunity."Photo Download: https://bit.ly/3RyFBTFMedia enquiriesHill & Knowlton:Ada Leung, Tel: (852) 9280 3822, Email: ada.leung@hillandknowlton.comSharon Abratique, Tel: (852) 6324 8499, Email: sharon.abratique@hillandknowlton.comHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Frankie Leung, Tel: (852) 2584 4298, Email: frankie.cy.leung@hktdc.orgAgnes Wat, Tel: (852) 2584 4554, Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.orgMedia Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enTo view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInAbout Hang Seng BankHang Seng is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Founded in 1933, Hang Seng has continually innovated to provide best-in-class, customer-centric banking, investment and wealth management services for individuals and businesses. It is widely recognised as the leading domestic bank in Hong Kong, currently serving more than 3.9 million customers.Combining its award-winning mobile app and strong digital capabilities with a vast network of over 260 service outlets in Hong Kong, Hang Seng offers a seamless omni-channel experience for customers to take care of their banking and financial needs anytime, anywhere.Its wholly owned subsidiary, Hang Seng Bank (China) Limited, operates a strategic network of outlets in almost 20 major cities in Mainland China to serve a growing base of Mainland customers locally and those with cross-boundary banking needs. The Bank also operates branches in Macau and Singapore, and a representative office in Taipei.As a homegrown financial institution, Hang Seng is closely tied to the Hong Kong community. It supports the community with a dedicated programme of social and environmental initiatives focused on future skills for the younger generation, sustainable finance and financial literacy, addressing climate change and caring for the community.Hang Seng is a principal member of the HSBC Group, one of the world's largest banking and financial services organisations. More information on Hang Seng is available at www.hangseng.com .Source: HKTDCHang Seng BankCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Government has urged manufacturers of RSV immunization vaccines to work expeditiously to meet anticipated demand for immunizations this winter season through the commercial market. Senior Biden Administration officials met with manufacturers and partners of RSV immunizations including Sanofi, AstraZeneca, and Thermo Fisher earleier this week. During the meeting, the two sides also discussed efforts manufacturers are taking to increase availability of RSV immunizations for the 2024-25 viral season. This follows a number of meetings, including last week, to continue to identify ways manufacturers can make more RSV available for infants, the Wite House said. In November, manufacturers released 77,000 additional doses of RSV immunizations for infants following the Biden Administration's call on the manufacturers to expedite the availability of doses. To prevent severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus disease in infants, CDC recommends either maternal RSV vaccination or infant immunization with RSV monoclonal antibody. Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. MORRISTOWN (dpa-AFX) - Carrier Global Corporation (CARR) said on Friday that it has inked a deal to sell its Global Access Solutions business to Honeywell International Inc. (HON) for $4.95 billion. Following the news, CARR was trading up by 4.92 percent at $55.49 per share in the pre-market trade on the New York Stock Exchange. The seller expects net proceeds of around $4 billion from the transaction and intends to use the same to pay down debt. The deal is anticipated to be closed before the end of the third-quarter of 2024. David Gitlin, CEO of Carrier, said: 'The transaction, together with the planned exits of our Industrial Fire, Residential and Commercial Fire, and Commercial Refrigeration cabinet businesses, will accelerate our growth strategy and focus, positioning Carrier to deliver higher growth and superior shareholder value and further reinforcing our track record of performing while transforming.' Global Access Solutions is a provider of advanced access and security solutions, electronic locking systems, and contactless mobile key solutions. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On the sideline of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), AE4RIA, and Huawei hosted a session with the UNFCCC Global Innovation Hub to "Accelerate Green Innovation" and release a white paper Twin Skills for the Twin Transition: Defining Green Digital Skills and Jobs. Developed in collaboration with the ATHENA Research Centre, Sustainable Development Unit under AE4RIA, PwC, and with the contribution of EIT Digital, the report promises a guide to develop new training that will equip the green digital workforce needed to achieve net-zero. Opening the event, Vicky Zhang, Vice President of Corporate Affairs from Huawei, said: "I am proud to launch the new report today with our partners. The report focuses on developing a new classification for Green Digital Skills that will define the course of action to reskill and upskill people to build and spread the net-zero technologies needed to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives." Indeed, as Salvatore Moccia, Head of Education and Skills, EIT Digital, highlights, "more than three-quarters of companies in the EU report difficulties finding workers with the right skill set. With the acceleration of the digital and green transitions, a paradigm shift in defining, identifying, and developing skills for the twin transition is thus required. This is fully aligned with our reskilling and upskilling programs". In an era of multiple crises, addressing economic growth without paying equal attention to sustainability is no longer possible and does not ultimately produce the expected financial results. In parallel, the presence of digital technologies in almost all aspects of our lives has exponentially increased the speed of changes and impact on people and businesses. But today is not just about a digital transition. It is about a clean-tech revolution powered by the need to produce green energy. And this has the potential to have a significant impact on jobs. At the launch event, Dr. Barbara Botos, Ambassador-at-large for Climate, Ministry of Energy of Hungary, stressed: "The color of energy is green. But green energy is only meaningful if we can store it. The industry is a world of interconnections. We need balanced development in all sectors to accelerate green transition everywhere." But does Europe have the skills to accelerate the green transition? SolarPower Europe predicted that in the EU solar sector alone, one million jobs will emerge by 2025. With new industrial and technological challenges, the educational offering has to evolve and meet new needs. Industry players like Huawei stand ready to increase training offerings. In 2023, we have provided over one thousand trainings for tens of thousands of installers. A collaborative ecosystem to upskill and skill-qualified professionals will be the keystone of this new era. Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, President EAERE, and Chair of SDSN Global Climate Hub, who led the research efforts, also warned: "In the context of the European Green Deal, the Twin Transition is accelerating structural changes in labor markets. And while the EU is developing a new net-zero industrial strategy to strengthen its competitiveness, talent may be short. I am proud of this collaboration that will inform educational, industrial, and policy stakeholders about the new labor needs to achieve climate neutrality by 2050" Huawei Vice President for European Public Affairs, Dr. Hui Cao, concluded "I hope we can all join forces to disseminate the report. The challenges posed by climate change are vast, but together we can develop the talent needed to unleash the potential of digitalization to revolutionize how we approach sustainability." The report is now available at: https://www.europeandigitalskills.eu/white-paper/ About Huawei Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 207,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our Vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go. For more information, please visit Huawei online at: www.huawei.com https://e.huawei.com/ae/ or follow us on: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Huawei https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/huawei-enterprise http://www.twitter.com/Huawei http://www.facebook.com/Huawei http://www.youtube.com/Huawei Middle East: https://www.facebook.com/HuaweiTechME https://twitter.com/Huawei_ME Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296552/Huawei_COP28_Speakers.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2293153/4446727/Huawei_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huawei-and-partners-unveil-a-new-green-digital-skills-and-jobs-classification-to-help-accelerate-the-twin-transition-302010108.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - ArcWest Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AWX) ("ArcWest") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Interra Copper Corp. (CNSX: IMCX) ("Interra") to explore ArcWest's Rip porphyry copper-molybdenum (Cu-Mo) project ("the Project") in central British Columbia. A technical presentation for Rip is available for download here. Tyler Ruks, President and CEO of ArcWest commented, "ArcWest views the Rip Project as containing a highly underexplored porphyry copper system and is looking forward to working with Interra to advance the project. Exploration plans for the 2024 field season include a 3D induced polarization geophysical survey in order to identify potential drill targets." Rip Project Earn-In Agreement with Interra Under the terms of the agreement, Interra has a two-stage option to earn up to an 80% ownership interest in the Rip project over up to an 8-year period. To earn an initial 60% interest (the "First Tier Earn-in"), Interra is required to fund $2 million of work expenditures over a 4-year period and make staged cash and share payments to ArcWest totaling $100,000 and 1,050,000 shares, respectively. Interra will issue 200,000 shares to ArcWest before December 4, 2023. ArcWest will be the operator during the initial earn-in period. Upon Interra earning such 60% interest, it can elect, at its sole discretion, to earn an additional 20% ownership interest in the Rip project (for a total 80% interest; the "Second Tier Earn-in") by, over a four year period, completing and delivering to ArcWest a Feasibility Study for the Property, in addition to making staged cash payments to ArcWest totaling $1,000,000 ($250,000 per year). The Second Tier Earn-In period may be extended beyond its initial four year term by up to three years under the following conditions: Interra sole funding work expenditures of at least CAD $2,000,000 per extension year, and; Interra paying ArcWest CAD $100,000 per extension year in addition to the $250,000 required to be paid. If Interra does acquire the Second Tier Earn-In, Interra and AWX will fund a joint venture company ("JVCo") in proportion to their interests held in JVCo (that is, 80% and 20% respectively), or dilute. In the event a production decision is made by the JVCo to place the Property into production, Interra shall arrange project financing for the JVCo, the repayment of which shall be made out of cash flows from the property. If a Party dilutes to less than a 10% equity interest in JVCo, then that Party will forfeit its interest in JVCo in return for a 2.0% Net Smelter Returns Royalty interest, one percent of which may be purchased by the other Party for CAD $5,000,000 at any time. Any transfer of the royalty holder's interest to another person will be subject to a right of first offer in favor of the royalty payor. Rip Project ArcWest's 100%-owned Rip Project (2309 hectares) is located 63 kilometers south of Houston and 79 kilometers southwest of Burns Lake in central B.C. The Rip Project is situated in Stikine Terrane in a prolific belt of Late Cretaceous (Bulkley Plutonic Suite) porphyry copper-molybdenum (Cu-Mo) deposits, which includes Imperial Metals' Huckleberry Mine, 33 kilometers to the southwest, presently on care and maintenance. In addition to the Huckleberry Mine, the Bulkley porphyry belt includes the Whiting Creek, Poplar, Seel and Ox Cu-Mo (gold-silver) deposits. The fully permitted Rip Project is road accessible from either Houston or Burns Lake. The Rip Project covers the central axis of a 15 by 6 kilometer window of Early Jurassic Hazelton Group volcano-sedimentary rocks intruded by several small stocks of Late Cretaceous Bulkley Plutonic Suite porphyritic granodiorite. Faults bounding this block trend northwesterly and separate the Hazelton Group from surrounding blocks of younger (Late Cretaceous to Eocene) volcanics. The Rip target was initially advanced by Kennco Explorations between 1975 and 1981. Kennco completed an Induced Polarization survey in 1975 which delineated a significant chargeability high. Although Kennco stated "in the final analysis this area will require an extensive drilling program to determine whether a zone of economic mineralization exists within the sulfide system" (Dorval and Stevenson, 1976), it was tested only by a single, 294 meter-long diamond drill hole (at -45 degree inclination) in 1975. The drill hole intersected intensely quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP) altered andesite and quartz diorite to a depth of 115 meters where the zone was cut off by a fault. The QSP altered zone above the fault averaged 0.07% Cu and 0.005% Mo over 70.3 meters (35.3-105.6m). The IP survey was extended in 1980, outlining the 0.8-1.5 by 2.2 kilometer chargeability high, and 36 shallow percussion drill holes totaling 1763 meters were completed (11 of the drill holes failed to reach bedrock). Logging of drill cuttings from these percussion holes delineated a zone of QSP alteration approximately corresponding to the chargeability high. A multi-element analysis of the core cuttings from 26 of the percussion holes in 1981 outlined a central 0.5 by 1.5 kilometer Cu-Mo anomaly coring a broad peripheral lead-zinc-arsenic-manganese anomaly, a geochemical zonation typical of porphyry copper systems. Although most of the Rip property is covered by glacial deposits, near the core of the Kennco chargeability anomaly a small (50 by 100 meter) area of outcrop and shallow trenches exposes strong multistage porphyry-style stockwork veining within altered Hazelton volcanics and feldspar-quartz porphyry. Early magnetite-chalcopyrite-pyrite 'A' veins with white K-feldspar (or albite) halos are cut by later quartz-chalcopyite-pyrite-molybdenite 'B' veins. Veining accompanies pervasive magnetite-biotite (potassic) alteration which is variably overprinted by quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP). Multistage porphyry-style veining locally reaches strong stockwork density. Limited rock sampling of these outcrops in 2017-2018 (8 samples), returned 258-1490 parts per million (ppm) copper, 3-238 ppm molybdenum, 7-69 parts per billion gold, and 0.2-1.5 ppm silver. Deleterious elements occur at very low levels (e.g., zinc <77 ppm, lead <4 ppm, and arsenic <5 ppm). The Proposed Transaction is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. ArcWest's corporate and project specific technical presentations are available for download from www.arcwestexploration.com. References Dorval, D.P., Stevenson, R.W. (1976): Report on Induced Polarization-Resistivity and Magnetometer Survey, RIP NOS. 1 and 2 Mineral Claims, January 30, 1976. B.C. Assessment Report 5818. QA/QC Statement Assays from historical exploration programs on the Rip Property have not been verified by ArcWest but have been cited from sources believed to be reliable. Rock samples cited in the text were collected from variably mineralized and altered rock in order to help characterize the tenor of different styles of mineralization. The samples comprise representative grabs from outcrops and locally derived subcrop. Samples were collected in plastic sample bags and sealed with plastic zip ties. Sample locations were recorded by GPS. Samples were bundled in security sealed rice bags and trucked to ALS Minerals laboratory in North Vancouver. At the laboratory, the samples were dried, crushed and pulverized using standard rock preparation procedures. The pulps were then analyzed for Au using a 30 gram fire assay with ICP-AES finish and for 35 elements by ICP-AES. Aqua regia digestion was utilized for the ICP analyses. Aqua Regia is not a whole rock digestion and may underestimate molybdenum values in particular. Quality control at the laboratory is maintained by submitting blanks, standards and re-assaying duplicate samples from each analytical batch. About ArcWest Exploration Inc. ArcWest Exploration is a project generator focused on porphyry copper-gold exploration opportunities throughout western North America. The company is in possession of eight 100% owned copper-gold projects throughout BC's premier porphyry copper-gold districts. These include ArcWest's Todd Creek and Oweegee Dome projects, which are two of the largest and most prospective land positions for copper-gold exploration in BC's prolific Golden Triangle. Oweegee Dome neighbours Seabridge Gold's supergiant KSM-Iron Cap-Snowfield porphyry copper-gold deposit and Todd Creek adjoins Newmont Mining's recently acquired Brucejack mine property. Three ArcWest projects are currently being advanced by partners through earn-in and joint venture agreements. ArcWest has partnered with Freeport-McMoRan to explore ArcWest's 100% owned Todd Creek copper-gold project. By conducting partner funded exploration on multiple exploration projects simultaneously, ArcWest's chances of discovery are enhanced while exposing shareholders to minimal dilution. The company is managed by an experienced technical team with a track record of discovery and a reputation for attracting well-funded senior partners, including Freeport McMoRan, Robert Friedland group companies, ITOCHU, Antofagasta and Teck. Qualified Person ArcWest's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Bradford, MSc, PGeo, Technical Advisor, who serves as a Qualified Person under the definition of National Instrument 43-101. For further information please contact: Tyler Ruks, President and CEO at +1 (604) 638 3695. Investors are cautioned that ArcWest Exploration Inc. has not verified the data from the Huckleberry, Whiting Creek, Poplar, Seel and Ox deposits. Further, the presence and style of mineralization on these properties is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the ArcWest Exploration Inc. property. Historical assays from exploration programs on its properties have not been verified by ArcWest but have been cited from sources believed to be reliable. This news release contains statements about ArcWest's expectations and are forward-looking in nature. As a result, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although ArcWest believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them as actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and ArcWest undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190311 DUBLIN (dpa-AFX) - Ireland's manufacturing output continued to decline sharply in October, preliminary figures from the Central Statistics Office showed on Friday. Manufacturing output plunged a seasonally adjusted 33.8 percent year-on-year in October, faster than the 28.8 percent decline in September. On a monthly basis, output in the manufacturing sector dropped 5.2 percent from September, when it grew by 1.6 percent. Industrial production also fell markedly by 31.4 percent in October compared to last year, following a 27.2 percent jump in the prior month. Compared to the previous month, industrial output showed a decline of 7.0 percent in October after a 2.2 percent fall in the prior month. During the August-October period, production in the manufacturing industries contracted by 16.9 percent compared with the previous three-month period. The modern sector, which includes the chemical, pharmaceutical, and computer and electronics sectors, recorded an annual fall of 32.2 percent in industrial production in the period August to October 2023, while the traditional sector showed an increase of 2.9 percent. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 8:30 am ET Friday, the Labor Department will release U.S. nonfarm payrolls data for November. Ahead of the data, the greenback traded mixed against its major counterparts. While it recovered against the franc and the euro, it was steady against the yen and the pound. The greenback was worth 144.36 against the yen, 1.0772 against the euro, 1.2575 against the pound and 0.8757 against the franc as of 8:25 am ET. Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. MORGAN HILL, CA / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / Following an in-depth analysis by Frost & Sullivan of the MQTT connectivity platforms industry, EMQ has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award for MQTT Platforms. Known for its pioneering work, particularly "MQTT over QUIC," EMQ has established itself as a frontrunner in IoT data connectivity solutions. The company's innovative approach and commitment to excellence have positioned it as an industry leader. Responding to the growing demand for advanced IoT solutions worldwide, EMQ Technologies has consistently delivered groundbreaking solutions that set new market standards. Its flagship MQTT platform is renowned for its efficient, reliable, and bidirectional data exchange between systems, devices, and the cloud, earning rapid recognition in the industry. According to Sebastian Trolli, Senior Industry Analyst, Industrial Technologies at Frost & Sullivan, "EMQ's EMQX platform scales to fit enterprise MQTT needs. It offers flexibility, agility, and configurability to support seamless connectivity, delivering the necessary tools and technology infrastructure for customers to succeed. Unlike most competitors' vertical point solutions, the company's broad approach to the market uniquely leverages its technology with a high-performing, scalable, low latency, and stable solution." The EMQX Platform epitomizes a top-tier MQTT solution leading the way in modern IoT solutions with integrated MQTT Pub/Sub, Messaging, and Streaming capabilities. Engineered for ultra-low latency, with response times under 10ms, it effortlessly facilitates real-time data processing. Its design supports multi-tenancy, providing robust access control and resource separation to meet diverse user needs. EMQX stands out with its exceptional Geo-distribution capability, ensuring seamless data accessibility across regions, essential for global operations. Capable of supporting up to 100 million concurrent connections, it exemplifies scalability, meeting the needs of contemporary applications. EMQX prioritizes a user-centric design, offering developers a range of tools and support for simplified integration and enhanced application architecture. It encapsulates essential features, focusing on performance, scalability, and reliability, a significant advancement in IoT connectivity, messaging, and streaming. EMQ's ongoing commitment to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and customer-focused strategies strengthens its brand and market position. Its pursuit of excellence has earned it Frost & Sullivan's 2023 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award for MQTT Platforms. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to a company exemplifying excellence in growth strategy and innovation, leadership in customer value, and rapid response to market needs, recognizing emerging market participants poised for future growth. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards honor companies for outstanding achievements in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development, identifying industry best practices through comprehensive analysis. Discover EMQ's innovative MQTT solutions on our website and explore the Award Report for more details. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. About EMQ EMQ is a leading global provider in the MQTT-based Messaging Platform domain. Its flagship product, EMQX, is a robust and unified MQTT platform, serving as a foundational component for modern IoT solutions. It supports up to 100 million concurrent IoT device connections per cluster, boasts a throughput of up to 1 million messages per second, and ensures sub-millisecond latency. EMQX is trusted by over 20,000 enterprise users worldwide, connecting more than 100 million IoT devices, and catering to over 400 customers in critical IoT scenarios. This includes prestigious brands like HPE, VMware, Verifone, SAIC Volkswagen, and Ericsson. EMQ's global R&D center, a hub for innovation and development, is located in Stockholm, Sweden. With over ten offices spread across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, EMQ demonstrates its extensive global reach and commitment to providing top-tier IoT solutions on a worldwide scale. 305 Vineyard Town Center, Morgan Hill, CA, USA 95037 www.emqx.com | media@emqx.io CONTACT: Melanie Wu PR Manager melanie@emqx.io SOURCE: EMQ Technologies Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is honored to announce Petronille Vaweka of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as the recipient of the 2023 Women Building Peace Award. This prestigious international award, which is given annually, honors women of extraordinary commitment, leadership and impact who are working to build peace and resolve violent conflict in their communities. "Petronille is a woman of courage and determination," said Lise Grande, USIP's president and CEO. "Petronille negotiates, persuades, influences, and inspires people to lay down their weapons, end fighting, and work together to resolve their grievances. This is some of the hardest, most dangerous work done by anybody anywhere." USIP's Women Building Peace Council, comprised of distinguished experts and advisers, selected three finalists, and the winner, from over 150 nominations received from 42 countries. "Eastern Congo is rife with death and destruction," said Council Chairs Marcia Carlucci and Megan Beyer. "Petronille is an extraordinarily brave woman working tenaciously over three decades for change in a male dominated culture of violence." Petronille is the senior mediator for Engaged Women for Peace in Africa (FEPA), a network of women working in conflict-affected areas of eastern DRC. As National Deputy of the Transition from 2004 until 2008, Petronille was a lead negotiator with armed groups and has been a trainer and manager in the country's National Stabilization and Reconstruction Program for more than a decade. Petronille's award was announced at a ceremony today at the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa. For information on the award, visit www.usip.org/womenbuildingpeace For information on USIP, visit: https://www.usip.org/about Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1274028/United_States_Institute_of_Peace_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/us-institute-of-peace-announces-petronille-vaweka-the-2023-women-building-peace-award-recipient-302007080.html The "Switzerland Data Center Market Investment Analysis Growth Opportunities 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Switzerland Data Center Market is projected to reach a value of $1.58 billion by 2028 from $1.04 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.2%. This report analyses the Switzerland data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. Some key investors in the Switzerland data center market include Digital Realty, Equinix, NTT Global Data Centers, STACK infrastructure, Vantage Data Centers, and Green, among others. The construction contractors in the country have both global and local presence, supplying major operators in the market. Some include Arup, Bassler Hofmann, cpcm, DPR Construction, ffbk Architekten, Gruner, ISG, and Kirby Group Engineering. The Switzerland data center market is experiencing robust growth driven by technology penetration, data traffic surge, and proactive government initiatives. The "Digital Switzerland" strategy introduced by the Federal Council outlines priorities, including digital-friendly laws, healthcare digitization, and digital sovereignty, driving data center growth. The Swiss government is actively promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources through various initiatives. The Swiss Data Center Association (SDCA) is part of the Climate Neutral Data Center Pact, which aims to contribute to Europe's 2050 goal of achieving climate neutrality. Regarding cloud computing, Switzerland is witnessing a robust presence from industry giants such as AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle. These companies have established a significant foothold in the Swiss market, leveraging their advanced cloud technologies to serve businesses and consumers. Switzerland's data protection landscape is characterized by stringent laws and regulations, which extend to compliance with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This comprehensive approach to data security guarantees the confidentiality and integrity of data housed and managed within Swiss data centers. The Switzerland data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the market. WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS RESEARCH? Market size available in the investment, area, power capacity, and Switzerland colocation market revenue. An assessment of the data center investment in Switzerland by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the country. A detailed study of the existing Switzerland data center market landscape, an in-depth industry analysis, and insightful predictions about market size during the forecast period. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 109 Forecast Period 2022 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $1.04 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1.58 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.2% Regions Covered Switzerland Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Switzerland Facilities Covered (Existing): 56 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 03 Coverage: 18+ Locations Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data Center Colocation Market in Switzerland Market Revenue Forecast (2022-2028) Retail Colocation Pricing VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Inspur Lenovo NetApp NEC Corporation Data Center Construction Contractors Sub-Contractors Arcos'arre Architecture Arup Bassler Hofmann cpcm DPR Construction ffbk Architekten Gruner ISG Kirby Group Engineering Steiger Concept Turner Townsend Webuild Group Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Caterpillar Cummins Eaton Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Rittal Rolls-Royce Schneider Electric Socomec STULZ Vertiv Data Center Investors Digital Realty Equinix NTT Global Data Centers Vantage Data Centers Green STACK Infrastructure Swisscom EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Zurich Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the region (Area and Power Capacity) REPORT COVERAGE: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Rack Cabinets Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers Dry Coolers Economizers Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core Shell Development Installation commissioning Services Engineering Building Design Fire Detection Suppression Systems Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Zurich Other Cities For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7qsnzb About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231208630150/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 With 5.6 months of additional follow-up and 78.3% of patients having completed Kisqali (ribociclib) investigational treatment, the updated analysis shows sustained iDFS benefitand stability in secondary endpoints including overall survival (OS)1,2 iDFS benefit remains consistent across key patient subgroups; among patients with stage II and stage III tumors, Kisqali lowered risk by 30% and 24.5%, respectively1,2 Latest analysis continues to show a well-tolerated safety profile in line with previously reported results, and quality of life for Kisqali patients preserved vs. endocrine therapy (ET) alone1,2,3 Risk of recurrence remains a short and long term concern; one in eight women treated with ET alone in NATALEE likely to experience invasive disease at 3 years1,2 Kisqali is currently approved in the metastatic setting, where it has consistently demonstrated statistically significant OS benefit across three Phase III trials4-15; Novartis has filed NATALEE results with EMA and will submit these latest EBC data to the FDA by end of year Basel, December 8, 2023 - Novartis today announced results from an updated invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) analysis of the pivotal Phase III NATALEE trial, with a median follow-up of 33.3 months and following Kisqali (ribociclib) treatment completion by 78.3% of patients. Results reinforce the benefit seen at the earlier interim analysis, with a 25.1% (HR=0.749; 95% CI: 0.628, 0.892; p=0.0006) reduction in risk of disease recurrence in patients with stage II and III hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer (EBC) treated with adjuvant Kisqali plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor as standard endocrine therapy (ET) compared to ET alone1,2. Late-breaking data from this analysis will be presented today at the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) Annual Meeting. Kisqali iDFS benefit across pre-specified subgroups1: Subgroup 3-year iDFS rate, % HR (95% Cl) ITT population Kisqali + ET: 90.7 0.749 ET alone: 87.6 (0.628, 0.892) AJCC Stage II Kisqali + ET: 94.2 0.700 ET alone: 92.6 (0.496, 0.986) AJCC Stage III Kisqali + ET: 88.1 0.755 ET alone: 83.8 (0.616, 0.926) Node-negative (N0) Kisqali + AI: 93.2 0.723 ET alone: 90.6 (0.412, 1.268) "As clinicians, we know that patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer remain at risk of recurrence for decades, despite adjuvant endocrine therapy. Moreover, the real risk observed in this analysis in patients treated with endocrine therapy alone, including those with node-negative disease, highlights the need for effective and tolerable treatment options that can help keep patients cancer-free in the short and long term," said Gabriel N. Hortobagyi, MD, FACP, Professor of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "The updated NATALEE results reinforce the potential of ribociclib to help address these needs for the broader at-risk population with no added disruptions to patients' quality of life compared to endocrine therapy alone." Kisqali data across all secondary efficacy endpoints was also consistent, including distant disease-free survival (DDFS) (25.1% risk reduction) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (27.3% risk reduction). With fewer than 4% of events in both treatment arms (3.3% in the Kisqali-ET arm and 3.4% in the ET only arm), overall survival (OS) results will continue to evolve in the longer term1,2. The safety profile of Kisqali at the 400 mg dose remained consistent with previously reported results, with generally low-grade adverse events (AEs), other than laboratory abnormalities. AEs of special interest (grade 3 or higher) were neutropenia (44.3%), liver-related AEs (e.g., elevated transaminases) (8.6%), and QT interval prolongation (1.0%)1,2. No new safety signals were identified1,2. "The final iDFS analysis of NATALEE represents a significant milestone, building upon the robust evidence supporting Kisqali as a potential new adjuvant treatment for a broad, clinically common and identifiable population of patients with stage II and III HR+/HER2- early breast cancer," said Jeff Legos, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Oncology Development at Novartis. "We are seeking approval for Kisqali in early breast cancer from health authorities worldwide, aspiring to more than double the number of at-risk patients who could potentially benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment in this setting." Novartis submitted NATALEE data to the European Medicines Agency and plans to finalize submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by end of year. About NATALEE NATALEE is a global Phase III multi-center, randomized, open-label trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Kisqali (ribociclib) with ET as an investigational adjuvant treatment versus ET alone in patients with stage II and III HR+/HER2- EBC, being conducted in collaboration with TRIO2. The adjuvant ET in both treatment arms was a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI; anastrozole or letrozole) and goserelin if applicable2. The primary endpoint of NATALEE is iDFS as defined by the Standardized Definitions for Efficacy End Points (STEEP) criteria2. A total of 5,101 adult patients with HR+/HER2- EBC across 20 countries were randomized in the trial2. Results previously announced at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting 2023 showed Kisqali plus ET, compared to ET alone, lowered the risk of cancer recurrence by 25.2% (HR=0.748; 95% CI: 0.618, 0.906; p=0.0014), along with consistent clinically meaningful iDFS benefit across key pre-specified subgroups2. NATALEE explored a lower starting dose (400 mg) of Kisqali than the dose approved for treatment in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) (600 mg) with the goal to minimize disruptions to patient quality of life without compromising efficacy. Compared to the 600 mg dose, the safety profile of Kisqali at 400 mg was observed to have lower rates of symptomatic AEs and less need for dose modifications when administered up to three years2. AEs of special interest (grade 3 or higher) are neutropenia (44.3%), liver-related AEs (e.g., elevated transaminases) (8.6%), and QT interval prolongation (1.0%)1,2. About Early Breast Cancer More than 90% of patients diagnosed with breast cancer have EBC16. Despite adjuvant ET, approximately one-third of those diagnosed with stage II and more than half of those diagnosed with stage III HR+/HER2- EBC experience cancer recurrence17,18. The risk of recurrence continues over decades with more than half of breast cancer recurrences occurring five or more years after diagnosis17,19. For many of these patients, there are currently no targeted therapeutic options outside of the standard chemotherapy and ET20. About Kisqali (ribociclib) Kisqali has consistently demonstrated OS benefit while preserving or improving quality of life across three Phase III trials in MBC4-15. Updates to the NCCN Guidelines for breast cancer, released in January 2023, recommend ribociclib (Kisqali) as the only Category 1 preferred CDK4/6 inhibitor for first-line treatment of patients with HR+/HER2- MBC when combined with an aromatase inhibitor (AI)21. Additionally, Kisqali has the highest rating of any CDK4/6 inhibitor on the ESMO Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale, achieving a score of five out of five for first-line pre-menopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer22. Further, Kisqali in combination with either letrozole or fulvestrant has uniquely, among other CDK4/6 inhibitors, received a score of four out of five for post-menopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer treated in the first line23. Kisqali has been approved in 99 countries worldwide, including by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission. In the U.S., Kisqali is approved for the treatment of adult patients with HR+/HER2- advanced or MBC in combination with an AI as initial ET or fulvestrant as initial ET or following disease progression on ET in post-menopausal women or in men. In the EU, Kisqali is approved for the treatment of women with HR+/HER2- advanced or MBC in combination with either an AI or fulvestrant as initial ET or following disease progression. In pre- or peri-menopausal women, the ET should be combined with a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist20. Novartis is committed to continuing to study Kisqali in breast cancer. Novartis is collaborating with SOLTI, which is leading the HARMONIA study to test whether Kisqali changes tumor biology to enable a better response to ET compared to Ibrance* (palbociclib) for patients with HR+/HER2-, HER2-enriched subtype24 MBC, and with the Akershus University Hospital in Norway on the NEOLETRIB trial, a neoadjuvant Phase II trial studying the effects of Kisqali in HR+/HER2- EBC to discover the potentially unique underlying mechanism of action25. Kisqali was developed by the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR) under a research collaboration with Astex Pharmaceuticals. Please see full Prescribing Information for Kisqali, available at www.Kisqali.com (https://www.us.kisqali.com/metastatic-breast-cancer/) Disclaimer This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by words such as "potential," "can," "will," "plan," "may," "could," "would," "expect," "anticipate," "look forward," "believe," "committed," "investigational," "pipeline," "launch," or similar terms, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential marketing approvals, new indications or labeling for the investigational or approved products described in this press release, or regarding potential future revenues from such products. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations regarding future events, and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. In particular, our expectations regarding such products could be affected by, among other things, the uncertainties inherent in research and development, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally; global trends toward health care cost containment, including government, payor and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection; the particular prescribing preferences of physicians and patients; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases; safety, quality, data integrity or manufacturing issues; potential or actual data security and data privacy breaches, or disruptions of our information technology systems, and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. About Novartis Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide. Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com (https://www.novartis.com/) and connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/novartis/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/novartis/), X/Twitter (https://twitter.com/Novartis) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/novartis/). References Novartis Data on File. Slamon D, Stroyakovskiy D, Yardley D, et al. Ribociclib and endocrine therapy as adjuvant treatment in patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer: primary results from the Phase III NATALEE trial. Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, June 2, 2023. Chicago, USA. Fasching P, Slamon D et al. Health-related quality of life in the phase 3 NATALEE study of adjuvant ribociclib plus a NSAI vs NSAI alone in patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer). Presentation at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Virtual Plenary on 14 September 2023. Yardley DA, Yap YS, et al. Pooled exploratory analysis of survival in patients (pts) with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) and visceral metastases (mets) treated with ribociclib (RIB) + endocrine therapy (ET) in the MONALEESA (ML) trials. Poster presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress. September 9-13, 2022. Paris, France. Neven P, Fasching PA, et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the first-line (1L) population in the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with ribociclib (RIB) + fulvestrant (FUL). Mini oral presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Congress. May 4, 2022. Paris, France. Hortobagyi GN, Stemmer SM, Burris HA, et al. Overall Survival with Ribociclib plus Letrozole in Advanced Breast Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;386(10):942-950. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2114663 Hortobagyi GN, et al. Overall survival (OS) results from the phase III MONALEESA (ML)-2 trial of postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HR+/HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with endocrine therapy (ET) ribociclib. Proffered paper presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, September 16-21, 2021. Lugano, Switzerland. Im S-A, Lu Y-S, Bardia A, et al. Overall survival with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy in breast cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;381(4):307-316. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1903765 Slamon DJ, Neven P, Chia S, et al. Overall Survival with Ribociclib plus Fulvestrant in Advanced Breast Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020;382(6):514-524. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1911149 Slamon DJ, Neven P, Chia S, et al. Overall survival (OS) results of the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients (pts) with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor 2-negative (HER2-) advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with fulvestrant (FUL) ribociclib (RIB). Presented at the European Society of Medical Oncology Congress, September 29, 2019, Barcelona, Spain. Slamon DJ, Neven P, Chia S, et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the Phase III MONALEESA-3 trial of postmenopausal patients (pts) with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with fulvestrant (FUL) ribociclib (RIB. Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, June 5, 2021. Chicago, USA. Tripathy D, Im S-A, Colleoni M, et al. Updated overall survival (OS) results from the phase III MONALEESA-7 trial of pre- or perimenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer (ABC) treated with endocrine therapy (ET) ribociclib. Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 9, 2020. Texas, USA. Yardley D, Nusch A, Yap YS, et al. Overall survival (OS) in patients (pts) with advanced breast cancer (ABC) with visceral metastases (mets), including those with liver mets, treated with ribociclib (RIB) plus endocrine therapy (ET) in the MONALEESA (ML) -3 and -7 trials. Presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. June 2020. Chicago, USA. O'Shaughnessy J, Stemmer SM, Burris HA, et al. Overall survival subgroup analysis by metastatic site from the Phase III MONALEESA-2 study of first-line ribociclib + letrozole in postmenopausal patients with HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer. Presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, December 7-10, 2021. Texas, USA. Kisqali (ribociclib) Prescribing Information. Iqbal J, Ginsburg O, Rochon PA, Sun P, Narod SA. Differences in breast cancer stage at diagnosis and cancer-specific survival by race and ethnicity in the United States [published correction appears in JAMA. 2015 Jun 9;313(22):2287]. JAMA. 2015;313(2):165-173. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.17322 Pan H, Gray R, Braybrooke J, et al; EBCTCG. 20-year risks of breast-cancer recurrence after stopping endocrine therapy at 5 years. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(19):1836-1846. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1701830 Pan H, Gray R, Braybrooke J, et al; EBCTCG. 20-year risks of breast-cancer recurrence after stopping endocrine therapy at 5 years. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(19):1836-1846;(suppl). doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1701830 Gomis R, Gawrzak S. Tumor cell dormancy. Mol Oncol. 2017;11(1):62-78. American Cancer Society. Treatment of breast cancer stages I-III. Revised April 12, 2022. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/treatment-of-breast-cancer-by-stage/treatment-of-breast-cancer-stages-i-iii.html/ (https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/treatment-of-breast-cancer-by-stage/treatment-of-breast-cancer-stages-i-iii.html/) Accessed August 2023. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) - Breast Cancer. NCCN Guidelines. Published March 2023. Available at: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf (https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast.pdf)/ Accessed August 2023. European Society for Medical Oncology - Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale Scorecard. Published April 20, 2020. Updated August 21, 2020. Available at: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-158-1/ (https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-158-1/) Accessed August 2023. European Society for Medical Oncology - Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale Scorecard. Published March 29, 2022. Available at: https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-9-1/ (https://www.esmo.org/guidelines/esmo-mcbs/esmo-mcbs-scorecards/scorecard-9-1/) Accessed August 2023. Ribociclib vs. palbociclib in patients with advanced breast cancer within the HER2-enriched intrinsic subtype (HARMONIA). Identifier NCT05207709. Revised April 4, 2022. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05207709/ (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05207709/) Accessed August 2023. Novartis and Vestre Viken Hospital Trust (2022, April 1 - 2024, December 1). Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally-advanced Breast Cancer Patients With Ribociclib and Letrozole (NEOLETRIB). Identifier NCT05163106. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05163106/ (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05163106/) Accessed August 2023. *Ibrance is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. # # # Utah Food Bank will utilize grant to expand a program that distributes culturally appropriate foods to food pantries in Salt Lake County SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / KeyBank has awarded a $100,000 grant to Utah Food Bank to expand the organization's Culturally Responsive Food Project. The project allows the organization to identify, track and distribute culturally familiar foods to communities in need throughout Salt Lake County communities, and eventually state-wide. Since its founding in 1904 under the name of Salt Lake Charity Association, Utah Food Bank has remained committed to serving Utah citizens in need. The organization delivers food, free of charge, to 245 food pantry partners throughout the state. The KeyBank grant will aid Utah Food Bank's efforts in scaling the Culturally Responsive Food Project to food pantries throughout Salt Lake County, which includes purchasing additional food items and technology to manage inventories. The program expansion also includes conducting additional surveys to create a Utah-specific culturally relevant foods list. "The work Utah Food Bank has planned for expanding its Culturally Responsive Food Program will enrich even more lives in our community by offering a path to nutritious and familiar meals for food insecure populations," said Drew Yergensen, president of KeyBank's Utah market. "We are proud to help expand this meaningful community program." "Utah Food Bank is grateful to KeyBank's support, which will allow us to better respond to Utah's changing demographics," according to Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank President & CEO. "While this is an important initiative statewide, piloting this program in Salt Lake County will allow us to refine the distribution of more culturally responsive foods so that as we expand our footprint in the upcoming year, we can implement similar models statewide." About Utah Food Bank Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 245 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 60.2 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 50.1 million meals, to families and individuals in need across the state. For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org or find them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at @utahfoodbank. About KeyCorp KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $188 billion at September 30, 2023. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC. CONTACT: Utah Food Bank | Heidi Cannella | 801-599-6700 | heidic@utahfoodbank.org KeyBank | Jennifer Shermer | 303-902-9419 | jennifer@keetonpr.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on accesswire.com CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / The Civic Federation is pleased to congratulate the 32nd Annual Motorola Solutions Foundation Excellence in Public Service honoree: Lanetta Haynes Turner, chief of staff to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes a non-elected government official who has had an extraordinary impact on the quality of state and local government services in Illinois. Following a call for nominations earlier this year, an advisory committee comprised of business and civic leaders and past honorees unanimously chose Haynes Turner from an impressive slate of state and local government nominees. The award, which is administered by the Civic Federation, will be presented during a ceremony and breakfast on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave. Haynes Turner assumed the role of chief of staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle in October 2018. Beyond her day-to-day work, she is responsible for creating and spearheading the County's historic Equity Fund and Taskforce, a unique initiative in the world of government that boldly addresses historic and continued disinvestment and inequities that negatively affect Black, Latino and other marginalized residents. She also led the establishment of the Intergovernmental Partnership (IGP), a collaboration between the City, County and State in 2021 that, among other items, represents an unprecedented effort between local governments to work with each other to strategically allocate hundreds of millions in federal funding to reduce gun violence and increase community safety in communities and municipalities hardest hit by violence. Prior to this role, Haynes Turner served as deputy chief of staff, focusing on building the president's policy agenda and leading the development of the office's first comprehensive strategic plan. She also served as the executive director of the Cook County Justice Advisory Council, an office charged with advancing the president's criminal and juvenile justice reform agenda. Haynes Turner is a graduate of Northwestern University and Loyola University School of Law. A longtime advocate for youth due to her own childhood experiences growing up in foster care, she is committed to public service and working to improve the lives of those most marginalized. She began her career as an attorney with the City of Chicago and then as an attorney with Life Span Center for Legal Services and Advocacy, going on to serve as executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Cook County, which advocates on behalf of abused and neglected children in the foster care system. She later served as the inaugural executive director for Cook County Justice for Children. Haynes Turner is a 2016 Civic Leadership Academy Fellow through the University of Chicago, a 2012 Leadership Greater Chicago Alumna, recipient of the Athena International Young Professional Award and was named one of 100 Women to Watch by Today's Chicago Woman magazine in 2012. Haynes Turner holds memberships with the Black Women Lawyers' Association, Chicago Bar Association and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. About the Civic Federation The Civic Federation is an independent, non-partisan government research organization that promotes efficient delivery of public services and sustainable tax policies in the Chicago region and State of Illinois. For more information, please visit the Federation's website at civicfed.org. About the Motorola Solutions Foundation As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the globe to create safer cities and equitable, thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives. Our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education, and align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is solving for safer communities. For more information on Motorola Solutions corporate and foundation giving, visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation ### View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Motorola Solutions on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Motorola Solutions Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/motorola-solutions Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Motorola Solutions View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. military's recruiting chiefs have rvealed that The Army, Navy and Air Force failed to meet recruiting goals in the fiscal year that ended in September. The Marine Corps and the Space Force made their goals, but the recruiting environment remains tough. According to Army Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, commanding general of the Army Recruiting Command, he has seen one of the toughest recruiting landscapes in his more than 33 years of service.' 'This recruiting crisis certainly did not appear overnight and cannot be repaired overnight,' Gen. Davis said. He made the comment in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Davis testified alongside Navy Rear Adm. Alexis T. Walker, commander of the Navy Recruiting Command; Marine Corps Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers, commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command; and Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher R. Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service. All of them cited problems common to recruiting efforts across the U.S. Defense services. They noted the percentage of American youths who qualify for military service has dropped. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic limited the ability of recruiters to interact with potential recruits. The U.S. economy is booming with low unemployment, and the number of adult 'influencers' with experience in the military continues to drop. The numbers are daunting. The Army, the largest service, has a goal of recruiting 55,000 active-duty soldiers during fiscal 2024 and roughly 60,000 for the reserve components. The other services have smaller numbers, but similar challenges. The military's recruiting chiefs said they are making progress in meeting recruiting goals for fiscal 2024. Davis said that the Army Recruiting Command seeks to attract talent and reintroduce the Army to the American public. However, he insisted that the recruiting authorities will not lower standards, and sacrifice quality for the sake of quantity. 'Our main initiatives over the past year have shown real promise, such as the Future Soldier Prep Course.' The course has had 14,000 graduates, with 95 percent going on to finish basic training and become soldiers. The Air Force failed to make its requiting goals for the first time in 24 years, Gen. Amrhein said during his testimony. The Air Force recruiting chief specifically mentioned the declining propensity for young Americans to serve. 'We've seen a steady decline in the military even being an option for our youth as they contemplate the future, with propensity dropping from 13 percent four years ago to 10 percent.' Amrhein also noted that only 12 percent of American youths have a parent who served in the military, compared to 40 percent in 1995. Rear Adm. Walker called on the senators to do their part and asked each member to 'consider personally engaging with their constituents and the media in a national call to service. Your public support for military recruiting will make a positive difference.' Copyright(c) 2023 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Aerospace composites offer excellent resistance to corrosion and fatigue, leading to longer service life for components. This durability is a significant factor driving the adoption of composites in the aerospace sector. PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Aerospace Composite Market by Fiber Type (Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber, Aramid Fiber, and Other), Manufacturing Process (ATL Or AFP, Filament Winding, Resin Transfer Molding, Hand Layup, and Other), Aircraft (Commercial Aircraft, Business &General Aviation, Civil Helicopter, and Other): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global aerospace composite market was valued at $29.6 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $87.0 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.5% from 2023 to 2032. Prime determinants of growth The global aerospace composite market is experiencing growth due to several factors such as lightweight material demand for fuel efficiency in aerospace where carbon fibers are renowned for their tensile strength, allowing them to withstand significant loads without adding excessive weight to the structure. However, high initial costs of composite materials in aerospace hinders the market growth to some extent. Moreover, rise in demand for next-generation aircraft offers remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the aerospace composite market. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/8085 Report Coverage & Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2021 $29.6 billion Market Size in 2031 $87.0 billion CAGR 11.5 % No. of Pages in Report 300 Segments Covered Fiber Type, Manufacturing Process, Aircraft, and Region. Drivers Lightweight material demand for fuel efficiency in aerospace Integration of nanotechnology in composite development in aerospace Opportunity Rise in demand for next-generation aircraft Restraint High initial costs of composite materials in aerospace The aramid fiber segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period By fiber type, the carbon fiber segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global aerospace composite market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This is due to carbon fiber composites are employed in the construction of fuselage sections, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. However, the aramid fiber segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 12.1% from 2023 to 2032, as aramid fibers find use in aircraft interiors for manufacturing lightweight and durable components. This can include seat structures, interior panels, and other non-structural elements where weight reduction is a priority. Procure Complete Report (300 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/3GwUkbB The ATL or AFP segment is expected to lead the trail by 2032 By manufacturing process, the Automated Tape Laying (ATL) or Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-fourth of the global aerospace composite market revenue and is estimated to dominate during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the fact that ALT or AFP finds applications in the aerospace industry for manufacturing components such as aircraft skins, wing panels, and other structural elements. Its ability to create tailored fiber orientations makes it particularly valuable in optimizing the structural integrity and performance of these components. However, the other segment including injection molding, compression molding, autoclave curing, and others is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 12.2% from 2023 to 2032, as injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process in the aerospace industry for producing complex and intricate components. In injection molding process, molten composite material is injected into a mold cavity, where it solidifies and takes the shape of the mold. The business and general aviation segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period By aircraft, the commercial aircraft segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around one-third of the global aerospace composite market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to the fact that the adoption of aerospace composites in commercial aircraft aligns with the industry's commitment to environmental sustainability. Lighter aircraft consume less fuel, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the business and general aviation segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 12.0% from 2023 to 2032. The growth is attributed to the fact that an increase in emphasis on fuel efficiency plays a crucial role in driving the widespread adoption of aerospace composites in business and general aviation (BGA) North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 By region, North America held the highest market share accounting for two-fifths of the market share in 2022. This is due the fact that the U.S. is a global leader in aerospace technology and innovation, and it heavily relies on aerospace composites. However, Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing representing for 11.0% of CAGR and is expected to rule the roost in terms of revenue throughout the forecast timeframe. Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region have actively embraced the use of aerospace composites across various applications, ranging from commercial aircraft to military and space exploration. Leading Market Players: - Bally Ribbon Mills DuPont Hexcel Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Corporation SGL Carbon Solvay Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. TEIJIN LIMITED. Toray Industries Inc VX Aerospace Corporation The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global aerospace composite market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/aerospace-composite-market/purchase-options Similar Reports: Composite Resin Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Natural Fiber Composites Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Bioplastic Composites Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030 Polymer Nanocomposites Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014-2022 Ceramic Matrix Composites Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026 Wood Plastic Composites Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa United States 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Blog: https://www.newsguards.com/ Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aerospace-composite-market-to-reach-87-0-billion-globally-by-2032-at-11-5-cagr-allied-market-research-302010060.html Zug, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - Longevity Investors Lunch returns for the third edition during the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF). As society undergoes a paradigm shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, the event emerges as a pivotal platform where investors, researchers, and thought leaders will engage in discourse, share perspectives, and unveil the latest developments in longevity science. 60 selected high-level investors and key opinion leaders will gather together and show how far the longevity industry has come. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/190375_ad8cb5bd54995b45_001full.jpg Longevity Investors Lunch returns for the third edition during the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF). The satellite event focusing on longevity and rejuvenation will be organized on January 16th at the Precise Tale Seehof Davos and will discuss the latest technologies and research among prominent scientists, academia, entrepreneurs, and investors. The event will be co-organized by Maximon and Longevity Investors Conference as a prelude to the ' Longevity Investors Conference ', happening later in 2024, on September 24-27, at Le Grand Bellevue Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland. 60 selected high-level investors and key opinion leaders will gather together and show how far the longevity industry has come. The event will be enriched with several panel discussions, covering different topics from brain health and longevity to longevity supplements and AI. The discussions on stage will feature renowned experts and prominent longevity venture builders such as Prof. Dr. Evelyne Yehudit Bischof, MD, MPH (Professor, internal medicine specialist, Longevity physician at Human Longevity Inc.), Alex Zhavoronkov, Ph.D. (Founder and CEO, Insilico Medicine), Rajiv Ahuja (Associate Director, Milken Institute Future of Aging), Hans Keirstead, Ph.D. (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AIVITA Biomedical, Inc.), Sophie Chabloz (Co-Founder and CPO, AVEA), Dr. Emil Kendziorra (Founder and CEO of Tomorrow Bio and President of the Board at the European Biostasis Foundation) and many more. The event will also feature a keynote speaker, Andrew Steele, scientist and author of the bestseller "Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old." The event will be enriched with several panel discussions, covering different topics from brain health and longevity to longevity supplements and AI. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/190375_ad8cb5bd54995b45_002full.jpg The hosts of the event, Dr. Tobias Reichmuth and Marc P. Bernegger (both Co-Founders of Maximon & Longevity Investors Conference), will open the event and shine a light on the importance of bringing the emerging topic of longevity to Davos. "We are already looking forward to the Longevity Investors Conference, where we will have the opportunity to continue the important conversations started in Davos and involve more longevity leaders on stage who will talk about important developments in the longevity industry as well as investment opportunities in the field," says Marc P. Bernegger, Founding Partner at Maximon and the organizer of the Longevity Investors Conference in Gstaad. The Longevity Investors Conference is the most exclusive conference for longevity investors. It provides relevant insights into the longevity subject, expert education, investment opportunities, and excellent networking opportunities in an exclusive location. "The motivation to organize the Longevity Investors Conference," said Dr. Tobias Reichmuth, Founding Partner and organizer, "is clear: The longevity industry is highly attractive for investors. We state a lack of education and information for investors and want to change this. While there are scientific-oriented conferences, a professional and global investor-focused longevity conference has been missing so far." The Longevity Investors Conference is the most exclusive conference for longevity investors. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10082/190375_ad8cb5bd54995b45_003full.jpg Longevity now ranks as one of the most significant forces shaping the global economy, opening up opportunities to reshape societies, hopefully for the better. It has experienced an unprecedented advance over recent years, particularly with the discovery that the rate of aging is controlled, at least to some extent, by genetic pathways and biochemical processes. For more information and details please visit www.longevityinvestors.ch. Email: info@longevityinvestors.ch Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram Follow the hashtag LongevityInvestors Lucia Kupcova, lucia@longevityinvestors.ch To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190375 As society undergoes a paradigm shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, the event emerges as a pivotal platform where investors, researchers, and thought leaders will engage in discourse, share perspectives, and unveil the latest developments in longevity science.Gstaad - Longevity Investors Lunch returns for the third edition during the 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF). As society undergoes a paradigm shift towards prioritizing health and wellness, the event emerges as a pivotal platform where investors, researchers, and thought leaders will engage in discourse, share perspectives, and unveil the latest developments in longevity science. Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. ATHENS, Greece, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reference is made to Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp.'s ("OET" or the "Company") stock exchange announcements made on November 2, 2023, December 4, 2023 and December 5, 2023 regarding the Company's contemplated listing of its common shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"), its share re-registration process (as further described therein as "Share Registration Conversion"), and the trading suspension in the Company's shares on Oslo Brs (as further described therein as "Trading Suspension"). OET is pleased to announce that its common shares will commence trading on NYSE from and including December 11, 2023. Simultaneously with the NYSE listing, the common shares of OET will be secondary listed on Oslo Brs. The Company's common shares will be traded on the NYSE under the ticker code "ECO" and on the Oslo Brs under the ticker code "OET". The Share Registration Conversion, in which the Company implemented an amendment to the registration structure for its common shares, whereby all common shares are primarily held and settled within the Depository Trust Company in the United States and secondarily held and settled in VPS through a central securities depository link, has now been implemented. The Trading Suspension on the Company's common shares on Oslo Brs, which has been in effect for the trading days on December 7, 2023 and today, has now ended. The Company's common shares will resume normal trading from start of trading on Oslo Brs from and including December 11, 2023. Reference is also made to the Company's stock exchange announcement on November 2, 2023 regarding Oslo Brs' resolution to exempt Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. from all the provisions regulating voluntary and mandatory takeover offers in Chapter 6 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (the "Norwegian Takeover Rules"). The resolution by Oslo Brs is subject to, and shall take effect from, the listing of the Company's common shares on NYSE and the simultaneous change from primary to secondary listing on Oslo Brs. The resolution will consequently become effective from and including the first day of listing of the common shares of the Company on NYSE, which will take place on December 11, 2023, after which the Norwegian Takeover Rules will not apply to Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. nor trading in common shares of Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. ADVISORS Advokatfirmaet BAHR AS is acting as Norwegian legal advisor to the Company, Watson Farley & Williams LLP is acting as U.S. legal counsel to the Company and Fearnley Securities AS is acting as financial advisor to the Company in relation to the listing on the New York Stock Exchange. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. About OET OET is a leading international tanker company providing seaborne transportation of crude oil and refined products. The Company was incorporated on April 30, 2018 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and is listed on Oslo Brs under the symbol OET. The sailing fleet consists of six modern scrubber-fitted Suezmax tankers and eight modern scrubber-fitted VLCC tankers. Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this release may contain certain forward-looking statements relating to corporate affairs, the business, financial performance and results of the Company and its subsidiaries and/or the industry in which they operate. Forward-looking statements provide the Company's current expectations or forecasts of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements about the Company's expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, intentions, assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts or that are not present facts or conditions. Words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "will" or similar words or phrases, or the negatives of those words or phrases, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not necessarily mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this release, including assumptions, opinions and views of the Company or cited from third-party sources, are solely opinions and forecasts that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks described under the section captioned "Risk Factors," in OET's registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on November 2, 2023, which contains additional information about factors that could affect actual results, including risks relating to the Company's industry, business operations, financing and liquidity, regulation and other risks described in the registration statement. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements for many reasons. The Company does not provide any assurance that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors, nor does the Company accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the opinions expressed in the presentation or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. No obligations are assumed to update any forward-looking statements or to conform to these forward-looking statements to actual results. The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date and are subject to change without notice. DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At the Urban Climate Cooperation Dialogue of the COP28 China Corner held in Dubai on December 8, Zheng Deyan, deputy secretary of the CPC Yantai Municipal Committee and mayor of Yantai, delivered a speech on the eastern Chinese city's practical experience on low-carbon development. Zheng said that Yantai, as a pilot city for low-carbon development in China, was ranked third in the mid-term evaluation among the 81 Chinese cities participating this year. This accomplishment is attributed to Yantai's integration of green and low-carbon concept into its development and its efforts to vigorously promote low-carbon transformation in the aspects of energy, industry and urban construction. In terms of energy transition, Yantai has a clean energy installed capacity of 12.41 million kilowatts, accounting for more than half of the total installed capacity. In the future, Yantai plans to build a nuclear power base, a wind power base, and an offshore photovoltaic base, all with an installed capacity of more than 10 million kilowatts, In terms of industry restructuring, Yantai is accelerating the construction of green parks and zero-carbon factories through photovoltaic power generation, energy storage assistance, and intelligent operation and maintenance. In terms of low-carbon urban construction, Yantai completed the construction of a single ultra-low-energy-consumption building covering 200,000 square meters this year. Additionally, the city is constructing a digital virtual power plant, a zero-carbon port and a green airport using nuclear power to expand the coverage of zero-carbon heating, and creating a batch of zero-carbon community and school demonstration projects. In general, Yantai aims at promoting the exchange and cooperation with other cities through the conference, fighting against climate change with joined efforts across the border, and protecting the Earth of human beings. Zheng also shared the development of Yantai's Changdao Island as a demonstrative "International Zero-Carbon Island." Changdao Island is China's first comprehensive experimental zone for marine ecological civilization, according to him, and measures such as dismantling all wind power facilities on the island, implementing waste classification, ensuring harmless treatment of sewage, and providing clean energy heating throughout the island have resulted in significant improvements in the ecological environment. The municipal government of Yantai has established a research team led by three academicians with the goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on Changdao Island by 20% by 2027, establish a "Zero-Carbon Island" model with global influence by 2030, and become an international zero-carbon island with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the island by 2035. By building the international zero-carbon island, the coastal city is presenting a changing city from Changdao Island, a progressive China from Yantai and its experience of fighting against climate change for global island cities. Yantai is a lovely modern coastal city with moutains, sea, islands, springs and rivers, Zheng added. It is the origin of Shandong cuisine and the only International Vine and Wine City in Asia. As a Chinese saying goes, seeing is believing. In his remarks, Zheng welcomed friends from home and abroad to visit Yantai, a coastal city of fairyland. He believed that they would fall in love with the city. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296679/Cop28.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/yantai-shares-low-carbon-development-experience-at-cop28-building-changdao-island-into-an-international-zero-carbon-island-302010306.html Regulatory News: Forsee Power (FR0014005SB3 FORSE the "Company"), expert in intelligent battery systems for sustainable electromobility, announces the drawing of a tranche of 10 million euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB) under the credit agreement for a maximum principal amount of 50 million signed with this institution in December 2020. Drawdown of Tranche C As of 06/30/2023, the Company had two unused financing lines of 10 million each (Tranches C and D) contracted with the EIB. The drawing of Tranche C for 10 million euros was conditional on prerequisites (i) achieving consolidated turnover which the group had already achieved at the close of the 2020 financial year and (ii) carrying out a capital increase of an amount greater than 10 million euros, which was carried out in November 2021 with the Company's IPO. It is this Tranche C which is the subject of the drawing, and which will be paid on December 18, 2023 bearing an annual interest of 3% and a capitalized interest of 1.5% payable ultimately upon repayment of the principal (maturity 5 years). These financing conditions remain competitive compared to current financing conditions. The Company also has the possibility of drawing on a Tranche D in the amount of 10 million euros subject to the achievement of certain conditions, which have not been met to date. The drawing of this Tranche C has already given rise on December 4, 2023, on the basis of the twenty-fourth resolution adopted by the combined general meeting of June 23, 2023, to the issue for the benefit of the EIB of 1,000 new bonds of so-called "BEI E" shares (the warrants) with an exercise price of 5.78 per warrant, each warrant giving the right, in the event of exercise, to the subscription of a maximum of 300 new ordinary shares of the Company (i.e. 0.0004% of the share capital per warrant, on an undiluted basis). The main characteristics of warrants are summarized below: Exercise cases for warrants The warrants are exercisable depending on the occurrence of certain events (carried out after the issuance of the warrants), in particular: Change of control; Maturity of Tranche C; Reimbursement for any reason whatsoever of one of the Sections of the credit contract; Event of default. Exercise period for warrants 20 years from emission date Sale option to the benefit of the EIB Alternatively, to the exercise of the warrants, the EIB has a promise of sale pursuant to which it can ask the Company either to repurchase or repay all or part of its warrants for an amount corresponding to their value. The issue of these warrants will also result in the recalculation of the conversion parity of the 6,857 "BEI A" warrants and the 3,500 "BEI C" warrants held by the EIB giving it access in the event of exercise to a maximum of 1,622,816 new ordinary shares of the Company (on a diluted basis). Use of funds The funds from the drawdown of Tranche C will be used during the 2024 financial year to strengthen the Company's production capacity. About Forsee Power Forsee Power is an industrial group specializing in smart battery systems for sustainable electric transport (light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, buses, trucks, and trains). A major player in Europe, Asia and North America, the Group designs, assembles, and supplies energy management systems based on cells that are among the most robust in the market and provides installation, commissioning, and maintenance on site and remotely. More than 2,500 buses and 130,000 LEV have been equipped with Forsee Power's batteries. The Group also offers financing solutions (battery leasing) and second-life solutions for transport batteries. Forsee Power and its 700 employees are committed to sustainable development and the Group has obtained the Gold medal from leading sustainability rating agency EcoVadis. For more information: www.forseepower.com @ForseePower Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about Forsee Power and its subsidiaries. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, or future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects," "seeks," "strives," "aims," "hopes," "plans," "may," "goal," "objective," "projection," "outlook" and other similar expressions. Although Forsee Power's management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and shareholders of the group are cautioned that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Forsee Power, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in public documents approved by the Autorite des marches financiers, including those listed in Chapter 3 "Risk Factors" of Forsee Power's 2022 universal registration document approved by the Autorite des marches financiers on April 25, 2023 under number R.23-016 and in section 2.9 "Description of the main risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months" of the 2023 half-year financial report. These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this press release and Forsee Power undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or statements included in this press release to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions or circumstances on which any such forward-looking statement is based. Any information regarding past performance contained in this press release should not be construed as a guarantee of future performance. Nothing in this press release should be construed as an investment recommendation or legal, tax, investment or accounting advice. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231208560584/en/ Contacts: Forsee Power Sophie Tricaud VP Corporate affairs and Sustainability investors@forseepower.com NewCap Thomas Grojean Quentin Masse Investor Relations forseepower@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 NewCap Nicolas Merigeau Media Relations forseepower@newcap.eu +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, December 08 For immediate release 8 December 2023 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announces that it has today purchased 103,694 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 843.88 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 17 January 2023. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 25,719,340; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 199,271,963. The figure of 199,271,963 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / SAP Feature by Christine Susanne Mueller On December 10, 2023, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It's a day to honor and remember the universality and indivisibility of human rights. For this occasion, I sat down with SAP Chief Sustainability Officer Daniel Schmid and Stephanie Raabe, human rights officer at SAP, to explore what role enterprises including SAP play, what's new in the company's recently updated human rights commitment statement, and what trends and challenges both see for human rights in business. Q: Daniel, what do human rights mean to you? And why is it important for businesses to respect human rights? Daniel Schmid (DS): Human rights are basic rights for all people to live a life in dignity and be treated equally. For me it's about ensuring a good life for all within the planetary boundaries. And businesses have a key role to play in this. While they can be a force for good around the world, they can also harm people and the planet; for example, through discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or industrial pollution and accidents with implications on human health. That is why the United Nations Guiding Principles (UN GPs) for Business and Human Rights not only set out the responsibility of states to protect human rights, but also the responsibility of business to respect human rights. Q: How does this look in practice? How do companies in general and SAP specifically live up to their responsibility to respect human rights? Stephanie Raabe (SR): Globally recognized frameworks such as the UN GPs or the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct provide clear guidance for companies. They describe how to establish ongoing human right due diligence processes to "know and show" where a company's actual and potential negative impacts on people are and what actions are taken to prevent or mitigate these. This also entails tracking the effectiveness of actions taken over time, and communicating about efforts and results - internally and externally. More than two years ago, we launched an interdisciplinary human rights due diligence project at SAP to take our existing human rights commitment statement, governance, processes, and disclosure to the next level and prepare for compliance with rising legal requirements such as the modern slavery acts in UK, Australia, or Canada, the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), and the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. We identified gaps in our policies and procedures, which we have been working to close. Q: What kind of gaps? Could you share one or two examples? SR: One example is our grievance mechanism. We collaborated across teams to expand the existing "Speak Out at SAP" tool to cover human rights and environment-related complaints from anyone, be it internal or external. We defined clear rules of procedure of how incoming complaints are processed and followed up on in a confidential and, if desired, anonymous way. DS: Another example coming to my mind is related to living wages. As a founding member of the Value Balancing Alliance (VBA), we applied the living wage methodology co-developed within the VBA. This helped us find few employees in SAP Brazil in 2022 whose compensation had to be adjusted to meet our ambition of ensuring a decent living wage for our own workforce as measured through the VBA methodology. We are now working toward regular reassessments to avoid future deviations. SR: I would like to add a third example related to our supply chain. As we proceed with integrating human rights due diligence into our supplier code of conduct and procurement processes, we increasingly notice how important it is to get not just colleagues from SAP's procurement organization onboard, but also all other employees involved with supplier selection. All of us need to consider human rights and environmental criteria in our buying decisions. The earlier this happens, the better. The point at which contract negotiations with suppliers start may be too late. Q: Coinciding with Human Rights Day 2023, SAP just recently updated and expanded its Global Human Rights Commitment Statement. What's the reasoning and what's new? DS: When looking back at our sustainability journey that started in 2009, I remember human rights being embedded in SAP's holistic understanding of sustainability from the beginning. It has been part of our objective to create positive economic, social, and environmental impact all along. We therefore also established our first Global Human Rights Commitment Statement in 2011. SR: That's right. SAP's commitment to respect human rights is not new. But it evolved during the past years beyond our operations to also encompass our extended supply chain and product lifecycle. In the latest update of our Global Human Rights Commitment Statement, we have expanded the description of our downstream action areas and how we aim to avoid negative impacts that can result from the use or abuse of SAP's products and services. We added an entirely new chapter on the implementation of human rights due diligence at SAP, elaborating in detail on our procedures, including governance, risk analysis and prioritized risks, preventive measures, complaints process and remediation, monitoring and reporting, and stakeholder dialog. It makes transparent the results of our human rights due diligence project and helps us better meet the requirements by the UN GPs as well as the German Supply Chain Act. Q: Speaking about the human rights impacts through the use of SAP solutions, where do you see the biggest risks and opportunities at the moment? SR: As part of SAP's downstream human rights due diligence, we have identified artificial intelligence (AI) as high impact solution area in the context of human rights. It's also been frequently addressed as key topic throughout the recent UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva. AI is transforming our economy and society. This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years, bringing new opportunities and challenges for society and human rights. SAP actively addresses legitimate concerns, coming up with new AI technology through SAP's Guiding Principles for AI Ethics and dedicated due diligence governance, processes, and the SAP Global AI Ethics Policy. In addition, we have started to investigate human rights risks and mitigation measures in our upstream supply chain linked to the outsourcing of generative AI training. DS: On the other hand, I also see the opportunity for SAP to advance human rights by developing innovative solutions that help customers embed human rights into their business and supply chain strategies. This includes our supply chain management solution that offers risk mapping based on financial as well as sustainability indicators, which also cover human rights aspects. Our human resource management solutions furthermore provide tools and features to address unconscious bias in recruitment and hiring, support inclusivity, and ensure equitable remuneration and career advancement. Finally, there is also the opportunity to leverage corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs to advance economic, societal, and cultural rights that support youth-in-need to thrive in the sustainable and digital economy. A prime example of our efforts is SAP Educate to Employ, targeting youth-in-need aged 14 to 30 with skill-building programs to bring them into jobs in the broad SAP ecosystem and beyond by linking education with employability within a sustainable and digital economy. Q: Would you agree that, with mandatory human rights due diligence on the rise, embracing human rights in business is becoming mainstream? Against this backdrop, how is SAP doing compared to others? DS: In my conversations with customers and peers in leading sustainability positions, compliance with human rights legislation definitely comes up as a key priority. However, I also notice that companies continue to struggle to manage their social effects. It did not really surprise me, when I read that a 2022 Economist survey revealed that companies haven't made as much progress on social as on environmental issues, and only 36% had incorporated social impact into corporate strategy compared with 47% for environmental. This shows that we still have a way to go. SR: Indeed! According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 160 million children are still engaged in child labor. More than 27 million people around the world are in conditions of forced labor. And globally, 2.4 billion women of working-age are still not afforded equal economic opportunity. These are just some numbers that underline the need for more action by businesses. The good news is that mandatory human rights due diligence helps get more companies on board and strengthen the efforts of those that already are. There is good and open exchange and mutual learning among companies. It therefore seems less of a competition in which one enterprise strives to outperform the others. You rather share experiences and gain insights where you are already doing really well and where you can further improve. Overall, I would say that SAP has been progressing well and is on track but can still do even better. Our ambition definitely is to not limit ourselves to compliance with mandatory human rights due diligence, but to go beyond. Q: Looking into the future, what trends and challenges do you see? DS: I believe that the momentum for taking respect for human rights seriously in business will further increase, driven not only by legislative pressure but also increasing stakeholder expectations. It's important, however, that we as business leaders do not get consumed by navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance. Let's not allow this to become a check-box exercise - we must keep people in the center. The aim is to improve people's lives. SR: I fully agree. Some of the legislation does keep you very busy with a lot of administrative burden. This unfortunately takes away your attention and resources from ultimately making a difference for the affected people. I also see a risk that because value chains are becoming ever more complex with reliable data missing and because managing the human rights risks down to tier-n can seem so overwhelming, companies chose to prioritize de-risking. They rather pull out of high-risk countries which may actually worsen the human rights situation. The increasing complexity of geopolitical crises and need for heightened due diligence further exacerbates this risk. As companies mature in human rights due diligence, they will need improved databases and methodologies to help them measure their actual and potential impacts on people, prioritize their efforts and assess the effectiveness of the preventive and remedial measures they put in place. We are testing some of the approaches for SAP at the moment and I am hopeful that they will help guide us toward achieving better outcomes both for people as well as for our business. Christine Susanne Mueller is deputy human rights officer at SAP. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SAP on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: SAP Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sap Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: SAP View the original press release on accesswire.com The acquisition expands the company's growing presence in Australia and helps position it exceptionally well for future expansion across the region. BALTIMORE, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Jensen Hughes, the global leader in engineering, consulting and technology that make the world safe, secure and resilient, announced it has acquired Warringtonfire Australia, a leading fire testing and fire safety engineering consulting firm in Australia, from Element Materials Technology. Following the previous acquisitions of BCA Logic and MGAC, this strategic acquisition expands the rapidly growing global enterprise's presence in Australia and helps position the company exceptionally well for future expansion across Australia and New Zealand, as well as regionally. This carve out from the international operations of Element is specific to the Australian business, which was established following the purchase of the Fire Testing Laboratory business from Exova and the acquisition of Defire's Fire Safety Engineering operation in 2017. Jason Jeffress is the Divisional Director and leads a strong management team. They bring a group of 85 employees with five consulting locations and a Fire Testing Laboratory in Victoria into the Jensen Hughes global organization. "This new partnership increases opportunities in Australia to provide a range of services through one world-class fire safety engineering-focused organization," Jason Jeffress says. "Every one of our employees - 100% - are joining the new partnership. It's an exciting time for our clients as we will be able to leverage Jensen Hughes's industry-leading fire safety experts as well their offices and people across Australia and New Zealand," he says, "this will provide us many more opportunities to advance our client service." "This is a win-win for Jensen Hughes and for our new colleagues coming from Warringtonfire Australia," says Raj Arora, CEO of Jensen Hughes. "Fire safety engineering is integral to our core service mix," he says. "This acquisition significantly enhances our capability in this area and brings a NATA and ISO- accredited Fire Testing Laboratory into our operations. On behalf of our worldwide team, I'm delighted to welcome our new Warringtonfire Australia colleagues to Jensen Hughes and our growing global family!" For more information, visit jensenhughes.com About Jensen Hughes Jensen Hughes is the global leader in engineering, consulting and technology that make our world safe, secure and resilient. Worldwide, we are recognized most widely for our leadership in fire protection engineering - a legacy of responsibility we have advanced with honor and pride since 1939. Our commitment to safety, security and resilience extends to other critical competencies core to our purpose, strategic capabilities we have been expanding for years. These include accessibility consulting, risk and hazard analysis, process safety, forensic investigations, security risk, and emergency management as well as digital innovation across many of our services. Today, our 1,500+ engineers, consultants, analysts and strategists work from 90+ offices supporting clients in 100+ countries across all markets - from Government, Healthcare, Science, and Technology to Energy, Mission Critical and Transportation. For more information, visit www.jensenhughes.com. About Gryphon Investors Based in San Francisco, Gryphon Investors (www.gryphoninvestors.com) is a leading private equity firm focused on profitably growing and competitively enhancing middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management. The firm has managed over $8.3 billion of equity investments and capital since 1997. Gryphon targets making equity investments of $50 million to $300 million in portfolio companies with enterprise values ranging from approximately $100 million to $600 million. Gryphon prioritizes investment opportunities where it can form strong partnerships with owners and executives to build leading companies, utilizing Gryphon's capital, specialized professional resources, and operational expertise. Contact: media@jensenhughes.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1623494/Jensen_Hughes_Portrait_Main_CMYK_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/leading-australian-fire-safety-engineering-and-testing-consultancy-warringtonfire-australia-joins-jensen-hughes-302010363.html FORT WORTH, TX / ACCESSWIRE / December 8, 2023 / Local real estate developers, community partners and residents celebrated the grand opening of Cowan Place Senior Living. It was built with the assistance of a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) subsidy provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas through one of its members, Texas Capital Bank in the Stop Six neighborhood of Fort Worth, Texas. The development is part of a transformation plan designed to improve the Stop Six neighborhood in Fort Worth with affordable housing and neighborhood amenities. The plan includes replacement of the former Cavile Place public housing community with new, mixed- income rental residences in six phases of development. It includes a neighborhood hub for recreation, educational, health and safety services, commercial districts and space for healthcare and educational, economic and other support services. In addition to affordable housing for seniors, Cowan Place amenities include rooms for a library and theater, fitness studio, salon, billiards, crafts and other spaces for private meetings with health care professionals. "The AHP funds were vital in closing funding gaps to make sure that we could finish construction on this project," said Mary-Margaret Lemons, Fort Worth Housing Solutions president. "We could not have finished this project without the money provided by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and Texas Capital as a partner. It was critical for us to get over the finish line and finish this during COVID, and so it was really a game changer for us to be able to have full funding of this project to get started." FHLB Dallas awards AHP subsidies through its member financial institutions to benefit very low-to moderate-income households across its five-state District. "These are the type of projects that we get involved in because of the impact that they have on communities such as this; we want to assist in making life better for the individuals, businesses and communities in Fort Worth," said Worley Barker, director of Community Development Lending and Investments for Texas Capital. Affordable Housing Program (AHP) funds are intended to assist FHLB Dallas members in financing the purchase, construction and/or rehabilitation of owner-occupied, rental or transitional housing, as well as housing for homeless individuals in their community. AHP funds must be used to benefit households with incomes at or below 80 percent of the median income for the area. "It can be difficult to develop affordable housing, and the AHP is a funding source that can help fill the gap to make a deal like this work," said Melanie Dill, community development and AHP rental manager at FHLB Dallas. "Not only does the AHP help to fill a funding gap, but it can also help our members create new business opportunities, support their communities and meet CRA objectives." SOURCE: TEXAS CAPITAL / FHLB DALLAS About Texas Capital Texas Capital Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary of Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (individually and collectively with all affiliates and subsidiaries, "Texas Capital"), is a full-service financial services firm that delivers customized solutions to businesses, entrepreneurs, and individual customers. Founded in 1998, the institution is headquartered in Dallas with offices in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth, and has built a network of clients across the country. With the ability to service clients through their entire lifecycles, Texas Capital has established commercial banking, consumer banking, investment banking and wealth management capabilities. All services are subject to applicable laws, regulations, and service terms. Member FDIC. For more information, please visit www.texascapital.com. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Texas Capital on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Texas Capital Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/texas-capital Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Texas Capital View the original press release on accesswire.com HONG KONG, Dec. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Future Investment Initiative PRIORITY Summit Hong Kong today reconvened leaders from finance and government for a second day to address global matters of concern to humanity. One thousand global investors, policy makers, innovators and business leaders were joined by counterparts from across Asia to discuss 'megatrends' including the unstoppable rise of Asia as an economic power, the impact of technology on lifestyles and jobs, and the deployment of capital between diverse markets and economies. The day began with a presentation by FII Institute CEO Richard Attias and COO Rakan Tarabzoni of the Priority Compass Report, a global survey of 53,000 people across 23 countries. The survey revealed a sharp drop of 20% worldwide in people's overall satisfaction with their lives, with respondents reporting concerns over cost of living, loneliness, technology, and climate concerns. 65% of people in countries polled are worried about day-to-day living costs. Loneliness has leaped up the list of concerns, with 41% of Asia's population reporting frequent feelings of loneliness. 55% of people worldwide are worried about access to affordable and accessible healthcare and climate concerns continue to deepen as 78% of people across the Global South are worried about pollution. Laurence Moroney, Lead AI Advocate at Google addressed concerns about AI and the risk of biases emerging because of reliance on narrow English language datasets. Moroney pointed out that 60% of information on Web 2.0 is generated by bots. He also argued that innovators in AI need to account for distinctive local cultural identities in the development of AI models and explained that Google's Gemini is working to condense and preserve cultures into small models, allowing people to interact with, learn about, and preserve individual distinctive cultures. A panel discussion on cost of living heard Jerry Li, Founder and Managing Partner eWTP Arabia Capital describe data as the new oil, a resource driving innovation and progress. The 120 zettabytes (120, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000 bytes) generated in 2023 is expected to increase by over 150% in 2025, to 181 zettabytes. During a panel discussion on the future of work Edith Yeung of Race Capital suggested that AI will free people from doing the things that they do not want to do, freeing them for more meaningful activities. The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work over a lifetime. Raymond Yuan, CEO & Chairman CTH Group pointed out synergies between blockchain and AI starting to emerge in healthcare, life sciences, as well as financial services. The global Blockchain Market size was estimated to be approximately $7.4 billion in 2022 and the global artificial intelligence market $428 billion. A panel of leading Asian venture capitalists debated ways in which Asia can grow vibrant and successful startup ecosystems, with $22.3 billion invested in Asian startups between July and September 2023. Discussing the impact of investment on longevity and ageing Joshua Fink, Founder Luma Group, explained that revolutionary regenerative medicine, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research, can reverse cells to a pre-disease state, offering hope against genetic diseases. His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation described the spectacular growth of gaming over the last 20 years at 12% per year. By the end of 2023 it is projected there will be 3.75 billion gamers in the world. In a 'titan of industry' fireside chat with Sir Martin Sorrell, Richard Attias and Sorrell surveyed the global media sector, worth $950 billion, with digital projected to comprise 70% by 2025. On the future of platforms such as TikTok Sorrell explained that with young people's views being shaped by new forms of social media, issues surrounding data safety and privacy will continue. Discussing 'hyper personalization' he pointed out that Coca Cola is thinking about the potential for AI to target individual messages to consumers. Rakan Tarabzoni, COO, FII Institute presented the summit with FII's inclusive ESG tool, launched to help companies in emerging markets improve sustainability and help investment capital find current and future performance leaders. The tool, which has been made publicly available will address biases inbuilt in other ESG methods and may unlock a $5.4 trillion funding gap of investments into emerging markets. In the final session HE Kjell Magne Bondevik former Prime Minister of Norway and President, Oslo Centre for Peace and Human Right declared himself convinced that businesses that take more seriously the concerns of common people will be the businesses that will thrive in the future. The FII Institute has worked with HKEX and consulting firm Deloitte to offset the carbon emissions generated by the summit, by purchasing credits on the HKEX Core Climate exchange, exemplifying a shared conviction that purposeful markets and business can serve humanity as a force for good. During the summit BOC International signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with SPIC International Finance (Hong Kong) Company Ltd. on green finance, bond investment and issuance, and global capital management. The signing was witnessed by Mr. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong SAR. The summit, held in partnership with Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), took place at HKEX Connect Hall. The FII PRIORITY Summit Hong Kong continues conversations held in Riyadh last month. It is part of an ongoing global programme of summits, to be held next year in Miami (February) Brazil (June) and Africa (September)) Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative Institute said: "I should like to thank Hong Kong Government, the Hong Kong Exchange and the people of this fabulous city for the welcome they have shown us this week. As the world charts its forward course we must be mindful at every turn of the issues that matter. Whether it's cost of living, developing new modes of payment, new social media platforms, or poverty, it is investment and innovation that can make the difference. The investors and innovators here this week have taken these issues seriously and the conversations and hard work will continue as we strive for a better tomorrow." For media inquiries, please contact: Email: Media@fii-institute.org About FII Institute The Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute is a global non-profit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. Global and inclusive, we foster great minds from around the world and turn ideas into real-world solutions in four critical areas: Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Robotics, Education, Healthcare and Sustainability. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2296786/Future_Investment_Initiative_Institute_1.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1811613/4445856/FII_Institute_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/day-two-of-hong-kong-investor-summit-tackles-megatrends-impacting-the-planets-eight-billion-citizens-302010435.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - Mr. Chad Williams announces the acquisition of 1,628,572 Common Shares of Blue Thunder Mining Inc (TSXV: BLUE) ("Blue" or the "Company") at a price of $0.07 per Share. Immediately prior to the acquisition, the Acquiror held 7,734,494 Common Shares representing approximately 20.91% of the outstanding issued and outstanding Common Shares on a nondiluted basis or 23.70% on a partially diluted basis (assuming the exercise of all of 322,194 Warrants and 1,034,225 stock options held by the Acquiror). As a result of the acquisition of 1,628,572 Common Shares, the Acquiror owns, beneficial ownership of, or control and direction over 9,363,066 common shares, representing approximately 18.98% of the Issuer's issued and outstanding common shares on undiluted basis or 21.15% on an undiluted basis on a partially diluted basis (assuming only the exercise of all of 322,194 Warrants and 1,034,225 stock options held by the Acquiror). Mr. Williams acquired the securities described herein for investment purposes and subject to applicable securities laws provisions, may increase or decrease his beneficial ownership of securities of the Company from time to time depending on market conditions and/or other relevant factors. A copy of the early warning report to be filed by Mr. Williams in connection with the Private Placement described above will be available on SEDAR under the Company's profile. This news release supersedes the release issued by Chad Williams on Nov 5, 2023, which inadvertently stated an incorrect number of shares held by Mr. Williams post the recent acquisition of 1,628,572 shares. For further information, please contact: Chad Williams 5859 Hwy 35 Fenelon Falls ON K0M 1N0 Tel: 416 642-1807 info@bluethundermining.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/190382 VT5 Acquisition Company AG / Key word(s): Acquisition VT5 informs about successful offering 08-Dec-2023 / 23:05 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. This announcement or the information contained therein is not being issued and may not be distributed in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful or require registration or any other measure and does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in such countries. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR 8 December 2023 VT5 informs about successful offering VT5 Acquisition Company AG ("VT5"), the SIX-listed Swiss SPAC, achieved another milestone in the proposed business combination with R&S International Holding AG ("R&S Group") and announces that the offering of VT5 Shares ended today, 8 December 2023. VT5 received support from existing and new shareholders which fully subscribed the offered shares in the offering in a bookbuilding process at an offer price of CHF 10.00 per share. Additional details will be published with the second supplement to the prospectus prior to the Special meeting of holders of Class A Shares and the extraordinary shareholders meeting both planned for 11 December 2023. Indicative transaction timetable Key data Publication of second prospectus supplement (before start of trading) 11 Dec 2023 Special meeting of the holders of Class A Shares and extraordinary shareholders meeting 11 Dec 2023 Capital increase date 12 Dec 2023 Intended completion of the business combination 13 Dec 2023 Start of trading under the name R&S Group Holding AG 13 Dec 2023 Completion of the offering of new shares and redeemed shares as well as the first day of the trading of the renamed company R&S Group Holding AG on SIX Swiss Exchange, trading under the new symbol RSGN and the ISIN number CH1107979838 (unchanged) is expected to occur on or around 13 December 2023. Contact VT5 Acquisition Company AG Communications & Investor Relations Doris Rudischhauser Phone: +41 79 410 81 88 Email: doris.rudischhauser@vt5.ch About VT5 VT5 is a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC), a vehicle to directly or indirectly acquire one or (if at the same time) more operating companies or businesses in order to take them public and provide dedicated support. VT5 provides a target company with the industry and technical experience of a seasoned team to allow a fast and smooth way to become a public company in Switzerland. VT5 seeks to unlock this investment opportunity for investors by entering into a business combination with a technology and innovation leader backed by scientific research within 24 months of listing. Geographically, VT5 is looking to acquire a business in Central and Northern Europe with a focus on the DACH region and in particular on Switzerland. The Class A Shares and redeemable Warrants are listed on SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbols of VT5 and VT5W, respectively. More information about VT5 can be found at www.vt5.ch . About R&S Group R&S International Holding AG ("R&S Group" or the "Company") is headquartered in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. R&S Group operates six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, serving its domestic as well as various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. R&S Group's current majority owner, a private equity fund managed by CGS Management AG ("CGS"), headquartered in Pfaffikon/SZ, Switzerland, and R&S Group's management have successfully positioned the Company to benefit from the accelerated demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend for decarbonization. More information about R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com . Disclaimer The business combination and its implementation remains subject to approval by the investor shareholders of VT5, the approval by the VT5 shareholders meeting of other items necessary to implement a business combination, the conducting of a share repurchase to allow redemptions by shareholders, the successful completion of an offering and capital increase to finance any parts of the purchase not financed by the amounts in escrow or otherwise, and obtaining of all required approvals by the stock exchange. This announcement may contain forward looking statements, estimates, opinions and projections with respect to anticipated future performance of VT5 ("forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "aims," "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "may," "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current views, expectations and assumptions of the Board and management of VT5 and involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements included herein only speak as at the date of this release. VT5 undertakes no obligation, and does not expect to publicly update, or publicly revise, any of the information, forward-looking statements or the conclusions contained herein or to reflect new events or circumstances or to correct any inaccuracies which may become apparent subsequent to the date hereof, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. VT5 accepts no liability whatsoever in respect of the achievement of such forward-looking statements and assumptions. This announcement constitutes neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy securities of VT5 and it does not constitute a prospectus or a similar notice within the meaning of articles 35 et seqq. or 69 of the Swiss Financial Services Act. Copies of this announcement may not be sent to jurisdictions or distributed in or sent from or otherwise made publicly available in jurisdictions, in which this is barred or prohibited by law. Any investment decision regarding the publicly offered securities of VT5 should only be made on the basis of the prospectus, including any supplements to it. The prospectus as well as the first prospectus supplement are available free of charge upon request from VT5 (e-mail: info@vt5.ch ). This announcement is being distributed only to, and is directed only at (i) persons outside the United Kingdom, (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person must not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. This announcement does not constitute an "offer of securities to the public" within the meaning of Regulation 2017/1129 of the European Union (the "Prospectus Regulation") of the securities referred to in it (the "Securities") in any member state of the European Economic Area (the "EEA") or, in the United Kingdom ("UK"), the Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"). Any offers of the Securities to persons in the EEA or the UK will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation or the UK Prospectus Regulation (as applicable), as implemented in member states of the EEA or the UK, from the requirement to produce a prospectus for offers of the Securities. Securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) unless the securities are registered under the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available. The issuer of the securities has not registered, and does not intend to register, any portion of the offering, if any, in the United States, and does not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. In an offering, if any, the securities may be offered and sold outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S and within the United States to "Qualified Institutional Buyers" (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A")) in reliance on Rule 144A. Prospective purchasers are hereby notified that sellers of the securities may be relying on the exemption from the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act provided by Rule 144A. This announcement or the information contained therein is not being issued and may not be distributed in the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful or require registration or any other measure and does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in such countries. Additional features: File: VT5 informs about successful offering End of Inside Information VICTOR, N.Y., Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ), a leading beverage alcohol company, today announced a number of new leadership appointments designed to position the company for sustained and industry-leading performance over the long term. "One of the hallmarks of our company's success over many years has been our relentless focus on continuing to find ways to position Constellation Brands for sustained and industry-leading performance," said Bill Newlands, Constellation Brands' President and Chief Executive Officer. "Continuing to invest in our talent to further strengthen leadership capabilities, broaden skill sets and perspective, and to enhance overall business acumen and strategic orientation is foundational to achieving our future ambitions." The aforementioned new leadership appointments are as follows: Beer Division Mallika Monteiro has assumed expanded responsibility for beer marketing while continuing to lead the company's innovation, consumer insights, and digital functions as EVP, Chief Growth & Digital Officer and Managing Director, Beer Brands. Monteiro brings prior experience in beer and brand marketing and a deep understanding of consumer trends, preferences, and motivations to this role. Since joining Constellation in 2016, she has held a number of leadership roles with increasing responsibility, helping to accelerate Constellation's innovation capabilities and driving portfolio growth through consumer-focused insights. Matt Lindsay has been appointed SVP, Chief Marketing Officer- Beer Division. In this new role, Lindsay is responsible for leading the company's beer marketing functions including Brand Marketing; Field, Lifestyle & Experiential Marketing; Trade Marketing; and Marketing Enablement. He joined Constellation in 2022 as SVP, Brand Marketing. Greg Gallagher has been appointed SVP, Brand Marketing, assuming responsibility for all brand marketing efforts related to Constellation's beer portfolio. Formerly as VP, Brand Marketing - Modelo, Gallagher's contributions were integral in delivering award winning marketing strategies for the Modelo brand family, helping Modelo Especial secure its #1 selling position in dollar sales in U.S. tracked channels. Rene Ramos has been appointed SVP, Brand Activation with responsibility for Field, Lifestyle & Experiential Marketing, as well as Trade Marketing. Ramos joined Constellation in 2013 and has played a key role in helping drive consumer connections through integrated and compelling brand experiences and sponsorships. John Kester has been appointed SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer - Beer, responsible for leading the company's integrated end-to-end supply chain organization. Kester joined Constellation in 2014 and has played a key role in enhancing the company's sourcing, procurement, transportation and logistics functions. He brings 30 years of beer industry experience across all facets of supply chain operations, across multiple geographies. Innovation, Consumer Insights & Digital Andrew Zrike has been appointed SVP, Innovation & Consumer Insights for the company's beer and wine and spirits businesses. In this new role, Zrike leads a team responsible for developing integrated brand growth plans and ensuring consumer preferences and trends remain at the center of the company's brand building efforts. Zrike joined Constellation in 2019 and has helped lead the development of a number of consumer-driven innovations including Modelo Oro, Modelo Aguas Frescas, and Corona Non-Alcoholic. Karena Breslin has assumed expanded responsibilities as SVP, Digital, Transformation & Media, leading the company's transformation and digital business acceleration efforts, in addition to her continued oversight of Constellation's digital, media and marketing technology functions. Breslin joined Constellation in 2010 and has held a number of leadership roles with increased responsibility over time, establishing Constellation's digital marketing function and accelerating the company's eCommerce capabilities. Corporate Strategy Mike McGrew has assumed expanded responsibilities for corporate strategy and analytics, in addition to leading the company's communications, ESG and diversity efforts as EVP, Chief Communications, Strategy, ESG & Diversity Officer. McGrew joined Constellation in 2014 and has held a number of progressive leadership roles, helping to evolve and enhance the company's strategies and capabilities in areas including communications and public relations, investor relations, corporate social responsibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Finance Michael Becka has assumed expanded responsibilities as SVP, Corporate Finance, where he will serve as lead for the company's Tax, Controller, and Treasury teams. Becka joined Constellation in 2017 and has been instrumental in managing the company's tax strategies. Sandy Dominach has assumed expanded responsibilities as SVP, Beer Finance, in addition to overseeing the company's Enterprise Risk Management function. Dominach has held a number of Finance leadership roles in Treasury, Financial Planning, and Enterprise Risk Management since joining Constellation in 2003. Joe Suarez has been appointed SVP, Investor Relations. Suarez joined Constellation in 2021 and has focused on evolving the company's investor engagement strategy and reinforcing Constellation's reputation as a differentiated and high-growth investment opportunity. Steve King has been appointed SVP, Corporate Development, and Financial Planning & Analytics. King has served in a number of roles with increasing responsibility in areas such as audit, financial analysis, financial management, and business development since joining Constellation in 2008. "While we've had tremendous success over the years, I believe we're only scratching the surface and the best is yet to come," said Newlands. "These new leadership appointments will help equip our rising leaders with the perspective and capabilities needed to keep our company on the forefront of emerging consumer and marketplace trends, and they exemplify the deep bench strength of talent we have across the organization to continue driving our business forward." ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) is a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Our mission is to build brands that people love because we believe elevating human connections is Worth Reaching For. It's worth our dedication, hard work, and calculated risks to anticipate market trends and deliver more for our consumers, shareholders, employees, and industry. This dedication is what has driven us to become one of the fastest-growing, large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail, and it drives our pursuit to deliver what's next. Every day, people reach for our high-end, iconic imported beer brands such as those in the Corona brand family like the flagship Corona Extra, Modelo Especial and the flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas, Pacifico, and Victoria; our fine wine and craft spirits brands including The Prisoner Wine Company, Robert Mondavi Winery, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey; and our premium wine brands such as Kim Crawford and Meiomi. As an agriculture-based company, we have a long history of operating sustainably and responsibly. Our ESG strategy is embedded into our business and our work focuses on serving as good stewards of the environment, enhancing social equity within our industry and communities, and promoting responsible beverage alcohol consumption. These commitments ground our aspirations beyond driving the bottom line as we work to create a future that is truly Worth Reaching For. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.comand follow us on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements may relate to business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties, including statements related to Constellation's investment in talent and future ambitions or performance. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such actions will in fact occur or will occur on the timetable contemplated hereby. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Constellation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. In addition to risks and uncertainties associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed from time-to-time in Constellation's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2023 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended August 31, 2023, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations. MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Amy Martin 585-678-7141 / amy.martin@cbrands.com (mailto:amy.martin@cbrands.com) Carissa Guzski 315-525-7362 / carissa.guzski@cbrands.com (mailto:carissa.guzski@cbrands.com) Joseph Suarez 773-551-4397 / joseph.suarez@cbrands.com (mailto:joseph.suarez@cbrands.com) Snehal Shah 847-385-4940 / snehal.shah@cbrands.com (mailto:snehal.shah@cbrands.com) David Paccapaniccia 585-282-7227 / david.paccapaniccia@cbrands.com (mailto:david.paccapaniccia@cbrands.com) A downloadable PDF copy of this news release can be found here: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/10e85351-7319-4781-b7bc-45b5c2c78de9 Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - December 8, 2023) - Luxury vacation rental marketplace Villaway has announced that it has acquired over 1000 additional properties to join its expanding list of villas available for rent worldwide. These new properties include luxury vacation rentals in popular regions such as Costa Rica and Cabo San Lucas. This expansion comes as the company has experienced significant growth and recovery from tourism setbacks created by the global pandemic, which affected the worldwide travel and hospitality industries. Since lockdown measures and travel restrictions have been lifted, Villaway was able to continue the notable growth it experienced prior to the pandemic. As the global market demand for travel and hospital has increased since lockdowns were lifted, and as many travelers have begun to utilize apartment rental vacation agencies rather than simply renting hotel rooms, Villaway has been able to continue its prior expansion by adding new properties to its portfolio. CEO and founder Joe Liebke, who created Villaway in 2016, states that Villaway's newest properties join its exclusive network of upscale locations worldwide, encompassing everywhere from Bali to Maui. "As the short term rental market has grown, it's a clear indication that travelers are starting to look for accommodations more unique and exclusive than typical hotels," Liebke states. "We cater to high-end travelers seeking privacy and luxury and a wide range of exotic locations." He states that every new Villaway property was hand-selected and chosen for its ability to promote relaxation, offer unique tourist opportunities, and offer privacy, which he says is highly valued among high-end travelers. "We ensure that each location is fully equipped with a host of in-demand luxury services that premium clientele have come to expect when utilizing fine hotels," Liebke states. "This includes private chef services, restaurant reservations, airport pick up, the procurement of event tickets - we even make sure that each property's kitchen or kitchenette is fully stocked with groceries and fine wine." Villaway's expansion and recovery from the pandemic is due in part to its latest digital strategy, including new enhanced A.I. enhanced technologies and ads placed on new key media sites and social media platforms. The company continues to update its website to offer a user-friendly experience, and provides a range of detailed media of every new property to accurately display the accommodations offered. Villaway customers are also able to add their own travel photos to the company's social media sites along with their reviews. "Our clients are looking for the easiest way to experience luxurious, comfortable travel with all the comforts of home," says Liebke. "We carefully vet every one of our hand-selected villas and provide our clients with all the amenities of a five-star hotel in the privacy of a spectacular villa. The properties really rent themselves - and so much of our advertising is done by satisfied customers by word of mouth and social media posts." The team at Villaway is excited about the company's newest acquisitions and is already preparing the newest properties for rental. "I saw the need for an easy-to-use online resource for high-end travelers looking for an exclusive place to stay," says Liebke. "Villaway serves the needs of these customers, as well as travel agents and property managers." Villaway currently offers over 6,200 properties across 144 destinations. The company is still expanding into new territories, with the goal to provide a diverse portfolio for clients to choose from. "We're very selective and only the finest accommodations make it onto our website," says Liebke. "Since Villaway's promise of personal concierge is so vital to our offerings, only properties that promise this make the cut - and all our reservations include this complimentary service." The company is working the concierge teams for all new properties as well. This means that guest services can include a wide range of offerings, such as private tours for sightseeing, chartering yachts, in-house catering, and event and party planning. "We make sure that each new property we acquire can meet these stringent demands," Liebke says. "We want our clients to take the vacation of a lifetime and experience A-list accommodations." About Villaway Villaway is a luxury villa rental marketplace launched in 2016. The company offers hand-picked, inspected, and professionally managed properties around the world that offer 24/7 customer service and a dedicated personal concierge. Website: https://www.villaway.com/ Contact: Julie Renae Email: press@villaway.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/189194 Air Space Intelligence, a San Francisco, CA-based aerospace company, raised $34M in Series B funding. The round saw participation from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and existing investors, including Bloomberg Beta, Renegade Partners, and Spark Capital. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations in Washington, DC, and to enhance its capabilities further, strengthening its proximity to enterprise and national security stakeholders while increasing government engineering and deployment teams. Led by CEO Phillip Buckendorf, Air Space Intelligence is a software-first aerospace company partnering with US and allied government agencies and major airlines. Its Flyways AI platform equips the operator with the toolset to accurately predict and autonomously monitor the operational environment, enabling a perpetual and precise decision-making cycle yielding air operation outcomes in the worlds most challenging and dynamic environments. Having demonstrated operational success with Alaska Airlines and other major U.S. network carriers, ASI is now also expanding in the government sector, as evidenced by the signing of three contracts with the U.S. Air Force in the past four months. FinSMEs 07/12/2023 BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, will pay a state visit to Vietnam from Dec. 12 to 13, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Thursday. Xi's visit is at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, Hua said. Wang Wenbin, another foreign ministry spokesperson, said at a daily press briefing that after the 20th CPC National Congress last year, Xi invited Trong for a visit to China. The two leaders jointly charted the course for the China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, Wang said, noting that this year has seen frequent high-level interactions, close exchanges between various departments and regions, and deeper cooperation in various fields, which have brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. The world is in a new period of disorder and transformation, with increasing instabilities and uncertainties, Wang said, adding that China and Vietnam are both socialist countries and both are advancing reform and transformation that fits their respective national realities. "Greater solidarity, closer friendship and deeper mutually-beneficial cooperation is in the common interests of both sides and conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the wider world." During the visit, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping will hold talks respectively with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and State President Vo Van Thuong, and meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, according to Wang. The two sides will discuss upgrading the China-Vietnam relations, focus on six major areas including politics, security, practical cooperation, public support, multilateral affairs and maritime issues, and work to deepen and substantiate the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries, the spokesperson said. This will help both countries to jointly follow their modernization paths with respective features, enrich the paths to modernization for developing countries and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he said. Artisan AI, a San Francisco, CA-based AI startup that plans to build human-like digital workers, raised additional funding from a Sequoia scout, which has doubled the valuation from $15m to $30m. The company, which recently raised a $2.3M pre-seed, will be participating in the W24 Y Combinator batch. Founded by 22-year-old CEO Jaspar Carmichael-Jack (me!), who previously founded an international branding agency, and CTO Dr. Rupert Dodkins, who obtained his PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Oxford and has 8 years of machine learning experience, Artisan AI creates human-like digital workers, called Artisans, who automate job functions from end to end. Artisans are designed to add to teams rather than another SaaS tool for teams to use. The first Artisan, Ava, launches on December 11th. She automates the sales process, with a feature-rich SaaS platform managed entirely by talking to her on Slack. Ava prospects with a database of over 250 million leads, writes hyper-personalized emails, replies to prospects questions, and books meetings into human SDRs calendars. Next year, the company plans to release 5 further Artisans to do everything from marketing to financial analysis. FinSMEs 08/12/2023 CropX, a San Francisco, CA-based company which specializes in digital agtech solutions, acquired Green Brain, a digital irrigation management solutions provider based in Adelaide, Australia. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The acquisition expands CropXs reach in Australia and strengthens its position as a global leader in digital precision agriculture. Green Brain is an irrigation management solution provider specializing in optimization and data connectivity solutions. Its technologies provide farmers with tools for monitoring and managing crop health through irrigation scheduling and fostering efficient and sustainable farming practices. Led by CEO Tomer Tzach, CropX Technologies provides agribusiness farm management solutions in the world, deployed in over 50 countries and across all arable continents. Its flagship product, the CropX agronomic farm management system, synthesizes data from soil to sky to offer advanced soil and crop intelligence and a suite of digital agronomic decision and planning tools, all on an app capable of tracking multiple farms and fields. FinSMEs 08/12/2023 Koho, a Toronto, Canada-based fintech company, raised additional CAD$86M in funding, at $800M valuation. Backers included Drive Capital, Eldridge Industries, HOOPP, Portage, Round13, BDC, and TTV. The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach. Led by Daniel Eberhard, CEO and Founder, Koho offers a full-service spending and savings account with no hidden fees that gives cash back on every purchase, and an integrated app that helps users spend smart and save more. Its product range includes Credit Building, Cover, the ability to check the credit score for free. Complementing these products is a subscription model, known as Koho Plans. Looking ahead to 2024, the company is dedicated to launching features such as increased credit offerings, in-app bill splitting, access to government benefits, and a wide range of other capabilities. In the app, users have the opportunity to remain informed as Kohos roadmap is public and open for comments. The company partners with a variety of banks and federally regulated financial institutions to deliver its products. FinSMEs 07/12/2023 Breaking the hearts of many ladies, Edoardo Santini, the model who was given the title of the Most Handsome Man has decided to quit modelling and devote his life to priesthood. The 21-year-old Edoardo Santini was crowned with the title of the Most Handsome Man at the age of 17. It was during a pageant organised in 2019 by ABE Group, a fashion group hen he got the title. However, now leaving his promising career in the spotlight behind, Santini is on the spiritual journey of faith and service. Announcing the same, he took to his Instagram handle and shared a video, giving a glimpse into his journey as a model and also how he came upon the path of faith and God. Its been a long time since I feel the need to investigate it, last year I made a first step, but I had told a few the real reason for my move. I needed a time that was specifically for me. This year, on the eve of my 21st birthday, I feel ready to share this, a part of his caption read. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Edoardo Santini (@_edoardosantini_) According to a Daily Mail report, the 21-year-old rising star noted that he found himself on the path towards becoming a priest God willing as looking forward to joining a seminary near Florence. I have decided to give up modelling work, acting, and dance, but I wont abandon all my passions, Ill just live them differently, offering them up to God, said the Castel Fiorentino native. Further through his social media message, the young Santini recalled that his father decided to marry his mother at the age of 21 because she was pregnant and it was again at the age of 21 when his mother had him, further explaining his reason to choosing the path at the same age. They have given me the strength to investigate this question that Ive taken with me from childhood but various fears stopped me from studying it at a deeper level. Last year, I took the first step, he said further adding that he also lived with two priests, and was the best experience of his life. While his social media post confirms the major shift in his life, his profile bio has been also updated to, Im a Christian, priest wannabe+. Veteran actor Junior Mehmood died on Friday at his Mumbai home after battling stomach cancer. He was 67. Born Naeem Sayyed but popular in the film industry as Junior Mehmood, the actors health deteriorated in the last few days. The family came to know about his stage-4 stomach cancer only 18 days ago, Husnain, the actors son, told The Indian Express. When they took him to Tata Memorial Hospital, the dean said the treatment and chemotherapy at this stage would be very painful. The hospital had suggested that we take care of him at home, Husnain added. On Friday, at 2:15 AM, he breathed his last after battling stomach cancer. Meeting old friends In the last few days, Junior Mehmood expressed a desire to reconnect with his old friends and colleagues from the industry. Following this, Jeetendra, Johnny Lever and Sachin Pilgaonkar visited him at his residence in Khar. Jeetendra couldnt hold back his emotions standing by the veteran actors bedside. Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Jeetendra said that Junior Mehmood was unable to recognise him and also couldnt open his eyes, further adding, Seeing him in such a state breaks my heart. The senior actor also added that he was urged by Johnny Lever for a quick visit, seemingly due to his worsening condition. Johnny Lever visited his friend every day to get an update about his health. Talking to The Times of India, the comedian-actor said, He is my best friend, like a brother and we share a family connection. Thats why I visit him every day, Lever said. Career Junior Mehmood entered films in 1966 at a young age as a child artiste with Mohabbat Zindagi Hai. He was then seen playing important roles in Naunihal, Caravan, and Haathi Mere Saathi. Junior Mehmood impressed cine lovers with brilliant acting in Mera Naam Joker, Suhaag Raat, Brahmachari, and Kati Patang. Among other films, he acted in Hare Rama Hare Krishna, Geet Gaata Chal, Imaandaar, Baap Numbri Beta Dus Numbri, Aaj Ka Arjun, Gurudev, Chhote Sarkar and Judaai. Apart from the big screen, the actor also worked in TV shows Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara and Ek Rishta Saajhedari Ka. He also produced and directed several Marathi movies. China has built the deepest laboratory on Earth. The Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility for Frontier Physics Experiments (DURF) has been built nearly 2.5 kilometres below ground in southwest China. But what do we know about the facility? Why has China built it? Lets take a closer look: What do we know about it? As per Xinhua News Agency, the facility has been constructed in Sichuan Provinces Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture. The DURF is the second phase of the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. As per Space Daily, the first phase of the lab was finished in 2010. The lab has had considerable success in dark matter experiments. China News Service reported that a team from Sichuan Medical Universitys West China Medical Centre learned that molecular targets adapted to extremely low background radiation. The discovery could potentially improve tumour treatment, the report stated. It had a capacity of around 4,000 cubic metres, as per SCMP. The lab is an underground research facility with the deepest rock overburden and the largest space by volume in the world, as per Global Times. It is located in the Jinping tunnel. The DURF has a total capacity of 330,000 cubic meters or 120 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Work on the laboratory, jointly constructed by Tsinghua University and Yalong River Hydropower Development Company, began in December 2020. As per The Sun, the facility is nearly double the size of the previous largest underground lab Italys Gran Sasso National Laboratory. It can be accessed by vehicles. Ten teams of scientists from Tsinghua, Shanghai Jiao Tong and Beijing Normal University, the China Institute of Atomic Energy, and the Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences area are already working at the facility, as per China Daily. Why has China built it? Scientists told Xinhua the laboratory is a clean space for them to investigate dark matter. Dark matter and dark energy comprise 95 per cent of the universe. They are arguably among the greatest mysteries yet to be solved by scientists. As per European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) dark matter is extremely difficult to detect as it does not absorb, reflect or emit light. Scientist have only been able to deduce its presence via its gravitational effect on visible matter. Dark matter seems to outweigh visible matter by around six to one making it making around 27 per cent of the universe. Dark energy, meanwhile, accounts for another 68 per cent of the universe. It seems to be related with the vacuum in space. Researchers said the laboratory being constructed far beneath the Earth leaves it shielded from cosmic rays that hinder experiments. The CERNs Large Hadron Collider by comparison is located just 100 metres underground near Geneva. Yue Qian, a professor at Tsinghua University, was quoted as saying by Space Daily, Thanks to its location, the DURF is exposed to a tiny flux of cosmic rays, which is only one hundred-millionth of that on the Earths surface. Khmer Times quoted Yue as saying the lab also had other advantages including extremely low environmental radiation, extremely low radon concentration and an ultra-clean space. Yue told Xinhua that the facility would become a world-class interdisciplinary deep underground scientific research center integrating multiple disciplines including particle physics, nuclear astrophysics and life sciences, to facilitate the development of Chinas research in relevant frontier fields. With inputs from agencies Tamil Nadu capital Chennai is struggling to recover from Cyclone Michaungs devastating aftermath. The citys low-lying areas are now completely covered in water due to torrential rainfall, underscoring the urgent need for better flood prevention strategies. The oil spill in the floodwaters in Ennore neighbourhood is making matters worse. The leak is not only affecting humans, but the vast aquatic ecosystem as well. The police are trying to trace the origin of the oil leak. Lets take a look. Oil spill amid Chennai floods A number of videos appeared on social media show the oil, that look like a dark stain, flowing down the surface of a canal and into a nearby river. Notably, the severe rains brought on by Cyclone Michaung flooded Chennai on the same day that crude oil spilled into the Buckingham Canal, an important waterway in the region. This video, shared by members @TVMIoffl, clearly indicates the extent of the oil spill in #Ernavoor #Ennore. The disproportionate presence of #oilrefineries and #thermalpower plants in the northern part of Chennai is a stark example of ENV injustice against the local communities. pic.twitter.com/bGNINU8zkN Scientist Rebellion India (@SciRebIND) December 7, 2023 According to NDTV, the flooding caused the crude oil and toxic water to enter peoples homes. Due to toxic fumes of the oil spill into the Kosasthalaiyar River, some locals are reportedly experiencing respiratory problems, skin rashes and headaches, as per Times Now. With thousands of fish already dead, the enormous aquatic ecology has also been impacted, India Today reported. This has caused concern among the fisherfolk about their livelihood. By Thursday, the situation improved a little and the fishery department had been informed about the oil spill. The responsibility of the leak Numerous petrochemical and oil refineries are located in Ennore. Locals alleged that the oil from Chennai Petrochemicals Limited (CPCL) pipelines mixed with the flooded water. However, CPCL has strongly denied any leakage at its refinery at Manali, while also adding, We are investigating. Due to Cyclone Michaung incessant rain caused unprecedented flooding inside the refinery. Other industries of Manali were also badly affected. Despite the flood situation in and around the refinery, the CPCL team rose to the occasion and ensured uninterrupted and safe operation of the refinery, it said in a statement. The police are also working on tracing the origin of the oil spill in the area, as per NDTV. National Green Tribunals (NGT) Chennai bench has taken suo motu cognizance of the massive oil spill in Chennai, according to News9. Aftermath of Cyclone Michaung The flooding comes days after Cyclone Michuang lashed Chennai and the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh with an incredible amount of rain. The floods brought back memories of the extensive damage caused by floods eight years ago which killed around 290 people. According to Reuters, an estimated 13 people, most of them in the manufacturing hub of Tamil Nadu, have died in the flooding that was triggered by the torrential rains that preceded the cyclone, which made landfall in Andhra Pradesh state on Tuesday afternoon. Life has come to a standstill with floodwaters clinging to the streets, leaving people inside their homes with no electricity, food and connectivity. According to Indian Express, several residents complained that no member of the legislative assembly (MLA) or local councillors visited them to offer any help. While some others questioned the ability of the citys infrastructure to handle extreme weather. Tamil Nadu chief secretary Shiv Das Meena on Thursday said that there were 1,442 trees that fell in Chennai, out of which 243 trees are still left to be cleared and it will be done tonight, as per ANI. Rescue and relief operation underway Rescuers used inflatable rafts and ropes to pluck people out of their homes in Chennai, a city of more than 6 million people and a major automobile and technology manufacturing hub. Local media showed images of rescue workers wading through waist-deep water and of submerged vehicles. Air force helicopters also dropped food rations to people stranded in flooded homes. There are pockets of low lying areas, said Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner Dr. J. Radhakrishnan. We to hope clear it soon. According to ANI, the chief secretary informed that 9,000 officials from other districts are deployed for the relief work. Work on water stagnation at 343 places is underway. Food packets are being distributed in the flood-affected areas. Other district workers like medical staff, fire service staff, EN staff, etc., have been called to work in Chennai for restoration. A total of 9,000 officials from other districts are also deployed for the relief work in Chennai, Meena said. A huge improvement has been found from today morning. Till tomorrow evening 100 per cent power supply will be given, he added. While the rescue efforts are on, the Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard are engaged in dropping food and medical supplies from helicopters. With the approval of the first urban flood mitigation project in Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated Rs 561.29 crore for operations related to Integrated Urban Flood Management inside the Chennai Basin project. The second tranche of the relief fund for Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who added on X that the Centre has sanctioned release of Rs 450 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and approved a Rs. 561 crore flood mitigation project for Chennai. Union Minister Rajnath Singh also recently conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected regions in Tamil Nadu and spoke with Chief Minister MK Stalin to assess the damage caused due to the rare cyclone. One popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) for treating pain is meftal. But the next time you take a tablet, find out from a doctor how much you should take and whether you really need it. Mefenamic acid, which is often marketed under the trade name Meftal, has been the subject of a drug safety alert by the pharmaceutical standards body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC). Lets take a closer look. The alert Mefenamic acid is known to cause drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms known as DRESS syndrome, the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), which keeps track of and gathers data about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse events connected to pharmaceutical products, said in its preliminary analysis. Although the medication is not available over-the-counter (OTC) and cannot be sold without a prescription, Indians use it extensively for a variety of conditions, including headaches, muscular and joint pain, and menstrual pain. In addition, children with high fevers frequently are given this medication. The leading brands in the category are Meftal from Blue Cross Laboratories, Mefkind P from Mankind Pharma, Ponstan from Pfizer, Mefanorm from Serum Institute, and Ibuclin P from Dr. Reddy. The alert has asked medical professionals and patients to closely monitor the side effects of the medicine. Healthcare professionals, patients/consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with the use of the above suspected drug, the alert issued on 30 November said. If such a reaction is encountered, people should report the matter to the national coordination centre of the PvPI under the commission by filing a form on the website www.ipc.gov.in or through android mobile app ADR PvPI and PvPI helpline number 1800-180-3024, it added. DRESS syndrome a serious drug reaction Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, or DRESS syndrome, is a serious allergic reaction brought on by specific medications. Your body may react strongly to some drugs, resulting in this syndrome. It appears as a skin rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy, and it can happen two to eight weeks after taking the medication. Your internal organs may also be affected. With an estimated 10 per cent death rate across multiple studies, it presents a significant risk to ones life. Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin and phenobarbital are the most common culprits linked to DRESS syndrome; their incidence rate is roughly one per 5,000 to 10,000 exposures. To prevent this serious reaction, it is essential to use caution when taking drugs. Experts opinion Medical professionals told News18 that it is a known fact that DRESS syndrome is a a common side effect of a lot of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). An expert who works at the internal medicine department of a hospital in Delhi told the news channel, While not as common as with some other drug classes, NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen have been implicated in causing DRESS syndrome in some cases. Its important to note that individual responses to medications can vary, and not everyone taking NSAIDs will experience this severe allergic reaction. He added that in his two decades of clinical experience, he has not seen any negative effects from this medication in any of his patients. A gynaecologist at a Gurugram-based hospital, told News18 that the occurrence of DRESS syndrome with NSAIDs like Meftal is generally considered rare. While the overall incidence is low, it is crucial for individuals taking NSAIDs to be aware of potential side effects, including rare but severe reactions like DRESS syndrome. Its called Article 99. And it hasnt been used for decades. Until this week. On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres posted on X (formerly Twitter), Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared, attaching a copy of a letter addressed to the UN Security Council president invoking Article 99. What does the letter read? What is Article 99? How likely is it that this will have a beneficial impact on the Israel-Hamas conflict? We try to break down the answers to these questions with the valuable inputs of Edith M Lederer, longtime chief UN correspondent for The Associated Press. What did Guterres say in his letter to the UNSC president? In his letter to the UNSC president, Guterres said, I am writing under Article 99 of the United Nations Charter to bring to the attention of the Security Council a matter which, in my opinion, may aggravate existing threats to the maintenance of international peace and security. He then went on to describe appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestine Territory. Guterres stated that he has consistently criticised the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people, and has urged for the release of more than 130 prisoners who remain detained. Ive just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General. Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. pic.twitter.com/pA0eRXZnFJ Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 6, 2023 He went on to say that since the start of Israel's military action, over 15,000 people have been killed, with approximately 40 per cent of them being children. "Nowhere is safe in Gaza," he wrote, adding, I urge the members of the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe. I reiterate my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. This is urgent. The civilian population must be spared from greater harm. With a humanitarian ceasefire, the means of survival can be restored, and humanitarian assistance can be delivered in a safe and timely manner across the Gaza Strip. What is Article 99 and why is Guterres invoking it? Article 99 is a provision of the United Nations Charter, the UN constitution. It states that the secretary-general the UN's top diplomat may bring to the attention of the Security Council "any matter which, in his opinion, may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." This gives an important additional power to the secretary-general since the real power at the UN is held by its 193 member nations, especially the 15 countries that serve on the Security Council. Article 99 is used extremely rarely. The last time it was invoked was during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war which led to the creation of Bangladesh. Guterres invoked Article 99 because he sees the situation in Gaza at risk of a "complete collapse" of the territory's humanitarian system and civil order. It was something he felt needed to be done. How likely is this to have an effect, given the US veto power? Arab and Islamic nations followed up on Guterres's letter immediately. The United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the Security Council, circulated a short resolution to Security Council members late Wednesday calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. They plan to put that resolution to a vote at a Security Council meeting on Friday morning. The United States, which is Israel's closest ally and has veto power on resolutions, has not supported a ceasefire. On Tuesday, US deputy ambassador Robert Wood said that the role of the Security Council in the Israel-Gaza war is not to get in the way of important diplomacy that's taking place. And he said the Security Council resolution at this time "would not be useful." This could signal a likely veto, but the US has not said either way. In that case, why invoke it? Because Guterres believes that the humanitarian system and the humanitarian operations in Gaza are collapsing. He also warns in his letter that in the current situation, "amid constant bombardment by the Israeli Defence Forces and without shelter or essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible." Guterres said the situation could get even worse, pointing to possible epidemics and the mass displacement of Palestinians into neighbouring countries. He sees a looming disaster. Previous secretaries-general have brought threats that they saw to international peace and security to the Security Council without mentioning Article 99. This includes Congo in 1960, the US hostage crisis in Iran that began in November 1979, the Iran-Iraq war in 1980 and more recently Myanmar in 2017. We don't know why they didn't invoke Article 99, and several of the previous secretaries-general are now dead. Guterres has been very outspoken on both the Hamas attacks on Israel and the very high death toll of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. With inputs from AP India has lost another precious life to dowry. A Kerala doctors death due to alleged dowry demands from the groom has again put the spotlight on the dowry scourge in India. Despite being illegal for more than six decades, this centuries-old tradition has continued to haunt the country, particularly women. Dowry-related abuse is also a persisting problem which the existing laws have failed to tackle. What does Indias dowry law state? How has it remained ineffective? Lets take a closer look. India dowry law Passed in 1961, the Dowry Prohibition Act banned the practice of giving or accepting dowry. The Act defined dowry as any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly by a party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage or by the parent of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person. The offence is punishable by a jail term of not less than five years and a fine of about Rs 15,000 or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more. Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) criminalises cruelty towards a woman by her husband or in-laws. Recent incidents in India A resident trainee doctor, Shahana, in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram allegedly died by suicide this week after her boyfriend called off their wedding as her family failed to meet his exorbitant dowry demands. The young doctors relatives have alleged that the accused, EA Ruwise, another resident trainee doctor, demanded 150 sovereigns of gold, 15 acres of land and a BMW car from Shahnas family, reported Indian Express. The accused has been arrested by the Kerala Police. In November, a software engineer and his family were booked for the suicide of his 24-year-old wife over alleged dowry demands in Telanganas Hyderabad. A similar case was reported in Hyderabad in July when a 31-year-old woman died by suicide at her residence after alleged harassment by her husband and in-laws for additional dowry. The Delhi High Court raised concerns over a distressing pattern of dowry-related deaths in October. A single-judge bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made the observations while upholding the verdict of a trial court convicting a man under sections 498A and 304B (dowry death) of the IPC and sentencing him to 10 years in prison. Speaking about the psychological stress and emotional trauma faced by women who are subjected to constant harassment by their in-laws over dowry, the court said, This trauma can be so overwhelming that, for some, death may tragically appear to be a lesser agony than the relentless torment caused by the demands for dowry and compulsion and pressure to ask their parents to keep on giving money and gifts to the in-laws, reported Indian Express. In May last year, the death of three sisters in a village on the outskirts of Rajasthans Jaipur had sent shockwaves across the nation. The women, who were married into the same family, were allegedly abused by their husbands and in-laws for dowry. ALSO READ: Cruelty by husband, kidnapping & more: How crimes against women are on the rise again in India Indias dowry menace India witnesses thousands of dowry deaths each year, noted The Guardian. According to the latest National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report, as many as 13,479 cases were reported in India under the Dowry Prohibition Act last year. About 6,450 dowry deaths were recorded in 2022, the report released on 4 December showed. In 2021, India logged 13,534 cases under the anti-dowry law, a 25 per cent spike compared to the registered cases in 2020. As many as 6,589 dowry deaths were reported in 2021, a slight decline of 3.85 per cent than the previous year. While it is a criminal offence, the practice of dowry has remained prevalent across India. Till women are considered objects by their families who are to be married off to the highest bidder, the menace of dowry will continue to persist. A recent paper by Siwan Anderson of the University of British Columbia claimed that the increase in the wealth of Indians has led to a rise in dowry payments. Another study in April found that as education and job opportunities have improved for men in India over the years, so has the practice of dowry. Jeffrey Weaver of University of Southern California and Gaurav Chiplunkar of University of Virginia analysed over 74,000 marriages in India between 1930 and 1999 to understand the evolution of dowry over time, as per the BBC report. Citing the study, the British broadcaster reported that grooms who were well-educated and had better-quality jobs demanded higher dowries. Strong economic factors perpetuate dowry. On the bride side, families who refuse to pay dowry for their daughters are left with lower quality grooms. Grooms have a strong economic incentive to accept dowry, particularly if their family has to pay dowry for its own female children or wants to recoup investments in grooms education, the authors wrote. The research also said that the size of dowry payment decreases as more women ggot education in an area, BBC reported. Experts also believe the number of dowry-related cases is much more than the official figures. In an hour, some 30 to 40 women are victims of domestic violence and these are just documented (cases), so it must be much more than that, Kavita Srivastava, an activist with Indias Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, told AFP last year. She blamed the widespread social acceptance of domestic violence in India for womens deaths, which, Srivastava said, leaves them feeling trapped in oppressive and violent relationships. Meanwhile, the misuse of Section 498A of the IPC is also a concern. As per The Swaddle, dowry harassment is a cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable offence. Under the law, the accused can be arrested just on the basis of the victims testimony without prior investigation or evidence. Last year, the Supreme Court had also flagged the misuse of this provision. With inputs from agencies The Lok Sabha on Friday expelled Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra in a cash-for-query case. The development came after the motion to expel Moitra witnessed a heated discussion over the listing of the Ethics Committee report. The TMC leader, along with the Opposition leaders, protested outside the Parliament shortly after the motion was passed, denouncing it as a unfair decision. Heres what unfolded in the Lok Sabha and what the report says on the matter. Stormy scenes in the Lok Sabha The report of the Ethics Committee was tabled in the Lok Sabha by chairperson Vinod Kumar Sonkar, triggering a row between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition. The Opposition leaders argued that Moitra should be allowed to present her view on the matter. The calls for Moitra to speak on the matter were raised, citing the fundamental right to defend herself, by Trinamool MPs, beginning with Sudip Bandyopadhyay, as per NDTV. What I propose my partys spokesperson will be Mahua Moitra herself because allegation is against her. Wild allegations have been raised. Whether true or wrong, let her speak he said. The lower house was adjourned till noon as the Opposition MPs sought more time to study the 495-page document, as per News18. However, all went in vain as the Lok Sabha took up the report for discussion once the session resumed and put forward the motion recommending the expulsion. The motion was passed and the TMC leader was expelled, leading to a walkout by the Opposition. The Ethics Committee report According to NDTV, TMC MP accepted gifts, like luxury items and a car, and such serious misdemeanours call for severe punishment, the Ethics Committee said in its report about cash-for-query row. The report stated that allegations of accepting illegal gratification (are) clearly established and are undeniable, declaring, taking gifts from (a) businessman to whom she handed over log-in (details) amounts to a quid pro quo (which is) unbecoming of an MP and is unethical conduct. The parliamentary panel committee, therefore, added recommend(s) that Mahua Moitra, MP, may be expelled from the membership of the Seventeenth Lok Sabha, and further called for a legal institutional inquiry by the Government in view of unethical, heinous, and criminal conduct of Moitra Further action against Moitra has been referred to central investigative agencies with the technical expertise to probe the money trail, with the committee recommending a time-bound inquiry. The panel was quoted as saying, (we) wish to candidly point out that (we) do not have the technical wherewithal and expertise to criminally investigate and unearth the money trail, which is the task of the central government Moitra protests with Opposition MPs After the motion was passed, the TMC leader and the Opposition walked out of the parliament. Moitra, while reading out her statement outside the Lok Sabha which she came prepared with, reiterated that it was the conduct of a kangaroo court, and there was no evidence of cash. She said the committee has decided to hang her without getting to the root of the matter, according to News18. it (Lok Sabha ethics committee) refused to summon the businessman to testify that there is evidence of any cash or any gifts, she said, adding, The recommendation of expulsion was solely based on the complaint that I shared my login. But there is no rule whatsoever in this regard. According to NDTV, the visibly furious TMC leader added, The committee broke every rule Tomorrow, the CBI will be sent to my home to harass me. The Lok Sabha has presided over the most tenacious witch-hunt of one of the 78 MPs, a first-timer, a single woman, with no political lineage This Lok Sabha has also seen the weaponisation of a parliamentary committee. Ironically, the ethics committee which was set up to serve as a moral compass for members, instead has been abused today to do exactly what it was never meant to do which is to bulldoze the Opposition and become another weapon to thok do us into submission. This committee and the report have broken every rule in the book, the news channel quoted her as saying. Responding to Moitra, Ethics Committee member Aparajita Sarangi told NDTV, Her conduct was unethical. And she has been punished for the same by parliament. Its not like she has been punished by a person or two. The matter went to the parliament standing committee; complainant and defendant were heard. She was given time to put her point forward. When she appeared before the committee, she was very angry and she said a lot of unparliamentary things, even against the committee chairman. Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, who also walked out of the Lok Sabha, told media that the Opposition stands with what Moitra has said. West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool boss Mamata Banerjee accused the saffron party of having planned the expulsion of Moitra. However, she adding that this will help her before the election. For those unversed, the 2024 Lok Sabha election is just a few months away. Whats next for Moitra? A member who has been expelled can challenge the decision in the court of law. If there is some illegality or unconstitutionality about the way in which the Committee went about the whole exercise, if there was a total denial of natural justice, in that case she can challenge it not otherwise, wrote PDT Acharya, former secretary general of Lok Sabha, in The Indian Express. According to him, she could also bring up Article 20, which states that the punishment should be proportionate to the offence, and provide an argument. Deccan Herald quoted him as also saying there has been no rule framed by the Lok Sabha or provisions under the Information Technology (IT) Act, which prohibits the sharing of ones password. Furthermore, if the corruption aspect is true, then the CBI can act on it under the Prevention of Corruption Act. We will be glad to see our friend, Mr Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Russia. We will be able to discuss all current issues and talk about the prospects for the development of Russian-Indian relations. With these words, Russian president Vladimir Putin has extended an invite to the prime minister when he met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Putin has also said that he had spoken to the prime minister on the developments in Ukraine. Many times, I advised him of how things have been going there and I know that he (PM Modi) is willing to do his utmost so that the issue is resolved by peaceful means, he said, indicating that India will Russia will continue to discuss the issue. In his meeting with S Jaishankar, Putin also said that he was keen to meet Modi, but also noted that the prime minister had a busy political schedule next year. The general elections in Parliament are scheduled for next year. We wish our friends every success in that and we hope that anyway, no matter what the alignment of political forces would be, the traditional conventional friendly ties will persist between our nations, the Russian president said, as per an NDTV report. This isnt the first time that Putin has praised PM Modi or spoken kindly of him. In early December, the Russian strongman had applauded Modi of defending Indias national interests without being intimidated, and stated that the policy he held was the main guarantor of the progressively developing ties between the two countries. Lets take a look at how ties between PM Modi and Russias Putin have evolved over the years. Modi cant be intimidated Putin said recently that PM Modi cannot be forced or intimidated to take a decision contrary to Indias interests. Addressing the 14th VTB Investment Forum Russia Calling on Thursday (7 December), he said: I cannot imagine that Modi could be intimidated or forced to take any actions, steps and decisions that are contrary to the national interests of India and Indians. And there is such pressure, I know, reported ANI. I just look at what is happening from the outside, and sometimes, to be honest, Im even surprised at his tough position on defending the national interests of the Indian state, he added. Putin also spoke about India and Russias ties, saying they are constantly developing in all directions and the main guarantor of this is the policy pursued by PM Modi. Further, he pointed out that the trade turnover between the two countries was growing. Last year it was 35 billion dollars per year, and in the first half of this year it was already 33.5 billion. That is, the growth will be significant. Yes, we all understand that, to a large extent, India receives preferences due to discounts on Russian energy resources. Well, hes actually doing the right thing, Putin was quoted as saying by ANI. The Russian president also said that enhancing the trade turnover with India would be right. His remarks come against the backdrop of Russias invasion of Ukraine. Despite pressure from Western countries, India has continued to buy discounted crude from Russia. New Delhi has also abstained from all UN General Assembly votes condemning Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. India has maintained a neutral position in the Ukraine conflict, with Modi famously telling Putin that the era of war is over. While Russia is a longstanding and time-tested partner, New Delhi has ensured not to vex the West by choosing sides in the war while preserving relations with Moscow. A wise man Lauding Modis leadership in October, Putin described the Indian PM as a very wise man. He also slammed the West for flirting with India and praised the Modi government for acting independently, reported Bloomberg. Speaking at the 20th annual meeting of Moscow-based think tank Valdai International Discussion Club on 5 October, Putin said India is getting stronger each year under PM Modi. I would like to say that the Indian leadership is independent and strongly nationally oriented, the Russian president reportedly said. They (the West) try to portray those who are not willing to blindly follow these Western elite groups as enemies. They have used this approach with various countries, including China, and tried to do this to India in certain situations. Attempts to turn India away from Russia are pointless, India is an independent state, he added. In 2021, Putin had said Russia sees India as a great power and a friend with whom Moscow works in the military-technical field in a way that we do not work with any of our partners, reported Hindustan Times (HT). ALSO READ: Why Vladimir Putin wants Russian women to have eight or more children Putin exalts Make in India Putin has often hailed the Modi governments Make in India. In September, Putin said PM Modi was doing the right thing by endorsing the initiative, saying Moscow should emulate this to promote Russian industries. He previously said that Make in India has had a truly impressive effect on the Indian economy, according to PTI. Our friends in India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a great friend of Russia, a few years ago presented a concept Make in India and it had a very visible effect on the Indian economy,, Putin was quoted as saying by WION. It would do no harm to emulate what is working well, even if it was not us but our friends who created it, he said at an annual forum Strong ideas of our time in June. Launched in September 2014, the Make in India progamme aims to promote India as the preferred global destination for manufacturing. Russia, which is reeling from Western sanctions, is trying to court India and other friendly countries. In October, Russian prime minister Mikhail Mishustin said that investment processes will be simplified for investors from 25 countries considered an ally by Moscow, including China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Modi is a true patriot Putin has earlier praised Indias foreign policy on the Ukraine crisis as well as called PM Modi a true patriot. We have special ties with India that are built on the foundation of really close allied relations for decades. We never had any difficult issues with India, we have always supported each other and I am positive thats how it will remain in the future as well. PM Modi is one of those people in the world who is able to pursue an independent foreign policy in the interest of his country, and his people despite any attempts to stop him, Putin said last October when asked about Indias role in a post-hegemonic world. A lot has been done in the past years under the leadership of Modi. Naturally he is a patriot of his country. And his idea of Make in India, it matters. The future belongs to India. It can be proud of the fact that it is the largest democracy in the world and also be proud of its development momentum, the Russian leader said at the time, as per Indian Express. Putins remarks had come a month after he met Modi at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The two leaders have not met face-to-face since then. However, there were reports in October that India and Russia are holding high-level discussions for a summit between Modi and Putin this year. With inputs from agencies Some of Americas top universities have been engulfed in an antisemitism row in the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war. On Tuesday, University of Pennsylvania president Elizabeth Magill, Harvard president Claudine Gay and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) president Sally Kornbluth testified before Congress about what they were doing to combat antisemitism on their campuses. Their remarks drew a torrent of criticism from Republicans, Democrats and the White House. Now, UPenn president Elizabeth Magill is under pressure to resign. The development comes as the federal government over the past month opened investigations into several universities including Penn and Harvard regarding antisemitism and Islamophobia on campus. The education department also has sent letters to schools reminding them of their legal duty to stop harassment that interferes with student learning. Lets take a look at the row and the fallout: What happened? Gay, Magill of Penn and Kornbluth all disavowed antisemitism and Islamophobia on their campuses while acknowledging that instances of both had taken place since the 7 October attack on Israel. All three presidents defended their universities response to the incidents. As president, I am committed to a safe, secure and supportive educational environment so that our academic mission can thrive, Magill said in her opening statement. As a student of constitutional democracy, I know that we need both safety and free expression for universities and ultimately democracy to thrive. In these times, these competing principles can be difficult to balance, but I am determined to get it right. Harvard must provide firm leadership in the fight against antisemitism and hate speech even while preserving room for free expression and dissent. This is difficult work, and I admit that we have not always gotten it right, added Gay. As Harvards president, I am personally responsible for confronting antisemitism with the urgency it demands. The row erupted after Republican Representative Elise Stefanik of New York repeatedly asked whether calling for the genocide of Jews would violate each universitys code of conduct. As per The Guardian, Stefanik seemed to be equating chants protests calling for an intifada with genocide. Magill responded that whether hate speech crossed the line into violating Penns policies depended on context. If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment, Magill said. As per The Guardian, when Stefanik directly asked for a yes or no answer, Magill did not do so. Gay responded to the question in a similar manner, saying that when speech crosses into conduct, that violates our policies. Kornbluth responded that she had not heard calling for the genocide of Jews on MITs campus, and that speech targeted at individuals, not making public statements, would be considered harassment. In the end, all three presidents refused to give a simple yes or no answer. Whats the fallout? Video clips of the hearing sparked outrage among the schools Jewish students and alumni, who, following the hearing, stepped up calls for Magill and Gay to resign. One prominent donor, Stone Ridge Asset Management founder and CEO Ross Stevens, has withdrawn a gift to Penn worth nearly $100 million to protest the schools response to on-campus antisemitism, Stevens said in a letter. Mr Stevens and Stone Ridge are appalled by the Universitys stance on antisemitism on campus, said the letter, which was first reported by Axios. Absent a change in leadership and values at Penn in the very near future, I plan to rescind Penns Stone Ridge shares to help prevent any further reputational and other damage to Stone Ridge as a result of our relationship with Penn and Liz Magill, Stevens wrote to his employees, as per CNN. Magill on Wednesday attempted to clarify her answer. She said a call for the genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment or intimidation. I was not focused on, but I should have been, the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate, Magill said in a video statement released by the university. Its evil, plain and simple. Magill called for a review of Penns policies, which she said have long been guided by the US Constitution but need to be clarified and evaluated as hate spreads across campus and around the world in a way not seen in years. Magill said she and Provost John Jackson would begin a process to evaluate and clarify campus policy, saying, We can and will get this right. Gay on Wednesday condemned calls for violence against Jewish students. Let me be clear: Calls for violence or genocide against the Jewish community, or any religious or ethnic group are vile, they have no place at Harvard, and those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account, Gay wrote Wednesday. The MIT board has lined up strongly behind Kornbluth. The MIT Corporation chose Sally to be our president for her outstanding academic leadership, her judgment, her integrity, her moral compass, and her ability to unite our community around MITs core values. She has done excellent work in leading our community, including in addressing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate, which we reject utterly at MIT. She has our full and unreserved support, the statement read as per CNN. The outlet reported that the Penn University board held an emergency meeting on Thursday. There is no board plan for imminent leadership change, a board spokesperson was quoted as saying by CNN. Though Magill survived, the Wharton Board of Advisors which leads Penns business school has demanded a change at the top. As a result of the University leaderships stated beliefs and collective failure to act, our Board respectfully suggests to you and the Board of Trustees that the University requires new leadership with immediate effect, the Wharton Board of Advisors said in a letter to Magill. In light of your testimony yesterday before Congress, we demand the University clarify its position regarding any call for harm to any group of people immediately, change any policies that allow such conduct with immediate effect, and discipline any offenders expeditiously, the letter stated. Our board has been, and remains, deeply concerned about the dangerous and toxic culture on our campus that has been led by a select group of students and faculty and has been permitted by University leadership, the letter concluded. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that Marc Rowan, the billionaire CEO of Apollo Global Management, who gave $50 million to Penns Wharton School in 2018, renewed his demand to the Board of Trustees that Magill be replaced following her testimony. How much damage to our reputation are we willing to accept? he wrote in the letter seen by the Times. An online petition demanding the universitys Board of Trustees accept Magills resignation due to her inability to unequivocally condemn calls for the genocide of Jewish students and inability to identify these as harassment had 2,500 signatures by Wednesday afternoon. This equivocation sent a chilling message to Jewish students, the petitions letter said. Two Penn students filed a federal lawsuit against the university on Tuesday, accusing it of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and specific employees, including Magill, of being responsible for the antisemitic abuse permeating the school. On Friday, Rabbi David Wolpe resigned from Harvards antisemitism committee. Wolpe posted on X: 1/3 Resigning, a Hanukkah Message: As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard. Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short David Wolpe (@RabbiWolpe) December 7, 2023 Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, a nonvoting member of Penns Board of Trustees, told reporters on Wednesday the board had a serious decision to make regarding Magills statements. They have seemingly failed every step of the way to take concrete action to make sure all students feel safe on campus, Shapiro said. And then the testimony yesterday took it to the next level. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla on X wrote he was ashamed of testimony, saying it is one of the most despicable moments in the history of US academia. Hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, an alumni of Harvard, call on all three presidents to resign. Throughout the hearing, the three behaved like hostile witnesses, Ackman wrote. Exhibiting a profound disdain for the Congress with their smiles and smirks, and their outright refusal to answer basic questions with a yes or no answer. They must all resign in disgrace. If a CEO of one of our companies gave a similar answer, he or she would be toast within the hour, Ackman said on X. The answers they gave reflect the profound moral bankruptcy of Presidents Gay, Magill and Kornbluth. Billionaire Elon Musk, a Penn graduate, also chimed in on X. I am a Penn alum and this is indeed shameful, Musk, who himself was engulfed in an antisemitism row recently, wrote. White House condemns responses, Republicans pounce White House spokesman Andrew Bates issued a statement Wednesday criticising Gay, Magill and Kornbluths responses for not going far enough to condemn antisemitism on campuses. Its unbelievable that this needs to be said: calls for genocide are monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country, he said. Any statements that advocate for the systematic murder of Jews are dangerous and revolting and we should all stand firmly against them, on the side of human dignity and the most basic values that unite us as Americans. The Guardian reported that Florida Governor Ron Desantis, who went to Harvard Law, waded into the controversy. I think what this has revealed is the rot and the sickness thats been festering inside higher education for a long time, said DeSantis. They should not be these hotbeds of anti-Americanism and antisemitism. But thats what theyve become. For years, universities have stoked the flames of an ideology which goes by many namesanti-racism, anti-colonialism, critical race theory, DEI, intersectionality, the list goes on, Representative Virginia Foxx of North Carolina, the committee chairwoman, said. And now it is clear that Jews are at the bottom of the totem pole and without protection under this critical theory framework. The Republican-led House Education and Workforce Committee said Thursday that it will take additional action to hold Harvard, MIT and Penn accountable. The panel said it will review the schools policies and disciplinary records and examine their seemingly deplorable record. But Democrats noted that Republicans have sought to cut funding to the Education Department, and specifically the Office of Civil rights, which undertakes investigations into issues like antisemitism and discrimination on campuses. Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia, the committees ranking Democrat, criticised Republicans for stoking culture wars while claiming to be combatting discrimination on campus. You cant have it both ways, Scott said. You cant call for action and then hamstring the agency charged with taking that action to protect students civil rights. Free speech experts troubled Some free speech experts say they are troubled by the backlash. The Guardian quoted the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression as saying it found Magills response about re-evaluating Penns policies a deeply troubling, profoundly counterproductive response to the anger. Were Penn to retreat from the robust protection of expressive rights, university administrators would make inevitably political decisions about who may speak and what may be said on campus, it said. The result of placing new limits on speech, it said, would mean dissenting and unpopular speech whether pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian, conservative or liberal will be silenced. Others pointed out that the college presidents answers, while uncomfortable, did follow current interpretations of the First Amendment. Any call for genocide would deserve condemnation but is not speech that could be banned or punished by the state, according to the nonprofit PEN America. The First Amendments protections for speech extend even to deeply hateful speech, unless it constitutes a true threat, incitement to imminent violence, or harassment, which is legally defined as requiring severity and pervasiveness, said Suzanne Nossel, the groups CEO. With inputs from agencies The general belief is that politicians are corrupt. They amass wealth and become rich. But Kamleshwar Dodiyar, the newly elected Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) MLA, from Madhya Pradesh, is an exception. He lives in a mud house and does not own a car. In fact, he has been travelling on a borrowed bike. On Wednesday, the MLA had to travel 350 kilometres to Bhopal to complete the required paperwork at the legislative Assembly to cement his historic electoral win. He borrowed a bike and travelled the distance. The states only non-BJP and non-Congress member, elected from Ratlams reserved Sailana sector, cannot afford to rent a car, say reports. He tried to arrange a car for his first visit to the state capital after becoming an MLA, but could not get one, he told reporters. Finally, he borrowed his brother-in-laws motorbike, pasted a sticker with the word MLA on it, and rode off with an associate braving the chilly winter weather, Dodiyar said when he reached Bhopal after an eight-hour journey with his three companions. He, then, found accommodation at the MLA Rest House as a `guest. On Thursday, he lay prostrate before the Assemblys entry gate to pay his respects to the temple of democracy and then presented his credentials as an MLA before the officials. In a post on social media, where he tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Ratlam police, Dodiyar said since he could not arrange a car for travelling to Bhopal to complete paperwork at the Assembly, he was leaving on a motorbike and necessary security should be provided for him so that nothing untoward happens on the way. He also broadcast his ride to Bhopal through Facebook Live. Fought elections on crowdfunding and borrowings While the majority of candidates in the election spent large sums of money on campaigning, Dodiyar contested the race through crowdfunding and borrowing from others. I belong to a family of daily wage workers We struggle to make ends meet and lead a difficult life. Hence, there was no money for election expenses. So, I borrowed money and fought, Dodiyar told India Today. His advocate friend Dinesh Garval, one of three who accompanied him on the two-wheeler to Bhopal, told National Herald, As he addressed rallies, we collected pennies from the crowd. Even after a dozen rallies, we only managed to raise Rs 20,000 It was time-consuming and stressful, and the cash we received was insufficient to cover poll expenditures. They did not, however, back down. Dodiyar turned to notra, a tribal custom of making interest-free loans to the poor. He had collected Rs 12 lakh after a dozen such instances. His team also tried crowdfunding and was able to raise a total of 2.38 lakh. The young leader is motivated to make a difference in his town and among his constituents. I overturned the political tradition of making people fools, threatening them with voting, and handing out money and spirits. I approached them and gained their trust. I pledged to help them with their problems. Thats why people voted for me, the MLA told India Today. Mudhouse, delivered tiffins to fund education Dodiyar, the youngest of nine siblings, lives with his parents in Radhagua village, Sailana panchayat, in a straw-roofed mud house. Seta Bai, his 62-year-old mother, continues to work as a daily wage labourer to not only support the family but also to care for her disabled husband Omkarlal (70), who is unable to work due to a crippling fracture in his hand. Dodiyars five brothers work as labourers in Rajasthan, and his three married sisters are also labourers. He worked as a daily wager and then as a tiffin delivery boy when he moved to Delhi for an LLB from Delhi University. He also has 16 FIRs to his name, has been to jail 11 times once for as long as 84 days and has faced an externment notice for holding protests and blocking roads in support of tribal demands, reports National Herald. In February 2021, he was also booked under the stringent National Security Act 1980 for protesting outside the collectors office. Motivated by Barack Obama Dodiyar entered politics in 2008, motivated by former US president Barack Obama. Reading about Obamas political journey was a watershed moment in my life. It sowed the seed for Obama to become a politician. Thats when I decided to further my education and enter politics, he told National Herald. He had been associated with the tribal group JAYS and ran as an independent candidate in the 2018 Assembly election from Sailana, receiving 18,800 votes. The next year, he joined the BAP to run in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Ratlam constituency, where he received over 15,000 votes. The results boosted my confidence as I was getting votes without offering money or spirits to anyone, he told the news outlet. Dodiyar vows to address the neglect of tribal hamlets. Even after 75 years of independence, tribal hamlets lack basic amenities, he said. Water scarcity and poor road connectivity still haunts tribal populations. He described schools and hospitals as as good as stables. There is no one to keep track of the rampant corruption in tribal schemes. The funds received by the state under Article 275A for tribal welfare were lost due to corruption, he lamented. Since we now have representation in MP and Rajasthan, we will focus on implementing the fifth schedule of the Constitution, which deals with the administration and control of scheduled and tribal areas. Dodiyars victory in Sailana by 4,618 votes is hugely significant in the bipolar state, where the ruling BJP won 163 of the 230 Assembly segments. In second place behind him was Harshvijay Gehlot of the Congress, pushing the BJPs Sangeeta Vijay Charel to third position. With inputs from PTI US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti has expressed his enchantment for the Indian culture as he recently attended his friends wedding in India. Taking to X, he said, I am absolutely enchanted by the magic of Indian culture at my friends wedding! The vibrant colors, the rhythmic beats, and the sheer vibrancy are a testament to Indias incredible cultural tapestry. I am absolutely enchanted by the magic of Indian culture at my friends wedding! The vibrant colors, the rhythmic beats, and the sheer vibrancy are a testament to Indias incredible cultural tapestry. Every ceremony feels like a journey into the heart of tradition, leaving me in pic.twitter.com/dFfEWUshhL U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) December 8, 2023 He also shared a few pictures where he is seen participating in one of the rituals during the wedding. Every ceremony feels like a journey into the heart of tradition, leaving me in awe of the richness that defines this beautiful country. I wish the newlyweds a lifetime of love and happiness as they embark on this incredible journey together. Happy wedding season! said the envoy. Garcettis love for India and its culture is not a new-found one. He fell in love with the country when he first visited here as a teenager, and life came a full circle for him when he took charge as the US Ambassador to India. I came to India for the first time when I was a teenager. And even though the place has changed so much, the warmth and friendliness of everybody remains the same. There is such a rich life here, but at the same time, the hospitality and the connection between the people is what I fell in love with as a teen, Times of India report quoted Garcetti as saying. The construction work of the first phase of the Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport being built in Ayodhya will be completed by December-end, Union Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia said, adding that airports are a focus area of the government. Addressing the media on overall development in the infrastructure in India, Scindia said the first section of the bullet train project is expected to start in three years.We are very very focused on our capex programme we have a Rs 95,000 crore capex plan as far as airports are concerned both by the government, which will be about 25 per cent and 75 by the private sector. Asked about the Ayodhya airport, Scindia said he is monitoring the project daily. There has been a chart made, which is updated on the progress being made in the project. By the end of this month, I will assure you it will be ready and when it is completed, PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate it, he said. Scindia further said the second airport in Navi Mumbai and the Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh will be operational by the end of next year. In the airports sector, only 74 airports have been built since 65 years of Independence. However 2014 onwards, the country added 75 airports and helipads, taking the total number 149, and by 2030 this will reach, the minister said. Speaking on the railways sector, Scindia said it saw a transformation after 2014 with the introduction of new high-speed Vande Bharat trains, which can touch a speed of 100 km in just 52 seconds. The country will continue to improve rail services and the safety of passengers, he said, adding, Within three years, we (government) are going to bring bullet train to India. India will grab number 1 spot in rail service.By 2026-end and early 2027, the first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project will start, he added. Former Telangana Chief Minister and BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao was admitted to a hospital around 2 am on Friday in Hyderabad after a fall at his residence. Doctors suspect the 69-year-old may have suffered a hip fracture after the fall and may require a surgery. He was rushed to the Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad early this morning. The former Chief Minister had been meeting people at his home for the last three days since he lost the state assembly polls. KCR served as the Chief Minister of Telangana from 2014 till 2023 after the Congress defeated his party Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in the recently concluded Assembly Elections. KCR fought from two seats in Telangana and won the Gajwel seat but lost in Kamareddy. He lost the Kamareddy seat to BJs Katipally Venkata Ramana Reddy, who defeated KCR and Revanth Reddy both from the seat. Congresss Revanth Reddy was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Telangana yesterday along with 11 ministers. The Congress won 64 seats in the 119-member Telangana assembly, while the BRS got only 39. This was BRS first defeat since the birth of Telangana in 2014. In an extensive poll campaign, the party tried to highlight all its welfare schemes for the poor. However, the implementation of some schemes had given an inordinate amount of power to MLAs to decide on the distribution of funds, leading to allegations of discrimination as well as corruption. KCR did warn these MLAs to buck up and improve their performance but ended up giving poll tickets to all of them. The result: most of these seats were won by the Congress candidates. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was among a plethora of opposition leaders who attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after the Lok Sabha expelled Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. While at Kurseong on Friday, Mamata Banerjee declared that her party was supporting Mahua Moitra, the expelled member of Parliament, and accused the BJP of engaging in politics of vendetta. I was sad to see the attitude of the BJP. I do not understand how they function, today a 495-page report was submitted in the Parliament and immediately they passed it, they gave just few minutes for MPs to speak. In the name of their majority they have passed this judgement without giving enough time to anyone to even read the report Mamata Banerjee said. How were members expected to go through a 495-page report in such a short notice. I was happy to see the united INDIA alliance walk out and fight back. The party fully supports Mahua Moitra, she is a woman and a young MP. Today the BJP has betrayed democracy and democratic rights. They did not allow Mahua to explain her own stand. Without justice, you have done injustice. This is a betrayal of constitutional rights the TMC chief added. The West Bengal Chief Minister said that this incident was a demonstration of BJPs vindictive politics. We can also expel anyone from the house, we have 2/3rd majority (in West Bengal Assembly), but is it right? Everyone must get their voice to defend themselves. I condem it and the party will fight with the INDIA alliance. This incident has opened our eyes to the vindictive politics of the BJP. I thought the PM would consider it and allow her to speak. I am shocked and it is a sad day for the Indian parliament Mamata Banerjee said. The Trinamool Congress chief said her party would back Mahua Moitra and that her party would fight this battle in the court of the people now. Only one session of Parliament was left after this. Now Mahua can attend the Publics Parliament and this will boost her image she should fight this morally. We all will fight this. People will give us justice in the next election. Shame on BJP Mamata Banerjee said. Mahua Moitra, a Trinamool MP, was earlier ejected from the Lok Sabha following a debate on the Ethics Committees findings in the cash for query that was presented to the Lower House today. Mahua Moitra, the leader of the Trinamool Party, was not permitted to speak during the House discussion. She read aloud her remark outside the Lok Sabha, claiming that the Ethics committee had broken every regulation. Following the Lok Sabhas adoption of the motion to remove the TMC MP, the opposition staged a walkout. After that, the House was adjourned until December 11. Mahua defended herself by accusing the BJP of using the Ethics committee as a tool to target opposition figures. This Lok Sabha has also seen the weaponization of a Parliamentary Committee. Ironically, the ethics committee was set up to serve as a moral compass for members. Instead, it has been abused egregiously today to do exactly what it was never meant to do. Which is to bulldoze the opposition and become another weapon to Thok Do us into submissionThe findings are based solely on the written testimonies of two private citizens whose versions contradict each other in material terms none of whom I was allowed to cross-examine. One of the two private citizens is my estranged partner who with malified intention masqueraded as a common citizen in front of the committee. The two testimonies have been used to hang me, they are polar opposites to each other, says Mahua Moitra after her expulsion as TMC MP. UBT Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said the decision to expel Mahua was against the course of natural justice, Decision was taken based on the statement of the person who levelled the allegation. It is against the natural course of justice. BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi who was also part of the Ethics Committee defended the decision saying MPs need to adhere to high principles. This is a lesson to all MPs, when we become MPs, we take an oath, were supposed to follow certain rulesthe whole country is watching usIn Mahua Moitras case, immorality was visiblethis is the reason why she was expelled from Lok Sabha Aparajita Sarangi said. The Ethics Committee report probing Unethical Conduct of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP had recommended that Moitra may be expelled from the Lok Sabha and called for an intense, legal, institutional inquiry by the central government in a time-bound manner. The serious misdemeanours on the part of Mahua Moitra calls for severe punishment. The Committee, therefore, recommend that Mahua Moitra, MP may be expelled from the Membership of the Seventeenth Lok Sabha, the report read. The report was adopted by a 6:4 majority by the Ethics panel last month. The report on Moitras cash-for-questions case revealed that she had visited the UAE four times from 2019 to 2023 while her login was accessed several times. Six members of the panel voted in favour of the report, including suspended Congress MP Preneet Kaur. Four members of the panel belonging to opposition parties submitted dissent notes. The opposition members termed the report a fixed match and said the complaint which the panel reviewed, was not supported by a shred of evidence. (With agency inputs) On Friday, the Delhi High Court received a challenge from the Popular Front of India, contesting the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) Tribunals ruling that upheld the Centers decision to prohibit the organisation and its affiliates. The bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna requested the PFI counsel modify its petition and reschedule the matter for January 8 at the hearing on Friday. What is the jurisdiction we will exercise? The jurisdiction that we exercise is of article 226 or article 227 but not the appellate jurisdiction. The grounds were like an appellate court ground. We are not an appellate court. Youll have to amend the plea & bring it within the contours of 226 or 227, the bench said. Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma rendered the decision in this regard earlier in March. The Tribunal sent the judgement to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after passing it. The PFI organizations claims that the government is specifically targeting a certain community were rejected by the tribunal. According to an attorney associated with the case, the Tribunal observed in its ruling that PFI members and its affiliates were engaging in secessionist practices that were against the nations social cohesion. The ruling in this regard was handed down earlier in March by Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma. After passing the decision, the Tribunal forwarded it to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The tribunal dismissed the PFI organizations allegations that the government is singled out for maltreatment inside a certain community. An attorney involved in the case claims that the Tribunal noted in its decision that the secessionist activities of PFI members and its affiliates were detrimental to the social cohesiveness of the country. The attorneys involved in the lawsuit claim that the central government had screened two films that justified the acts of the terror group and its members, in addition to questioning and presenting one hundred witnesses to justify the terror groups ban. According to the cases related attorneys, the Central government had examined and presented 100 witnesses in order to support the terror groups ban, and it had also exhibited two movies that defended the organizations and its members actions. The Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates, including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Womens Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation, Kerala, have so far been deemed a unlawful association under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, which felt it necessary to curtail the organizations nefarious activities. (With agency inputs) With an approval rating of 76%, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most popular leader in the world, according to a survey conducted by the US-based consulting firm Morning Consult. The next highest ranking leader on the list had an approval rating of less than ten percentage points less than the Indian prime minister. Following PM Modi were Presidents Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico (66%), Alain Berset of Switzerland (58%), and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil (49%). Notably, with an approval rating of 40%, US President Joe Biden came in seventh place on the listhis highest ranking since March. The information was gathered from a survey of 22 world leaders by the political intelligence research company. With just 18% of the vote, PM Modi also has the lowest disapproval rating on the list, based on data gathered from September 612, 2023. Regarding the disapproval ratings, Justin Trudeau of Canada has the highest among the top 10 leaders on the list at 58%. This is thought to be a result of Canadas diplomatic fallout with India following the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Nijjar. With an approval rating of 76% in Morning Consults September survey, Prime Minister Modi maintained his top spot as the most popular leader in the world. PM Modi had also been ranked #1 in earlier ratings. With an approval rating of 76% in the April survey, the BJP leader surpassed his US and UK counterparts Rishi Sunak and Joe Biden to be dubbed the most popular leader. With a 78% approval rating, PM Modi was ranked as the most popular leader in the world in February as well. Recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which primarily credits Prime Minister Modis widespread popularity across the globe for its poll successes, won assembly elections in three of the four states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. The amazing achievement was dubbed Modi Magic by the BJP. As he promoted Uttarakhand as a top investment destination on Friday, Prime Minister Modi stated that the public votes for a strong and stable administration. An ambitious India is not interested in instability. In reference to the most recent assembly elections, in which his BJP won Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, Modi stated, Today, it wants a stable government. Tanzanian content creators Kili Paul and his sister Neema Paul have captivated the internet with their mesmerising dance performance of the Assamese classic, Mon Hira Doi. The video which rapidly gaining attraction on various social media platforms has also garnered praise from Assams Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Mon Hira Doi, this evergreen Assamese foot-tapping song, wins heart of the internet sensation Kili Paul and Neema Paul as they dance to its tune. I always believe that be it Bihu or any other Assamese song, our culture has the potential to go global, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Vishwa Sarma wrote on X. Renowned for their lip-syncing and dance videos featuring various Indian songs, the sibling duo, donned in traditional attire enjoys widespread fame in India. Since its December 6, 2023 release, the video has amassed approximately 22,644 views on YouTube. Notably, Mon Hira Doi is an Assamese song sung by Neel Akash, featured in the 2019 album of the same name. Successful saving of lives from a life-threatening situation with risk to both the rescuers and to be rescued, is an event which can charge up the adrenaline, greatly enthuse and motivate many departments and institutions of the government which get involved, and generally cause a feel good effect on the psyche of a nation. The recent act of rescue at the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi district, where 41 construction workers working at the Silkyara end of the tunnel, being built to cut short the journey between Uttarkashi and Yamnotri by 26 kilometres, were trapped in the collapse of almost 50-60 metres of the tunnel roof at a distance of 200 metres from the portal. The event occurred on 12 Nov 2023. The tunnel was being constructed by National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and subcontracted to Navyug Engineering. To perceive the gravity of the challenge of the disaster situation it must be understood that there are two ends of the tunnel Silkyara and Barkot. The tunnel is to be 4.53 km long and was approved in 2018. Work had progressed with 1,750 metres bored from the Barkot end and 2,340 metres from the Silkyara end. There was 441 metres left to be bored from the Barkot end, the end which remained safe, or from the Silkyara side. It is at the Silkyara end that 200 metres inside from the portal, an approximately 60-metre-long segment of the roof collapsed on the tunnel floor and completely blocked the access further to the nearly 2000 metres (2 km) constructed portion from the Silkyara end. 41 workers of the shift working in the evening were trapped between the debris (near Silkyara end) and the unbored portion at the Barkot end. The state of the conditions of entrapment is also important to understand. The power cable through a conduit did not snap, thus catering for 247 lighting in the dark tunnel. The four-inch compressor pipe also did not snap and it proved to be a lifesaver. Through this, small quantities of nourishment could be sent, right from the beginning, with the assistance of compressed air. The same was also used for sending water. However, the most important aspect was the ability of the workers to use the pipeline to convey messages of their safety using the crude voice transmission system through the pipe. Without that, the rescue organization would not have gotten the information that all were safe. The Uttarakhand government has an efficient and experienced State Disaster Management Authority and a State Disaster Response Force, one of the best among all states. They swung into action only to realize that there was a need for many more technical resources to make any headway in boring through the debris to reach the workers at the other end, i.e. the end-to-end distance of the debris was approximately 58-60 metres and the exact measurement could not be established due in the absence of any knowledge of the pattern of debris fall. What was certain was that a huge challenge lay ahead requiring every brain and every resource to be taken on board. The Prime Ministers Office under his directions, analysed the information as it came in. It was deliberated by the Principal Secretary and directions were speedily given almost akin to a well-oiled war machine with different organisations progressively joining in as the plan became more detailed and directions continued to be given from the top. With constant feedback to the prime minister from the Uttarakhand chief minister and the principal secretary the dragnet for ideas, resources and organisations was spread far and wide. Online discussions with renowned tunnel experts around the world led to good advice and a few agreed to fly into India to render advice on the ground. As concern mounted among families and they made a beeline to the tunnel site, the information management system was put into gear. Directions from the highest levels enunciated the need for transparency to build a positive hope in the nation since safety and well-being was well catered for; disinformation was not to find space in the narratives. The risk to workers was high and the refusal to lay any timeline by the government ensured that the risk was not enhanced for the rescue force either. The Government of India took over the operations with ministers and high officials all visiting the site and ensuring that directions for the movement of drills and augers, so desperately required, were issued at the earliest overcoming all bureaucratic hurdles. The Ministry and Home Affairs, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of which the Prime Minister is the Chairperson assumed charge of coordination of movement and information management which was proving a major challenge. Equipment came from Odisha, Gujarat, Indore and other places. Officials of public sector infrastructure companies worked overnight to identify, dismantle, load and move the heavy equipment and machinery, by air, rail and road. Almost every moving item was oversized in dimension. Special, green corridors were provided to the transport; including delaying an odd Shatabdi or Vande Bharat Express to ensure movement without a halt. The decision to attack (approach) from five directions to make access to the area where the workers were trapped was taken to ensure total redundancy. A sixth technique of side drift technology was also kept on standby as the sixth option. The five options were being addressed by a different infrastructure organization. For example, Sutlej Jal Vidhut Nigam Ltd catered for the vertical drilling option 300 meters away from the site of the fallen debris. A 1,200-metre road along the mountainside for the equipment to be taken to the top was constructed in almost 48 hours by Border Roads Organisation. Around the eighth day, we had a six-inch pipeline laid through with a narrow boring effort. This gave longevity to the workers and redundancy was also established in logistics. The Prime Minister gave personal directions that the workers be fed hot food which was passed on to them through the six-inch pipeline. To perceive the comprehensive approach of the plan one can see that medicines and communication means were combined to provide a system of telemedicine. The Prime Ministers Office directed psycho-social advice to be available to the workers individually through the established line set up first by the SDRF and then by commercial companies. Uttarakhand health department was up and about. The NDRF was quick to respond placing two teams at the site with senior leadership and commenced contingency drills to take the workers out on improvised stretchers with wheels attached. The Armys Corps of Engineers prepared to adopt the drift technology option for which some fabrications needed to be done; it was done on the spot. An American auger was considered the best option, from the Silkyara end. It encountered metal obstacles and concrete at various intervals but finally reached almost 47 meters with hydraulic pushing of 900 mm pipes which needed welding. At this point the auger drills broke due to excessive wear and tear. Getting the broken metal parts out of the tube was a challenge by itself resulting in specially cutting machines being flown by the Air Force from far and wide. With the auger parts removed the last approximately 12-13 metres was dug by hand by the Manual Jack Pushers (colloquially called Rat Hole miners) with the pipe being pushed by the auger. The last push got them to the 41 workers who de-inducted under medical and NDRF supervision for a joyous national celebration. This was the best example of modern technology and manual improvisation. Although a full investigation on the causes of the tunnel collapse will be conducted in due course, the core reasons for the successful rescue are equally important to identify. Broadly, the concept was clear. A multi-agency, multi-option approach was followed. No resource was to be left untapped; that was the Prime Ministers direction and every life was equally precious, including that of the rescue elements. A serious Whole of Government approach, empowering every functionary who could make a difference, was followed to the tee. Constant monitoring at the level of the Prime Minister and analysis by the Principal Secretary ensured that no organization dithered or demurred. The visits to the site by various VIPs including the Principal Secretary and their efforts to speak to the workers played a major role in reassurances and the will to keep the longevity going. If the auger and the horizontal boring had completely failed none could put a timeline to how much longer the workers would have to wait. The coordinated efforts of transportation by the Air Force, Railways and the road transport authorities made a huge difference. Lines remained open in almost every organization with suggestions and offers; none were refused. Known expertise of Army veterans with long experience in infrastructure was also available. The media was transparently briefed with no false narratives or disinformation creating a positive environment among those following the dramatic events. The presence of the MoS MoRTH at the site in virtual camping mode ensured quick decisions and feedback. This was a perfect and coordinated effort by the Centre and the State with very little left to chance. It was almost divine intervention that on the very day of the rescue a book Resilient India: How Modi Transformed Indias Disaster Management Paradigm published by the organisations The Modi Story and Bluekraft was released. The divine intervention also ensured the safe return of the 41 workers to their families a big achievement for the nation and the government. The writer is a Member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director is coming to India after 12 years, and after the handshakes and smiles for the cameras, some straight, unpleasant talk awaits him. US federal prosecutors have accused an Indian citizen and an unnamed Indian official of being involved in a failed plot to kill Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun on US soil. India has squarely denied it. When FBI chief Christopher A Wray visits India on 11-12 December to meet National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Dinkar Gupta, three main issues are likely to be on the table: Khalistan terrorism, gangster nexus, and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. This is Indias opportunity to assertively and unhesitatingly get two points across. One, that it does not expect friendly nations like the US, Canada, UK or Germany to harbour declared terrorists like Pannun or Hardeep Singh Nijjar and act as nurseries of terror and separatism against India. Pannun, who looks and speaks like a caricature of himself, has been repeatedly threatening violence against Bharat, the latest being a call to bomb Air India flights. One could have laughed it off as his usual unintended clownery if Khalistanis had not carried out the 1985 Air India bombing, the deadliest aviation terror attack before 9/11. All 329 people on board the Montreal-London-Delhi-Mumbai flight were killed. Some of the worst criminals and terrorists in the Khalistan ecosystem, which has long been baked and bankrolled by Pakistans ISI, find sanctuary in the US, Canada, UK and other Western nations. None of them have been turned over to India for trial. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau actively encouraged them, calling a wanted terrorist like Nijjar, who entered Canada by fraud, as a Canadian citizen. A nation cannot be a friend of another nation while harbouring elements that seek the friends destruction. Second, India should now assert its right to act overseas if another nation knowingly, even after being handed dossiers, harbours terrorists working against its security and sovereignty. If the US talks about respecting international law, India should throw back the USs own lawbook on this matter, and the fat file that lists transgressions by the US intelligence and security agencies in foreign soil. An executive order issued on 19 February, 1976, by then US president Gerald Ford had prohibited any member of the US government from engaging or conspiring in any political assassination abroad. This came after the CIAs attempts to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro in the 1960s got exposed. It was the first executive order to ban assassinations. But the ban did not prevent Reagans men from bombing Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafis house in April 1986 in retaliation for a bombing attack at a Berlin discotheque. Then, president Bill Clinton authorised the covert use of lethal force against Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and other top terrorists. After the 11 September attacks, covert overseas kills got an official stamp in the US. The Congress passed a joint resolution authorising President George W Bush to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organisations, or persons he determines planned, authorised, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks. Although assassinations were not explicitly mentioned, the resolution had a brush broad enough to authorise actions that otherwise would be banned under previous executive orders. Bush later widened the scope of Clintons authorisation of secret lethal force, permitting the CIA and US special forces to kill anyone on a high-value target list even without his stated approval. Targeted killings by military drones started against Taliban leaders in Afghanistan and Pakistan, culminating in the May 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden by Navy Seals in Abbottabad, Pakistan. As recently as 2020, US drones took out Iranian major general and commander of the Quds Force Qasem Soleimani near the Baghdad airport. The list is much longer than the shadow of an approaching US-hired assassin. America should not give moral lessons on covert action to India. For a rising Bharat, the time to assert its right to take out its enemies even in an uncooperative friends home to defend its land and people, is now. The author is contributing editor, Firstpost. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Narendra Modis victory speech on Sunday evening, delivered after BJPs stunning victory in the Hindi heartland where the party swept away Congress governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and retained its grip on Madhya Pradesh, had a small segment whose significance might be easily missed by those not paying attention. It pertains to the all-important general elections next year when the prime minister will seek peoples mandate for another five-year term. At this stage, only the bravest punter would take a position against it. But Modi isnt a man to take chances. During his speech before BJP workers at the party headquarters in New Delhi, attended by a large cable TV and social media audience, Modi called BJPs wins in the three states, which by some accounts could serve as a bellwether for the Lok Sabha elections, a victory for developed India. Exhorting Indian youths to sign on to the NaMo app in large numbers, the prime minister said, Indians seek stability and consistency. They expect to the development process speeded up, and India become a developed nation (Viksit Bharat). The phrase Viksit Bharat would recur a number of times in the speech. Modi urged the youth to take ownership and lead the movement and called upon BJP workers to get on the NaMo App, encouraging at least 10 individuals each to assume the responsibility of a Viksit Bharat Ambassador to build a generation who dream about developed India. At one level, this is a message of unadulterated positivity in a toxic political environment. What could be more inspiring to enthuse the young generation to take ownership of Indias rise? This strategy of answering Oppositions cynical political stratagem of caste politics or segregation of India along north and south with a message of hope and optimism sets Modi apart from the rest. But there is a deeper motive at play. On Thursday, NaMo App remained among top trends in India on X (formerly Twitter). In studying the trend, I came across several Union ministers sharing a screenshot that urged the youth to take part in the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Jan Andolan (mass movement) by participating in the 100-day challenge. Thats a module introduced in the NaMo app that aims to amplifying Indias development narrative. According to an article published in narendramodi.in website, top 5 Viksit Bharat Ambassadors will receive appropriate rewards on a weekly and monthly basis, designed to keep them motivated in actively promoting and sharing success stories related to the initiatives undertaken to achieve the vision. Interestingly, the PMO India website on Thursday was seen amplifying on X several news articles through the NaMo app that focused on positive developments, be it in the field of foreign policy where the Firstpost interview by Palki Sharma of visiting Kenyan president William Ruto was featured, or the news about Indias two-wheeler sales recording highest-ever growth reflecting a robust rural economic outlook, or the CII forecast of Indian economy clocking a GDP growth of 6.8 per cent in the current fiscal and accelerating to over 7 per cent in 2024-25 driven by governments infrastructure spending. The intent is clear. There is a very conscious, recent push by the BJP to make the NaMo app the go-to platform for driving positive change, trigger a mass movement as well as disseminate factual, positive news about India and its economic progress. The coordinated attempt by the party and different wings of the Central government indicate that this policy would get a vigorous, consistent and increasingly intense push as India rolls into the Lok Sabha election year. If dissemination of news about Indias progress and making NaMo app a verified, trusted source of information is the policy, what is driving such a policy? The answer may lie in how news is consumed by the young generation that has moved away from print and even cable medium to digital and social media platforms. Here, the government is seemingly wary of leaving the space empty for transnational actors to take over and dominate the discourse. We have already seen how both the Congress and the BJP are growing adept at using social media influencers to drive the political narrative. While this is happening at many levels, the BJP feels that the educated urban youth, many of whom would be first time voters in 2024, can perform the role of swing voters who may make the difference in a tight race. The outlook of this segment is global, and they are malleable to global narratives. For instance, it matters to the youth whether India holds its own despite pressure from the West on Ukraine or takes on the Khalistani menace on foreign soil. This is also where Indias domestic political discourse is heavily influenced by the western media narratives. Sample this article published on 13 September in The Economist newspaper, which accuses the prime minister of widening Indias north-south divide. The ridiculousness of this charge is evident from the fact that it is the Congress party and its ecosystem that is actively engaged in driving this divisive narrative, with party functionaries, leaders and lackeys and even its allies casting aspersions and slurs such as gaumutra (cow piss) states to describe the northern part of India where BJP enjoys absolute dominance. Ruth Pollard, an opinion columnist for Bloomberg, in her analysis of BJPs victory in the three states in the Assembly elections, paints a pantomime image of a bloodthirsty Hindu nationalist government out to scare the living daylights of Indias Muslim population, going against data, facts and reality. Edward Luce in Londons Financial Times newspaper compared Modi with Yahya Khan, the Pakistani general who led armed forces to launch Operation Searchlight in 1971, a brutal campaign of genocide, torture and mass rape of Hindu Bengalis in Bangladesh, then known as East Pakistan. Closer home, aided by China-based American millionaire Neville Roy Singham, Chinese-funded news websites are sowing division, fake news and hatred in India, along with Chinese propaganda among impressionable youth. In October this year, the Delhi Police registered a case against Newsclick under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) amid allegations of funding from China and searched the homes of several journalists associated with the news portal. In this noxious information space, where sifting the real from fake is well nigh impossible, it is clear that the Modi government has embarked on a proactive move to own the domestic narratives, push back against manipulative big tech, Chinese propaganda machinery and drive positive campaigns. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Throughout history, philosophers and scholars have recognised the importance of acknowledging and rectifying historical injustices. As George Santayana famously wrote, Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Similarly, Hannah Arendt argued that forgetting wrongs can lead to an atmosphere of cynicism and indifference, in which the past is no longer seen as a source of guidance or inspiration, but as a dark and oppressive burden. This principle holds particular weight in the context of Jammu and Kashmir. The recent passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, represents a monumental step in recognising and addressing historical grievances in the region. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, updates the criteria for reserved seats by replacing the outdated term weak and under-privileged classes with the more inclusive other backward classes. This bill ensures equal opportunities for marginalised communities in education and employment. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, increases the total number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from 83 to 90. This expansion includes seven seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and nine for Scheduled Tribes, providing them with a stronger voice in the political process. Additionally, the bill nominates two members from the Kashmiri migrant community and one from the displaced persons of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, granting them long-awaited representation in the legislative body. These two bills mark a significant step towards ensuring justice and inclusivity in Jammu and Kashmir. While these two bills are specifically about inclusion, one should also talk about the overall impact of abrogation of Article 370. The abrogation has significantly impacted the regions security dynamics, leading to a notable reduction in terrorism-related activities. This shift can be attributed to a combination of direct governance, stringent security measures, financial controls, national integration efforts and a focus on development and economic growth. Empirical data from various time periods underscores this change. Between 1994 and 2004, the region witnessed 40,164 terrorism-related incidents. In the subsequent decade (2004-2014), this number fell to 7,217 incidents. However, the most drastic reduction occurred under the Narendra Modi government (2014-2023), with only 2,000 incidents reported, marking a roughly 70 per cent decrease. This significant decline is partly due to proactive police action, accounting for a 65 per cent reduction in incidents. Enhanced intelligence and prompt responses have also played a crucial role in mitigating the threat of terrorism. Moreover, the abrogation of Article 370 has led to a more direct governance model in Jammu and Kashmir. This has facilitated the implementation of tighter security measures and a stronger law enforcement presence, which has been essential in disrupting terrorist operations. Additionally, the stricter financial monitoring in the post-Article 370 era has choked funding to terrorist groups, severely limiting their operational capabilities. It has also improved the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India, fostering a sense of belonging and national unity. This has been instrumental in reducing local support for terrorism. Enhanced connectivity and communication with the broader country have improved intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies, further bolstering the regions security. There have also been positive changes in the socio-economic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The focus on development and economic growth post the removal of Article 370 has led to improved infrastructure, education, and job opportunities, addressing some of the root causes of terrorism. This economic development has reduced the appeal of terrorism, especially among the youth. The decline in terrorism is further evidenced by the reduction in civilian deaths and security force casualties. Civilian deaths have decreased by 72 per cent, and fatalities among security forces have dropped by 59 per cent during the Modi governments tenure. Furthermore, the frequency of stone-pelting incidents, a form of protest linked to separatist movements, has dramatically decreased. In 2010, there were 2,654 reported stone-pelting incidents, compared to none in 2023. Another issue that was alluded to in Lok Sabha while these bills were being discussed was that of historical blunders. In fact, Jawaharlal Nehrus approach to the Jammu and Kashmir issue is often critiqued for its strategic missteps and long-lasting repercussions. This critical analysis delves into Nehrus handling of this complex matter, spotlighting key decisions that are widely regarded as blunders. Renowned historians and scholars have contributed to this discourse, providing empirical evidence that underpins the critique of Nehrus policies. Nehrus approach to the Instrument of Accession, signed by the Maharaja of Kashmir in 1947, was arguably flawed. By introducing a conditional clause based on the will of the people, Nehru inadvertently sowed seeds of uncertainty and ambiguity. Alistair Lamb, among other historians, views this as a tactical error that fuelled separatist sentiments and hindered the smooth integration of Kashmir into India. Furthermore, Nehrus reliance on Sheikh Abdullah, the Kashmiri leader with ambiguous intentions, exacerbated the situation. Victoria Schofield notes that this reliance made India vulnerable to external influences, particularly Pakistani manipulation. Further, two other issues that the Home Minister alluded to were: (A) a declaration of ceasefire when the Indian Army was in an advantageous position. Critics argue that the ceasefire declaration came at a time when the Indian army held an advantageous position against Pakistan. This decision is seen as a missed opportunity to decisively resolve the conflict in Indias favour, potentially leading to a more favourable and clear resolution of the Kashmir dispute. (B) By internationalising the Kashmir issue, Nehru is criticised for opening the matter to global scrutiny and intervention. This decision is seen as an unnecessary step that led to the involvement of external parties in what was essentially a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. The move to bring the issue to the UN is often cited as a reason for the prolonged and complex nature of the Kashmir dispute, as it brought in various international opinions and interventions that may have otherwise been avoided. Moreover, Nehrus focus on political integration overshadowed the imperative of economic development in Kashmir. His policies resulted in inadequate investment and infrastructure development in the region, contributing to economic underdevelopment and resultant frustration among the Kashmiri populace. This, as Chakravarty (2009) points out, fed into the broader narrative of alienation and marginalisation in Kashmir. While Nehrus intentions in handling the Jammu and Kashmir issue might have been well-intentioned, they led to a series of strategic blunders. Thus, the abrogation of Article 370 serves as a pivotal corrective to past errors, addressing historical injustices in Jammu and Kashmir. This significant move, paired with the introduction of the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marks a concerted effort towards rectification and progress. These legislative changes not only reflect a commitment to inclusivity and justice but also represent a broader strategy to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more fully with the rest of India. The decline in terrorism-related activities and the emphasis on socio-economic development further highlight the positive outcomes of these decisions. By providing a voice to marginalised communities and strengthening the regions legislative framework, these bills echo the sentiments of philosophers like Santayana and Arendt, emphasising the importance of learning from and rectifying the past. In doing so, they pave the way for a future where the mistakes of history do not repeat themselves, fostering an environment of growth, stability, and national unity. The author is OSD, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Tweets @adityasinha004.Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Shakti Peethas are places where parts of Satis body fell. The number of Shakti Peethas varies from text to text and over time, increased from four to 18, then to 51 and 108. In a text like Tantrachudamani, there is a reference to Hingula. In every such Shakti Peetha, Devi has a name and the associated Bhairava also has a name. In Hingula, Devis name is Kottari and Bhairavas name is Bhimalochana. In Hingula, Devis Brahmarandhra fell. Brahmarandhra can loosely be translated as head, but it is much more than head. Though Tantrachudamani doesnt mention it, there is also Sharada Shakti Peetha, where Devis right hand fell. Sharada was an ancient centre of learning. Both Hingula and Sharada are in Pakistan. Or were. Once upon a time, Bengali authors wrote travelogues about visiting tirthas. They seem to have vanished now. Writers and readers are no longer interested. This may have something to do with patience. Who has the time to write and read long travelogues now? This is reminiscent of the decline of novels (as opposed to long stories) in Bengali literature. It also has to do with ease of access. Most tirthas have become easier to visit. Earlier, a great deal of time and effort had to be expended to visit some tirthas. Think of Kailasa as an example. As tirthas became more accessible, the romance associated with the journey declined. If I can visit a tirtha myself, why read about it second-hand? While all this is true, there continue to be travelogues about visiting tirthas, though not in Bengali. Over time, the Bengali writer and reader have become less interested in dharma. Many of these books became great films. There was an author named Kalikananda Abadhut. Abadhut indicates he gave up life as a householder and turned to some variety of sannyasa and tantra, spending a large part of his life in Mahakaleshvara in Ujjain. Among his many books, the most famous was undoubtedly Marutirtha Hinglaj. Marutirtha means the tirtha in the desert and Hinglaj is the same as Hingula. Hinglaj is in Balochistan, on the banks of the Hingol River. It is a remote area, though infrastructure seems to have improved in recent times. But the Abadhut book was set in the 1940s, when one would have to trudge on foot across the desert, for a distance of some 200 kilometres. Few pilgrims made it. (Hinglaj is also associated with both Rama and Parashurama.) Many such travelogues became extremely successful films and Marutirtha Hinglaj was no exception. It was made into a film (in Bengali) in 1959, with a star-studded cast and music by Hemanta Mukherjee. What permeates the film is the overwhelming sense of bhakti among the pilgrims, as they cope with the difficulties of the journey. In our school (a residential school of the Ramakrishna Mission in Narendrapur), we were often shown films. Around 1966, not long after the film was released, we were shown Marutirtha Hinglaj and it left a deep impression on me. Subsequently, I read the book. I have watched the film again, years later. But the production quality and the black and white print jars, despite the nostalgia. What doesnt jar is the music and songs, even years later. Two songs in particular (both by Hemanta Mukherjee) were out of this world. Pather Klanti Bhule and Tomar Bhubane Mago. I suspect that even non-Bengalis will find these deeply moving. Often, one has to-do lists in life. I must do this before I die. On my to-do list, was the idea of visiting Hinglaj. One does try to tick the boxes in the to-do list and there are several tirthas I have visited down the years. Hinglaj didnt happen. Or I didnt make any special efforts to make Hinglaj happen because it was in Pakistan and that would have been a bit of a nuisance. I wish I had thought differently. Pakistan has now destroyed the Shakti Peethas, and temples, of both Hinglaj and Sharada, the latter recognised by UNESCO. This is in line with Islams tradition, except that this hasnt happened one thousand or five hundred years ago, but right now. That doesnt surprise me. What surprises me is that this news hasnt received much more coverage. I mentioned two songs from the film. Tomar Bhubane Mago is a song whose lyrics should resonate. Let me try and translate parts as best as I can. O mother! There is such a lot of sin in your world. Is there no counter to this curse? Today, falsehood triumphs and truth has lost its right. Where is Ayodhya and where is Rama? What has happened? Men have become animals. In the land of Savitri and Sita, show yourself and end these depredations. Doesnt your firm hand wield a vajra? Please end this violence and save those who are helpless. I seek refuge in the tirtha of your feet, so that I can cross over this journey, which is so difficult to traverse. Devi works in mysterious ways, not easy for human minds to fathom. But Devis vengeance is not to be trifled with. The author is the chairman of the Prime Ministers Economic Council and a well-known Sanskrit scholar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In recent weeks, Myanmar has witnessed a significant shift in the balance of power as rebel groups gain ground against the ruling junta. The ongoing conflict has prompted neighbouring India to reassess its approach to the crisis advocating for a return to democracy in Myanmar. A clear message from India A crucial development occurred when a delegation from Myanmar visited New Delhi engaging in discussions with Indian diplomats. The central message conveyed by India was unequivocal a strong call for a transition towards a federal democracy in Myanmar. The official statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated Indias support for Myanmars democratic transition. Indias stance, though straightforward, also marks a subtle acknowledgment of a recalibration in its approach. In the aftermath of the coup two years ago, when the elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi lost power, India demonstrated patience and engaged with the coup leaders. This strategic decision was driven by Indias significant border proximity to Myanmar and its substantial strategic investments in the region. Rebel advances and juntas losses However, with the junta losing control of military bases to rebel forces, India appears to be preparing for a potential future without the generals. The rebels have gained control over more than 200 military bases, confiscated significant quantities of weapons and now oversee crucial trade routes including the vital Chinshwehaw checkpoint near Chinas Yunnan province. This strategic location is essential for the flow of goods between Myanmar and China with goods worth $1.8 billion sent to China via land borders from April to September. The impact of the rebel offensive extends beyond the military domain, affecting Myanmars economy. Furthermore, the junta faces internal challenges with reports of soldiers defecting and joining the rebels. This internal discord has weakened the militarys manpower, a critical element for maintaining authority and enforcing decisions. Signs of juntas weakening grip An assessment revealed that over several months, Myanmars military lost 21,000 service members due to factors such as casualties, desertions and defections. Recent videos released by rebel forces depict soldiers surrendering indicating a growing discontent within the military ranks. India has even returned over 70 soldiers who attempted to cross into its territory after rebels took over their posts. As the junta grapples with losses on multiple fronts including territorial control, trade routes and personnel, there are signs of an internal crisis. The junta chiefs outreach for a political solution suggests a desire for negotiation, but the rebels, currently holding the upper hand, may not be inclined to relent easily. India, with a 1,600-kilometre-long border with Myanmar, faces the risk of the conflict spilling over. Uncertainty looms over Indian investments such as the Kaladan Transport Project and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway, both critical for regional connectivity. India, having invested nearly $2 billion in various development projects in Myanmar urgently needs stability in the region to unlock the full potential of these initiatives. In light of these developments, it is evident that New Delhi will not remain a passive observer. The evolving situation in Myanmar has compelled India to reassess its position emphasising the importance of stability and democratic governance in its neighbouring nation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The enduring alliance between the United States and Israel faces a pivotal moment as recent events prompt a reevaluation of Washingtons steadfast support. This shift is particularly significant against the backdrop of a relentless 62-day conflict, resulting in a staggering 16,000 casualties. President Joe Bidens apparent reconsideration of his stance adds an additional layer of complexity to the evolving narrative. 62 days of conflict Within the context of an ongoing and devastating conflict, the toll of 16,000 deaths becomes a sobering backdrop, compelling a reexamination of the United States role and responsibilities in the region. President Bidens traditionally unwavering support for Israel seems to be undergoing a transformation, introducing a new element of uncertainty to the diplomatic landscape. The implications of this shift set the stage for a nuanced analysis of emerging developments. Overview of the travel ban The recently unveiled travel ban on Israeli settlers residing in the West Bank marks a significant departure in US policy. The US administration addresses the rising wave of settler violence, particularly in the West Bank, as a key motivator for the implemented travel ban. Understanding the context and drivers behind this decision is essential for a thorough examination. Violence in the West Bank this year is at levels not seen since the second intifada. And in recent weeks, an alarming surge in violent acts has driven this unwelcome record even higher. Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions against individuals involved in or meaningfully contributing to the undermining of peace, security or stability in the West Bank, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. By imposing visa restrictions on individuals contributing to the undermining of peace in the West Bank, the US introduces a strategic tool. Surge in settler violence post-Hamas attack The aftermath of the Hamas attack has witnessed a notable surge in settler violence, providing context for the heightened tensions and the urgent need for a recalibrated US response. Vice President Kamala Harriss drew explicit red lines for Israel providing insight into the administrations new expectations and its commitment to delineating boundaries in the ongoing conflict. The United States is unequivocal: international humanitarian law must be respected. Too many innocent Palestinians have been killed. Franky, the scale of civilian suffering and the images and videos coming from Gaza are devastating. Five principles that guide our approach for post-conflict Gaza: No forceable displacement, no reoccupation, no siege or blockade, no reduction in territory and use of Gaza as a platform for terrorism, said Vice President Harris. Bidens dilemma at home Reflecting on President Bidens prior support for Prime Minister Netanyahu establishes the context for the evolving dynamics in US-Israel relations and the potential political implications. Uncovering the growing opposition within the Democratic party towards Israels campaign in Gaza, especially among younger adults and voters of colour, provides a lens into the domestic challenges faced by the Biden administration. Exploring the stance of Muslim groups on President Biden and their declaration that he has lost the 2024 election adds a layer of complexity to the evolving political landscape. Highlighting the influence of the Muslim voting bloc in the US, particularly the 2 million Arab-Americans and their potential impact on the election outcome provides crucial context for understanding Bidens evolving political challenges. We are announcing that President Biden has lost the 2024 election. We are not powerless as American Muslims. We are powerful. We dont only have the money, but we have the actual votes. And we will use that vote to save this nation from itself, said Jaylani Hussein, conference organiser. Examining Israels historical dependence on US support, particularly in military aid, diplomatic relations and international forums, establishes the framework for understanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus strategic challenges. Nuanced response to the ongoing crisis Reflecting on the delicate balance the US seeks to maintain between human rights considerations and its historical alliance with Israel highlights the complexity of the diplomatic challenges. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In the world of coffee aficionados, preferences often revolve around the choice between hot or cold, perhaps with a dash of cinnamon. However, for Starbucks, the renowned coffee giant, the recent challenges it faces extend beyond the realm of flavour preferences and delve into the complex territory of geopolitics. A costly brew Starbucks, a behemoth in the coffee industry, has recently witnessed a substantial blow to its financial standing. The companys value plummeted by a staggering $11 billion, erasing nearly 10 per cent of its total worth. This raises the question: What led to this significant loss? The decline in Starbucks value cannot be attributed to the taste of its holiday flavours or customer fatigue with pumpkin spice lattes. Surprisingly, the root cause lies in a realm far from coffee cups and seasonal blends. It appears that Starbucks found itself entangled in geopolitical tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict. In the wake of the war, Starbucks, like many companies, expressed support for Israel. However, this stance didnt sit well in West Asia, leading to repercussions in specific regions, such as Egypt. In November, reports surfaced of Starbucks in Egypt laying off workers due to a severe decline in customer traffic, a direct consequence of the geopolitical fallout. Brewing unrest within Another layer of complexity emerged as Starbucks workers united under the banner of Starbucks Workers United. This union openly declared solidarity with Palestine, a move that sparked controversy and calls for a boycott. Despite Starbucks distancing itself from these comments, the damage was done. Moreover, discontent brewed among Starbucks workers themselves, leading to strikes in 200 stores across America. Employees expressed dissatisfaction with their working conditions, citing issues such as inadequate pay, understaffing and insufficient rights. The culmination of these factors resulted in sluggish sales during the holiday season. So basically, Starbucks puts these promotions on us that is like buy one, get one free drinks or double star days. And they put more and more work on the actual baristas and the workers without giving us any ability or control to turn off mobile orders, which puts such a stress on us, said Starbucks worker Juniper Schweitzer. Another Starbucks worker Moonie Atchley, I mean, I was I was almost homeless last week. Even though I work at a store that supposedly pays better, theyve been withholding card tip from us. So the amount of money you make is not enough to pay rent. Its not enough to get groceries. Financial downturn Starbucks financial troubles are further evident in its stock performance. The company has experienced a decline in its stocks for 12 consecutive market sessions, marking the longest-ever recorded streak since its public debut in 1992. Currently hovering around $95, down from a yearly high of $114, the coffee giant faces a challenging path to recovery. In a surprising twist, Starbucks, known for offering a simple cup of coffee, now finds itself in the midst of political controversies and financial setbacks. The once-uncomplicated act of sipping a Starbucks beverage has evolved into a political statement. Can Starbucks perk up? As Starbucks navigates these stormy waters, the question arises: Can the company recover from this multifaceted crisis? While the CEO remains optimistic, the numbers tell a different story. The challenges faced by Starbucks serve as a reminder that, in todays world, even a cup of coffee can become a symbol of political discourse, leaving the companys caffeinated dreams in a state of uncertainty. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In a noteworthy development, senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh recently addressed an online event in Pakistan, seeking assistance from the South Asian nation. Haniyeh, a prominent figure in Hamas since the 7 October attacks, conveyed a message that suggested if Israel faced resistance from Pakistan, the perpetration of cruelty could cease. Hamas outreach to Pakistan raises questions about the factors behind this appeal and the potential role Pakistan could play in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Haniyehs appeal and Pakistans historical support Ismail Haniyehs message said Pakistan is a brave nation and called it as the land of Mujahideen. This appeal stems from historical ties between Pakistan and Palestine, where Pakistan has consistently been a vocal critic of Israel, refusing to recognise the state and severing diplomatic relations. Past claims of Pakistan providing aid to Palestine and potentially training Hamas fighters add complexity to the relationship. While neither side officially confirms these allegations, a 2021 revelation by a Pakistani senator hinted at Islamabads historical support for Hamas. Public opinion and mass support in Pakistan Public sentiment in Pakistan overwhelmingly supports the Palestinian cause. A post-7 October attack poll indicated that 91 per cent of Pakistanis supported Hamas, while only 2 per cent expressed sympathy for Israel. Mass rallies in major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Rawalpindi demonstrated solidarity with participants vocally condemning Israel. Moreover, a widespread boycott campaign against companies perceived as supporting Israel, such as McDonalds, Coca Cola and Pepsi, further underscores the publics pro-Palestine stance. Pakistans changing position While Pakistan has a history of supporting Palestine, recent events suggest a shift in its stance. The caretaker prime minister expressed heartbreak over the violence following the 7 October Hamas attack, adopting a more cautious approach compared to other Muslim nations like Malaysia and Iran, which openly supported Hamas. This shift could be attributed to Pakistans current economic crisis and the need for international financial support, primarily from the US and the West. As geopolitical considerations come into play, Pakistan appears to be recalibrating its stance on the Israel-Palestine issue. Internal dynamics within Pakistan add complexity to the situation. While the public and Islamist parties like JUI-F and Jamaat-e-Islami express solidarity with Hamas, the establishment, including the military, may adopt a more cautious approach. The military, in a statement, pledged moral support for Palestine, but the practical impact of such support remains uncertain. Hamas appeal to Pakistan reflects the desperate need for support amid changing geopolitical dynamics. While Pakistans historical ties and public sentiment align with the Palestinian cause, internal divisions and external pressures may limit the extent of its involvement. As the conflict unfolds, the role Pakistan plays in the Israel-Palestine issue remains a nuanced and evolving aspect of the broader geopolitical landscape. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Making amends for mistakes is a universal practice, often initiated with a sincere apology. However, when historical mistakes involve the loss of millions of lives, the impoverishment of entire populations and the exploitation of entire continents, a mere apology seems insufficient. This is the sentiment resonating from former colonies towards European countries, who are now being urged not just to apologise but to pay reparations for the enduring impact of colonisation. Leading this charge is Barbados, whose Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has presented a bold demand for reparations amounting to $4.9 trillion from European nations. The call for reparations is deeply rooted in the historical atrocities committed during the era of slavery. In the case of Barbados, approximately 4,50,000 enslaved individuals were trafficked to the island, with only 3,75,000 surviving. The harsh conditions of plantation life and the perilous journey to the island claimed the lives of tens of thousands. With emancipation in 1838, only 83,000 survivors and their descendants remained. The demand for reparations seeks to address the enduring trauma and generational impact of these historical injustices. Calculating the debt The proposed figure of $4.9 trillion is not arbitrary. It stems from a comprehensive report by the Brattle Group, a US-based consulting company specialising in intricate calculations. The report suggests that the UK alone owes $24 trillion to 14 countries including Barbados. Other European nations are also implicated, with Spain owing $17 trillion, France $9 trillion and the Netherlands $4.8 trillion. While these figures may seem staggering, Prime Minister Mottley emphasises that the wealth accumulated by European powers was amassed over decades and centuries. Taking this historical context into account, the requested reparations are seen as a realistic attempt to rectify the enduring consequences of colonial exploitation. The issue of colonial reparations extends beyond Barbados, resonating in other former colonies like India. Foreign Minister S Jaishankars statements claim that Britain looted $45 trillion from India, illustrating the widespread impact of colonialism on economic, cultural and psychological levels. International response Barbados, along with several African and Caribbean nations, is actively pursuing reparations through joint initiatives. In July, a summit on reparations was hosted leading to the creation of a joint fund involving 75 countries. However, the reluctance of former colonial powers to acknowledge and rectify their past actions remains a significant hurdle. Despite acknowledgments of the negative impact of slavery, European nations, including the UK, have yet to issue formal apologies or commit to reparations. The recent case of King Charles, who failed to apologise for the atrocities of the past, exemplifies the challenge in reconciling historical wrongs. In response to the lack of acknowledgment and action from former colonial powers, some former colonies are taking matters into their own hands. Barbados, in 2021, severed ties with the monarchy and declared itself a republic. Similar movements are underway in other nations, signifying a generational demand for change and justice. The call for reparations from former colonies represents a crucial step towards addressing historical injustices and rectifying the enduring impact of colonialism. The reluctance of former colonial powers to apologise and pay reparations underscores the need for a global reckoning with the past. As nations like Barbados forge their own path towards sovereignty and justice, the international community watches closely, hoping for a future where accountability and reparations become a reality. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Apples cybersecurity team engaged in discussions with Indias cybersecurity watchdog, CERT-In, addressing concerns related to warning notifications received by certain opposition leaders. The meeting aimed to explore the allegations made by several political figures who claimed to have received alerts from Apple, cautioning them about potential state-sponsored attackers attempting to compromise their iPhones remotely. These leaders have raised suspicions of government involvement in alleged hacking incidents. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (Meity), emphasized the need for Apple to respond to the notice, highlighting the responsibility of their global cybersecurity team in this matter. The meeting between the Apple team and CERT-In took was scheduled to take place by the end of November. An official source revealed that the CERT-In will now compile a comprehensive report based on their findings from the meeting. There is no fixed deadline for the submission of the report. CERT-In will submit the report after completing their investigation, stated the official. Among the Members of Parliament (MPs) who reported receiving the warning notifications on their iPhones are notable figures such as Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Shashi Tharoor, Pawan Khera, K C Venugopal, Supriya Shrinate, T S Singhdeo, Bhupinder S Hooda, Mahua Moitra of Trinamool Congress, Sitaram Yechury of CPI(M), and Akhilesh Yadav of SP. Additionally, alerts were received by Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT), Raghav Chadha of Aam Aadmi Party, Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM, and associates of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. This ongoing investigation raises concerns about the intersection of cybersecurity, politics, and technology, as authorities work to ensure the security and privacy of public figures in the digital age. (With inputs from agencies) As Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brands gear up to enter the global market, concerns are rising over safety issues, exemplified by a recent recall of the Ora model by Great Wall China (GWC) in Australia. The recall was issued due to a programming flaw that could result in an electrical arc or electrocution if the charging cable is removed without cancelling the charge. The notice warns of the serious risk of injury or death if an electrical arc contacts the operator or bystanders. The recall affects 1,659 vehicles in Australia, with an additional 520 vehicles impacted in New Zealand. This incident highlights the potential safety challenges Chinese EV manufacturers may face as they expand globally. While recalls are not exclusive to Chinese brandsTesla, for example, has faced its share of recallsthe Ora recall underlines the importance of building trust among consumers in overseas markets. Chinese EV brands have already entered various markets, including Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. However, the path has not been without hurdles. The Ora recall comes at a time when Chinese EVs are gaining attention for their disruptive pricing, with models like BYDs Seagull priced at around $11,000 in China. Such affordable offerings could potentially disrupt overseas markets where a demand for affordable electric vehicles exists. Major automakers, including American companies, are expressing concerns about how they will compete on cost with Chinese EVs once they flood the US market. The recall incident raises questions about the readiness of Chinese EV manufacturers to meet global safety standards and win the trust of consumers, especially in regions where perceptions of Chinese-made products may still be evolving. While Chinese EV brands hold a competitive edge in terms of scale, cost, and supply chain control, the recall underscores the need for a robust approach to quality assurance and safety to succeed in the increasingly competitive global EV market. Gaining consumer trust, particularly in regions with established automotive markets, remains a critical challenge for Chinese automakers looking to expand their presence beyond domestic borders. (With inputs from agencies) G42, a leading artificial intelligence company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced its decision to sever ties with Chinese hardware suppliers in favour of US counterparts. This move is seen as a response to the growing geopolitical tensions surrounding new technology, with G42 aiming to secure access to US-made chips and address concerns raised by American partners, including Microsoft and OpenAI. Peng Xiao, the CEO of G42, emphasised the necessity of choosing due to commercial considerations, stating, We cannot work with both sides. We cant. The decision is part of G42s efforts to assure its American partners, comply with Washingtons rules on advanced chip exports, and maintain access to US-manufactured chips. Recent reports have highlighted G42s deep links to China, raising concerns among US officials about the companys association with telecom giant Huawei. There are worries that G42 could serve as a conduit for the transfer of US AI technology and genetic data to the Chinese government and companies. Xiao revealed that G42 is gradually phasing out hardware from Huawei, including servers and data centre networking gear. The company aims to distance itself from Chinese partnerships to align with the cautious approach advised by the US government and maintain its relationship with American partners. G42, known for ventures such as the launch of an Arabic large language model, has investments from Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, and US private equity group Silver Lake. The decision to cut ties with some Chinese connections reflects the broader competition between China and the US in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. Despite controversies surrounding G42, including its alleged involvement in the creation of ToTok, a UAE chat app used for alleged government spying, the company maintains its positive contributions to AI governance, ethics, and regulation. G42s partnerships with Sinopharm and BGI during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight its extensive international network, which it claims is no different from that of other global technology companies. The UAEs strategic positioning in the evolving multipolar world and its pursuit of technological advancements underscore the challenges faced by companies like G42 in navigating the complex landscape of global AI competition. (With inputs from agencies) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced Indias ambitious plans to take a significant leap forward in the realm of AI to empower its citizens. Emphasizing Indias rapid technological advancement, the Prime Minister stated that the country has achieved in just a few years what took others an entire generation. In a LinkedIn post inviting people interested in AI to the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence Summit 2023, which he described as a captivating program celebrating progress in AI and innovation, Prime Minister Modi expressed Indias readiness to actively contribute to the evolution of AI as the world moves toward a not-so-distant future. Highlighting Indias status as one of the youngest nations with a dynamic start-up ecosystem and a skilled workforce, Modi asserted that the country provides solutions that are scalable, secure, affordable, sustainable, and replicable on a global scale. He pointed to Indias Digital Public Infrastructure initiative as a prime example of pioneering efforts in this direction. In the last nine to 10 years, India and its citizens have leap-frogged with the help of technology. It wont be an exaggeration to say that India achieved, in a matter of few years, what took other countries a generation, remarked the Prime Minister. He attributed this rapid progress to the widespread adoption of mobiles, internet connectivity, and scalable models for digital inclusion. Discussing Indias aspirations in the field of AI, Modi outlined the goals of making healthcare more accessible, enhancing personalized education, and utilizing AI for various productive purposes in agriculture. He emphasized that Indias approach to growth is focused on equity and inclusivity. When India innovates, it does so to ensure that no one is left behind. When India leads, it does so to ensure that it can take everyone along towards the goal of the greater good, stated Modi, highlighting Indias commitment to inclusive development. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of forums such as the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), where India serves as a co-founder. With 28 member nations and the EU, GPAI aims to guide the responsible development and use of AI. Modi commended Indias contributions to GPAI since its inception in June 2020, emphasizing the countrys dedication to safe and trusted AI. Indias election to the GPAI Council in November 2022, according to Modi, reflects its commitment to Safe and Trusted AI. As the Lead Chair of GPAI, India is committed to leveraging technology, particularly AI, for the welfare of people, ensuring that nations in the Global South are not left behind in benefiting from its advantages. Asserting Indias dedication to establishing a regulatory framework for safe and trusted AI, Modi expressed confidence that it will bring nations together for widespread and enduring implementation. The upcoming summit will feature various sessions, including the AI Expo, where 150 startups will showcase their strengths. The summit, scheduled from December 12-14 at Bharat Mandapam, will focus on advancements in AI and innovation, with over 28 member countries and the EU participating in the GPAI. In todays digital age, smartphones have seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our daily lives. However, smartphones are ruining the way children are raised. The widespread use of smartphones and similar devices is now casting a shadow on the relationship children have with their parents. The latest research, the fifth edition of Vivo Switch Off Research conducted in collaboration with Cybermedia Research (CMR), sheds light on the far-reaching consequences of excessive smartphone use on parent-child relationships. The research, encompassing over 1,500 respondents across major Indian cities, has also enlisted the expertise of Catherine Price, a renowned health and science writer and author of How to Break Up with your Phone The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life. Key findings The comprehensive study, titled Impact of Smartphones on Parent-Child Relationship, exposes alarming trends. While 70 per cent of parents view smartphones as information hubs and social connectors, and 60 per cent appreciate them for family connections and shopping convenience, a darker side emerges in the usage patterns of children. On average, children begin using smartphones at the age of 12, spending approximately 6.5 hours daily, primarily on gaming. A concerning 91 per cent of children admit to feeling anxiety when separated from their devices, indicating an emotional dependency. Furthermore, almost 90 per cent are engrossed in phone activities at home, raising concerns about addiction and its impact on their well-being. The findings also reveal parental apprehensions. A staggering 94 per cent of parents express worry about their childrens mental health due to excessive phone use, with 91 per cent advocating for restrictions. Concerns extend to social skills and overall development, with 91 per cent fearing adverse effects. The strain on relationships is evident, with 90 per cent of parents feeling irritated when interrupted by phone-distracted children, leading to diminished quality time and increased loneliness for the children. Children do what they see their parents do Shockingly, 75 per cent of parents engage with phones during their shared two-hour time with children, raising questions about the quality of interaction. Key findings highlight the tensions in smartphone usage: Parents spend 7.7 hours daily on smartphones, 1.2 hours more than their children. Additionally, 87 per cent and 73 per cent of parents check their phones first and last thing, mirroring similar patterns observed in children. Despite spending just two hours together, 75 per cent admit to phone use, contributing to mutual guilt over relationship quality. Glimmer of hope Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The study indicates that 94 per cent of parents prioritize in-person interactions over screen scrolling during leisure, and 96 per cent express a strong desire to deepen family connections. This collective yearning for meaningful relationships amid technology saturation paints an optimistic picture. As the founder of Screen/life Balance, a resource hub promoting healthier relationships with smartphones, Price will advise Vivo on curating solutions to help individuals develop productive habits for meaningful smartphone use. Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy at Vivo India, emphasised the significance of the Switch Off 2023 initiative. Switch Off 2023 goes beyond the report as a commitment, urging everyone to participate in Switch Off Day on December 20th, she said. India has said that Canada hasnt provided specific evidence of New Delhis alleged involvement in the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the issue is not part of the investigations by panel set up to examine similar accusations made by the US, according to a report. New Delhi set up an investigating committee last week in response to allegations by the US that an Indian government agent was involved in a foiled assassination attempt on a Sikh separatist leader in New York. However, Canadas accusations that India orchestrated the murder of Nijjar on Canadian soil in June are not under the panels scrutiny, Bloomberg quoted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as saying in Parliament on Thursday. He noted that Canada has not provided any evidence or inputs, emphasising the lack of equitable treatment in the two cases, added the report. The strained relationship between India and Canada has intensified due to the killing in Canada, while the US charges have created a delicate situation for the Biden administration, which aims to strengthen ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modis government as a counterbalance to China. In September, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Nijjar, a claim dismissed by India as absurd. Canadian officials had shared evidence with New Delhi, including communications and phone numbers, before Trudeau went public with the allegations, people familiar with the matter have previously said. Last week, US prosecutors revealed allegations of Indias campaign to target Sikh activists abroad, linking it to a foiled murder plot. Although the intended victim was not identified, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a dual American and Canadian citizen associated with Sikhs for Justice, claimed he was the target. Pannun had ties to Nijjar. Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said India had expressed concerns to the US and Canada after a Sikh separatist leader in America threatened to attack Indias Parliament. As both the US and India downplay the foiled murder attempt amid the Biden administrations efforts to strengthen ties, US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer visited New Delhi, and Christopher Wray, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is expected to visit India next week, according to the US ambassador in the country. With inputs from agencies China has begun commercial operations at a new generation nuclear reactor that is the first of its kind in the world, state-run media said. Compared with previous reactors, the fourth generation Shidaowan plant in Chinas northern Shandong province is designed to use fuel more efficiently and improve its economics, safety and environmental footprint as China turns to nuclear power to try to meet carbon emissions goals. Chinas Xinhua news agency also said the 200 megawatt (MW) high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor (HTGCR) plant developed jointly by state-run utility Huaneng, Tsinghua University and China National Nuclear Corporation, uses a new modular design. Modular plants refer to those of less than 300MW that can be constructed off site. Proponents say they can operate in remote locations and power traditionally hard-to-abate heavy industry sectors, but critics say they are too expensive. NuScale Power, previously expected to be the first US company licensed to build a small modular reactor, said in November it was terminating a planned 462MW project in Utah due to low subscription after the company raised target power prices early this year. China has a goal to produce 10% of electricity from nuclear by 2035 and 18% by 2060, but as of September this year had not met its 2020 target to install 58 gigawatts of nuclear capacity. China has also not signed a pledge by 20 countries at the COP28 climate conference recently held in Dubai to triple nuclear power capacity by 2050. Ahead of elections in Taiwan, senior Chinese leaders held a meeting to coordinate the governments efforts to interfere in the island nations poll affairs, according to intelligence gathered on the island. According to Taiwanese intelligence officials, Beijing is nudging voters in the country toward candidates who seek closer ties with China in the January 13 presidential and legislative election. The meeting in Beijing was held by the Chinese Communist Partys fourth-ranked leader, Wang Huning, who is also deputy head of Beijings Central Leading Group for Taiwan Affairs, chaired by President Xi Jinping, according to multiple Taiwan security officials who discussed the matter with reporters. Senior personnel from agencies including Chinas Publicity Department, State Security Ministry, Defence Ministry and the Taiwan Affairs Office attended, the Taiwanese security officials said, citing intelligence gathered by Taiwan. Those officials requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has asked his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to respect Taiwans elections. The meeting was centered on ensuring the effectiveness and coordination of various work on the Taiwan elections, according to an internal Taiwanese memo summing up its intelligence on the Chinese meeting. The meeting concluded with the decision that different agencies should consolidate their work in Taiwan. While the Publicity Department and a psychological warfare unit under the Peoples Liberation Army called Base 311, is given the task of running influence campaigns to sway public opinion via news outlets and social media. Furthermore, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office and the United Front Work Department have been given the responsibility of running outreach programmes, including offering discounted air tickets for Taiwanese living in China to fly home to vote. Beijing has repeatedly called the DPP dangerous separatists and urged the Taiwanese to make the right choice. The DPPs presidential candidate, Lai Ching-te, is leading in the polls. Taiwans government is on high alert for what they see as Chinas attempts to interfere in the elections by illicitly funding Beijing-friendly candidates using communications apps, group tours, or misinformation campaigns, internal security reports reviewed by Reuters show. With inputs from Reuters The Cop28 UN climate summit in Dubai enters a critical phase as negotiations intensified on slashing greenhouse gas emissions. Over the next five days, ministers aim to break the impasse, formulating a text outlining a roadmap to limit global heating to a 1.5C rise above preindustrial levels by phasing out or phasing down fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels for energy is by far the biggest cause of climate change. It is also the engine of modern life even with the growth of renewables, fossil fuels produce around 80% of the worlds energy. UN climate chief Simon Stiell urges governments to prioritise the highest ambition, emphasising the need to avoid point-scoring and lowest common denominator politics. The UAE, as the host country plays a crucial role, with Cop28 president Sultan Al Jaber appointing ministerial pairs to foster compromises between developed and developing nations. The COP26 summit in Glasgow in 2021 made the first tangible progress toward a fossil fuel exit deal with an agreement to reduce coal use, but without mentioning oil and gas. At COP28 in Dubai, more than 80 countries are pushing for a broader pact to phase out all CO2-emitting fossil fuels. The phase out is a tool to reach the goal. And the goal is an energy system that has no emissions, Norways Foreign Minister Espen Barthe Eide told Reuters at COP28. Aside from Norway, Europes biggest oil and gas producer, excluding Russia, this position is also backed by Western producers the United States and Canada, the 27-country European Union, climate-vulnerable small island states, some African nations including Kenya and Ethiopia, and Latin American countries Chile and Colombia. Opposition to a full fossil fuel phase-out, diplomats told Reuters, is led by Russia, Saudi Arabia and China, which is the worlds biggest carbon emitter. Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told Bloomberg TV on Tuesday that his country would absolutely not agree to a deal that calls for a phase-down. Sultan Al-Jaber, the United Arab Emirates COP28 president, said on Monday he was calling on countries to propose language on fossil fuels for the COP deal. The phase down and the phase-out of fossil fuels is inevitable, said Jaber, who is also CEO of the UAEs state-owned oil firm ADNOC. Countries negotiators have only days to find agreement before the summits scheduled end on Dec. 12. With inputs from Reuters. Denmarks parliament on Thursday passed a law making it illegal to burn the Quran in public places, seeking to de-escalate tensions with Muslim countries after a spate of Danish protests during which Islams holy book was burned, causing immense outrage. Denmark and Sweden experienced a series of public protests this year where anti-Islam activists burned or damaged copies of the Quran, triggering demands that the Nordic governments ban the practice. According to Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard, more than 500 demonstrations that included burnings of the Koran or flags were registered since July. Such demonstrations can hurt Denmarks relations to other nations, our interests and ultimately our safety, Hummelgaard said. Denmark has sought to strike a balance between constitutionally protected freedom of speech, including the right to criticise religion, and national security amid fears that Quran burnings would trigger attacks by Islamists. Domestic critics in Sweden and Denmark have argued that any limitations on criticising religion, including by burning Qurans, undermine hard-fought liberal freedoms in the region. History will judge us harshly for this, and with good reason, said Inger Stojberg, leader of the anti-immigration Denmark Democrats party. What it all comes down to is whether a restriction on freedom of speech is determined by us, or whether it is dictated from the outside. Denmarks centrist coalition government has argued that the new rules will have only a marginal impact on free speech and that criticising religion in other ways remains legal. The vote followed a five-hour debate in parliament and 94 members voted in favour, 77 against. Breaking the new law will be punishable by fines or up to two years in prison, the government has said. Sweden is also considering how to prevent burning of the Quran but is looking at whether police should factor in national security when deciding on protest applications rather than a ban. US Congress has launched a probe into anti-Semitism at three top universities Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and MIT, but social media is also on rage, expressing their anger over these schools which have allegedly failed to tackle the rampant antisemitism on their campuses after the Hamas 7 October attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli invasion of Gaza. The presidents of all these three universities have been facing backlash over their testimony Tuesday on rising antisemitism on campus since the 7 October Hamas attack. The investigation has been launched by the Education Committee after the leaders of these three universities quibbled over whether student protests calling for the genocide of Jews amounted to harassment and violated the policies of the varsity. Representative Elise Stefanik, Republican of New York said the Education Committee is launching an official Congressional investigation that will include substantial document requests and compulsory measures including subpoenas to those universities and others. After this weeks unacceptable testimony from presidents of @Penn @Harvard, and @MIT, the Education Committee is launching an official Congressional investigation that will include substantial document requests and compulsory measures including subpoenas to those Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) December 7, 2023 We will use our full congressional authority to hold these schools accountable for their failure on the global stage, Stefanik said in a statement. Elizabeth Magill of Penn University, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Sally Kornbluth of MIT were pressed during a hearing in the House of Representatives, earlier this week, on whether pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel student activists calling for Jewish genocide violated their codes of conduct on harassment but all three equivocated, claiming it would depend on the context. All these three universities have made headlines for speech and actions on campus that a range of critics have called antisemitic or inappropriate. These three universities have been facing massive backlash on social media. Congratulations to @Columbia for updating their logo pic.twitter.com/pjOCAPv9FR Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) December 7, 2023 Congratulations to @Harvard for updating their logo pic.twitter.com/yzpm0q8oU1 Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) December 7, 2023 The faces of academic antisemitism pic.twitter.com/PL6k2CiQrr Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) December 8, 2023 Well, yeah, but it really depends on the context. pic.twitter.com/1Q1oh9raTq Elad Simchayoff (@Elad_Si) December 6, 2023 Well, yeah, but it really depends on the context pic.twitter.com/N6GdEjwEyO Georgia Leigha Gilholy (@llggeorgia) December 6, 2023 Harvard's president Claudine Gay admits some sayings are openly calling to the genocide of the Jews but when asked if it okay to use them in demonstrations and activities on campus she answered it depends on the context. Really? calls for genocide against an ethnicity are ok, pic.twitter.com/s62ZwtGgnK Ella Travels (Ella Kenan) (@EllaTravelsLove) December 5, 2023 Harvard University Penn State University well. If you loose your morals. You deserve the public criticism & shame. I know how it might look with the mustache and all that but it depends on the context pic.twitter.com/YgAOn1zGlG zero waste israel (@IsraelZerowaste) December 6, 2023 Depends on the context, indeed. pic.twitter.com/6GVYlsaZsw Anti Oppression (@iKhaldoon) December 8, 2023 During a five-hour hearing, the presidents of these universities told Stefanik that calling for the genocide of Jews would only violate their schools rules if it led to individuals being bullied. Stefanik, who studied at Harvard, has called for the president to resign. The president of Harvard University sought to clarify her comments Wednesday, arguing in a statement that critics were confusing a right to free expression with the idea that Harvard will condone calls for violence against Jewish students. During the hearing, Stefanik asked Gay directly whether calling for the genocide of Jews is against the code of conduct at Harvard. She pointedly refused to answer affirmatively, saying, When speech crosses into conduct, we take action. Penn president Magill also refused to give a straight answer when asked by Stefanik on Tuesday whether calling for the genocide of Jews constitutes bullying or harassment at the university. It is a context-dependent decision, Magill responded, leading Stefanik to reply, Calling for the genocide of Jews is dependent on the context? That is not bullying or harassment? This is the easiest question to answer yes, Ms. Magill. Magill later said in a video statement that she should have been focused on the irrefutable fact that a call for genocide of Jewish people is a call for some of the most terrible violence human beings can perpetrate. MIT president Sally Kornbluth, who did not issue a clarifying statement, said Tuesday that language calling for genocide of Jews would only be investigated as harassment if pervasive and severe. The backlash to the hearing has been bipartisan, with the White House joining the condemnation. Its unbelievable that this needs to be said: calls for genocide are monstrous and antithetical to everything we represent as a country, a spokesman for President Joe Biden said in a statement. Virginia Foxx, the education committees chairwoman, warned that other universities should expect to be caught up in the investigation. With inputs from agencies US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has criticized Israels conduct in its southern Gaza offensive, saying there was a wide gap between the countrys intent to protect civilians and what has been actually happening on the ground. Speaking at a news conference in Washington following a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Blinken laid out concrete steps to ensure civilians are out of harms way and the areas they go to are supplied with food, medicine and water. As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection. And there does remain a gap between, exactly what I said when I was there, the intent to protect civilians and the actual results that were seeing on the ground, Blinken said. Top US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, as well as Blinken, have urged Israel publicly to conduct a more surgical offensive in southern Gaza to avoid the heavy civilian casualties inflicted by its attacks in the north. But since a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas broke down last Friday, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Israels offensive in the south. So far this week, US officials have been reluctant to offer an assessment of Israels operations in the south and Blinkens comments are the first clear evaluation of the offensive. On top of having safe areas, Blinken said, it would be important to have communications in place so that people know where they can go and when, and that the periods that they can move from one place to the other are clear. Making sure that the pauses apply to not one neighbourhood but to a broader area so people have the confidence to know they can move out of harms way was also important, Blinken said, and he urged that those areas be fully stocked with food, medicine and water. Ensuring that those areas are clearly out of the conflict zone and no military means are used there was also key, Blinken said. So this is something that were talking about with the Israelis on a regular basis, including, as recently as today and including in the presidents conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu earlier today, Blinken added. Israel battled Hamas militants in the Gaza Strips biggest cities on Thursday, leaving hundreds more Palestinians dead as almost 2 million displaced Gazans struggled to find safe refuge amid critical shortages of food and shelter. Residents reported fierce battles going on east of Khan Younis, southern Gazas largest city, and Palestinian health officials said three Gazans were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza. In his most pointed public critique of Israels handling of the battle against Hamas in south Gaza, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that there was a discrepancy between the governments stated intentions to protect civilians and the casualties. It is still crucial that Israel prioritise civilian safety as we stand here, nearly a week into this campaign into the south, Blinken stated at a press conference on Thursday following his meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in Washington. And there does remain a gap between the intent to protect civilians and the actual results that were seeing on the ground. Following its attack on Israel two months ago, Israel says it must destroy the militant Hamas group and is taking all necessary precautions to keep civilians safe, including issuing warnings about impending military operations. On Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden had separate phone conversations with King Abdullah of Jordan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vice President Joe Biden emphasised the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities, according to the White House. Over 17,170 Palestinians have died and 46,000 injured since Israel started bombing Gaza on October 7 in reaction to a cross-border attack by Hamas militants, who are in charge of the enclave and are backed by Iran. This information comes from the Gaza Health Ministry. Israels count of the Hamas attack shows that 1,200 people were murdered, and 240 were held captive. The Israeli military announced on Friday that since its ground incursions started on October 20, 92 of its troops had died in the fighting in Gaza. A spokesman for the Gaza health ministry, Ashraf Al-Qidra, said that 350 Palestinians were killed on Thursday when Israel battled Hamas militants in the largest towns of the Gaza Strip. Israel claimed that several militants were killed by its soldiers in Khan Younis, including two who came out of a tunnel firing. With the United Arab Emirates requesting that the U.N. Security Council vote on a draft resolution on Friday morning, Arab governments are stepping up their calls for an urgent humanitarian truce in Gaza. A ceasefire is opposed by the US and its ally Israel, who claim it will only help Hamas. On Friday in Washington, Blinken is scheduled to meet with senior officials from Arab nations, including Egypt. The revised version said that the Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law as well as demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. To be accepted, a resolution must have at least nine votes in favour and not face a veto from any of the five permanent members, who are the US, Russia, China, France, or the UK. At this point, the United States opposes any additional council action. (With agency inputs) The armed wing of Hamas stated on Friday that it had resisted an effort by Israeli special forces to rescue hostages in the Gaza Strip, resulting in multiple military fatalities as well as the death of a captive. Israel refused to comment, claiming that it was being targeted by psychological warfare from the Palestinian Islamist side. Hamass Al-Qassam Brigades alleged in a Telegram message that its members targeted a special forces unit that was conducting a rescue operation, killing and wounded multiple troops in the process. The incidents location was mentioned. It stated that a 25-year-old Israeli soldier named Saar Baruch was killed while a prisoner. Israel has released lists of the captives, and among them is a civilian student named Sahar Baruch. Baruch was 24 years old when he was taken from his home during the cross-border Hamas assassination and kidnapping spree that began on October 7 and started the war. Of some 240 people taken hostage that day, 137 remain in Gaza captivity after others were recovered during a truce. Some have had Israeli officials declare them dead in absentia. We are not going to comment on psychological warfare that Hamas continues to wage against the people of Israel, Eylon Levy, an Israeli government spokesperson, said in a briefing when asked about the Hamas account of the botched raid. (With agency inputs) Baghdads heavily fortified Green Zone housing the US Embassy was targeted with several rockets around dawn on Friday, two security officials said. It is still not clear where the rockets had hit and whether there was large-scale damage done. Explosions were heard near the embassy, in Iraqs capital about 4 am on Friday, and sirens calling on people to duck and cover were activated, according to social media videos from the scene. Embassy spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment. It was not immediately clear whether the embassys air defence systems were activated. US forces at military bases in Iraq and Syria have faced more than 70 attacks since mid-October claimed by an umbrella organisation of Iraqi Shiite Muslim armed groups, though diplomatic missions have been spared. No group immediately claimed responsibility for any attack on the US embassy on Friday. A US military official speaking on condition of anonymity said that alarms had gone off and that likely impact sounds could be heard near the US embassy and Union III base, where troops from the international anti-jihadist coalition are stationed. This is the first reported attack against the United States embassy in the Iraqi capital since the Israel-Hamas war began in early October, raising regional tensions and fears of a wider conflict. Since mid-October there have been dozens of rocket or drone strikes by pro-Iran groups against American or coalition forces elsewhere in Iraq as well as in Syria. There are roughly 2,500 US troops in Iraq and about 900 in Syria as part of efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group. The US official said: We are still awaiting official reports regarding casualties and damage to infrastructure, if any. We are also awaiting official reporting on the type of attack. Hamas terrorists captured during the October 7 onslaught will be incarcerated in a little-used underground prison as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has instructed Israel Prison Service Commissioner Katy Perry to make necessary preparations for the transfer. The underground wing at the Nitzan prison in the central Israeli city of Ramla has not been used for many years and is not much habitable for imprisonment, according to Hebrew media reports. Around 100 Hamas terrorists can be housed in the underground wing of the prison. Perry said that since October 7, Israel has held over 118 unlawful combatants from Gaza meanwhile Ben Gvir has said, the policy we are leading now is minimal conditions for these heinous murderers. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his strongest public criticism of Israels conduct of the war on Hamas in south Gaza, said there was a gap between the governments declared intentions to protect civilians and the casualties. As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection, Blinken said at a press conference following a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron in Washington on Thursday. Speaking at a news conference in Washington following a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Blinken laid out concrete steps to ensure civilians are out of harms way and the areas they go to are supplied with food, medicine and water. As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection. And there does remain a gap between, exactly what I said when I was there, the intent to protect civilians and the actual results that were seeing on the ground, Blinken said. With inputs from Reuters Following an amnesty plan announced earlier this week, Myanmars military government has been freeing soldiers and police who had been jailed for desertion and absence without leave to get them back into service to ease an apparent manpower shortage, a police officer and an army officer said Thursday. As a direct outcome of heightened battlefield pressures faced by the military since seizing power from the elected government in February 2021, a plan has been initiated. The challenges escalated in late October when an alliance of three ethnic minority armed groups launched an offensive in the northern part of Shan state, bordering China. This offensive triggered widespread fighting, involving the pro-democracy Peoples Defense Force and their allies among other ethnic minority armed groups. The military, stretched thin, revealed an apparent shortage of troops in the face of renewed nationwide conflict. A police captain in the capital, Naypyitaw, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorised to release information, told The Associated Press that many police who were convicted of offences including desertion and absence without leave were released Thursday, which marked National Victory Day, the anniversary of the 1920 breakout of organized activities against British colonial rule. Its traditional to have mass prisoner releases on national holidays. An army officer in the capital, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the military since last month has been granting amnesty to convicted soldiers and police who were serving prison sentences of up to three years. The action of the military government came after state-run newspapers on Monday reported that the military would grant amnesty to soldiers who have committed minor crimes who wish to return to active service. Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, the spokesperson for the ruling military council, was quoted Tuesday in state media as saying that about 1,000 soldiers who deserted, or went absent without leave or had retired, had gone through the process of requesting the military for their service return. If the soldiers who have been declared absent without leave before Dec. 3 return to serve in the army again, we will consider it as a case of absence without leave instead of desertion and will carry out the acceptance process in order for them to serve, he said. According to Myanmars Defense Services Act, deserting the army is punishable by a minimum sentence of seven years imprisonment up to the death penalty. According to a Nov. 30 report by the underground group Peoples Goal, which encourages and supports defections from the security forces, nearly 450 members of the military surrendered, defected or deserted after the Arakan Army, the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Taang National Liberation Army, calling themselves the Three Brotherhood Alliance, launched a coordinated offensive against military targets on Oct. 27. The alliance has claimed widespread victories, including the seizure of more than 200 military posts and four border crossing gates on the border with China, controlling crucial trade, and has said the military has suffered hundreds killed in action. In September, the defence ministry of the National Unity Government, a major opposition group that acts as a shadow government, said that more than 14,000 troops have defected from the military since the 2021 seizure of power. Russian President Vladimir Putin once again heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the Indian PM takes a tough stance when it comes to defending his countrys national interests. Putin further said PM Modi cannot be intimated or forced to take any action or decisions that are contrary to the national interest and the people of India. I cannot imagine His Excellency Modi getting intimidated or being forced to take any steps or actions that would go against the national interests of India and the people of India. And there is pressure against him I am aware of that, Putin said during The Russian Calling Investment Forum in St. Petersburg. This is, however, not the first time the Russian leader has praised the Indian PM. Earlier this year, Putin lauded PM Modis Make in India initiative and said Russia can draw inspiration from the success stories of its partners, such as India, to promote the growth of its own domestic industries. India-Russia relations Putin also hailed Russias ties with India and said, The relation between Russia and India is consistently developing in all the areas and the main guarantor for that is the policy led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He (PM Modi) belongs precisely to that cohort of world political figures about whom I spoke without naming names, Putin said. India and Russia have maintained steady relations for more than seven decades. In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underlined that Russias focus will shift toward the non-western world, especially Asia, due to the crisis in Ukraine. The Union Minister also emphasised the exceptional and stable nature of the India-Russia ties compared to other global relationships. He went on to argue that India will also be part of Russias calculations as it turns towards Asia. During the special virtual G20 conference organised by India last month, Russia also commended Indias G20 chairmanship and praised it it for its extremely productive work, with good results achieved during the New Delhi summit in September. Surprised at PM Modis tough position The Russian President also revealed that he and PM Modi have never discussed the subject of external pressure. I just look at what is happening from the outside, and sometimes, to be honest, Im even surprised at his tough position on defending the national interests of the Indian state, Putin stressed. Russia gives preference to India due to discounts Talking about the trade turnover between India and Russia, Putin said: Last year it was 35 billion dollars per year, and in the first half of this year it was already 33.5 billion. That is, the growth will be significant. Yes, we all understand that, to a large extent, India receives preferences due to discounts on Russian energy resources. Well, hes actually doing the right thing. If I were them, I would also do the same if the situation develops this way. They make money, and rightly so. But, of course, this is not enough. We have much more opportunities. In the global ranking of the worlds economies by purchasing power parity and by economic volume, India ranks third in this list and Russia fifth, he added. Let me remind you, China, the United States, India, Japan, Russia. The three largest economies in the world by purchasing power parity. Of course, if our trade turnover with China this year is close to 200 billion, it would be right for us to increase it with India, the Russian President further noted. With inputs from agencies The presidential elections in Russia will be held over a period of three days in March. Critics of the Kremlin argue that the poll strategy would make the elections less transparent and have opposed the move. Moscow this week set March 17 as the date for a presidential election which is expected to be another shoo-in for Vladimir Putin, who has silenced opposition during over two decades in power. The CEC (Central Election Commission) of the Russian Federation has approved a three-day voting period for the Russian presidential election. It will be held from March 15 to 17, 2024, the commission said. Meanwhile, Putin announced his re-election bid on Friday, allowing the Kremlin leader to extend his decades-long grip on power into the 2030s. The 71-year-old ex-KGB official has been the president of Russia for two decades, winning four presidential elections. He also served as a prime minister briefly. Putin, however, is unlikely to face any contender in his bid for a fifth term and will likely seek a big mandate to conceal domestic discord over the Ukraine conflict, analysts have said. Ballot monitors and the opposition in Russia say elections are marred by pervasive reports of irregularities and that independent candidates are sidelined by the Kremlin. Russia first introduced multiple-day voting in 2020, ostensibly as part of measures to protect voters against coronavirus, but the system came under fire from the political opposition. With inputs from AFP South Koreas defence minister on Friday made a firm commitment to launch substantial retaliatory missile attacks on the heart and head of North Korea in response to any provocation. The heightened tensions arise as both nations engage in a war of words concerning recent spy satellite launches. The unusually strong warning from Seoul to Pyongyang unfolded as the top security advisers from South Korea, the United States, and Japan gathered in Seoul to address evolving nuclear threats and related issues posed by North Korea. During his visit to the armys missile strategic command, Defence Minister Shin Wonsik instructed command officers to maintain a state of readiness for deploying precision-guided and powerful missiles at a moments notice, according to his ministry. Shin emphasised that the primary mission of the command is to effectively target the central and crucial areas of the adversary. The ministrys statement highlighted that the nature of provocations may vary, but the commands focus remains on delivering lethal strikes to the heart and head of the enemy. Animosities between the two Koreas deepened after North Korea launched its first military reconnaissance satellite into space on 21 November in violation of UN bans. South Korea, the US and Japan strongly condemned the launch, viewing it as an attempt by the North to improve its missile technology as well as establish a space-surveillance system. South Korea announced plans to resume front-line aerial surveillance in response. North Korea quickly retaliated by restoring border guard posts, according to Seoul officials. Both steps would breach a 2018 inter-Korean deal on easing front-line military tensions. Last week, when South Korea also launched its first military spy satellite from Californias Vandenberg Space Force Base, North Korea slammed the US for alleged double standards and warned of a possible grave danger to global peace. In a statement Friday, Jo Chol Su, a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official, said the North would make all available efforts to protect its national interests in the face of threats by hostile forces. The national security advisers from South Korea, the US and Japan are to hold their first trilateral meeting in six months in Seoul on Saturday. Ahead of the three-way meeting, South Korean national security adviser Cho Tae-yong and his Japanese counterpart, Takeo Akiba, met bilaterally on Friday and reaffirmed a need to strengthen their cooperation with the US to cope with with provocations by North Korea. Cho and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan also met and affirmed that Seoul and Washington remain open to diplomacy with North Korea, according to South Koreas presidential office. Earlier Friday, South Koreas Unification Ministry accused North Korea of property rights infringements by unilaterally using South Korean-owned equipment at a now-shuttered joint factory park in the North. The ministry also accused North Korea of dismantling the remains of a South Korean-built liaison office at the park that the North blew up during a previous period of tensions in 2020. With inputs from agencies Even as Harvard president Claudine Gays testimony at Capitol Hill has angered many calling for her resignation, Rabbi David Wolpe, a prominent scholar visiting Harvard University, on Friday resigned from the universitys antisemitism committee. In a long post on X, Wolpe said that he has resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard and attributed the events on campus and the painfully inadequate testimony of Harvard president for the exit. 1/3 Resigning, a Hanukkah Message: As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard. Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short David Wolpe (@RabbiWolpe) December 7, 2023 Resigning, a Hanukkah Message: As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard. Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short explanation is that both events on campus and the painfully inadequate testimony reinforced the idea that I cannot make the sort of difference I had hoped, he wrote. He said that Harvard is still a repository of extraordinary minds and important research but the system at Harvard along with the ideology that grips far too many of the students and faculty, the ideology that works only along axes of oppression and places Jews as oppressors and therefore intrinsically evil, is itself evil. Ignoring Jewish suffering is evil. Belittling or denying the Jewish experience, including unspeakable atrocities, is a vast and continuing catastrophe. Denying Israel the self-determination as a Jewish nation accorded unthinkingly to others is endemic, and evil, wrote Wolpe. In a message to students, he said build the institutions you value and dont merely attack those you denigrate. We are at a moment when the toxicity of intellectual slovenliness has been laid bare for all to see. Time to kindle the first candle. Create that miracle for us and all Israel Blessing to you and Hag Urim Sameach, he added. Wolpe resigned shortly after Harvard president Claudine Gays divisive congressional testimony over the universitys handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Although Wolpe recognised Gay as a kind and thoughtful person, he called her testimony-related remarks painfully inadequate in terms of tackling the rise in anti-semitism at Harvard and in the larger community. Gay appeared before the House Committee on Tuesday to crack down on the backlash against the university, but her testimony only fueled the controversy. When asked if a call for genocide of Jewish people would be considered harassment at Harvard, Gay said such a call could violate the schools policies depending on the context. The hearing, at which MIT President Sally Kornbluth and University of Pennsylvania President Elizabeth Magill also testified, ended with members of Congress demanding Gays resignation. The leadership of Harvard Hillel called her remarks profoundly shocking and said it doesnt trust her to protect Jewish students. Backlash over Harvards handling of antisemitism on campus first started after a student group, the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee, posted a statement online that blamed Israel for the deadly Hamas attacks on 7 October. A similar statement was also shared by students at Columbia University in New York City, and some students have had their job offers rescinded in light of the messaging. With inputs from agencies Sam Altman, the creator of Chat GPT, who is Jewish, in a recent tweet stated that for a long time he said that anti-Semitism in the United States was not as bad as people claimed. He then stated that he was totally wrong. He also said that he doesnt understand it and that he doesnt know what to do about it. for a long time i said that antisemitism, particularly on the american left, was not as bad as people claimed. id like to just state that i was totally wrong. i still dont understand it, really. or know what to do about it. but it is so fucked. Sam Altman (@sama) December 8, 2023 Antisemitism cases have been on the rise across the US and other European countries, like Germany and France, as well. Students have taken it upon themselves to protest the rise of antisemitism at MIT after the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Tuesday refused to condemn calls for violence against Jews when questioned by Congress about their responses to such incidents of anti-Semitism on their campuses. This is the same climate of antisemitism that has led to the massacre of Jews throughout the centuries. This is not just harassment. This is our lives on the line, MIT student Talia Khan said on Wednesday as she addressed a gathering of students "This is the same climate of antisemitism that has led to the massacre of Jews throughout the centuries. This is not just harassment. This is our lives on the line." @MIT student Talia Khan highlights the rise of antisemitism at MIT. pic.twitter.com/zXb03xodXb House Republicans (@HouseGOP) December 5, 2023 Graduate student Khan addressed the assembly, accusing the MIT administration of failing to address the problem of widespread antisemitism on campus. She continued by saying that the MIT administration has consistently disregarded its own regulations against antisemitic speech and behaviour on campus. Students have taken it upon themselves to protest the rise of antisemitism at MIT after the presidents of Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Tuesday refused to condemn calls for violence against Jews when questioned by Congress about their responses to such incidents of antisemitism on their campuses. The students were drawing attention to how antisemitism increased at MIT during the conflict between Israel and Hamas. On Thursday, the US and UK governments said that Russian intelligence agencies had been conducting a persistent cyber-espionage operation targeting prominent politicians, media figures, and non-governmental organisations. Russia has previously been suspected of influencing in UK politics, particularly during the contentious Brexit vote in 2016, but the Conservative administration has come under fire for not looking into the claims. The foreign ministry made the most recent accusations, claiming that unsuccessful attempts to interfere in UK political processes were being carried out by Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) and that it had called Russias ambassador to London to discuss the matter. In the meanwhile, accusations against two Russian nationals for hacking computer networks in the US, the UK, and other NATO nations were made public by US prosecutors. Both nations have now imposed sanctions on those two guys. Russias attempts to interfere in UK politics are completely unacceptable and seek to threaten our democratic processes, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said in a statement. In sanctioning those responsible and summoning the Russian ambassador today, we are exposing their malign attempts at influence and shining a light on yet another example of how Russia chooses to operate on the global stage, he said. Camerons office said Centre 18, a unit within the FSB, was accountable for a range of cyber espionage operations targeting the UK. One of the two men charged in the United States was an officer in that unit. Documents leaked The UK government claimed the FSB targeted parliamentarians from various political parties, with some attacks resulting in documents being leaked in an operation from at least 2015 to 2023. The organisation had also hacked UK-US trade documents that were leaked ahead of the UK general election in December 2019, it added. The two men indicted in the United States, Ruslan Aleksandrovich Peretyatko and Andrei Stanislavovich Korinets, are not in US custody. Each faces one charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years for Peretyatko and up to 10 years for Korinets, the Justice Department said, updating an earlier statement. The foreign office said Peretyatko and Korinets had been sanctioned for their involvement in the preparation of so-called spear-phishing campaigns and activity intended to undermine the UK. Spear-phishing involves sending malicious links to specific targets to try to induce them to share sensitive information. Attackers often undertake reconnaissance activity around their target to make the attempts more effective, according to the UKs National Cyber Security Centre. The two men are accused of targeting current and former US officials at the Pentagon, State Department, Department of Energy facilities and in the intelligence community from at least 2016 to 2022. Both are currently wanted by the FBI and believed to be in Russia, a senior FBI official told reporters on condition of anonymity. The State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to their location and arrest. Targeting officials In January, UK cyber-security chiefs warned that Russia and Iran were increasingly targeting government officials, journalists and NGOs with spear-fishing attacks in order to compromise sensitive systems. The NCSC, part of the UKs signals intelligence agency GCHQ, urged greater vigilance about techniques and tactics used as well as mitigation advice. It said the Russia-based group SEABORGIUM and the Iran-based TA453 had targeted a range of organisations and individuals in the UK and abroad throughout 2022. Last year, a British newspaper reported that suspected Kremlin agents hacked ex-prime minister Liz Trusss cellphone when she was foreign minister. A source told The Mail on Sunday that up to a years messages were hacked including highly sensitive discussions on the war in Ukraine. The hacking was discovered in 2022, when Truss was campaigning to become Conservative party leader to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister, the paper reported. Foreign office minister Leo Docherty told MPs in the House of Commons on Thursday that the cyber threat posed by Russia was real and serious. They create false accounts, impersonate contacts, appear legitimate and create a believable approach seeking to build a rapport before delivering a malicious link to either a document or website of interests, he said. Were two UN officials, one among them linked to UNRWA, among scores of suspected Hamas fighters who surrendered to the IDF in Jabaliya? Alleged pictures and footage of the mass surrender had flooded X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. A sort of conformation, said The Times of Israel, had later come from IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari. Whoever is left in those areas, they come out from tunnel shafts, and some from buildings, and we investigate who is linked to Hamas, and who isnt. We arrest them all and interrogate them, The Times of Israel quoted Hagari. Friday, though, X threw up claims and counterclaims about who were arrested by the IDF. Pro-Israel handles claimed that two UN officialsDarwish Gharbawy of the UNRWA and Ahmed Akram Lubadwere among those who had surrendered alongside the Hamas terrorists. These handles then lampooned the UN chief Antonio Guterres for his attempt to involve the Security Council in forcing a ceasefire to the Hamas-Israel war. There were calls for Guterres to even resign. Hi @antonioguterres Your staff are among the Hamas terrorists who surrendered yesterday. Any condemnation? Or busy invoking Article 99? You are a disgrace. Resign! pic.twitter.com/VWGzfZTC0w Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) December 8, 2023 Counterclaims said those shown surrendering were not Hamas, but civilians who had been arrested or taken hostage by the IDF. Hamas does not surrender, was the refrain. Among those taken hostage today in Beit Lahia are: -Khalil Hashem Al-Kahlot, 65, - Rafiq Ahmad Al-Kahlot, 60, - Muhammad Ismail Al-Kahlot, 57 - Darwish Gharbawy,@unrwa School director, 48 - Ahmed Akram Lubad, 56,@UN staff In addition to the children -Muhammad Hamza https://t.co/q8QIN3rvBa Alaa Jadallah (@AlaaJadallah4) December 8, 2023 These social media users pushed the narrative of IDF brutality, claiming that the Israeli forces were perpetrating violence on innocent civilians in the name of fighting the Hamas. Israel and the UN, however, have been increasingly at odds recently. Guterres tenure is a danger to world peace. His request to activate Article 99 and the call for a cease fire in Gaza constitutes support of the Hamas terrorist organization and an endorsement of the murder of the elderly, the abduction of babies and the rape of women. Anyone who supports world peace must support the liberation of Gaza from Hamas, Foreign Minister Eli Cohen had said Thursday. Also Read: Israel calls Guterres 'Hamas supporter' as UN chief tries to rope in Security Council for Gaza ceasefire There has been a growing perception that UN has gone soft in condemning Hamas and supporting Israel. Also, Israel has on several occasions alleged that UNRWA was hand-in-glove with the Hamas. Israel launched massive attacks on the Gaza Strip, blasting the entire Palestinian territory and killing hundreds of people in what Washington claimed was a new and enlarged phase of the war that broke Israeli agreements to safeguard civilians more. The Israeli military announced on Friday that it had attacked over 450 targets in Gaza from the air, sea, and land in the last 24 hoursthe highest number since a ceasefire broke last week and nearly twice as many as has been regularly reported before then. According to the largest U.N. agency in Gaza, society is on the verge of a full-blown collapse since the great majority of people are now uprooted and unable to receive help, hospitals are overcrowded, and food supplies are running low. Both the Israeli military and residents reported increased combat in the south, where they launched a fresh assault this week, and in the northern districts, where Israel had earlier declared that its troops had finished most of their work last month. Over 17,170 people have died as a result of Israels two-month war in Gaza, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Thousands more are missing and are thought to be buried beneath debris. On Thursday, 350 individuals were confirmed murdered. On Friday morning, there were reports of further strikes in Gaza City, the Nusseirat camp in the middle, and Khan Younis in the south. As we stand here almost a week into this campaign into the south it remains imperative that Israel put a premium on civilian protection, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told a press conference in Washington on Thursday. And there does remain a gap between the intent to protect civilians and the actual results that were seeing on the ground. After Hamas militants went on the rampage through Israeli cities on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking over 240 captives, according to Israeli estimates, Israel began its campaign to destroy the Hamas organisation that controls Gaza. Since then, most of Gazas 2.3 million residents have been forced to flee their homes, with many having to do so three or four times, leaving behind just the possessions they can take. Residents claim it is now nearly impossible to find safety in the Gaza Strip since the fighting is currently occurring simultaneously in both half of the region. Israel claims to be giving more information than before regarding safe areas and how to get there, and it holds Hamas accountable for any harm that occurs to civilians as a result of its activities among (With agency inputs) The U.S. government announced on Friday that it has imposed import restrictions on three additional Chinese companies, COFCO Sugar Holding among them, due to forced labour practices involving Uyghurs and other minorities in China. According to a Federal Register publication, the businesseswhich manufacture anything from yarn to network transformers to sugarwill be included to the Ugyhur Forced Labour Prevention Act Entity List. Imports of products connected to what the US government has described as a continuing genocide against minorities in Chinas Xinjiang province are prohibited by the list. The list will now have thirty companies after the addition of Anhui Xinya New Materials, Sichuan Jingweida Technology Group, and COFCO Sugar Holding. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, since June 2022, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has examined over 6,000 cargo valued at over $2 billion as a result of the Ugyhur Forced Labour Protection Act, which was enacted in 2021. Act prohibits the admission of goods from listed firms unless they can demonstrate that no forced labour was used in their production. The Department of Homeland Security remains committed to eradicating the use of forced labor and holding organizations accountable for their human rights abuses, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. In Chinas western Xinjiang region, Uyghurs and other Muslim minority groups are allegedly housed in labour camps, according to U.S. officials. Beijing disputes any wrongdoing. According to the United States, the three businesses that were added to the list collaborated with government initiatives to hire persecuted minorities at their establishments. COFCO Sugar is a prominent sugar merchant in China, specialising in the production and export of tomato paste. It is a member of the COFCO Group and has its headquarters in Xinjiang. Sichuan Provinces Jingweida Technology manufactures a variety of electronics, including radio frequency and network filters. Fibre yarns and other textiles are produced by Anhui Xinya New Materials. (With agency inputs) Hunter Biden was indicted late on Thursday on multiple counts of tax evasion, the second time this year President Joe Bidens troubled son has been charged by a special counsel investigating his personal and business dealings. Hunter Biden engaged in a four-year scheme to not pay at least $1.4 million in self-assessed federal taxes he owed for tax years 2016 through 2019, special counsel David Weiss said in the 56-page indictment filed in US district court in California. Biden was charged with nine counts of failing to file and pay taxes, tax evasion and filing false tax returns, the indictment shows. The new charges serve up more acute embarrassment for Joe Biden as he wages an uphill battle for re-election and fends off a Republican bid to impeach him on grounds that he benefitted from his sons overseas business dealings. The previous charges accuse the younger Biden of lying about his drug use on a federal application when he purchased a gun. The new charges mean that Hunter Biden could in theory go on trial twice next year as his father almost certainly faces Donald Trump in the race for the presidency. President Biden has insisted he stands by his son despite his past troubled behaviour. The new indictment says Hunter Biden earned more than $7 million from 2016 to 2020 and used this money for a freewheeling lifestyle. The defendant spent millions of dollars on an extravagant lifestyle at the same time he chose not to pay his taxes, the indictment states. It added: Between 2016 and October 15, 2020, the defendant spent this money on drugs, escorts and girlfriends, luxury hotels and rental properties, exotic cars, clothing, and other items of a personal nature, in short, everything but his taxes. Hunter Biden pleaded not guilty this year to three felony charges stemming from his purchase of a .38-caliber Colt Cobra revolver in 2018 when, by his own admission, he was addicted to drugs. He is charged with illegally possessing the handgun and two counts of making false statements for claiming on forms required for the gun purchase that he was not using drugs at the time. Republicans have opened an impeachment inquiry in Congress into what they claim is a Biden family criminal conspiracy but have provided no evidence that the president did anything wrong. In July, a plea bargain between Hunter Biden and prosecutor Weiss which would have erased the gun charges while Biden pleaded guilty to two tax charges and avoided prison fell apart. Hunter Biden has not been charged with any crimes related to his foreign business dealings, despite the Republican allegations. Hunter Biden is a Yale-trained lawyer and lobbyist-turned-artist, but his life has been marred by alcoholism and crack cocaine addiction. Hamas has once more been caught in its lies. The terror organisation that attacked Israel on October 7 and stoked Israels ire to launch a full-fledged invasion of Gaza has hitherto been attempting to hide behind civilian casualties in the war. Its attempts, though, have not met with much success. After their hideout in and under the Al-Shifa hospital was exposed, Israeli forces in their search in Shejaiya found war stores in civilian houses. Not just this, Hamas terrorists have been amassing diapers, babys bibs and first aid kits, meant as aid to war-struck civilians, to clean their AK-47 assault rifles. A video shared by Israel Defense Forces (IDF), showed Israeli forces, following a suspicion, located a civilian shelter stashed with RPG rocket launchers, weapons, guns, rifles, bullets and uniforms. There were diapers, babys bibs and first-aid kits too kept in the room which was apparently being used by the terrorists for cleaning their ammunitions. The Israeli forces have been persistently operating to dismantle Hamas capabilities and destroying weapons as well as underground infrastructure, predominantly located inside and in the vicinity of civilian buildings. The forces have located tunnel shafts and rocket launchers in the area. Simultaneously, IDF soldiers from the Kfir Brigade located RPG launchers, ammunition and other equipment belonging to Hamas inside a civilian residential building. Its been two years since the Taliban administration in Afghanistan shut the doors of schools for young girls, crushing the hopes of many women who had planned a great career for themselves. A video of a girl named Zainab Alizai has been making rounds on social media as she bid farewell to her peers and teachers with a heavy heart on the last day in her school. In 2021, the Taliban took control of Afghanistan after US forces withdrew from the nation overnight. Since then, the administration banned girls from school beyond sixth grade, making it the only country to restrict education access to women. Alizai, a sixth-grader, wants to earn a PhD and become Afghanistans Education Minister. In the video, the young girl urged Afghan leaders and the international community to support education, pleading for a brighter future where girls like her can pursue their dreams. Heart-wrenching video from Zainab Alizai, a brave sixth-grade student in Afghanistan. Today marked her last day in school under Talibans control. Tearfully bidding farewell to peers, teachers, and dreams of education, she shared her ambition to earn a PhD and become pic.twitter.com/V21JfSDKTZ BILAL SARWARY (@bsarwary) December 7, 2023 Source: @bsarwary The ban triggered global condemnation and remains the Talibans biggest obstacle to gaining recognition as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. But the Taliban defied the backlash and went further, excluding women and girls from higher education, public spaces like parks, and most jobs. The UN childrens agency says more than 1 million girls are affected by the ban, although it estimates 5 million were out of school before the Taliban takeover due to a lack of facilities and other reasons. Meanwhile, in what seems to be a deviation from his own administrations view, Afghanistans Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai said that the reason why people distance themselves from the Taliban is the continued ban on womens education. The Taliban appointed Deputy Foreign Minister while speaking at a graduation ceremony, stressed the importance of reopening schools for female students beyond grade six and said a society without knowledge is dark. This is everyones right. This is the natural right that God and the prophet have given them, how can someone take this right from them? If anyone violates this right, this is an oppression against the Afghans and the people of this country, Stanikzai said He added, Try to reopen the doors of the educational institutions for everyone. Today, our only problem with the neighbors and the world is caused by the issue of education. If the nation is getting distant from us and upset with us, that is due to the education issue. With inputs from agencies Ugandas capital has seen the bustling Owino secondhand market as the foundation of Hadija Nakimulis life for close to thirty years. As a widowed shopkeeper, it has been instrumental in her journey to building a home and raising twelve children. However, a potential ban on used clothes imports, recently emphasised by President Yoweri Museveni threatened Nakimuli and thousands of vendors. Museveni aims to promote African clothing, raising concerns for the future of businesses like Nakimulis. The sprawling market established in 1971 employs around 80,000 people, with 70 per cent being women, according to Kampala city authorities. Joseph Barimugaya, a menswear stall owner, emphasises the trades benefits for everyone, including the government through taxes. Despite the lack of official figures, the Uganda Dealers in Used Clothings and Shoes Association estimates that one in three Ugandans, approximately 16 million people, wear used clothing. Everyone is into secondhand clothes. Only a few people in Uganda can afford new clothes, Allan Zavuga, retail manager of Think Twice, which employs 30 staff across three branches in the country told AFP. Banning it in Uganda is doing a disservice to the population and also the country at large, he said. Clothes from dead people Everyone is into secondhand clothes. Only few people in Uganda can afford new clothes, said Allan Zavuga, retail manager of Think Twice, which employs 30 staff across three branches in the country. Banning it in Uganda is doing a disservice to the population and also the country at large, he said, pointing out the environmental cost of producing new clothing instead of reusing items. East Africa imports about an eighth of the worlds used clothing, providing jobs for some 355,000 people who earn $230 million a year, according to a 2017 study by the US governments aid agency, USAID. But the sector has also been a longstanding sore point for governments in Africa, who say the cast-offs harm the domestic textile industry. These clothes are from the dead in a foreign country. When a white (person) dies, the clothes are sent to Africa, President Yoweri Museveni said in August this year. I have declared war on secondhand clothes to promote African wear, he said. In an interview with AFP, Ugandas state minister for trade, David Bahati, said it was a question of dignity. If the proposed ban goes ahead, we will be able to replace these second hand clothes, he added. It cannot be done in one day but we can do it in a gradual manner, Bahati said. The government is examining the issue with a view to potentially implementing the ban in January. The government is ready to give investors incentives such as tax holidays to ensure we process our cotton into new garments to cover the market demands. In 2016, Museveni sought to ban used clothing as part of an East African initiative to develop domestic industries, but faced significant opposition by the Kampala City Traders Association. Diplomatic considerations also played a part. Initially, the East African Community regional bloc put up a united front. But the alliance cracked after Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda balked at the prospect of retaliatory loss of duty-free access to US markets. In the end, Rwanda decided to go it alone and imposed steep taxes on used clothing in 2016, leading to a sharp drop in imports and an increase in the smuggling of secondhand goods to meet demand. Two years later, the US suspended duty-free benefits for apparel from Rwanda in a tit-for-tat move. At Owino, geopolitics is far from the minds of shoppers and sellers alike. Who did the government consult (before deciding) to ban secondhand? second-generation shopkeeper Harriet Musoke Kyambadde asked, her voice trembling with indignation. Banning this business will be sending me into abject poverty, the mother of three told AFP, throwing her hands in the air. With inputs from AFP. France has been making headlines owing to a bed bug outbreak that has reportedly been wreaking havoc in the nation. Amid this, French authorities have arrested two men for preying on elderly residents, making them pay thousands of euros by falsely claiming to offer bedbug treatments. Strasbourg Police said the duo would visit to homes of victims, reportedly conducting fake control services, and then overcharge them for unnecessary treatments. As many as 48 people have fallen prey to their bed bug scam, many of them women over 90 years of age. What is the bed bug scam plaguing France? France is grappling with a surge in bedbug infestations, raising concerns at both local and national levels. Government officials are actively working on measures to address the issue, while health experts and entomologists caution that the outbreak has led to an increase in false sightings and unwarranted panic. The scammers, meanwhile, employ a calculated modus operandi, contacting victims and fabricating claims of a neighborhood bedbug infestation. Posing as health officials, they visit victims homes, conducting sham fumigation with aerosol sprays. As a parting gesture, they offered a supposed bug-repelling ointment, which turned out to be a basic eucalyptus-scented cream. The scam culminated in charging victims exorbitant fees ranging from 300 to 2,100. (Rs 26,981 to Rs 1,88,852). Authorities respond to fraud reports Upon receiving nine formal complaints of suspected fraud, law enforcement placed the suspects under surveillance. They were arrested when alleged scammers left the home of one of their victims in Strasbourg. Concerns extend beyond borders With bedbug infestations on the rise in Paris, there are growing fears that the problem could spread to other regions, including London. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, expressing concern over the potential impact on the capitals public transport system, has initiated discussions with officials to proactively address and prevent any similar threats. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has for months been delaying his plans to visit London and he recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin which did not sit well with UK officials. In August, Mohammed bin Salman was invited by Britain for an official visit later this year. For months, UK and Saudi were in discussions about the visit with UK officials saying they had been working towards 3 December as a possible arrival date, but the plan was delayed last week, a report by Financial Times quoted UK officials as saying. Putin met Mohammed bin Salman in Riyad on 6 December. The UAE trip was Russian presidents first since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Doubt about UK-Saudi relationship The report quoted senior Conservative MPs saying the proximity of the postponement of crown princes London trip and Putins visit to Riyad raised questions about the strength of the UKs relationship with Saudi Arabia. Prince Mohammeds visit was a snub Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the recent postponement of Prince Mohammeds visit was a snub. The FT report quoted Smith saying it was astonishing that Mohammed bin Salman would welcome Putin after the Russian President ordered the invasion of Ukraine and said there was a risk of Britain and Saudi Arabias other western allies being played for fools. Meanwhile, a senior Tory MP, Robert Courts, warned the postponement of Saudi crown prince this months was a concern because it suggests a UK diplomatic failure in the face of a co-ordinated diplomatic offensive by Putin. The UK should urgently review the resources and strategy behind its foreign and defence policy to prevent the slide of states towards our strategic competitors, Courts added. Scheduling issues Saudi officials, meanwhile, citied scheduling issues and dismissed any connection between the delay of the crown princes London trip and his hosting Putin in Riyad. The FT report quoted Prince Khalid bin Bandar, Saudi Arabias ambassador to London, saying anyone familiar with the UK-Saudi relationship will know that the suggestion of a snub is nonsense. The relationship is as strong as it has ever been and will remain so. Those wishing to interpret things differently are sorely mistaken, Prince Khalid bin Bandar said. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks invite to Prince Mohammed this year signalled the UKs desire to attract Saudi investment and deepen relations five years after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Days after he reacted to the tragic death of a baby who was found in an oven, baked to death by Hamas terrorists, saying, that if the baby was baked with or without baking powder, Dr Refaat Alareer, a key figure in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Thursday. Alareer was known for vehemently denouncing the attack against Gazans by Israeli forces. According to reports, he had devoted his life to raising awareness about the regions situation globally. Earlier this week, he posted on X that he wished he was a freedom fighter so I die fighting back those invading Israeli genocidal maniacs invading my neighborhood and city. We could die this dawn. I wish I were a freedom fighter so I die fighting back those invading Israeli genocidal maniacs invading my neighborhood and city. https://t.co/liYqMN6Fw7 pic.twitter.com/E2ZWCLGBQ8 Refaat in Gaza (@itranslate123) December 4, 2023 Alareer was a prominent writer, poet, and activist from Gaza. He was also a professor of English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he taught Shakespeare among other subjects. Alareer lost his life in an Israeli air strike on his sister's home. His brother, sister and her four children were also killed in the attack. According to Hamas authorities, Israel, on Thursday evening, conducted further raids in the north of the Gaza Strip. A few days after Israel began its ground offensive in October and asked Palestinians to leave northern Gaza, the epicenter of the fighting at the time, Alareer refused. He was the co-editor of Gaza Unsilenced (2015) and the editor of Gaza Writes Back: Short Stories from Young Writers in Gaza. He was also one of the founders of 'We Are Not Numbers', a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a new generation of Palestinian writers and thinkers who can bring together a profound change to the Palestinian cause. In an interview in October this year, he had said: "There is no way out of Gaza. What should we do... drown? Commit mass suicide? Is this what Israel wants? And we're not going to do that.." "I am an academic, Probably the toughest thing I have at home is an Expo Marker. But if the Israelis invade us, if they barge at us, open door-to-door to massacre us, I am going to use that Marker, throw it at the Israeli soldiers, even if that is the last thing that I will be able to do. And this is the feeling of everybody in Palestine. We are helpless and we have nothing to lose," he had said. With inputs from agencies Portronics, a leading accessories brand, has a new range of Luxcell Series power banks that come with 10000 and 20000mAh capacities, featuring an ultra-compact body, semi-transparent design, BIS certification, and fast charging. The series includes five new power banks, namely: Portronics Luxcell Wireless 10K, Luxcell Bind 10K, Luxcell Mini 20K, Luxcell Mini 10K, and Luxcell 10K. Portronics Luxcell Mini 10K and Luxcell Mini 20K Powerbanks The Luxcell Mini 10K and 20K are compact power banks featuring a premium body and a partially transparent design, weighing just around 175g and 312g, respectively. These are equipped with a Mach USB Type-A (22.5W) and Type-C PD 3.0 (20W) port for simultaneous charging of two devices. Theres also an LED battery indicator that can be seen through a classy transparent chassis. Portronics Luxcell Wireless 10K Powerbank Luxcell Wireless 10K is a BIS-certified wireless charging power band that supports 15W Magsafe wireless charging for Qi-enabled devices, which include the iPhone 12 (and later), Samsung S series, and Google Pixel series, to name a few. It has two ports, a Mach USB and a Type-C port, with the ability to charge up to three devices simultaneously with a maximum output of 22.5W. The device comes with a Type-C cable and can be fully charged through its Type-C port. Portronics Luxcell Bind 10K & Luxcell 10K Powerbanks The other two power banks, Luxcell Bind 10K and Luxcell 10K, feature a similar design and feature 22.5W fast-charging support, compatibility with iPhones, Android smartphones, tablets, speakers, etc. The Luxcell Bind 10K comes with two built-in cables: a Type C and an 8-pin cable. Besides this, it also has a Mach USB Type-A connector, allowing a user to charge three devices simultaneously. Luxcell 10K supports charging of two devices via its Mach USB Type-A and Type-C PD ports and has BIS certification for protection against short circuits, current surges, and voltage surges. Pricing and Availability The new Luxcell Series of power banks comes in various colors including yellow, ivory white, dark grey, and dark blue colors. The pricing is as follows: Luxcell Wireless 10K Rs. 1399 Luxcell Bind 10K Rs. 1249 Luxcell Mini 20K Rs. 1799 Luxcell Mini 10K Rs. 1149 Luxcell 10K Rs. 1099 These are available on the companys official website, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com, and other online and offline stores. The company also offers a 12-month warranty for all the models. News Appeals court orders Galveston County to use controversial voting map Jeffrey V. Brown Mark Henry NEW ORLEANS The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday sided with attorneys representing Galveston County, halting a federal judges Nov. 30 order and allowing 2024 elections to happen under a map judged to violate the Voting Rights Act. The New Orleans-based court removed a mandate that the county use a map closely resembling one governing elections before 2021 and that largely preserved a majority bloc of Black and Latino voters in commission Precinct 3. Attorneys for the plaintiffs said Thursday night they planned to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to lift the stay and force the county to use a map that largely preserves Precinct 3. Commissioners in 2021 adopted a district voting map that some residents, civil rights groups and U.S. Justice Department argued violated federal law by undermining minority voting power and must be redrawn. The legal battle threw key election dates, including the Dec. 11 filing deadline for commissioner candidates and March 5 primaries, into uncertainty. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey V. Brown, who presides over the Galveston Division of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, said he attempted to remedy that uncertainty on Nov. 30 by ruling the county must use Map 1, which was one of two maps commissioners considered but rejected during redistricting in 2021. But the Fifth Circuit on Thursday shot down that ruling with one of its own. That means, barring intervention by the U.S. Supreme Court, Galveston County will use Map 2, which was judged to violate federal law, for upcoming elections. The order forces Galveston Countys Black and Latino voters to endure another election under a map already declared illegal by a federal judge, said Valencia Richardson, an attorney at Campaign Legal Center and representing some of the plaintiffs. We will call on the Supreme Court to lift the stay and ensure that Galveston Countys Black and Latino voters have an opportunity to elect a representative who will best serve their communities in the 2024 elections, Richardson said in a statement. County Judge Mark Henry said he was pleased with the courts 11-6 ruling. The Fifth Circuit correctly decided that changing election maps too close to an election would confuse voters, Henry wrote in a statement to The Daily News. A majority of the Fifth Circuit agreed that the county is likely to prevail on our argument that the Voting Rights Act does not support the plaintiffs coalition district theory. FIFTH CIRCUIT RULING Absent a stay, Galveston Countys voters would be forced to vote under the new judicial map even before the Fifth Circuit could determine whether the Voting Rights Act or the Fourteenth Amendment allowed that result, Fifth Circuit Judge Andrew S. Oldham wrote for the majority. Oldham argued that Browns Nov. 30 ruling was far too late for a federal court to tinker with the machinery of a state election and to displace the original map, according to court documents. If we did not stay this extraordinary departure from the traditional course of relations between the States and the Federal Government, the people of Galveston would have to endure an entire election cycle under a federal intrusion into sensitive areas of state and local policymaking, Oldham wrote. Moreover, we cannot change the shape of the four districts after county voters have already voted for their party candidates for those set districts, Oldham wrote. A federal court replaced the district map chosen by the people of Galveston County with a judicially created one. A panel of our court held that the result was commanded by circuit precedent. Circuit Judge Stephen Higginson wrote the dissenting opinion, joining six of the courts 17 judges. First, it is settled law in our own circuit that nothing in the history or text of the Voting Rights Act prevents members of multiple-minority groups from filing a vote-dilution claim together, Higginson wrote. The Supreme Court recently confirmed that under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, judicial intervention is appropriate to remedy discriminatory gerrymandering in instances of intensive racial politics where the excessive role of race in the electoral process denies minority voters equal opportunity to participate, Higginson wrote. The election at issue which the district court comprehensively showed will deny minority voters of Galveston equal opportunity to participate takes place in November 2024, Higginson wrote. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that lower federal courts should ordinarily not alter the election rules on the eve of an election. But Higginson argues the county isnt on the eve of an election, according to his dissenting opinion. Galveston is not five days before the scheduled election, nor obviously is voting already underway. The election is one year away and early voting in the primary would not begin, at the earliest, until nearly three months from now. The eve of an election cannot be a year from an election, Higginson argued in his dissenting opinion. In fact, the Supreme Court recently has clearly instructed our court to advance litigation when an election is a year away. The stay imposed today will last through the May argument until we issue our decision, which may be months later, on the eve of the election or later, Higginson wrote. Importantly also, the majoritys stay order offers no rebuttal factual or legal of the district courts 150-page opinion entered with firsthand benefit of an evidentiary hearing that lasted 10 days. 2024 HEARINGS Brown on Oct. 13 ruled the precinct map county leaders approved in 2021 discriminated against Black and Hispanic residents and ordered it redrawn. A three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit upheld Browns order on Oct. 19 before the circuit in late November vacated that ruling. A full panel of the 17-judge circuit is set to rehear the case in May and determine whether the map dilutes the power of minority voters in Galveston County. 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. 63rd Guca Trumpet Festival in Serbia. Quelle: Roberto Magni By Foto ReD Photographic Agency A group of young enthusiasts had an idea to organize a show of the local folk crafts and customs in the yard of the Church of the Saints Archangel Gabriel, including a competition of trumpet bands from Dragacevo. The Feast of the Intercession on 14th October 1961 had an enormous effect on the development of the Serbian trumpet-playing tradition.Desimir Perisi? from Gora?i?i became the part of the Festivals history as the first winner, the best trumpeter, whereas the orchestra of Dragan Jovanovi? from Dljin was proclaimed as the best orchestra. This first festival represents the beginnings of the Serbian tradition: An invaluable cultural treasur? given as a present, to be kept and enriched. BEIJING, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to be partners for mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen two-way political trust, build strategic consensus, cement the bonds of shared interest, steer clear of various kinds of interference, and step up dialogue and cooperation for the good of their people. Amid the increasingly turbulent international situation, the China-EU relationship has strategic significance and implications for global peace, stability and prosperity, said Xi when meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are in China for the 24th China-EU Summit at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. "It is incumbent on both sides to provide greater stability for the world and stronger impetus for development," Xi added. ADHERENCE TO COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. During the meeting, Xi urged the two sides to take stock of history, navigate the trend of the world, and uphold the apt description of the China-EU relationship as a comprehensive strategic partnership. "Among the dozens of dialogue and exchange mechanisms between China and the EU at different levels, the leaders' meeting plays a leading role in guiding the way forward," said Cui Hongjian, professor of Academy of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies University, adding the meeting this year is of special significance for the two sides to build on past achievements and forge ahead in developing ties. The two sides need to consolidate the political foundation, view each other from a strategic perspective, fully leverage the guiding role of the China-EU Summit and the five high-level dialogues, strengthen strategic communication, and increase understanding and properly handle differences through constructive dialogue, Xi said. Michel and von der Leyen said the EU highly values its ties with China, adding it seeks a long-term, stable, predictable and sustainable relationship with China, and hopes that the EU-China Summit will help reenergize EU-China relations. "China and European countries differ in social systems, cultural backgrounds and stages of development," said Cui, adding although bilateral relations may face some differences from time to time, there is no fundamental conflict of interests between China and the EU. "As long as China and the EU stick to the mainstream of cooperation and focus on common interests, the two sides can be more able to overcome challenges and promote the sound and steady development of bilateral relations." EYING ENHANCED DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION Noting the Chinese economy enjoys a good momentum of steady growth, Xi said that as China pursues high-quality development and high-standard opening up, it sees the EU as a key partner for economic and trade cooperation, a preferred partner for scientific and technological cooperation, and a trustworthy partner for industrial and supply chain cooperation. "China is ready to work with the EU for mutual benefit and common development," said Xi, urging the two sides to leverage their complementary strengths in terms of market, capital and technology to upgrade traditional industries and foster emerging ones, explore new modes of cooperation, foster new areas of growth, and jointly improve industrial and supply chains. Michel and von der Leyen said the areas of EU-China cooperation continue to expand, and such cooperation is based on mutual benefit and equality, adding the EU does not want to decouple from China. Given the rich achievements of cooperation between China and the EU in areas such as economy, trade, and green and digital development over the years, the two sides are highly complementary in development, and their practical cooperation has strong resilience and potential, Cui said. Amid noises of "de-risking" and "decoupling," the cooperation proposals emphasized by Xi during the meeting are in line with the law of economic development and the common expectations of both peoples, injecting strong confidence into China-EU cooperation for the aim of safeguarding the security of supply and industrial chains, promoting an open world economy and advancing the prosperity and development of all countries, Cui added. UPHOLDING MULTILATERALISM During the meeting, Xi urged China and the EU to strengthen communication and coordination in multilateral frameworks including the UN and the G20, uphold multilateralism, oppose camp-based confrontation, and promote the political settlement of international and regional hotspots. Noting the EU and China have shared responsibilities and interests in keeping the world peaceful and stable, Michel and von der Leyen said it would like to have close communication and coordination with China, uphold multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and work for the settlement of regional hotspots including Ukraine and the Middle East. "As two major forces shaping the future landscape of the world, China and the EU share similar interests in safeguarding the authority of the United Nations and improving global governance," said Feng Zhongping, director of the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, adding that the two sides share a wide range of consensus in addressing global challenges. "The remarks by leaders of both sides will inject more certainty and positive energy into safeguarding world peace and stability and enhancing the well-being of all humanity," said Feng. Redmi 13R 5G: A Stealthy Contender Set To Shake Up India's Smartphone Market Mobile -Staff Redmi has now stealthily introduced the new Redmi 13R 5G smartphone. Making its debut in China, whispers are already swarming about its imminent release in India, sparking curiosity among consumers eager to discover what this device holds in store. The Redmi 13R 5G doesn't shy away from making a strong first impression with its sizable 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen. Flaunting a resolution of 1600x720 pixels, a fluid 90Hz refresh rate, and a luminance peak at a dazzling 450 nits. The phone is powered by a Dimensity 6100 Plus chipset. Adopting the latest in operating systems, the phone arrives with Android 13, layered with MIUI 14 for a streamlined and intuitive user interface. Redmi doesn't hold back on the software front, promising a steady flow of updates and security patches to keep your device in top-notch condition. Storage-wise, you're getting a comfortable 4GB of RAM coupled with 128GB of onboard space. And if thats not enough, the microSD card slot has got your back for all your expandable memory needs. Photography buffs, get ready for some crisp shots with the dual-camera array at the rear, featuring a 50MP primary sensor complemented by a secondary camera to capture depth and detail. Flip the phone over, and a sharp 5MP snapper awaits your selfie and video call needs. There is also a 5000mAh battery, designed to endure your daily digital demands, supported by an 18W fast charge capability for quick power-ups. Additionally, the phone is equipped with a practical side-facing fingerprint scanner, fortifying your privacy with a personal touch. Weighing in at 195 grams, the Redmi 13R 5G is not only robust in features but also in colour choices - Star Rock Black, Fantasy Purple, and Wave Water Green. When it comes to the wallet, the smartphone carries an approximate price of 999 Yuan, translating to Rs 11,700. With a launch on the horizon, the Redmi 13R 5G has already generated a swell of anticipation from tech aficionados. This silent entrant may soon raise a clamour as it competes with other smartphones in its category. Priced at Rs.10,999, it offers stellar combination of features and affordability. Best Mobiles in India Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with 2 sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have 3 dogs: Duke, Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel Chelsea Craine, representing Community Food Bank, smiles during the Kiwanis Clubs annual Allocations Day at Warehouse 25/Sixty Five on Dec. 8, 2023. $50,000 was split up and awarded to 18 recipients who applied to Kiwanis, and funds will be directed to multiple projects, among them, improving library access for children with disabilities to putting food in the mouths of kids across the valley. Thu Thursday 34 /15 Morning clouds followed by afternoon sun. Highs in the mid 30s and lows in the mid teens. Operation Iron Swords - Day 62 - 07 December 2023 And yes, the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, have the right to defend themselves, and yes, Israel, as an occupying power, does not have that right to self-defense." The founder and executive director of the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations said last month that he was happy to see Gazans break the siege on October 7 when thousands of Hamas-led terrorists burst through the enclaves border with Israel and massacred 1,200 people. The people of Gaza only decided to break the siege the walls of the concentration camp on October 7, Nihad Awad said in a speech during the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) convention in Chicago in November. And yes, I was happy to see people breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land, and walk free into their land, which they were not allowed to walk in, he adds. Gaza transformed many minds around the world, including people who are not Muslim. What kind of faith do these people have? They are thankful, they are not afraid. Israel did not scare them because they knew their heaven is in Gaza, and if they would like to die, they will go to another heaven. That is the faith of the people of Gaza. That is why Gaza and the people of Gaza were able to transform everyone who is watching. They have learned from these people. Those who felt bad for Gaza. They dont understand the equation. Those who thought that Gazans are less than those who can help them, they are mistaken. They are mistaken. The Gazans were victorious. An elderly woman criticized Hamas on an Al Jazeera broadcast, saying all the aid goes underground while another insulted Yahya Sinwar on local radio. In a rare public display of anger, residents of Gaza are daring to appear on local media and openly condemn Hamas. An elderly woman who had been evacuated to southern Gaza was asked by an Al-Jazeera correspondent to describe the humanitarian situation. Her response shocked the journalist, as she explained that the food and aid entering the Strip is not reaching the residents at all, but rather going straight into the hands of Hamas. All the aid goes underground, she exclaimed. "A lot of aid comes in, but it doesn't reach the people." David Wolpe, a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Divinity School, Rabbinic Fellow at ADL, a Senior Adviser to the Maimonides Fund, and Max Webb Emeritus Rabbi at Sinai Temple, wrote: "Resigning, a Hanukkah Message: As of today I have resigned from the antisemitism advisory committee at Harvard. Without rehashing all of the obvious reasons that have been endlessly adumbrated online, and with great respect for the members of the committee, the short explanation is that both events on campus and the painfully inadequate testimony reinforced the idea that I cannot make the sort of difference I had hoped. Still, there are several points worth making. I believe Claudine Gay to be both a kind and thoughtful person. Most of the students here wish only to get an education and a job, not prosecute ideological agendas, and there are many, many honorable, thoughtful and good people at the institution. Harvard is still a repository of extraordinary minds and important research. "However, the system at Harvard along with the ideology that grips far too many of the students and faculty, the ideology that works only along axes of oppression and places Jews as oppressors and therefore intrinsically evil, is itself evil. Ignoring Jewish suffering is evil. Belittling or denying the Jewish experience, including unspeakable atrocities, is a vast and continuing catastrophe. Denying Israel the self-determination as a Jewish nation accorded unthinkingly to others is endemic, and evil. "Battling that combination of ideologies is the work of more than a committee or a single university. It is not going to be changed by hiring or firing a single person, or posting on X, or yelling at people who dont post as you wish when you wish, as though posting is the summation of ones moral character. This is the task of educating a generation, and also a vast unlearning. Part of the problem is a simple herd mentality people screaming slogans whose meaning and implication they know nothing of, or not wishing to be disliked by taking an unpopular position. Some of it is the desire to achieve social status by being the sole or greatest victim. Some of it is simple, old fashioned Jew hatred, that ugly arrow in the quiver of dark hearts for millenia. "In this generation, outside of Israel, we are called to be Maccabees of a different order. We do not fight the actual battle but we search for the cruse of oil left behind. Remember the oil was to last one night, but lasted eight - which means there were seven nights of miracle. But of course the first night was the greatest miracle because the motivation to light the initial candle, to ensure the continuity and vitality of tradition in each generation, that is the supreme miracle. Dispute but also create. Build the institutions you value, dont merely attack those you denigrate. We are at a moment when the toxicity of intellectual slovenliness has been laid bare for all to see. Time to kindle the first candle. Create that miracle for us and all Israel Blessing to you and Hag Urim Sameach." In a press conference held at a military base north of Tel Aviv, the Israeli army revealed some of the materials collected since the start of the new war against Hamas, and said that it is analyzing the information it provides for use in adjusting battle plans. Some of these materials were collected from Hamas dead, and others from inside the Gaza Strip, according to a report by the New York Times. The army found materials detailing the locations of Hamas facilities and tunnels, including how the armed group operates underground, according to documents and other information that the Israeli army made available to the American newspaper. The army also recovered a laptop showing a Hamas plan through which it wanted to seize a number of areas in the October 7 attack, including a military base south of Tel Aviv. Officials said that the information provided by some of these materials is now being analyzed by a new Israeli unit that works on a daily basis to reach results quickly and send them to the soldiers fighting in the Strip. One of the documents reviewed by The New York Times included details of one of the combat battalions, including the ages of its fighters, more than half of whom were older than 25 years, indicating that this particular platoon was full of experienced members. The army also collected photos and videos of Hamas military leaders, information that could be used for direct targeting purposes. Operational Update On the 62nd day of the Israeli operationv Gaza , fierce battles took place in several areas of fighting in the Gaza Strip, during which the Palestinian resistance intensified its attacks on the occupation forces, while these forces besieged and killed civilians, in conjunction with the continuation of Israeli raids and the increasing humanitarian suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip, amid warnings of The risk of famine and epidemics among the displaced. The Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed that they were waging fierce battles on all fronts of the occupation forces incursion into the Gaza Strip, especially in Khan Yunis. They said that the brigades fighters destroyed 135 vehicles during the past 72 hours and bombed with missiles the headquarters of the field command room of the Israeli army in the south of Gaza City. In turn, the Al-Quds Brigades announced the targeting of tanks and troop carriers in the advance axes in Ben Lahia and Jabalia with tandem and RPG shells, and in the Al-Shajaya and Al-Tuffah neighborhoods, the Mujahideen of the Al-Quds Brigades targeted a number of Israeli vehicles with tandem and mortar shells, and in Juhr Al-Dik, the Al-Quds Brigades bombed crowds of military with mortar shells. The IDF intensified their air strikes and artillery shelling in the north of the Gaza Strip in Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, and extended to the Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City, reaching Khan Yunis in the south, as well as the Rafah area. The Israeli forces carried out a massive campaign of incursions into the cities of the occupied West Bank , and launched an arrest campaign in Nablus, Tulkarm, and Bethlehem, amid clashes with Palestinian resistance fighters, while the Tulkarm Brigade announced that two Israeli soldiers had been wounded. Hezbollah said that it bombed 10 Israeli sites, including the Zarit barracks and the Al-Raheb military site. This led to the killing of two Israeli soldiers, while the occupation army said that it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and military sites in southern Lebanon. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Hezbollah to turn Beirut and southern Lebanon into Gaza and Khan Yunis if it chose to wage a comprehensive war against Israel, as he put it. In operations in Khan Yunis: IDF troops eliminated Hamas terrorist, struck dozens of terror targets, battled a terrorist cell that exited from a tunnel shaft. As part of the 98th Division's activity in Khan Yunis, terrorists were eliminated and dozens of terrorist targets were attacked by the Air Force. As part assistance to the ground forces, Israeli naval forces struck Hamas military compounds and infrastructure using precise ammunition and firing shells. Operations in Jabalya: troops conducted a targeted operational activity on a Hamas military compound. A number of terrorists were eliminated. The combat team of the 460th Brigade fought in the area of the Jablia camp, the fighters raided the "Habisan" post, a military post of the Jablia center battalion of the Hamas terrorist organization. In the raid, several terrorists were killed. The forces also located a network of underground tunnels leading outside the outpost, a training complex and a weapons warehouse in the area of the outpost. In the last few days, the forces of the 36th Division have been fighting terrorists in face-to-face battles, locating and destroying many underground infrastructures and weapons, most of which were located near and inside civilian buildings. The forces continue to act in order to significantly damage Hamas' capabilities in the region. Yesterday, at 15:59, Hamas terrorists launched 12 rockets toward Israeli civilians in the city of Beer-Sheva in southern Israel. The rockets were launched from near tents of evacuated Gazan civilians in Rafah in southern Gaza and from next to United Nations facilities. At 12:52 yesterday, Hamas launched a rocket from inside a humanitarian zone. The rocket misfired, putting many Gazan civilians at risk. At 14:12 yesterday, Hamas terrorists launched a rocket from a humanitarian zone toward Israel. The Commander of the Southern Command, Major General Yaron Finkelman, lit the first candle of Hanukkah with the reserve fighters of the 551st Brigade, who are currently fighting in Jabaliya. "This is a long, important and difficult war, and this is a symbolic moment of lighting the Hanukkah candles," said the PADM commander, "at this time that we are here in Jabaliya, our families sing and light candles, and trust us and are proud of you. You are the Maccabees of today, you are the commanders who lead the warriors, the Maccabees of today, and we will continue forward until victory." Israel agreed to increase the amount of fuel that will be brought into the Gaza Strip , by adding "the minimum necessary to prevent humanitarian collapse and epidemic outbreaks." The Israeli Cabinet approved an American request to increase the volume of fuel entering the Gaza Strip from 60,000 liters to 120,000, even though the American request stipulated the entry of a quantity of no less than 180,000 liters, according to what was published by Israeli media. All cabinet ministers voted in favor of the decision, with the exception of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir , according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth. The British newspaper The Times revealed that a British military team in the West Bank is working to prepare the Palestinian Authority to take over the administration of the Gaza Strip. For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri said that the Palestine Liberation Organization is the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and should be given the ability to rule the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Lebanese Hezbollah announced the targeting of 10 Israeli military sites off the southern border, and while the occupation army bombed several Lebanese areas, the Israeli Prime Minister vowed to repeat the Gaza scenario in Beirut and southern Lebanon. The party said in a statement that its fighters targeted the sites of Al-Marj, Jal Al-Alam, Bayad Blida, Harj Ramim, Maayan Baruch, and Al-Jardah, and they also targeted gatherings of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Matat, Khallet Wardeh, and Harsh Shtoula barracks. The party added that it also attacked the Zarit barracks. Hezbollah confirmed that it had achieved direct casualties among the ranks of the Israeli occupation forces. In separate statements, the party mourned 3 of its members who were killed during confrontations with the Israeli army across the border. A number of launches from Lebanon toward Israeli territory were identified. In response, the IDF fired toward the sources of the launches. A short while ago, IAF fighter jets struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanese territory. Among the targets struck were terrorist infrastructure, launch posts, military posts, and military sites belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization. The Danish shipping group IB Moller-Maersk decided to impose additional risk fees on container shipments to Israel to cover increased insurance premiums due to the security situation starting from the beginning of next year. This comes after the Yemeni Houthi group recently targeted Israeli ships, in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected for two months to a devastating Israeli aggression that led to the death of more than 16,000, most of them children and women, in addition to the major destruction of various vital facilities and the displacement of the population. Maersk - the world's largest container transport company - said in a statement today, Thursday, that by 2024, insurance premiums for ships heading to the ports of Haifa and Ashdod in Israel will continue to rise, which led to the need for Maersk to formally implement an additional emergency risk fee. The company added that the additional fees that will be applied as of January 8, 2024 will be used to absorb additional insurance costs and ensure continuous and sustainable service to the companys customers in Israel. The company explained that it had been closely monitoring the situation in Israel since last October, taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of its employees, noting that two months ago, it subjected all ships arriving to Israeli ports to increased insurance premiums due to the ongoing risks in and around the region. This enabled it to keep operations running as stably as possible. Bystanders Stephane Dujarric , spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations, warned the UN Security Council of the threat posed by the situation in the Gaza Strip to international peace and security, and said that the Secretary-General of the United Nations is determined to continue efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He revealed that the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres , will address the Security Council before the end of the week regarding the initiative he launched, noting that discussions are taking place now on the issue, but we do not control their actions so that we expect a specific time to respond to the Secretary-Generals call. Regarding whether there is realism in the possibility of the Security Council responding to what Guterres proposed, he said, The Secretary-General is determined to continue efforts to reach a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, and added, Human suffering must stop and killing must stop. If there is an attempt by any party to obstruct the Secretary-Generals move, the UN official noted that the authority possessed by the Security Council is clear, and the Secretary-General has no voice, indicating that the Security Council faces challenges in order to obtain a unanimous decision on calling for a ceasefire for reasons Humanity. He also confirmed that the UAE has developed a draft resolution that will be discussed and voted on by the UN Security Council. Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed announced that the UAE has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for humanitarian reasons. Bin Zayed said: This request came in response to the catastrophic situation in the Gaza Strip and the worsening suffering of the Palestinian people, as stated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in his speech addressed to the UN Security Counci. From Geneva, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, announced that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are living in absolute terror that is worsening with the Israeli army carrying out new bloody bombing operations on the besieged city of Khan Yunis, where residents are trying to take refuge from the most violent clashes since the start of the war. The academic and expert on Israeli affairs, Dr. Muhammad Halsa - during the daily analytical pause on Al Jazeera channel Gaza...what next? - downplayed the importance of the step taken by the Secretary-General, because Israel - according to him - does not implement international resolutions and its position. This was expressed by its Foreign Minister, who said that the spokesman for the Secretary-General of the United Nations himself equated the killer with the murdered in his speech. Both European Union Foreign Affairs Commissioner Josep Borrell and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez supported the call of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to activate Article 99 of the Charter of the international organization , in which he warns of a global threat posed by the Gaza Strip war. Borrell said that the UN Security Council must act immediately to prevent the complete collapse of the living situation in Gaza, and called on the Europeans and their partners in the UN Security Council to support the activation of Article 99 of the United Nations Charter, which is resorted to when international peace is threatened. Before that, the Spanish Prime Minister expressed his full support for the request of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, from the UN Security Council to establish a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip. Article 99 was used in the inter-Korean war in 1950, the conflict in the Congo with Belgian forces in 1960, the Cyprus crisis in 1974, the civil war in Lebanon in 1976, the first Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1978, the issue of the US embassy hostages in Tehran in 1979, and the Iran-Iraq war in 1979-1980. The last Secretary-General to formally invoke Article 99 was Javier Perez de Cuellar, in reference to the situation in Lebanon back in 1989. Article 99 is a special power and the only independent political tool given to the secretary-general in the UN Charter that allows him to call a meeting of the Security Council on his own initiative to issue warnings about new threats to international peace and security, and matters that are not yet on the councils agenda. The fact that this tool has not been used since 1989 does resonate diplomatically and symbolically here in New York, Daniel Forti, a senior analyst on UN advocacy and research at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera. But Forti added that it will not fundamentally change the political calculation of the Security Councils most powerful members. Guterress invocation of Article 99 was not welcomed by Israels ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, who described the letter as more proof of Guterress moral distortion and his bias against Israel. Erdan, who repeated his call for Guterres to resign, also said The secretary-generals call for a ceasefire is actually a call to keep Hamass reign of terror in Gaza, The leaders of the Group of Seven countries, who met via video technology, had called for urgent action to confront the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, declaring their support for new truces and reiterating their support for the establishment of a Palestinian state. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, who chaired a video follow-up meeting of the International Humanitarian Conference for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, along with representatives of about fifty countries and international organizations, called for respect for international law in Gaza, and for a new, immediate and permanent humanitarian truce. The day after the war, Gaza reportedly would have a transitional council of the main Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad. French President Emmanuel Macron is working towards a conference for the "Alliance against Hamas in Paris, according to a report published by the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar Al-Khamis. According to the report, the coalition against Hamas is based on a French-Saudi vision and the conference next week will host allied Western nations, in a step that would be in line with Macrons statements during a solidarity visit to Israel. Informed sources revealed to Al-Akhbar Al-Khamis that Paris and Riyadh are working to "crystallize a common vision to end the war that is accepted by all interested and influential parties. The Saudis presented the guiding principles as "meeting key demands for the Palestinians, such as a ceasefire, the release of detainees in Israeli prisons, the introduction of humanitarian aid to the needy groups according to priority, and the provision of space for the treatment of the wounded and the provision of medical services and the return of vital public services, and the initiation of reconstruction plans." The joint French-Saudi vision saw no problem considering the formation of a joint transitional council between the political wings of the Fatah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad that would manage a four-year transitional phase, during which preparations would be made for presidential and parliamentary elections. The guidelines takes into account "the demands of the Israeli side," described as "the military and security leaders of Hamas surrendering, the release of Israeli hostages, and the prevention of Gaza being militarized again, as well as imposing a local rule and an authority with which an understanding can be reached." The vision is based on a third country taking in the Hamas terrorist leaders after their removal from the Gaza Strip, and providing guarantees for their amnesty. The joint vision reportedly includes several proposals for the day after, among them are establishing Arab peacekeeping forces under the umbrella of the United Nations to manage the Gaza Strip in the post-war period. The French newspaper "La Croix" said that humanitarian organizations and United Nations agencies no longer know what language to use to warn of the ongoing tragedy and hell in which the Gaza Strip lives , and emergency specialists also no longer find the words to describe what they saw or what was conveyed to them. La Croix is a daily French Catholic newspaper. The name translates to "The Cross" in English. It is published in Paris and distributed throughout France. As of 2020, it had a circulation of 91,000. La Croix was originally known as Gazette de France and was founded in 1631. At the beginning La Croix was monarchist, nationalist and anti-Semitic. The paper's anti-Semitism was especially virulent in 1894, during the Dreyfus Affair. During the German occupation La Croix featured articles sympathetic to Vichy and the Nazis. Now its official line is close to Vatican II, which promotes ecumenism and the opening of the church to the modern world. It is often described as a "left-wing Catholic newspaper". Religious and social issues are prioritised but La Croix is also known for its quality political reporting. In an editorial written by Jean-Christophe Bloquin, the newspaper hesitated between describing what was happening as absolute horror, a hellish scenario, or the darkest hour known to humanity. He pointed out that this tragedy, although its shocking truth is beyond doubt, is taking place without the media being able to report it on the ground independently. "Lacroix" explained this by saying that Israel's desire to eliminate the military organization of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) comes before the duty to protect the civilian population that it forced to displace and seeks to gather them in a narrow corner of the land without regard to the conditions of hygiene, health, and food. Norwegian diplomat Jan Egeland said - He is a highly respected figure in the humanitarian field - for the "Gaza annihilation". However, the newspaper believes that Hamas is the first accused of causing what happened, but the primary responsibility lies with Israel, which is blinded by the logic of revenge. As for the weakness of the official reactions in Europe, the United States, and some Arab countries, it is due to the desire to weaken Hamas, which increases... From the persecution of Palestinians to a scandalous level. Speakers at the European Summit on Palestine, called for an end to the Israeli massacres that have been ongoing in the Gaza Strip for more than 60 days, and to declare a permanent ceasefire, stressing the need to recognize an independent Palestinian state. These calls came in speeches during the summit, which began Thursday in Istanbul , with the participation of representatives from nearly 50 countries, and organized by the European Islamic Forum, the Judiciary in Palestine, and the Turkish New Welfare Party. The conference bears the slogan 3 religions, two states, one solution, and the participants, who are from various continents of the world, especially Europe, range from opinion and thought leaders, academics, politicians, universities, and representatives of the religions of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. the founder and president of the European Islamic Forum, Abdul Wahid Niyazov, said, "The Zionists were exploiting the story of the Holocaust, but they killed thousands of children in Gaza, and a call must be made to take concrete steps. All people went out to the squares and squares and denounced the massacres." He continued, "Defending the Israeli genocide is a crime. In this way, Europe and the West are sliding towards fascism, and all people of conscience must take serious and concrete stances." The former leader of the Labor Party in Britain, Jeremy Corbyn, said during the conference, It is necessary to contribute to a ceasefire. It is true that killing civilians in Israel is wrong, but the Israeli response was devastating and killed many people. He added that this response affected two million people living in Gaza, as the entire population in the north was forced to go to the south, and they were gathered at the Rafah crossing and besieged there, and they cannot go to neighboring Egypt, which is not prepared for a new wave of displacement. Corbyn continued, "This is a human tragedy. The people of Gaza do not have water, food, or medicine. This is a disaster of the first degree, and it is necessary to call for a ceasefire, and the Security Council must work on that." He added that "the world turned a blind eye to what the Palestinians were going through and continued to fund and defend Israel and provide it with all aid. I am not proud of the position of the British Parliament, as a small number of its members asked for a ceasefire and the majority refused." Corbyn spoke about the demonstrations denouncing the Israeli war, even within the United States, Tel Avivs main ally, and stressed the importance of raising awareness to put pressure on governments, and then the export of weapons to Israel will be stopped, and Palestine can be supported by sending aid. He denounced how long the tragedy and displacement of Palestinians will continue?! Adding that Israel wants to occupy all of the Palestinian territories, and it is necessary to accelerate recognition of the Palestinian state and end the occupation of Gaza and the Palestinian territories. Corbyn concluded his speech by emphasizing that the current period is the most unjust in history, with silence regarding the attacks despite watching them on the media. David Wise, the rabbi of the anti-Zionist organization Nateri Karta International, he said, I thank Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish people for allowing us to come here and participate in the valuable summit, and I also thank the European Islamic Forum for the program for the conference. He pointed out that Zionism began about 100 years ago, while the Jewish religion dates back thousands of years. "According to our beliefs, we do not have the right to dominate any particular land, and the Palestinian Nakba series has continued to this day since 1948."" Wise continued, "We must raise our voice for justice and peace. The Jewish community constantly prays to God for the Palestinian people, the end of the occupation, and the establishment of peace." Axis of Resistance Gaza and the Israeli aggression constituted the most important topics of the visit made by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi to Russia, in which he also discusses with Russian leaders regional and international issues and bilateral relations between Tehran and Moscow. During his meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Raisi called for the need to stop the aggression against the Gaza Strip as soon as possible, describing the crimes committed by the Israeli entity in the Strip as genocide and a crime against humanity. Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi said : What is happening in Gaza is genocide of human beings and a solution must be found quickly. It is unfortunate that the Israeli entity killed six thousand children in Gaza, and what is even more regrettable is that these crimes come with the support of the United States and Western countries. All of this is happening in light of the inaction of international organizations and human rights advocates. The Iranian President described what is happening in Gaza as genocide with the support of the United States, and added that what is harming humanity is the unilateralism and unjust regime that is evident in what is happening in Gaza these days. He said: What is regrettable are the scenes of the martyrdom of more than 6,000 Palestinian children in Gaza with the support of the United States and Western countries. What is even more regrettable is the silence of international organizations that claim to defend human rights regarding what is happening in Gaza. The Iranian President went on to say that what is happening in Palestine is genocide and a crime against humanity, and it is unfortunate that more than 5,000 children have been martyred at the hands of the Zionist entity. He stressed that: The crimes of the Zionist entity in Gaza are supported by America and Western countries, and the reason unfortunately is that international organizations and others that pay lip service to human rights have lost their effectiveness. The Russian President , who expressed his happiness at hosting his Iranian counterpart in Moscow, pointed out the necessity of discussing the situation in Palestine and the Israeli aggression on Gaza. Russian President Vladimir Putin said: "Of course, it is very important for us to exchange views on the situation in the region, especially regarding the situation in Palestine." Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani denounced the heavy American and British military support for the Zionist entity in the war against the Palestinians, stressing the need to make the G7 countries bear responsibility for their participation in war crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Kanaani added, while responding to the statement of the G7 virtual conference , that, as we have repeatedly declared, nuclear weapons have no place at all in the defense doctrine of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He stressed that the nuclear activities of the Islamic Republic of Iran are completely transparent and peaceful and take place within the framework of Iran's rights and obligations in accordance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Therefore, Iran has fulfilled all its pledges, and this matter has repeatedly received the support and confirmation of the International Atomic Energy Agency. He continued that the allegations raised by the Group of Seven countries are like a bitter historical mockery because some members of this group, in light of their black colonial record, as well as the planning and implementation of destructive and interventionist policies and military practices in West Asia and the rest of the regions of the world, are the main cause of destabilization and security, not only in our region, but also in All over the world. He went on to say that it has been repeatedly reported that the resistance groups in the region decide and act according to their diagnosis, principles, priorities, and the interests of their countries and peoples to confront and respond to the war crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist entity that kills children, and they do not follow anyones orders. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman denounced the heavy American and British military support for the Zionist entity in the war against the Palestinians, stressing the need to make the G7 countries bear responsibility for their participation in war crimes and genocide committed by the Zionist entity against the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. He added that the Group of Seven cannot, by merely denouncing a number of Zionist settlers, shirk its responsibilities, contribution and enormous support for the brutal crimes of the Zionist entity. The leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Lebanon, Osama Hamdan, said in a press conference from the Lebanese capital, Beirut: The resistance is waging fierce battles with the occupation forces penetrating into Gaza on various fronts. Hamdan confirmed in his televised statements that the resistance is fine and is managing the battle of the Al-Aqsa flood with all strength and ability. He pointed out that the enemys confessions about his losses do not reflect the reality of the number we count every day in the field. The Hamas leader revealed that the resistance still has a lot up its sleeve. He pointed out that our resistance is ready to confront the aggression, regardless of its length and extent. He added, Netanyahu and his Nazi government did not succeed and will not succeed in achieving their military goals in Gaza. He added, The Zionist entity creates imaginary goals to create an imaginary victory, as it did before and is doing now with the already demolished Sinwar house. Regarding the continuing human suffering, Hamdan said: What enters Gaza does not exceed 100 trucks per day, while the Strip needs 600 trucks. The Hamas leader called on the sisterly Arab and Islamic countries to translate the decisions of the Riyadh Summit into practical reality. He also called on UNRWA and the World Health Organization to bear their moral responsibility and deliver aid without submitting to the dictates of the occupation. Hamdan expressed his deep regret that the Palestinian Red Crescent has recently fallen short in its role. He pointed out that the US House of Representatives consideration of anti-Zionism as anti-Semitism is a continuation of a disastrous American policy and a form of terrorism. Allied for Democracy Prime Minister Netanyahu chaired a session to assess the situation held at the headquarters of the Northern Military District Command and said: "If Hezbollah chooses to wage an all-out war, it will turn Beirut and southern Lebanon into Gaza and Khan Yunis with its own hands." With the intensification of ground operations in the Gaza Strip , the Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Post" said that the army is suffering from the poor condition of tanks, a lack of ammunition and equipment, and malfunctions that are difficult to repair, making it vulnerable to fire, which prompted reserve officers to direct harsh criticism of the army's technology and logistics department. An officer in the Armored Corps said that the Logistics Department opened a special hotline, but it failed to provide satisfactory answers. They only make weak promises. The officer added that the reserve battalion initially only had its vehicles to carry out administrative tasks, so that, according to the soldiers, they were forced to use their own money to bring food and water while driving without fuel receipts, in disregard of orders. The soldiers also complained about the inappropriateness of their uniforms, despite knowing that there were new American clothes stored in warehouses, and no one knew who was responsible for distributing them, in addition to the shortage of gloves and winter sleeping bags. Realizing the danger of implementing the operational plan to enter the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers began to draw attention to the constant shortage of ammunition that affects every tank. The list of deficiencies included the absence of vital equipment such as hammers, pins, covers, filters, brushes, switches, and cannon shielding, in addition to numerous delays in addressing faults. A senior reserve officer, after collecting donations and supplying military equipment in the field, expressed his disappointment, saying, We are doing everything we can to support the army. Many donations have been made because everyone understands the urgency of the situation. He added, "It is unfortunate that the IDF remains unprepared after 60 days. Ultimately, what we will remember from this war is the lack of equipment and how difficult it was to achieve our goals because of that." The Israeli newspaper "Haaretz" reported that Israel has registered more than 250,000 new applications for a license to possess firearms since the attack of last October 7. The Israeli newspaper added that this number exceeds what was recorded in the past 20 years combined, pointing out that the data indicate that arming civilians will not make Israel safer, but on the contrary. Haaretz reports that since the formation of the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December 2022, Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir and his Jewish Greatness party have defended arming civilians in Israel and easing the conditions for the use of firearms by civilians. Following the outbreak of the Al- Aqsa Flood battle on October 7, Netanyahu supported Ben Gvirs approach, saying that arming civilians will contribute to the fight against terrorism. Two months ago, Ben Gvir launched a policy of distributing weapons to civilians in Israel and also settlers in the West Bank, under the pretext of preventing Palestinian attacks. Israel Avisher, head of the Firearms Licensing Division of the Israeli Ministry of National Security, submitted his resignation from his position, which prompted Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to attack him. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said that the head of the division justified his resignation by rejecting Minister Ben Gvirs actions and distributing weapons without standards to citizens. The authority added that last week, Avisher admitted in a hearing in the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) that people were appointed without certificates to issue weapons licenses to Israelis. Avisher is the third senior employee to resign from his position in the ministry in protest against Ben Gvir's policy. Israeli media reported that "Eilat" (Umm Al-Rashrash) is facing an economic crisis following the relocation of approximately 35,000 Israelis, who were evacuated from their settlements to this area. Channel 12 highlighted a significant rise in unemployment and a decrease in business activity in "Eilat," which is located along the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, amid a lack of governmental support. Israeli media reported that tens of thousands of settlers, who were previously evacuated from settlements near the Gaza Strip and the Lebanese borders, feel no desire to return to their residences. In a piece published by Yedioth Ahronoth, the newspaper's correspondent for security affairs in the Gaza Envelope expressed deep frustration over the situation regarding the evacuation from settlements. Titled "What reality will we return to?", Matan Tsuri wrote that after two months away from "home," everything has turned upside down, and a sense of sadness and pain is prevalent among the settlers. Read more: Israeli settlers: We might not return to North even if war ends. In recent days, I have heard military personnel, from the Chief of Staff to junior officers, begin to address us, residents of the Gaza envelope, about the day after the war. I hear statements about ensuring our security and making us feel safe to return home. And who doesn't want to return home? Yet, I also hear their fears - about the day when the end of the war will be declared," he said. Speaking to Channel 12, an Israeli settler discussed the reality of the evacuees, noting settlers from the south and tens of thousands from the north have moved to "permanent temporary homes," while they are declaring: "We will not return to the same reality." Meanwhile, the former head of Israeli Military Intelligence Aman, Aharon Ze'evi-Farkash, stated, "It's impossible to return to this reality, neither in the north nor certainly in the Gaza envelope. I think no one can give a timetable, and this will take time." An analysis conducted by the American newspaper Politico reported that pro-Israel organizations spent 100 times more than what pro-Palestinian groups spent on Metas communication platforms ( Facebook and Instagram ) last month. The newspaper said that the joint spending on Facebook and Instagram exceeds two million dollars, and that this spending - despite the lack of coordination regarding it - shows how pro-Israel groups are trying to shape public opinion among Americans, especially the younger generations who are increasingly skeptical of Israel. The newspaper's analysis showed that for Meta platforms - the largest social media sites in the world - the groups that buy ads in support of Israel include well-known names, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism, a group founded by billionaire Robert Kraft. The newspaper found that their combined spending of $2.2 million exceeded almost any other entity during that period, unlike the conservative news outlet The Daily Wire and its Meta accounts, which spent about $3 million. By comparison, the newspaper found that groups supporting Palestinians, Muslims and Arabs spent less than $20,000 in the same period on Meta ads. The newspaper hinted that despite all the advertisements, there is some influence that cannot be bought with money, especially with young people, and stated that last November, the Tik Tok platform responded to criticism from Republican Representative from Wisconsin Mike Gallagher, who claimed without evidence. The platform may have conducted a malign influence operation that manipulated American youth through rampant pro- Hamas propaganda. The Beijing-based company, owned by ByteDance, responded in a blog post that pro-Palestinian hashtags were more popular than pro-Israel hashtags on social media. Attitudes among young people were leaning toward Palestine long before TikTok existed, TikTok said. On Instagram, the hashtag Stand with Israel received about 264,000 posts, compared to more than 7 million posts for Free Palestine. Facebook and other applications affiliated with Meta are accused of restricting content supporting Palestine. Last November, activists around the world launched the We Will Not Be Silenced campaign to protest the ban on content supporting Palestine and the narrowing of its reach across social media platforms, especially on Facebook and Instagram. The Pentagon announced that the United States has resumed flying drones over the Gaza Strip to help search for prisoners held by Hamas in the Strip. Pentagon spokeswoman Lisa Lawrence said in a statement: In support of hostage recovery efforts, the United States has resumed unarmed drone flights over Gaza, and we continue to provide advice and assistance to support our partner Israel as it works in its efforts to recover the hostages. US President Joe Biden, in a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, stressed the importance of the continuous and sustainable flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, stressing the need to protect civilians in the Strip and separate them from the Hamas movement. Biden welcomed the recent Israeli decision to ensure that fuel levels would meet the required needs, but stressed that more assistance was urgently needed, according to a White House statement . The US President also stressed the urgent need to protect the civilian population and separate it from Hamas, including through corridors that allow people to move safely. Biden expressed "deep concern" about the hostages still in Gaza. He reiterated that the International Committee must be allowed access to hostages held by Hamas. Biden reiterated his concern about extreme violence committed against Palestinians and the need for increased stability in the West Bank. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in response to a question: I have no comment on the possibility of Israel using seawater to flood Hamas tunnels. What we stress is that Israel must use means that do not lead to harm. "With civilians." Kirby stressed, "We are working to avoid the expansion of the existing conflict in Gaza to the region through our diligent efforts and communications, and we are considered the country that works the most to address the humanitarian situation and release the hostages compared to any country in the world." The White House reported that Israel and Hamas are not close to reaching another agreement on a new humanitarian truce in their ongoing war. In a related context, Jon Finer, National Security Assistant at the White House, said on Thursday that the United States did not give Israel a specific deadline to end combat operations with Hamas in Gaza, considering that if the war stops now, Hamas will continue to pose a threat. Finer said during a security forum that the United States believes that many of Israel's security targets remain in the southern Gaza Strip. "Frankly, if the war were to stop today, (Hamas) it would continue to pose (a threat) which is why we are not in a place yet of asking Israel to stop or to force ceasefire," Finer said. The United States believes that there are many "legitimate military targets" that remain in southern Gaza including "much if not most" of the Hamas leadership, Finer said. The USA believes that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is involved in planning, executing and authorizing missile and drone attacks on Israel and shipping in the Red Sea. "We believe that they are involved in the conduct of these attacks, the planning of them, the execution of them, the authorization of them and ultimately they support them," deputy national security adviser Jon Finer told the Aspen Security Forum. The United States advised "Israel" against responding to missile and drone attacks originating from Yemen, The Wall Street Journal reported. Instead, the US has urged "Israel" to permit the American military to handle the response, the report stressed. With this move, the US had taken upon itself the mission of responding to threats from the Yemeni front while being thousands of miles away from home. Having deployed its warshi[s in the region, the US has already intercepted several missiles aimed at "Israel", while "Israel" has intercepted others, the report further detailed. The report, based on information from US and other government officials, indicated that the US is apprehensive that an Israeli counter-response could further escalate the existing war. /p> 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. The HAMAS Ministry of Health in the besieged sector announced that the number of victims of the Israeli operation its beginning had risen to more than 17,000 martyrs. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory reported some days agothat it had "counted up to this moment about 17,500 dead Palestinians". The count included about 6,150 children killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since October 7, the Gaza Press Office said. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Hamas-run government said more than 4,000 women were among the dead. The number of injured had risen to 46,000 with varying injuries, up from 36,000 four days earlier. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza earlier said the number of missing people had risen to more than 7,500 [ double the 3,750 previously reported], including 1,800 children still under the rubble, including 4,700 children and women. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that the number of wounded as 36,000 [previously announced as about 32,000 wounded], 75 percent of them children and women. The Palestinian Ministry of Health explained that the death toll in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has risen to 465, including 257 martyrs since last October 7. An Israeli official said that about a third of those killed in Gaza so far were what he described as enemy fighters, estimating their number between 5,000 and 10,000, without providing details of justifications for this estimate. Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700. The Israeli occupation army announced the killing of another officer in battles in the northern Gaza Strip, bringing the number of those killed within 24 hours to 10, including 7 officers, according to what was permitted to be published. The Israeli army admitted the killing of the son of War Council member Gabi Eisenkot and three other officers. This brings the number of people killed to 92 since the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza in late October. This is a very high daly total. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant acknowledged , during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of the War Council, Benny Gantz , that he had paid very high prices since the start of the war. The number of Israeli soldiers that the IDF admitted were killed in ground battles with the Palestinian resistance reached 92, while the death toll for the Israel forces had risen to 412 soldiers since the beginning of Operation al-Aqsa Flood. At least 7,771 Israelis were injured. The Hebrew newspaper Haaretz revealed that the number of soldiers who were injured since the start of the war reached about a thousand soldiers, noting that 202 soldiers were seriously injured. The army rarely referred to casualties when talking about the deaths of soldiers during battles. According to the same newspaper, this policy differs from what was prevalent in previous wars and military campaigns, during which the army also published the number of its wounded, in addition to publishing other details. The IDF previously announced that more than 260 soldiers had been injured since the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, including 100 in serious condition. Lebanons Health Ministry released its first official casualty numbers in fighting, saying 77 people were killed and 251 wounded since the start of the war on Gaza. Hostages Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy 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 holds 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 has released 110 hostages so far 86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals. The Al-Qassam Brigades announced the death of an Israeli woman and her two children who were detained by them as a result of a previous Israeli bombing of Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed the deaths of five hostages held in Gaza, saying their families had been informed, and the body of one of them returned to Israel. In recent days, the IDF and Israel police notified the families of the hostages Eliyahu Margalit, Maya Goren, Ronen Engel and Arye Zalmanovitz about their deaths, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said. He also said troops had brought back the body of a fifth person that he identified as Ofir Tsarfati. Hagari said Gaza militants were still holding 136 hostages, among them 17 women and children. Before the release of the sixth batch of Israelis detained in Gaza, Israeli government spokesman Elon Levy said that 161 Israelis are still detained in the Strip [al-Jazeera reported "more than 100 prisoners" remain with the resistance]. Levy added that Israel has prepared a list of 50 Palestinian detainees to be released if Hamas continues to release detainees. At least 76, and possibly more than 80, hostages had been released by Hamas over six days of a cease-fire. During the pause, Hamas fighters released 60 Israeli women and children. In return, Israel released 180 security detainees from its prisons, all of them women and minors under the age of 19. Hamas also separately released 19 foreign hostages, most of them Thai farm workers, under separate agreements parallel to the truce agreement. Thirty children held by Gazan terrorists have been released as part of a four-day ceasefire deal with Hamas that began Friday, but 10 still remain in the Strip. The terror group has said it planned to release 20 more hostages as part of a two-day extension to the deal. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden administration believes eight or nine more Americans are still being held but the U.S. does not have "solid information on each and every one of them." Perhaps 100 are Israeli civilians. 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. By one account 236 confirmed abducted civilians and IDF soldiers. 18 of the abductees are elderly people aged 75 and older. 121 of the abductees have foreign citizenship (including dual citizenship). Conflicting estimates were provided regarding the number of Thai nationals still in captivity. The Wall Street Journal reported 25 November 2023 that Hamas is interested in releasing 23 Thai citizens during the four days of the ceasefire, mediated by Iran. On the other hand, the Thai Foreign Ministry claimed 20 more citizens who are held captive by Hamas, and that four of the ten who were released were not included in the number initially estimated. 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' Club announced that the number of arrests has risen to more than 3,670 detainees since last October 7. Israel said that, since the beginning of the war, about 2,100 wanted persons had been arrested throughout the IOS Division and the Bekaa and Emekim Brigade, about 1,100 of them are affiliated with Hamas. Israel is reported to hold 7,800 Palestinians in its prisons. Footage of dozens of stripped men in the hands of the Israeli army in Gaza sparked conflict between Israeli sources who said the authorities would investigate whether some of them were Hamas militants, and human rights voices who said they were civilians arrested from centers sheltering displaced people. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said , The IDF arrested dozens of men in the Gaza Strip and referred them to the competent authorities for investigation, noting that the goal of the investigation is to find out whether some of them belong to the Hamas movement. On the other hand, the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory website , commenting on the same footage, said that Israel arrested dozens of Palestinian civilians after severely harassing them and completely stripping them of their clothes as a result of their siege for days inside two shelter centers in the town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip. The Observatory said that it received "reports that Israeli forces launched random and arbitrary arrest campaigns against displaced people, including doctors, academics, journalists, and the elderly, from inside the (Khalifa Bin Zayed) and (New Aleppo) schools, both of which are affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)." Video clips published by Israeli and Palestinian websites showed that the IDF arrested displaced persons residing in a shelter center in Gaza and stripped them of their clothes in front of the cameras. The clips showed IDF soldiers standing in front of young men, handcuffed and stripped naked except for short pants. Palestinian websites reported that all the young men were placed in the school yard and taken to an unknown location. Israeli accounts on the X platform reported that the occupation army arrested the young men to verify whether some of them belonged to Hamas or other Palestinian factions. The head of the Euro-Mediterranean Observatory for Human Rights, Rami Abdo, explained in an exclusive interview with Iran's Al-Alam Channel that what is happening in these schools has been monitored for several days, and these schools and those in them have sent distress calls over the past 6 days because they are affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Refugees ( UNRWA ), adding that the occupation entity has besieged these schools. He stated that this morning, the occupation bombed these schools and demolished their walls, and under a barrage of gunfire, they asked those inside the schools, including the males, to leave and surrender. These males are civilian figures and work in prominent positions, including journalists, academics, and doctors. The occupation has stipulated that they remove their clothes, which is something that It was completed. Pointing out that the occupation made a propaganda show in order to say that it had controlled fighters, while all of them were Palestinian civilians. He pointed out that the Observatory documented the killing of some, but the documentation process is still ongoing for proper verification, stressing that all of them were taken into the areas controlled by the occupation and were stripped naked, abused, beaten, and assaulted. Regarding the occupations goal of displaying this image through which it is trying to humiliate the Palestinian youth, he pointed out that the occupation and colonial systems are based on subjugation and oppression, and the occupation, since the beginning of its occupation of the Palestinian territories, has been trying to practice oppression and subjugation against the Palestinian people through several methods, and what was issued today is a continuation of the targeting process. Israel's i24news reported: "Israeli intelligence gears up for extensive interrogations of the terrorists, in hope to receive more information about the whereabouts of hostages. More than 150 Hamas terrorists surrendered to the IDF in Khan Yunis on Thursday, marking a substantial shift in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Social media platforms quickly circulated footage capturing the surrender of the militants, providing a glimpse into the scale of the event. Israeli intelligence gears up for extensive interrogations of the terrorists, in hope to receive more information about the whereabouts of hostages. "Dr. David Shimoni, a former Intelligence Official, shed light to i24news on the Israeli intelligence procedures involved in processing and interrogating a large number of detainees. "They will all be questioned, even though a lot of them may not know much and are very low levels in the Hamas organization," explained Dr. Shimoni. "The ones who know more will be separated and further interrogated as to where the hostages are." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 63 - 08 December 2023 An Israeli military official highlighted to Axios that the US prefers a faster conclusion of the war and fewer civilian deaths, claiming that the Israel shares that desire. "But there is another player here and this is the enemy that doesn't agree," he said, adding, "The U.S. understands this. We are working together. We need them and they need us." The Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, announced the killing of the captured Israeli soldier, Saar Baruch, during an attempt by a special force to free him. The Brigades explained in a military report, Today dawn, the Mujahideen of the Qassam Brigades thwarted a Zionist attempt to reach one of the prisoners, as a special Zionist force was discovered while trying to advance to liberate one of the enemys prisoners and clashed with it, which led to the killing and wounding of members of the force, and military aircraft intervened and bombed the place with a series of bombs. The raids were to cover up their withdrawal, and the clash led to the death of the captured soldier, Saar Baruch, 25 years old, who carried ID number 207775032, and the control of one of the soldiers rifle and the special forces communications device. Two IDF soldiers were seriously injured during an operation in the Gaza Strip to rescue hostages from Hamas. The forces raided a Hamas location and eliminated terrorists who took part in the kidnapping and holding of the hostages. No hostages were rescued in this operation. The IDF continues to operate in a variety of operational and intelligence ways together with the other security organizations, to release the abductees and the abductees, and collect information about them. IDF representatives are in regular contact with the families of the abductees, and update them with any verified information about their loved ones. Israeli media reported that Officer Maor Cohen, the nephew of War Council member Gadi Eisenkot, was killed in the Gaza battles. The media said: Maor Meir Cohen, a regular service soldier, was killed today during the fighting in Gaza. Cohen is the son of Sharon Eisenkot, the sister of Gadi Eisenkot". Yesterday, Thursday, the Israeli army announced that the youngest son of the former Israeli army chief of staff and member of the war council, Gadi Eisenkot, was killed in the ongoing battles in the northern Gaza Strip. Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper indicated that Gal Eisenkot, an infantry soldier in the 551st Reserve Brigade, was conducting a search operation with his comrades on the outskirts of Jabalia when a large explosive device exploded among them. Lt. . Gadi Eisenkot served as the chief of the general staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 2015-19. The former general went into politics as a Member of the Knesset (National Unity), and joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wartime cabinet as minister without portfolio in the wake of Hamas' October 7th attack. Operational Update On the 63rd day of its operation in Gaza , the Israeli army in Khan Yunis is facing the strongest resistance since the beginning of the war, according to the newspaper Jerusalem Post. The Gaza Ministry of Health confirmed that the total death toll from the Israeli aggression exceeded 17,000 thousand, and that the number of injured rose to 46,000. The United States is neither imposing a deadline on "Israel" regarding its war on Gaza nor "pulling the brakes" on the invasion but is only suggesting that time is running out, a senior Israeli security official said, according to Axios. The official added that the military operation in Khan Younis is expected to be concluded in the next three to four weeks, while the war on Gaza in its "high-intensity" phase is estimated to continue for another three to four weeks as well, Axios reported, citing a senior Israeli military official. This comes after the White House reiterated its full support for the Israeli occupation entity's war on the Strip amid increasing international and domestic pressure on the administration of US President Joe Biden for a ceasefire and an end to the inhumane aggression on Gaza. White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, speaking at the Aspen Security Forum in Washington, confirmed that Washington did not give Israelis a deadline on their war. "This is their conflict. That said, we do have influence, even if we don't have ultimate control over what happens on the ground in Gaza," he said. Meanwhile, a National Security Council spokesperson stated, "These are Israeli military operations, and the Israelis will decide their course. We will continue to support Israel's efforts to defend itself from Hamas terrorists." On Friday, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, published a video clip in which it directed a missile message in Hebrew to Tel Aviv. The Al-Qassam Brigades' military media showed a video clip (apparently filmed before the war), showing the brigades' missile capabilities and their preparations to strike Tel Aviv, where a large number of "M90" missiles and launchers to launch them appeared. While the video ended with a phrase written in Hebrew and Arabic: Tel Aviv will burn and Jerusalem will be liberated. On Friday afternoon, the Al-Qassam Brigades announced that they had bombed Tel Aviv with a missile barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians. It also confirmed that it had targeted the Sderot settlement with a 114 mm short-range Rajoum missile system. It stated in an additional statement: Once again... the Al-Qassam Brigades bombard Tel Aviv with a missile barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians. It pointed out that "the Muftahim community was bombed with a missile attack." It announced "the bombing of Tel Aviv again with a missile salvo in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians." Al Jazeera's correspondent monitored the firing of intense missile attacks at Greater Tel Aviv, and an Israeli security source stated that the missiles were fired from Jabalia and Shuja'iya in the northern Gaza Strip. The Israeli police said that they were carrying out combing operations in several locations in Tel Aviv, searching for fragments of rockets launched from Gaza, which were intercepted. " We are in the early stages of ground combat, our forces are operating in the heart of Hamas' centers of gravity, in the south and in the north at the same time," the IDF spokesman said in his statement this evening , "the forces are operating operationally and courageously in challenging areas and are trapped by many explosives. We are fighting fierce battles with Hamas terrorists who hide underground and come up because of the activity of our forces, and this is how battles are created and terrorists are killed." As part of the activities of the combat team fighters of the 188th brigade in the heart of the Shejaiya neighborhood, forces from the Counter-Terrorism Unit (LoTr) along with fighters from the 74th Battalion of the Hamas Terrorist Squad encountered a school complex in the heart of the neighborhood. The terrorists tried to draw the force into a trapped ambush of shooting and explosives, and were eliminated by the fighters of the Loter unit and tank fire of the 74th battalion. The fighters searched the school area and found a tunnel shaft in one of the classrooms, the route of the shaft led to a mosque in the neighborhood. The special platoon of fighters of the Lotr unit from the Al-Hamarom Brigade entered combat in Gaza for the first time as part of the brigade combat teams. In addition to specialist forces in breaking through sabotage, and snipers - who maneuver with the elite units from the beginning of ground operations. Following the alert in the north of the country, the air defense fighters successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into the territory of the State of Israel. A warning of rocket and missile fire was triggered following intercept fragments. A number of launches were detected from Lebanese territory towards a number of IDF posts in the border area. The IDF attacked with artillery the source of the shooting and other targets in Lebanese territory. The forces of Division 98 continued to fight in the Khan Yunis area, which is considered a main stronghold of the terrorist organization Hamas. The fighters of the division eliminated dozens of terrorists in battles, worked to locate and destroy shafts and directed precise attacks from the ground and from the air. The divisional combat team of the 7th Brigade began an attack in order to break through the Hamas defense lines, during which they attacked dozens of anti-tank positions and enemy observation points. The fighters raided the battalion post of the Deir al-Balach battalion of the terrorist organization Hamas and found weapons and intelligence. The combat team forces of the Givati Brigade, the 55th Brigade and the 4th Brigade surround the city and carry out targeted attacks and raids against companies in the Khan Yunis Brigade of the Hamas terrorist organization. In a prolonged raid, many weapons were found in the area of ??a school, including launchers, mortar barrels, RPGs, explosives and intelligence means. The fighters of the 4th Brigade combat team took over the headquarters of Hamas inside a mosque where a terrorist squad was hiding, the squad was eliminated during the battle. In addition, the forces eliminated a group of terrorists who tried to escape towards an underground facility. "We launched a divisional, fast, powerful attack. With the breakthrough of the 7th and 84th brigades at the front, we positioned ourselves inside the city center, inside the fighting area," said the 98th Brigade, Brigadier General Dan Goldfuss during the fighting in the Gaza Strip, "Here, we are In it, you can see - all this open space, the open, built-up space, the plantations." "An enemy jumps out from among the plantations, from shafts, and we work in a methodical, precise manner, moving from shaft to shaft and from house to house and hitting the terrorists in the most precise way possible," he continued, "The reservists have been here for 60 days, fighting in the various sectors and will fight here as much as necessary. By the way, today is the first candle of Hanukkah, and we are like the song - we are coming to expel the darkness, this dark regime of Hamas, we will dismantle it little by little, however long it takes." A combat team of the commando formation raided the centers of gravity of Hamas in Khan Yunis, in the homes of operatives and commanders of the terrorist organization Hamas, weapons, artillery launch canes and intelligence materials were found. In addition, the commando fighters make use of the precision missile 'Steel Sting' and direct attacks from the air and the ground through precise shooting in combat in a dense area. IDF reserve fighters from the 14th Brigade raided the observation post of the Hamas terrorist organization in the area of the Shatti Hospital. In the post, about 200 radios and dozens of cameras were located. In the post, a combat shaft, cartridges, grenades, a sniper position, Military equipment and firearms. IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip continue battles with terrorists, locating and destroying underground shafts, weapons and other terrorist infrastructure. In the last day, over 450 targets were attacked from the air, sea and land. As part of the 7th Brigade's activity in Khan Yunis, the brigade's attack unit targeted a number of Air Force aircraft that killed many Hamas terrorists. The wave of attacks lasted about two hours and was continuous and focused. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed carrying out air strikes in Syria in retaliation for rocket attacks launched from Syria into Israeli-held territory. According to an IDF statement, an overnight attack struck several targets across Syria. In addition, an Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck an armed terrorist cell operating near the Israeli-Lebanese border area of Har Dov. The Huffington Post website quoted an American official as saying that American intelligence estimates that the Israeli army continues to operate at the same pace and shows limited concern about civilians despite repeated American calls for restraint. The official said that there are doubts that the current Israeli military attack is more bloody than the attack on the northern Gaza Strip, which Israel carried out in the first phase of its aggression against Gaza. The website quoted a US State Department official as saying that it increasingly appears that the Israeli army is waging an ethnic cleansing campaign in Gaza, and the American diplomat said that Washington is angry about the way Netanyahu literally burned the reputation of the United States to advance his personal political agenda. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said after a press conference yesterday with his British counterpart, David Cameron, that there is a gap between the Israeli governments declared intentions to protect civilians and the number of casualties in the Strip. "For example, it is not just about creating safe zones, but also communicating in such a way that non-combatants actually know where they can flee, exactly when and by what route. Food, water and medicine must also be provided to refugees in these safe zones," he added. Six Palestinians, including a minor, were martyred, and others were injured today during the Israeli forces' raid on al-Far'a refugee camp south of Tubas. The Hamas Resistance movement announced the martyrdom of six Palestinians in al-Far'a camp who were killed while the Israeli forces invaded the refugee camp in Tubas and surrounded one of the houses. Hamas called on the Resistance fighters in the occupied West Bank to continue mobilizing against the Israeli occupation. The Resistance movement stated that this heinous crime committed by the occupation, coinciding with the genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza, will not succeed in breaking the will of steadfast Resistance, which will continue its path until the liberation of Al-Quds and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Haaretz reported 20 November 2023 :"Russian Op Pushes Gaza Disinfo With Spoofed Fox News Site and 'Deep-fake' Israeli Soldiers - Kremlin-run Doppelganger campaign using Israel-Hamas war to stir chaos, with antisemitic graffiti painted by foreign actors in Paris and fake news stories in various languages." Al-Humaidan @Alhomidan_Q8 claimed The Israeli occupation recently stormed a school housing thousands of displaced people in the northern Gaza Strip. He dragged all the young men over the age of 15 out of the school, then put them in the school yard (and executed them) in cold blood immediately after forcing them to undress in front of the eyes of the displaced children and women. The medical teams have not been able to reach them yet, and according to eyewitnesses, dozens of martyrs are now in the school yard and in the streets surrounding it. Starting from such fabricated accusations and falsifying facts and historical facts, the past period witnessed several incidents whose hero was the dark side of artificial intelligence programs, while experts who spoke to the Al-Hurra website expect the possibility of these applications turning into a future arena for spreading rumors. And lies. Fake news is divided into two types, the first is called disinformation, which is the intentional creation or sharing of false information in order to mislead, and the second is misinformation, which involves sharing information or reports without knowing that it is false. In light of the massive influx of false news and information in the context of war, the process of manual or human verification and verification in particular has become greatly hindered, and is not proportionate to the volume of material spread. No matter the volume of auditing, auditors and workers in this field, artificial intelligence, according to Hadchiti, is still capable of producing more abundantly than human capabilities for auditing. The matter becomes more difficult as a result of the role of artificial intelligence not being limited to generating content, but rather extending to promoting and disseminating it on a large scale and automatically on social networking sites, through other tools (bots) that in turn constitute a tool of artificial intelligence. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and its ongoing battles for influence, polarization, and manipulation of public opinion, constitute the latest testing ground for the role played by fake news and disinformation campaigns in shaping narratives and narrations regarding the events of the war, and the tragedies resulting from it, as well as manipulating the impressions and emotions of followers. This represents a fundamental challenge today, especially with the advancement of artificial intelligence software. Despite the previously observed role of these technologies in falsifying reality and spreading misleading information during previous crises that the world witnessed, such as the earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco, the Libyan disaster, as well as the Russian war on Ukraine, the war between Israel and Hamas today is witnessing the most prominent and most recent manifestation, and the broader investment in artificial intelligence technologies in... Social media, and trying to influence public opinion. This reality now puts the world face to face with the realization of the most prominent fears that have long surrounded the use of artificial intelligence, in terms of its ability to falsify reality, the extent of persuasion it may have, and subsequently the extent of influence, which has recently reached a stage that has made workers in the field of checking information and fighting misleading news In a state of helplessness and confusion, in keeping up with the misuse of artificial intelligence to mislead. Hundreds of fake pictures, stories, news, and information over the course of two months of war swept social networking sites, and gained global spread linked to the widespread follow-up of the course of the conflict that broke out on October 7, following the Hamas attack on Israel. This was expected, for information auditors, who are accustomed to the increase in the level of fake news and misinformation campaigns in times of crises and wars, as they can easily pass through the crowd of news and the density of information, according to what the journalist and information auditor on the Sawab platform working to combat fake news confirms, Megal Hadchiti. He says that in times of crises and wars, this news becomes details in the general scene, and there is no ability to stop and examine it completely. This misuse of artificial intelligence techniques and tools was expected since its inception, according to Saja Mortada, director of the Arab Network for Information Auditors from the ARIJ team, but no one could have imagined that things would reach this extent. She added in her interview with Al-Hurra website, The war in Gaza came to show this matter more clearly, and prove that the negative effects of artificial intelligence, regarding the spread of false and misleading information, can be greater than might be expected. It is still too early yet, according to Murtada, to analyze and evaluate the currently ongoing experiment, since it is still ongoing as the crisis continues, and we need time to reveal the true impact left by these news and disinformation campaigns that relied on artificial intelligence. But what can be confirmed, according to the expert in verifying information, is that what is happening in the outbreak of war has gone beyond the use of artificial intelligence by technology, media, and social media companies in order to control the narrative and content. Rather, there is now a systematic production of fake materials using artificial intelligence and high technologies. Governmental, official and military bodies are involved in it. The most prominent forms of forgery were photos and videos, some of which people believed to a great extent, while in others the manipulation was clear and people were not widely misled. However, there are images that were used and spread, and Murtada believes that we were unable to even reach a decisive conclusion about them, whether they were produced by artificial intelligence or not, as the techniques used were so high-precision that they were not easily detected. As an example of these materials, the photo published by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he said belonged to an Israeli child who was burned by Hamas gunmen during their attack, was, according to Mortada, the subject of scrutiny by the team, in addition to many Arab and international auditing institutions. In this context, several tools were used to detect whether the images were generated by artificial intelligence, according to Mortada, who added: Some of them provided a positive result and some did not. They tried to analyze the image as much as possible, but they did not reach the original image. Deciding the result was difficult. Very much, and it has not happened yet. Likewise, there was some content that was difficult to uncover conclusively. On the other hand, there were images that were easy to detect, such as a picture of what was said to be an Israeli camp for displaced people. In this regard, Mortada said: Yet many believed it, but it was easy to detect and it was certain that it was manufactured with artificial intelligence. The development of artificial intelligence tools dedicated to producing images and videos has brought them closer every time to the truth, and has made it difficult to detect them or show their source, whether it is human or through artificial intelligence, which has become a real problem that information auditors suffer from, according to Hadchiti confirms. Speaking to Al-Hurra website. This comes at a time when information auditors, especially in Arab countries, lack programs and tools that can be used online to determine the truth and source of circulating images, especially after the traditional tools used in auditing and verification operations have become useless in the face of content generated by artificial intelligence. In this context, Hadchiti explains, Fake images produced through artificial intelligence tools, for example, are considered new, as they have no previous electronic fingerprint that can be relied upon to reveal their history, context, and source, as was the case with traditional methods of fake news that use old images in their contexts or are being modified. He adds, "In the past, images were usually verified through services provided by search engines such as Google... but today, the matter has become a dilemma that prevents complete and certain verification of images generated by artificial intelligence." Auditors face a state of confusion in relying reliably on the techniques and standards currently used and available to detect forgery, which increases their responsibilities, the volume of their work, and the difficulty of their task, especially since the approved counterfeiting techniques tend to be more convincing day after day, according to Hadchiti. A study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology previously showed that fake news spreads 6 times faster than true stories, as the probability of false news being recirculated increases by more than 70 percent. Thus, artificial intelligence today is capable of producing a written story, with appropriate and linked images and clips that enhance confidence in the story, and then publishes and promotes it, which, according to Hadchiti, turns it into a complete and self-existing media system that can launch a campaign of falsification and misinformation as soon as it receives a request to do so. The counterfeiting process thus becomes completely automated. For the average follower, it is difficult to verify fake news using artificial intelligence, especially with the lack of sufficient culture and media and technical awareness among a wide segment of the public to deal with that content, which exposes them to greater deception and misinformation. Although there are many sites that provide tools to verify the source of images and whether they were generated by artificial intelligence or not, the weakness of these technologies makes it difficult to rely on them or advise people to resort to them as a decisive source, according to Hadchiti, who confirms that there are no longer specific advice. They can be presented to followers as constants and steps for sure verification. In turn, Murtada points out that peoples lack of knowledge, as well as journalists and information auditors, about how artificial intelligence works, which is considered a modern and broad field, which greatly increases the danger of this reality. Despite all the technical progress achieved by artificial intelligence tools, Hadchiti points out that the use of deep fakes "is still less than other methods and is limited to specific cases, which are available and relatively easy to detect." He continues: "But we can confirm that we are approaching a stage in which the matter will spread on a larger scale and with the same ease of counterfeiting that we see today, while exposing it will become more difficult and challenging." Human logic is still the most effective standard, according to information auditors, for identifying fake images and clips, which is based on carefully studying and monitoring the content to uncover the mistakes that artificial intelligence still makes during the process of generating content, such as illogical distortions in images, and the dissipation of human features. The inconsistency of shadows with the light source, and the merging of objects, backgrounds, and writings appearing in the images. However, the challenge remains in the ability to keep up, as the production of counterfeit material may require a few seconds of artificial intelligence, while human verification takes much longer to detect and verify it conclusively. Faking images is not a new thing, but it was confined to the hands of people with high skills, but it is frightening that artificial intelligence programs allow anyone to fake any image easily and at tremendous speed. Despite the scale of the great tragedy in Gaza, which produces a lot of painful and shocking content in the form of horrific enough images and scenes, artificial intelligence is still mainly used to produce content centered around this tragedy, and seeks to show it in a more painful way. The project director of the Arab Network for Information Auditors believes that this happens in an attempt to arouse peoples emotions more, increase negative human feelings, or in order to hunt for followers and views. She continues: "Or this is done through government and military institutions that broadcast systematic misleading campaigns, and people are often tempted to republish and promote this content out of sympathy or lack of knowledge." While Murtada stresses that nothing prevents anyone around the world from using artificial intelligence tools and creating images and videos with complete freedom, she points out the necessity of adopting transparency towards this content, by clarifying its source when publishing, and that it is expressive content and not original, but produced using artificial intelligence tools. This transparency is not available today in the midst of the ongoing war, according to Mortada, who regrets the lack of transparency among many influencers, journalists, and media institutions. Dealing with artificial intelligence by individuals and institutions alike is still in the exploration stage. According to the information auditing expert, even major journalistic institutions such as the Associated Press, the New York Times, and the Washington Post still say that they are in a stage of testing and exploring these tools, to determine what is What is useful and what is not, and this is a very basic point. However, further delving into this field proves, for Murtada, that the basic need lies in defining ethical standards in dealing with these tools, especially in the media context. She adds: "The level of harm that artificial intelligence can cause is very great, whether in terms of bias or the spread of false information, or in terms of data privacy, transparency, and the extent of public trust in the media in the future, due to the use of artificial intelligence." She continues: "Therefore, any media organization that uses artificial intelligence to produce content must have established clear ethical rules and standards... what is permitted, what is prohibited, and what are the conditions of use." According to Murtada, There are institutions that have established these rules, but unfortunately this is not the case in most Arab media, which makes the use of artificial intelligence very random and not subject to any ethical standard, which is a main reason for what we are witnessing today. Technology companies had high hopes for the possibility of confronting fake news using artificial intelligence techniques, especially after the 2016 US elections, as companies such as Google, Facebook, and Twitter (at the time) announced taking measures to combat the spread of fake news, and launching programs and tools powered by artificial intelligence. In order to reduce it. Hopes are still placed to the same degree today on artificial intelligence, for it to be a useful technology in combating misinformation and counterfeiting, and this is what Murtada confirms, saying that a positive aspect of artificial intelligence can be invested if effective tools for verification are developed, which is something that still needs to be achieved until it becomes reliable. In light of the almost complete absence of tools based on artificial intelligence that support the Arabic language, which constitutes a weak point in monitoring and auditing false and misleading Arabic content, the Arab Network for Information Auditors is working to develop some tools on the one hand, and Arabize other tools on the other hand (the Tool "Full Fact" and submit it to auditing institutions in Arab countries, which will facilitate auditing, and will make about 50 percent of the work done automatically instead of manually, which will save a lot of time, especially in times of crises, according to Murtada. It is noteworthy that experts previously confirmed in a report to the American newspaper The New York Times that applications of generative artificial intelligence can make the production of misinformation cheaper and easier, especially for those who specialize in spreading conspiracy theories. These concerns were supported by what researchers from OpenAI, the company that developed ChatGPT, expressed in a research paper issued in 2019, their concern about the ability of these applications to reduce the costs of disinformation campaigns... which may be used to achieve Financial gain, to achieve a particular political agenda, or the desire to create chaos and confusion. Experts confirmed to the newspaper that chatbots may share conspiracy theories in a more credible and convincing way, by reducing structural errors or mistranslations, noting that there are no tactics available to effectively monitor them. They concluded that there is no clear mechanism that would nullify the threats created by generative AI bots. Bystanders Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Israel is practicing state terrorism, affirming his belief that Palestine will triumph in the end, and expressing his country's readiness to bear responsibility in order to prevent further bloodshed, destruction and tears in Gaza. Erdogan added - to reporters on the plane after his return from a visit to Greece - that "Israel is practicing state terrorism, where is the West and America! How can we accept that when there are so many facts and nearly 17 thousand dead! Most of them are women, children and the elderly." The Turkish President indicated that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed this matter with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken, but the West remains silent, and continued, addressing Israel and the countries that support it, You are trying to discipline Gaza through starvation. You want to completely destroy Gaza and discipline it in this way. He added, "You deny them medicine and deprive them of water and electricity, and you want to eliminate the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) through a disciplinary process like this. We cannot support that." Erdogan pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks, through these massacres, to prolong his political life and escape trial. He continued, "I believe that Netanyahu and his associates will be tried in the same way that former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic was tried and convicted in the end. They are terrorists and will certainly be tried at the Court of Justice in The Hague." In response to a question about how the international community deals with Turkeys position on the Hamas movement, Erdogan said that he does not care what the international community says in this regard. He added, "These people call Hamas a terrorist organization. Hamas is one of the realities of Palestine and not a terrorist organization," noting that it is a political movement that won the elections it entered as a political party, and there are those who are trying to force Turkey to describe it as a terrorist organization, stressing that Ankara will not comply with that. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed on Friday that the Gaza Strip problem is gradually turning into a regional crisis. Fidan's statements came during a press conference with members of the communication delegation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the League of Arab States, on the sidelines of the visit to the American capital, Washington. Fidan added: "The problem now goes beyond the Israelis and Palestinians, and therefore the countries of the region must embrace the issue and act consciously and responsibly." The European Union added the names of the Commander-in-Chief of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades , the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) , Muhammad al-Deif , and his deputy, Marwan Issa, to the terrorism list, and imposed economic sanctions on them. Brussels announced, according to the statement issued by the European Council, that the two individuals are subject to freezing their funds and other financial assets in European Union member states, noting that European Union operators are also prohibited from providing funds and economic resources to them. Last Tuesday, the French government decided to freeze the assets of the leader of the Hamas movement in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, for a period of 6 months, starting from the time the decree was issued. The French newspaper Le Parisien reported that London imposed sanctions, including an asset freeze and a travel ban, on 6 individuals, 4 Hamas leaders, including Muhammad al-Deif and Yahya al-Sinwar, and two accused of financing the movement. A speech by Egypts representative to the United Nations during the Security Council session today: "The matter in the Security Council went beyond impotence to obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire. For two months, the Security Council was unable to reach a ceasefire. Settlers' crimes are escalating in the West Bank under the watchful eye of the Israeli army. The Arab Group calls on the Security Council to do its duty regarding calls for a ceasefire. Demanding the entry of aid and the opening of the crossings is not a plea for mercy, but rather an inherent right. A speech by Qatars representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alia Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani: "The GCC countries call on the Security Council to adopt the draft resolution submitted by the Arab Group... We applaud the step of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to resort to Article 99... The Gulf Cooperation Council countries praise the success of the mediation efforts that led to a humanitarian truce... The GCC countries reject any Israeli measures to displace and displace the residents of the Gaza Strip... The Gulf Cooperation Council countries reject any Israeli justifications for its aggression against the Gaza Strip... We call on the international community to increase urgent humanitarian support to the residents of the Gaza Strip". Statements by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Washington: "An immediate cessation of fighting in Gaza is needed, but this does not appear to be a priority for the international community. Everyone did not make sufficient efforts, especially those with influence, and we hope that Washington will make more. The number of civilian casualties in Gaza has increased significantly, and the humanitarian situation is deteriorating. We need an immediate and significant increase in humanitarian aid in Gaza. There must be a reliable road map to establish a Palestinian state." Statements by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi from Washington: "This war will not bring peace and security to Israel, but rather will be a path to more wars and destruction. Our priority is to stop the escalation, and we call on the Security Council to approve the draft resolution to stop military operations. If the Security Council fails to act today, it will give Israel license to continue its masscre. The situation in the West Bank is boiling. The Palestinians are the ones who decide their fate and the type of government they want." The French delegate to the Security Council said that his country renews its call for a new and immediate humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip, leading to a permanent ceasefire. For her part, the British delegate stressed the need to work to agree on more urgently needed humanitarian truces, and called for building on the pivotal work of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, in reference to the efforts made by those countries to reach a previous truce that lasted 7 days. China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, announced that his country is deeply disappointed by the United States' use of its veto power against a draft resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. We express our deep disappointment and regret that the United States vetoed the project, Zhang Jun said. He added: "Two months of fighting left an unprecedented number of deaths and destruction... and an immediate ceasefire is a very important demand." The UN Security Council failed to pass a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after the United States used its veto against the resolution. The final results of the voting process on the resolution were: 13 countries voted in favor of the resolution, except for Britain, which abstained from voting, and the United States, which used its veto power against the resolution. The draft resolution called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for humanitarian reasons. The draft also stresses the need for the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees and to ensure the arrival of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. For his part, the US Deputy Representative to the Security Council, Robert Wood, said that the United States used its veto against the draft resolution because it does not condemn the Hamas movement and does not confirm Israel's right to defend itself. Russian Deputy Representative to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyansky, stated that the United States prohibits the Security Council from intervening to resolve the crisis in Gaza, and the results of this diplomacy are a graveyard for Palestinian children in Gaza. He added: "By obstructing reaching a ceasefire, the United States condemned tens of thousands of civilians in Palestine to death before our eyes, and American diplomacy left behind a scorched earth and destruction." Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority, expressed his readiness to revive the Authority, carry out reforms in it, and hold general elections. In an interview with Reuters, Abbas confirmed his always stated position of preferring negotiations over armed resistance to end the occupation. Abbas's statements came days after the White House announced, last Wednesday, that Phil Gordon, US Vice President's National Security Advisor, discussed with Palestinian officials in Ramallah the "revitalization" of the Palestinian Authority. He stressed that the Palestinian Authority, which is revitalized, must be able to govern the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. Human Rights Council legal activist Rania Madi, who works with an international organization at the United Nations, confirmed that targeting doctors in the Gaza Strip during the war constitutes an assassination. Rania told Al Jazeera Net, "The Fourth Geneva Convention and the Two Additional Protocols included the medical team and its workers, even ambulance drivers and everyone who helps the wounded, and provided them with protection. The agreement stated that the two conflicting parties must inform each other before the fighting begins of the places where the hospitals are located." She explained that international humanitarian law stipulates that medical units should not be violated, but rather protected in accordance with Article 2 of the 1977 Protocol. Axis of Resistance The Tehran Friday preacher, Hojjat al-Islam Ahmed Khatami, confirmed that what the resistance did was a natural reaction to the crimes of the Zionist entity over the course of 75 years. The Tehran Friday preacher said , Our hearts ache from this brutality of the Zionists. He explained that our strategy since the beginning of the revolution was for Israel to leave the region and for all of Palestine to be the property of the Palestinians. We also believe in the necessity of holding a referendum among the original inhabitants of Palestine to determine its political system, and thus the people. The Palestinian is the one who must decide his fate. He added, 75 years have passed since the crimes of the Zionist entity , and today the world has realized the reality of this strategy. Even in Britain, which played a role in establishing this entity, thousands are chanting slogans of death to "Israel." He continued, one day the US Secretary of State was talking about the new Middle East, but today the new Middle East has been formed on the basis of resistance by changing all equations. Today, we see Yemen holding the reins of power in Bab al-Mandab, the Popular Mobilization Forces attacking American bases in Iraq and other American bases in the region, and Hezbollah constantly attacking Israeli bases. That is to say, the new Middle East. He added, what the resistance did and is doing is an example of legitimate defense. This is the natural reaction of the resistance to 75 years of the crimes of the Zionist entity. President of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Sayyed Ebrahim Raisi, referred to the steadfastness of the resistance factions in Palestine and the rest of the Islamic countries, saying that the divine promise is the success of all who strive for the sake of God Almighty, and that America has suffered defeats in all fields so far and that its defeats will follow in the future as well. Raisi stressed in a speech he delivered to the people of the city of Karaj, the capital of Alborz Governorate (west of Tehran), "We will not retreat for a single moment from striving to realize the rights of Muslim peoples." The President of the Islamic Republic referred to his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, Thursday in Moscow, which also touched on the current events in Palestine , and said, I told President Putin, and he supported me, that a resistance movement that does not have any land, sea or air forces has been victorious in Confronting the Zionists and all the support and support their corrupt entity receives. The Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, Brigadier General Sayyed Abd al-Rahim Mousavi, confirmed that the Al-Aqsa Flood operation caused a flood in the region and the world, and that this event seriously threatened the life and survival of the ill-fated Zionist entity, and these people began to feel strongly about the speed of their demise. Major General Mousavi indicated that the masters and partners of the Zionist entity that kills children, led by the criminal America, are striving to rescue this entity and contain the repercussions occurring in the region as a result of the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, but the blow directed by the resistant and powerful people of Gaza to the roots of this entity cannot be restored, and they are only seeking to Remedy and contain the situation. Regarding the ongoing (military) movements in the region, Major General Mousavi said that the Iranian Armed Forces monitor all threats and have comprehensive intelligence control and full readiness to ward off any threat, and that the various scenarios and possibilities have been reviewed and that the Iranian Armed Forces are prepared to deal with them in the best possible way. Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian and Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement, Ziad al-Nakhalah, discussed in a phone call the latest developments on the Palestinian arena. In this phone call, the Iranian Foreign Minister Ziyad Al-Nakhalah reported on the latest Arab, Islamic and Iranian diplomatic moves to support the Palestinian people, including talks between the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian President in Moscow. Amir Abdullahian also stressed the need for immediate and effective action by the international community and responsible international institutions to stop the war crimes committed by the Zionist entity. In turn, the Secretary-General of the Islamic Jihad Movement expressed his thanks for the Arab Islamic efforts and the movements of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and presented a report on the latest field developments and the full readiness of the Palestinian resistance factions to confront the brutal attacks of the Zionist entity and defend the people of Gaza . The American magazine "Newsweek" published a new direct warning from the Iranian-sponsored Al-Nujaba Islamic Resistance Movement in Iraq to US President Joe Biden , calling on him to withdraw American forces from the region. The magazine quoted the head of the movement's political council, Ali Al-Asadi, as warning in an exclusive interview with it, which it described as rare, in which he said that his message to Biden is to withdraw his forces from the region and preserve what remains of them, or bear the consequences and withdraw in humiliation as a result of the strikes of the Axis of Resistance, and the return of his soldiers in scattered pieces to their families. The magazine reported that Harakat al-Nujaba is one of several factions operating under the banner of what is known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which has announced more than 75 missile and drone attacks against American forces in Iraq and Syria since the Israeli war in Gaza on October 7. Al-Asadi said, The truth is that the Al-Nujaba Movement and the Resistance Axis have set an escalation schedule with the war led directly by the United States , and there will be surprises that America did not expect from the Resistance Axis. The Axis has arranged its situation to fight a long-term battle, and we believe that America is now going through its weakest state, and it does not have ability to negotiate. Al-Asadi raised the case of Yemen in particular, where US warships faced missiles and drones launched towards Israel by another powerful faction of the axis of resistance, the Houthi movement . Here, Newsweek reported, Al-Assadi said that American officials are begging and offering temptations in order to restrain the axis towards war, and all their temptations have failed. Al-Asadi summarized the goals of their armed campaign, saying, "It aims to create public opinion against the brutal massacres committed by the gangs of the Zionist entity, and to put pressure on the political and military sides in order to reduce the pressure on our people in Gaza , as well as to strike the Zionist-American project." Regarding the Al-Nujaba Movements relationship with partner forces in the region, including the Islamic Resistance in Iraq and Iran , Al-Asadi said, Cooperation between the movement and the axis of resistance has reached the highest levels. Al-Asadi said, "Coordination of positions continues, and the arenas are united at the internal Iraqi level, as well as the rest of the Axis countries." Newsweek reported that there are still up to 2,500 American soldiers in Iraq as part of a permanent security agreement signed with this country, within the framework of the international coalition against ISIS . Director General of the Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip, Munir Al-Bursh, suggests that doctors are suspected of being assassinated during the ongoing Israeli war on the Strip since October 7, 2023. He says, "The most important component of life in the Gaza Strip is the health aspect, and the occupation wanted to deprive Gaza of an element of safety, which is public health, by targeting doctors, killing hope in people's souls, and pushing them to migrate and displace." He explains that the Gaza Strip needs 35 years to compensate for the doctors who were martyred, especially those with specific specialties. For his part, the head of the Palestinian Doctors Syndicate, Dr. Shawqi Sabha, concluded that Israel had indeed carried out intentional assassinations against the most prominent and experienced Palestinian doctors in the Gaza Strip. He stressed that the targeted doctors in Gaza have specific specializations and are known to have distinguished professions Director of the Medical Imaging Unit at the Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Abbas, says that the Israeli occupation treated medical teams in the Gaza Strip as military targets, in flagrant violation of the International Geneva Convention, which provided protection for doctors and hospitals. According to Abbas, the Israeli occupation targeted x-ray technicians working in the Ministry of Health, killing the most prominent x-ray technician, Ibrahim Labad, and arresting another through the checkpoint it placed on the Salah al-Din Road linking the north and south of the Gaza Strip. Dr. Ghassan Abu Sitta - who worked during the last war in the Baptist and Shifa hospitals - saw the Israeli military behavior towards Palestinian doctors in Gaza as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign. He said during a lecture he gave on December 5 at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Targeting the health sector is part of (the process of) creating a disaster. He explained, saying: In my opinion, the bodies of premature babies left in Al-Nasr Hospital were not a mistake, but were essential in the showy method of killing, after which ambulances and medical teams were struck, and more than 280 were killed in a systematic manner by targeting them the moment they returned to their homes; all of this was for the purpose. "It created a catastrophe that continues the process of ethnic cleansing after the war." The imprisoned leader of the Palestinian National Liberation Movement "Fatah", Marwan Barghouti, sent a message to the cadres of the "Fatah" movement, the Palestinian people, and the Authority's security services. In a press statement carried by the Quds Press network, prisoner Marwan Barghouti said: O our great Palestinian people, oh our people in the West Bank, here are the winds of liberation rising in the skies of Palestine, and the blood of our people in the Gaza Strip for more than two months has been flowing along with the blood. What is being shed daily in the West Bank at the hands of the criminal occupation, so do not be mere witnesses, but active soldiers in this decisive battle. Barghouti continued: Oh cadres of our giant movement, oh commandos of our youth, Palestine, which has witnessed a long history of steadfastness and resistance, is being exposed today to unprecedented massacres at the hands of the occupation and its settlers, with unlimited American and Western support, and in the face of this momentous event, we are required, oh our people, to... The West Bank must stand together to defend and attack with all the power, capabilities and tools we have available to deter the occupation and break its will. The current war does not exclude anyone, so our action as a gift of one man will make a difference in this fateful battle for the history of our people. He added: Let the anniversary of the First Intifada on December 8th be a turning point and the beginning of an escalating state of engagement with the Israeli enemy, in every place that expects it and does not expect it, and with whatever tools and capabilities are available, whether simple or great. We call for a complete wraparound around the option of comprehensive resistance and its activation in all areas. All the occupied Palestinian territories to repel the brutal attacks on our people, our land, and our rights, and to defend our women who are being subjected to the occupation. Barghouti also called on the Palestinian Authoritys security services to be at the forefront of confronting the Israeli aggression that is shedding Palestinian blood in every city and village, with the weapons and training you possess, each in its place. There is no excuse for anyone not to participate in any chapter of the liberation battle, so we call upon your patriotism, honorable ones. To do your duty and defend your land, your honor, and your people, stressing that the time to wait has passed, and the time has come for steadfastness, confrontation, and liberation. Let us make every Palestinian home a stronghold for the revolution, and every individual a soldier on the battlefield. Let us unite and prove to the whole world that we are a force that cannot be broken. In this extended battle and the heroic epic created by the resistance, a new stage is inaugurated in the history of our people and in the record of our nation. Prisoner Barghouti concluded his statement by saying: The blood of our children, women, elders, and resistance heroes will pave the way to freedom, return, and independence. Peoples are only liberated through sacrifices and do not achieve independence except through struggle, resistance, and sacrifice. "After Friday prayers, no voice is louder than the sound of the battle, and whatever is far from the battle, its voice echoes back to support it". Thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank went out in massive demonstrations in support of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip , who are being subjected to a process of genocide and displacement that exceeded the limits of human reason. The demonstrations called for an end to the killing in the Strip and the prosecution of the occupiers as war criminals. In the West Bank, the scene is repeated, either of martyrs mourning on their palms, or of demonstrations raising Gazas voice and conveying it to the world, but a world governed by different standards and global arrogance forces the Palestinians to scratch the skin with their fingernails and raise their voices themselves, perhaps the peoples rising up with the Palestinian cause will influence their leaders. Allied for Democracy US Deputy Representative to the Security Council stated: Calls for an immediate ceasefire will only sow the seeds of the next war. We seek a future in which Hamas does not exist. We strongly support lasting peace, but do not support calls for an immediate ceasefire. Hamas remains a threat to Israel, and remains responsible for Gaza. American sources said that US President Joe Biden has set a deadline to end the Israeli war on Gaza , while US intelligence believes that Israel has ignored American calls for restraint in its ongoing operation since the seventh of last October. The Politico website quoted three Israeli officials as saying that the US President's administration gave Israel until the end of the year to end its war on the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ). One of the officials explained that the US administration advised Israel not to go to Gaza, but the administration of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored that and proceeded with its plans to penetrate the Strip. Biden spoke by phone yesterday with Netanyahu, and the White House said that the US President stressed the urgent need to protect civilians and separate the civilian population from Hamas, including by corridors that allow people to safely exit the designated areas where hostilities are taking place. At a time when Washington is demanding that Tel Aviv reduce human losses in the second phase of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip , shipments of American weapons have not stopped arriving daily in Israel. The announcement by the Israeli Ministry of Defense that it has received 10,000 tons of weapons and equipment, since the start of the American airlift without stopping on October 10, represents a reminder of American policy. In the face of the high death toll as a result of the renewed Israeli attack on southern Gaza, the administration of US President Joe Biden is trying to pressure Israel to reduce casualties, including providing corridors and safe areas for civilians. However, the presidents administration did not indicate any deterrent measures that it might have to resort to to put pressure on Israel, such as threatening to restrict military aid. Although the Secretaries of State and Defense, and before them President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, publicly urged Israel to avoid heavy civilian casualties resulting from its attacks, Israel ignores these calls and has not changed the strategy of its aggression against southern Gaza, which leads to the death of several hundred civilians daily. In statements to ABC News, an American official said, The idea of reducing military support for Israel would entail great risks, and when you start reducing aid to Israel, you encourage other parties to enter the conflict, weaken the deterrent effect, and encourage other enemies of Israel. Khaled Al-Jundi, director of the Palestine and Israel Program at the Middle East Institute, mocked the Biden administrations neglect of condemning Israel for killing thousands of innocent civilians. He also said, "They still do not understand that all the killing and destruction that is happening is not an accident. On the contrary, it is an intentional act." For his part, Ambassador David Mack, the former US Assistant Secretary of State for Middle Eastern Affairs, who previously worked at his countrys consulate in Jerusalem, pointed out that Bidens commitment throughout his life to the idea that the United States influence with Israel is greater when it keeps Israel close, at least publicly. In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Mac indicated that Biden's current position "undermines two other foreign policy principles that Biden had announced during his 2020 election campaign. The first is the importance of a rules-based international order, and the second is the pledge that American foreign policy will be guided by moral values." Ambassador Mack considered that Bidens position contradicts the position of groups that contributed strongly to his victory in the 2020 elections, such as young voters, progressives, and non-Jewish minorities. It is certain that Biden is now speaking more strictly with Netanyahu compared to what he was in the first weeks after October 7. But Biden still needs to be strict in his public statements, especially in accepting the imposition of conditions on American aid to Israel. In the pages of Foreign Policy magazine, Steve Simon and Aaron David Miller, former White House and State Department officials, stated that after Biden linked Washingtons policy to Israels war goals of eliminating Hamas, Biden now finds himself in a dilemma. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the massive rise in The number of deaths and suffering among the civilian population in Gaza undermines the credibility of the United States at home, in the Arab and Islamic world, and in the international community. In the next stage, the success or failure of American policy may depend on whether Biden is able to reshape the Israeli military campaign, alleviate the humanitarian situation, and engage Israel and other partners in reaching a workable plan for post-war Gaza", according to the same source. In an interview with Al Jazeera Net, Diana Greenwald, a professor of political science at the City University of New York and an expert on the issue of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, stated that President Biden, who is facing a difficult re-election process, will not take the initiative to impose conditions on American aid to Israel, unless he is convinced that his political survival... Depends on doing that. An increasing number of senators called on President Bidens administration to take practical steps to increase control over American weapons granted to Israel in order to limit civilian harm in Gaza. In a letter to the White House, a group of Democratic senators, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Tim Kaine, argued that we must ensure accountability for the use of American weapons that we provided to our Israeli ally. This came at a time when Congress is considering a large spending package that includes new military aid to Israel worth $14 billion, with a complete absence of the traditional transparency requirements associated with providing military aid to foreign countries, which represents a complete contradiction with the detailed information provided by the Biden administration about the aid provided to Ukraine. The senators also raised concerns about specific weapons that Washington continues to supply to Israel, including artillery shells that have been used in alleged indiscriminate attacks against civilians. Matthew Doss, Executive Vice President of the Center for International Policy, who previously worked as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders, told Al Jazeera Net: "The Biden administration will allow the Israelis to basically do whatever they want, with a little pressure here and there to stop killing so many civilians." Regarding the continued provision of weapons and ammunition to Israel in violation of some American laws, Doss stressed that the United States has double standards when it comes to Israel, and for this specific reason, and in contrast to the Ukrainian case, sending American weapons to Israel is surrounded by a lot of secrecy. The president of Harvard University has issued a public apology for comments she made during a congressional hearing on anti-Semitism on American campuses, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The details of the incident go back to Tuesday, when Claudine Gay, who has been president of the American University of Harvard since July 2023, was asked whether the calls for genocide of Jews were a violation of Harvards code of conduct. Her answer did not contain direct approval. Im sorry, Gay said in an interview published on Friday by the universitys student newspaper, the Harvard Crimson. She added: "I had to have my mind at that moment to return to the truth that guides me, which is that calls for violence against our Jewish community and threats directed at our Jewish students have no place at Harvard University, and will not go unchallenged." Guy and the other two participants in the five-hour hearing, the presidents of the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), faced sharp criticism for their responses to questions from Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. Stefanik, who studied at Harvard, called on the presidents of these universities to resign, and announced on Wednesday that the House Education Committee will open a formal investigation in Congress against the three universities, with the authority to issue subpoenas. When university presidents were asked whether calling for genocide against the Jews violated their universitys code of conduct, they replied that it depends on the context in which it comes. When speech turns into behavior that violates our policies, including policies against bullying, harassment, or intimidation, we take action, Gay said. The Democratic and Republican parties joined in rebuking the presidents of the three universities, while President Joe Biden issued a statement in which he considered that calls for genocide are brutal and contradict everything we stand for as a country. According to hacked police files, US law enforcement agencies received direct analysis of incidents in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle from Israeli occupation forces and think tanks, training on what they call domestic "Muslim extremists" from pro-Israeli non-profit organizations. This included the surveillance of pro-Palestine activists' social media accounts in the US. The analysis of documents from the BlueLeaks collection of internal law enforcement records by The Guardian found no evidence that this was in any way balanced by intelligence from other Middle Eastern sources or US Muslim community groups. There was even no indication that pro-"Israel" activists were monitored by the US government, unlike pro-Palestine activists. Mike German, a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, former FBI undercover agent, and author of Disrupt, Discredit, and Divide: How the New FBI Damages Democracy, called the findings "frustrating", detailing that the information becomes "an amplifier of disinformation rather than a corrective to that disinformation." In June 2020, self-described hacktivists obtained and released the BlueLeaks collection. It incorporates information from over 200 law enforcement organizations, as well as intelligence distributed by federally supported umbrella groups, such as fusion centers and high-intensity drug-trafficking area (Hidta) initiatives. Of the bodies exposed in the leaks is LA Clear, which, according to its website, provides analytical and case support in narcotics investigations in southern California. Several of its documents included IDF analyses of confrontations in Gaza and the West Bank. In one instance, the archive demonstrates the strong collaboration that exists between several law enforcement agencies and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a pro-"Israel" lobby in the US. Leaked emails show various agencies promoting ADL training sessions for law enforcement employees, and ADL officials are featured as registered guests at fusion center events, with profiles stating that "we facilitate workshops for law enforcement on extremism, hate crime, and (in Washington DC and Israel) counter-terrorism." German expressed that at a time where theres much more public sensitivity to foreign influence in domestic affairs, having a foreign countrys security services aligned with the beat cop on the streets of American neighborhoods is concerning. 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. The HAMAS Government Information Office in Gaza announced that the number of martyrs of the Israeli aggression on Gaza had risen to 17,490 martyrs, including 7,870 children and 6,121 women. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Hamas-run government said more than 4,000 women were among the dead. The number of injured had risen to "more than 56,000", up from 41,316 with varying injuries earlier in the day. The Palestinian Government Media Office in Gaza said the number of missing people had risen to more than 7,500 [ double the 3,750 previously reported], including 1,800 children still under the rubble, including 4,700 children and women. The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced that the number of wounded as 36,000 [previously announced as about 32,000 wounded], 75 percent of them children and women. The Palestinian Ministry of Health explained that the death toll in the West Bank since the beginning of this year has risen to 465, including 257 martyrs since last October 7. Israel revised down the death toll from the October Hamas attacks in southern Israel from 1,400 to 1,200. IDF had said previously it was holding 1,500 bodies of terrorists, a total that now would increas to about 1,700. The number of Israeli soldiers that the IDF admitted were killed in ground battles with the Palestinian resistance reached 92, while the death toll for the Israel forces had risen to 412 soldiers since the beginning of Operation al-Aqsa Flood. At least 7,771 Israelis were injured. The Hebrew newspaper Haaretz revealed that the number of soldiers who were injured since the start of the war reached about a thousand soldiers, noting that 202 soldiers were seriously injured. The army rarely referred to casualties when talking about the deaths of soldiers during battles. According to the same newspaper, this policy differs from what was prevalent in previous wars and military campaigns, during which the army also published the number of its wounded, in addition to publishing other details. The IDF previously announced that more than 260 soldiers had been injured since the start of the ground operation in the Gaza Strip, including 100 in serious condition. Lebanons Health Ministry released its first official casualty numbers in fighting, saying 77 people were killed and 251 wounded since the start of the war on Gaza. Hostages Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy 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 holds 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 has released 110 hostages so far 86 Israelis and 24 foreign nationals. The Al-Qassam Brigades announced the death of an Israeli woman and her two children who were detained by them as a result of a previous Israeli bombing of Gaza. The Israeli army confirmed the deaths of five hostages held in Gaza, saying their families had been informed, and the body of one of them returned to Israel. In recent days, the IDF and Israel police notified the families of the hostages Eliyahu Margalit, Maya Goren, Ronen Engel and Arye Zalmanovitz about their deaths, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said. He also said troops had brought back the body of a fifth person that he identified as Ofir Tsarfati. Hagari said Gaza militants were still holding 136 hostages, among them 17 women and children. Before the release of the sixth batch of Israelis detained in Gaza, Israeli government spokesman Elon Levy said that 161 Israelis are still detained in the Strip [al-Jazeera reported "more than 100 prisoners" remain with the resistance]. Levy added that Israel has prepared a list of 50 Palestinian detainees to be released if Hamas continues to release detainees. At least 76, and possibly more than 80, hostages had been released by Hamas over six days of a cease-fire. During the pause, Hamas fighters released 60 Israeli women and children. In return, Israel released 180 security detainees from its prisons, all of them women and minors under the age of 19. Hamas also separately released 19 foreign hostages, most of them Thai farm workers, under separate agreements parallel to the truce agreement. Thirty children held by Gazan terrorists have been released as part of a four-day ceasefire deal with Hamas that began Friday, but 10 still remain in the Strip. The terror group has said it planned to release 20 more hostages as part of a two-day extension to the deal. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the Biden administration believes eight or nine more Americans are still being held but the U.S. does not have "solid information on each and every one of them." Perhaps 100 are Israeli civilians. 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. By one account 236 confirmed abducted civilians and IDF soldiers. 18 of the abductees are elderly people aged 75 and older. 121 of the abductees have foreign citizenship (including dual citizenship). Conflicting estimates were provided regarding the number of Thai nationals still in captivity. The Wall Street Journal reported 25 November 2023 that Hamas is interested in releasing 23 Thai citizens during the four days of the ceasefire, mediated by Iran. On the other hand, the Thai Foreign Ministry claimed 20 more citizens who are held captive by Hamas, and that four of the ten who were released were not included in the number initially estimated. 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 Prisoners' Affairs Authority and the Palestinian Prisoners' Club announced that the occupation forces arrested about 60 Palestinians, including former prisoners, since dawn on Monday, bringing the total number of detainees in the West Bank to 3,540 since last October 7. Israel said that, since the beginning of the war, approximately 2,200 wanted persons have been arrested throughout the Judea and Samaria Division and the Bekaa and Valleys Division, approximately 1,175 of whom are associated with the terrorist organization Hamas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 07 December 2023 - Day 652 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 on 1 December 2023, a new intake of Russian officers started their studies at the Russian General Staff Academy. The Russian MOD announced that over 60% of the intake has combat experience. Although it was not specified, the majority have likely gained this experience in Ukraine since 2022. Students at the academy typically rank between Major and General-Major (equivalent to a one-star General in the NATO system) and are earmarked as having the potential for senior command. While a high proportion of some specialists, such as pilots, deployed on operations in Syria, the Ukraine war means combat experience is now more widespread across this mid-level cadre of Russian officers. Over the coming years, this generation is likely to exert major influence over the future direction of Russia's military and whether it implements lessons learned from the war in Ukraine. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of December 7, there were 56x combat engagements. Russian forces launched a total of 3x missile strikes, 39x air strikes, 27x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. The Russian occupiers launched another attack on Ukraine using 14x UAVs of the Shahed-136/131 type, 12x Russian drones were destroyed. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have resulted in civilian injuries. Private residential buildings as well as other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of Belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Russia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Around 25x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Klyusy, Mykhal'chyna Sloboda (Chernihiv oblast), Fotovyzh, Vovkivka, Volfyne, Yastrubyne, Basivka, Mohrytsya (Sumy oblast), Udy, Kozacha Lopan', Lyptsi, Starytsya, Okhrimivka (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x Russian attacks in the vicinity of Syn'kivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike near Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, Ivanivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled all attacks of the Russian invaders who attempted to force Ukrainian units out of their positions in the vicinity of Terny (Donetsk oblast). Moreover, Russian forces launched an air strike in the area of Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast). The Russian occupiers fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Spirne, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 19x attacks near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka and Andriivka (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements, including Markove, Chasiv Yar, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, New York (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Avdiivka axis: Ukrainian defenders repelled 15x attacks in the area east of Novobakhmutivka, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, with air support, was making unsuccessful attempts to breach Ukrainian defenses. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Berdychi, Stepove, Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Karlivka, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: Ukrainian defense forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast), where Russian forces, with air support, launched 5x attacks on positions of Ukrainian defenders. The settlements of Hostre, Heorhiivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast) were under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian occupiers. Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. Around 10x settlements, including Vodyane, Vuhledar, Staromaiors'ke, Urozhaine, Zelene Pole (Donetsk oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Zaporizhzhia axis: Ukrainian defense forces repelled 6x Russian attacks west of Verbove and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Kopani (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements, including Levadne, Malynivka, Verkhnya Tersa, Charivne, Novoandriivka, Kam'yans'ke (Zaporizhzhia oblast), came under artillery and mortar fire. Kherson axis: Russian forces fired artillery at the settlements of Shlyakhove, Vesele, Mykolaivka, Tyahynka, cities of Kherson and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast). Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold their ground on the left bank of the Dnipro River (Kherson oblast) and inflict fire on the Russian forces. During the day of December 7, Ukrainian Air Force launched 5x strikes on concentrations of troops, weapons and military equipment of the Russian occupiers. Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian invaders. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces jointly with helicopters and artillery repelled five attacks of assault groups of the AFU 41st mechanised and 57th motorised infantry brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Lake Liman. The enemy's losses amounted to up to 75 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, four armoured personnel carriers, two pickup trucks, one German-made Panzerhaubitze self-propelled artillery system, one U.S.-made M198 howitzer, and one D-30 gun. In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units jointly with artillery repelled two attacks launched by the 24th Mechanised Brigade and 44th Separate Rifle Battalion of the AFU close to Dzerzhinsk and Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Up to 280 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles were neutralised. Two U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery systems were hit during counter-battery warfare. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery repelled two attacks launched by assault groups of the 67th Mechanised Brigade (AFU) near Kleshcheyevka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy has lost up to 175 Ukrainian personnel, as well as three armoured fighting vehicles, and two motor vehicles during the day. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, two Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one D-30 howitzer, and one U.S-made M119 gun were hit. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by ground-attack aircraft, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 23rd mechanised, 58th motorised infantry, and 128th territorial defence brigades near Sladkoye, Nikolskoye, and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 160 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and one U.S.-made M777 artillery system. In Zaporozhye direction, units of the Russian Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery struck clusters of manpower of the AFU 33th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region). The enemy's losses amounted to 60 troops, two motor vehicles, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems. In Kherson direction, Russian troops, artillery fire, and air strikes defeated the enemy near Chervony Mayak (Kherson region). The enemy's losses in manpower amounted to up to 65 troops killed and wounded. In addition, two motor vehicles and one Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system were hit. Operational-Tactical and Army Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation hit command and observation posts of the AFU 67th mechanised, 100th territorial defence, and 12th special forces brigades near Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic), as well as ammunition and armament depots, manpower, and military hardware in 121 areas. Air defence units shot down one Ukrainian Su-25 aircraft near Vesyolaya Gora (Donetsk People's Republic). Moreover, one HIMARS MLRS projectile and one HARM anti-radiation missile manufactured in the USA were intercepted. In addition, 27 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Verkhnekamenka, Mankovka (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka and Soledar (Donetsk People's Republic). In total, 550 airplanes and 257 helicopters, 9,568 unmanned aerial vehicles, 442 air defence missile systems, 13,870 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,188 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 7,268 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 16,011 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of the securities of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (NYSE American: BRBS) between March 10, 2023 and October 31, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 5, 2024 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Blue Ridge securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Blue Ridge class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20587 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 5, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc.s financial statements from March 10, 2023 to the present included certain errors; (2) as a result, Blue Ridge Bankshares would need to restate its previously filed financial statements from March 10, 2023 to October 31, 2023; and (3) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Blue Ridge class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=20587 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firms attorneys are ranked and recognized by numerous independent and respected sources. Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 lrosen@rosenlegal.com pkim@rosenlegal.com cases@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses LOS ANGELES, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises National Instruments Corporation (NATI )investors that a lawsuit was filed on behalf of investors that purchased NATI securities before Jan. 17, 2023 below the acquisition price. (Investors who sold NATI from May 25, 2022 Jan. 17, 2023) Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 844-767-8529 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses. The inquiry is exploring whether NATI may have deliberately misled investors about offers from Emerson Electric. The complaint against NATI includes allegations of deceiving the investing public about the company's prospects, artificially inflating its stock price, and causing investors to sell shares at artificially low prices. Significant events in this matter include: On January 13, 2023, NATI announced a review of strategic options to maximize shareholder value, adopted a poison pill, and stated that this process might not lead to a specific transaction. However, NATI did not disclose that it had already received a substantial acquisition offer from Emerson Electric. The truth emerged on January 17, 2023, when Emerson Electric disclosed a timeline of its previous acquisition proposals to NATI. Emerson revealed its initial offer of $48 per share on May 25, 2023, a subsequent increase to $53 per share on November 3, 2022, and a reiteration of this increased offer on January 11, 2023. Emerson also noted NATI's increased financial guidance in response to its offer, despite facing ongoing challenges. Following Emerson's announcement, NATI's share price soared, reaching as high as $54.69 on January 17, 2023. On April 12, 2023, Emerson announced a definitive agreement to acquire NATI for $60 per share in cash, valuing the company at $8.2 billion. This price represented a nearly 50% premium over NATI's closing price on January 12, 2023. The acquisition was completed on October 11, 2023. Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information. The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq. Admitted CA and NY Bar lesley@portnoylaw.com 310-692-8883 www.portnoylaw.com Attorney Advertising BOSTON, MA, Dec. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ennoventure Inc., a pioneer in anti-counterfeit solutions, has unveiled an advanced brand protection technology designed to bolster legal defenses against brand abuse. This innovative approach marks a significant step forward in the fight against counterfeit products and intellectual property infringements. At the heart of Ennoventure 's solution is the integration of invisible signatures into product packaging, enabling straightforward verification through smartphones. This technology serves as a potent deterrent against counterfeiting and is crucial for preserving the integrity of brands. Key features of the technology include: Proof of Location: The solution provides evidence of fake products' locations using geolocation and timestamps on photos. This helps in determining the duration of the products' circulation, aiding in legal assessments. The solution provides evidence of fake products' locations using geolocation and timestamps on photos. This helps in determining the duration of the products' circulation, aiding in legal assessments. Cost-Effective Approach: Ennoventure's technology minimizes litigation costs by providing irrefutable proof, thereby boosting brands' confidence in pursuing legal actions for favorable outcomes. Ennoventure's technology minimizes litigation costs by providing irrefutable proof, thereby boosting brands' confidence in pursuing legal actions for favorable outcomes. Evidence Timing: Timestamps included in the evidence capture are vital for legal considerations, especially in cases involving unauthorized production by former partners. Timestamps included in the evidence capture are vital for legal considerations, especially in cases involving unauthorized production by former partners. Substantial Evidence in Multiple Cases: The technology offers comprehensive evidence combining photographs with geography-based and time-stamped data, facilitating legal proceedings without any on-field investments. Padmakumar Nair , CEO and Co-founder of Ennoventure Inc., emphasizes the impact of this technology: "Our brand protection solution at Ennoventure stands as a powerful defense for the legal community in the battle against counterfeiting and brand infringements. By integrating invisible signatures into product packaging, we not only facilitate swift evidence gathering but also offer a cost-effective approach to litigation. Our technology provides essential proof of location, evidence timing, and substantial data to support legal proceedings without the need for on-field investments. In essence, we empower legal professionals to target counterfeiters of all sizes, preserving brand integrity and authenticity in the market." This technology is set to be a game-changer for brands seeking legal remedies against counterfeiters. It streamlines the efforts of legal teams, leading to increased damages, reduced logistics, and expedited resolutions. As technology evolves and legal challenges become more complex, Ennoventure Inc. is committed to delivering effective brand protection solutions that uphold fairness and authenticity in the marketplace. The company stands alongside the legal community in combating counterfeiting and brand abuse, providing tools and expertise to ensure a secure and trustworthy future for businesses and consumers. Related Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2022/08/29/new-ai-cryptographic-technology-can-help-combat-counterfeiting/ About Ennoventure Inc. Ennoventure Inc. is a SaaS-based company that is leading the packaging revolution with its anti-counterfeit and brand protection solutions for diverse industry segments including FMCG, automotive spare parts and agrochemicals. With the power of AI and cryptography, Ennoventure's technology validates product packages and makes them smart and connected, thereby empowering stakeholders in the supply chain, along with end consumers. The company is based in Massachusetts, USA, with an R&D center in Bangalore, India. Social Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ennoventure/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ennoventure/ X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/ennoventure LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ennoventure/ Media Contact Brand: Ennoventure Inc. Email: info@ennoventure.com Telephone: +1 617 475 1615 Website: https://ennoventure.com/ Head Office: One Broadway, 14th floor, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA 8 December 2023, 08:40 CET ArcelorMittal (the Company) today announces it has completed the sale of ArcelorMittal Temirtau, its Kazakh steel and mining operation, to the Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC), a state-controlled direct investment fund. ArcelorMittal and the Government of Kazakhstan had been in discussion for some months to agree on a sustainable path forward for the integrated steelmaking asset, located in the Karaganda region. Under the terms of the transaction, on closing ArcelorMittal has received consideration of $286 million and a further $250 million as repayment of outstanding intra-group dues. ArcelorMittal will also receive an additional sovereign-fund guaranteed payment of $450 million, paid in four equal annual instalments, as repayment of an intra-group loan. All ArcelorMittal Temirtau assets (please refer to the Companys consolidated accounts and third quarter 2023 earnings release) have been transferred on an as is operational basis, meaning QIC has now assumed control and accountability for ArcelorMittal Temirtaus operations, which will be renamed. ArcelorMittal has also made a donation of approximately $35 million to the Kazakhstan Khalkyna Foundation, focused on healthcare and education projects in the Karaganda region. ENDS About ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 16 countries. In 2022, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $79.8 billion and crude steel production of 59 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 50.9 million metric tonnes. Our purpose is to produce ever smarter steels that have a positive benefit for people and planet. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS). For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit: http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/ NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA, HONG KONG, JAPAN OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL OR WOULD REQUIRE REGISTRATION OR OTHER MEASURES Oslo, 8 December 2023 - Reference is made to (i) the announcement made by BW Sirocco Holdings AS (the "Offeror) on 9 November 2023 regarding a recommended voluntary offer to acquire all the issued and outstanding shares (the "Shares") in BW Ideol AS ("BW Ideol" or the "Company"), not already held by the Initiating Shareholders (as defined in the Offer Document), at an offer price of NOK 12 per Share (the "Offer Price"), to be settled in cash or shares in the Offeror (the "Offer"), as further described in the combined offer document and national prospectus (the "Offer Document"), (ii) the announcement on 14 November regarding the publication of the Offer Document and commencement of the offer period under the offer (the "Offer Period"), (iii) the announcement on 28 November 2023 regarding the extension of the Offer Period and that the Offeror had received binding acceptances in excess of 90% of the Shares and that the condition for minimum acceptances had been fulfilled, (iv) the announcement on 30 November 2023 regarding the end of the Offer Period and final level of acceptances of the offer and (v) the announcement 7 December 2023 regarding completion and settlement of the Offer. The Offeror hereby announces that the board of directors of the Offeror on 7 December 2023 resolved to carry out the Compulsory Acquisition of the remaining Shares in BW Ideol not owned by the Offeror pursuant to Section 4-26 of the Norwegian Private Companies Act against a price equal to the cash consideration of NOK 12 per Share. As a consequence, the Offeror has assumed ownership of all the shares in BW Ideol. The total consideration offered under the compulsory acquisition is NOK 18,119,568. The amount has been deposited on a separate bank account with DNB Bank ASA in accordance with section 4-26 (5) of the Norwegian Private Companies Act. The deadline for the former shareholders to raise objections to or reject the offer is 8 February 2024. Shareholders who does not reject the offer before the expiry of the deadline will be deemed to have accepted the offer. A notice regarding the offer will be made in writing to all former shareholders of BW Ideol with known address. In addition, the compulsory acquisition will be announced in the Norwegian Register og Business Enterprises' electronic bulletin for public announcements. As a consequence of the Offeror having assumed ownership of alle the shares in BW Ideol, and as further described in section 5.2.15 (Delisting of the BW Ideol Shares) of the Offer Document, the Offeror will propose to the general meeting of BW Ideol to apply to Oslo Brs for the delisting of the BW Ideol Shares from Euronext Growth. A separate stock exchange announcement will be published regarding the timing of the delisting. ADVISORS Danske Bank, Norwegian Branch, is acting as financial advisor to the Offeror and receiving agent for the Offer. Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is acting as legal advisor to the Offeror. For further information, please contact: BW Ideol AS Nicolas de Kerangal (Chief Financial & Partnerships Officer) +33 (0) 7 76 87 70 08 / ir@bw-ideol.com BW Sirocco Holdings AS Anders S. Platou (Chief Strategy Officer BW Offshore Limited) +47 99 71 86 55 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. IMPORTANT NOTICE It may be unlawful to distribute this announcement in certain jurisdictions. This announcement is not for distribution in Australia, Canada, the Hong Kong special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, Japan, South Africa, the United States or to any other jurisdiction where such distribution would be unlawful. The information in this announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in such jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this release comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute an offer for sale of, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the United States. The Offer or Consideration Shares referred to in this release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. The information contained in this announcement is for informational purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. The Offeror does not intend to conduct a public offering in the United States and is relying on exemptions from registration. The Offer will be made to shareholders in the United States in compliance with applicable U.S. securities laws and regulations, including Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Copies of this announcement are not being, and should not be, distributed in or sent into the United States. In the United Kingdom, this announcement is for distribution only to and is directed only at persons who (i) have professional experience in matters relating to investments which fall within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc") of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This announcement is directed only at relevant persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not relevant persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. This announcement has been prepared on the basis that any offer of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) (2017/1129, as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation") (each, a "Relevant Member State") will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Regulation, as implemented in that Relevant Member State, from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of securities. Accordingly, any person making or intending to make any offer in that Relevant Member State of securities, which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this announcement, may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Offeror to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Regulation, in each case, in relation to such offer. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of the advisors have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of the securities through any financial intermediary, other than offers made by the Offeror which constitute the final placement of the securities contemplated in this announcement. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of the advisors have authorised, nor do they authorise, the making of any offer of securities in circumstances in which an obligation arises to publish or supplement a prospectus for such offer. This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws and regulations of various international, federal, and state jurisdictions. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding the Offer or the future plans and objectives of the Offeror or the Company are forward- looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor any of their advisors and/or any of their affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents or any other person(s) accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from this announcement) or any other information relating the Offer, the Offeror or the Company. The issue, subscription or purchase of shares in the Offeror is subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Neither the Offeror, the Company nor their advisors assume any responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. The release is not for publication or distribution, in whole or in part directly or indirectly, in or into United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful. This release is an announcement issued pursuant to legal information obligations, and is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. It is issued for information purposes only, and does not constitute or form part of any offer to sell or purchase, or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act"). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act. The Offeror does not intend to register any portion of the offering of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of the securities in the United States. Copies of this announcement are not being made and may not be distributed or sent into Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States. Pune, India, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market Size was valued at USD 1.58 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 4.21 billion by 2030 exhibiting a CAGR of 13.1% during forecast period. Technological developments for enhanced diagnosis outcomes and increasing adoption of hyperspectral imaging systems are posing as driving factors in the market. Technological developments to eliminate the potential challenges associated with the imaging techniques are anticipated to drive market growth. This information is provided by Fortune Business Insights in its research report titled Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market, 2023-2030. Key Industry Development- August 2021- Resonon Inc. announced the launch of an ultraviolet plus visible hyperspectral camera with push broom modality called Pika NUV2. Request a Free Sample PDF https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/medical-hyperspectral-imaging-market-107460 Key Takeaways Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market size in North America was USD 0.79 billion in 2022 Increasing Prevalence of Cancer to Boost Market Growth Increasing Research to Explore Medical Applications will Contribute to Market Growth The hyperspectral camera segment is expected to hold a major market share during the projected period. Discover the Leading Players Featured in the Report- Imec (Belgium) Specim (Konica Minolta, Inc.) (Japan) BaySpec, Inc. (U.S.) Resonon Inc. (U.S.) Headwall Photonics (U.S.) HyperMed Imaging, Inc. (U.S.) XIMEA GmbH (Germany) Cubert (Germany) Diaspective Vision (Germany) ClydeHSI (U.K.) Report Scope & Segmentation: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 Forecast Period 2023 to 2030 CAGR 13.1% 2030 Value Projection USD 4.21 Billion Base Year 2022 Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market Size in 2022 USD 1.58 Billion Historical Data for 2019 to 2021 No. of Pages 140 Segments covered Service, Service Provider and Geography Browse Complete Report Details- https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/medical-hyperspectral-imaging-market-107460 Drivers & Restraints: Increasing Number of Research Activities for Exploration of Medical Applications to Boost Market Trajectory Increasing number of research activities for the exploration of medical applications is anticipated to drive the medical hyperspectral imaging market growth. Uses of hyperspectral systems in the medical field are still in the exploratory phase. A research study published in Springer Nature in January 2023 has revealed that hyperspectral imaging is a reasonable approach for quantifying systemic sclerosis-associated Raynaud phenomenon in the clinical setting. As it is a non-invasive technique, it measures oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentrations and oxygen saturation in the skin and showcases data as oxygenation heat maps. However, complexity of data requires huge storage spaces, which is estimated to limit the market growth. Segmentation: By Component Hyperspectral Cameras Accessories By Modality Push Broom Snapshot Others By Application Quality Assurance & Drug Testing Medical Diagnostics Others By End User Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Companies Research Institutes & Organizations Others Regional Insights: North America to Lead Market Share with Highest Market Valuation North America is expected to govern the medical hyperspectral imaging market share with valuation of USD 0.79 billion in 2022. It is also expected to dominate the market share due to technological developments and high cases of cancer . Europe is also expected to have a substantial CAGR with the increasing number of public and private investments in R&D and technological advancements. Asia Pacific is anticipated to have a strong CAGR due to increasing awareness about the use of hyperspectral imaging in the healthcare industry and rising funding. Quick Buy - Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market Research Report: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/107460 Competitive Landscape: ClydeHSI Announced a Partnership with BK Instruments for Technical Assistance Key medical hyperspectral imaging players, such as Imec, Specim, BaySpec, Inc., and Resonon Inc., lead the market in 2022. Imec held the largest share in 2022 due to its strong product portfolio for hyperspectral cameras. Imec is involved in collaborations and partnerships for its distribution network. In November 2022, ClydeHSI announced the partnership with BK Instruments to provide all local sales, support, and technical assistance to South Korean customers. FAQs How big is the Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market? Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market size was USD 1.58 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 4.21 billion in 2030. How fast is the Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market growing? The Medical Hyperspectral Imaging Market will exhibit a CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period, 2023-2030. Related Reports: Contract Research Organization (CRO) Services Market Analysis, Global Size and Industry Share Forecast Drug Screening Market Size, Share, Revenue Forecast and Opportunities About Us: Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in. Contact Us: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. US: +1 424 253 0390 UK: +44 2071 939123 APAC: +91 744 740 1245 Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com Attachment Dublin, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Thailand Wood Flooring Market: Market Forecast By Product Types, By Distribution Channel, By Application and Competitive Landscape" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Thailand Wood Flooring Market size is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during 2023-2029. The wood flooring market in Thailand is expected to witness substantial growth, primarily due to the increasing investments in the country's residential and commercial sectors. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Thailand wood flooring market was steadily growing, fueled by the increasing importance of aesthetic decor in both residential and commercial settings. However, the pandemic, which struck in 2020, caused a downturn in the country's construction activities and led to adverse effects on various industries, including the wood flooring market. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several commercial construction projects, such as InterContinental Yao Yai Resort, Grand Mercure Windsor Bangkok, and Movenpick Hotel Kamala Beach Phuket, experienced delays or slowdowns. The impact was widespread, and the construction sector contracted by approximately 8.8% in 2020, making it one of the worst-hit sectors in the Thai economy. Notably, CP Group, the largest conglomerate in Thailand, has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in various projects in Bangkok over the next 5 years. These projects encompass a wide range of properties, including office buildings, hotels, serviced apartments, and condominiums. Additionally, Magnolia Quality Development Corporation (MQDC), a subsidiary of Magnolia Group, has ambitious investment plans of $1.2 billion for residential and commercial ventures in Bangkok and Pattaya over the next 3 years. These projects would include luxury condominiums, hotels, and retail spaces, contributing to the overall demand for wood flooring in the region. Furthermore, Central Pattana PCL has set its sights on investing $500 million in commercial projects across Bangkok, Chonburi, and Phuket within the next 3 years. The projects would involve the development of shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings, leading to generating the demand for wood flooring products in these properties. As a result of these significant investments, the wood flooring market is likely to experience growth as it caters to the requirements of these upcoming and ongoing residential and commercial developments in Thailand. Market by Product Types The engineered wood flooring segment in the Thailand wood flooring industry is expected to witness higher growth compared to solid wood flooring in the upcoming years. This is due to the increasing demand for durable and sustainable flooring options that offer design flexibility and require less maintenance. Market by Distribution Channel Retail stores should be the focused distribution channel as they would grow at the highest rate owing to the consumers' preference as they are able to physically touch the products and choose from a diverse range of varieties. Market by Application Owing to the upcoming residential projects such as Bangna KM29, Omnoi, and Kallapaphruek, the demand for wood flooring would increase in the residential buildings in the coming years. Key Highlights of the Report Thailand Wood Flooring Market Overview Thailand Wood Flooring Market Outlook Thailand Wood Flooring Market Forecast Historical Data and Forecast of Thailand Wood Flooring Market Revenues for the Period 2019-2029F Historical Data and Forecast of Thailand Wood Flooring Market Revenues, By Product Type, for the Period 2019-2029F Historical Data and Forecast of Thailand Wood Flooring Market Revenues, By Distribution Channel, for the Period 2019-2029F Historical Data and Forecast of Thailand Wood Flooring Market Revenues, By Application, for the Period 2019-2029F Market Drivers and Restraints Thailand Wood Flooring Market Trends Industry Life Cycle Porter's Five Force Analysis Market Opportunity Assessment Thailand Wood Flooring Market Revenue Ranking, By Companies Company Profiles Key Strategic Recommendations Company Profiles German Standard Co, Ltd. Arrow Wood Co. LTD Asia Teak Wood Company Limited Thaweephan Wood Products CO., LTD Amber Wood Innovation (Thailand) Co., Ltd Areechai Woodtech Co.,Ltd. Colosio Wood-Den Siam Wood Floor Co., Ltd Pacificwood Co.,Ltd. Market Scope and Segmentation By Product Types Solid Wood Engineered Wood By Distribution Channels Retail Stores Distributors and Wholesalers Builders and Contractors Others (Online, Direct Sales from Manufacturers, Interior Design Firms etc.) By Application Residential Commercial For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ka4vra About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Dublin, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Healthcare Electronic Data Interchange Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Component (Services, Solutions), By Delivery Mode, By End-use (Healthcare Payers, Healthcare Providers), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global healthcare electronic data interchange market size is anticipated to reach USD 9.18 billion by 2030. The market is expected to expand at a lucrative CAGR of 9.6% from 2023 to 2030. The key factors driving the market growth include increasing initiatives by key companies, government support for healthcare IT coupled with a surge in the number of end-users, and increasing adoption of EDI. Healthcare EDI solutions from OSP help reduce administrative expenses, standardize the exchange of patient data, enhance security, and improve accuracy, among other benefits. In 2010, the ObamaCare Act (the Affordable Care Act) was passed in the U.S., which mandated the use of enrolled/dis-enrolled transactions between the payers and providers in the U.S. Implementation of favorable policy such as the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) to provide data privacy and security provisions to protect medical information is anticipated to propel the market growth. Increasing government funding for the EDI-Special Project congressional grants is befitting hospitals and non-profit organizations, thereby expected to foster market growth. A surge in the number of end-users such as payers, providers, pharmaceutical & medical device industries, and others is anticipated to fuel the demand for EDI services or solutions during the market period. The healthcare payers use EDI for the evaluation of insurance claims before their payment settlement, prevention & detection of fraudulent claims to provide rapid services through collaborating with providers in order to gain a competitive advantage. As EDI facilitates secure communication for transmitting information between major healthcare stakeholders- payers, providers, and patients using established standards and message formats, it is estimated to grow notably in the coming years. Healthcare Electronic Data Interchange Market Report Highlights The Healthcare Electronic Data Interchange market was valued at USD 4.41 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. The services segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the rising rate of outsourcing electronic data interchange services by healthcare organizations and increasing demand for scalability and integrity of EDI solutions. The mobile EDI segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 10.4% over the forecast period owing to technological advancements in the healthcare industry and the increasing acceptance of mobile solutions among healthcare providers. North America dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 44.5% in 2022 owing to the higher adoption of Healthcare Information Technology (HCIT), and the presence of major market players such as McKesson Corporation, Optum, Inc.; The SSI Group, LLC; etc. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 130 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $4.41 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $9.18 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.6% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned OSP MCKESSON CORPORATION NXGN Management, LLC Optum, Inc. SSI Group LLC Cleo Oracle Epicor Software Corporation Effective Data DataTrans Solutions For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jt5cg1 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment TOGETHER FOR NET ZERO KEY CLIMATE RELATED COMMITMENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS AT THE UAE PAVILION DURING THE FIRST WEEK AT COP28 Pledges of over $200m towards food systems transformation, agriculture innovation and climate action. Increase in electric vehicle charging stations from 360 to 914 by the end of 2023 and an increase in EVs to 50% of total vehicles on UAE roads by 2050. Announcements included launch of UAE Food Innovation Hub, launch of World Industrial Day and new Climate Action Initiative. Transport, industry and construction sectors to reduce energy demand by 40% and water use by 50% by 2050 and new buildings adhering to the Green Building Code predicted to contribute energy savings of up to 80% by 2030. Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transportation to be electric or hybrid by 2040 before moving to a zero-emission fleet by 2050. Dubai, UAE 8 December 2023: During the first week of COP28, the UAE Pavilion has been a focal point for critical discussions on climate change, hosting informed discourse and collaborative action for the international community. Key climate-related statistics and commitments indicate a proactive, data-driven and milestone led approach to addressing the urgent climate crisis. Notable announcements at the UAE Pavilion at COP28 between 2 December - 6 December 2023 have included: Pledges of over $200m towards food systems transformation, agriculture innovation and climate action Recognizing the Power of Partnership Platforms to Deliver COP28s Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda with HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilions at COP28, Bill Gates, several global leaders and notable stakeholders discussed how three pivotal partnership platforms of Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR), AIM for Climate and Food Systems Technical Cooperation Collaborative , play a crucial role in advancing the sustainable goals of COP28. Recognizing the Power of Partnership Platforms to Deliver COP28s Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda with HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilions at COP28, Bill Gates, several global leaders and notable stakeholders discussed how three pivotal partnership platforms of ( and , play a crucial role in advancing the sustainable goals of COP28. Increase in electric vehicle charging stations from 360 to 914 by the end of 2023 and an increase in EVs to 50% of total vehicles on UAE roads by 2050 Confirmed in a panel discussion on National Demand Side Management In Building and Transportation focused on efforts by the UAE Ministry Of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) towards the built environment Launches included n ew UAE Food Innovation Hub , the sixth hub of its kind in the world and a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Climate Change And Environment (MOCCAE), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and the World Economy Forum (WEF) to transform food systems and increase sustainable resources. and a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Climate Change And Environment (MOCCAE), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), and the World Economy Forum (WEF) to transform food systems and increase sustainable resources. Launch of World Industrial Day and a Climate Action Initiative announced at milestone COP28 special event The Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) . announced at milestone COP28 special event Transport, industry and construction sectors to reduce energy demand by 40% and water use by 50% by 2050, while new buildings adhering to the Green Building Code predicted to contribute energy savings of up to 80% by 2030. Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, confirmed the goals of The National Demand Supply Management Program, part of the National Energy Strategy 2050, Spearheaded by The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), together with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and in alliance with the Emirates Green Building Council and the Climate Champions Team. Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, confirmed the goals of The National Demand Supply Management Program, part of the National Energy Strategy 2050, Spearheaded by The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), together with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and in alliance with the Emirates Green Building Council and the Climate Champions Team. Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) transportation to be electric or hybrid by 2040 before moving to a zero-emission fleet by 2050, reducing environmental impact by the equivalent of 2.1million vehicles per year and operational costs by AED3.3 billion by 2050. The RTA shared details of its Net Zero Emissions Public Transportation 2050 strategy, aligning with local and global environmental goals to transition to a zero-emission network. The strategy includes three pillars of sustainable transportation, infrastructure and waste management. -END- For press inquiries, please contact: NAME: Heba Hemdan NUMBER: +971501635406 EMAIL: heba@wearestickyginger.com For more information about the pavilion and the schedule of events taking place, please visit the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Website , and the COP28 Website About the UAE Pavilion at COP28 Welcome to the UAE Pavilion at COP28, situated within the Blue Zone at COP28 an integral platform to present our nation's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions and encourage the acceleration needed on climate action at this critical moment. The UAE Pavilion at COP28 seeks to cultivate meaningful connections, promote collaboration, and collectively forge solutions that pave the way towards a resilient, low-carbon economy where all of life flourishes. Join us in shaping a sustainable future where every facet of life thrives. Follow along on Instagram and X to learn more: @UAEPavilionCOP LinkedIn: @UAEatCOP Live sessions held at the UAE Pavilion at COP28 can be viewed on the official YouTube channel @UAEatCOP About COP28 The UAE is hosting the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30 to December 12, 2023 at Expo City Dubai to unite the world towards agreement on bold, practical and ambitious solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our time. COP28 is of particular significance as it marks the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake, a comprehensive assessment of the progress made in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The UAE is gathering the world at COP28 UAE to co-create innovative solutions to the worlds most pressing, far-reaching climate challenges. With the declaration of 2023 as the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, the country is proud to host the COP28 UAE conference and more determined to accelerate climate action nationally and globally. Attachment Dublin, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Durable Medical Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Personal Mobility Devices, Monitoring And Therapeutic Devices), By End Use (Hospitals, Nursing Homes), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global durable medical equipment market size is expected to reach USD 331.1 billion and register a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to this report. The market is primarily driven by a rise in chronic diseases, such as kidney failure and cancer. Moreover, technological advancements along with a strong reimbursement scenario are likely to boost the durable medical equipment (DME) market over the forecast period. The growing geriatric population across the globe is likely to contribute to the industry expansion. People aged 60 years or above are more prone to health issues, such as diabetes, mobility issues, Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs), and other lifestyle problems. This creates demand for DME products. However, stringent regulatory guidelines in developed economies and a lack of skilled professionals may limit the market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has initially affected the market due to the shortage of supply of the product. The market players have resulted in a decline in operations, sales, and revenue during the pandemic. The outbreak has temporarily changed the customer's spending habits due to the restrictions imposed by the government. The pandemic has resulted in rising costs of the product and post-sale services for the recovery of financial loss incurred by the market players. The availability of technologically advanced products has also played an important role in positively impacting the growth of the market. Countries such as U.S., UK, and Germany are innovators and early adopters of advanced technologies, thus these are the most important customers for medical device markets with rapid technological innovations. Technological breakthroughs concentrating on increasing efficiency are expected to occur during the forecast period, thereby driving market growth. Durable Medical Equipment Market Report Highlights Monitoring and therapeutic devices emerged as the largest segment owing to the launch of technologically advanced products with more comfort and portability. Home healthcare is anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period as it is less expensive and preferred by aged people. North America led the market with the largest share in 2022 and will witness steady growth in the future on account of the presence of major companies in the region. Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR in the forecast period owing to the presence of a large target population base and improving healthcare facilities. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 120 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $208.5 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $331.1 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.9% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Invacare Corporation Arjohuntleigh Stryker Corporation Hill Rom, Inc. Drive Medical GF Health Products, Inc. Sunrise Medical Medline Industries, Inc. Carex Health Brands, Inc. Becton, Dickinson & Company General Electric Company Medtronic PLC Compass Health Brands Getinge AB Resmed, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/o102u5 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pre-painted Steel Coil Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Metal Buildings, Post-Frame Buildings), By Product (Automotive Buildings, Agriculture Buildings, Aviation Buildings), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global pre-painted steel coil market is expected to reach USD 23.12 billion by 2030., expanding at a CAGR of 8.0% over the forecast period. The market is projected to be driven by its rising penetration in the commercial segment, along with growing investments in the development of residential buildings in the region. The surge in modular construction activities is also expected to positively influence the demand for global pre-painted steel coils over the forecast period. Pre-painted steel coil has gained significance because of its lifespan of 60 years and more, owing to excellent corrosion resistance as a result of dual-layer protection. Another important aspect of pre-painted steel is its reflective property, which reduces heat absorption in buildings. The steel sheet acts as a barrier, which prevents heat transfer between the exterior and interior of the building. The global market is projected to be driven by investments in commercial and residential construction sectors. For instance, in May 2023, construction spending in the U.S. increased, boosted by investment in the non-residential sector. However, single-family housebuilding remained sluggish on account of higher mortgage rates. Growing commercial and warehousing activities across the world hold more than half the share of building construction and pre-painted steel coil usage. Asia Pacific offers the highest growth potential for the market during the forecast period. The demand in countries such as China, India, and Japan is expected to keep the positive momentum for the product. Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region of the global market. This is due to an increase in construction spending by the prominent countries. For instance, the Japanese construction market offers investors stable leveraged returns along with attractive opportunities. At the same time, Japan's economy is benefiting from a weaker yen, with major companies and exporters enjoying recovered capital and overall business sentiment. Furthermore, in many markets, labor shortages have led to significant construction costs and operational costs due to higher salaries. This is mainly affected by the unpopularity of construction work in the emerging middle-class population. Thus, labor shortages are now driving the shift to prefabricated buildings, with factory-made components procured to sites for assembly. A growing trend in modularization has also been observed, where complete sections of the buildings (e.g., bathrooms) are manufactured off-site. The costs of modularization are high; however, they are now decreasing as adoption is increasing. Companies are adopting strategic initiatives to stay ahead in the market. For instance, in November 2021, South-Korea based Dongkuk Steel Mill Co., announced it plans to grow the revenue of its color-coated steel business to USD 1.7 billion, with an annual production capacity of 1 million tons by 2030. Further, it also plans to expand its international capacity from three to eight factories and sales offices in seven countries. Pre-painted Steel Coil Market Report Highlights Based on application, metal buildings is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% in terms of revenue across the forecast period. The high demand for warehousing, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities is propelling the segment's growth over the forecast period Based on region, Asia Pacific dominated the market with more than 40.0% of the global revenue in 2022. The increasing investments in the development of affordable housing units, construction of smart cities, upgradation of existing infrastructures and development of new ones, and promotion of tourism are expected to surge the demand for pre-painted steel coil in the region during the forecast period The market in Middle East & Africa is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.7%, in terms of revenue, across the forecast period. Countries in the Middle East & Africa are developing at a fast pace owing to the ongoing rapid industrialization and urbanization in the region. For example, the government of the UAE plans to increase the contribution of the manufacturing industry to its economy by diversifying its investments in other industries Due to intense competitive rivalry, leading market players invest in mergers & acquisitions and expansion to remain competitive. For instance, in March 2021, the UAE invested USD 81.68 billion for the expansion of its manufacturing industry as a part of its economic diversification plan into non-oil sectors Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 106 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $12.45 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $23.12 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8.0% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned ArcelorMittal Alucosuper New Materials Co., Ltd Batie Metal Products (Shandong) Co., Ltd. COSASTEEL Dana Steel Industry LLC Nippon Steel Coated Sheet Corporation NLMK POSCO UNICOIL Shanghai Metal Corporation Tata BlueScope Steel For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/a9312v About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Tissue Engineering Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Cord Blood & Cell Banking, Cancer, Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal & Spine, Dental, Urology, Cardiology & Vascular), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global tissue engineering market size is estimated to reach USD 43.13 billion by 2030, growing at an estimated CAGR of 14.28% from 2023 to 2030. Growing incidence of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and orthopedic disorders, has driven the demand for tissue engineering solutions that can repair or replace damaged tissues. Advances in biomaterials, 3D bioprinting, stem cell research, and gene editing techniques have propelled the field of tissue engineering, enabling the development of complex and functional tissues. The allogeneic tissue transplant method effectively addresses the challenges and limitations associated with the use and accessibility of autologous transplants. In addition, the advancement of specialized procedures, such as implant fixing and sterilization, aimed at converting allogeneic implants into biostatic implants, is anticipated to boost revenue generation in this market. Tissue regeneration technology is gaining popularity due to its effective products and low rejection rates, leading to an increase in regeneration treatments. Pre-clinical research is currently focused on the use of tissue-engineered vascular grafts in cardiovascular surgery and treatment. Moreover, tissue-engineered bladders can now be successfully implanted outside of the patient's body. Despite these advancements, the market's growth is hindered by challenges such as the high cost of product development and ethical concerns surrounding stem cell research and tissue-engineered products. Tissue Engineering Market Report Highlights In terms of application, the orthopedics, musculoskeletal, and spine segment held the largest revenue share of 59.76% in 2022 owing to the rising prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders. Tissue engineering has emerged as a crucial therapy option for orthopedic surgeons in the management of several musculoskeletal disorders, ranging from meniscal deficits in young athletes to osteochondral abnormalities in the glenohumeral joint The cardiology & vascular segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 25.94% over the forecast period, owing to a rapid increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders globally For the past two decades, cardiac cell therapy or cardiomyoplasty has been a significant focal point in the majority of studies aimed at managing heart disease through regeneration The increasing prevalence of children with congenital malformations, including single ventricle anomalies, has resulted in a rising demand for heart transplantation In terms of region, North America held the largest revenue share of 51.23% in 2022 due to a rise in awareness for stem cell therapy as well as a growing geriatric population Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 15.84% over the forecast period due to the presence of untapped opportunities in the emerging economies of China and India Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 110 Forecast Period 2022 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $14.83 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $43.13 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 14.2% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. AbbVie (Allergan) Becton, Dickinson and Company B. Braun Integra LifeSciences Corporation Organogenesis Holdings Inc. Medtronic ACell, Inc. Athersys, Inc. Tissue Regenix Group plc Stryker Corporation RTI Surgical, Inc. ReproCell, Inc. Baxter International, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3vphi3 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment We're sorry, you encountered a page that doesn't exist. Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The UN Global Compact Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) called for greater private sector action to tackle climate change across the African continent during a series of dialogues and initiatives held under the COP 28 Global Stocktake theme. ABLC is a pan-African CEO-led initiative emanating from the UN Global Compact Africa Strategy 20212023. It includes over 55 companies representing $150bn in revenue and over one million employees. It provides a platform for African business leaders to have a unified private sector voice as they actively and meaningfully engage on the continents most pressing issues through an organized, forward-looking, principles-based approach. The coalition has been instrumental in driving collective climate action through the Africa Business Leaders Climate Statement endorsed at COP 27. At COP28, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact, highlighted the progress made by the Coalition in just one year during the African Private Sector Reception on 1 December, jointly hosted by ABLC and Airtel Africa plc. Other keynote speeches were delivered by Segun Ogunsanya, CEO of Airtel, and His Excellency Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, the President of Botswana. The Reception convened top-tier executives, heads of private sector entities, heads of states, government officials, and intergovernmental organization representatives to discuss initiatives to propel climate action and sustainable development across Africa. The event aimed to foster engagement between the private and public sector on climate action to underscore the importance of collaboration in shaping an environment to accelerate climate action, including mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. During the event, Sanda Ojiambo highlighted the findings of a policy brief, "From Vision to Action: A Policy Blueprint for Channelling $130 Trillion Private Capital into Africa's Sustainable Business Future", created in partnership with the Columbia SIPA Center of Global Energy Policys Energy Opportunity Lab, on how, with the help of Government policies, the African business community can catalyze the building of a more dynamic commercial and industrial sector along the lines of Agenda 2063 to unlock investment for clean energy. The continent currently needs up to US$2.8 trillion between 2020 and 2030 to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), against current climate finance flows of US$30 billion into the continent. On 4 December, the panel "Driving Accountable and Actionable Climate Solutions in Africa" examined the need for public-private partnerships, climate financing, and greater trade investment to secure the continents future. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, with further remarks by Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion of Egypt. The panel, moderated by Sanda Ojiambo, involved Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, ABLC Co-Chair and Naspers CEO, Chido Cleopatra Mpemba, AUC Youth Envoy, and Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Shalaby, President and CEO of Tatweer Misr. On 5 December, the panel "Driving Africas Just Transition," explored the African Private Sector's role in ensuring a Just Transition for Africa with the support of the Climate Champion Team and DP World. Tolulope Lewis-Tamoka, UN Global Compacts Chief of International Relations and Africa, used the opportunity to launch the ABLC Voluntary Climate Report, which highlights members' climate initiatives, marking a step towards transparent climate action reporting and showing how the coalition's members have notably advanced in emission disclosures, renewable energy adoption, and developing adaptation and resilience plans: 40% more members measuring and disclosing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; 90% more members increasing the share of renewables in their energy mix; 150% more members developing resilience plans, with 80% of members now explicitly accounting for climate risks; ABLC members are also at the forefront of embedding Just Transition plans in their businesses and value chains. Other speakers included Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Jane Lumumba, UN Climate Champions Africa Director, Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank, and Mohammed Anwar Shaheen, Director of Heliopolis University Center for Rural Development and Assistant to Vice President for Community Service & Environmental Affairs. Notes to Editors About the UN Global Compact As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 18,000 companies and 3,800 non-business signatories based in over 101 countries, and 62 Local Networks, the UN Global Compact is the worlds largest corporate sustainability initiative one Global Compact uniting business for a better world. For more information, follow @globalcompact on social media and visit our website at unglobalcompact.org and Africa Business Leaders Coalition About the Africa Business Leaders Coalition The Africa Business Leaders Coalition (ABLC) is a CEO-led initiative emanating from the UN Global Compact Africa Strategy 20212023 committed to advancing sustainable growth, prosperity, and development in Africa by bringing measurable impact to its most pressing issues. The ABLC works closely with the UN Global Compact Hub in Abuja and 10 African Local Networks operating across Africa. Boston Consulting Group is providing strategy and implementation support to the UN Global Compact for the Africa Business Leaders Coalition. TORONTO, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- G2 Goldfields Inc. (G2 or the Company) (TSXV: GTWO; OTCQX: GUYGF) wishes to provide context and comments regarding the recent actions of the Venezuelan Government with respect to Guyanas Essequibo District. G2 is developing its high grade OKO gold project in Guyana and has been operating in Guyana since 2019. Additionally, the management team of G2 have led the discovery, construction, and development of the $225 million USD Aurora Gold Project in Guyana, now one of South Americas largest operating gold mines, and have been active investors in Guyana since 1996. Background and context to the Venezuelan governments recent actions can be found at the following link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/14/venezuela-guyana-border-dispute-oil/. The matter is currently before the International Court of Justice. Significantly, almost every country in the world recognizes Guyanas existing borders. Guyana has received international support concerning the most recent actions of the Venezuelan government, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterating Washingtons unwavering support for Guyanas sovereignty and reaffirming their position that Guyana has full authority over its Essequibo region. Additionally, Britains Foreign Office stated, The UK is concerned by the recent steps taken by Venezuela, with respect to the Essequibo region of Guyana, We believe this is unjustified and should cease. We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. [via X (formerly known as Twitter) quoted in Stabroek News, December 7th, 2023]. In a televised address to the nation, President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, affirmed, You have nothing to worry about when you invest in a country that governs itself in accordance with the rule of law, that stands on the side of democracy and understands what true freedom is, stating, So there is nothing to fear. Our international partners and international community are ready to support us. Theyve assured us of their support and all we want is for these missteps to be corrected by President Maduro of Venezuela. [The Guardian, December 6th, 2023]. G2 Goldfields operations are not affected in any way by the current actions in Venezuela, with five diamond drill rigs currently turning around the clock. G2 will continue to be a supportive international investor in Guyana, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, and will continue to develop the OKO project in accordance with international best practice. About G2 Goldfields Inc. The G2 Goldfields team is comprised of professionals who have been directly responsible for the discovery of millions of ounces of gold in Guyana as well as the financing and development of the Aurora Gold Mine, Guyanas largest gold mine. G2 recently announced its maiden mineral resource estimate on the newly discovered Oko property in Guyana (see press release dated April 25, 2022), and has recently filed on SEDAR an independent technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report and Mineral Resource Estimate for the Oko Gold property, Cooperative Republic of Guyana, South America, with an effective date of April 14, 2022. Mineral Resources are estimated by Dr. Tania Ilieva, Ph.D., P.Geo. and Alan San Martin, MAusIMM(CP), consultants of Micon International Limited. Highlights of the report include: 974,000 oz. Au Inferred Mineral Resource contained within 3,274,000 tonnes @ 9.25 g/t Au; and 220,000 oz. Au Indicated Mineral Resource contained within 793,000 tonnes @ 8.63 g/t Au. Significantly, all of the maiden mineral resources lie within 350 meters of surface and remain open down plunge. G2 continues to expand this maiden resource while discovering additional areas for diamond drilling. All scientific and technical information in this press release has been approved by and prepared under the supervision of Dan Noone (CEO of G2 Goldfields Inc.), a qualified person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Noone (B.Sc. Geology, MBA) is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. For further information please contact: Dan Noone CEO +1.416.628.5904 Email: news@g2goldfields.com Forward Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking information and statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words expect, anticipate, continue, estimate, may, might, will, project, should, believe, plans, intends and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information and/or statements. Forward-looking statements and/or information are based on a number of material factors, expectations and/or assumptions of G2 Goldfields which have been used to develop such statements and/or information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although G2 Goldfields believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements as G2 Goldfields can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions which may be identified herein assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: results from planned exploration and drilling activities; future plans for operational expenditures; the accuracy of the interpretations of exploration and drilling activity results; availability of financing to fund current and future plans and expenditures; the impact of increasing competition; the general stability of the economic and political environment in which G2 Goldfields has property interests; the general continuance of current industry conditions; aboriginal matters; the timely receipt of any required regulatory approvals; the ability of G2 Goldfields to obtain qualified staff, equipment and/or services in a timely and cost efficient manner; the ability of the operator of each project in which G2 Goldfields has property interests to operate in a safe, efficient and/or effective manner and to fulfill its respective obligations and current plans; future commodity prices; currency, exchange and/or interest rates; and the regulatory framework regarding royalties, taxes and/or environmental matters in the jurisdictions in which G2 Goldfields has property interests. The forward-looking information and statements included in this news release are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Such information and/or statements, including the assumptions made in respect thereof, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and/or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information and/or statements including, without limitation: risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, the uncertainty of conducting operations under a foreign regime, exploration risk, the uncertainty of obtaining all applicable regulatory approvals, the availability of labour and/or equipment, the fluctuating prices of commodities, the availability of financing and dependence on the management personnel of the Corporation, other participants in the property areas and/or certain other risks detailed from time-to-time in G2 Goldfields public disclosure documents (including, without limitation, those risks identified in this news release and G2 Goldfields current managements discussion and analysis). Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Corporation does not undertake any obligations to publicly update and/or revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of additional information, future events and/or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy and / or accuracy of this release. Mechanicsburg, PA, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For Immediate Release Contact: Jenny Kreisher December 8, 2023 jkreisher@horizonfc.com 888.339.3334 Farm Credit Awards $100,000 through its Annual Farmers on the Rise Program Horizon Farm Credit recognized ten outstanding beginning farmers who will each be receiving $10,000 to grow their operations. Mechanicsburg, PA Farm Credit recently announced the ten recipients of their 2023 Farmers on the Rise program, awarding a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers in their territory. The following agriculturalists received this years honor: Ian Antons, Winchester VA Bradley and Kacie Bachman, Jonestown, PA Megan Bogle, Downingtown, PA Jarrod and Becky Burall, Mt. Airy, MD Tyler and Katie Fraser, New Bethlehem, PA Jennifer and Richard Hartlieb Jr., Robesonia, PA Julie Henninger, Gardners, PA Duy Pham, Princess Anne, MD Henry Spies V, Preston, MD Eric and Elizabeth Ziegler, Lebanon, PA We were pleased to receive over 74 applications this year, from agricultural producers located across our 100 county footprint, says Tom Truitt, CEO of Horizon Farm Credit. The applicants backgrounds, farms, products, and plans for growth were highly diverse, however, three themes were consistent throughout: a desire to serve their local communities, a passion for farming, and a commitment to environmental stewardship. He went on to say, All of this years applicants were truly impressive. We are honored to support this years Farmers on the Rise recipients as they look to grow their businesses and expand their local impact. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was on hand to address the programs finalists, congratulate this years honorees, and to provide perspective on the future of agriculture. Beginning farmer programs feed the continued vitality of our farming communities, he said. Through programs like Farmers on the Rise, Horizon Farm Credit is sending a strong signal we believe in the future of agriculture, and we believe investing in our farmers will cultivate a robust and dynamic agricultural sector that is empowered to thrive. The contest was open to applicants with at least three but no more than 10 years of farming experience. To learn more about the program, visit farmersontherise.com. About Horizon Farm Credit Horizon Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative, part of the national Farm Credit System, owned by its memberborrowers. The Association has more than 22,900 members and over $6.2 billion in loans outstanding. Horizon Farm Credit serves Delaware, Pennsylvania, and parts of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia by providing farm loans for land, equipment, livestock and production; crop insurance; and rural home mortgages. Learn more at horizonfc.com. ### Attachments NEW YORK, NY, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming, especially for older New Yorkers who face the dual challenge of managing holiday preparations and providing care to themselves or their senior loved ones. Limited mobility or chronic conditions often complicate the difficulty of striking a balance between festive responsibilities and personal well-being. In response to this growing need, Touching Hearts at Home NYC Area highlights its specialized respite housekeeping services, designed to alleviate holiday stress and provide a helping hand during the holiday season. The Holiday Challenge for NYC Seniors: Balancing Act Beyond Reach A recent statistic by the American Psychiatric Association reveals as the holiday season kicks off, stress levels across America start to climb. The undeniable stress during the holiday season can bring a sense of anxiety and depression for many older adults. Imagine the dilemma of a Manhattan senior with limited mobility or chronic conditions trying to create a festive atmosphere while contending with household chores. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, and organizing become daunting tasks, draining valuable time, energy, and resources. The struggle is not just about physically demanding but also emotionally strained, turning the holiday season into more of a test than a celebration. Touching Hearts at Home NYC: The Trusted Partner for Respite Housekeeping Services Recognizing the unique needs of seniors in managing stress during the holiday season, Touching Hearts at Home NYC offers a solution that goes beyond traditional in-home care services. The respite housekeeping services focus on personalized care plans that are specifically designed to cater to the comprehensive housekeeping needs of seniors living in NYC, allowing them to focus on what truly matters - their health and happiness. Customizable Respite Housekeeping Care Plans for a Stress-Free Holiday Season The beauty of Touching Hearts NYC's respite housekeeping services is in their personalized touch. Caregivers and seniors are matched like the perfect dance partners, considering compatibility, shared interests and forming bonds that go beyond the surface. This tailored approach ensures caregivers not only provide the necessary housekeeping assistance but also bring a friendly presence and a listening heart, creating a cozy and welcoming environment for Manhattan seniors. Some of the most popular customizable respite housekeeping services for the holiday season include sparkling dishes, fresh linens that invite a contented sigh, beds ready to dive into, decorations bringing cheer to a home, a garbage-free home, and a helping hand with sewing or mending, as if the home is enjoying its own spa experience. The respite housekeeping services extend to in-home meal preparation and cleanup services, ensuring a festive feast without the fuss. Seniors living in New York can enjoy festive meals without the burden of extensive shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Caregivers also assist with safe and manageable low-maintenance holiday decorations, ensuring that seniors can create a holiday ambiance in their homes without compromising safety. "As a Manhattan resident with mobility issues, the holiday season was always a stressful time for me. Touching Hearts at Home NYC has been a lifesaver. Their respite housekeeping services not only take care of the overwhelming housekeeping needs during the holiday season but also provide companionship and understanding. Now, I can truly enjoy the holidays with peace of mind," said Mallory H. a long-term client at Touching Hearts NYC. Experience the Peace of Mind: Celebrate the Holidays with Comfort and Dignity Inspired by my family's journey, I've witnessed the challenges people encounter in finding the right care in the right place and at the right time. Recognizing the importance of well-thought-out care plans, my goal is to ensure our services not only address practical needs but also contribute to the overall well-being and peace of mind of our clients. We aim to provide a stress-free holiday season where our respite housekeeping services create a supportive and festive atmosphere, allowing seniors and family caregivers in the community to thrive and celebrate with comfort and dignity," says Craig Sendach, Owner of Touching Hearts at Home NYC. This holiday season, seniors living in New York City can discover the immense benefits awaiting seniors and their family caregivers as they entrust Touching Hearts NYC to curate a safe, clean and cozy home for the holidays. Take the proactive step today by reaching out to explore how respite housekeeping services can transform this holiday season into an exceptionally joyful experience, enabling seniors to enjoy the festivities without stress or hassle. For more information on how respite housekeeping services can bring ease to the holiday season for seniors and family caregivers, please visit https://www.touchinghearts.com/nyc/ About Touching Hearts at Home NYC Area - Touching Hearts NYC offers in-home care to aging adults, seniors, and individuals living with medical conditions and disabilities at rates considerably more affordable than care outside the home. The agency is known for Non-Medical Home Care, Companionship and Homemaker services in New York Citys Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, and Rockland areas. Its focus is on providing person-centered care to help those in need remain in their home, maintain the lifestyle they choose, and feel confident they will be treated with the respect and kindness they deserve. Media Contact: Company Name: Touching Hearts at Home NYC Area Contact Person: Craig Sendach Phone: (212) 201-6139 Address: 733 3rd Avenue Floor 16 City: New York State: NY Postal Code: 10017 Country: United States Website: https://www.touchinghearts.com/nyc/ MONTREAL, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The CSL Group (CSL), a global leader in responsible marine transportation services, proudly announces a significant milestone in its Great Lakes biofuel program one of the longest-running initiatives of its kind in the maritime industry. With a cumulative 75,000 running hours on B100 biofuel over the past four years, CSL ships have made significant strides in supporting decarbonization efforts by replacing 55,000 metric tonnes of fossil fuel with biodiesel and avoiding 156,000 metric tonnes of CO2. Unlike other shipping companies that are just getting started with their biofuel initiatives, we have moved past the testing phase and are running biodiesel as part of our business just one of the many ways we are reducing carbon in our operations, said Louis Martel, CSL President and CEO. In 2023, our biofuel fleet set a new record by using 16,400 metric tonnes of B100 biodiesel in a single season, marking our highest consumption to date. This translates into an 80 to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, leading to the avoidance of 50,000 metric tonnes of CO2 across our Great Lakes fleet. CSL initiated its biofuel journey in 2019 with a B50 blend, gradually progressing to B80 and, in 2020, running two ships on B100 pure biodiesel produced entirely from waste plant material unrelated to food production. Since 2021, eight CSL vessels have run continuously on B100 for five to eight months per year, proving the technical viability and practicality of biofuel in reducing well-to-wake GHG emissions and meeting regulatory limits for SOx and NOx emissions. In 2024, eight of our Great Lakes ships will run on biofuel, and we hope to eventually extend the program across our entire Great Lakes fleet, Mr. Martel announced. Biofuel offers a practical and low-risk solution toward a decarbonized marine industry, but we need government support to ensure it remains affordable. CSL is proud to lead the way in showcasing the effectiveness of biofuel, and we call on governments and industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in maritime transportation. Since 2019, CSLs biofuel program has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards. CSLs data has been used by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Classification Societies to advance progress on biofuel use in the maritime sector and has informed organizations like the International Council on Combustion Engines (CIMAC) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The CSL Group is a world class provider of complex marine solutions and the largest owner and operator of self-unloading ships in the world. Headquartered in Montreal with operations throughout the Americas, Australia, Europe and Africa, CSL delivers millions of tonnes of cargo annually for customers in the construction, steel, energy and agri-food sectors. MEDIA CONTACT Brigitte Hebert, Director, Communications 514-653-3854 | brigitte.hebert@cslships.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83b0c123-436e-4eb5-ac6a-ba01310a1525 Disclosure of total number of voting rights and number of shares forming the capital as of November 30, 2023 CLICHY December 08, 2023 Article L 233-8-II of the French Code de Commerce and Article 223-16 of the General Regulations of the French Autorite des Marches Financiers. As of November 30, 2023, the total number of issued shares of SOCIETE BIC is 43,952,226 shares, representing: 64,202,124 voting rights, 62,104,700 voting rights excluding shares without voting rights ABOUT BIC A world leader in stationery, lighters and shavers, BIC brings simplicity and joy to everyday Life. For more than 75 years, the Company has honored the tradition of providing high-quality, affordable, essential products to consumers everywhere. Through this unwavering dedication, BIC has become one of the most recognized brands and is a trademark registered worldwide. Today, BIC products are sold in more than 160 countries around the world and feature iconic brands such as BIC Kids, BIC FlexTM, BodyMark by BICTM, Cello, Djeep, Lucky Stationary, Rocketbook, Soleil, Tipp-Ex, Us. TM, Wite-Out, Inkbox, and more. In 2022, BIC Net Sales were 2,233.9 million. The Company is listed on Euronext Paris, is part of the SBF120 and CAC Mid 60 indexes, and is recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and education. It has received an A- Leadership score from CDP. For more, visit www.bic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. CONTACTS Investor Relations team investors.info@bicworld.com Kimberly Stewart Head of Investor Relations +33 6 37 01 42 68 kimberly.stewart@bicworld.com Isabelle de Segonzac Image 7, Press Relations contact + 33 6 89 87 61 39 isegonzac@image7.fr AGENDA All dates are subject to change Full Year 2023 Results February 19, 2024, post market close First Quarter 2024 Results April 23, 2024, post market close 2023 AGM May 29, 2024 Attachment Wilmington, Delaware, United States, Dec. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transparency Market Research Inc. - The global gold nanoparticles market is estimated to flourish at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2023 to 2031. According to Transparency Market Research, sales of gold nanoparticles are slated to total US$ 11.8 billion by the end of the aforementioned assessment period. Among the prominent drivers, the emergence of gold nanoparticles in environmental remediation stands out. These nanoparticles are used in wastewater treatment, soil remediation, and pollution control due to their unique properties in detoxifying pollutants and contaminants, contributing to cleaner environments. Request to Download Sample of This Strategic Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6011 Some prominent manufacturers are as follows: BBI Solutions TANAKA Johnson Matthey Plc Nanopartz Plc Nanocomposix Inc. Meliorum Technologies Inc. Sigma Aldrich Innova Biosciences Cline Scientific Cytodiagnostics The integration of gold nanoparticles in food technology remains an intriguing driver. Innovations involve using these nanoparticles for food packaging materials, enhancing shelf life by preventing microbial growth, maintaining food quality, and meeting safety standards. The role of gold nanoparticles in energy storage and renewable energy is gaining attention. Their application in advanced batteries and solar cells, improving energy storage and efficiency, signifies their potential to shape the future of sustainable energy solutions. Key Findings of the Market Report Targeted drug delivery leads the gold nanoparticles market due to their significant role in precise and effective drug delivery systems. Healthcare sector leads the gold nanoparticles market due to extensive use in diagnostics, drug delivery, and therapeutic applications. North America leads the gold nanoparticles market due to significant research initiatives, technological advancements, and extensive applications in industries. Gold Nanoparticles Market Growth Drivers & Trends Utilization in crop protection and growth enhancement, addressing pest control, and improving plant nutrient delivery. Preservation of cultural heritage, where they are used to protect artwork from deterioration and enhance restoration processes. Utilizing plasmonics of gold nanoparticles in optoelectronics for improved photodetection and energy harvesting. Advancements in using gold nanoparticles as part of quantum dots, promising breakthroughs in quantum computing and photonics. Their application as catalysts in biofuel production processes aids in efficient biomass conversion to biofuels with higher yields and reduced environmental impact. Ask Expert for the Research Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6011 Global Gold Nanoparticles Market: Regional Profile North America leads with a mature market driven by extensive research and development initiatives. Key players like Nanopartz Inc. and Sigma Aldrich dominate, focusing on diverse applications in biomedical, electronics, and catalysis industries. In Europe, stringent regulations and significant investments in nanotechnology drive the demand for gold nanoparticles. Companies like Cytodiagnostics and Meliorum Technologies lead, emphasizing innovations in nanomaterials for various sectors, including healthcare and environmental applications. The APAC region showcases rapid growth attributed to technological advancements and expanding industrial sectors. Players like BBI Solutions and Metalor Technologies cater to diverse industries, leveraging gold nanoparticles' unique properties in electronics, energy, and healthcare sectors. The region's robust manufacturing base and growing research in nanotechnology propel the gold nanoparticles market, signaling immense growth potential in APAC. Gold Nanoparticles Market: Competitive Landscape The gold nanoparticles market witnesses robust competition among key players like Sigma Aldrich, Nanopartz Inc., and Cytodiagnostics. These industry leaders offer a wide range of gold nanoparticle products and solutions, emphasizing innovation, quality, and diverse industry applications. Emerging contenders like BBI Solutions and Metalor Technologies compete vigorously, focusing on advanced nanomaterial research and expanding their product portfolios. Intense rivalry revolves around R&D investments, technological advancements, and strategic collaborations, reflecting a market driven by the growing demand for gold nanoparticles in biomedical, electronics, catalysis, and various emerging sectors globally. Product Portfolio BBI Solutions develops and manufactures innovative reagents, assays, and biological raw materials. Their portfolio includes diagnostic kits, antigens, antibodies, and enzymes, catering to diverse sectors such as clinical diagnostics, healthcare, and life sciences, ensuring accurate and reliable testing solutions globally. TANAKA is a leading provider of precious metals and related products, focusing on advanced materials for various industries. Their portfolio encompasses high-purity gold, platinum, and other unique metal-based products, serving applications globally in the electronics, healthcare, and automotive sectors. Johnson Matthey Plc is a multinational company delivering sustainable technologies. Their portfolio includes catalysts, battery materials, and specialty chemicals, contributing to clean air, efficient energy, and sustainable transportation solutions across diverse industries worldwide. Gold Nanoparticles Market: Key Segments By Application Imaging Targeted Drug Delivery Proton Therapy In-Vitro Assays Sensors Probes Catalysis Other By End-user Healthcare Electronics Chemicals Others By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa Buy this Premium Research Report: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=6011